Temptation: The Illusion

Ch-2 Looks can be deceiving !

Holy s**t!

This guy was Tristan Jacques? 

This guy was supposed to be forty-five years old? Was that some kind of a joke? 

And I just admitted to this guy...the master of this exhibition to have no consequent interest in art or his work . 

I was screwed. No doubt about that. I have to clear this mess before he gives negative feedback about sending an incompetent employee to represent him. I can't afford to get fired just when the raise was around the corner. 

"Why, Ms. Garner you look like you have seen a ghost?" Tristan smirked at me, no doubt enjoying himself at my expense. Well if that satisfies him and saves my job, why not? 

"No...I just...er," I had no idea what to say to him. Of course I can't say that I didn't expect you to look so young or so hot despite your age and despite of  you not being a celebrity? 

"That's okay, Mia," He smiled at me, kinder this time. "Not everybody understands art just like not everyone understands science," 

I don't understand science either...

"I am so sorry, Mr. Jacques," I  mumbled feeling and hopefully looking genuinely contrite. "I didn't mean to offend you, honestly. I just...I don't have much idea or interest in these things that's all. Your work's amazing. I can gauge the atmosphere. People really like it and Liv...I mean Olivia..Ms. Cordoso...she loves it too. That's why she got you...I mean your assignment. I am so sorry...if I offended you," 

"Jesus...relax," He said and it was then I realised my face was burning. "I am glad that you were being honest. Most people don't understand art, Ms. Garner. Because its not something that you understand. Its a feeling. You need to feel it. Ms. Olivia is sharp but I am afraid she don't have an inkling about any of this either. And that's normal," 

I sagged with relief. Okay, he definitely was not offended. That's a good sign. And he was understanding which helped me calm down a bit. This man has to be the first client ever in my life who has got me all tied up in knots. Not even the bitchy Linda Silverstone could achieve that milestone. 

Maybe it was because he was an artist and they somehow tend to be a bit deep and intimidating. I wondered if Olivia had the same reaction to him? 

"Thank you so much," I smiled at him. "You lifted a heavy weight off my shoulders. I hope you are happy with the arrangements? I don't have an idea about which exhibition organizers she collaborated with but if you want any changes done, I'll definitely convey that to her. Are...ummm...are you on a long-term contract with our firm?" 

I inwardly kicked myself at the moment for shoving away the file that Liv gave me to go through. I know nothing about this guy and that feels so unprofessional and uncommitted. Carter will be so pissed if he finds out. It was protocol to be fully prepared even if an assignment is suddenly handed to you. 

"No...not for now at least," He answered, taking a long sip of his wine. And after tonight I don't think he will renew it to a long term one either. 

Olivia! 

"But I am happy with the arrangements. Don't worry about that," He added, no doubt noticing my expression. 

"Yeah...Olivia is great," I agreed with him. "I am so sorry once again, Mr. Jacques for my lack of er...knowledge or taste in this field," 

"Well, you can't have knowledge about every aspect of life, can you?" He said and raised his glass in a toast. I  awkwardly followed suit. "Even Einstein wasn't that smart. But if you ever like to acquaint yourself to the world of art, don't hesitate. Its mystical and once you get used to it passionate and consuming," 

I stared at him with the last two words inappropriately running around in my head. Passionate and consuming...I liked those two words. Because that's something I am always looking for whether in a relationship or my work. After all what is life without passion? There was no shortage of passion or excitement in my work for sure but in relationship front...I was yet to find that. Something passionate and consuming and loving, though I had no idea why that came up in my head now. But in today's world, it was very difficult to get all three of it onboard. 

Was he passionate and consuming? 

Shut up! 

"I hope to one day...just lacking a little motivation at the moment," I murmured with a shrug and he laughed and nodded his head. 

"Maybe...I can motivate you?" He whispered and my throat went dry again. Huh? Motivate me? How? 

"With my work..." He added as I stared blankly at him. "Would you like me to show you around?" 

Ah...

"Sure....I'll be honored," I answered as enthusiastically as I could manage. "Please...lead the way," 

Tristan bowed and  decided to start with the painting in front of us... red splattered paint canvas. He said that this exhibition was about life...and soul and things that gives happiness and warmth to our souls. The red canvas depicted the womb...the ultimate starting point of a soul in the journey of life. The different canvasses showed simple little things that both gives us joy and helps us to develop and grow throughout this journey. There was nature and love and even greed and lust. 

Though half of the things didn't made any sense to me, I realised that this guy indeed was a genius. And I suddenly developed a new found respect for artists and art. Because my mediocre brain can never find inspiration in such insignificant or trivial things. Or come up with such abstruse topics and then create something this beautiful and impacting. I glanced at my watch and realised that my plan for staying for just half an hour has gone done the drain. And by the time Tristan was done, it was almost closing time for the first day.

