Karin had been hovering nearby for some time, making it obvious that she wanted to speak. She was chewing her nails, a habit she used to berate herself for, and when Louie gave her a knowing smile she immediately stopped doing it.
She looked incredible tonight. Bottle green dress against red hair, black lace-up boots. Striking. Sassy. Sexy. Louie could hardly contain herself. She mouthed the words ‘two minutes’, holding up her fingers to reinforce the message. At the same time, Louie was trying to extricate herself from the man who had been monopolizing her for the past fifteen minutes, but without being rude as he was expressing a keen interest in making a purchase.
So Karin had finally come to her senses. Seeing these paintings had done the trick. Brought it all back to her how much they meant to each other. What incredible times they spent together. Here to tell Louie that she was ditching the old bastard, so they could pick up from where they left off. Or make a completely fresh start.
Anything Karin wanted.
Louie’s training from The Midland kept her on the right side of politeness. ‘Tell you what,’ she said to the man, managing to interrupt him at a convenient place, ‘why don’t you have a good look around and then come and find me again? Maybe we can agree on a price later.’
When Karin saw him move off, she immediately hurried over, pushing Louie behind one of the screens.
‘Whooh! Can’t keep your hands off me, can you?’ said Louie. ‘Shagging at my own exhibition, that’s very rock ‘n’ roll.’
‘What the hell are you playing at?’ said Karin.
She was in a beautiful temper, her cheeks as red as her hair.
‘Oh I’m certainly not playing. But we can do if you like, it’s private enough.’
‘This is too much, Lou. These paintings.’
‘Relax,’ she replied, moving closer. ‘No one knows it’s you, so don’t be so paranoid.’ Standing taller than Karin, she couldn’t resist lowering a whisper into her ear: ‘Even your fiancé doesn’t recognize you naked.’
Karin was about to slap her, pulling up at the last minute.
‘Be my guest,’ said Louie, opening her arms out as an invitation. ‘Any time.’
‘I know what you’re doing.’
‘Good. As long as it’s working.’
Karin pushed her lips forwards and sighed. It made her mouth fuller. Kissable. Despite Louie not liking the words coming out of it.
‘I don’t want to be with you, Louie.’
‘Yes, you do. You love me.’
‘I don’t, not any more.’
Louie knew she didn’t mean that, although it still hurt to hear her say it. And then Karin proved she was in denial because she placed her hand on Louie’s cheek. Tender. Her tone soft this time when she spoke.
‘I want you to be a success. You have a very special talent. Aaron clearly wants to help you and you should definitely take that chance. But you have to forget me.’
‘How can I, when I know you feel the same?’
Karin removed her hand. ‘No. You need to find a new obsession. I’m with Aaron now, you have to let me go. I know I hurt you but please don’t ruin my life.’
It was captivating to see her eyes swirl with tears like that, like cream going into coffee. Louie wanted to paint them right now. At the same time, it made her angry because Karin just wasn’t seeing what was happening.
‘Like you’re ruining my life you mean?’
‘Stop!’ Karin shouted, raising her arms, elbows at right angles over her ears as if shutting herself in a box. Louie knew to leave her alone until it passed. When it did, Karin looked up again, slowly. ‘I can’t have you messing with my head, Louie.’
‘Hey if I wanted to ruin things I’d just tell granddad out there what a good time we had in the toilets at The Midland, before you agreed to marry him. I trust you haven’t told him that one yet, because he’s being awful nice to me. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate his help, but I’d much rather have you.’
Karin tried to leave, but Louie was quicker and blocked her way. She put her hand out, forcing Karin to walk into it, her chest pressing against Louie’s palm. It was a moment. A feeling of warmth and softness between them. Until her hand was swiped away again.
One of the stewards stuck his head round the screen. ‘Erm, are you going to be long? People are wanting to speak to the artist.’
‘I’ll be right with you,’ said Louie.
The steward nodded and disappeared.
Louie moved in close again but without touching.
Karin stood firm.
‘Come back to me, Karin. Just don’t take too long about it. If you marry him, you’ll be sorry.’