AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I clench my jaw several times. An investor asks me who Simon is, and it’s easy to assume it’s because Micola’s been beside him all evening. Traveling crowd to crowd tighter as if they are an item or as if he is her interpreter.
The worst part is knowing Micola feels me watching and refuses to glance my way, even if to just honestly see what I’m doing or who I’m talking to.
Maybe she likes Simon, too. It could be as simple as that.
I clear my throat and glance at my watch. It’s about thirty minutes until our intimate dinner with a handful of artists and investors. Fortunately, Simon is not invited.
I rub my chin and pause as I see a pretty almond-shaped eyed brunette approach me. Wearing a slinky teal dress with a pair of peculiar golden heels, she’s definitely someone I’d considered my type.
With a warm, liquid smile, she extends her hand, “Alexander Masters. Hello. I’m Priscilla Pisano; so glad to meet you.”
“Hello?” I don’t know why I asked her a hello.
“I’m one of your investors. The anonymous generous amount. Thought I’d let you know this evening.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you.”
I honestly thought it was the Lombardi family with that handsome donation. But it washer. Who is this woman?
I run my eyes up and down her frame; I need to take her in. Beautiful, but not Micola.
“Are you aware of Antonio Pisano?”
“Italy’s most prominent sculptor. Absolutely. I have a collection of his in Exhibit D.”
She nods because, of course, she knows. She was the one I must’ve bought it off of.
“So you’re his —“
“Granddaughter.”
“Wow.”
I take a peek across the room for Micola. She’s in mid-laughter, her hand resting on Simon’s blazer pocket. Her eyes are resisting me. Has she seen me next to this Bella of a woman? Is this why she’s not looking, or is she still blatantly ignoring me?
“You have to come to our dinner in about half an hour. Are you free?”
“Sure, Absolutely.”
Priscilla’s eyes beam as I want Micola to feel what I’ve been feeling all night.
I decide not to tell Micola about our additional guest. On our way home, I fill her in on a vital art talk regarding Carvel’s mission to establish affordable sculpture courses for children throughout London and New York. Micola responds with gentle smiles and occasional ahhs before telling me which exhibits the guests told her they enjoyed the most. Panther Duke and Paula Dominguez topped them, following the legendary Antonio Pisano. I suppose this would be a good time to bring up the special guest. But I don’t.
If I am to be completely transparent, I’m not a fan of the jealousy game. I don’t want Micola to be jealous of any supposed flirtation between me and another woman. I’ve seen enough of that. What I really want is for Micola towant me. Only me.I only want Priscilla in the picture to get Simon out of the picture.
I clench my jaw shut, refusing to bring up Micola’s behavior at Carvel with Simon. Instead, I’m waiting until after dinner in hopes of her dealing with the consequences.
Chapter 15
Micola
Ifinditratherodd that Mr. Masters didn’t want to have this special dinner at a restaurant. It always feels like extra work when it’s at your home, even when there is a ton of hired help.
Alex doesn’t lift a finger, but his hospitality is top-notch.
¨Is that chair comfortable enough for you?¨ He asks Paula Dominguez when she sits down. Her old age is the best thing about her. It’s teaching me how well one can move around when you take care of yourself.
¨Outstanding feedback on your work, Mr. Duke. Not a bit surprised. Is the wine chill enough for you?¨ Alex speaks once Panther takes his first sip of wine.
