Friends and Family Series
The Dirk Devlin Story
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor:
Frank Perry
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 7
Harcourt Place, NY
Dirk flew to the lodge and changed into his faded jeans, flannel shirt and moccasins. He walked down to the boathouse and checked his fishing tackle, then lowered the rowboat into the water. The exercise and the sound of oars hitting the water brought back warm memories of the times he and Brett spent together.
Dirk smiled as he reminisced about the many times they spent on the lake. Brett really disliked fishing. Poor guy, he tried so hard. Brett had forced himself to acquire the knack for the sport, but gave up in the end. Instead, he sat on the deck and read a book while Dirk fished.
Dirk dropped his line into the water and thought of Brett. He felt close to him there, so much so, that he quickly turned to see if Brett were watching him from the deck. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered Brett.
Dirk said, "I miss you, my love. The beauty you brought to my life is gone and I feel so heartbroken and alone. The only joy left is to see you in our daughters."
He wept until his throat and lungs were sore from crying. The tranquility of the lake and the gentle rocking of the boat lulled him into a peacefulness that he had not felt for over a week. The sun was setting as he rowed the boat back to the boathouse.
After tying the boat up, he stood on the dock to watch the sunset. Later, he ate a light dinner and then turned in early to read a murder mystery. The next morning he was up with the sun, dressed and jogged. After his shower, he ate a hearty breakfast. Mid-morning he hiked and explored one of the old trails. The walk through the woods was relaxing and refreshing. Dirk returned to the lodge that afternoon in time for a late lunch and lay down for a nap. Refreshed from his nap he decided to try his luck at fishing again. This time he succeeded in catching three nice sized trout. Pleased with himself, he rowed back to the boathouse and cleaned his catch in time to watch the sun set.
One of the security guards approached him, "Mr. Harcourt, your secretary called. She asked that you return her call as soon as possible."
Dirk walked up to the house to return the call.
After the call, Dirk called his pilot and flew back to Harcourt Manor.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Every day it was a little less painful. He needed this time alone to grieve. Lately, any little thing could set off the sadness. His new position at Harcourt forced him to concentrate on the business, allowing him less time to think about Brett. Early evenings, he would spend time with the children. After they were asleep, he spent the rest of his evenings reading reports. At least he was able to fall asleep without tranquilizers, and only wake up four times a night. It was early to bed every evening and up by four-thirty every morning. By five-thirty he was working at his desk.
One Year Later
Harcourt Place
Dirk walked down to the boathouse much more relaxed than on the previous visit last year. He lowered the boat and rowed toward the middle of the lake. He spent the morning fishing on the lake with no luck. He went through all the motions but was preoccupied with his thoughts, and less on catching a fish. His thoughts of Brett always seemed much stronger here. The grieving was still a part of his life and the loneliness still troubled him. He thought that the pain would be easier to take but it was still there. He finally realized that it would take a lifetime to erase the years of joy he and Brett had spent in this special place. He set the oars and headed back to the dock as the sun began to set.
One of his guards met him as he walked up the ramp to the house. "Mr. Harcourt, the Sergeant told me to inform you that he is detaining a trespasser by the name of Shaun Spalding. This is not the first time we caught him trespassing on the property. The Sergeant wants your permission to press charges and turn him over to the Sheriff. We caught him watching you with his binoculars. Last week one of the other guards found him in the meadows painting. He claims he is a neighbor and will explain everything to you. The Sergeant would like to know how you want him to handle this."
"That name is not familiar to me," Dirk said. "Escort him over here and let me take a look at him before you haul him into town."
The Sergeant returned with Shaun in tow. "Mr. Harcourt, this is Shaun Spalding. He claims he knows you and that you will vouch for him."
"Leave us alone for a few minutes," Dirk said.
"Your face looks familiar," Dirk said. "Have we met before?"
"Not formally, we nodded several times when we passed each other in town, but that's all," Shaun said. "This is the first time we've spoken."
