Art Gallery

Saryna hurried home from work to get ready. Kathy had asked her to go along to an art show this evening. She wasn't really into art, but since Kathy had asked, she decided to go. They hadn't had a night out together in a while. As she dressed, she thought about the conversation they had when Kathy had asked her to go.

Kathy was so animated when she talked about it. "His paintings are magnificent. I can't wait till you see his work, Saryna. He's wonderful. I'm sure you will like it."

Saryna laughed. "Fine, Kathy. If you say so. I just hope it's not that abstract stuff because I just don't get that stuff!"

Kathy smiled. "No it's not. He does mostly landscapes, but they are just so ... beautiful. They are serene, peaceful ... not just plain pictures. You can actually feel the peace and serenity when you look at them."

Saryna was shaking her head. "Okay, okay. I already said I'd go. Boy, you must really, really like this guy's stuff. What aren't you telling me? Are you dating him or something?"

It was Kathy's turn to laugh. "Now Saryna, you know I'm married. But if I wasn't ..."

Saryna finished getting ready and waited for Kathy to pick her up. About ten minutes later a horn blew outside. Saryna looked out the window and saw Kathy's car in the drive way. She turned out the lights, locked the door and hurried out to meet Kathy.

Once she was in the car and they were on their way, Kathy said "So, are you ready to be blown away?"

"Boy you have it bad for this guy, don't you?" Saryna laughed. "Since you like him so much, I'm sure he's great. But, if he's so wonderful, why isn't he showing in some big gallery in New York or Los Angeles?"

"Because. He should be ... he would be, but he doesn't want all the hoopla of a huge art show. He's been painting for a while and makes a good living from it. But he also likes his anonymity. He doesn't want to become one of those public figures that never has any time to himself. He enjoys his privacy, so he only does small shows, when he can be convinced to do them at all."

Saryna looked at Kathy with an "Oh no" look. "So. How much do you really know about this guy? Sounds kind of strange to me. An artist that doesn't want to be recognized? Maybe he's some kind of criminal or pervert or something and that's the reason he doesn't want the publicity."

Kathy laughed. "Oh Saryna, you do have some imagination. Just wait until you meet him. He's nothing of the sort. And besides ... he loves animals. He has two or three dogs, you know."

Saryna gave in. "Okay. I'll take your word for it. I guess if he loves animals he can't be that bad. And anyone that owns dogs ... well, you know."

When Kathy and Saryna arrived at the opening the parking lot was full. The only space they could get was at the very opposite end of the lot, as far away from the building as it was possible to get.

"Well, at least I wore my comfortable shoes," Saryna quipped. "I didn't think we'd have to walk to the other end of the earth to get to the show."

Kathy laughed and grabbed Saryna's arm. "Would you please come on and stop whining. You are going to enjoy yourself this evening if I have to force you at gunpoint. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, yeah, enjoy myself. But let's make a deal, okay. Once we look at this guy's stuff and you introduce him, and we've stayed long enough to be civilized, can we leave? Go get something to eat? I'm starving, and I'm sure the lovely hors d'oeuvres they serve here will not do the trick."

Kathy shook her head. "How about this. Once we've looked at his stuff and you've been introduced, if you still want to go, then we'll go. How's that?"

"Sounds like a plan. Now let's get this over with." Saryna and Kathy headed for the door. Saryna was pondering what Kathy has said. What did she mean ‘If you still want to go ....' What exactly did Kathy have up her sleeve anyway? This had better not be some kind of set up or I'm outta here quicker than you can say ‘see ya.'

The gallery was very crowded when they entered. Kathy grabbed Saryna's arm and tugged her along to the first painting. "So now, what do you think?" she asked.

Saryna looked at the painting and had to admit it was beautiful. It was a landscape ... a wooded area with a stream ... some wildflowers growing ... and a few animals here and there. And the painting did make you feel peaceful and serene.

"All right, Kathy. You were right. It's beautiful. And it does make you feel peaceful. This guy is definitely talented."

"Told ya!" Kathy taunted and then pulled Saryna along to the next painting. The crowd moved very slowly, but they eventually made their way through most of the paintings. Everyone seemed very impressed with the artist, but Saryna had yet to see the man. Finally she had about enough. "Kathy, I'm starving. Can we at least go get something to nibble on?"

Kathy looked at Saryna and then apologized. "I'm sorry. I just get carried away when I'm looking at art. And Michel's art, well ... it's just ... special. Let's look at one more and then we'll make our way over to the hors d'oeuvres."

Kathy looked like she didn't want to answer, but finally relented. "His name is Michel Aubyn."

