Harold must have started on breakfast right away, because when she finally came out of her room, the kitchen was full of her favorites. He'd cooked up french toast, pancakes eggs and bacon. He also seemed to have ordered in a few things, chocolate chips pancakes from BuVu, caramelized cinnamon buns from Katos and a dozen coconut candy cupcakes from Oshi. He had gone overboard! Once again she knew something was up. He was no doubt trying to butter her up.
She snagged a cup cake then walked around the condo until she found him. He was in his room, standing in front of a full length mirror. He was fully dressed, wearing a fancy suit. He kept adjusting his tie. This did not bode well. Her brother did not wear suits!She'd mocked him when he bought one, saying he'd never use it. Now here he was checking himself out, she saw him adjust his hair and realized he'd styled it. He looked in the mirror a few more times and then finally saw her glaring at him.
He smiled at her in the mirror and said, "Good, you're up. Did you see I got breakfast?"
"What happened!" she demanded.
"Well, good morning to you too! How did you sleep?"
She waited with her arms crossed and he sighed finally responding, "Something great has happened!"
"Like what?" She said not buying it for a second. He did not act like this when something 'great' happened.
"You know the gallery you just finished."
"Yes." She said slowly.
"Well someone came in last night and bought the whole lot."
"Someone...as in one person bought all the paintings." said Genoa. She shifted her gaze, thinking she only knew of one person who would do such a thing. Before she could further the thought, her brother rushed up to her, and grasped hold of the sides of her arms.
"This is a good thing Genoa! You're getting popular! Just this once, drop the suspicion and be happy. We sold all the paintings, we're rich!"
"We are already rich." said Genoa sullenly.
"Richer then," said Harold. He lifted her chin with his index finger.
He smiled down at her and she sarcastically said "Wow wee,"Again, she had a bad feeling about this.
Harold let out a light sigh but was in too good of a mood, to let her take him down. He over- looked her sarcasm and responded with joy, "Wow wee indeed!"
He left his room then and she followed him asking. "Why the fancy digs?"
"Can't I look nice? You got all those dresses yesterday. Maybe I wanted to look good too."
"Right." she said skeptically.
He went into the kitchen and grabbed a plate. He put some chocolate-chip pancakes on it and then some sticky buns. She watched him go to the fridge and grab some milk as there was a buzz at the door. She moved, going over to the monitor. Someone was in the elevator and had stopped on their floor. A man in a suit with tiny glasses. "Who is that?"
Harold put the plate of food on the table with the milk and then came over to take a look, "That should be Mark,"
"Who is Mark?" asked Genoa never having heard of him before.
"A friend," said Harold.
"You don't have any friends,"
"Harsh," he said.
"It's true. Where has he been all my life?"
Harold sighed, "Okay, he's not a friend. He works with our manger, Micky. I need to go out for an hour or so and he'll keep you company."
"Where are you going?" she quickly asked.
"Where do you think?" he said.
She shrugged and he messed up her hair, "The bank we just sold all our paintings. I need to transfer some money and make sure it's all sorted,"
"Doesn't Mick usually do that?" asked Genoa as her brother pushed the button to let Mark onto their floor.
"Yes but it was such a big order that things are a little different this time."
"Really," said Genoa. She didn't believe him for a second. "Can I come?"
"No, I just told you, you're gonna chill with Mark." said Harold he moved to go answer the front door and she followed close behind him. She wasn't going to let this drop.
"Since when do you suddenly leave me alone with strangers?" she pointed out.
He let out a heavy sigh and she could tell she'd gotten to him. He paused."This...going to the bank is important. It's a one time thing. I'm gonna be in and out before you know it. And I know you, you'll get bored and wander off or distract me and I'll need to focus."
"I can focus too! Who made all those paintings!" she said. "I focus just fine when I need to."
"Genoa," groaned Harold, "I don't have time for this! Why can't anything ever be simple with you? I need to go to the bank that's it! Why does it always need to be some big conspiracy? Can't you just eat your awesome breakfast...go swimming, play games or maybe paint and start working on the next gallery."
Harold started walking again and went to the front door. He opened it and Mark came in.
"Hi, I'm Mark" he said looking at Harold and then Genoa. She saw how he looked at her with an edge of worry. She wondered what her brother told him about her.
"Hello Mark, I'm Harold and this is Genoa," said Harold. He patted Genoa's shoulder.
"Nice to meet you," said Mark. He gave Genoa a friendly smile.
"Feel free to grab something to eat and don't let her get on your nerves," said Harold.
"Okay," said Mark. He looked even more worried.