"I used to see you and your friend here quite often," Shaun said. "I've been walking through these woods for many years and never realized I was trespassing. I must say I find your methods a bit high handed, Mr. Harcourt. Why are your guards treating me like a criminal?"
"They caught you spying on me," Dirk said. "My guards told me that you were warned to stay off my property more than once. Yet, they found you watching me with binoculars. I consider that unacceptable behavior, Mr. Spalding. You are invading my privacy."
"You never bothered chasing me off before. Besides, this property is not posted. How was I supposed to know I was trespassing on your land?"
"You still have not answered my question," Dirk said. "Why were you watching me with binoculars?"
"I wanted to make sure it was you," Shaun said. "I was glad to see that you had returned here again. You have not been here for a long time. I thought you and your friend had found another vacation spot."
"I used to see you quite often in the past, either in town, or fishing on the lake. It is rather deserted around here most of the time and it's was nice to see people around again, I meant you no harm, Mr. Harcourt. You and your friend had become part of the scenery around here. Naturally, when I saw all the activity around here lately, I became curious. I usually have these woods to myself. Honestly, I had no idea it was off limits."
"I have my reasons to be cautious, Shaun. How do I know you're not some kind of stalker?"
"My God, is that what you think?" Shaun replied. "I can assure you I'm not a stalker and I would never harm you."
"I believe you, and if you're telling me the truth, you should have no objections if my security people check you out."
"Please, have them check me out," Shaun said.
"Sam, would you run a check on Mr. Spaulding?"
"Please come with me, Mr. Spalding," the Sergeant said.
"Have you eaten dinner yet, Shaun?" Dirk asked.
"No, I haven't."
"Would you like to join me for dinner after the Sergeant checks you out?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Sam, let him come back if he checks out okay."
Dirk smiled, "If I hear a gunshot, I'll know he was lying."
Thirty minutes later Sam and Shaun knocked at the back door. "Mr. Spaulding checks out fine, Mr. Harcourt."
"Thanks, Sam; come on in, Shaun."
Dirk had showered and changed into a designer lounging suit. "Follow me into the kitchen, Shaun, while I fix dinner. Would you like to use the phone to call home?"
"That's okay, nobody is waiting for me. Can I give you a hand with anything?"
"You can pour us each a glass of wine," Dirk said, "unless you prefer something a little stronger."
"Wine is fine for me, thanks."
"Now, why don't you tell me a little about yourself," Dirk said.
"Why don't we wait a few minutes for your security people to fill you in," Shaun said.
"Let's get a few things straight," Dirk said. "You were caught trespassing on my property and observing me with binoculars. My security people are here to keep people away. The information you gave them appears to check out, so far. I don't wish to belabor the point, but I hope you did tell them the truth."
"I'm sorry for being flippant. There really are no signs posted on your property. If you point out your property lines, I will never trespass on your property again, I assure you."
"Call me Dirk. If we're standing at the end of my dock, my property lines are bounded north and south by the mountains on either side of the lake and is as far as the eye can see, east and west," Dirk said. "Does that answer your question, Shaun?"
Dirk smiled, "You can close your mouth now. Our dinner is in the oven. We have thirty minutes to enjoy our wine so let's sit in the living room."
"I'm curious as to why you spend so much time in these woods alone," Dirk said. "Don't you find it lonely living all year round in this sleepy little hamlet?"
"I'm content with my life for now," Shaun said. "Granted, it gets lonely at times, but I can be just as lonely living in New York City. I love these woods and there are so many interesting subjects to paint. The wildlife is abundant in these woods the year round."
"Granted I have not made a name for myself in the art world yet, but I'm working on it. My agent is putting the finishing touches on a deal with the Horvath Gallery in Manhattan to show my work," Shaun said. "He would like to see twenty more paintings for the show, but I don't know, that's a lot of work. I'll have to think about that for a while."
"How do you earn a living up here?"
"I'm a computer engineering consultant," Shaun said. "I take on free lance assignments to supplement my income when I'm running low on cash. Fortunately, I earn a good salary when I am working, but my first love is painting. It allows me to stick around here to take care of my mother."
