Jagged Love by Nicole Simone

Author:Nicole Simone [Simone, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance
Publisher: Nicole Simone
Published: 2014-12-06T16:00:00+00:00

The party was in full swing when we arrived. A middle-aged woman with streaks of purple in her hair whisked Andrew away immediately, claiming his adoring fans were waiting to meet him. He rolled his eyes at me over his shoulder. Waiters made their rounds with caviar and champagne. I took advantage of both and wove through the crowds to a less crowded spot. I was dying to see the pieces of artwork Andrew completed mere days ago. However¸ where they were located in the expansive space eluded me. A younger couple stood before the painting featured on the inventory list. Their heads were mere inches from the canvas, whispering in short bursts. Eavesdropping, I slipped next to them and pretended to study the art.

“I can’t believe Andrew is actually here.”

“I know. Nobody has heard from him the past eight months.”

“I heard he moved to Montana and became a rancher.”

“My friend who is friends with his cousin said he joined a Mexican gambling ring.”

The rumors were so ridiculous, I giggled into my champagne, drawing stares from them. I moved on to an adjoining area of the art gallery. People packed the room like sardines in a can, which made it near impossible to see Andrew’s art. Standing on my tippy-toes, a bald shiny head blocked my view. Jesus, I knew Andrew was well known, however, I had no idea to what extent. Based on the couple’s gossip, I had to wonder if these people were drawn to his talent or Andrew’s mystique. Pulling a page from short people’s handbook, I used my elbows to make my way to the front. Glares were thrown, curses were muttered, and a drink was spilled. It worked though. I gawked in awe at a painting titled ‘Girl’ and my previous doubts at why these people were here diminished. Andrew wasn’t just talented. He was gifted. Bold strokes of yellow blended with orange created a fiery sunset that dipped into a clear blue ocean. A lone woman in a rowboat looked like a speck against the limitless water. She was drawn in charcoal and smudged around the corners as if she was about to drift away. Sadness poured out of the painting.

“What do you think it’s about?”

Turning my head, a man dressed in a navy suit stared at the painting with his hands clasped behind his back. He seemed familiar.

“Do I know you?” I asked.

He glanced at me and a chill ran down my spine. His eyes were the color of soot. “I thought you might, but let me reintroduce myself.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Nigel.”

The last thing I wanted to do was shake his hand. I felt like if I did, I would be making a deal with the devil. Ignoring his gesture, my gaze wandered the room, searching for Andrew.

“Your boyfriend is on the patio,” Nigel said. “He can’t always protect you.”

“What does that mean?”

An ugly smirk stretched his thin lips. “So naïve you are.”

“Whatever.”

I turned to leave, but people on all sides blocked my exit.

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