Genoa was reminded of the babysitters Harold used to hire, when she was younger. She really didn't like this. She wasn't a kid anymore. He needed to get that through his thick skull. Genoa grabbed onto her brothers arm and yanked him back from the door. She whispered in his ear "I'm twenty-two I don't need a babysitter. If you need to go to the bank great, but I'm fine on my own!"
"I know that. I know that, this is just sudden and it's been a while, if the bank runs long or there are any mistakes it might take me longer then I planned."
"Harold!" she said. This didn't make any sense, yesterday he'd seemed like he wanted to just stay inside forever and now he was leaving her with a stranger and running off to...'the bank.' She had strong doubt about this. He was probably rushing so that the truth wouldn't come out.
"You have my number," Harold said pulling from her. He looked at his watch and then said, "I have to go, sorry I made an appointment with a bank manager to maybe open another account."
He quickly grabbed a large bag he'd already packed and then went to the door, "I love you be good, you have my number." said Harold this time he looked to Mark as he said it.
Mark nodded and then Harold went into the entry, shutting the door behind him. Genoa stood there for a while and then turned to inspect this Mark! She looked him over closely, suspiciously, "So Mark. Just where did my brother find you?"
He swallowed. "I work in the mail room."
"I don't need a babysitter you know," said Genoa
"Well... I'm not a babysitter," he said, "I thought we were just gonna hang out?"
"Hmm. Well, that depends Mark." said Genoa.
"On?" asked Mark.
She eyed him suspiciously, "What do you think of shadows?"
He looked off to the side like he was thinking and then quickly said "Don't like um one bit nope. Not a shadow man myself. I much prefer to go without bright light all the way"
Genoa nodded...clearly he had been coached by her brother but he didn't take her for the shadow man. Something about him seemed green. He looked like he had no idea what he was doing here. Good!
"Alright Mark, maybe we can work something out."
"What?" he said clearly uncertain.
***
They were late! He could not stand to wait. He was always early. In this case he'd come two hours early...just in case she was early. It was always better to have the advantage when meeting someone. Last time she'd surprised him, coming up from behind him, this time he'd be ready for her. He picked a table where he could watch the door and waited for her arrival.
The plan was simple, they'd meet up here, maybe have a cup of coffee, discuss her paintings and then his custom order. Slowly he'd work up rapport with her. They would go back to her place. He would get access to her condo. Once inside, he'd place a few hidden cameras just so he wouldn't have to wait and wonder what she was doing this entire time. They'd have a nice long conversation, maybe he'd watch her paint. Eventually he'd probably have to leave but he'd make arrangements to meet again soon, perhaps tomorrow or even later tonight and from there-
"They're late," said Esma, finally noticing. She was sitting at the table with him and Grady.
"You really don't need to be here," said Grady annoyed.
"No you're the one who doesn't need to be here," said Esma. "I am the one who made all the arrangements,"
"I could have made them just the same," said Grady.
Jesep sighed they'd been going back and forth all morning, ever since they'd appeared at his front door. He took a sip of his coffee and allowed them to keep arguing. He was in too good of a mood to be brought down by anything right now. He looked at his watch and saw they were now ten minutes late. He groaned but kept his eyes on the door.
It opened a moment later and he perked up seeing Harold walk in. Jesep nearly tore his sunglasses off looking for Genoa. He saw her dim witted brother look around, but he didn't see her... she wasn't with him! He quickly furrowed his brow, frustrated. He was so frustrated he didn't notice Esma and Grady exchanging glances.
A moment later, Esma practically jumped up from her seat. She shuffled up to Harold and called out to him. "Harold!"
Harold turned and seemed surprised to see her, "Ah...Esmay is it?"
"Esma," corrected Esma.
Jesep tilted his head, curious. Did the two know one another? Why had Esma failed to mentioned this? Harold smiled at her and Jesep could see he was clearly attracted to her.
"It's so nice to see you again," said Esma, "You look really nice, is this a new suit?" She reached out, putting her hand on Harold's chest.
"Ah, sort of. It's nice seeing you again as well." said Harold. He lingered on her for a moment before seemingly recalling just why he was here. "Uh, oh sorry, but I sort have something going on right now. I'm here to meet someone." He paused then quickly added, "For business, its a business thing."
"Oh yes, well that would be me," said Esma. She gave him a flirtatious smile.
"What?" Harold said confused.
