Mareka Goltowsnin had an eye for art. She was an interior designer by profession and loved to visit any and every art do hosted at the Annenberg town center. This time the theme was erotica and renowned painters from all over the world had submitted one oil painting to be put up for display in the art gallery. This was one exhibition she would not miss for anything. She had implored her girlfriend to get back from office early so that she could accompany her to the art do. Unlike her, her girlfriend Serona had no love for art. Serona was a software consultant by profession and an adventurous girl; Surfing was her number one passion apart from racing around town in her Porche Cayman. She had also participated in some illegal street races where she had dragged Mareka to witness her dominance on the racing circuit. She didn't win that day but came second and it was enough of an excuse to bring out the champagne and have wild sex with Mareka in the car.
Today she knew would be a sordid affair as far as she was concerned. She tried to stall when she got back by complementing Mareka on the way she was looking that night. Mareka was wearing an emerald green dress that went down to her knees and she was looking absolutely stunning. She had left her long blonde hair open so that they flopped upto her back. Serona tried hard to seduce her just so that they would be tired enough afterwards and Mareka would change her mind about going. But there was no convincing Mareka. She was hell bet on reaching there in time.
Beaten and Reluctantly Sorena took a quick shower and dressed up in a pant and a plain white shirt which she tucked in, along with loafers.
Seeing the sullen look on her face, Mareka promised to make it up to her later that night.
Finally they were on their way to the art do.
Once they were inside, Serona headed straight for the drinks bar to get them a couple of drinks while Mareka admired the paintings, taking care to scrutinize every single one of them. As she browsed, she came to this one painting that enraptured her. It was of a man and a woman making love in the missionary position but the way the artist had painted it, it stood apart from the other paintings. It looked quite real and so did the expressions on the lover's faces as they made love.
"Exciting isn't it?" said a man standing beside her.
She looked at him and smiled, a little annoyed to be broken out of her reverie.
"I definitely wouldn't use the word exciting for it.. Enrapturing yes.." she said directing her gaze back to the painting.
"I do not think it is that special. There's a Kevin in the row behind us that I quite liked.. but this painting.. it is just 2 people making love in the missionary position.."
Mareka was visibly annoyed.
"You won't get it. The Kevin pales in comparison to this.. See the brush strokes, so masterful.. the expressions of the lovers, captured beautifully, it almost looks real.. It isn't signed.. I would've loved to have met the artist.."
"Oh well stick around then Madame, he is bound to turn up sooner or later" said the man taking a casual sip from the glass of wine in his hand and moving onwards.
Mareka observed him with a scornful look on her face as he moved on. She wondered why these ignorant fools were let into these classy art dos.
Serona soon joined her but she seemed to be bored out of her mind. Mareka took pity on her.
"Tell you what.. why don't you go back home and wait for me, I'll catch a cab.. Keep the bed warm for me ok.."
At first Serona declined but Mareka insisted and finally Serona relented.
Mareka took her time to look at all the paintings that were put up for display.
Once she was done browsing, she headed towards the organizer to ask about the mystery painter. They handed her a brochure and on it at the 17th page she found her mystery painter. It was the same man who had been standing beside her criticizing his own painting. His name.. Sergei Guronovich, one of the most renowned painters of the time. He was based out of Paris and had long dark hair upto his neck and a handsome face with dark brown eyes and an athletic build. Women went weak in the knees at the mere sight of him.
She felt a little embarrassed at the way she had behaved. But then he had led her on.. she tried to locate him to complement him but couldn't find him anywhere. Deciding that he must've left, she decided to head home herself.
As she stepped out of the gallery and headed towards a cab, a limousine came and halted in front of her. The door opened to reveal Sergei who beckoned to her.
"May I be of assistance?"
"Only if you let me apologize for being rude.. you could've told me it was you I was looking for to complement on that magnificent piece of art."
"It is magnificent yes, but not as magnificent as you my dear. May I drop you to wherever it is that you are going.."
Mareka hesitated just for a second and then acquiesced.
It was a half an hour journey to her place from there.
"I have seen some of your other paintings.. I quite adore the one with the doves in it.."
"I agree with you.. I personally think it is my best.." agreed Sergei.
"You do have an eye for these things don't you.. You are an artist in your own right Madame.."
"Please call me Mareka."
"Mareka.. what a beautiful name you have. How I would love to capture your beauty on canvas.."
"You flatter me Sergei.."
"Tell me Mareka, would it be too much to ask you to accompany a simple soul such as I to my humble abode for a nightcap?"
"Much as I would like to Sergei, I'm sorry, I have somebody waiting for me at home.."
Sergei looked crestfallen.
"Oh Ok! Maybe some other time then.. I shall take you straight back to your place.." said Sergei.
"Thank you.. I stay at Mullhoney drive.."
Sergei directed the driver to take them there. He didn't talk much for the rest of the journey. Mareka kissed him good night when they reached and gave him her number.
"Call me and we can meet up.."
That seemed to cheer Sergei up a bit..
He waited till she went inside then drove away. Inwardly Mareka thought of him as such a gentleman. If she hadn't been into women, maybe she would've given him some consideration. Yet there was a slight feeling of attraction within her even at that moment as she stepped into the house; To find the hallway lit with scented candles.