Page 47 of The Artist

Peter narrowed his eyes.“I’ll remember you said that since I exhibit my paintings there.”

Obviously, realizing her mistake, Valerie tried to back pedal.“Oh, darling, I wasn’t talking about your work, you must know I adore your paintings.It’s just that she works for a living.How positively primitive of you to bring her.”

“I brought her because I like her, which is more than I can say for you.Good night, Valerie.Don’t think to talk to me again.”He turned toward Alexis and put out is left arm.“Let’s go home.”

She put her hand in the crook of his elbow and couldn’t resist looking back at Valerie.The woman still stood where they’d been.Her mouth was open like she was preparing to say something.Finally, Alexis, waved with her fingers over Peter’s shoulder, then turned back and walked with him to the front of the building.

When they walked out the limo was waiting for them.

Once they were on their way, Alexis realized she hadn’t thought about the gallery in several hours.Lights near the floor provided ambient lighting.She turned to him.“I had a wonderful time tonight.Thank you.”

“Anytime.I mean that.Anytime I can have you in my arms, I’ll take it.”

She looked down as her cheeks heated.“I don’t get to Denver that often, and I don’t know of any balls held in Aspen.”

“We can make our own.”

Alexis smiled.“I think that would be nice.”

After they arrived home, Peter walked her to her room.

“Stay here…in Denver…with me.”He took her hands in his.

Tears filled her eyes as she shook her head.“I can’t, you know this.I have a life in Aspen that I’m not ready to give up.Horace may have beat me this time, but I won’t let him win.That is what I’d be doing if I stayed here.I’m sorry.I’ll stay for the ten days like we planned, but no longer.”She stepped back into the room and closed the bedroom door.Then she walked over to the bed and removed her dress, all the while, tears ran down her cheeks.

Alexis stayedfor the ten days she promised she would.Then she was ready to go home.She found Peter in his studio.She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Peter.”

“Hmm.”

“We need to talk.”

“Okay.”

“Will you turn around and talk to me?”

“I’m listening.”He was painting and in the zone.When he was like that it was hard to get through to him.

“You’re not listening.”She pounded on his back.“Peter, it’s time for me to go home.We told the sheriff we’d only be gone for ten days.It’s been ten days.I’m ready to go home.”

“Okay.”He continued to paint.

Alexis threw her hands up in frustration.“Fine.”She stalked from the room and walked upstairs to pack.

The next morning she went down to the kitchen with her bags.She’d written Peter a note last night and wanted to leave it where it would be found.

Veronica was in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee.

Alexis set down her bag.“Can you spare a cup for the weary?”

She didn’t say anything, just poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Alexis, then she got a spoon and the half-and-half from the fridge, setting them both on the island.

“Aren’t you going to ask me if I’m leaving?”

Veronica shook her head.“You have your luggage, so that you’re leaving is a foregone conclusion.Why isn’t Peter going with you?”

“He’s painting.”