Without warning she grasped hold of Harold's hand and pulled him along. Jesep raised an eyebrow and watched as he just let her. He would never let a woman lead him around. Esma brought Harold over to the table and said. "This is my boss, Mr. Jesep Zian, and his assistant Grady Jabsin"
"Hello," said Harold, he seemed even more confused, if it was possible. He shook Grady's hand first then moved to shake Jesep's.
Jesep let Harold's hand hang in the air. He had no intention of shaking it. The idiot had been given clear instructions and had failed to follow through. Jesep crossed his arms and asked, "Where is Genoa?"
"I'm sorry, have we met?" asked Harold taking a step back. He looked at Jesep but clearly didn't know who he was. To be fair it had been a few weeks, and they'd only briefly met. Yet it was all Jesep could think about. Those few minutes...those few minutes in that stupid elevator with her. Once again he replayed them in his mind.
"Sorry, we were told we would meet Apature," said Esma, trying to soften the situation.
"I am Apature," said Harold looking at her. Clearly he was lying all three could tell.
"You." said Esma hesitantly, "We were told it was your sister, Genoa,"
Harold's mouth opened and then closed, he looked at Jesep and then Grady before looking back to Esma. He looked panicked before he sputtered "I don't know who told you that but it's me, just me. I am the artist known as Apature." He looked solely at Jesep, "Thank you for buying all my paintings, in my latest gallery, Mr. Zian. You said you wanted something special, just tell me what you want and I'll see what I can do. You seem to be familiar with my art but just in case, I brought some examples of what I can do" Harold motioned to a bag he was carrying.
Clearly from the way he went on, he'd no doubt practiced this spiel. He should have practiced lying better "You're a poor liar Harold," said Jesep. "I know you're not the artist. I paid good money and I expect to get my money's worth."
"I- I,"sputtered Harold clearly caught off guard.
"Harold," said Esma. She grabbed his arm squeezing it so he'd look at her, "We don't mean to press you here. We are just such fans of Apature,"
"As I said, I am Apature," said Harold holding his ground.
They were getting nowhere, "May we see your studio?" asked Grady, finally speaking.
Jesep looked at him. There was an angle, "Yes, may we see your studio, where you work?
"My studio, uh well it's very private. I... I-one of the reasons I'm so private is because I don't like to be watched when I work."
"Yes. well, for a two million dollar painting I think you can make an exception," said Jesep.
Grady stiffened and Esma gave Jesep a look. It was a lot of money but it wasn't often something consumed him so.
"Two million dollars, excuse me?" said Harold. He rubbed his mouth and then said, "You- You can't be serious. You want to pay me two million dollars...for one painting?"
"I am very serious, Harold. I am a very serious person. I have an eye for investments. I have chosen to invest in a one of a kind piece from Apature. A million dollars when we meet the real Apature and I express my ideas. And one million on her completion of my piece."
"I well I- WAIT! How do you know my name?" asked Harold.
He just now realized. Truly this man was an idiot and she was in his care. He'd remedy that. The two million dollars wasn't for the painting. No he smiled thinking it was for her. He'd get her, just like he got her paintings. The idea sent a surge of utter joy to Jesep's heart as he responded "I'm you're neighbor in the penthouse."
Harold looked at him closely and then his eyes lit up, "We… have met before."
"Yes." said Jesep plastering a smile on his face.
"I-How did you find out about Apature?" asked Harold, finally realizing the jig was up.
"Mr. Zian is a very powerful man, he has many connection." said Grady
"Connections you might make working with him," added Esma.
"I- well I'm sorry but this." Harold looked like he needed to sit down. Esma pulled out a chair for him and he took it. He ran a hand over his face and through his hair, clearly he hadn't planned for this possibility "This is-The situation-I'm sorry, I've never done something like this before. Apature was never suppose to be "known" I went to great lengths to make sure of that."
"Yes." said Jesep. Clearly Harold was an idiot but whoever he had hired wasn't.
"You see, my sister she's well... fragile since the death of our parents and little brother."
"I see," said Jesep, feigning sympathy. "I am sorry for your loss."
"Thank you. It was a while ago, but she was just so young, when it happened and she was with them at the time. She just never really recovered. I know the things she paints are rather uh dark and provocative but she's not like that at all, I just, I try to keep things at home simple and separate. I hope you can understand."
"I understand," said Jesep.
"Then you can see why I can't let you meet with her." said Harold.
