I received an email from Azriel that evening. I didn’t know how he got my email address. I did my makeup that evening and got into a white dress and heels. I felt sexy in my dress. I gave the driver the directions sent to me by Azriel.
I met Monique at the entrance of the huge art museum, two men were talking to her. The driver opened the door for me and she smiled, noticing me.
‘You look lovely,’ she told me, and I smiled at her.
‘You too,’
We walked into the room and they were about a dozen people already, amazing the different types of art were displayed on the walls. I didn’t see Azriel in sight so Monique and I looked around, while I was truly impressed, and appreciated the art, my friend didn’t seem to care at all, just drinking the champagne we were served.
‘Everything is wonderful, profound and the colors, oh my, Monique, I love it!’
I was standing in front of a captivating black and white painting of a naked side profile of a woman. She was standing under a full moon, two wolves in the distance watching. I was immediately drawn to the picture, clearly, it stood out. There were words on it but I couldn’t read them.
‘It seems dark and lonely. Are those two wolves about to eat this girl?’ she frowned. ‘ Kinda looks like your side profile,’ She said and walked away.
I stared at the masterful painting. It felt so familiar and I was emotional, all of a sudden. Damn, being a woman is hard. My body tensed when I sensed Azriel’s presence.
‘You came?’ he said.
‘I was bored,’ I answered, not looking at him.
‘Do you like that one?’
‘It feels sad, and deep yet fantastic,’ I heard myself whisper. ‘I wonder what inspired the artist to paint this,’
‘You are drawn to it,’ it was a statement. I stared at him for the first time that evening; he looked good in his all-black casual clothes. He smelled good too.
‘Yes, It’s the best one yet,’ I said, trying to get as much air in my body because it felt like I was losing oxygen.
‘I didn’t know you were interested in art, Azriel,’
‘It’s actually-‘
Before he finished a tall man called his name ‘ Mr McMillian,’ We both turned to look at the newcomer.
‘Thank you so much for letting us display your pieces, people wouldn’t stop gushing over them,’
I was surprised when the man said that, so all these incredible works of art belonged to grumpy Azriel, I couldn’t have guessed. In the weeks I’ve known him, I have never seen him touch a brush or anything art related.
‘You owe me for this,’
‘Why don’t you like sharing these with the world, you could easily be one of the greatest out there,’ The man said, smiling as he looked around the place. My gaze went to Azriel, he didn’t like that his work was being put up like this.
‘No, my art is only for my eyes but you somehow manage to blackmail you into releasing these to you. Damn fucking old man,’ he grumbled, the man smiled victoriously before his gaze fell on me.
‘Forgive my manners, young lady,’ he said to me. ‘ Good evening,’ He introduced himself to me and asked how what I thought about everything
‘Lovely, I’m at a loss for words,’ I said and he pointed at Azriel was his fingers
‘He’s a talented man, he puts all his emotions in these works but is too selfish to share,’ he said.
‘Run along, old man.’ Azriel groaned and I laughed.
‘I didn’t know you were an artist,’ I said seriously.
‘You didn’t ask and we don’t talk like that, you and I,’ he said ‘ And besides, we are not friends so-‘
‘Got the point, thank you!’ I said sharply.
‘Why do you want me to be your friend so badly?’ he teased with a sly smirk on your lips.
‘Not true,’
‘Hmm,’
We finished the tour and he explained each piece with such passion. I smiled as he did. Monique came back, She was startled to see me with Azriel a little and bowed politely to him.
‘So, where to next?’ I asked with a smile.
‘Let’s grab some beers at a pub and I’ll take you home,’ Azriel said. We walked to a nearby pub. It looked fun and all, a slutty waitress was attending to us, all while sending flirtatious smiles to Azriel. We toasted and drank our beverages. I was used to having wine so beer tasted bitter in my mouth but it was nice.
We have been here for two hours and having so much fun, Monique even found a man to dance with and is dancing.
‘Do you come here often?’ I asked Azriel, and he nodded. After drinking a few more beers, we decided to go home as Monique home was too drunk to even walk straight. We dropped her off before going back home.
‘Thank you for inviting me out,’ I said.
‘You’re welcome, sleep well,’
I turned around and went upstairs. I received a call from my mate just as I finished my bath.
‘Hey, beautiful,’
‘Hi, my handsome man,’ I purred, a smile gracing my lips.
‘I’m coming home, but I will probably find you asleep,’ he informed. My eyes were already getting heavy with sleep.
‘Wake me up when you get here,’ I said and hung up.