"There goes the timer," Dirk said. "Our dinner is ready, save the rest of your story for later."
After dinner, they cleaned up the kitchen and returned to the living room to have an after-dinner drink.
"I think a fire would be nice," Dirk said.
"You have a beautiful home, Dirk. The interior design is magnificent, you have excellent taste."
"I wish I could take the credit, but it was decorated by professionals to my brother's specifications, which I happen to like."
"He is very talented," Shaun said. "You have a talent to make a great fire. Watching a fire is second only to watching the waves break against the shore, both are great tonic for the mind."
"You said you were up here taking care of your mother?"
"We live a few miles from here in one of those old Victorian homes in town," Shaun said. "My mother's family built the place years ago as a summer home. Actually, it is all that was left of my mother's estate after paying all her hospital bills. She could never afford to pay the outrageous high rents for an apartment in Manhattan, so we decided to renovate the house and live here year round."
The telephone interrupted their conversation. Dirk excused himself and took the call in the den. He returned a few minutes later.
"Duty calls, unfortunately, I'm sorry to have to cut our evening short, Shaun. If you are free tomorrow morning, why don't you join me for breakfast? I'd like to hear the rest of your story."
"Great, I would like that; what time?"
"I'm an early riser, is eight too early for you?"
"No, that's fine."
"Good, wear your hiking boots, I want you to show me your part of the woods."
"I'll see you in the morning. Thanks for a most pleasant evening. It will go down as the memorable evening of the month."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Kip opened the door for Shaun the next morning and led him into the morning room.
"Good morning, Dr. Spalding," Dirk said. "I hope you had a pleasant evening painting the town red after you left here last night."
Shaun laughed, "As a matter of fact I did paint for several hours last night and hit the sack early. This town closes promptly at sundown and the nearest bar is a two-hour drive. If you are thinking of running over there, call first, they close early for the winter. Take my advice and stay home. It's not worth the trip and the locals are not that friendly."
"I take it that your efficient security organization learned that I was not a notorious stalker after all," Shaun said.
"So, it appears that I've been entertaining a young genius after all. It's amazing what you'll find in the wilderness. Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Yes, I'm starved."
Dirk and Shaun spent every day together until it was time for Dirk to return to Long Island. He was surprised how quickly the time passed in Shaun's company. Shaun was a good listener and an interesting person. Dirk was surprised at how well informed Shaun was on a variety of subjects. He possessed a brilliant mind and the ability to understand complex business strategies with ease. The only other man he knew that came that close to him was Mac Stevens.
"Well, Shaun, I'll be heading home early tomorrow morning. I've really enjoyed your company. This has been a relaxing vacation for me. I hope we can get together on my next visit."
"It's been a treat for me as well. It's not that often I'm able to talk to a giant of industry in my own back yard. Next time you're in this neck of the woods, I would like to invite you to my place for dinner."
"My pleasure," Dirk said. "I've told my security guards to give you the run of this estate."
"I appreciate that, Dirk. I'm looking forward to your next visit."
Dirk handed him his card with his unlisted numbers written on the back. "Feel free to call me any time. I would like to have your telephone numbers and your address also."
"No problem, maybe we can do lunch the next time I'm in the Big Apple," Shaun said.
Harcourt's Manhattan Office
Two years had passed since Brett died. Dirk had completed his second tour of the Harcourt Oil facilities scattered around the country. He would spend several days at each refinery getting acquainted with the management staff and key personnel. After visiting the first two refineries, he pretty much had developed a scenario that he followed at each plant he visited. He would hold a meeting with the executives and employees together and talk to them about his plans to update the facility. He explained the new benefit programs that he had instituted, including his new incentives plans. Dirk invited all employees to call him if a problem developed that was not being handled at the local level.
After the meetings, he would tour the plant to learn the varied operations. He always did his homework prior to any plant visit. He knew many of the plant staff from his previous trips as Brett's troubleshooter. Dirk studied the profiles of the staff and a few of the key personnel he planned to promote. He also paid close attention to any ongoing capital plant expansions that exceed their original budget.
