APOV
I sit in the auditorium and have trouble concentrating on what was said, because my thoughts are circling only around Christian and the endless possibilities we have now, now that he no longer has a fiancée anymore. This brings a permanent broad smile on my face and lets me draw half a notebook full of hearts and the name ‚Christian'. Jack already asked a few times what happened to me, but I maintain my silence, although I don't know how long I can keep it up, because there is nothing I would love more than to scream it down from the Empire State Building. The butterflies in my stomach are gaining the upper hand soon and I'm hardly able to remain seated on my chair.
But eventually it's all over and Jack takes me out to a restaurant, to celebrate this successful business trip. Fortunately, the restaurant is located across from the gallery, so we're in no rush afterwards. Jack is such a lovely colleague with such good manners, that I'm feeling very comfortable and protected in his presence. I think I could fall in love with him, if I wasn't already.
After dinner we go over to the gallery and arrive a bit early, so I help José fill the champagne flutes, of which I keep aloof for the rest of the evening, thanks to yesterday's trip. Jack is a gem and supports me actively. Soon after the guests arrive and we help José out wherever we can, until the first press of people all have their drinks in hand and start to drift through the exhibition. When we stroll through the aisles and rooms, which are full of José's art, and admire his work, I'm getting really excited about this vernissage. But that changes abruptly, when we go into a room, where seven huge portraits of me are hanging. Me: pouting, laughing, scowling, serious, amused. All in super close up, all in black and white. What the fuck?
Suddenly José wraps his arms around me from behind and whispers in my ear:
„Do you like it? I just could not get enough from you on this Sunday! You are my one and only muse!" Actually, I'm horrified, because there's where seven people modeling for him, but only these seven pictures made it to the final selection? You see, there aren't any more pictures of the others. This kind of creeps me out and lets José appear as some kind of stalking serial killer.
„It's aahh … a bit overwhelming in this room, isn't it? Where shall one hang up these portraits?", I ask confused. I think I hardly could hang up one portrait in my living room.
„Apparently, there is enough space, because all seven pictures are already sold!", he counters confidently.
„Terrific!", I fake some enthusiasm, which I just can't muster up now. It's even more creepy when some stranger, who doesn't know me, hangs up my pictures in his home.
The time goes by and after we said goodbye to José, drenching rain awaits us outside, which makes me bite my lip, because I have no jacket once again, just the scarf. Jack takes off his jacket and helps me put in on, before he goes back to call a cab. When he comes back, he looks at me with a strange expression.
„You are so beautiful!", Jack says and begins to button up his Jacket.
„Thanks!" I say and hope, that this becomes no declaration of love. His hand wanders in his pocket before it glides along my neck, where he fumbles with both hands. Only now I notice, that a beautiful necklace dangles from my neck.
„Jack, I … " I protest, but he just shakes his head no.
„Ana, I know that you broke up quite recently, but I wanted you to know, that I am fond of you. Since the first time I saw you, I can't get you out of my head. And when I saw this necklace, it cried out for you!", he explains.
„I really like you, but there is someone, who captured my heart. I honestly don't know, if it will become something serious, but I can visualize a shared future with him. And my kids are crazy for him, so I want to try. I'm so sorry!", I tell him honestly. He sighs and slouches his shoulders.
„That's wonderful for you! For both of you! Then please keep the necklace as an early Christmas gift!", he says and kisses me on my cheek.
„I thank you so much!", I say and hug him while enjoying his body heat. But all at once he gets whipped away from me and I gape at the scene in front of me with wide eyes.
THREEEEEE ...
Guest - Now that could be a problem, because there are only 2 chapters and 1 epilogue left and then it's over.
Moonstone star81 - I think I miscounted a bit and wanted to hide it, but here we go again - just for you ;D
Pielietje, sweetsub75 - No, no drama with the cab driver.
joan . goldman . 9 - I think there will be no more cabs for her in the future ;D.
Christian618 - Well, God punishes small sins immediately.
Guest #1 - Damn, that would be a story, eh? lmao. I will miss your reviews!
hateme101 - Yeah, my husband complaint about this fact, too, but what can I say? It's fiction and in fiction it's possible to get the same driver ;D.
Sara, malugargula - Thank you for your review!
Guest #2 - Well, then don't?