Page 6 of Champagne Nights

“It’s nice to meet you, Charles.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Aubrey. Have you had a chance to meet the artist, Penelope? She’s so nice and a very talented artist at that.”

“I have. She’s my best friend.” Aubrey smiled.

Charles looked at his ringing phone in his hand.

“Lexi’s calling. I have to take this. I’ll be right back,” he spoke as he walked away.

“I take it Lexi is his wife?” she asked.

“No. She’s his girlfriend. But by how they act, they might as well be married.”

Studying Aubrey, I noticed she looked down a lot, which signaled that she lacked confidence. Either that, or she was extremely shy. That was something I would have to fix.

“Would you like to get a drink or maybe some coffee somewhere?” I asked with the hopes she’d say yes because I wanted to fuck her tonight.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No. Not at all.” She looked at me.

“Then why not?”

“Mr. Klein, I’m flattered that you would like to take me out, but I can assure you that I’m not the type of girl you’re probably used to.”

“Why don’t you tell me what type of girl you think I’m used to?” I smirked.

“Someone who can see you,” she replied.

“Excuse me?” I asked in confusion.

“I’m blind, Mr. Klein.”

“What? Is that your way of telling me you don’t want to go out and have a drink? You don’t have to make something like that up.”

“No. I’m just telling you the truth. The painting we were talking about, the one on the wall.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“Look at the name of it.”

I walked over to the painting and looked at the sign above it. The painting was titled Aubrey. I was in shock and total disbelief. She wasn’t lying, and I was at a loss for words. I had no clue that she was blind.

“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

“It’s fine. I generally surprise people when I spring it on them.” She smiled.

She had a beautiful smile. One that I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes from.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. Penelope wants to talk to you.” Some guy spoke as he lightly touched her arm.

“Ian, I would like you to meet Ethan Klein. Ethan, this is my best friend, Ian.”

“Nice to meet you, Ian.”

“Likewise, Mr. Klein.”

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