Dirk missed the children a lot and made it a point of calling them every day while he was on the road. The rest of his time was spent with his nose to the grindstone. It was normal for him to spend fourteen hours a day handling the volumes of correspondence that he had to address every day. That was the only way he was able to keep up with the day-to-day operations of the company and still maintain his heavy travel schedule. The end of the tunnel was in sight. The monthly Board meeting with the new Directors was producing the desired positive results. The Board recruited two outstanding vice presidents whom Dirk felt comfortable hiring. They were proving to be well worth their salaries. Both men had successful records of accomplishment and were living up to their reputations.
Danny Oakley, a twenty-eight year old VP, became his executive assistant and troubleshooter. The second man, Conrad Zeissler, was his senior VP of operations. Conrad headed up the operating group at corporate. He was a tough-minded executive who was forced to step down as the president at his last company. Conrad was an executive who was a top-notch number-two man in an organization and he was ideal for Harcourt. Dirk was able to turn over more responsibility to them as they settled into their jobs.
Dirk's secretary buzzed him on the intercom, "There's a Shaun Spalding on the line to speak to you. Do you wish to speak to him?"
"Yes, put him through," Dirk said. "Hi, Shaun, I've been meaning to call you. What's up?"
Shaun laughed, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Dirk. I'm in town today and wondered if you're free to do lunch?"
"Sure, I'll make the time. What time and where?"
"The Four Seasons at eleven-thirty, if you have the time, if not, the Plaza, for a quickie lunch."
"The Four Seasons will be fine; I owe you."
"See you at eleven-thirty."
Dirk arrived on time and was escorted to Shaun's table. Shaun stood and extended his hand, "Thanks for joining me on such short notice, Dirk."
"My God, I wouldn't would have recognized you if we had passed on the street," Dirk said.
Shaun smiled, "Close your mouth and let my hand go or people will start talking. I'll assume by your shocked expression that you approve of my squeaky clean appearance?"
"Sorry for staring, the last time I saw you, you looked like a man that spent too much time alone in the woods. You clean up good; Lord, it's a great improvement over that scruffy beard and long hair." Dirk smiled, "What brings you to the big city?"
"Several reasons, really. I had a meeting with my agent today about my exhibition at the Horvath Gallery, for one thing, and it happens to be time for my annual physical. This is really a power lunch to soften you up. I need to ask you a big favor."
"That could work, depending on the favor," Dirk said. "What's the favor?"
"I need your permission to exhibit two painting for the show. One is of you and the other is of your brother," Shaun said. "I will need your release to exhibit them in my show."
"Are you crazy? We never sat for any painting," Dirk said?
"That's a long story that we'll talk about another time," Shaun said. "Believe me, I have painted you both, and as I've said I need your permission to show them in public."
"I'll need to see the paintings first, before I agree," Dirk said. "If they're good, I have no objections."
"I'll need your brother's permission as well."
"Brett was killed in a plane crash two years ago."
"Oh, my God, I'm so sorry to hear that," Shaun said. "How tragic, he was so young and full of life. How can I get a release to show his portrait?"
"Again, if the painting is good, I will give you the permission you need."
"When will you be visiting Harcourt Place again?"
"I don't know at this point," Dirk said. "I wish it could be tomorrow, but I'll let you know in a week."
"Great, then it's dinner at my place when you lock down a date."
"Yes, sir, I like your new image, Shaun. I hope you don't revert to that scruffy, hippy look again."
"My God, you're being gracious with your compliments today. That's my second compliment for the day," Shaun chuckled; "don't say anymore, or it just might go to my head."
Dirk smiled, "We can't have that, now, can we? Here I'm trying to be Mister Nice Guy, and you get ugly. You know, when you smile, you remind me of Brett. It's too bad you never met him. I know you two would have hit it off. He was a wonderful person. You must have heard of the old saying, 'the good die young.' Well, in Brett's case, it was true."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Four months had passed since their last luncheon meeting before Dirk was able to break away to visit Harcourt Place. He called Shaun to let him know that he was planning to fly up to Harcourt Place for a long weekend.
