The Portrait: A Lesson in Painting
Soon after the show, the sale of Steve’s book skyrocketed and his wealth grew, but he was not ready to give up his small apartment just yet. In fact, the little apartment had become a refuge for him and Jan. Posing nude, Jan sat on the bed with a sheet wrapped around her lower body with her back facing Steve. He stood at his easel, painting her portrait with great feverish strokes. Jan was smiling to herself when she said, “So, you finally have enough leisure time to really learn how to paint?”
“Yeah, it's yet another outlet for my creativity. Ah, I don't know how good it's going to end up looking, but it sure is fun,” Steve said as he looked closely at her. “I can't get over the odd events that helped to bring us back together - your mother's flight delayed, Linda being at the radio station and calling you.”
“It's like Linda was telling me,” Jan began, “sometimes the strangest events come together.”
“To produce the wildest outcomes. That's funny. Larry told me the same thing.”
“That's where she said she heard it. One night while he was… ah… never mind. When does the book tour start?” Jan asked softly.
“Hillary says about two to three weeks,” Steve replied, continuing to paint. “She says that book sales are going great, and we're set to hit New York, Chicago, and LA - just to start. You okay with going with me?”
“Are you kidding? Oh, I can't wait until we hit . You are going to get the grand tour, with introductions to all the right people,” Jan said with confidence, knowing her mother would approve of her new boyfriend- the successful author.
“Well, well,” Steve said with a smile, “that sounds totally awesome; I can't wait!”
“I don't mind posing nude, but are you going to be okay with other people seeing me like this?” Jan asked. “I mean, you won’t feel awkward with strangers glaring at my portrait?”
“Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Come have a look,” Steve said as he stopped painting. Jan pulled a robe on and walked over to the easel.
“What the? If you're painting me that way, why did you want me to pose nude?” Jan said a little frustrated. Steve grinned as they looked at the stick woman painted in red on the paper. “I just like to look at you,” he said, laughing.
“Oh you!” she said, wrapping her body around him and giggling as she kissed him.