Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Aubrey
I didn’t realize I was standing so close to him because I was too focused on his scent, which drew me in. A woodsy smell with a mixture of moss, amber, and a touch of spice. Clean, refreshing, intoxicating. A scent that somehow pulled me from my senses. Standing in the same spot, I held the wine glass in my hand, and as soon as I brought it to my lips, the same scent filtered through the air.
“Hello, again,” the familiar low voice from earlier spoke beside me.
“Hello.”
“You’re still standing in the same spot, staring at that painting. It must intrigue you.”
My lips gave way to a small smile. “A painting can tell a thousand different stories to different people.”
“You think so?” he asked.
“Tell me what you see when you look at it,” I spoke.
“Well, I see a woman standing at the shore of the dark ocean water underneath a gray sky filled with dark clouds. She’s looking up at the small streaks of light coming down and glistening over parts of the water.”
“What else?” I asked.
“The sand is dark in color except for a lighthouse in the distance, casting its light and lighting a path in the sand.”
“And what does this painting say to you?”
“Honestly, I haven’t got a clue,” he said. “What does it say to you?”
“It says that even in a world of darkness, you will always see light.”
“That’s pretty deep. I can see the artist is very talented and inspirational.”
“Yes. She is.” I smiled.
Ethan
Her voice was soft and angelic. She was beautiful, and I wanted to get to know her. But only small details so I could bring her to the Plaza and fuck her senseless.
“I’m Ethan Klein.” I extended my hand to her.
“Aubrey Callahan.” The corners of her mouth gave way to a shy smile as she placed her hand in mine.
The feel of her soft hand caused my cock to twitch. Enough of a twitch, I had to place my left hand in my pocket to keep it calm.
“There you are,” Charles said as he approached me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “I bought the painting for Lexi. She’s going to be so surprised.”
“Charles, this is Aubrey Callahan. Aubrey, this is Charles St. John.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Charles.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Aubrey. Have you had a chance to meet the artist, Penelope? She’s so nice and a very talented artist at that.”
“I have. She’s my best friend.” Aubrey smiled.
Charles looked at his ringing phone in his hand.
“Lexi’s calling. I have to take this. I’ll be right back,” he spoke as he walked away.
“I take it Lexi is his wife?” she asked.
“No. She’s his girlfriend. But by how they act, they might as well be married.”
Studying Aubrey, I noticed she looked down a lot, which signaled that she lacked confidence. Either that, or she was extremely shy. That was something I would have to fix.
“Would you like to get a drink or maybe some coffee somewhere?” I asked with the hopes she’d say yes because I wanted to fuck her tonight.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Why not? Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“No. Not at all.” She looked at me.
“Then why not?”
“Mr. Klein, I’m flattered that you would like to take me out, but I can assure you that I’m not the type of girl you’re probably used to.”
“Why don’t you tell me what type of girl you think I’m used to?” I smirked.
“Someone who can see you,” she replied.
“Excuse me?” I asked in confusion.
“I’m blind, Mr. Klein.”
“What? Is that your way of telling me you don’t want to go out and have a drink? You don’t have to make something like that up.”
“No. I’m just telling you the truth. The painting we were talking about, the one on the wall.”
“Yes. What about it?”
“Look at the name of it.”
I walked over to the painting and looked at the sign above it. The painting was titled Aubrey. I was in shock and total disbelief. She wasn’t lying, and I was at a loss for words. I had no clue that she was blind.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“It’s fine. I generally surprise people when I spring it on them.” She smiled.
She had a beautiful smile. One that I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes from.
“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. Penelope wants to talk to you.” Some guy spoke as he lightly touched her arm.
“Ian, I would like you to meet Ethan Klein. Ethan, this is my best friend, Ian.”
“Nice to meet you, Ian.”
“Likewise, Mr. Klein.”
She placed her hand slightly above his elbow, and before she walked away, she spoke, “It was very nice to meet you, Mr. Klein. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
I watched as the two of them walked away. My fist involuntarily clenched itself. I turned and looked at the painting again, recalling her words, “Even in a world of darkness, you will always see light.” As I was standing there, Charles walked over to me.
“Why are you still standing here?” he asked.
“Because I’m going to buy this painting.”
“Seriously? Why that one?”
“It’s special.”
“How?” He arched his brow at me.
“It just is.”
“Good for you.” He patted my back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll fetch us a glass of champagne.”
I looked at the door and saw Aubrey and her friend walking out—a feeling stirred inside me. Clenching my jaw, I took in a deep breath as a woman approached me.
“I noticed you’ve been standing here staring at that painting. I’m Penelope, the artist who painted the portrait.”
“Nice to meet you, Penelope.” I extended my hand. “I’m Ethan Klein. The portrait is beautiful, and I would like to buy it.”
“You’ve made an excellent choice. This happens to be one of my favorites.” She smiled.
“The girl in the painting. I just met her a little bit ago.”
“You met Aubrey? She’s a wonderful woman.”
“She’s very nice, and I was hoping you could give me her phone number. That is if she has a phone.”
Penelope laughed. “Of course, she has a phone.”
“She told me she was blind, so I wasn’t sure.”
“Just because she’s blind, Mr. Klein, doesn’t mean that she stopped living life. She can do more than a person who has their sight can. May I ask why you want her number?”
“I asked her out for a drink, and she declined. But I don’t want to accept that. I want to get to know her better.”
“Aubrey steers clear of men. She’s had her heart broken, and to be honest, guys are just dicks when it comes to someone like her. If you’re looking for a one-night stand or something, she’s not your girl. I’m very protective of my best friend.”
“I understand that, but even though she told me she was blind, it doesn’t change the fact that I would like to take her out. She didn’t scare me off.”
She sighed. “I won’t give you her number without her permission, but I will tell you something. Tomorrow is Saturday, and she goes to Shakespeare Garden in Central Park every Saturday morning around nine o'clock to read for a while.”
“By herself?” I asked as I cocked my head.
“Yes. By herself. She isn’t handicapped, Mr. Klein.”
“I didn’t say she was.” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“If you want to talk to her, you’ll find her there. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have the gallery take the painting down and wrap it up for you.”
“Thank you. One more thing: please do not tell her that I purchased this painting.”
Her brows furrowed as she bit down on her bottom lip. “I won’t, and don’t you be telling her that I told you where she goes on Saturdays.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”