by Mia Mills
The phone was then ringing, I answered.
“Good evening. Is this Ma’am Addie Briggs?” the caller says.
“Yes, this is her.”
“Oh, hi Ma’am! I was just going to update you about your art showing tonight at 7. Everything is set. The governor RSVP’d with his secretary. There will also be many guests tonight because amazingly, the tickets have been sold out. We also expect the arrivals of businessmen, art connoisseurs, and many other wealthy patrons. Many people are looking forward for your debut. The showing will start upon your entrance.”
My world had stopped– each word my organizer uttered is bringing me to heaven. This turned out way better than expected. Why am I smiling up to my ears? I might have been crazy hearing such good news. Oh my, Addie, this is truly your day!
“Oh, wow. Really? Then that’s good news! Okay, wait a second.”
I stop, feeling my heart beating fast and the ecstasy literally flowing in me. My feelings!
“I’m sorry for making you wait, it’s just that I didn’t expect too much, I mean the feeling is too hard to contain… But, moving on, thanks for informing me honey. I’ll be preparing already. Also, please do inform security to reserve a parking space for my car. See you!”
I hear the caller laughing on my response.
“Noted ma’am, will do. Don’t worry. You can do this, what I just told you are signs that your prayers have been heard. Best of luck!”
“Buh bye!” I replied, dropping the call.
Excitement and anxiety are both gushing in at the same time. My hands are shaking from the tension and I feel like jumping twice as many at my bed.
This is such an achievement for me and no one knows how happy I am today, so I’ll just let my crib know about it!
After many attempts of containing my high spirits towards myself, I stand up in front of the mirror to comfort my own reflection. Crazy.
“It’s your day today! Your day, your day, your day is today!” I keep repeating this dialogue for like ten times or more, dancing without knowing what it’s called. Happy, happy day it is. I look for my phone to check the time. It’s 5:30. Not early, not too late. I play my favorite feel-good song.
The song continues and it just increases my appetite for passion for art, the more I listen to it. But going back to the preparation, I feel like people expects a weird, shabby-looking artist headlining this exhibit, but they are clearly mistaken.
Abbie Briggs is a slaying head-turner.
Yes, I want to contain fierce femininity tonight, like a lioness out of her own cage, hunting a prey, but in a deceptive innocent style of way. I keep smirking at myself in the mirror with the thought, but hey, I really did it.
I bring out my red body-fitting dress, and for the first time in my life, I am exposing my cleavage and curves. Isn’t this too much Addie?! Subconsciously, still, it’s going to be one unforgettable night. I must see it through.
Big curls for a sexy woman with a dress to kill – that’s what I’m wearing, plus my classic favorite heels. I pick up my black handbag and head for the door.
Driving to the gallery is such a rush. The wind isn’t even on my face but I feel the feeling of exhilaration. In a matter of minutes, I pull up in front of the art gallery.
The valet notices that it was me. He smiles, “Everyone’s waiting for you inside, Ma’am.”
I let out a huge sigh. “Focus, Addie. Focus. This is your night!”
I hand the keys to the giggling valet. He seems to be happy for me too. All those weeks of running back and forth in the gallery will now be judged.
I waltz in the art gallery, and I didn’t mean to catch too much attention… But I can’t help it, this is my night. All eyes are on me, and it’s as if I drank the elixir of love. Everyone has their own way of shaking hands with me.
I am too surprised with what is happening, yet I remember that this is just my first art showing. I keep on reminding myself to be professional. I am ushering guests, inviting them inside, proudly presenting and claiming that all of those artsy stuff are my works. Mine.
Later that night, after groups of people welcome me and wander around, I am now having distractions. What is this? Like, why are there men in this room that have those well–built torsos and shoulders and all that adds up to the feeling that makes me go, and crave in temptation for them?
I therefore conclude that I am being tempted by these delicious men. Oh, wow, I can feel this feeling building up in me.
Addie, discipline.
But is it sad to think that my inner goddess isn’t cooperating? I feel the need of lactating from my own wetness. Oh, irony.
But what’s more surprising, is they’re heading my way…
And yet, coincidentally, this painting of mine which is beside me, is of a nude couple, with another man naked. It doesn’t imply ‘libido’ or something that relates to that, but why is it that right now, I’m starting to think that the painting resembles the situation that I am in, tonight?
I like the idea. Me, with these two men going towards me, naked, and are all on our own way towards seeking orgasms.
Oh God forgive me for I might be sinning today.
As I am lost in the thought, I didn’t even notice that they’re right in front of me right now.
Leo
“Good evening sir! Make yourself welcome inside!” the attendant warmly welcomes me inside the art gallery. He hands me a booklet for the exhibit.
I check for the name of the artist: Addie Briggs. Hmp, another newcomer, I suppose. I continue to walk inside.
A man of 5’10 goes in and catches attention with a rugged, simple touch—Oxford shoes, shawl suit, plus fetching eyes. One word in particular? It’s me.
What could I say? Aside from all these, well I hate to tell this but, I see lots of greedy people bragging all about their money. I really couldn’t say if all these individuals really understand the meanings of these canvases surrounding them. I shook my head in the thought, like really, how disappointing are these show-off people?
