Chapter 14: Eye of the Beholder

DAMN. I heard the bell just as I stepped out of the shower.

Marina was early. 2:45 pm. I hurriedly pulled on my robe and went to answer the door.

As if this meeting isnt going to be long enough, you have to show up early? I teased as I gestured for her to come in.

Marina looked me up and down and a sly grin spread across her face. I thought I said no robes this week?

I smacked at her, laughing. Youre early. Im not quite ready. I promise that at 3 oclock, there wont be a robe in sight.

A twinkle appeared in Marinas eyes as she again let her eyes travel the length of me. Not a robe in sight? That sounds quite interesting. She said as she gently tugged the belt holding my robe loosely closed.

I stepped into Marina and wrapped my arms around her small waist, grinning as I shook my head. Oh, no. Tonight we are going to experience Marina-fun. I want to know what you have planned that needs an extra 3 hours. Ive thought about this all week long and Im not about to miss it.

I kissed her lightly on the lips and headed down the hall to finish getting ready. Just make yourself at home and give me 10 minutes; Ill be ready to go.

Where is Duncan? I heard Marina call as I got dressed.

Hes at the vet. Remember, I told you he had his surgery yesterday. I can pick him up in the morning. I hollered back down the hall as I slathered gel in my wet hair.

*****************
I found Marina standing in the back yard, looking across the pool at the manicured lawn.

Marina. I said gently, not wanting to startle her.

Without breaking her stare, mm.

Marina, are you okay?

With a sudden jerk, she turned to me. What? Oh, yes, I am ready. She paused and looked me up and down. I held out my arms and turned slowly, as if a child being inspected before going to school.

Is this okay?

With a slow grin, she replied, Yes, I think that should be fine.

Marina, arent you going to tell me where were going? I whined.

Youll know when we get there.

************

The Getty Center? I questioned.

Marina winked at me, but didnt reply, so even as we got out of the car and made our way across the parking area, I still had no idea what she was planning.

We arrived at what looked like a train platform and Marina pointed to the large white building on the hill above us. I raised my hand to shield my eyes in the bright sun, and as I looked closer, I realized it was not a single building, but rather a cluster of buildings. Is that the Getty Center? Is that where were going? I asked.

Marina looked at me in disbelief. The Getty Center is a museum. Well, it is more than that, but at its most basic, it is a museum. It was established by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty.. Marina paused. I assumed she was waiting for the light bulb of realization to burst into illumination above my head. Unfortunately, it remained dark. I shrugged and gestured for her to continue. He collected ancient artifacts and works of art that he displayed during his lifetime; but he specified in his will, that an art center be built.

People on the platform were beginning to move about and Marina glanced up the tracks. The tram is coming. She held out her hand, and then pulled me towards the end of the platform.

So they built an art center after he died. I said, prompting Marina to continue my little lesson as we took our seats.

Marina nodded and continued, Yes, but it is far more than a museum now. They have research facilities, educational opportunities, and much more available. It is a beautiful complex..

I lost track of her words as I watched her talking. She was more animated than I had seen her. Her excitement was evident and she was stunning in it.

Is this what you had planned for last weeks meeting? I interrupted her.

No. That was something else, but I will come back to that, dont worry. She grinned. I think last weeks meeting turned out quite well, considering.

I blushed remembering my uncharacteristically bold move that threw Marinas plans out the window. It was a wonderful meeting. I said as my hand slowly slid from knee to upper thigh.

She leaned into my ear whispering, Are you trying to distract me?

The nearness of her and her warm breath on my ear, made it hard for me to think of anything but her touch. I leaned into her murmuring Am I?

Not at all. Marina said as her tongue snaked out and caught the edge of my ear causing me to suck in my breath and quickly glance around making sure no one was watching.

Before I returned my gaze to Marina, she was once again talking about the Getty Center.

***********************
We stepped off the tram and the site of the complex was not at all what Id expected. The sun reflecting off of the white marble was nearly blinding. The landscaping seemed to be as carefully planned as the architecture of the buildings. The overall effect was quite impressive. The buildings were arranged around a central plaza that held a small garden and fountains. As we walked from the tram platform, I caught my breath at the view; it seemed as thought you could see forever. I could see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. I looked around, taking in as much as possible and sighed; too bad we arent spending the evening outside in this, I thought as we moved towards the door. Museums and art were not my thing; my thinking was, why look at a painting of a field of flowers, when you could be outside in the field of flowers? But, this was Marinas plan, and I would be as gracious as she was about the basketball game..no matter how much it sucked.

Is there some kind of tour? I asked. Or is it a self-guided, roam at will kind of place?
I glanced around, taking in the large space; at least, the architecture of the building was very interesting.

