Wade Tyler was a self-made millionaire. He was given a tip on investing in a new discovery in the art world. An authentic Vermeer had been discovered that hadn't been seen since before World War II. He had the opportunity to own a percentage of it. He had come to New York City, to see it in person and meet with the art broker.
On his way to the offices, his attention was drawn by a stunning woman. He drew in to the back of the group she was talking to just to study her more. She was talking to a school group about a Van Gogh work. She was tall. She had a beautiful complexion, beautiful features and strawberry blond hair that was pulled up into a chignon. She was dressed as though she was on a fashion runway. She wore a grey-silver blouse under a short, tailored jacket and a pencil skirt of kiwi green. To complete the look, she wore silver high heeled pumps that gave her a sophisticated all together look.
As she was gestured to the texture in the painting, he noticed that she did not wear a wedding ring. Single, sophisticated, beautiful. That was just his type. She had a cultured voice, but also a playful nature that appealed to the school group in front of her. At the end of the short lecture, the woman indicated that the children should follow their guides down to the museum classroom where they would be experimenting with Van Gogh techniques.
The curator of the museum and the art broker found him in this wing and shook his hand. Niceties were exchanged and Wade had the chance to ask about the woman. That is Nicole Moreau, our educational director. Wade knew the curator and so he asked to be introduced to Nicole as a curator who was looking to broaden the scope of his museum programs. Mr. Turner looked at him discerningly and agreed to do so.
"Nicole isn't going anywhere. But you need to see the Vermeer before someone else decides to invest before you do." They took Wade down to a climate-controlled vault where such pieces were stored. The work was stunning. It was a woman letting her hair down looking into the mirror. "Can I see the authenticating paperwork?"
Wade knew of the authenticator and his broker had vouched for the work. Alright, I'm in on the condition that you get me a lunch date with Ms. Moureau. Request her to go to lunch with me to share her program with me. The curator said, "Yes, we can do that. It's not an unusual request."
The three men rode the elevator back to the main floor where the curator, Mr. Turner, sought out Nicole and requested that she go to lunch with Mr. Tyler. Nicole grabbed her coat and threw it over her arm. She walked over to Mr. Tyler with her curator. "Mr. Tyler, I'd like to introduce you to our Educational Programs Director, Nicole Moureau."
"Ms. Moreau it is so very nice to meet you. I was brought to town suddenly and I am sorry to burden you with such a hasty request, but Mr. Turner assured me that you would be able to go to lunch with me to give me an overview of your programs."
"Very nice to meet you as well. I'd be happy to go to lunch with you."
"Perfect. Gentlemen, if you'll excuse us. I trust you to wrap up what we have discussed and get the papers to me to sign?"
The broker said that he certainly would. As they reached the doors, Wade took Ms. Moureau's raincoat from her arm and held it for her to put on. His car circled around and drove them to a very posh restaurant.
As Wade studied the menu, Nicole studied him. He was tall with an athletic build, handsome, well mannered, and well dressed. Once they ordered, Wade asked for an overview of her programs.
She was very thorough in giving him a very logical overview of her work. She was also extremely articulate. He asked obvious questions that she was happy to answer and elaborate on. He was charmed by her. When their food was brought to the table, Wade said, "I insist that we cease talking about work and enjoy our meals."
This was his opportunity to turn the conversation to a personal level. As Wade ate, he asked Nicole how long she had been at the museum. Nicole said she was hired directly after grad school eight years ago. "Did you grow up in New York?"
"No, I'm from the Midwest. I'm afraid I have a very middle class background."
"Why are you afraid? So do I. I grew up in Boston to an engineer and homemaker."
"Well, you wouldn't know it to look at you."
"Nor would I guess your humble beginnings."
Over lunch they discovered that they had several things in common: a love of the orchestra, classic rock, home cooking, art, dogs and power walking. "Ms. Moureau, I don't know anyone in town. Would you like to accompany me to the orchestra tonight? You would be doing me a favor."
"Well, under those circumstances, it would be inhospitable not to."
"Give me your address and I'll pick you up at 6:30"
"Wonderful, I will be out front of my building then. Mr. Tyler. Thank you for a lovely lunch."
"I should be thanking you. Not only were you generous enough to educate me on your programs, but you have provided a charming lunch companion and a kindred soul with whom to go to the orchestra. The car should be out front. I'll take you back to the museum."
At 6:20, Nicole stood in front of her building in a white halter pant suit with a dark grey cape. The car pulled up, Wade got out and ushered her into the car. Traffic was starting to get bogged down and she was glad that they had started out early.
At the performance hall, Wade helped Nicole out of the car. He escorted and sheltered her from the pressing crowd. He was able to move them to a wall and protect her within his arms which he braced against the wall on either side of her. She had never been protected like that before.
He smelled good and his suit was of excellent quality. He was closely shaved and his hair was neat, but not too conservative. His eyes were a silver blue and his lips were finely sculpted. She couldn't imagine being out on a date with him. He was extremely out of her league.
She was gorgeous. She had a vintage comb in her hair to hold her chignon. She wore simple white pearl earrings. Her eyes were greenish brown and her lip color was a coppery peach color. He wondered if he kissed her would her lips taste like peaches. Slow down, you are a businessman who hasn't been out with a woman in two years. She is way out of your league.
Once they found their seats, they talked as they waited for the concert to start. "How long will you be in town?"
"I'm not certain yet. I still have some business to attend to."
"Nicole, I didn't ask you. Do you have a significant other?"
"No. I am not seeing anyone at this time. I go out dancing with friends sometimes. But I don't meet any quality men at night clubs of course. And the only quality men I meet at the museum are married. Are you attached?"
"No, business has me traveling quite a bit. Quite frankly, I haven't had time for relationships since I was building my career. But, I'm finally at a place, where I can delegate and stay in one place. I would like to meet someone that makes that an attractive prospect."
"And that one place would be Boston?"
"Not necessarily. On that, I am flexible."
The lights were dimming and the curtain was raised.
A larger man and his companion filled the seats to Nicole's right. To preserve her personal space she leaned toward Wade. Wade lowered the armrest to allow her closer. She was in fact, pressed up against him. She felt a thrill at the arrangement. Wade was glad that the hall was dark so she couldn't see his excitement at their close proximity.
A while later, Nicole excused herself and left her seat. After a minute, Wade followed. He found her outside of the entrance to their section. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just needed some air. I've had a long day and I just felt light-headed."
"Of course you have. I should have known you would be tired. Come on, let's go relax. I know someplace nearby."
They walked down the street to the first hotel. It was posh. In the lobby, Wade turned to her and said, "We can have a drink and whatever else you wish in the lounge. Or you can come up to my room and talk with me in comfort. I promise nothing will happen that you don't wish."
She looked at him doubtfully.
"Nicole, I would not endanger my relationship with your curator or the art broker. You have my word."
"Do you have any aspirin in your room? I have a headache."
"Come on up. We'll order room service. They should be able to locate some aspirin."
"I feel silly, perhaps I should just get a taxi back to my place."
"If you wish to go home, I will take you in my car. But, let me at least feed you. The food here is very good whether you eat it in the restaurant or your room."
"I'm sorry, I'm putting you to too much trouble. Let me just get a taxi home."
Wade motioned her to sit on one of the sofas in the reception area. "Nicole, have I done something wrong?"
"What? No, of course not."
"Then come on. Let's continue enjoying each other's company. If you think it would help, take a shower while we wait for the food. There are robes provided by the hotel. You can curl up on your end of the sofa and relax."
"After the day I've had, that sounds divine."
