“Are you coming to sit down?”

She flashes a bright smile, and nods.

“Yeah. I just really like this one.”

She raises her hand slightly, and points to the photograph hanging on the wall. Its by Catherine Opie. Possibly one of my favorite photos she has taken.

This woman has exquisite taste. She, herself, is exquisite.

Her arms are slender, but toned. She looks absolutely stunning in her dress. The way it forms to her body, accenting every curve.

I let my eyes wander over her.

Her face is soft, and her hair flow beautifully.


Ah.. what is this?..


Oh. You’ve lost you earring in your hair

An excuse to touch her, and I suddenly feel my heart rate quicken but the mere thought of brushing my fingers through her blonde curls.

here

I bring my hand up slowly to the hair that drapes over her shoulder. Her earring has fallen, and is caught. I gently free it, and hand it back to her.

She smiles graciously.

Thank you. She says.


I think I can feel myself starting to melt.


She puts back in her earring, and looks back at the picture. We stand silently for a moment.

Lets eat.

Sigh. If only..

Ha! I muse inwardly at my silent comment


She looks at me, and nods slightly, agreeing.

We turn, and I slide my hand across the small of her back, guiding her to the table. Her body tenses, and I cant help but smile.

As we approach her seat, I pull her chair out. She sits, and glances up at me, her hair brushing over my fingertips as she turns her head.

Thank you. She says, her voice soft and sweet.

I lean down, close to her ear.

Youre very welcome. I breathe.

I sense her body shudder, and I rise, letting my fingers glide across her shoulders as I walk away.

I sit, and Eric proposes a toast.

To Bette Porter for putting together this amazing show.

Everyone raises their glasses in my honor.

I smile. I nod. Same thing every time I hold a show.

I am grateful, yes. But this striking young blonde holds all of my attention.

Dinner begins. Mindless banter from across the table, and I try to listen, but it is useless.

Apparently, Alice has noticed my interest in one, Miss. Tina Kennard.

Hey. Do you think you could keep your eyes in your head, Porter? You are going to burn a hole right through the poor girl if you stare at her any harder. She whispers.

I smile. Alice knows me too well.

I simply give her a knowing smile, and she rolls her eyes.

Her eyes meet with mine, and she flashes a shy grin. Beside her, Eric is rambling away about the newest piece of artwork he has bought. She adverts her eyes quickly though.

Dinner ends, and I am dreading the thought of Tina leaving my gallery.

I see her though, running her fingers through her hair. She glances towards me, and I quickly look to Alice.

Twenty bucks says you cant convert her. Alice says, staring me directly in the face.

I scoff.

Youre on.

I look back at Tina. She has the earring in her hand.

What is she doing? I watch her intently


She slides her hand across the table, and places the earring next to her plate.


Interesting Though unbeknownst to her, I have witnessed her game.

The guests rise from their seats, and say their goodbyes.

Shake hands. Smile. Nod. Kiss cheeks. Thanks.

God, I feel like I am programmed.

She is walking towards me, and I want this crowd to part like the Red Sea for her. Catherine Opie is babbling on, but Im not listening. I am watching Tina circle the people around me, trying to find an opening to get through.

AH! I feel like pushing through these bodies that take up the space around me.

I think she can see my frustration. Im trying not to let it show, but she has locked eyes with me.

Curses.

Im sure she can see them pleading with her.

Eric is behind her now, and is whispering something. He holds out his arm, and she takes it. Shes leaving!

I clench my jaw. She looks over her shoulder, and gives me one last glance in the direction of bodies that huddle around me.

But a head interjects my line of vision.

My hand balls into a fist, and I feel close to throwing it into the mans face that cut off my view.

Sigh.


Might as well go back to being programmed.

Shake hands. Smile. Nod. Kiss cheeks. Thanks.


The bodies finally disband from around me. And I feel as though I can breathe again. I am saddened though. The thought of not seeing the pretty young blonde again plays heavily on my heart for some unknown reason.

I straighten myself. And walk around the table that is now being cleaned by the staff. I walk slowly by the seat that she occupied and suddenly notice the silver object reflecting back at me.

My heart skips a beat. Her earring!

I scoop it up, and walk quickly back to my office.

I slide open the doors. Inside, James is putting some last minute files on my desk for the next show. I never have a minute to rest.

James. I want you to find the number for Tina Kennard. She attended the party tonight. She seems to have left something of hers behind. I smile as I finish the statement.

James nods, and quickly hurries out of the room.

I sit down at my desk, and unbutton my jacket.

Why did I wear this shirt?

Purple. I should have known better. This isnt my color. I roll my eyes, and loosen my tie.

I look through the files, while rolling Tinas earring around in my hand.

James pops his head through my door.

I got the number

I grab a piece of paper and a pen.

He reads it off, and I never found numbers to grace my ears so sweetly.

Thank you, James. I say calmly, not trying to let my anxiousness slip out.

He smiles and closes the door.

Ok, Porter. Breath. I pick up the phone, and begin to dial the number.

Half way through, and Im in the home stretch now.

8-7-5-6

Its ringing. And I find myself holding my breath until I hear the receiver pick up on the other end.

Hello?

Oh god. Two syllables, and I can feel myself start to melt into my chair.

Tin-.. Miss Kennard. This is Bette Porter.

She stays silent for a moment.

Oh, Hi Bette. She responds, a hitch of happiness in her voice.

I smile. Hi. I pause. I seem to have found something that belongs to you.

I can sense her smile on the other end of the phone.

It wouldnt be my earring by any chance, would it? She says, subtly hiding her flirtation.

Precisely.

There is silence for a moment.

May I come by and get it? I know its a little late, but I can be there in about 10 minutes If thats not any inconvenience to you.

10 minutes? I would wait a lifetime for this woman. And still there would be no inconvenience.

No. That is not a problem at all. Come in, and my assistant, James will show you back to my office.

Great. I will see be there shortly then. Good bye. She says, I bet through a beaming smile.

Bye.

I hang up the phone, and lean back into my chair, a smug grin plastered across my face.

I open a drawer and remove a small envelope, and drop Tinas earring inside.

Ok.

Time to change.

I slip into a black, form fitting Chanel skirt and turtleneck shirt.

As Im walking out of my private bathroom, there is a soft knock at my door.

Come in.

Tina slides open the doors, and walks through. A small smile plays on her lips.

I circle my desk, and pick up the envelope, and drop the earring into my hand.

She stands in front of me, and I extend my hand to her. She changed as well. Shes wearing a white button up shirt, and jeans. God. She looks delicious.

I could’ve sworn I watched you put this back on

She dips her hand into mine, and I sense her lingering. Her touch is too much, and I instinctively dont want it to end. I close my hand around hers.

I cant stand it anymore. I need to know what her lips feel like.

I lean towards her. Painfully slow.

I look into her eyes, asking permission to continue. They are soft, but not apprehensive.

I can feel her breath against my lips. Short breaths. Shuddered.

Our lips collide softly. Sweetly.