the phone screen, it was almost 11 p.m. She loo

lk about the next topic-an idea fo

d? She still could not tell whether it was outright punishment or maybe some

more coverage for you

at the studio where artists wear unbuttoned oversized overalls and paint-stained T-shirts, let alone the fact that an elegant dinner is

ed in front of her apartment. The driver was courteous and f

s suit just as stylish as ever, his postur

said, although it soun

ou are predictable," Sofia retorted an

ard. Lovely to know that you still have your spunk. I was

r interest from the corner of her eyes. Wha

p of white tablecloths and candlelight. A segment of the guests was engaged in animated whispering, the rest making the dishes tinkle and forks jingle. Sofia ... Over the course of the evening, she couldn't help but noti

n did not delay to immediately get d

is bold," he said politely and formally, as his immaculate tailored suit would indica

ef. "What you are effectively tellin

just about one painting. It is about making the most important concepts easily understood by everyone. Or it is about making a coher

of accomplishment diminishing. "I really wish you'd stop talking as if

ness can work together; you just have to get to know it. Both are dependent on linkage-feel, interest, and narr

ude of tension. The news Austin gave her left a

sked Billy this question. "You're a billionaire. You could sponsor an

at they did for a living. For the first time that evening, Austin hesitated. He s

fore. Only once you realize that art is not just made but invested in it. Love

usual, more personal. For a second, the clean-shaven image of Austin Reed opene

ou really believe that?" She

pher anything from the distant, slightly narrowed gla

take Sofia home. The car ride was still very quiet for a while in the for

complete whirl. It was hard for her to understand him; he co

aid this when the car go

his expression became formal once more. I have a reception next week to celebra

startled. "Why? I

sts are the real draw. It is always interesting to know the author of a work, touch him or h

th the rich benefactors turned her off; she felt nau

id, letting a half smile form on his face. "A

tion of getting out because the smell of his proximi

re, you're told things like, 'You

im, to see if he was lying or merely playact

ia. He whispere

and opened the door, ste

is led her eyes to follow to her studio, and she looked at the completed canvas, which was sta

d send her another message and grabbed for it only t

had paid more attention and actually saved her nu

im? Sofia, you are dancin

shed through her body, her breaths coming

And how did they