Get to know her better

Unsure if Jessica was just playing with me, I said, “Y’know, I don’t actually know that much about you.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Is that important?”

“Well, the more I know about you, the better.”

“What would you like to know?” If what I said wasn’t what she was expecting, she didn’t show any signs of disappointment.

“Do you have any dreams?”

“I want to live comfortably.”

“That’s it?”

“You might not know this, but I grew up poor. Like dirt poor. People believe I just got lucky, but I’ve worked hard for the life I’m living. Ever since I could remember, I practiced being a model. Doing my own makeup. Posing in front of the mirror.” She let out a chuckle. “Kind of ridiculous when I think back on it.”

“So you wanted to be a model?”

“I sure did, but it’s just so competitive. This was about as good as my dream was gonna end up.”

Her gaze disconnected from mine, telling me that for once, her confidence was waning.

“Well hey, it’s not like I’m gonna become the next Andy Warhol or anything.”

“So why do you persist?”

“Because it’s who I am. I’d be an artist, even if I made nothing for it.”

“Hmmm…”

“You must have something you’re passionate about?”

“Oh, of course. I’ve always been a people person. Nothing like being the life of the party, y’know?”

“Anything else?”

“Well, I’ve always been an animal lover.”

“Really?”

“Why? Does that surprise you?”

“I haven’t seen any pets around.”

“I suppose you have a point, but that’s because my pet is in a stable.”

“So you’re into horses?”

“Yeah. I always wanted one when I was younger, and Vincent made that dream come true as a wedding gift.”

“What’s the horse’s name?”

“Teddy. He’s a Tennessee Walking Horse.”

With haste, Jessica pulled out her phone and showed me pictures of her pride and joy. In every image she shared with Teddy, she seemed to radiate enthusiasm. I thought she was a natural posing for the camera, but maybe equestrianism was her true habitat.

“Nice.”

“You’re not gonna paint me as one of those half-horse half-man things now, are you?”

“What? You don’t think that would be interesting?”

“Yeah well, so would painting me as a peacock or something.”

“You’ve got me there.”

“I suppose we are asking a lot of you, aren’t we? To capture the real me as best you can.”

“We sure are, my dear.” Vincent said, having finished with his call.

Jessica **** a smile as I took a final sip of my glass.

“Can I get you another?”

“I’m fine. Thanks. In fact, I better head home.”

Vincent called a taxi for me, which took me away from the mansion. On the way to my apartment, I felt my phone vibrate. Upon pulling it out, I found a selfie from Jessica, who was leaning forward in the mirror, exposing the cleavage that was barely contained by her bra.

‘Thought u could do w 1 more photo’

‘Appreciate it’

‘U free tonight?’

‘How did you get this number?’

‘I have my methods ;)’

‘Say I am free tonight?’

‘Well if u r, meet me @ the Nocturnal’s VIP area. Tell em Jessica sent you’

‘I’ll keep it in mind’

Nocturnal was Costa Rosa’s hottest nightclub. Not really my scene, but I’d do worse things to spend time with a girl like Jessica. Of course, the kind of time I wanted to spend with her could cost me this contract, assuming I got caught.