Page 41 of The Artist

Chapter12

They walked a few blocks to the mall, and Peter directed her toward an upscale boutique, Annie’s Evenings.

“I looked in the window of that place the last time I was in Denver.That was about two years ago.”

“I know the designer there.She’s very talented, and she’s going to love dressing you.”

Do I really want him to buy me a dress?I don’t want to feel indebted to him or anyone.“You know, I really don’t need a fancy dress.I brought some slacks and a nice blouse.”

“We’re going to Ruth’s Chris Steak House followed by a fund raiser.You need a fancy dress.Trust me on this.”He smiled and held out his hand to her.

She huffed out a sigh and took his hand.When she did, she felt a zing, that same zing she’d felt when they kissed.“All right we’ll see what they have.”

“That’s my girl.So excited about shopping.”He rolled his eyes.“Most women would be ecstatic to shop to their heart’s desire and not pay for a thing.But not you.Why?”

“Because I’ve done this before.Then the man wanted something in return that, I didn’t agree with.”

He nodded once.“Ahh.I am not him.I don’t want anything but a date to the fundraiser and then for you to lie low for a while.Horace will make a mistake.Especially if he believes he’s already won.”

“Do you really believe so?”She’d been living in a panic-free bubble for a few hours and the mention of Horace’s name brought back the turmoil her life was in.She looked at him with hope in her heart.“I want my life back.I want my gallery back.The insurance won’t begin to cover the costs of the paintings and I doubt after this that the artists will be willing to let me have of their work for the new gallery once it’s built.”She covered her face with her hands to keep from crying.Peter would lose all respect for her if she broke down in tears.She had to hang on for a while longer.She dropped her hands and took a deep breath.

“It doesn’t matter.I’ll just build from scratch, like Jim and I did the first time.Hopefully, Horace won’t burn it down again.But…Heather.”She couldn’t stop the sob this time.“No one will ever replace her.She was special, Peter.She understood the artists, and me, too.She made sure we met at a good place and came together on the contracts.I don’t know what I’ll do without her.”

He lifted her chin with a single knuckle.“I’ll always show in your gallery, before any other.When the new place is built, I’ll do a one-man show, if I need to.If they see me there, exclusively, then other artists will come.”

She looked up at him as tears filled her eyes.She refused to let them fall.“You would do that?Why?We hardly know each other.Why would you help me like this?Bringing me to Denver, taking me shopping, and in general trying to take my mind off the entire situation at home.”

He shrugged.“Maybe I like you, and it won’t break me to buy you a new dress.”

She sighed, grateful that he is being rational and calming her.“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.I kind of like you, too.You’re an amazing artist.”

“I’m more than an artist.Besides, I’m not sure I’d be as successful if not for the Ranger’s Walk video games.We’ve turned them into a billion dollar business.My art would not have been seen by millions, if not for those games.”

She pursed her lips and looked to one side.“You might be right.I don’t know but you are phenomenal.You must realize that.”

Peter ignored the comment and looked in the front of the boutique.“Are you ready?”

She took a deep breath.“Okay.I’m ready.”

They walked inside and were greeted by Annie herself.

“Peter!”The woman wrapped her arms around him and laid a big kiss on his mouth.“What brings you to my humble shop?”

He placed an arm around Alexis’s waist.“We need an evening gown and it’s for tonight, so it needs to be something you have available right now.”

Annie frowned.“You know I don’t sell off the rack.”

Peter smiled at her.“Now, Annie.I know you have some beautiful gowns available because of your last show.Maybe even some samples you haven’t shown yet.Miss Armstrong has a lovely figure and should be able to wear any of your gowns.”

Annie pursed her lips as she looked over Alexis.“You are what?A size eight?”

Alexis nodded.“Yes.How did you know?”

“It is my business to know.Now, follow me.”Annie turned toward Peter.“Janine will take care of you while I see to your friend.”

A young blonde woman, dressed in a form-fitting sheath, appeared at Peter’s side.“Follow me, Mr.Kincaid.I’ll get you settled.”She walked toward the middle of the store.

Peter knew from previous experience that there were two Queen Anne chairs with a small table between them, for the men to wait for their ladies.