He didn’t reciprocate the playful tone as he spoke, his voice lowering in his sweet seductive tone.
“I’m trying to figure out why he doesn’t see you as absolute perfection.”
I averted my eyes from him sheepishly as I did some finishing touches. Beckham slowly began approaching me, and my breath hitched slightly as he pushed a flyaway back to preserve the sleek look of my ponytail.
Trying to calm my growing nerves at our proximity, I watched silently as he grabbed my clutch and phone from the counter and held his hand out for me to take. Slowly, I slipped my hand into his, and he led me out of the bathroom silently. It was probably for the better, as his words remained in a loop in my mind.
As we reached the bottom of the steps, I placed my heels on as he lowered himself to assist me with no resistance. Walking me out to his car, I took a seat in the front after he opened the door for me.
After he was settled, we were off to my first errand, which consisted of visiting the galleries to go over a few things as I waited for Kira to kick me out. Then, after going to the post office to send a few last-minute contracts for overnight shipping, we made our way to the museum I’d been dying to visit again.
All the while, Beckham was patient and interested in each thing I did. And because he was patient and I had reluctantly enjoyed his company, I allowed his hand to rest in mine and on my lower back occasionally as I found myself wanting to be in his embrace, to feel his warmth… even if it was just for today.
As we stepped inside the lovely building, I was immediately recognized by the woman who ran the place. Her bright smile and tired eyes reminding me of how much effort it takes to run an establishment like this. Especially alone.
“Rosenna, how are you?” she asked, walking over, and I was somewhat taken aback by the fact that she remembered my name.
“Helen, it’s good to see you. I’m well, how are you?” I asked.
Helen gave me a tired smile. “Pushing through. My husband hasn’t been feeling all that well lately, but he’s recovering day by day.”
“Hopefully he’ll recover soon,” I said genuinely.
Helen nodded. “Wanting to take a look around today?”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Of course.” I smiled, and she went behind the desk as she glanced at Beckham.
“I see you’ve brought your husband with you as well.” She beamed.
I cleared my throat at my thumb immediately toyed with my ring. It was perfectly my size. However, the more time I spent with Beckham, the looser it became. Beckham, like always, noticed my fidgeting as I shook my head politely.
“Oh, no. He’s a client of mine… Just wanted to visit other galleries and museums in the neighborhood.”
Helen nodded wordlessly as she handed us two tickets.
I went to open my clutch to pay the fee. However, she shook her head.
“It’s on the house. Feel free to roam and do as you please.”
I thanked her before walking toward the grand steps. Beckham followed swiftly, and I blushed as his hand found my upper back. I looked over my shoulder to see Helen had gone into her office, but Beckham didn’t seem to notice or mind if anyone was looking at us.
As we walked around, I took note of the beautiful structure of the museum’s interior as well as the space that held so much potential with the right marketing, artists, and vision. Beckham watched me as I roamed, trailing behind me silently.
Entering a section for modern art, I heard him speak.
“Why do you care about artistry so much?”
I turned to look at him as he stood in the center of the room.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“What’s your drive, your passion for making artists feel seen?”
I shrugged as my eyes drifted around the room, a sad smile coming to my face.
“Everyone has a voice… Everyone deserves to feel recognized, to have their talents appreciated… But just because everyone deserves to be recognized and appreciated doesn’t mean the world and those in it feel the same.” Beckham continued to listen while he approached me slowly. “I always loved art and its history. Believe it or not, I once considered pursuing some form of art, but…” I began.
Beckham placed his hand against the side of my face as he caressed my cheek with his thumb. “But you were silenced…” he muttered.
