Page 31 of Colors and Curves
“That’s not what I’m saying. He… we’re sorry we didn’t tell you he uses a pseudonym, but why should we have when at first it was just business? You knew Julius was complicated before you met him. There’s obviously a reason he’s the way he is. The way I am. Look at me.” She points to her body. “I’m covered in tattoos. Do you think I do it for fun?”
I shake my head. For some reason I feel tears forming.
“You’re damn right, no. It’s my way of hiding. Most people have secrets to hide, some bigger or smaller than others, but we hide them in our own ways to protect ourselves.”
Dear God, what happened to them?
“Why are you here? Why areyoutelling me this and not Julius?”
She braces herself on the edge of the desk with her hands. “I’m doing this for him because he has always taken care of me. It’s my turn to take care of him. Meeting you put a crack in his wall. You’ve opened his eyes. No one, and I mean no one, has ever been able to do that before. To hear him talk about a woman the way he talks about you has convinced me that you’re special. Even Chance thinks you’re special. Maybe you’re exactly who Julius needs to pull him from the darkness. He might not be able to see color, but he seems to see your light.”
“So what are you asking of me?” I sit on the edge of the desk.
“Just give the man some time. Don’t walk away from him when you don’t know the full story yet. I know it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible either. We can go back to doing business if you want and pretend this never happened. But it’d be a pity. Because he really likes you. And I like you too.”
That makes me crack a smile. “Thanks, Daisy. But you know, this isn’t easy for me either. I really like your brother… and it’s weird for me to say that. I had begun to think maybe you two were together. You were obviously more than just agent and artist.”
Daisy covers her mouth like she’s going to puke.
“Yeah,” I say. “My thoughts exactly.” We chuckle. “I have my own horrible history with relationships. I’ve been lied to, used, cheated on… This feels like a repeat in the works. You have to know where I’m coming from.”
“In a way I do, but this isn’t about me. It’s about you and Julius. I’m not going to try to influence you, and I know it won’t be easy. Only you know what your heart is saying. Follow your instincts.” She pulls a piece of paper out of her bag and places it on the front desk. “Here’s our address.” My eyes pop open. “Yes, we live together.”
I glance at it. “Why are you giving me this? And is it safe to assume I should ask for Julius Levi? That was never confirmed the other night.”
“Yes, it’s Levi. I’m going away for the weekend. I’m leaving tomorrow morning and won’t be home until late Sunday night. He’ll be home alone. Well, except for Chance, of course. I’ll leave your name at the security desk so they’ll let you up to our penthouse.”Penthouse?“I think it’s what you both need. No interruptions. Try it one more time.”
“I can’t promise anything.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
Chapter 16
Julius
Since when have I had a problem with silence?Never. Until Sky came along. The one I thought would change everything. The light I was never expecting… and now it’s dark again. I could watch her all day long and snap a million pictures. Yes, I know that sounds creepy. But sitting with her at dinner two nights ago was entertaining and gave me a glimpse into who she really is. She talks a lot but not in an annoying way. Intelligence pours from her beautiful mouth. Her background in the arts is amazing.
She has a patchwork family that seems to work well together, and I find myself jealous. In my life, it’s just me and Daisy. No family barbecues to go to or big Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. No one to kiss when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, no friends to travel with, no kids. I live a lonely life. I have Daisy, but she’s gathered a group of friends who are a good influence on her. She’s not dependent on me anymore.
Just being with Skylar a few times has shown me how truly alone I am.
Why don’t Daisy and I travel? I don’t know. She has more friends than I do. She could travel with them, but she doesn’t. Why don’t we take advantage of the money we make? What are we saving it for? Maybe because we had nothing when we grew up, and deep down we’re afraid that it could happen again.
There’s no guarantee I’ll be a successful photographer forever. Just the thought gives me the chills. Photography is my life. How would I live without it?
The doorbell rings, and my shoulders droop. I’m sure it’s Candy from down the hall again. I want to ignore whoever’s there, but I need to move my legs anyway. The doorbell rings again, and my stomach growls. I place my new camera on the living room table and make a mental note to order takeout.
“I’m coming,” I growl. Chance beats me to the door and sniffs. Then he goes ballistic. My heart rate spikes when I look through the peephole. How did she get up here? I open the door immediately, my hand around Chance’s collar.
“Sky! Umm, hi.” Idiot. That rhymed.
Silence ensues, even though Chance is doing everything in his power to jump on her. Warmth gathers within me. Her eyes smolder as they trace my body, then come back to focus on my chest. I glance down and realize I’m wearing only a pair of old jeans. No shirt. I clear my throat and catch her attention.
“Hi, Julius. I’m sorry I’ve come unannounced.” She cracks a smile when she glances at Chance. He whines desperately. Her smile grows. The desire to kiss those dazzling lips is almost beyond my control.
I clear my throat and step to the side. “Come in.”
She walks through the door and I close it. I release my grip on Chance’s collar, and he’s on her in seconds.