by JA Low
“What’s happened to you?” He looks at me with concern on his face.
“I don’t know.” I scrub my face.
“How have you let one woman control so much of you?”
“I thought it was love.” He shakes his head.
“Love isn’t supposed to be like this, Louis. Love doesn’t just take everything someone has worked so hard for. Love doesn’t decide to find someone better. Love doesn’t fuck around on that person.”
“I know,” I sigh. I don’t have any fight left in me anymore.
“Honestly, you’re acting a fool at the moment.” My eyes widen at his candour. “Four months she has been gone. But instead you have been whoring yourself out every day, getting drunk, painting shit, yelling at everyone who wants to help you, all because you got your heart broken by some gold digging bitch.” Gabriel’s words shock me. “The Louis Marchant that I know is a man that fought until the ends of the earth to find the people who attacked me and put them in jail. The man that took a homeless boy into his home. Helped me become a man. Louis Marchant doesn’t treat people like shit. Especially beautiful women.” This gets my attention. “The things you’ve said to Emily.” His eyes narrow at me. “They are not words I would ever expect from the man I look up to.” Gabriel is going for the heart on this one. “I like her,” he confesses. “You don’t like that do you?” He smirks, but I stay silent because I’m not sure how to answer that. “Don’t worry, I have my eye on someone else, otherwise you would have competition,” he chuckles.
“You have a crush on someone?” This little titbit intrigues me. He rolls his eyes at me.
“Yes, but you have been so far up your own ass recently I haven’t been able to tell you.” He’s right. I guess I have been a little self-absorbed over the past couple of months.
“You’re right, but I’m here now, tell me.” His cheeks tinge with pink as he lets out a long breath.
“Her father is the butcher in the village.” I can see how smitten he is; it’s written all over his face. “Her father has been sick and she’s come back from Paris to help look after the shop while he recovers. She’s a teacher.”
“Have you gone on a date with her?” He shakes his head.
“I…no. You need me here.”
“What? No, I don’t. I can fend for myself.” He gives me the side eye. “I looked after myself before you, I’m sure I can again. Take the rest of the week off, wine and dine the girl. Spend as much time as you can before she goes back to Paris.” Gabriel’s eyes widen.
“Really?”
I nod. “I need to start standing on my own two feet. You’re right. I’ve let my heartbreak consume me. I don’t like the person I’ve turned into. It’s not me. I need to let go of what Elisabeth did to me to move on. I’m sick of living in the past.” Gabriel gives me a big smile.
“Good. First stop on this new journey needs to be with Emily.” My stomach sinks remembering this morning.
“I know.” I wring my hands together.
“She’s a good person. You can trust her. Don’t forget she too is going through heartbreak.” I’m a self-absorbed bastard. “Just…go easy, okay?” I nod. When did he get so wise?
“I really am sorry about before.”
“I know you are. I’ve been worried about you, Louis.” I reach out and place my hand on his arm.
“I promise you, I am going to put these dark days behind me.” He nods in agreement.
“Good. There’s a beautiful woman living under your roof that could help.” I shake my head.
“As much as I might want to, it’s probably not a good idea.” Gabriel shrugs.
“You’re probably right. I think you fucked up your chances anyway.” I let out a groan, he’s probably right. I need to make amends with Emily, and not because I want to fuck her, but because it’s the right thing to do. Who am I kidding, I want to fuck her too.
17
Emily
I tried to hold in the tears but when Gabriel saw me coming back into the house I kind of let it all out. He was so sweet and caring, listening to me go on and on about Louis and the size of his ego. I told him all about the disaster that was Toby and I. I really let it all out, and if I’m honest I feel pretty good after it. Could have also been the dark chocolate mousse that Gabriel made for me too; chocolatey goodness soothes the soul.
Now I’m holed up in my room working. I posted the photo of Louis from this morning, half naked, covered in paint with the most delicious outline in his grey pants. Ordinarily I probably would have cropped the photo to disguise his privates, but he pissed me off. Daniel emailed the details of the gala he wants me to attend with Louis in Monaco. If my friends heard me moaning about attending a black tie event in Monaco they would probably de-friend me over it. Louis’ words really cut me deep, more than they should have. Maybe I did for a brief moment think that there was a small chance that I could be his muse, I mean, one day out in the French countryside and I was able to get him to use colour again. Geez, I am full of myself. Actually thinking that little old me could be the catalyst for the genius that is Louis Marchant’s comeback. I fall back onto my bed and stare at the ceiling, maybe I’m trying too hard. Trying to prove that I am perfect for this job when in reality I was probably the only person that applied for it and the only one that would put up with the boss’ shit. Maybe I need to just do my job, let him sort out his messed up relationship with women and that’s it. Stop trying to be his friend and definitely stop thinking about getting into his pants. This summer is supposed to help me find myself, not end up in another disastrous relationship with a man. Yes, that is exactly it. I am going to concentrate on being the best assistant he has ever had and nothing more. No flirting. No more trying to fix the broken artist. Just doing my job to the best of my ability. The phone beside me starts chirping wildly, I grab it and open it up. Oh shit! There are thousands of comments on his page, everyone is salivating over what is in his pants. Shit, shit, shit. I think it’s just gone viral.
