Chapter 626
On the way back, Elaine dozed off, curled up against my shoulder.
Women who make it in investment banking are all fighters, and in Elaine, I saw that unstoppable spiritโthe kind that never stops reaching higher.
That night, after Elaine got back home, she changed into another outfit and headed out again.
The next time I saw Elaine was in class the following dayโshe showed up late.
The first class was all about psychology. I paid close attentionโif I wanted to really understand my clients, I had to learn how to read their minds and figure out what they truly needed.
Time flew by as I studied, and before I knew it, five days had passed. On my day off, I was curled up on the couch with a book when Elaine suddenly pulled out two tickets. โWanna check out an art show?โ
I glanced at the tickets. โIs the artist famous?โ
Elaine shook her head. โNot really, but his style is pretty unique and thought-provoking.โ
I set my book down and nodded. โSure, Iโll go with you.โ
Outside, the rain was falling in gentle streaks, and the feeling of spring had faded. I slipped on a beige coat, swept my hair to one side, and braided it loosely. The woman in the mirror looked laid-back and comfortable.
Elaine flagged down a cab, and we headed off toward our destination.
โI heard this artist is a big hit with kids. His series about girls and the ocean always gets snapped up,โ Elaine grinned as she told me.
โOh, really? Then I should get a book to take home for my daughter. Sheโd probably like it too.โ
When we arrived at the art show, I figured it wouldnโt be too crowded, but it was actually pretty packed.
We stepped through the door and the place was huge insideโa bunch of adorable little girls were everywhere, nearly every one of them clutching a signed artbook, excitedly swapping thoughts about the artwork.
As soon as I stepped in, I was blown away by a huge painting right in front of me. It was a mirrored scene of ice and ocean beneath a deep blue, star-filled sky. I just stood there, wide-eyed, taking it all in for ages.
โMs. Murphy, sorry, you go ahead and enjoy the show. My boyfriend just arrived, so Iโm gonna go meet him. Oh, and by the way, I found you a handsome guy to keep you companyโno need to thank me!โ Elaine tossed that over her shoulder, leaving me by the door as she slipped out.
As I gazed at that painting, all the anxiety swirling inside me just melted away, leaving my mind suddenly calm.
Not wanting to get separated, I waited by the door for Elaine, taking in the other paintings nearby. The artist was truly talentedโhis work was full of contrasts: beauty and ugliness, highs and lows. It was impossible not to get lost in thought as I looked around.
Elaine came back, with her ex in tow and a young guy from the UK. He introduced himself as Davis, all gentlemanly and polite, saying heโd be happy to accompany me through the art show.
I gave Elaine a resigned look, and she just winked back at me.
Even though I hadnโt expected it, checking out the art with a foreign stranger turned out to be a fun little twist in my life. Just like the paintingsโthereโs always something new to discover, whether itโs mountains or oceans.
It was pretty packed, so Davis and I made our way through the crowd. He worked in banking too and was eager to share his thoughts on the nearby paintings and the deeper meanings he saw in them.
We wandered from piece to piece, pausing here and thereโthe vibe between us was relaxed and pleasant.
Suddenly, a few Chinese girls were snapping pictures in front of one of the paintings.
Not wanting to photobomb them, we just hung back and waited nearby.
Suddenly, a warm, big hand quietly reached for mine and gripped my fingers tight.
I was startled and whipped aroundโthere he was, Edward.