Note
( The people and places in the story are real . The initial meeting with Robert, Vee and Sam really happened at the art exhibit, but the tryst is fantasy. It was just a canvas to try to paint Vee. Sam really does not want to hand over his wife to anybody, but if she ever went there he's going with her.
PS: This is the first story I've ever tried to write. I enjoyed writing it, although challenging on an IPhone. I tried to make it appealing to to a woman's mind, Vee first, but also indulged a little in the male eye to make it attractive to men also
I hope you enjoy reading it. Comments and feedback are welcome.)
*
The colorful, post card size invitation to the art exhibit and private cocktail party to meet the artist was offered to Mrs. Jensen as a thank you for contributing to the city's historical museum. The artist was one of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of painters known for their landscape paintings. She was locally known as Vee by her close friends and family. The lady, appearing to be in her mid 40s, was by most considered conservative, very attractive and high class. Actually at 56 she was stunning. The only feature of her 5'-6" presence that hinted of her true age was the color of her long, face framing hair. It was primarily silvery platinum, with faint underlights of medium brown left over from her youth. She wore it in a simple yet elegant style at about mid back, slightly above her narrow waist. Mrs. Victoria Jensen extended the invitation to her husband of 37 years as well as to two other couples.
Two weeks later the three couples met in the shady grass parking area of the historical building. As they greeted one another with hugs and hand shakes they noticed but a few automobiles scattered around the well maintained but rustic yard. While checking the invitation to verify the date and location, an attractive woman opened the door from the inside to invite them in. She explained the artist was about to start his presentation on the philosophy and history of his paintings.
As they wove their way through the various display cases of local memorabilia they could see a small gathering of people, maybe about a dozen, begin to circle around a man. The man stood near the table with wine, cheese and crackers along with some fruit.
The artist, striking in appearance, began his introduction. Equally appealing was his voice, smooth and rich. Robert Miller III seemed to enjoy sharing his passion for his work.
Standing a little over 6 feet, his captivating features had everyone's attention. Over the next 1/2 hour Mr. Miller explained the nature of his art and the places he had been to create the paintings. He insisted on actually observing his subject while painting it. He also shared how his work was driven by his personal desire to preserve natural history.
As his talk came to a close he invited anyone to speak with him personally with any questions they might have. He also encouraged the small group to mill around and enjoy the various pieces displayed in the gallery.
After studying most of the art, Sam Jensen, a good looking, tall, angular man, sought out the artist. He introduced himself to Mr.. Miller, and the artist responded "May I call you Sam?"
The two men engaged in conversation about their common experiences exploring various rivers in Florida. While they spoke with each other, Victoria Jensen appeared beside her husband completing the triangle that three form when standing close. Sam caught that moment when Robert first looked at his wife. That slight widening of the eyes while at the same moment a change in stance as when a hunter first spies the trophy he has been looking for.
"Mr. Miller, please meet my wife Victoria. She has been a willing adventurer with me on many river explorations." As the two strangers held out and took each other's hands, the slow handshake took just a bit longer that would be expected. Sam noticed. He also noted while in their brief exchange both seemed to enjoy their introduction.
"This is Robert Miller." said Sam.
"Please address me as Robert, Mrs. Jensen."
"Thank you," was all she could get out before one of her friends called her over get her opinion on one of the smaller paintings.
As the mingling continued, a three man, old country band quietly played. Some while later, Sam and Victoria met back at the wine table where Sam refilled his wife's glass.
"Pardon me for intruding but I was hoping I might find you two together." Robert Miller's smooth, mellow voice permeated. "I have been thinking that soon you will be leaving and I will regret not having asked you this question. Mrs. Jensen, You are a uniquely attractive woman. With your husband's approval, I would like to ask you to allow me to capture how I see you on canvas."
There was a pause while Sam and Robert tried to read her face.
"Of course I would waive all my fees. It's just that you remind me of someone I once knew I thought I would never see the likes of again. There's something about you, maybe your hair, I'm not sure, that inspires me."
