Page 4 of Prince of Queens

We spend the next couple of hours prepping the restaurant, chatting about Sofia's pregnancy cravings and my upcoming art projects. By the time I leave, the sun is setting, casting long shadows across the bustling New York streets.

My loft is only a few blocks away, a converted warehouse space that's more art studio than living area. I unlock the heavy sliding door and step inside, immediately kicking off my shoes and heading for my easel.

The canvas I've been working on looms large in the center of the room, a swirl of dark colors punctuated by flashes of crimson. I pick up a brush, dipping it in deep blue paint, and lose myself in the work.

As I paint, my mind drifts back to that night at Luca's party. The way Dominic's eyes had locked onto mine, the heat in his gaze making my breath catch. The low timbre of his voice as he'd leaned in close, his cologne a heady mix of sandalwood and spice.

"See something you like?" I'd asked, trying to mask my instant attraction with bravado.

His response plays in my head: "Just admiring the view. It's not often you see a work of art brought to life."

I snort, shaking my head at the memory. It was a cheesy line, but damn if it hadn't worked on me. The way his eyes had sparkled with amusement, the quirk of his lips as he'd waited for my response...

With a groan, I set down my brush, staring at the canvas. Without realizing it, I've added streaks of gold to the painting, reminiscent of the whiskey in Dominic's glass that night.

"Get it together, Gia," I mutter to myself, wiping my paint-stained hands on my already stained jeans. "He's off limits, remember?"

As if on cue, my phone buzzes with a text. It's from Rachel, the owner of the gallery where I show my work:

"Darling, pop by the gallery when you can. Exciting news!"

I glance at the clock – it's late, but Rachel keeps odd hours. Deciding a distraction is exactly what I need, I grab my purse and head out.

The gallery is housed in an old Art Deco building, its faded grandeur a perfect backdrop for the contemporary art within. I jab at the elevator button, tapping my foot impatiently as I wait.

"Come on, you ancient piece of junk," I mutter as the elevator creaks and groans its way down to the lobby. When the doors finally open with a reluctant ding, I step inside, saying a silent prayer that I won't get stuck.

Rachel is waiting for me when I finally make it to the top floor, her silver hair wild around her face and a mischievous glint in her eye.

"There's my star!" she exclaims, pulling me into a hug that smells of patchouli and turpentine. "I was beginning to think that deathtrap of an elevator had finally claimed a victim."

I laugh, following her into the gallery proper. "Not today, though it was a close call. So, what's this exciting news?"

Rachel's grin widens as she leads me to a small sitting area tucked away in a corner. "Sit, sit! I have the most delicious news for you."

I perch on the edge of an overstuffed armchair, raising an eyebrow at Rachel's obvious excitement. "Okay, spill. What's got you so worked up?"

"Well," Rachel begins, leaning in conspiratorially, "you know how well your pieces have been selling, right? Of course you do, you're brilliant. But what you don't know is that we've had a very... interesting buyer."

My curiosity piques. "Interesting how?"

Rachel's eyes sparkle. "Interesting as in, he bought three of your largest pieces. In cash. And he's inquiring about commissioning more."

I feel my jaw drop. "Three? But those were my most expensive works!"

"I know!" Rachel cackles, clapping her hands together. "It's marvelous, isn't it? He barely blinked at the price. Just pointed to the ones he wanted and pulled out a wad of cash like it was nothing."

A mix of excitement and unease swirls in my stomach. "That's... wow. I can’t believe it."

Rachel's expression turns sly. "Yes, he had quite the eye. Said the paintings spoke to him. He was pretty easy on the eyes himself, too."

I laugh, shaking my head at Rachel's antics. No telling what kind of rich elderly bachelor she’s set her sights on this time. "Alright, alright. So, what does this mean for me? Besides a very nice payday, of course."

"It means, my dear, that you're on the cusp of something big. This kind of interest? It could launch you into the stratosphere." Rachel leans back, fixing me with a serious look. "I want you to start thinking bigger. Bolder. Your next show needs to be spectacular."

I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. "I won't let you down, Rachel. I've got some new ideas I've been working on..."

We spend the next hour discussing concepts for my upcoming solo exhibition. By the time I leave, my head is buzzing with plans and my heart is light with excitement.

---