The phone rings and I see that it’s Daniel.
“Hello,” I answer it cautiously.
“You are brilliant,” Daniel praises down the line.
“Thank you.” I’m not really sure how he can be happy.
“Do you have any idea how many magazines have contacted me in the past five minutes wanting to interview Louis? Don’t answer that because it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that photo you posted has just put Louis Marchant back into the lime light with a bang. You, Emily Chapman, are a superstar. I have to go; my phone is going crazy. Keep up the good work.” And with that he’s gone. A smile falls across my lips and I mentally high five myself. See, best assistant ever.
“What the hell have you done?” His voice echoes through his empty home. Apparently Louis had a lobotomy today and let all his staff off early, giving everyone an extra-long weekend. Gabriel was so excited because he was going to ask out the butcher’s daughter, the one he has been admiring since I arrived. Ah, young love, filled with such enthusiasm. I hope things work out for him, because he’s pretty awesome. I can hear Louis stomping up the stairs. Shit. He’s seen the photo. I try and calm myself down because he sounds really pissed off. He opens my door without even knocking.
“Excuse you.” I jump up out of my bed. “How dare you barge into my room like that.” Louis blinks a couple of times, as if he is so upset that it never occurred to him to knock.
“This is my house.”
“And this is my room. If you are not going to respect that, then I will have to find somewhere else to live.” I’ve stunned him again, he lets out a couple of hard exhales, then runs his fingers through his hair, frustrated.
“Everyone is talking about it.” He starts to pace. “People have made memes and shared the image a couple million times.” I’m trying to not laugh. “Some sex toy manufacturer wants to make a dildo out of my dick.” He looks at me in shock. I can’t hold my laugh in for that one. “You think this is funny?” Once the giggles hav
e started I kind of can’t stop. “Oh my God.” He throws his hands up in the air very dramatically.
“Daniel said that it’s created great interest in you.”
“In my dick not my art.”
“At least they are talking about you.” I try to put a positive spin on this situation.
“Why did you do it?” His tone is accusatory.
“Because it’s my job.”
“Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. It’s Not The Only Big Thing.” Those blue eyes flare at me. “I’m sorry that women and men around the world now know who you are. Did you know your Instagram account followers have gone up by 200k and your Facebook account around the same? Did you also know that Daniel has had numerous press agencies calling him wanting interviews with you? Oh, and your website has had a big surge as well, not to mention about five paintings have been sold and not the ones from your peak days, the dark, messed up ones.” I cross my arms in front of me. “Is this embarrassing? I don’t know, I don’t have a dick, but it’s no different to women getting photographed with their nipples showing. No one can see anything, it’s just a faint outline. But guess who everyone is talking about…Louis Marchant not Yves Blanc anymore. I bet everyone is wondering why your ex left you after seeing that picture.” I didn’t mean to bring up the ex and his protégé but I was on a roll. I brace myself for impact, but it doesn’t come.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Those blue eyes stay on me.
“Of course I am. I did a good job. This is the reason I was hired, to help get you out there on social media. Have I achieved this quicker than anticipated? Yes!”
“This photo has nothing to do with art.” He shakes his phone at me.
“I don’t know. Most of the comments are saying it’s a work of art.” I give him a smirk.
“Ugh, you are so frustrating.”
“I know. Aren’t you glad I’m not your muse then?” I throw his words back at him. He starts pacing again then stops.
“I’m sorry about earlier…” I’m shocked hearing the sincerity in his voice. “Gabriel, he gave me a few home truths before he left today.” Louis looks a little sheepish. “I haven’t been the most pleasant of people to be around since…” I notice him wince trying to force himself to say her name. “I guess I’ve been a little self-absorbed, I think that is the word Gabriel used.” This makes me laugh.
“Okay, see…even you agree.” He rolls his eyes. “I’ve been a dick, a big one.” Our eyes meet and we both burst out laughing at his use of words. “Okay, we’re not going to stop with the dick jokes anytime soon, are we?” I shake my head. “Anyway, what I want to say is…” Louis moves closer to me, and the air between us changes the closer he gets. “I am truly sorry. I’ve been wallowing in self-pity for far too long and making everyone around me as miserable as I am. I promise no more feeling sorry for myself. I need to concentrate on my art and re-establishing myself. I’ve given Elisabeth too much already; she doesn’t deserve anymore.” I give Louis a warm smile.
“I’m glad to hear it. Can we start again a second time?”
Holding out my hand to him, I greet him, “Hi, I’m Emily Chapman your new assistant. I am a big fan of your work, Mr. Marchant, and I look forward to helping you prepare for your next exhibition.” Louis takes my hand and gives it a firm shake but doesn’t let go, his thumb lazily runs circles under my wrist sending white hot heat up through my veins.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chapman. I’m always delighted to meet someone with impeccable taste in art.” I chuckle. “I look forward to spending the summer with you.”
