Page 130 of Their Courtesan
“I was going to say… that’s not how much you usually charge me for all of that.”
“Because, like I said,” Judith pushed him down on the bed, “I like you and intend to keep you around. Don’t be a dick to me and my other clients and I’ll be a loyal girl.”
It was far from the romance Seth wanted that weekend, but he would take it. Anything was better than no Judith at all.
***
While this wasn’t Seth’s firstevergallery showing, it was the biggest, most advertised one in his art career. From the moment he arrived early in the morning, he struggled to get into the mindset of the artist about to show off his work. Usually, when he came this early to help set things up, he was helping someone else, like Zack.
This time, the shoe was on the other foot.
“I’ve got to hand it to you,” Zack said, watching Joy tear into an intern in Cantonese because thechun ahkept dropping equipment, “you’re really making it if you’ve got a fancy show in New York.”
“Old hat for you, I know.” How many New York shows of Zack’s had Seth been to?
“Nah, man, this is really something. You should be proud of yourself.” The first painting came out of its crate. There was Judith, bright in her ivory and golden colors. Seth’s breath caught in his throat. “You’re going to slay them all tonight.”
“God willing.” Seth stepped forward. “That one gets a green tag!”
Green tag meant he was willing to sell a piece for the right price. Purple meant they were not available, either because they already sold or because he was simply keeping them. Most of the pieces were purple.I’m not ready to part with most of these pieces yet.He was still reeling from seeing them all together in their golden frames on a fancy gallery wall.
Most of the day was spent unboxing and hanging up the pieces (and their placards) in Seth’s desired arrangement. Gallery personnel assisted with this and prepared for that night’s party as well. Seth overheard Joy repeating a sizable number to someone else. “That many people are expected to come? Really? That’s great!”
Seth wasn’t going to get his hopes up too much. That way led to madness, and Joy coming up halfway through the afternoon to ask if the model was still expected to come didn’t help matters. Not with Zack, anyway.
“Yes, she’s coming. She’s getting ready right now.” Or at least this was her appointment time to get her hair and nails done. “If she doesn’t show up, then it’s a great shock to me as well.”
As soon as Joy left to coordinate something with one of the interns, Zack sent his best friend an exasperated look. “I was afraid to ask about that. Thought maybe she had dumped you after that kerfuffle at the wedding.”
Seth didn’t respond.
“So… what’s going on there?”
Turning away, Seth said, “Same as always. I lost the silent auction, so I’m a regular client of hers.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Is that a problem?”
Zack held up his hands. “Of course not. Man, I was the one who took you there to begin with! Why would it be a problem?”
“I know you don’t really approve.”
“Why would I not approve of a place like that?”
“It’s notthat,Zack, and you know it.” Seth turned again. “You don’t approve ofmegetting involved. Me. Personally.” Before Zack could reply, Seth continued, “That’s fine. Good thing I’m a grown adult who doesn’t need your approval for such things.”
“You know, saying that makes you sound immature.”
“Undoubtedly. Let’s change the subject.”
“Yes, let’s.”
By dinner time, the exhibit was ready. Zack and Seth went back to the latter’s hotel room to eat Chinese take-out and get ready for the main event. Judith arrived ten minutes after they settled down with greasy food and chopsticks.
“Wow,” Zack said, greeting Judith with a mouth full of fried rice. “Helloooo.”
Judith barely looked at him before smiling at Seth. “What do you think?” She gestured to her outfit, which Seth had been staring at from the moment she walked through the door. “Thanks again for arranging that for me.”
“You are… absolutely stunning.” Stunning didn’treallycut it. Judith worked that conservative – and yet so damn sexual – charcoal cashmere sweater dress as if it would be the last thing she ever wore. A gold and leather belt created a waist around her midsection. Gold earrings dangled from her ears, with the edges of her blond hair pulled back in a dainty French braid. When she twirled for them, the first thing Seth noticed was a nest of diamonds in the braid.How much did this cost me?Not enough. He couldn’t even bother to look at her shoes. Probably black and leather. Who cared? Shoes were shoes.
“Thank you.” Judith kissed him on the cheek. At least kisses were free. Not that Zack would get any.
