“Yes, sir.”
“Have you done any shows?”
“No, I haven’t. I’ve been trying to get my work out there, but it’s tough unless you know people in the industry.”
“Well, it just so happens that I own a gallery in Charlotte.”
“You do?” she asked, sounding so surprised and excited.
Michael continued to draw her in, even promising to look at her artwork. He began to make plans with her as he eyed Rose over. As a friend of Pina’s men, Mercury felt compelled to warn her off. That was what he told himself as he absorbed her beauty, her innocence, and her naiveté as Michael pulled out his cell phone and asked for her number.
“Michael, are you at your old tricks again?” Mercury asked, joining the conversation. He towered over Michael and glanced at Rose, whose eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed. He couldn’t help but feel relieved about that. So strange.
“Mercury, good to see you,” Michael said and put away his phone as he shook Michael’s hand. Someone else came over to the bar for a martini and Rose began to make it but she looked a little worried. Was she hoping Michael did have pull? Hell, her work was incredible. Maybe he should tell Michael to seriously look at her paintings. A break like that could make her professional career.
“I was just speaking to this beautiful young lady about her artwork. She’s a painter,” Michael said and stared at Rose as he licked his lips, but Rose was looking right at Mercury. Mercury held her gaze and those gorgeous green eyes of hers.
“I know she is. I’ve seen her work and it is amazing. You would be a fool not to take her seriously.”
Michael looked back at Mercury and squinted his eyes as Rose’s cheeks turned pink and she looked away and wiped down the bar.
“Is that so? I thought you were more interested in rare works of art and not up and coming artists.”
“I purchase what catches my eyes, Michael, and her stuff calls to me,” he said. Rose glanced up to lock gazes with Mercury. Michael chuckled.
“Ah, I understand. Well, Rose, it was a pleasure meeting you. Here’s my card. Give me a call this week and maybe we can plan on you stopping in with some samples of your work or I could swing by your studio.”
“Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence,” she said and shook his hand but Michael took hers and brought it to his lips and kissed the top. Rose blushed again. When Michael walked away Mercury watched her watch Michael leave and then place the card in the front pocket of her white blouse.
“I’d be careful if I were you. Michael pulls that card often.”
She squinted at him, looking up as he stood by the bar. She was short, maybe five-foot-three, four tops. He was six-four and towered over most men just like his brothers did.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean he may make promises, pretend to be interested in your work to get close to you.”
She squinted at him. “Seriously? God, men can be such scum. Jesus,” she said and pulled out the card, ripped it up and tossed it into the garbage.
“Did you need a fresh drink, Mr. James?” she asked him and he smiled at her.
He looked around them.
“Coke, please.”
“You mean rum and Coke?”
“No, just Coke but put a lime in it so it looks like rum and Coke,” he told her and she gave a nod and made the drink.
“What, do you bartend on the side or something?” he asked her.
She swallowed hard and looked nervous. “Sometimes if my friend is in a jam, like tonight.”
“I figured it was something like that. You must be super busy with your art and keeping up with sales. Are you set for any other gallery events?” he asked and took a sip from his drink.
She opened her mouth to respond and then she shook her head.
“It’s been slow. I was hoping Michael was serious about looking at my work. I could use some exposure.”
“You were at that event at the museum and school.”
“Only one painting sold during the silent auction. Nothing else did. I mean other things were there and didn’t sell so maybe people just weren’t buying. I don’t know. I may be doing more jobs like this one,” she said. He squinted his eyes and she quickly added, “So how are you enjoying the party?”