Chapter 2: Artist Matteo De Luca

The cab stops in front of a high-rise condominium. Georgina paid the cab driver and nervously got off. After agreeing to the offer yesterday, Katie immediately handed her the artist’s address and Katie excitedly told her that he agreed to meet her the next morning after she contacted him.

She breathes slowly as she fixes her dress. I can do this! But she felt her hands trembling, feeling anxious thinking about what’s going to happen in the next hour.

But that’s not the only reason.

The neighborhood makes her uncomfortable. It’s so quiet, seemed secluded and exclusive for the rich and influential people. There are even roaming guards almost every corner of the streets and giving the cab she’s riding a suspicious look.

So, is this “Matteo de Luca guy” that concern of his security and privacy to live in a place like this? It’s like a prison.

The fashion industry introduced her to a different kind of lifestyle. Luxury and glamour. Ritz and glitz. But this kind of neighbor is something that she's not so used to. It’s on a different level. So, there are people who prefer this, huh?

After she was convinced of doing this nude art session, she tried looking him up but like most artists, he didn’t have any photo online. She only ended up getting search results of articles saying that his work is being sold to rich , influential people. Even articles about collaborations and art exhibits where he’s invited doesn’t put a photo of him or his work.

Wow! This guy must’ve paid a lot of money to keep his identity from the public!Or is he a big snob that he didn’t attend those events at all?

It’s common for artists to prefer anonymity, usually because their pieces are either illegal or they just wanted their viewers to appreciate the art and not bother who the artist was, whether he was famous or not.

Well, come to think of it, I don’t think I’d be proud looking at naked bodies and paint them. That seemed perverted. It’s like 3D porn.

She shakes her head slightly to brush those thoughts off of her head before walking up the stairs towards the condominium entrance. She walks in and was greeted by the guard and the front desk attendant.

"Good morning!”

Georgina managed to smile as she approached the counter. "Hi! I have a scheduled visit to the suite floor for Mr. Matteo de Luca."

"Oh, sure! For Mr. De Luca. Can I have your name, Ma'am?"

"Georgina Fray." She answered.

The attendant faced her computer and started typing. “Alright. He did advise us earlier after he went out for a run." She looked at her, smiled and gestured her hand towards the elevator. "Suite Floor number 8. He's expecting you."

She nodded. She walks towards the elevator and steps inside. The elevator attendant then pressed the suite floor button for her. She discreetly checked her reflection on the closed elevator doors. Wearing a short sleeved ivory plaid sheath dress and her nude pumps, she looked like she’s doing a business deal with someone and not strip naked!

The elevator dinged to the suite floors after halting to a few floors for other residents. “This is it!" She mumbled before stepping out.

Her heels tapped on the black marble floor as she invited herself in and made her way to the living room. She can't help herself admiring the taste of this Matteo De Luca guy. His place is spacious with a minimalist design that exudes elegance.

Like the neighborhood, the suite is also quiet. She stood behind the white couch.

“Hello?" She called out and looked around when there’s no response.

She walked towards a big framed painting of a nude woman up on the wall. She was studying it when a voice from behind her echoed in the living room.

"How are you?" A deep manly voice asked.

Her forehead creased. That was an odd question for someone you just met. She turned around to put a face on that deep voice. And her world slowed down as she watched the man—on barefoot, walking down the staircase with his black jogger pants, gray fitted shirt and his wet brownish-black shoulder length damp hair. It looks like he just got out of the shower.

Her eyebrows met as he gets closer, his hair hides part of his face. And slowly, her eyes widened as his face becomes more visible when he brushed his hair away from his face with his left hand.

“Hi, I’m—“ She greeted, still trying to remember where she saw him. His stubble beard and mustache doesn't really help. It's distracting her... in a good way.

"It's me. Matthew." He raised his left eyebrow as he stood before her with a serious look on his face.

No way! There’s only one Matthew I know. Her mouth dropped. "Matthew Larson?!”