Shaun invited him for cocktails and dinner on Friday evening.
Dirk arrived at Shaun's home at five o'clock Friday evening. "My, my, you look like a fashion statement tonight," Dirk said as he handed Shaun a bottle of brandy wrapped in a gift bag.
Shaun smiled and looked at the bottle of brandy, "Thank you for the gift, we'll have that with our coffee tonight. Why do I get the feeling that you were expecting that hippy you met seven months ago? Contrary to what you may think, I am quite civilized and I have a closet filled with respectable clothes. And, I hasten to add, in the latest fashion."
Dirk grinned and shook his head, "I didn't know what to expect," Dirk said. "I must say, you've done a beautiful job restoring this old place. It must have cost you a bundle."
"You're right, yet I feel it was worth every penny. Come on, I would like you to meet my mother. She is all excited about meeting a Harcourt once again. I'll give you the grand tour before dinner. After dinner, I'll show you my studio and the paintings."
Shaun had prepared one of his gourmet specialties for dinner. After dinner, Dirk helped him wash up and straighten up the kitchen.
"Thanks for your help," Shawn said. "Now let's take a look at the paintings."
Shaun led him up to his studio on the third floor. There were two covered easels standing in front of a large gray backdrop. The lighting was focused on the center of each of the two easels. Shaun had moved a chair about eight feet back from the easel. He removed the dust covers and flipped on the switch for the overhead spotlights. Dirk gasped when he looked at Brett's painting and whispered "Oh, my God!"
Shaun patted Dirk on the shoulder, "I'm going to leave you now, take as much time as you like, I'll be waiting for you in the living room. Turn off the lights as you leave."
Brett came alive again in that painting. Shawn had captured him in one of his unguarded moments, sitting on the deck looking out over the lake at Harcourt Place. The painting was so lifelike. Dirk felt that if he spoke to Brett, he would answer. The tears welled up in his eyes and he wept."
Dirk dried his eyes and studied his own portrait. He realized that he was viewing the work of a very talented artist. After the initial shock, he relaxed and took his time to study the paintings in detail. He was impressed with Shaun's technique and was drawn to the paintings by those penetrating eyes staring directly back at him. Dirk also realized that Shaun had made his portrait perfect. He had smoothed out the flaw in Dirk's nose and softened the rough edges.
He turned back to Brett's and studied every detail. That was the first time he could look at Brett's painting without feeling the pain in his heart. He felt sad, but the pain was bearable. Finally, he was beginning to accept Brett's death. He stood up to cover the portraits. As he turned to cover Brett's portrait, he said, "Good-bye for now, my love, until we meet again on the other side." He turned off the lights and made his way down to the living room.
Shaun had built a nice fire and was playing a Bach CD. He was drawing in his sketchbook when Dirk walked into the room.
"You are a very talented artist, and you have my permission to exhibit our portraits."
"I'm pleased that you like my work. One day when you have some time I'd like to show you some of the other canvases I painted of you and Brett."
"You mean there's more?"
"Oh yes, there are several more."
"You have been observing us for some time, haven't you?"
"Yes, I knew you were lovers. You were a delightful couple to watch. At first, I was quite jealous of Brett. You see, I fell in love with you after a while. In retrospect, it was really quite juvenile of me. It is about what you would expect from a lonely man. I was living in my own fantasy world. It was my salvation during the long stretches between your visits. After a while, I was able to put things in their proper perspective. That's when I made the decision to immortalize my two handsome lovers on canvas.
"Even a Ph.D. can act juvenile sometimes. I'm embarrassed to even mention it to you now. I began to see qualities in Brett that made him so appealing. He was a warm and sensitive person and he loved you deeply. I could see it in his eyes. To an artist like me, the eyes are the mirror of the soul."
"How were you able to paint us without being spotted? I don't understand," Dirk said.
