“Not to my personal taste, but art needs variety and should be open to the individual’s interpretation.”
Tasha’s response was flat. She believed what she was saying but had no desire to allow the man beside her to engage her in conversation, especially not about a naked painting. She was happier when Lenny interjected his agreement.
“Quite right.”
Jim’s arm wrapped tightly around her middle in an obvious but welcome display of possession. “I’m not a big fan of art, as you know, Lenny, but there is something very beguiling about that piece.”
Lenny nodded but then addressed Tasha. “It’s by one of your countrymen actually. He’s really on the up and I have my eye on another couple of pieces. His name is Gerard Solomon. Are you familiar with him?”
She wasn’t sure whether he was trying to make her feel stupid and assumed she’d be clueless about art or maybe he was just making conversation.
“Yes, I am, very.”
“You surprise me. I didn’t think he was well known outside of art circles.”
Tasha smiled as she realised Lenny was obviously impressed she knew him and was currently going up in his estimation. However, she knew her next comment would shatter his illusions that she was an anyway an art aficionado.
“I remember that particular painting being done.” All eyes turned to look at her as she continued. “Gerry and I lived together at his studio for two years when he was first starting out.”
She felt Jim’s fingers digging into her hip and realised this was more to show his possession to her than anyone else now and she understood as she considered she’d just blurted out a connection to Gerry which was unknown to everyone present other than him, not that he really knew the details.
“No way,” cried Lizzie. “How old were you when you lived with your boyfriend?”
“Sixteen.”
“First love, eh? Doesn’t always last, does it?” Marcia smiled as she seemed to be considering her own first love.
“No, especially not when he sleeps with your best friend and knocks her up,” Tasha replied without any thought. The words simply left her mouth then the feeling of discomfort was back as sets of shocked eyes descended on her. “Would you mind if I took a picture of it in situ, as it were? I’m sure Gerry would love to see it in its new home.” She meant it. Gerry really would like to see where his work was currently hanging.
“No, of course not, please do. I just wish it was named, it was sold unnamed,” said Lenny excitedly.
She took out her phone and snapped several pictures whilst talking to Lenny. “It’s called ‘Escape’, or at least it was, but maybe Gerry decided it should be interpreted and named by the individual,” she suggested now as she thought Gerry might actually like that idea, of it having a dozen different names depending on who was viewing it.
“Mmm.” Lenny seemed to be pondering something. “You are most insightful, Tasha. Could you pass my details on and ask him to contact me if he has any similar works he’s selling?”
Tasha nodded.
“You and he are still in touch then?” Rosa was clearly startled at the notion of them still being involved in any way.
Tasha nodded, unwilling to be drawn into a debate.
“Even though he cheated? I could never do that, although I have never stayed in touch with any ex-boyfriends.”
“Gerry and I have a very long and close past and even though he hurt me, I’d like to think he’ll always be a friend,” she revealed as she composed a message to Gerry and was happy not to be centre of attention for the time being.
She attached the photos and pressed send. Looking back up at the room and the people around her she was disappointed to find she was still the focus of the attention.
They all stared at her until Marc laughed. “You do know it’s about two in the morning in London? If you’re unsure, check with your agent.”
She laughed with him. “Gerry has never objected to me waking him up in the early hours.”
Once the words were out and they all stared at her with expressions of shock and disbelief she realised how it sounded and when she looked at Jim’s face she knew he was very unhappy, again. Infuriated, even. She took the first opportunity to distance herself from the group and wandered as far as the back lawn. She gazed across the garden through the French windows when she heard Parker.
“Nice dress.”
She turned to look at him and smiled weakly. “Thanks.”
