Free Deceived - Part 1 New York by Eve Carter Page B

traveling in
Europe. He is the reason I decided to open a gallery focusing only
on erotic art. Don’t you think his work is absolutely
stunning?”
    The pitch in Ryan’s voice
rose increasingly higher as his excitement mounted, while he
described a very detailed anecdote in which he found this street
artist having breakfast in a small town cafe in Prague.
    Glancing at his watch,
Patrick finally broke in, grabbing Vladimir’s hand in a fast pump
handshake.
    “ Well, it’s been really
exciting to meet you Vladimir. Best of luck with the exhibit. I’m
sure there will be lots of takers for these exquisite pieces.
Unfortunately, Chloe and I have to dash off so we don’t lose our
reservations at China Grill,” he apologized.
    “ Always good to see you
buddy,” Ryan responded with sincerity and gave Patrick a warm
hug.
    “ Chloe, an absolute
pleasure to finally meet you, but be careful with this guy,” he
said pointing his chin at Patrick. “I‘ve heard he has a few tricks
up his sleeve, ha ha.” A warm genuine smile broke over Ryan’s round
face as he leaned in to give me a sweet kiss on the
cheek.
    “ Nice to meet you too,” I
confessed. I genuinely liked Ryan and was pleased that I had
finally met someone from Patrick’s past, giving me a small window
into his personality.

Chapter 8
     
    The evening was progressing
splendidly, and I stepped lightly as Patrick escorted me to the
parking garage behind the gallery.
    “ China Grill?” I asked
curiously.
    “ Yes, I made reservations
there in case you might be hungry. What do you think?”
    “ Sure. I would love to.
I’ve heard it’s really nice”.
    ‘ The food is out of this
world. You’ll love it”
    A few minutes later we were
cruising down Fifth Avenue in his sporty Jag towards the fabulous
China Grill.
    What a wonderful night
this is. I hope it never ends.
    I felt light hearted,
carefree and all the sensations of the spring season were upon me.
I opened the window a crack to let in the cool night air. The
breeze felt refreshing as it blew my long hair in whips around my
face. I looked at Patrick sitting next to me with his face
upturned, feeling content in his presence.
    “ Ryan is a really great
guy. Did you know he was gay when you shared a dorm room?” I asked
quizzically.
    “ Truth be told, no. But I
had my suspicions. We never really talked about it but I always
wondered why he never hooked up with any girls when we went out.
Honestly, I thought he was just a bit shy.” He snickered, giving me
a broad smile.
    Patrick maneuvered the car
up to the valet curb, shifted into park, leaned over and gave me a
sweet little kiss. My limbs felt light as a feather and If I had
checked in the mirror, I'm sure my face would be
glowing.
    “ Let’s go eat. That finger
food concoction at Ryan’s gallery wasn’t enough to fill a grown
man’s stomach,” he said as the valet opened my door.
    “ Welcome back, Mr.
Collins.”
    We were greeted by a
beautiful, dark-eyed, slender built Asian. Patrick must dine here
regularly, I mused, considering the fact that as soon as we walked
in he was greeted by name by this exquisite Asian
hostess.
    “ Right this way, Mr.
Collins,” she said with a seductive smile. “Your usual table is
ready for you.”
    “ Thank you Mai,” he coolly
answered back his expression unreadable.
    “ Come
here often?” I asked with a little edge to my voice and stoically
walked towards the table. The green-eyed monster had raised its
ugly head and I was annoyed by this woman. With such a starkly good
looking man on my arm I would have to get used to this kind of
reaction. Guess I had better step
up my game.
    “ Not as often as I would
like to I’m afraid. The food here is excellent. Have you ever eaten
here before?”
    “ No, this is my first time.
Can’t really afford these kind of places with my salary you know” I
said shyly.
    “ Ahh, we will have to do
something about that. You wait and see,” he said as he valiantly
pulled