AN: What's this? A linear storyline? Next part in the Sculptor series.

Get By With A Little Help...

"Hey Jack, it's been a long time." Keith greeted his friend, surprised to hear from his former neighbor.

"Sure has – how's the Left Coast treating you?"

"Can't complain – and hey, looks like your move to D.C. went well."

"It's getting there."

"And how are things with the senator's daughter?"

Jack chuckled lightly and said, "Seriously, I can't thank you enough – thanks for giving me that kick in the ass during Spring Break."

"That good, huh?"

"Yeah, she's incredible. Anyway, she's kind of the reason I'm calling."

Keith had never met Raye, a former student of Jack's. He wondered what the connection could possibly be. Frowning slightly, he asked, "What's that?"

"It's about your girlfriend."

"She's not my—"

"I know, buddy, just keep telling yourself that." Jack had seen straight through Keith's constant refusal to acknowledge his interest in the model of the Venus sculpture. His friend had unmercifully teased him about it for most of the fall semester. Not letting Keith argue the point further, he continued, "Anyway, it turns out she and Raye have actually become pretty decent friends. We've been invited to the wedding. They're trying to be all romantic or some shit and having it on Valentine's Day."

"And?" Keith had no patience to discuss Mina's upcoming nuptials and didn't want to think of the reasons why the ceremony would be so rushed.

"We both know people who know Ace."

"Good for you two."

"Don't get bitchy with me. I've heard it from a few sources that Ace has been less than faithful. Raye has more or less confirmed this from some of her connections."

"So? Mina's got her own life. It's her bed to sleep in."

"Raye said you would probably say that. She also said, and I agree, 'to get your head out of your ass.'"

Keith refused to respond.

"Raye tried to bring up the topic with Mina, but Mina wouldn't hear it."

"So what? I'm supposed to be the one to make her listen? When are you going to get it, Jack? She was my model, end of story." Keith clenched the inside of his cheek - the lie felt bitter in his mouth. Mina was the reason for everything - she was his muse, the inspiration for his renewed passion in sculpture, the source of his current creativity.

Keith could literally hear Jack roll his eyes and his friend said, "You're seeing her soon, right?"

"How do you know that?"

"Quit being paranoid. She mentioned it to Raye."

The sculptor desperately wanted to know in what context the conversation happened, but refused to ask. He grudgingly agreed, "I am."

"Well, just think about it. I'm calling you and telling you the truth - remember what you told me? Seems like you could dose of your own medicine."

"I'll consider it."

"Do that - but don't wait too long, Keith. The window is going to close soon."