Jesep froze for a moment, air escaped his mouth. He refused to give the possibility of never seeing Genoa again a second thought, "Well, I-" Jesep was stumbling all over himself. He adjusted his shoulders and puffed out his chest, trying to control himself so that he could control the situation. "While I understand her situation, there has to be something we can work out here. Perhaps you can discuss the matter with her further, get her used to the idea of meeting me again. You could re-introduce us at your place. She'd be in her environment, her element so to speak. There would of course be no pressure. We could have several small meets, let her get used to me before we even discussed my custom piece. I just would really like to see her paint. I truly admire her...talent,"
"I can tell," said Harold with a chuckle. "But I'm sorry, I just don't know. I'll have to think about it. I might be able to discuss something with her but well, maybe a phone call or a video chat in a a few months. Maybe something like that could work."
It took everything for Jesep not to explode…a phone call, a fucking video chat? TWO MILLION DOLLARS AND IT WOULD BE A FEW FUCKING MONTHS! It had already been a few weeks. He was nearly at his wits end. She was all he could think about...all he could think about! HE JUST WANTED TO FUCKING SEE HER AGAIN! HE JUST WANTED TO TALK TO HER! SHE WAS HIS! HIS! HE WASN'T GOING TO LET ANYONE KEEP THEM APART- Jesep rapidly blinked, catching himself. What was that? She was his...he wasn't going to let anyone keep them apart? What was going on with him?
"Are you okay?" asked Esma seeing his distress.
Grady quickly turned to him. "Sir,"
"I...uh," He was not okay. He was losing his fucking mind over some stupid bitch. He quickly masked his distress. "Sorry, I'm just a little excited," he chuckled.
Esma looked to Grady and this time he saw it. There was a knowing glance between them. He found it rather strange.
"Alright then," said Harold, oblivious to it all. "I'll have a talk with her."
"You know." said Esma, sitting down next to Harold. She took his hand and got up close and puffed up her chest, "I could help you talk to her. I'm good at talking to others…"
Harold blushed, his eyes drifting about the room as to not look at her chest. Clearly he wanted her. It must have been a while. Maybe he was even a virgin, the way he was letting her paw all over him. Clearly he had no defined boundaries that came with experience. Though Jesep had to admit once Esma sunk her claws in, or rather her mouth, she could be quite alluring.
Harold swallowed and then tried to get back on task, "Uh...well, it's okay. I can talk to her. We talk all the time. But it might help to know what you had in mind for your piece. She's never really done a custom order before. It might give her some time to come up with a few concepts for you."
"I'd prefer to speak with her in person. It's more of a feeling really. I'd like to see what she comes up with in that moment."
"Oh well, alright. Does Mick have a number we can reach you at?"
"Yes," said Grady. "And for you," He handed Harold Jesep's business card.
"Thanks," said Harold taking it, "I can't promise you anything, though,"
"I understand," sad Jesep. He didn't. He was offering two million dollars and this mother fucker was still blocking his access. He considered a higher number then pushed the thought from his mind. He needed to get out of here and sort himself out. "Just please, day or night, if she is up for it, give me a call. I'll just be upstairs,"
"Yeah," said Harold, "I suppose you do just live upstairs," They all chuckled.
Then Jesep got up and Grady joined him, Esma smiled but stayed seated, "I hope you don't mind. I'm just gonna hang around for a little while, is that okay?"
"Fine," said Jesep, barely holding it together with a shit eating grin on his face, "That's fine! Nice meeting you again, Harold."
Jesep didn't wait for Harold to respond, he quickly left the coffee shop with Grady in toe. As soon as they were out of sight of the coffee shop, Jesep grimaced. He clutched his chest feeling his heart pound.
Grady stepped up close to him, "Are you sure you are okay?"
If he were anyone else Jesep would have lied, "I...I don't know,"
"You seemed tired," said Grady, "Have you been sleeping much?"
"No," said Jesep admittedly.
"That must be it," said Grady, "Why don't I clear today's schedule and you get some rest. Who knows maybe Esma will be able to do something about this matter."
Jesep looked at Grady. He had hated Esma more than Jesep had when they'd first met her. Yet now he was thinking she might help them? Perhaps they had worked something out or maybe Grady had fallen for her charm. No, Esma wasn't his type, for one she was a woman. Just what was going on? Maybe Jesep was over thinking this...he was tired, he had only gotten a few hours of sleep here or there over the last few days, perhaps it would be best to take the day and rest.
"Yeah, that sounds good." said Jesep. He'd rest, clear his head and calm down.
Jesep looked around. He wasn't that far from his building. He turned and started to walk home, Grady followed after him, quickly offering "Let me drive you, sir...it looks like rain,"
There wasn't a cloud in the sky but Jesep was too exasperated to argue with him. He waved his hand "Fine, whatever...whatever." Whatever was going on with him needed to stop…he needed to see her again and soon.
|
