Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,93
he starts the car. “I just don’t want to get fined.”
“You won’t,” I tell him. Then, lowering my voice, I whisper to Matthew, “I can get you one, if you want.”
He lets out a quick laugh, most likely astounded by my statement. “Are you serious?” And shaking his head, he adds, “Nah, I’m fine.”
“Alright.”
After our ride, the driver drops us right in front of the entrance of a skyscraper. As we go into the marble hall and to the reception area, we are greeted by an elegant lady who, after checking my invitation, opens the lift for us and presses the button for the fifty-fifth floor.
“Wow, is this in a private apartment or something?” Matthew asks as we wait patiently to get to the floor.
“Yeah, it’s an invite-only exhibit,” I explain to him.
As the doors open, we are welcomed into a dark open space projecting waterfalls and flowers from the ceiling down the walls and onto the floor like a quiet river continuing its course. Then wind blows through my hair, and sounds of water and nature fill the room. Above us, fake clouds cover the ceiling, while neo-contemporary paintings hang on the walls.
“You can remove your mask here,” I remind him.
“Are you sure?” he asks.
“No one is wearing them,” I whisper as we both look around. “And no cops are gonna come here to fine you.”
Thank God, Matthew finally takes it off and… puts it in his pocket! Don’t tell me he’s gonna put it back over his mouth afterward? Oh dear…
“It’s dope, isn’t it?” I ask as we take in our surroundings. “It’s called immersive art.”
“Wait, you mean these clouds and waterfalls and stuff are art?”
I chuckle at his observation. “Yeah, it’s an installation by teamLab, and those paintings over there are by Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist.”
As we get closer to one of her paintings, Matthew asks, “How much do you think this one costs?”
“Hmm… A painting of hers can cost just twenty grand. But then you can sell it at auction for millions a decade or two later.”
“What?” he shouts. “That’s insane. From twenty grand to millions?”
“Art can be a very profitable business. Some of her paintings have been sold at auction for seven to ten million dollars,” I tell him.
“Damn, that’s more than my own apartment! I don’t get why rich people would waste millions on this.”
I must have heard this remark a thousand times, but nevertheless, I say, “It’s just like any other investment. The idea is to buy art when there is room for growth and the value can still rise.”
“So you think after spending ten million, you can still make more out of a painting?” he asks, even more confused.
“If the value of her art keeps going up, yeah. For instance, there’s a six-hundred-year-old painting from Leonardo da Vinci that was sold for four hundred million.”
“Jeez, that’s insane,” he snaps. His attention then goes around the room, like he’s looking for someone. “There is a waiter serving drinks. Can I bring you something?”
“Eh, yeah, something without alcohol, please.”
“Alright, give me a sec.”
As Matthew goes to get some drinks, I keep observing the eccentric painting hanging in front of me. Then I can’t help but wonder if Matthew is getting bored of our conversation about art or if he’s just thirsty. I hope he’s not finding this exhibit boring.
“Ms. Van Gatt?” I hear a male voice saying beside me.
Turning my gaze in his direction, I find a couple I don’t recognize. “Um, yes?”
“Mike Steinberg,” the man replies as he extends a hand. “We met at Paulo’s wedding in Rio.” Since I don’t seem to be recalling who he is, he then adds, “I’m the COO of Gatt-Dieren Capital.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” I shake his hand heartily and feel a bit stupid for not recognizing him before. “Pleasure seeing you, Mike.” Then I introduce myself to the woman standing beside him.
“I’m so glad you’re finally doing well. Your dad and godfather were so worried,” Mike says.
“Thank you so much,” I tell him, and, to avoid images of my godfather running through my mind, I ask, “Um, what brought you here?”
“Oh, my girlfriend enjoys this type of exhibit, so here we are.” I give her a warm smile in understanding, and Mike adds, “By the way, your dad told me you were looking to do a second round for your fund?”
“Oh, yeah, um, I still have to prepare a financial plan and do the math, but yes, I intend to do a second round.”