No, I have a special, private tour planned for you this evening. Marinas mouth turned up slightly, as she motioned for me to follow her. As she walked, she continued her earlier discussion of the art center. I was only half way paying attention as I watched the others in the museum. More often than not, they were couples exactly like us—-one animatedly talking about how great the Getty center was, this painting blah, blah, blah, and that collection of what-nots blah, blah, blah while the other plodded along, eyes glazed over as if sitting through a seminar on the tax code.

Here, Marina said gesturing to a large painting on the wall to her right. this is the one I was telling you about.The Abduction of Europa. I stood in front of the painting for what seemed like an appropriate amount of time to have thoughtfully considered its depth and beauty and then said Yeah, its amazing. And turned to continue through the exhibit.

I walked a few feet before realizing that Marina was no longer with me. I turned fully expecting to see her still standing in front of the painting being moved by the artor whatever it was that was suppose to happen when you saw these famous paintings. To my surprise, Marina was staring at me, eyebrow cocked and eyes narrowed.

Freddie, did you see the painting?

Of course, I did. You were right, its wonderful. I really tried to sound convincing, but Marina stood still studying me; in the silent weight of her glare, I found myself feeling like a 5 year old being caught in a lie. Come on, Marina. I want to see the other one you were telling me about..the flower one.

Marina considered this for a beat, lips pursed, before coming to me. She took my hand in hers and we continued down the hall in silence. We rounded a corner and she stopped gesturing to it, van Goghs Irises.

Again, I walked up to stand in front of the painting. I stared at it for a long moment. I really tried, but it was a painting of some purple flowers. So ***** what? I was about to offer the standard wow, you were right, that is beautiful, When Marina slipped behind me, standing close and bringing her head to the side of mine so that we shared a near identical view of the painting.

Look, there Marina whispered as she gestured to the painting. See, how he uses color, the way he has blended and shaded the colors so they appear to be natural from shadow to light? Look at how he has used his paintbrush and different strokes to introduced texture and depth. And, see, there, the way the natural light brings out the shading and contrast. As she spoke, I leaned back into her took in all that she pointed out and explained about the painting. When she finished speaking, we stood quietly like that for a long moment just taking it in.

As we moved through the museum, from painting to painting, I insisted the she repeat the exercise. I had never really appreciated art, after all, it was just a painting or a statue or whatever, right? But having Marina share her understanding, her appreciation of it made it somehow, more..real, more intimate. I even found that I liked some of the paintings.

Finally, we came to Monet’s Wheatstack, Snow Effects, Morning. I stood, mouth gaping at this painting. Id never seen anything like it. I could see the detail, the depth, the mood, the contrast and colors. It was as if I could feel the crisp morning air and the first rays of the sun as I stood there. It was breathtaking. After a moment I turned looking for Marina; I was ready for her to slide in behind me and tell me about this painting. When my eyes found her, she stood leaning on the wall a few feet to my side. Come, tell me. I said as I held out my hand.

Marina stood there, shaking her head, smiling before she pushed off the wall and came to stand behind me. This is a lovely piece, isnt it? she breathed into my ear.

Mm I sighed. Can we stay for a few more minutes at this one?

I thought I could feel the smile spread across Marinas face as she slipped her arms around my waist and pressed a small kiss to my neck.

After standing there pressed together, front to back, just admiring Monets work, I whispered, I went to The Louvre, once. I paused shaking my head, I went through that sucker in a half hour at a dead run. I laughed quietly at the memory.

Marina grunted and immediately pulled away from me. If you wanted to leave, you should have said so.

The anger in her voice caused me to turn to look at her. She had moved a few feet way and the muscles of her face were tense with anger.

No. I shook my head.

Marina stood her ground, so I moved the small distance to her and slid my hands around to the small of her back. I looked up at her, as I quietly spoke. Marina, every museum Ive ever been to has been someone elses idea. Ive never been a fan; its just not my thing. But tonight, with you, I paused looking for the words; finally, I sighed and shook my head, I wish Id been with you when I went to The Louver.

Marinas face softened and I thought I saw tears forming in her eyes, but before I could be sure, her mouth was on mine. It was a short kiss, yet it left me wanting so much more.

We strolled through the various collections for the next few hours, Marina telling me about her favorite pieces. Then we spent an hour or so strolling through the gardens before heading up to the Gettys Restaurant for the dinner reservation Marina had made. It was an elegant space that left me feeling a bit out of place. Marina spoke to the host in hushed tones I couldnt make out and a few moments later, we were seated at a table near the window. The view was unbelievable; instead of the earlier view of the ocean, now we watched as the mountains disappeared into darkness as the last of the suns light fell beyond the other horizon.