"I had taken hundreds of candid photos of you with telephoto lenses to capture the real individual in each painting. I had an advantage very few artists have. I had the visual composite of my subject before my brush touched the canvas. What you saw in my paintings is all that remains of the photographs I took. I feel those two portraits are my best work. It was a labor of love. We became close friends in my own little world, and I missed you when you left. I sensed something was wrong when you stopped visiting. I'm glad we met after all these years. I hope you will forgive me for invading your privacy."
"I suppose I should be annoyed, but I'm not. In a way, I'm glad. If you hadn't bothered with us, there would be no paintings."
"Since our last meeting, I've had you investigated, Shaun. The report indicated that you were gay and had a lover the entire time you were in college. Is that true?"
"Yes, I'm not ashamed of my life style, yet I don't flaunt it. I've found early on that a lot of people can become very unpleasant and can't deal with that issue. Therefore, to keep my life bearable, I keep my personal life private. Naturally, if anyone wants to dig, as you have, they will learn the truth. But again, I won't deny that fact that I'm a homosexual."
"Are you in a relationship now?"
"You're kidding, of course?" Shaun laughed, 'Right here in River City?' Maybe there are some gay men around, but we would have nothing in common. No, after my Mom dies I'm out of here. There is nothing here for me. Jerry, my college roommate, was my last lover. We broke off our relationship after completing our Doctorates. Jerry wanted me to move with him to California. However, I was not ready for a long-term commitment. Our relationship was one more of convenience than anything else. Granted, I was fond of him, and we had great sex together. Yet, sex alone is not a firm foundation on which to build a lasting relationship. I would classify our relationship as one of mutual convenience and sexual release. We still remain good friends and manage to get together whenever we can."
"Personally, I've have always resisted any urge to visit the baths or gay bars. The thought of getting AIDS was enough to frighten me off all casual sex. Life means too much to me to throw it away on a toss in the hay. One nice thing about living in the mountains, as I do, is the lack of any temptation to become involved in a relationship. I've been living a self enforced monastic existence for the past several years and have not suffered at all. Don't get me wrong, the sexual urge is always there; I've just learned to find other outlets, that all."
"I want to be completely honest with you," Dirk said. "I'm attracted to you. I think you are handsome, intelligent and sexy. I'm still depressed over losing Brett. A part of me died with him in that plane. Every day becomes a little easier. At least for now I'm able to make it through the week without the heart ache. Brett told me that life is for the living and insisted that I find another mate. Logically, he is right, but my heart tells me otherwise. I'm lonely and I need to find a man willing to share my life. That is not as easy as it sounds. I'm sure you can attest to that. In my case, I have six young children to raise. I don't take that responsibility lightly. The second obstacle is my job. My business demands a great deal of my time. So you see there is lot on my plate and it will take a unique person to want to deal with that.
"What I'm trying to say is that I enjoy being with you. Yet I want you to realize up front what you're up against. You are the first man I have felt anything for since Brett died. If you can accept me, knowing how I feel about Brett, and knowing what you are walking into, then I would very much like see you on a regular basis. It has been a long time since I've held a warm body in my arms."
Shaun smiled, "I have no problems with that. However, I do have two conditions. One, if we agree to see each other then it must be a monogamous relationship. If either of us finds someone else, our relationship should end."
"I accept both conditions," Dirk said. "One question … did it ever occur to you that you may be disappointed in me as a possible lover? It's quite possible, that you might dump me, after you get to know me better."
"Anything is possible, but it's highly unlikely."
"Okay, we can have a standing date every Sunday," Dirk said. "I must spend time with the children every Saturday, which leaves us Sunday. My schedule is going to be rough for the next several months, but I'm sure we can do lunch as often as you like, just let me know in advance."
"That sounds like a workable plan," Shaun said. "Let's get together for lunch every Tuesday and Thursday."
"Fine, I'll have my pilot pick you up at Harcourt Place on those days. If you're free this weekend, would like you to spend the time with me at the cottage?"
"Of course, I'd love to."
