Page 32 of Illusion of Loving

“What did you think of your first day of fashion week?” I ask as I pick up a wine glass.

Her smile is so prominent when she says, “It was everything I thought it would be. I got to meet some incredible designers; the models were stunning. It couldn’t have gone better.” Suddenly, her smile fades. “Did you know the guy with my mom?” She asks.

“Yes, he’s a friend of mine. We have a meeting together in the morning, I don't usually come up to New York for fashion week, but I thought since you were going to be here anyway, I might as well move up the meeting. How your mother knows him, I have no clue. I didn’t tell you this because I didn’t think it was important, but your mother came to my office and told me to stay away from you. Greyson must have told her.”

She sighs deeply, “She’s fucking crazy, she refused to raise me and when I stop entertaining her, she gets mad. What did you say?”

“Basically, it was not her business, and I would not persuade you to talk to her,” I explain, setting the one glass back down.

Taurus nods, “Good cause I’m not. I can’t believe he was still talking to her. After he had the nerve to chew me out about being at your house. After our breakup, he was still talking to that evil bitch. He knows how she abused me as a kid, and he still slept with her multiple times. There’s just no forgiving that. They deserve each other.”

The pain in her voice was startling and I didn’t know whether to comfort her or distract her. How could anybody not want this woman? A woman with so much to offer. “You don’t need to worry about them.” I hold up her hand and bring it to my lips. “I will fill your life with so much bliss you won't even remember that we are in the same world. Let's just focus on our date.”

“Date? This is a date? Like our first date? Like as in we are dating?” She stammers, adorably.

“I’m sorry, should have slipped you a note that says, ‘Do you like me; check yes or no?’.” I snort.

“Yeah, smartass you should’ve.” She giggles, playfully pulling her hand away. I call up the waiter and ask for a pen and napkin. Taurus is giggling up a storm at the fact that I’m writing this out. “You’re so annoying.” She snorts into her hand.

When I finish, I slip her the paper and pass her the pen. She makes these dramatic faces emphasizing that she’s thinking hard about it. “Decisions...decisions. This is a hard one.” She sighs sarcastically.

“I’m not trying to convince you, but I do know how to make perfect espressos and I feel like that is vital in a partner. Since you happen to drink coffee every day.”

She strokes her chin, “Doesn't the espresso machine do that?” She narrows.

“Yes, but the espresso machine can’t push its buttons, can it?” I smugly reply.

“You make a valid point.” I close my eyes as she checks a box. When my eyes open, I turn them around and see that she checks ‘no.’

“You picked ‘no’ after the emotional case I presented to the court.” Sarcasm dripped off my statement as I dramatically act shocked.

“You’re cute. I would love to continue going on dates with you.” She taps her lips and I lean in and devour those soft, plump lips.

Taurus

Sitting in the restaurant, I can see the women around staring at Ru. It gives a bit of an ego boost to know that they are looking at this gorgeous man andheis looking atme.

“Have the police called with any news?” I ask.

Ru fixes his cufflinks, “They are saying they don’t have any leads, and haven’t found any evidence pointing towards anyone…”

I blinked a couple of times, “Are you serious, how?”

Ru runs his fingers through his hair. “I think they were paid off.”

But who would want to burn my house down that has that kind of money to silence the police? That’s if that was even what happened. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

We get the check and get in the car. I realize after we pass the hotel that we are not going back just yet. “Ru, where are we going?” I ask, pulling on the sleeve of his jacket.

“I’m opening an art gallery here. It’s not finished yet, but I wanted to show you what the space looks like before my pieces go up.” His fingers tap on the glass happily.

The drive wasn’t too far. The entrance was beautifully set with cascading fountains and beautiful hedges filled with flowers. It took my breath away and we hadn’t even made it inside yet. We walk up the stairs leading to the entrance and then Ru opens the door. The walls were black with gold accents through the furniture and decoration.

“What do you think?”

Ru sits on one of the couches and holds his arms out for me to sit on his lap and lie back into his chest. “It’s beautiful, what type of art will you put out? When will it be open?”

He puts a finger to his lips and winks, “You’ll have to wait like everyone else.” His lips connect with my cheek, and I glare.

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