Book II - 57

AUDREY

“I don’t remember agreeing yet, Gabriel,” I said.

“I wasn’t waiting for you to agree because you will, eventually. She flew here from Rome for this,” he explained.

Oh, how convenient.

“Don’t worry, Audrey,” she said so softly. “He’s exaggerating. I’m here too because my boyfriend has an overseas project in Manhattan.”

Boyfriend. The woman had a boyfriend. I didn’t know how but the pricking in my chest slightly loosened. Phew!

“Honestly, I’m very excited to see you,” Francesca went on. “Gabriel has never asked me to do this for him before. When he told me he wanted a painting of someone, I was astonished, but now that I see you, I understand why.” The pleasant smile on her face remained, and I was slightly embarrassed at myself for the coldness I gave her. Then again, did I misunderstand the situation?

“Why do you say so?” I asked.

“But I’m more curious how Gabriel asked you to pose for him.” She answered differently and chuckled.

“What’s so complicated about that?” Gabriel s