"I am sorry you have to put up with me and my not so creative and passionate brain for so long," I muttered as he walked me up to my car. He was a true gentleman. I would even go as far to say the perfect man, at least from the outside. 

"This has been a very invigorating evening, Ms. Garner. Thanks to you," He smiled warmly, opening my car door for me. "Creating these painting is divulging but then  attending the exhibitions and dealing with the press and dealers and what not...not so much," 

"I am glad to hear that and I genuinely hope its all true," I smirked at him and he laughed in response. "I will let Olivia know that you were satisfied with the arrangements and she will take on from there. You don't have to hassle a rookie again," 

"I would love to see you again," He said, extending his hand and I agreed inwardly. So would I . But he was not my client so there was a fair chance that this was the first and last time we were meeting. 

"Come by our office any time and you can find me huddled up there. If you sign the long term content...that will definitely guarantee that you will," I answered innocently. 

"You guys are really clever, aren't you?" He laughed again and I grinned. 

"Comes with the territory," I replied. "I should get going now. Thank you so much for such incredible knowledge and your precious time, Mr. Jacques. It was a great experience...meeting you," 

"Same here, Ms. Garner," He smiled at me, grey eyes shinning in the dark. "Have a safe drive home," 

"Thank you," I smiled warmly and almost forced myself to get in the car. 

There was something about this man that I can't place my finger on. He was certainly mysterious and liked to make others guess about him. And he was quite cavalier and intriguing. I don't think I have dealt with someone like him ever in my life before. This guy was excessively enigmatic and I wondered how Olivia hasn't told me about him before. She was the kind of woman who preferred this kind of men. I guess she was quite taken by her new conquest at the moment, whoever that was. I had to fish out more information on that soon. 

Olivia wasn't home when I got back. Not that I expected her to. So, I quickly dropped my stuff  on the bed and headed straight to the bathroom to carry on with my plan of a warm relaxing bath. I was exhausted. Workload has increased considerably and there was just no time to rewind or relax. I haven't been even home since a really long time. A lecture and a long one at that was on its way for sure. The mere thought exhausted me but I don't have to deal with that until tomorrow afternoon so that can wait. I closed my eyes and dived further inside the warm water as the bubbles tickled and relaxed my skin. 

That night I dreamt off grey eyes and a lots and lots of color in the background only to wake up with my heart racing and my T-shirt drenched in sweat. What was I dreaming about exactly? I can't even remember but whatever it was...it was exhilarating. 

The smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I staggered into the kitchen. Liv has the morning news going, her eyes glued to the flat screen as she took small leisurely sips of her coffee. She looked fresh as daisy. When did she come back? A wide smile made its way across her lips as I flopped down on the barstool. She looked pleased to see me. Why won't she? She probably had a great time last night, thanks to me. 

"Coffee?" She asked and I nodded my head, as I tried to gather my thoughts together. Glancing out of the window it felt way past morning. I over slept today, that's why I was feeling so out of sorts. Or maybe it was because of that stupid dream of mine. 

"Thanks," I murmured gratefully as I grabbed the coffee. "When did you come home?" 

"Around early morning," She answered, flopping down in front of me. "So...how did it go?" 

"How did what go?" I demanded, grabbing a toast. I was famished and it was way past breakfast time  now.

"The exhibition," She rolled her eyes at me. "Did you like it? And did you meet Tristan?" 

"I embarrassed myself to another level last night," I answered sternly. "I had no idea how he looked, or what could  I expect. And I already didn't have any idea interest in painting and stuff. It was mortifying!" 

"But I handed you his file, didn't I?" She frowned at me and I looked away. Yeah okay, so it was my fault but it was her fault too. She made me go there! 

"I didn't read it," I muttered, my voice almost inaudible. "But you shouldn't have made me go there in the first place!" 

"Calm down darling," Olivia smirked at me. "Tristan is a nice guy. I am sure he didn't mind...otherwise he wouldn't have texted to thank me for all the arrangements and talk about a more long term agreement just after the first day of exhibition. And also he asked me to thank you for your time since he doesn't have your number," 

I stared at her and relief flooded through me. Okay, so I didn't completely screw up. And he wanted a long term contract! A thrill ran through me and I had no idea why but I was excited to hear that. Olivia raised her brow at me and I looked away and focused on the flat screen instead.

"So...what do you think of him?" Liv inquired, turning the stool so that I was facing her. "I bet you were shocked, weren't you?" 