18
Louis
I’m nervous about tonight, it’s the first public art event I’ve attended since my divorce. There’s a chance that Yves and Elisabeth could be there as well. Just knowing this has my anxiety at an all-time high. I’m not sure if I’m ready to run into them. But it if happens I need to suck it up. It’s inevitable that one day I will run into them; the art scene is an incredibly small one. I’m down stairs anxiously waiting for Emily to come down. I organised hair and make up for her for tonight because she’s been so worried about this event all week, plus I’ve been a dick to my pretty awesome assistant so it’s the least I can do.
“She’s ready,” Felix, the stylist, tells me as he walks down the stairs and waits patiently at the bottom with me. Emily is a naturally beautiful girl so I know she will look beautiful, but I wasn’t prepared to see how beautiful. Standing at the top of the stairs she looks like an angel dressed all in white. Her hair cascading around her creamy skin like wavy ribbons of golden silk. She glides down the stairs like she is part of the Monaco royal family, utterly elegant and regal. The couture gown looks as if the white vine embroidery is crawling over her body, the sheer nude panels giving an elegant allure of skin without showing anything. There’s a deep V but you can’t tell what is her skin and what is the dress. A full embroidered skirt falls from her tiny waist. I watch in awe as she slowly makes her way toward me. When she reaches the bottom of the stairs, she lets out a sigh, as if she was holding her breath the whole way down.
“You look…” I’m lost for words, but I can see she is waiting to hear something, anything from me because she’s a bundle of nerves. “Stunning.” But even then that word doesn’t encompass how truly beautiful she looks. I lean in and place a kiss on her cheek, which surprises her. I watch as those creamy cheeks turn the perfect shade of pink. Felix and his team are clapping their appreciation. This embarrasses her as the tips of her ears have gone a bright red.
“Mademoiselle Chapman, you are a vision,” Felix gushes.
“It’s all your magic,” she compliments him while he just shakes his head.
“Tell her Louis. She was the perfect canvas for me to work my magic.” My eyes don’t move from hers.
“She looks exceptional.” Those emerald eyes sparkle at my compliment.
“You pull off a tuxedo well.” I run my hand nervously down my suit, I want to look good for her.
“You two will be the most beautiful couple at the event.”
“We’re not a couple,” Emily and I say in unison. Felix looks between us, chuckling, then tells his entourage to move out. Emily messes around with her dress nervously.
“You really do look beautiful.” She slowly looks up at me through her lashes. Does she not realise how beautiful she is? Did her ex never tell her how exquisite she looks?
“I’m nervous.”
“Me too,” I confess, rubbing my hands together. “How about a selfie?” I ask giving her a wink.
“I’m pretty sure your adoring fans only want to see you, especially in this tuxedo, they are going to go crazy.” I don’t care about the faceless people online; I want the woman in front of me to go crazy for me instead. I’m not supposed to be having these thoughts, we are starting over. “Where should we take the photo?” She looks around my home. “Is the limousine here? That would be perfect, you would look like James Bond of the art world.” Emily gives me a playful wink. She’s just doing her job, Louis. This is not a date. I remind myself. She rushes off before me in search of the limousine
“Have fun tonight.” Felix gives me a wink and walks outside to join his team. Taking in a deep breath, I join Emily beside the limousine.
“Stand right there.” She points. I do as I am told. “Don’t pose like that. Look natural. You look like you’re on your way to your school formal standing like that.” I roll my eyes; I feel like it taking ridiculous photos. “Relax your arm.” She directs me and I try and do as she says. “Give me brooding.” Instead I give her daggers. “Perfect. The women are going to love that smoulder.”
“Are we finished?” I groan.
“Yes, yes.”
“Let me take a photo of your two,” Felix interrupts.
“Oh no, you don’t need one of me.” Emily tries to hide away.
“Come on, if I have to, you do too.” She rolls her ey
es and reluctantly hands over her phone to Felix. She joins me beside the limousine.
“Now it really looks like a school formal photo,” I whisper into her ear as I rest my hand on her hip. Felix takes a couple of photos, a huge grin on his face.
“Have fun you two.” He hands Emily back her phone and waves us goodbye. I hold open the limousine door for her, she gathers up her dress and attempts to gracefully get into the car, but there is a lot of it. I help push the last bits of her dress into the car making sure I don’t close the door on anything. I run around the other side and jump in, she gives me a wide smile. The car takes off, it normally would be a two hour drive from here to Monaco but sitting in a car with Emily for that amount of time, in a confined space, I didn’t think I could be a gentleman for very long, so instead I have a surprise planned.
“Come on let’s take a car selfie.” She rolls her eyes smiling but hands over her phone. “Remember, you too are showing the world that you are fine without him.” Emily slides up beside me, letting me place my arm around her shoulders for the smallest of moments. I take the photo and hand it back to her.
“What hashtag should I use?” she asks, reminding me of our last photo.
“Still think you should use #dreamscometrue, #bestartistintheworld maybe even #fangirling.” She gives me a light slap on my arm making me laugh. It doesn’t take us long to get to our first stop.
“Where are we?” She looks up from her phone. “Why are we at a heliport?” My grin widens.
