Chapter 3

I had an interesting proposal. A computer mogul wanted a portrait of his wife, life size. And he wanted a nude, something with which I was uncomfortable. He grinned.

“Don’t worry, Damon. She was a model, we frequent nude beaches on holiday, so she’s more than comfortable with the thought of you seeing her naked. I’ll be in and out, but even if I wasn’t, I trust her and you have a stellar reputation. I couldn’t get Chelsea to shut up about you, her or Anne. Surprised? They both invested in my startup and have made millions off of their investment. I don’t think they cared that much about the money, but they cared about my success. I got free legal and business advice that would have cost me a fortune, and I listened. So, get started as soon as possible.”

I set up my easel in the music room, because it had the best natural lighting. The woman was a stunning beauty, losing nothing of her looks when she retired. After a get to know you chat, she stood, shrugging the robe off. I’d never seen a more perfectly proportioned body. She’d had a red fainting couch placed where I said the light was best, and she reclined, regally. I had her move into different positions as I snapped my camera. Afterwards, I loaded them on my computer and had her review them. As an ex-model, Starla had a pretty discerning eye, and none were exactly right to her. Frustrated, she called Darrin, having him come home.

It was kind of odd sitting with the couple, the wife still naked, as they debated which pose, they liked best. They settled on one, but they thought it still wasn’t just right. Then Starla grinned and asked me to leave for about 30 minutes.

It was pretty evident what had happened while I was gone. The red of the couch was stained, her body bathed in sweat, her nipples erect, her hair a disheveled mess. Her legs were splayed, and you could see the signs of their lovemaking. It was one of the most erotic sights I’d ever witnessed.

“There!” stated Darrin. “That’s what I want.”

I looked at his wife. “Are you sure about this?”

“I am, Damon. We’re going to tell you a little secret. I’m pregnant, seven weeks along. I want this memory for him, while my body is as perfect as it will ever be, before the stretch marks and mommy tummy.”

I snapped about three dozen pictures, loaded them on the computer, and sat back. They both chose the same one: her in post orgasmic bliss. I blew it up to portrait size and used it for a template. She would come in every day, and Darrin about twice a week.

It was a stark and simple life study without a lot of complicated colors, so I was done in less than a week. I called them in and showed them the finished work, the last strokes still a bit wet. Starla cried, talking about how beautiful I’d made her. I couldn’t help but laugh. “That wasn’t much of a challenge, Starla.”

They both gave me a tremendous hug, then grinned and asked me to leave. The sounds of their passion echoed through the house as I left, happy with the results, and the check. Ninety thousand, a little cheaper than normal, but it was a pretty simple job.

I turned my phone back on, not really surprised to see it full of message after message. Mom, Chelsea, Maddy, Claire, Anne, Kelsie, even Justine. I’m sure they were interesting messages, but I deleted them all and called my mother.

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN‽ Everyone’s been looking for you.”

“I was working, remember? I’m done now, on my way home for a few days rest before my next appointment. What’s up?”

“You get over to my house right this minute! You hear me? Right this minute.”

“Sorry, Mom. I’ve been driving for thirteen hours and I’m pulling into my driveway now. Let me get some sleep and I’ll talk in the morning. Good night, Mom. Love you.”

She was still talking when I hung up. I made sure it was off before turning in.

As I suspected, she walked through my door early the next morning with Maddy in tow. Instead of a smile or a kiss, she slapped me. Hard. The slap set something off in me, and when she reached back to smack me again, I grabbed her hand.

“You gave me life, and I love you, but you try that again and our relationship will never be the same. You understand me? I don’t care how pissed off you are. I’m carrying around a good bit of anger and hurt myself, and you surely do not want me to redirect it. Understand?”

I was a little less than gentle. Her eyes grew wide, and Maddy took an instinctive step back. I let go of her hand and was surprised when she started crying and jumped into my arms. When she was coherent again, she apologized.

“I’m sorry, Damon. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that you and Maddy are adults now. I’m just very upset.”