Carissima

by Rosanna Chiofalo

  “Madeline, I’d like to introduce you to my friends and my girlfriend.” Gregory recites our names. I note how he introduced me last instead of first. I know I’m nitpicking, but I’m still seething mad over his less-than-exuberant greeting.

  Madeline shakes everyone’s hands. When she directs her gaze toward me, she merely nods her head and says, “Pia and I already know each other, of course. How are you, darling?”

  I want to puke all over her Christian Louboutin pumps. Her tone is dripping with condescension.

  “Fabulous, Maddie. Are you here alone?”

  Madeline’s nostrils flare slightly at my use of “Maddie.” Colin confided in me that she hates the nickname. I can’t believe I’ve not only dared to call her that, but also asked her if she’s here alone. I’m sure the answer will be “yes.” But instead of answering my question, Madeline chooses to ignore me.

  “I’ll let you chat with your friends, Gregory. There’s someone in the corner I’d like to say hello to.” Madeline squeezes Gregory’s arm before she slithers away. As she passes by, she gives me her trademark dirty look that I’ve grown accustomed to whenever I see her at Profile. I shoot back my own evil stare.

  “Thanks so much for coming, guys. This means a lot to me.” Gregory finally places his arm around my waist, but I don’t feel reassured. I’m sensing he’s holding back. Or am I just being paranoid?

  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Greg. Congratulations!” Connie walks over and gives Gregory a kiss on the cheek.

  “Yeah, congrats, Gregory.” Rita gives Gregory a quick hug.

  Aldo raises his glass of champagne, which has to already be his third drink, and says, “Oh, Gregory, I’ve talked to the owner of the gallery where I work about giving you a show. He was very open to it. In fact, he was going to try and make it tonight.”

  “Wow! That’s great, Aldo. Thanks so much for your support. So have you all had a chance to look at my paintings?”

  “Actually, no, we wanted to find you first and give you our congratulations. Let’s go check out the masterpieces.” Connie ushers Rita and Aldo away, making it quite obvious she’s trying to give us some time alone.

  “This is great, Gregory. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am for you.” I lean forward and kiss Gregory on the lips. He pulls back and looks around, almost as if embarrassed by my PDA. Since when has he been shy about public displays of affection?

  “Thanks, Pia. And thanks for coming.”

  “You don’t need to thank me! As if I would miss the most important night of my boyfriend’s life.” I laugh, but instead of joining me, Gregory just nods his head.

  “I thought you would’ve worn that dress Francesca gave you. Didn’t she also give you a second one?”

  My heart sinks. I knew it. Zia was right. I am underdressed for the occasion.

  “I figured a casual, trendy look would be more appropriate. I see a few other people who aren’t that dressed up. Connie thinks I look sexy.” God, I sound so desperate, trying to gain his approval. What are you doing, Pia? I silently scream to myself.

  “You do. You always look sexy, sweet pea. Don’t get me wrong. It’s just I thought this would’ve been an occasion where you could’ve taken advantage of wearing that dress Francesca gave you. That’s all.”

  The note of disappointment rings loud and clear. Without thinking, I snap, “Don’t be a hypocrite, Gregory. First, you tell me Francesca’s makeover isn’t me. Now, you’re telling me I should’ve worn that dress? Make up your mind.”

  “Whoa! Whoa! Relax! All I meant when I first saw you that day is that you were overdressed for our date. But for these art shows, you can get dressed up more.”

  “That’s not what you said. What’s the matter? I’m not dolled up enough for your snooty art crowd? Maybe Madeline Drabinski should be your date tonight.”

  “Pia, what’s the matter with you? This isn’t like you.”

  Suddenly, a wave of shame washes over me. I’m about to apologize when Madeline shows up.

  “So, Pia, doesn’t Gregory look smashing tonight?”

