Echoes Of Affection

ES

k 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 jus

so decent? They made me r

with a 10cm painting brush, I still have regrets till thi

in serious trouble. I am not trying to get deported. I had too many plans to let some lowlife ruin them. Plus, I

like sisters, and anyone who saw us together would assume we were. I did

ve been easier, but Alice had insisted. The roads were jam-packed, and she figured the bus would

ss they look to the ground," she said with an annoying side-eye and that signature corny, evil smile that always

se my cool and you're the one who forced me to wear this," I said with an attitude

ith any investors that could buy your work, she

t the Ocean View Hotel, one of Miami's most prestigious events. My paintings were bein

entrance, the sight of luxury cars and elegantly

nkling lights adorning its facade and a red

handeliers cast a warm glow over the room, ill

ed gracefully through the crowd, off

ion and laughter, as wealthy patrons admired

navy blue sleeveless button up shirt. I do not like to play dress up but for this e

eels so much! They always make me uncomfortable. I was more comfortable putting on a flat shoe but Alice, my pain in

each other's clothings. She wore a black flowy skirt that stopped just under her knees, and a white button shirt, sh

my painting get auctioned and how she made my auction a priority for her made me wan

rvy ass, her petite boobs made up for it, most times she had me feeling jealous. It was an event that was fi

ses of wine. Alice went to sit among the audience, while I

hen I no

sitting

immediately screamed rich, but something about him

, flashing him a charming

ity in his deep brown eyes. Then, he glanced

n," he said. "I had trouble picking wh

"Ooooh, f

e sound smooth

my painting to be called. But I could feel his eyes o

el like this night was ab

nigmatic man. His confidence was palpable, yet there wa

erved, his voice gentle. "

an artist, and tonight my paintings are up for

mpressed. "An artist? That's im

n the far wall. "Those are mine. They represent di

uld see a genuine appreciation in his eyes.

ush spread across my cheeks. "It's my way

ten attended auctions incognito to avoid the spotlight. There was something about

eart raced with anticipation as the bidding began. Alexander seated beside me, offerin

' by the talented artist Rose Bennett," the auctioneer announced, his

do I hear $6,000? A woman in white voiced out $6,000! Now $7,000!" the auctioneer

tioneer prompted. I could hardly believe my

determined bidders. "$15,00

sed his paddle with a confident smile. "$20,000,"

could feel all eyes on us. The other bidd

art' to the gentleman in the back for $20,000," t

rm smile. "Looks like 'Eclipse o

d gratitude flooding over me. "Thank you so m

om behind. "Rose! You did it!" Alice exclaimed, pulling me into a big hug

aid, hugging her back tightly. "I coul

for the world," she said, beaming with prid

lexander standing nearby and gave m

d him. "He just won the bid

le. "It's nice to meet you, Alex. Th

mine," Alexander

conversation tonight," he said, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip

d like that too." I took out my phone, and we exchanged numb

ng in touch and dont fall with those heels of yours, I could tell you don't reall

dn't shake the feeling that this was t