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The lobby is all old-fashioned grandeur. Winding staircase, high ceiling, chandeliers.
Danielle studies the space. "This would be an interesting place to shoot. All these ornate details against the bareness of the human form. Right there." She points to the top of the stairs. "It's the place in an old movie where the poor girl steps out after her makeover." She motions to her dress. "Now, she fits into the world of the elite. And Prince Charming is standing at the base of the stairs, smiling, because he finally sees her beauty."
"Is that how you think of me?"
"A little," she says. "You want to make an impression on people."
I do.
"There's nothing wrong with that. But it is… well, you wouldn't have brought me here if I was wearing H&M."
"You'd feel out of place."
"You're aware appearances matter. It's not a criticism. It's just… the way the world works. That's what I want to do with my art. To pick at that. So this… I don't know, maybe I would include some clothes."
"Clothing on models?"
"I know. Crazy." She laughs and drifts into photographer mode, her eyes hazy, her focus on the images in her mind. "Maybe I'd reverse it. Start in designer gear. Strip everything away."
The elevator dings.
She jumps. "But I'd never be able to reserve the space. Not for nudes."
It would be difficult, expensive maybe, but… "Anything is possible."
"For the right price?" She follows me into the elevator. "Classic rich guy talk."
"You're a millionaire now."
"Not yet."
"Soon." I slide my arm around her waist. I don't want to think about the end of this. I want to keep her comfortable forever. "Your show is next week."
"I know."
"Did you set prices?"
"No. I'm still talking to Mr. Davey. He wants to price a little less than The Voyeur. But that's insane. She's brilliant. I'm—"
"You're brilliant."
"Not that brilliant."
"You are." I bring my hand to her cheek. "Do you need to look at the images again?"
"Maybe. No. God, Remy is going to see those." She leans into my touch. "Everyone is going to see them."
"And know you're brilliant."
"You're okay with it?" She looks up at me. "You're not scared?"
"Terrified."
"You don't show it."
"I never do."
Her fingers brush my neck. "You're sure? Even though you're terrified?"
"As sure as I've ever been."
She smiles. Eases enough to fix her dress, close her purse, check her makeup.
Then the elevator arrives and her composure falls.
"He'll be excited for you too," I say.
She nods right, takes a deep breath, marches to the bar, right to her brother.
"Danny and Mr. Generous Energy. My two favorite people. Plus, Mr. Rock here, my third favorite." Remy hugs her hello. Takes her left hand. "Seriously, how much does this thing weigh?" He pretends he can't lift her arm.
"You saw it all day," she says.
"Weeks ago." He looks from the ring to me. "I have to hand it to Mr. Generous Energy, here. He knows how to make a statement."
"What about me?" she asks.
"You have your tits out," he says. "Exactly what straight men like."
"Remy!"
He laughs. "You look unstoppable."
"Yeah?" Her voice lifts. She's still nervous.
"Yeah. Like the babe in Blood Borne who sleeps with the vampire King."
"Which one of them?"
He laughs. "The human princess."
"She's a vampire princess now."
"Well, yeah, that's the fate of all the humans. Since they're all sleeping with vampires. I bet every straight guy in here would go vampire for you," he says.
She laughs. "It's always sex with you."
"Oh yeah, it's sex with me." He motions to her low neckline. "You're not even thinking about it."
She blushes. "It's uh… you didn't say hello to Adam."
"Nice to see you again." He offers his hand.
I shake.
"Is this a bad news dinner? Or a good news dinner?" he asks.
"Can't it be an I-want-to-see-my-brother dinner?" she asks.
"Not with the look on your face." He hails the bartender. Orders their drinks. "And whatever Adam is having."
I rarely think of flavor when it comes to alcohol. Yes, I enjoy the taste of citrus and gin on Danielle's lips, but that's where my desire starts and ends.
I want to taste her lips.
The drink itself doesn't matter.
I still want to taste her lips, but I want the rest of it too. The tart citrus, the herbal gin, the hint of sweetness.
"The same for me," I say.
"Grapefruit." He sticks his tongue out. "Yuck. You're disturbed."
"You drink PBR."
"It's cheap!"
"It's disgusting." Her nose wrinkles. "Beer is disgusting."
"I'm not ordering one here. I know my settings." He motions to his outfit, slacks and a button-up shirt and tie. "I clean up pretty good, huh?"
"Nah." She teases him. "You look better in jeans."
"Who doesn't?" he asks.
"Uh, me," she says. "I look much better in a dress."
"What about loverboy?" he asks. "Does he ever wear jeans?"
"Only the suit," I say.
"Or silk pajamas." She laughs. "Adam is like a character in an old movie. Sometimes, I expect to walk into his office and see a cigar and a glass of bourbon."