  I’ve been so caught up in my jealous rage about Madeline and anger about Gregory’s lukewarm reaction to me that I hadn’t even noticed he’s dressed very stylishly. Instead of his usual paint-splattered, torn jeans, he’s wearing black dress pants. His shirt, which doesn’t sport so much as a crease in it, is a beautiful shade of gray and is buttoned all the way to the collar. It’s fitted and shows off his lean physique. Expensive-looking black leather boots complete the ensemble. Though his hair is still slightly on the longer side, the way he likes it, I can tell it was just trimmed. And his signature five o’clock shadow that I love so much is absent. A hint of cologne reaches my nose.

  “Yes, you look great,” I say softly. Gregory looks into my eyes, not missing the sad note in my voice. For a second, his eyes look guilty, as if he regrets knocking my wardrobe choice. But the moment is interrupted once again by Madeline’s annoying voice.

  “I told him these clothes were made for him when we bought them.”

  “You went shopping with him?” I can’t even hide my surprise.

  “Nate was with us, too,” Gregory quickly adds. “He took one look in my closet and told me I needed new duds for the show.” Gregory laughs nervously, not meeting my gaze.

  I can’t believe Gregory. He has the nerve to get mad that I let Francesca make me over, and now he’s allowed Madeline to transform him. I never thought Gregory would fall prey to the curse that comes with celebrity. But I see he’s quickly becoming fame’s slave. Now, it’s the clothes. Tomorrow, it’ll be a hot model to replace his girlfriend.

  “By the way, Pia. How’s that article coming along? The Francesca Donata interviews should have been wrapped up weeks ago. Colin thought he would’ve seen at least a first draft by now.” Madeline links her arm through Gregory’s and is tilting her head slightly to the side. Gregory looks slightly uncomfortable, but makes no effort to disengage himself. To one of the other guests, it would appear that they’re the happy couple celebrating his success.

  “The article is going better than I expected, and wait until you see the secrets I was able to get Francesca to reveal. I know Colin will not be disappointed.” I flash Madeline my most saccharine smile. Though my heart is breaking into a million little pieces on the inside, I’ll be damned before I let this woman rattle my exterior so easily.

  “That’s wonderful, Pia. I cannot wait to read it. I am sorry but if you’ll excuse Gregory and me, there’s someone whom I promised I would introduce him to.” Without waiting for my acknowledgment, Madeline leads Gregory away. Gregory glances over his shoulder and mouths, “I’m sorry.” I give him a little wave, letting him know it’s okay even though it really isn’t.

  I need a drink and something much stiffer than champagne. Making my way over to the bar that’s been set up in the gallery, I order a martini. While the bartender’s back is turned, I sneak a few of the olives from the bar and pop them in my mouth. The bartender returns with my drink. I glance around the gallery, trying in vain to locate Connie and the rest of the gang among the crowd, which keeps growing. Someone behind me taps my arm.

  “Megan! You made it.”

  “Yeah. I’m pretty exhausted, but I couldn’t let Gregory down.” Megan gives me an air kiss on the cheek and asks the bartender to make her a martini as well.

  “Where’s everyone else?” She takes one of the maraschino cherries sitting in a cup on the bar and twirls it in her mouth as if she’s sucking a lollipop. Unlike me, she doesn’t care if the bartender catches her stealing the condiments.

  “They’re somewhere. I’m sure they’ll find us sooner or later.”

  “What’s the matter, Pia? You sound glum.”

  “Just tired.” I shrug my shoulders. Megan gives me a worried look, but doesn’t ask further.

  “I saw Gregory when I walked in, but he was surrounded by so many people. I’ll catch up with him later when this crowd thins a bit.”
r />   “Yup, he’s quite preoccupied tonight.”

  Out of my peripheral vision, I catch Megan staring at me.

  Suddenly, the crowd rushes to the front of the gallery. Everyone seems excited.

  “What’s going on?” I ask Megan.

  “Let’s find out.” Megan takes my hand and, like a pro, squeezes through the throngs of people.

  “Oh my God! She’s here!”

  I follow where Megan’s index finger is pointing. But I can’t immediately make out who it is with everyone’s cell phone cameras flashing. Then I hear, “It’s Francesca Donata! It’s Francesca Donata!”

