I received an email from Azriel that evening. I didnât 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.
âYou look lovely,â she told me, and I smiled at her.
âYou too,â
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 didnât see Azriel in sight so Monique and I looked around, while I was truly impressed, and appreciated the art, my friend didnât seem to care at all, just drinking the champagne we were served.
âEverything is wonderful, profound and the colors, oh my, Monique, I love it!â
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 couldnât read them.
âIt seems dark and lonely. Are those two wolves about to eat this girl?â she frowned. â Kinda looks like your side profile,â 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 Azrielâs presence.
âYou came?â he said.
âI was bored,â I answered, not looking at him.
âDo you like that one?â
âIt feels sad, and deep yet fantastic,â I heard myself whisper. âI wonder what inspired the artist to paint this,â
âYou are drawn to it,â 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.
âYes, Itâs the best one yet,â I said, trying to get as much air in my body because it felt like I was losing oxygen.
âI didnât know you were interested in art, Azriel,â
âItâs actually-â
Before he finished a tall man called his name â Mr McMillian,â We both turned to look at the newcomer.
âThank you so much for letting us display your pieces, people wouldnât stop gushing over them,â
I was surprised when the man said that, so all these incredible works of art belonged to grumpy Azriel, I couldnât have guessed. In the weeks Iâve known him, I have never seen him touch a brush or anything art related.
âYou owe me for this,â
âWhy donât you like sharing these with the world, you could easily be one of the greatest out there,â The man said, smiling as he looked around the place. My gaze went to Azriel, he didnât like that his work was being put up like this.
âNo, my art is only for my eyes but you somehow manage to blackmail you into releasing these to you. Damn fucking old man,â he grumbled, the man smiled victoriously before his gaze fell on me.
âForgive my manners, young lady,â he said to me. â Good evening,â He introduced himself to me and asked how what I thought about everything
âLovely, Iâm at a loss for words,â I said and he pointed at Azriel was his fingers
âHeâs a talented man, he puts all his emotions in these works but is too selfish to share,â he said.
âRun along, old man.â Azriel groaned and I laughed.
âI didnât know you were an artist,â I said seriously.
âYou didnât ask and we donât talk like that, you and I,â he said â And besides, we are not friends so-â
âGot the point, thank you!â I said sharply.
âWhy do you want me to be your friend so badly?â he teased with a sly smirk on your lips.
âNot true,â
âHmm,â
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.
âSo, where to next?â I asked with a smile.
âLetâs grab some beers at a pub and Iâll take you home,â 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.
âDo you come here often?â 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.
âThank you for inviting me out,â I said.
âYouâre welcome, sleep well,â
I turned around and went upstairs. I received a call from my mate just as I finished my bath.
âHey, beautiful,â
âHi, my handsome man,â I purred, a smile gracing my lips.
âIâm coming home, but I will probably find you asleep,â he informed. My eyes were already getting heavy with sleep.
âWake me up when you get here,â I said and hung up.