"Well it's getting late and I'm exhausted, Shaun. This has turned out to be an enjoyable evening."
Shaun walked him to the front door. Dirk took him in his arms and kissed him. He held him for several minutes before releasing him.
"That was nice," Shaun said. "Would you mind repeating that again? I've waited for that kiss for a long time."
He kissed him again, this time with more feeling. Shaun laid his head on Dirk's neck and stayed that way for several minutes without speaking.
Dirk rubbed his back, "You smell like fresh air, what that scent you're wearing?"
"Soap and fresh air, I never use cologne."
"Good night, Shaun, I'll see you in the morning for breakfast."
The Four Seasons Restaurant
"I'm glad everything is finally set for your show at the Horvath Gallery next week," Dirk said. "I've taken the liberty of making up a list of some friends and business associates I'd like to invite to your preview. I want them to see your work. I've included my mother in the list, as well. She is anxious to see our portraits. I can guarantee you that the publicist will be impressed with your guest list. I have a strong feeling that your paintings will be sold before your show opens."
"You've been a prince, Dirk. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done to make this show a success. I'll personally conduct you and your mother on a private tour before the showroom opens for the preview."
"I'm planning to have a cocktail party for you after the press preview Thursday afternoon, at my penthouse. Give me a copy of your guest list and I'll invite them as well."
"I'll fax you a copy tomorrow," Shaun said. "I've missed you terribly. The roses and the cards helped a lot; thanks so much."
"I'm enjoying doing these things for you. I'm proud of you and I want people to know how talented you are. The other reason is purely selfish. I enjoy seeing your smiling face."
"I would like to lean over this table and kiss you," Shaun said. "Not only are you the most handsome man in Manhattan, but you're also the most affectionate person I've ever known."
"What are your plans for this weekend?" Dirk asked.
"To tell you the truth, I haven't thought that far in advance. Why, did you have something special in mind?"
"Yes, I would like you to spend the weekend with me at Harcourt Hall."
Shaun raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Does this mean that we are skipping phase two of our relationship, and jumping directly into phase three? Taking me home to meet the family usually comes after taking me to bed."
Dirk smiled, "Don't jump to any conclusions. Besides which, I've no doubt that you are as accomplished in bed as you are at everything else. I'll have my pilot call you to make arrangements to pick you up at Harcourt Place and fly you directly to Long Island."
"I'll be there," Shaun said. "The Horvath preview is Thursday afternoon from four to seven, if you and your mother could make it around three, I will escort her on a personally guided showing. As you know, the public showing starts on Friday." "The Time Magazine review will hit the stands next week. What's more, I am supposed to be a guest on the Today Show, and another on PBS. You have changed my luck, isn't that wonderful?"
"I'm happy for you, Shaun. I'll be out of town until Thursday."
The Horvath Gallery
Thursday afternoon Shaun escorted Molly and Dirk on the personal tour as promised. "Dirk, I have arranged to have two comfortable chairs placed in the room where Brett's and your paintings are hung," Shaun said. "You will not be disturbed and take as much time as you like."
Later that afternoon Molly found Shaun to thank him for the private showing. "Your work is outstanding," Molly said. "What will become of Brett's portrait after the show?"
"It will be become part of a collection of new American artists that will be exhibited throughout Europe and the United States," Shaun said. "The paintings will be returned to me after the show is over next year."
"It's fitting that Brett's portrait will be seen by millions of people all over the world," Molly said. "He would have liked that. Thank you again, Shaun. I won't keep you, we'll have more time to talk this weekend."
"I'm looking forward to my visit," Shaun said. "My mother always enjoyed visiting the Hampton's during the season."
"Oh, what was your mother's maiden name?"
"Sara Elizabeth Borne," Shaun said.
Molly smiled, "Interesting, and where did she go to college?"
"Vassar," Shaun replied.
"Yes, Shaun, we should have an interesting weekend," Molly said.
"I'll see you later, Shaun," Dirk said.
To be continued...
Posted: 05/18/12