"Yes, you do. You were enamored by her, and it clouded your judgement."
"Bianca, do you really believe that you have the right to discuss my personal life with me?" My voice is louder, and I'm pissed off, but not at her. At myself.
"I'm sorry, Sir. It's none of my business."
My heart flutters when she sayssir, just like Emily did last night but for a different reason. It brings back memories of me wanting to punish Emily by smacking her ass.
"It's okay, Bianca. I don't normally mix business with pleasure, but Emily caught me unawares. She is going to be coming here with the painting that I bought, and I want her to paint the view out of my window. I want to see if when I'm sit at my desk as well as when I lean against the window, which you know I do so often during the day."
"Yes, Mr Hartfield, do you want me to call her and arrange her visit?"
"No, I'll do it. I need to apologize for last night, I was a little...." I take a breath. "A little over presumptuous."
She laughs. "Okay, Mr Hartfield, I will get back to business. Let me know when you’re ready for your next coffee." She hangs up the call. Bianca has been with me for years and I know that I should be very grateful, but I wonder if it makes her think she can discuss anything with me. I will need to keep an eye on that.
After standing at the window looking out, I remove my cellphone from my pocket, and I call the number I've wanted to call a hundred times since last night.
"Good morning, Alexander," Emily says as she answers the call after three rings. "What can I do for you today?"
"You don't sound hungover; did you not stay out late last night?
"No, I only wanted to socialize with them to get to know them better for the art circuit. I got what I needed so I left not long after you did." I can hear her breathing through the phone.
"I'm calling to find out when you're free to bring my painting and also when you can start work on my view." I look out and look to the ground, wondering if she is one of those tiny people I can see milling around. "Where are you right now?"
"I'm in my apartment. Just getting the invoices ready from last night."
"Yes, make sure you get your money, I need your invoice too." I want to make sure she gets paid for the work she has done.
"I'll bring it when I come to check your view that you're in love with so much." She laughs.
"I want you to paint the skyline at night. Is that a problem?" I want her in my office when no one else is around. I don't want to share her with anyone right now.
"I'm an artist, I work whatever hours I can."
"Great, then can you come here tonight? Or are you busy?" I hold my breath for a moment.
"I can do that. Will we say about six? I would love to see the view as the sun is dying and the night is beginning."
I love the sound of that. It's like she appreciates the view already without even seeing it. "That is perfect. I will text the details toyou. Do you need a hand with getting your invoices sent out and paid? Bianca, my assistant will help you if you need it."
"Oh god, no. But if someone doesn't pay me then I might send you after them. I'm sure you'll make them pay quickly; you give off that kind of vibe." She's serious and it makes me laugh.
"You have no idea," I say, laughing. "I can make people do anything, it's my special power."
"I'm sure it is." She's quiet. "Right, then I'll see you later. Don't forget to text me."
"I won't forget. See you at six." I hang up the call.
I think about her making me laugh, that doesn't happen much these days, I'm usually consumed by work and even when I should go home, I'll find work to do. I smile, Emily makes me feel alive. My only concern is that she is about ten years younger than me. Would she really want to be with someone my age? I don’t look my age, I stay fit, and healthy, and look after myself. But I do have the little niggle at the back of my mind.
My thoughts are cut off by my phone buzzing, letting me know that Bianca wants me. I pick up the phone. "Yes."
"Mr Hartfield, I have your mother here to see you. I told her you were on the phone. She is..." Bianca doesn't have time to finish her sentence before my door is pushed open aggressively and slams against the wall. I must get a door stop or something to prevent that.
I glance up at the same time as hanging up the phone. "Mother."
"Why is she telling me I can't come in to see you? She said you were on the phone, but I could hear you laughing." She moves across the room and sits on the couch opposite my desk. Shesmacks the pillow on the couch. "Take a seat Alexander, we need to talk."
