Echoes Of Affection

ROSES POV;

I had never been happy about taking the bus. It always gave me a sense of disgust. Yes, I am just that kind of person. Sometimes, I would rather walk than step onto a crowded bus full of people I didn't want to be around. The rides were always filled with toxic individuals and you could tell just by looking at their faces what kind of people they were. Sure, I have met some decent ones too, but no conversation ever lasted beyond my bus stop.

And the ones who weren't so decent? They made me regret humanity altogether.

I remember when I almost stabbed a seat partner in the eye with a 10cm painting brush, I still have regrets till this day for not doing it because that guy was truly a bitch.

But I knew better than to let myself get caught up in situations like that. One wrong move and I could land myself in serious trouble. I am not trying to get deported. I had too many plans to let some lowlife ruin them. Plus, I was really avoiding any situation that would lead to my pain-in-the-butt best friend, Alice, screaming in my ears.

Alice was the only person who kept me right on track. We were practically like sisters, and anyone who saw us together would assume we were. I didn't mind. In another life, I would probably wish to be her younger sister.

We were on the bus together, heading for a charity auction that evening. Taking an Uber would have been easier, but Alice had insisted. The roads were jam-packed, and she figured the bus would be quicker. She always had this way of making things sound logical, even when they annoyed me.

"You won't have to walk around too much. Besides, you're shorter than me, you don't want people missing you unless they look to the ground," she said with an annoying side-eye and that signature corny, evil smile that always drove me nuts. She knew how uncomfortable I was in these heels, and she was clearly enjoying every second of it.

I gasped dramatically. "Girl, don't make me bite you. I'm trying so hard not to lose my cool and you're the one who forced me to wear this," I said with an attitude, folding my arms and turning to stare out the bus window. "Thanks, but no thanks."

If you lose your cool, you won't be connecting with any investors that could buy your work, she said with a stern face that reminded me of my mum.

I glared at her but didn't argue. She was right. This was the annual charity auction at the Ocean View Hotel, one of Miami's most prestigious events. My paintings were being showcased. This was my shot at getting recognized, and making real money from my work.

As I stepped off the bus and approached the grand entrance, the sight of luxury cars and elegantly dressed guests only heightened my anticipation.

The hotel was a beacon of opulence, with twinkling lights adorning its facade and a red carpet welcoming the distinguished attendees.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the art pieces that lined the walls.

Waitstaff in impeccable uniforms moved gracefully through the crowd, offering champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

The air was filled with the buzz of conversation and laughter, as wealthy patrons admired the artwork and prepared to place their bids.

I walked in wearing a black leather skirt that stopped just above my knees, with a navy blue sleeveless button up shirt. I do not like to play dress up but for this event I tried to overdo it because it was my first step in making a name for myself.

I threw in a black heel that had silver diamonds sprinkled on it. It wasn't mine, it belonged to Alice and I hated heels so much! They always make me uncomfortable. I was more comfortable putting on a flat shoe but Alice, my pain in the ass best friend, insisted that I wear heels just to match the caliber of people that would be at this auction.

We were similar in most aspects, almost the same height, just that she is a bit taller so we were both able to wear each other's clothings. She wore a black flowy skirt that stopped just under her knees, and a white button shirt, she left about 2 buttons open. She had on the gold watch I gifted her for her birthday-one of her favorite accessories.

She worked as a nurse but took a leave that day just for me. She was there to watch my painting get auctioned and how she made my auction a priority for her made me want to kiss her on the lips but I'm not into that kind of stuff, I just felt so loved.

Though, knowing Alice, she had other goals in mind tonight, she was a gorgeous petite 5:7 babe that had a curvy ass, her petite boobs made up for it, most times she had me feeling jealous. It was an event that was filled with billionaires so what would be better than a gorgeous, sexy looking lady being around billionaires?

We stepped inside, and a waiter immediately offered us glasses of wine. Alice went to sit among the audience, while I headed toward the section reserved for artists and sponsors.

That's when I noticed him.

The man sitting beside me.

He was dressed in a simple black suit, nothing that immediately screamed rich, but something about him stood out. No, it wasn't his suit-it was his watch.