Victoria glanced over at Sam to try and read his face and saw a look that was calm and neutral. In that moment she evaluated the compliment but decided not to answer, fearing her attraction to the artist might be revealed. She simply said, "I thought your specialty was landscape, but thank you," with a mild blush.
Others approached Robert as Victoria slipped off to join the friends she had arrived with.
Sam stayed talking with Robert and bought a signed print of a flooded cypress head he thought he had been to before.
After another glass of wine the three couples were moving toward their cars with a plan to meet for dinner, when Vee decided to make a restroom visit before leaving. Now as she departed the ladies room, most of the guest had shifted outside. Robert approached her with a smile and told her how much he had enjoyed meeting her.
"Likewise. I really like your work. Thank you for the display," she replied while turning toward the door.
"Mrs. Jensen, Victoria that is, please take my card which has my email address. Possibly you would consider my offer to paint your portrait. If so, please let me know." Victoria took the card, and intentionally broke the gaze from his coffee colored eyes.
"Good night, Mr. Miller." She walked away quickly to join her group outside.
The three couples went on to a local restaurant, then to their respective homes.
That evening while she was putting a few things away and preparing for bed, she came across the card. Her response to seeing the card and the proposition that came with it, was to throw it in the waste can, which she did.
.............
The next morning while Vee was sitting at her makeup dresser, she noticed the card in the top of the basket. It caused her a slight startle as she visualized the man who had given it to her. Something in the background of her thoughts caused her to retrieve the card. She tucked it into the insurance card section if her wallet.
......................
The following Friday evening Sam and Vee were out with one of the same couples (Will & Lynn) for dinner. Discussion of last week's art exhibition developed. Lynn asked Vee what she thought of the artist and his work. Vee's mind instantly replayed the offer he had made and the feeling she had as Robert Miller handed her his business card.
Again something alerted her not to pick up on this topic so she just said she thought he was interesting and enjoyed his art. But she also thought, "What is it about this man that disquiets me?"
........
During the next week Sam was out late one evening, fishing with a couple of his friends.
Vee started her evening finishing up a romance novel she had started a few days earlier. Then she went through the mail. A new insurance card had been sent so she got out her wallet to put it away. There in the little pocket was the business card of The Highwayman, Mr. Robert Miller.
Again her thoughts went back to his smooth voice and confident eyes when he had offered to paint her portrait, and then to his departing request for her to consider his offer. She took the card and began to enter the email address into her laptop. "What am I doing?" She asked herself as she composed a note.
[Mr. Miller
What would it entail to pose for a portrait?
Victoria Jensen.]
With some fear but also a freeing excitement she pressed the send button. Vee went on with her bookkeeping tasks forgetting about the artist until a chime sounded from her computer signaling an incoming message. You have mail!
Vee opened the incoming mail and went tense, seeing that it was a reply from the Highwayman.
["It entails you saying yes and two or three sittings where I can capture you in various light conditions. These could be at times that conveniently fit your calendar. The first could be brief , maybe 30 to 45 minutes just to try a few settings and snap some photos.
I was very glad to hear from you, Mrs. Jensen and I hope you would send me a couple of dates that would work for our initial sitting.
Thank you M'am
Robert Miller"]
She sucked in a breath and felt some foreign excitement. "Oh no. That was quick. Should I respond? What is it about this man that so unnerves me?" She chose to ignore the message. After about another hour of attempted desk work she realized she could not focus. The Highwayman's fascination kept invading her mind. She checked her calendar.
After the send button was finally touched, the note (having been revised several times) simply said,
["Next Thursday Sept 21 at 3:00 pm is available on my calendar."]
Within 5 minutes the chime announced incoming mail.
["That fits perfectly with my schedule. I have set up a new studio in town. It's above the health food store, was previously occupied by a small construction contractor. I will look forward to seeing you at 3:00 pm.
PS. Please wear your hair the way you did at the art exhibit.
Robert"]
