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I said goodbye to Jomo, expecting him back at noon as usual and went to my class. We had a female model this time – an African woman with large curves and beautiful hair in braids that fell to her waist. She wasn't as athletic as the previous models, but she posed a particular challenge, getting her body proportions correct and showing the weight of her body in the different poses.
When Sefton's class entered after the first break, I was too busy enjoying myself to care much, but when I saw him enter, he seemed to search the class out and finally his eyes came to rest squarely on me. The look he gave me was so intense, I couldn't help but think he had some ill intent towards me.
He strode right over to my bench and stood much too close to me while I was busy trying to ignore him, removing my sketches from the newsprint pad, sharpening my pencils for our next longer study.
"So, Katherine," he said, using my full name, emphasizing Katherine as if he knew that Drake used it when he was in scene with me. "I hear you're coming on the safari this weekend."
I frowned, a shock going through me. I tried not to show my concern and merely continued sharpening one drawing pencil, my eyes focusing on the lead.
"Yes, Claire's taking me."
"Your doctor boyfriend couldn't take some time off?" he said, his voice sounding slightly mocking, as if he was trying to upset me despite his recent promise to be professional. "How sad for you."
I glanced up at him, anger filling me. "He's got a very busy schedule, and is on call that weekend. He does really highly specialized robotic surgery and is in high demand."
"Probably just as well. He'd be pretty bored on an artist safari, don't you think?"
I shrugged. "He appreciates art. Is your…" I said and hesitated. "Friend coming as well?"
"Not this time."
I nodded and turned back to my supplies, upset that Sefton would be there, and not with his girlfriend.
"I guess I'll see you then," he said, still standing beside my bench, despite how hard I was trying to be obvious about ignoring him.
Finally, I glanced up at him and forced a smile. "I guess so."
Then I turned back to my pad of paper, and he walked away.
So he knew I was going on the safari, he was coming along as well, and wanted to tell me. Did he want to ruin it for me?
He didn't bother me the rest of the class and I was glad when Jomo drove up and took me to the butcher on the way home so I could pick up some steaks for dinner. I was relieved that there were no further awkward encounters with Sefton.
I spent the rest of the afternoon reading news headlines and my email from my father, which detailed his busy week in preparation for the upcoming nomination meeting.
At about five forty-five PM, I got a text from Drake.
Particularly hard day at work. I'm going to be a bit late for supper as Michael is taking the residents out for a drink to help us all unwind. I'll be home around seven. I hope you're wearing that pretty little sundress I like so much… I need to get lost in you tonight.
I texted back a simple response.
I am, and I'm all yours.
That seemed to please him.
Mmm…
I smiled to myself and put my phone away. He felt he had to go out with Michael and the residents after a hard day. I understood. Him being home at six or seven didn't really matter because he'd be all mine once he did get home. I had to use that as solace.
So, while Drake was out at a pub unwinding with his boss and the residents, I sat at home alone, a half-filled glass of wine in my hand, the channel changer in the other, and watched satellite television.
Seven turned into eight and then eight into nine-thirty. I kept checking my phone for another text message but there was nothing from him. Finally, before ten, Drake arrived home leaning on the shoulder of a very cheerful Michael, the Mercedes Drake had rented in the driveway, Michael's car behind it.
Drake was obviously drunk, smiling at me, his hair disheveled.
"Hi, Katie. Sorry I'm so late but we had a few more than I thought," he said, his words slurred.
I frowned and turned to Michael. "I hope Drake didn't drive home like that?"
