Thank you!

MAN OF SORROWS

CHAPTER 11

"Excuse me…" Christine was almost speechless in front of Mr. Briggs. "…an anonymous donor….but who?"

Mr. Briggs scratched his balding head and looked as lost as Christine was.

"The individual gave no indication of their identity – there was only a check enclosed inside an envelope, which was delivered by currier yesterday...I am as much in the dark as you are."

Christine sat down in the chair across from Mr. Briggs and pondered the latest miracle in her life.

"Perhaps that newspaper article garnered some support for you…who knows…all that matters is that you have your art class back – and anything you could possibly want is being funded…the stipulation was that you are to be the only one in charge of the money…no one else can touch it."

He handed her the check and Christine gasped when she saw the amount. It was more than enough to supply her class for several years, let alone this year.

"The donor did say that there would be other instructions coming, but that you are to proceed as scheduled."

She said nothing to him; fearing she would make a fool of herself.

Christine was so thankful for gravity at that moment, otherwise her head would be in the clouds.

♫♫♫

"Thank you…thank you so much!"

Meg hung up her cell phone and immediately dialed Christine's cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, are you free? Let's get together for lunch; I need to talk to you!"

Christine's laugh was refreshing and light – Meg could sense that something wonderful had happened to her, also.

"Meg, thank you for giving me time to answer, and yes…at this moment I am free – and I a will meet you for lunch."

"Cosmo Deli sound good?"

"I'll be there in thirty minutes."

Cosmo Deli was always jammed at lunch, but they served the best pastrami on rye in the whole city of New York.

Meg waited, impatiently, for Christine while sipping on her Diet Coke. The server kept making eye contact, but Meg was in no mood for flirting…she was eager to share her good fortune with her best friend.

It was five minutes later when Meg spotted her coming through the door.

They embraced; each of them wearing broad, bright smiles.

"Evie Sybille called me and wants me to do several more sessions for her clothing line!"

"Mr. Briggs gave me a check from a private donor; it's enough to fund the class for several years!"

They spoke at the same time and when they had both finished, they laughed.

"Oh, Christine! That's marvelous – who is it?"

Christine happily shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea…but I am the one left in charge of the money – I get to spend it on my art class – any way I deem necessary."

Meg squealed and clapped her hands.

"And you…my goodness…more photo sessions with Evie Sybille. That is wonderful Meg…this could be the big break you have been looking for!"

Meg smiled again, eagerly showing her straight, white teeth.

"She wants us to meet at her penthouse apartment tomorrow night; for dinner and cocktails."

Christine was so genuinely happy for Meg, but thoughts of Evie made her mind drift to Erik; and how much she wanted to see him again.

"She wants you there too, Christine, I think she really likes you."

"I liked her too." And I think I have a huge crush on her brother. "Is Rafe going to be able to go?" Christine asked.

She really hoped he could. Then, if Erik were there, she would have him all to herself.

You're getting a little possessive there, aren't you? Christine chastised.

After the difficult week she had had, and the lack of time she had spent at the gallery, Christine had pretty much decided that Erik was just not meant to be. She could not fathom how she could be so attracted to someone after only having met them, but she knew he would forever be in her heart.

"Yes, I talked to him earlier; he should be home tomorrow, late morning – he plans on going with me."

Christine barely heard what Meg was saying. Why would you even think you have a chance, Christine? He couldn't possibly be interested in a dull woman like you.

However, as she reflected on the other night, his eyes had never once strayed to Meg's tall, slender figure or her flawless face...his focus had been on her...maybe...

"Count me in." Christine stated, boldly.

The words were out, the deed was done...

"Good, I'll let her know."

♫♫♫

"No Erik…please…"

Evie was examining his choice of clothing for the night and her disapproval was evident from the frown on her face and the pleading in her voice.

"…I know you have better taste than this."

Erik looked down at his clothes with mild amusement. The blue jeans were slightly faded – he knew they were the only one of his choices that Evie agreed with – he wore an obnoxious printed t-shirt, loosely hanging about his waist, and a short-sleeved fishnet shirt over the top with the grotesque figure of a dragon adorning it. If that wasn't bad enough, he wore no belt and scruffy brown loafers.

Evie looked as though she was about to beat him profusely if he didn't change…and change quickly.

However, Erik enjoyed torturing his sister with his ineptness, even if it was just an act.

"I am a grown man, Evie; I think I can manage to dress myself." He stated, looking completely unaffected by her exasperated tone.

Evie saw the ornery glint in his eyes and knew that he had purposefully goaded her.

"It is amazing to me how a million-dollar interior designer, renowned artist, and amazing musician can be so disorganized in his social skills – and a horrible housekeeper, it boggles my mind."

"It's a rare talent, dear sister; bask in the sunshine of my glory." Erik teased in a dry tone.

Evie smirked and shook her head at him, "You have issues."

"I'm aware of that."

For a moment, it was as though they were children again, making the best of a bad childhood by leaning on each other.

"There is only one reason that I can think of as to why you are insisting that I be there tonight."

Erik eyed her suspiciously, causing her to shirk away from him and stagger her words.

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Evie…you invited Miss Daughtry, didn't you?"

There really was no use denying it, he saw right through her anyway.

"Yes, I did…and you really should call her by her name...Christine."

He just stared at her for a moment before replying.

"I would have gotten around to calling her." He insisted, irritation seeping through his controlled tone.

"I am sure she would like the chance to get to know you while she is still young enough to enjoy your many…" Evie pursed her lips and squinted her eyes, trying to find the perfect word, "…attributes…you would have waited too long." Erik scoffed at her insinuation.

"My many attributes?" His tone was questioning and his brow was furrowed.

"Yes Erik, I am not going through this with you again...just trust me..." she looked annoyed and arched her brow, "...okay?"

Erik lifted ambivalent eyes to her; knowing she was correct in believing he would have taken too long to call her, but not wanting to admit it. He found himself trembling inside at the prospect of seeing Christine again.

"Now…go get those hideous clothes off and dress like the man I know you are."

Erik sighed and finally allowed a smile to grace his handsome features.

"You win….I don't even know why I try."

He threw his arms up in defeat, moved toward his closet, and then into the bathroom to dress. About twenty minutes later, he emerged a new man.

He had taken the time to shave and his wavy hair hung loose against the collar of his shirt. He had kept the jeans, but had dismissed the obnoxious t-shirt for a solid black one. He had tucked it in and topped it with a blue pinstriped button-up shirt, untucked and unbuttoned; over that, he had donned a gray sports coat. He had remembered his black belt and sleek black shoes.

Evie crossed her arms over her chest and nodded in approval.

"I knew you had taste…after all, you're my brother."

TBC