Rori managed a condescending laugh. “It is art, Anton. The intent is for each viewer sees what they will in it, and turn something general into something specific to them.”
His mouth moved into a cute little smirk. “This work is too sensual to be general, my dear. And I have made it my business to become familiar with one of the shapes in this sculpture. All I know is that the other shape is not mine, but that is not something to discuss tonight.”
“No,” she agreed, sending a smile to her agent as he led a very influential-looking couple her direction.
Another time, indeed. If ever.
“Aurora,” her agent said. “Have you met Herr and Fraulein Fenster yet?”
“Yes, in Belgium,” Rori said, switching to German even as she eyed Mike over their shoulders. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
“You, as well,” Herr Fenster replied in German as Rori kissed the cheeks of both the husband and wife. “We are enjoying your show. It has many layers.”
“Thank you,” Rori said. “I’m sure my agent has informed you that most of the pieces are for sale.”
“Indeed he has,” Fraulein Fenster said, then turned to Anton. “And I understand we have your vineyards to thank for the delicious wine tonight.”
“Oh, you flatter me,” Anton said in flawless German. “But yes. What you hold in your hands is my labor of love.”
“It is excellent,” Herr Fenster said. “And may I be so forward to say that the two of you make a handsome couple.”
Rori glanced at Mike then, noting that he had chosen to interview one of the cuter girls in attendance. Of course he had. What was he trying to do? Rub her face in all the women he could take to bed instead of her? Well, message received.
“Well, I certainly hope so,” she heard Anton say as he pulled her against him.
That earned a smile from the couple and Rori sent a glance to her agent to let him know they were done.
“I know Francesca was asking about you, and I see her right now,” her agent said. “Let me introduce you.”
“Of course,” Herr Fenster said, and the couple was swept away.
Anton watched them leave. “Your agent is worth what you pay him.”
“Yes, he is,” Rori agreed. “Will you excuse me? I need to check in with Fredrik.”
“Of course,” Anton said, dropping a kiss on the top of her head, and even though Rori couldn’t see his eyes, she sensed that he was eyeing one of the patrons across the way.
Fine. Let him look. He would be much easier to deal with that night if he was distracted. But distraction wasn’t something Rori could allow for herself that night, and that’s what Mike Cannon was. As long as he was in the room, she wasn’t going to be able to concentrate on anyone else.
And that meant he had to go.
Chapter 59
Rori knew she would find Fredrik in the kitchen, making sure every platter looked perfect before it was allowed on the floor. He spotted her the moment she walked in and frowned.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, drawing closer. “The last place I should see you tonight is back here.”
“Everything’s perfect,” she said, pulling him to the side.
“And yet here you are,” he said, folding his arms. “Speak truth, honey. What’s wrong?”
She slid her hand into Fredrik’s and urged him closer. “I need a favor.”
“Name it, honey,” he said so only she could hear.
“Could you tell Mike that we no longer need his services this evening?”
She felt Fredrik freeze momentarily before his demeanor to his usual light manner. “You’re asking me send a beautiful man who is an absolute pleasure to work with to leave, Rori? You have to know that’s against my religion.”
“You’re not religious.”
He waved that off. “Honey, we’re all religious about something, and perfect male specimens are holy in my book.” He gave her puppy eyes. “You can’t ask me to do this. It’s like asking me to erase a rainbow out of the sky. Rainbows should be allowed to shine, and encouraged to stay as long as they like. One look into his Caribbean blue eyes and I’d fold. You want him gone, that’s on you. Sorry, girl. Even I have my limits.”
Great. Just great.
“Just enjoy yourself,” he said, giving her shoulders a light squeeze. “I’ve seen some of what he’s done so far. You’re going to love it, hon. If he lived here I would hire him full time. He’s a genius with editing.”