Chapter 111 - brushes with fame

Lawrence's POV

I practically floated through Andre's studio doors, buoyed by an intense wave of inspiration.

The abstract piece I had poured my heart into this morning seemed to pulse with life forces of its own, colors and textures still dancing across my inner eye. I couldn't wait to show my enigmatic mentor how his lessons were already bearing fruit.

Andre turned from arranging bouquets along the sun-drenched windows, eyebrows lifting as he spotted my concealed canvas. "Well, someone could not stay away it seems! What have you brought to show me, little star?"

With suddenly shy hands I unveiled the intensely personal painting depicting Lawrence and I tangled passionately against an impasto background of shadow and light. Viewing it here outside our private haven made me feel unexpectedly exposed, nerves jangling. Would he discern too much of my soul woven bare across the layers of paint?

"Mon dieu," Andre murmured, angling the canvas to catch the warm light. He traced the textures