Damn. "Nice watch," I said, flashing him a charming smile. "What brand is it?"

He turned to look at me, a flicker of curiosity in his deep brown eyes. Then, he glanced at his wrist and smirked. A dangerous smirk.

"It's a Richard Mille RM 008 Tourbillon," he said. "I had trouble picking which to wear today, so I went with this."

I blinked. "Ooooh, fancy name."

He chuckled, the sound smooth and effortless.

I turned my attention back to the auction, waiting for my painting to be called. But I could feel his eyes on me. There was something about him-something magnetic.

Something that made me feel like this night was about to change everything.

I couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards this enigmatic man. His confidence was palpable, yet there was a subtle vulnerability in his eyes that intrigued me.

"You seem nervous," he observed, his voice gentle. "Is this your first auction?"

"Yeah, it is," I admitted with a shy smile. "I'm an artist, and tonight my paintings are up for auction. It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "An artist? That's impressive. Which ones are yours?"

I pointed to a set of vibrant canvases displayed on the far wall. "Those are mine. They represent different emotions and experiences I've gone through."

He took a moment to study my work, and I could see a genuine appreciation in his eyes. "Your art is powerful. It speaks volumes."

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a warm blush spread across my cheeks. "It's my way of expressing what words can't capture."

As we continued talking, I learned that he had a deep appreciation for art and often attended auctions incognito to avoid the spotlight. There was something about his humility and genuine interest that made me feel comfortable opening up to him.

Just then, the auctioneer called out my name, signaling that my artwork was next. My heart raced with anticipation as the bidding began. Alexander seated beside me, offering silent support. His presence was reassuring, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our final item tonight is 'Eclipse of the Heart' by the talented artist Rose Bennett," the auctioneer announced, his voice resonating through the room. "We'll start the bidding at $5,000."

Several paddles went up immediately, and the bidding quickly escalated. "$5,000, do I hear $6,000? A woman in white voiced out $6,000! Now $7,000!" the auctioneer called out. The excitement in the room was palpable as the bids continued to rise.

"$8,000! $9,000! Do I hear $10,000?" the auctioneer prompted. I could hardly believe my eyes as the numbers climbed higher and higher.

Finally, it came down to two determined bidders. "$15,000! Going once, going twice-"

Before the auctioneer could finish, Alexander raised his paddle with a confident smile. "$20,000," he declared, his voice carrying a quiet authority.

The room fell silent for a moment, and I could feel all eyes on us. The other bidders hesitated, sensing Alexander's resolve.

"Going once, going twice-sold! 'Eclipse of the Heart' to the gentleman in the back for $20,000," the auctioneer announced, bringing down his gavel.

Alexander turned to me with a warm smile. "Looks like 'Eclipse of the Heart' found its new home."

I couldn't help but laugh, a mix of relief and gratitude flooding over me. "Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me."

Before I could say more, I felt a pair of familiar arms wrap around me from behind. "Rose! You did it!" Alice exclaimed, pulling me into a big hug. Her excitement was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile even wider.

"Alice, I'm so glad you are here!" I said, hugging her back tightly. "I couldn't have done it without your support."

"Of course, I'm here! I wouldn't miss this for the world," she said, beaming with pride. "I knew your talent would shine through."

As Alice released me, she noticed Alexander standing nearby and gave me a knowing look. "And who is this?"

"This is Alex," I introduced him. "He just won the bid for 'Eclipse of the Heart.'"

Alice shook his hand with a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you, Alex. Thank you for appreciating Rose's work."

"The pleasure is mine," Alexander replied graciously.

Alice excused herself to give us some space, and Alexander turned back to me. "I really enjoyed our conversation tonight," he said, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. "I'd love to keep in touch and see more of your work. Would you mind if I got your number?"

Feeling a warm flush of excitement, I nodded. "Of course, I'd like that too." I took out my phone, and we exchanged numbers, my fingers trembling slightly with nervous anticipation.

"Thank you, Rose," he said, with his voice sincere. "I'm looking forward to staying in touch and dont fall with those heels of yours, I could tell you don't really fit in those." he said smuggling in a gazing smile before turning his back on me.

As we parted ways that evening, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something truly special.