  I’m shocked, though when I think about it for a moment, I don’t see why. It makes sense that Gregory would’ve invited Francesca considering their long friendship and that he’s now painting her portrait, although he’s had to take a hiatus from it since he’s been busy preparing for the show. While it’s no surprise that Gregory extended an invite to her, I never would have thought she’d risk the mob scene her presence elicits. Then again, as I’ve come to learn, Francesca is a glutton for attention.

  Finally, she comes into view. Am I seeing right? She’s wearing a coral-red jumpsuit. Normally, I’d say a woman her age shouldn’t be wearing a jumpsuit, but Francesca totally rocks it. Then again, is there any look she doesn’t rock?

  She’s flanked on either side by Rocco and Lorenzo. My heart quickens at the sight of Lorenzo. He looks more handsome than usual. I didn’t just admit he’s handsome. Okay, Pia, no big deal. I can notice other good-looking men. It doesn’t mean I’m cheating on Gregory.

  “Thank you! Thank you!” Francesca repeats to the swarms of surrounding people who keep professing their love for her. You’d think the art show was for her and not Gregory. I’m starting to get annoyed and plan on giving Francesca a piece of my mind. But just when I’m thinking the worst about her, she announces, “I would like to make a toast to the young man whose art we are celebrating.”

  “Sshhh!” travels through the crowd.

  Nathan Horowitz rushes to Francesca’s side with a microphone.

  “Everyone, please allow me to introduce the legendary Francesca Donata, who has been so kind to grace us with her presence this evening.”

  The audience applauds. Nathan gives them a moment and then motions with his hands for silence. “I’ll now pass it over to you, Francesca.” Nathan smiles as Francesca leans over and air kisses him on both cheeks.

  “Where is the man of the hour?” Francesca cups her hand over her eyes, scoping out the crowd. I see an arm shoot up in the air.

  “There you are, Gregory. Do not be shy. Please come join me.”

  I strain my neck to see Gregory. He kisses Francesca and then bows slightly to the crowd. Everyone laughs. I try to make eye contact with him, but it’s no use.

  “I have had the pleasure of knowing this man since he was a young boy; he used to accompany his father, who painted several portraits of me. He was even shyer then than he is tonight.” The crowd laughs again, and Francesca smiles at Gregory. She places her arm around his shoulders.

  “When his father retired from painting, I never imagined I would find another talented artist to paint my portrait. So you can imagine my extreme pleasure when I learned that Gregory had followed in his father’s footsteps and was an artist in his own right. I had to—how do you Americans call it? Twist his arm?” People in the front row nod their heads, and Francesca continues. “Si, that is it. I had to twist his arm a little, but I was able to persuade Gregory to paint my portrait.”

  Gasps of surprise float through the air. A reporter yells out, “Is the portrait here?”

  “No, Gregory is not finished painting it yet. He had to take some time off to prepare for this show. But this night is not about me. It is about Gregory Hewson and his brilliant paintings. I know this is the start of a wonderful career for you, Gregory, and it makes me so proud to toast you tonight. Please, everyone, raise your glasses to this extraordinary man.” Francesca raises a flute of champagne, which I hadn’t even noticed she was holding. Someone must’ve quickly passed it to her. Gregory kisses Francesca again, and after everyone has toasted him, he takes the microphone.

  “Thank you, Francesca, for your warm toast. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have your support and friendship. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my friends who came out tonight. You’ve been patient with my neglect of you in the past few weeks. I hate long speeches, as I’m sure all of you do, too, so I’ll end this now, but first I’d like to send out a special thanks to my girlfriend Pia.” Gregory raises his glass toward me. I swallow hard as everyone looks my way.

  “Please enjoy yourselves, and feel free to come up to me and say hello if you haven’t done so already. Thank you.” Gregory hands the microphone to Nathan as he escorts Francesca toward the back of the gallery. Francesca links her arm through his. Her bodyguards trail after them, making sure the crowd keeps their distance.

  “How does it feel to be dating a star who’s on the rise?”

  I jump.

  “Lorenzo! You scared me.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t think that was possible among this horde.”

  “I didn’t know you and Francesca were coming tonight.”