"I was," I admitted honestly. "I mean what forty-five year old looks like that? I made a complete fool of myself when he told me he was Tristan Jacques. He actually enjoyed himself on my account a lot so he better more than thank me," 

"Wow...seems like you had fun," Olivia winked at me. "He is hot, isn't he?" 

"I would say intimidating," I murmured as the image of his grey eyes flooded through my head. "Yeah...very intimidating and enigmatic. Cavalier as well. But yeah that too..." 

"What? Hot?" Olivia teased and I scowled at her. b***h. 

"Shut up," I rolled my eyes at her and her grin only widened. "So er Liv...tell me something and this is just out of curiosity...nothing personal, okay?" 

"Fine...shoot," She folded her arms across her chest, looking serious. "What is it?" 

"If you ever get the chance...will you er...will you go out with him or someone like him?" I asked, feeling my face flame up. I had no idea why I was asking that question but I was just curious and Liv was more experienced about men than I was. 

"Ah...well if you are talking about a random hookup, then  yeah why not," She answered nonchalantly. "Though he didn't seem interested in me anyway, I don't know why. Maybe because he is older and wiser and knows the boundaries between personal and work based relationships. But yeah...if he had made a move, I would have definitely gone for it,"  

"And what about something more serious than a hookup...what about a relationship?" I inquired and frowned at myself. Why the f**k was I asking these questions by the way? 

"No...no no to relationship," She shook her head and I raised my brow at her instant negative reaction. 

"Why is that?" I inquired and Liv shrugged again, pouring herself another cup of coffee. '

"Isn't it obvious?" She said. "Think about it..." 

"I...really can't," I answered and wondered what's wrong about a relationship with someone like Tristan. Somehow, I felt that Liv was a little wary of him.   

"First...the glaringly obvious reason. The age difference," She answered. "Five to seven years is okay. Ten years is bearable but twenty years...nuh-uh, no honey. Then...these artists...they are eccentric people to be honest. Relationships with them can be really complicated. Third, these older guys are way more advanced. They has seen it and done it all so they will dominate, everywhere. Most of the time at least. That's not very healthy and definitely doesn't works for me.  And then if you are particularly talking about Tristan...as much as I have seen him, he's a very mysterious guy. Kind of always wearing a mask. A certain amount of mystery is attractive but too much is a complete red flag. Know what I mean?" 

"Yeah," I nodded my head though honestly I didn't. I have had three relationships before and all of them pretty much uncomplicated. I was the one to break up and to be honest I still don't know why exactly. I guess at some point they got pretty mundane for me but that was a pathetic excuse to say out loud. 

"Why do you ask?" Olivia demanded, her dark eyes assessing me with suspicion. 

"Just curious," I said and tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. 

"Well, that's good," She nodded her head. "But I would suggest don't dwell much into him. Plus, you are young and beautiful and successful...you can find just any guy around your age. The more you will think about him...the more you will dive deeper into his lair. Because that's the kind of aura guys like him radiates. And I don't think getting involved with him is a good idea both personally and from career front too since he is also a client," 

"Jesus..." I begin to protest but the ringing doorbell stopped me abruptly. I walked over and opened the door revealing a salesman carrying a big rectangular package. 

"Delivery for Ms. Garner," He said and I frowned as I grabbed the package and signed on the slip. I didn't order anything from sss or anywhere else. There was no sender name on the package either. 

"What's that?" Liv demanded, walking over as I placed the package on the couch. It was heavy. 

"I have no idea," I answered and Liv, curious as ever shoved me aside and started working on tearing the packaging apart. Five minutes later, she was done and we both stood back looking stunned. 

It was an oil painting of a dark silhouette of a woman sitting amidst an array of brilliant colours. The painting was stunning and captivating and we both knew who has send it. Olivia fished around and retrieved a card from inside the package. I peeped over her shoulders as I tried to read what was written on it. 

"I hope the brilliance of colours and art will touch your soul with this gift of mine" 

                                                                        -T. J 

"Wow..."Olivia murmured. "This guy is definitely hooked on you, Mia," 

"Don't be ridiculous," I rolled my eyes as I stared at the painting. "He wants me to learn to appreciate art more. That's all. That's why he gave a personal tour of all his works last night. Maybe he was offended by my lack of interest in his work?" 

"Well, that's good if that's what it is," Liv muttered. "But Mia...remember what looks good on outside need not be the same inside," 

I stared at the painting and frowned to myself. 

What was that supposed to mean? 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Hello dear readers! Here's the next update! Let me know what you guys think about this because I am really not sure about this book xd! I hope you guys like this and also the characters ! Thank you so much for readimg and supporting me guys!