AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I haven’t done anything recently in the little studio on the top floor. The space is perfect, although recently abandoned because I’ve been lacking in inspiration.
What Trent’s showing is old for me, new for him, and he’ll make a killing on it.
It’s not even my talent at carving and sculpting, it’s him. His sales skills. He could sell a mound of dirt. I know he could make me something huge.
“You just don’t like his scarves.”
“Grown men,” she says, grabbing another palette of makeup from the bag and applying it to her lips and eyes, “shouldn’t wear flamboyant scarves. Not if they’re straight and from this century. He looks like fucking William the Eighth.”
“That’s very specific.” I giggle. “Anyway, he’s out of town.”
And that’s when it hits me. Brutus was on that boat. He’s one of those horrible people.
Is Trent?
I don’t know. I can’t see it, but I’ve been wrong about things before.
The thing is, it’s not like I can keep away from Brutus if I have dealings with Trent Eddington. They’re a package deal.
Maybe it’s time to dissolve that business arrangement with Trent’s gallery. Forget his representation and mentorship. It’ll likely kill my art career.
Or I could talk one of my male college friends into coming to future meetings.
Better yet, I could track down Jaxson.
I stop that line of thought before it percolates for another second and walk up next to Harley at the mirror.
I put on the eyeliner, mascara, and some lipstick. “I don’t know.” I frown at my reflection. “I don’t feel transformed.”
“Well, let’s go out and let the people be the judge. Besides, we need to celebrate your return to the world.”
Honestly, the last thing I want to do is go out.
Anytime I’ve gone out since my return to the city, I look over my shoulder so much I think I’ve developed a permanent crick. Harley hasn’t said anything, although I’m sure she notices my jumpiness.
I fluff out my hair. Maybe going out is what I need. I know why she wants to go. She’s got a date.
It’s the perfect excuse to duck out early. I’ll just go out for a few drinks and then head home.
Or who knows? Maybe I’ll meet a nice guy…
By the time we get to the bar in the West Village, I know my heart’s not in it. It seems safe enough, tucked away on the corner of a residential street. But every time the door opens, my heart skips a beat. I drink super slow, making sure I see the bartender make it. Tonight I stick to whiskey with a touch of ginger ale.
It’s not drugged. I mean, of course it isn’t. We’re surrounded by regular people and this bar is one favored by the locals. It’s just a nice, average hole-in-the-wall place where a person could be beyond famous and no one would blink an eye.
Not that I’m even that famous. Even so, no one says a word to me.
But…
“Hey.” I have to nudge Harley to get her attention, “I think I’m going to go.”
“Give me a minute.” She drains the rest of her drink. “I’ll come with you.”
But I know she really wants to stay. Her date just arrived, and even though he won’t last long in Harley-world, he’s sweet and she likes him… for now. She’s a good friend for offering to leave with me, but I’m not about to ruin her night.
“No. I’m just going to do some work, so stay and have fun. I’ll call an Uber.”
“Is your phone charged? Location settings on?”