So I believe that not all these people realize the importance of the connection of art, from the eyes, to the ears, all the way to the heart. You use lots of senses in this kind of passion.
Well, exclude me from the public; I am not ordinary. Being a lover of the arts means so much more. If someone might ask who I am, I would humbly say: “I’m Leo, lover of colors and paints.” I see how it opens the soul.
Yes, I am confident with it because I connect my feelings to the gouaches; red is love, blue is sorrow, yellow is happiness, green is relaxation—but no, there’s more. I am aware there are more things I need to learn, that’s why I need to get in touch with events like this.
Motivation through others’ experiences, why not?
I walk further inside the art gallery, truly bowing my head for the creator of all these masterpieces. The appropriate appreciation—I could already rest in peace. This is nice. Real nice.
I mean, not to brag but, if all these paintings were for auction, I’d win it all. No one could absolutely beat my wealth. I was cool about it already. Place, ambiance, entirety.
“Addie Briggs: Celebration of Art and Life,” and here I thought this is just another boring exhibit. I continue to scrutinize the works and I walk up to this particular piece.
This painting caught my attention, truly outstanding the others— this nude couple with another naked man. It looks as if the other naked man who has no partner is deeply in affection to the woman who’s already in the hands of another guy. It was conceptualizing the theme of taking someone for granted. There is more than what meets the eye.
It wasn’t only about the concept and my analysis about it, but the colors were also used romantically. The idea might have been as deep as the woman hugging the man and behind them was this other extra person. It may look like that extra person was the hopeless romantic, but in truth, in my own perception, the one at fault was the woman.
The allure of the woman is overpowering. If you ask me,
I can compare this well with Fragonard’s piece, The Swing. You don’t know which relationship the woman is really into. Is she in love with the one in her arms, or the one behind them?
If only you can see the painting. It’s clear as day. She’s in love with the one behind them. But why was she hugging the other man? This painting has so many layers. Don’t get me started with her masterful command of the colors? I couldn’t say anything about it except it was wisely picked. It was defined through the blending harmony of green, white, brown, and it’s really one good creation telling a lot.
Everything is going fine. I’m getting more and more amused. Not until I saw my rough past plus mortal enemy on my right side. Definitely my 3’oclock. Thomas is here. I know him too well, that’s why I’m sure of it.
He may or may not notice me, but, he sure has the guts to show his face in this occasion raining in gold. I can’t even forget the grudges I have over this shameless bloke; a year before all my life alterations, I could see this guy as my buddy. But not now, not ever. Didn’t even expect he’d choose to turn me in and stab me in the back to our manager when I wasn’t even looking at him.
Why? To get the juice from all the future projects, alone? It was supposed to be a partnership. And because of that instance, I have begun to realize something. Good things come to an end when one wishes to ruin it. It was his choice, to go forward, alone. Selfishness, yes.
I didn’t see it in his eyes back then. I trusted him, but he wasn’t even worth it. And now, now that maybe he’s had more exposures, he might’ve been ordered by the manager to witness this auction. Now you see this snake lurking around in a place like this, which is so unethical.
You see this man right here observing the painting in front of him, makes me even wonder if he really understands and appreciates paintings. I even remember back then, he asked me to teach him how to do appraise art. But I just didn’t know how to tell him what to do, yet I was always trying.
I was more inspired to learning as he was presently eager to urge himself from getting better. Who am I to stop him from dreaming? I saw motivation in this asshole. Nights and days, he came to my private gallery to get a grip of the pieces I had. It was hard, yes. But there was only one thing in my mind, and that is, he needs to learn because he wants to.
We’ll be rising on high hopes, together. He was so eager, he convinced me every time that he can do it. So there was my role, supporting him. I kept pulling him up from his present position in order for him to catch up; I wanted to help. We’d be getting a hang of each other once we strive to put our future’s life in this. But look at him now, happy with his greed. This isn’t good.
Well, I kept on wondering why he was here, and then I realized that maybe him, and my once called ‘manager’, would buy all these paintings if it were for sale and make an idea from it or start from scratch, again. Maybe they’re out of concepts. Hopefully, not. But, I want to stop that. In case that would happen, I’ll be moving already. I must fix these things now.
Later did I know, when I’ve already waken up from my senses; I realized that there was a woman beside the painting, standing and explaining the art behind it. She might be an usherette or something, because she’s definitely too hot to be the artist.
“Hi sir,” unexpectedly she offers her hand.
This is the only time I got to realize how attractive this person is. She has this face carved perfectly, one of a heart kind, matching her medium brown eyes and chiselled lips. Long tresses, flawless skin, with a red perfectly fitting dress I’d like to take off.
What other adjectives could I supposedly say more? But no, there were more sexier thoughts. Bad idea, Leo.
It took a while before I could respond to her. “Oh, hi there beautiful. I’m Leo, by the way,”
“Uhm, nothing I just recognized that you’ve been looking at my painting too long…and it makes me curious about what you think.”
Wow. There are no more words for disbelief and desirability. I am so turned on, so much. Accurately, 100%.
