Can art exhibitions go “well”, I wonder.
‘I think so …’ He pauses, looking deep in thought as he drains the last of his drink.
I’ve upset him. Natalie’s going to kill me! She’s always telling me off for being bullish and now I’ve offended the artist who’s employed her to plan his first big event.
‘I’m clearly a philistine and really didn’t mean any offence,’ I backtrack. But as he catches my eye I see there’s an unmistakable glint in his.
He laughs, pushing his hair back from his face. ‘Don’t worry about it. I’m going to take heart from the fact that I made a couple of sales tonight, so hopefully not everyone took one look at my work and decided they could do something similar at home with a pot of paint.’
‘I’d say a piece of paper and a sharpie would do the trick,’ I tease.
‘Oh I see,’ he grins at me, clutching at his heart and pretending to be wounded. ‘Will my tortured soul and bruised ego ever recover?’
‘Poor soul,’ I wink, enjoying the rush of adrenaline you get when you meet someone new. Chatting to new people is one of my favourite things and I’m not sure I’ve ever had the pleasure of hanging out with a hot-yet-brooding artist before. ‘Perhaps I could help with the recovery process?’
‘I’m not sure I can take any more of your searing art critiques, Alice.’
The way he says my name.
‘I’ll go easy on you. Besides, you made some sales so you should be celebrating. Why don’t we nick a bottle of prosecco before the caterers leave? I don’t want to brag but I did get an A for my art A Level and if you’re lucky, I might give you some tips for your next exhibition.’
Zach shakes his head, his eyes staying on me the entire time, and I realise that I’m very much here for the way his eyes train on mine. It’s incredibly sexy and full of possibility.
Damn the mix of a free bar and tiny food! I must remember to give Natalie some feedback before the next event she plans, that free bars should be accompanied by regular sized food to soak it all up with and stop everyone getting too drunk. I might be a bit tipsy. But at least I’m only still here for selfless purposes, namely cheering up this tortured artist. I’m categorically not still here because I think he’s kind of handsome. Nope.
Besides, I think it’s working. He seemed lost in thought when we met and that cloud has lifted since we took up residence on the floor in the middle of the venue.
‘Papier-mâché truly is an understated art form,’ I point out, legs crossed under me, hands covered in gloop. ‘Who’d have thought I’d be fashioning a papier-mâché moon at an art exhibition with the artist himself when I left the house earlier. I love how evenings turn out sometimes.’
‘That’s meant to be a moon? Looks a bit phallic,’ Zach says, eyebrow raised.
‘How dare you.’
‘So Alice, what brought you here tonight if you’re not into my work? I noticed you taking pictures of the plants over by the loos earlier and I couldn’t quite figure out why.’
Embarrassing. But also nice to know he’d been looking over at me.
‘I did not come for the loos, if that’s what you were wondering,’ I chuckle. ‘That was just me taking a picture for Instagram. I actually came along to support my friend Natalie. She works for the events company who organised tonight.’
Zach nods. ‘She did a great job, I must email her to say thanks. The venue, the food … did you try those tiny tacos?’ His soulful eyes widen in appreciation.
‘I loved those tiny tacos! She had to leave early for a personal emergency but I’m sure she’d really appreciate your email.’
‘Is she ok?’
‘Yeah, she’s just got some stuff going on. A case of ex-boyfriend dickheaditis.’
‘Ah I’ve heard that’s quite common. I’m sure she’ll make a full recovery.’
‘I hope so. I’ve prescribed a lot of time wallowing while watching sad films on Netflix. I was hoping tonight might kick-start a new chapter for her but, I don’t know … Breaking up with people sucks, apparently.’
‘Apparently?’ He repeats, rubbing his jawline.
‘I haven’t done much of it myself.’
‘Ah, so you’re the heartbreaker?’
‘Um, I don’t think so.’