  “Gregory invited Francesca, and she asked him if I could come. I’m surprised you didn’t extend an invitation to me.”

  I’m about to defend myself when Lorenzo winks. Of course, he’s joking as usual. I’m so not in the mood for his barrage of jokes.

  “Gregory’s art is very impressive.”

  “Yes, he’s talented. I’m really happy for him.”

  “Then why do you look like someone’s rained on your parade?”

  I want to wipe the smug grin off Lorenzo’s face. For some reason, he seems to be taking pleasure out of making me squirm.

  “Look, Lorenzo, tonight’s not a good time for your sarcasm. So I’d appreciate it if you would back off.”

  “Ouch! Okay, you have my word, no more snarky comments. Sorry, Pia. I can’t help myself sometimes. Forgive me?” Lorenzo pouts his lips and holds his hands together as if he’s praying to me. I cave in and laugh.

  “You’re too much.” I shake my head.

  “That’s what I’ve been waiting for. That perfect smile.” Lorenzo pushes a strand of stray hair back behind my ear. The action freezes me. I look down into my empty glass.

  “Let me get you another drink.” Lorenzo takes my glass and heads over to the bar.

  “Pia!”

  I turn around and see Gregory making his way toward me.

  “I swear. I keep losing you.”

  “You’ve been looking for me?” I can’t hide the surprise in my tone.

  “Of course I have. I’m sorry. I’m being pulled left and right tonight.”

  “That’s okay. This is great. I can’t believe Francesca came.”

  “Yeah, I owe her.”

  I glance around the gallery.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s in the VIP room. She and Rocco are having drinks and talking to Nate and Madeline. She’ll probably cut out of here soon. She just wanted to make a quick appearance.”

  I nod my head.

  “Pia, I need to talk to you. Let’s go somewhere quiet.”

  Gregory takes me by the hand, leading me to the back and through a door that is marked “Employees Only.” The room looks like a storage area. Various paintings fill the space. I notice the same artist’s signature is on all of them. No doubt it’s the work that was last on display at the gallery.

  “Sorry for the stuffy quarters, but I wanted to talk to you alone and where we won’t be interrupted.”

  I nod my head. An uneasy feeling spreads in the pit of my stomach. “So, what did you want to talk about? It sounds important.” I try sounding casual, but instead my voice comes out shaky, betraying my nervousness.

  Gregory runs a hand through his hair and then swallows deeply.

  “Okay, this isn’t
easy, so I’m just going to blurt it out. That portrait I painted of you is here.”

  “The one of me naked?” Panic flashes through me.

  “Ahh. Yeah, but your breasts were the only part of you that was exposed.”

  “Oh, great! Everyone will know now just how small my apples really are.”

  “Pia, stop it! They’re perfect.”

  “I thought you weren’t even finished painting it. You were going to show it to me once you were done.”

  “When Nate came over to see my work, I went to get him a beer and left him alone in my studio. Of course, he snooped around and lifted the tarp that was concealing your portrait. Even though it was only half done, he loved it. He said I captured so much emotion in your face and the way I positioned your body was brilliant. He wanted it to be part of this show and asked me to finish it.”

  “I didn’t see it hanging on any of the gallery’s walls. Where is it?”

  “It’s in a small room upstairs. Nate plans on revealing it halfway into the show. He thinks it’s the jewel of the collection and knows he’ll get many bids on it.”

  “Bids? You’re going to sell it?”

  “Pia, please try to understand. I can’t say no to what Nate thinks is best for my career when it’s only just launched.”

  “Gregory, you promised me that no one was going to see that portrait. It was just supposed to be for the two of us. Now some stranger is going to be staring at me every day of his life and doing God knows what else when he looks at that portrait.”

  “Pia, come on. It’s art. You’re acting like it’s porn. I know you’re upset, but I hope in time you’ll realize you’re overreacting.”

  “Overreacting? You broke your promise to me. That’s what upsets me the most. If this is how you keep your promises, how am I supposed to trust you?” I should be yelling at him, but I’m too hurt to muster up the energy to raise my voice. Tears race down my face, and I don’t even bother trying to fight them.