“Oh really? You’re behind all these exceptional pieces? You’ve got a very big future waiting for you. Straightforwardly, you know, I’m impressed by all your works.”
This woman is Addie? She’s caught with my words, she’s speechless right now.
“Thank you, Leo.”
“You’re welcome. Could you do me a favor?” Does she know what I’m going to tell her next? Maybe not.
She was waiting for the favor so I whispered through her ear, “I want to buy each and every one of these paintings, put it all inside a lovely museum that I’d plan to build for you.”
Her eyes and ears are shocked. She covers her mouth and replies, “Really, Leo?”
I nod. She jumped countlessly in front of me, but in grace. Woman what are you doing to me? I want to respect you but I can’t do that unless you take care of yourself. I can’t avoid looking—her boobs were attacking my eyes, juggling nicely. Warning, the view is so sexy.
Horny alert, right about now. But I must take control, not yet.
“Yes. What about dinner perhaps? Talk these things out for a lovely woman like you?”
“Oh no, no! You don’t need to ask. I’m practically your slave for now, I could do whatever you want you know?” she laughs.
If only you can read my thoughts, Addie.
“Dinner is nothing, I just owed you my life!” She bit the bait. I want her already, she’s too stunning but I deserve this angel.
What about next time, I ask her for selfish lust? Quite dirty? Let’s see about that. I’m smirking through the thought.
Addie
Today is one of the best days that ever happened in my entire existence. I still can’t believe that all of my pieces have been sold by a single person. Not only that. It’s Leo Patterson. He’s known for procuring all the best pieces. And he really is a great guy, to add.
It’s not that just because he helped me, but he’s really a good person with a possibility of having such a huge boner that is obviously poking through his pants. I know I should not be thinking about dirty stuff right now but I just can’t help it, he’s hot.
This sexy rich guy invited me for dinner in a fancy French restaurant. I’m fond of French food but I honestly haven’t been to this specific place before. As I walk towards the revolving door, the hostess approaches me and flashes her brightest smile.
“Bonjour Madame! How many are in your party?”
“Actually I have a friend who invited me... his name is Leo Patterson.”
“Oh, you must be Miss Addie Briggs.”
I’m surprised she knows my name already. I’ve never been a VIP before.
“Your table is ready. Right this way Madame.”
As I follow her to the table, I already see Leo patiently waiting for me to arrive. He turns his head towards my direction and immediately smiles at me, which makes my heart jump for joy.
Fuck, he looks so handsome tonight—his dark brown hair combed back, light blue long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his sexy smile that can light my way in darkness.
My body can’t move right now, my eyes are only locked to him.
“Hey.” He moves his chair and pulls another chair for me.
“Hey.” is all I manage to say.
“How long have you been waiting?” I sit and put my bag on my side.
“Forever.” He laughs and it made me chuckle too.
“Just for five minutes.” He flashes his smile once again.
I can’t help but to stare at his gorgeous brown eyes that stares back at me while I chuckle awkwardly, which I hope he does not notice. We suddenly stop when the waiter approaches our table who immediately hands us the menu.
“Bonjour! Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes please, I would like to have a glass of Chardonnay.” I smile at him.
“I’ll have exactly the same.” Leo looks at me while having a smirk on his face.
We hand over the menu to the waiter and I c
an’t help but to stare at Leo. He notices that I’m staring at him for a long while and I look down because I just realize that it’s rude to just stare at people.
“Is there something wrong?” He surely noticed that I am looking at him.
“No, nothing.” Damn, I can’t think of anything besides his handsome face.
He chuckles as he takes a sip from the glass of water.
“So, what do you think of my artworks?” I finally manage to say.
“Oh, it’s awesome. Every detail is masterfully done and it sure has your artistic touch.” He suddenly winks at me.
I should not misinterpret that wink. Why is he being so flirty with me? We just met today at my art show. I have never met any guy like him, he’s so cocky about things but on the other hand, he’s charming that it’s blinding.
The waiter comes with a bottle of white wine and pours our glasses full. I’m having a great night, me and Leo share some laughs together which includes telling stories about our past, leading to our current careers.
“So, how long have you been into art?” He asks while pouring another shot of wine on his glass.
“Since I was a kid, I always like to draw stuff on the back of my notebook in school. I used to show it to everyone and they loved it, especially my parents.”
“Oh, that’s nice. I used to draw stuff on the back of my notebook too and even on my desk at school but my drawings never been as good as yours. I love art, but somehow art doesn’t want me.”
We burst out laughing, I try to hold mine in out of courtesy with other customers in the restaurant, but Leo is such a funny guy. I mean, he’s not just funny, but he’s also a billionaire and his family is well-rooted in the politics which I only know about that tonight. I just met him today, but it feels like I have known him forever.
“Well, what about yo-” Leo has been cut off when a guy suddenly approaches our table.
“Hi.” The blond guy extends his arms as he reaches for my hand.
Out of shock, I extend my arms and shake hands with him. He’s a tall guy that looks like from an Italian descent. He has this set of ocean blue eyes that captivates me with just one look.