They finally arrived at the next painting and Saryna was mesmerized. It was amazing. It was almost like this man had read her mind. Kathy noticed Saryna staring at it and asked "You like it?"

Saryna looked at Kathy and then back to the painting. "I love it. It's ... it's ..."

"It's like he read my mind. It's the place I've always dreamed of. The place I would love to live one day. I've been dreaming of a place like this for years." The she noted the title of the piece -- ‘Dreamscape.' "Dreamscape. What an appropriate title for the painting."

Saryna jumped and turned around and saw an extremely handsome man. Kathy was smiling. Saryna found her tongue and answered his question. "I love it. I have always dreamed of living in a place like that."

The man nodded and smiled. "Me too." Then he turned his attention to Kathy. "Hello, Kathy."

Kathy smiled and shook the man's hand. "Hi, Michel. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Saryna. Saryna, this is Michel Samuelle. The artist."

Saryna looked at Kathy and then back to Michel blinking in confusion. Michel extended his hand and Saryna shook it and tried to piece together a coherent sentence. "It's nice to meet you, Michel. Kathy has talked about your work all week.

Michel smiled and said "Thank you. To have the admiration of two such lovely ladies for my work is more than I could ask for."

Saryna blushed and looked back to the painting. This man was handsome and quite the charmer to boot. She didn't have a lot of experience with this kind of thing, so she got very quiet, which she always did when she was nervous.

Kathy and Michel talked for a few minutes while Saryna listened. Well, she tried to listen, but she just kept staring at Michel. The man was too handsome for words. And she couldn't believe that Kathy knew him and had been holding out on her all this time. Just wait until we get out of here, Saryna thought. Kathy has some serious explaining to do!

Kathy had noticed how quiet Saryna had become. And she was pretty sure what the reason was. She decided she had better not push things.

"So Michel, we have been monopolizing you for quite some time. I'm sure everyone here would like to speak with the artist they came to admire."

Michel sighed and then said "I guess you are right. That is the part of this job that I would rather do without. But duty calls."

He was beginning to turn away when he stopped. "I wonder if you ladies would do me a favor?"

Kathy and Saryna looked at each other and then back to him. "Sure, what do you need, Michel" Kathy replied.

"I was wondering if you ladies would do me the honor of having supper with me after the show?"

Saryna was surprised. But why should she be? People were drawn to Kathy. And it appeared that she and Michel already knew each other. And he was just being polite in including her in the invitation.

Kathy watched the emotions play across Saryna's face and knew what she was thinking. "Of course we will, Michel. We would be delighted, wouldn't we, Saryna?"

Saryna could have strangled Kathy right on the spot. She turned to Michel and squeaked out, "Of course. It would be our pleasure."

Michel smiled. "Wonderful. I'll meet you at the front of the gallery after the show. We can go in my car." Then he took Saryna's hand in his and kissed it. Then did the same to Kathy. "Until later, ladies. Please excuse me."

Kathy and Saryna made their way through the remainder of the paintings. Saryna was very impressed with Michel's work and told Kathy so. But she just couldn't get that one particular painting, "Dreamscape" out of her mind. It was just so perfect.

It was the place she had always pictured in her mind as the perfect home. There was a nice house, but not too big or flashy, there was a nice-sized yard with a couple of dogs running around it, there were woods containing all kinds of woodland creatures, a small brook running between the edge of the yard and the woods. There were shade trees in the yard and wildflowers growing everywhere. It was a very peaceful, quiet, comforting place.

"So Kathy, do they actually sell these paintings, or what?" Saryna asked as she came back to the present.

"They do, if the artist wants to part with them. Why? Did you have a particular one in mind, perhaps?"

Kathy laughed. "Well, you never know. However, I do happen to know that Michel does not want to part with that particular painting. We were made aware of it before he agreed to do the show."

"Well that figures. The one painting in my life that I would love to own, and the artist doesn't want to sell it. Well, that's about how my life goes, isn't it?"

Saryna and Kathy moved toward the front of the gallery and then Saryna decided to broach the subject of supper. "Hey Kathy, about supper. I know Michel only invited me to be nice. You and he must have a lot to talk about, so I'll just go on home and you two can catch up on old times or whatever."

Kathy turned on Saryna with her "I'm a mom and don't mess with me" look and said

"Forget it. Michel invited both of us and we are both going. I'm not letting you beg off of this, so just don't even think about it."

She wasn't about to win this argument, so she relented. "Fine, but don't blame me if he calls you up later and tells you how painful it was to have supper with me!"

Kathy laughed and hit Saryna with her program. "Would you stop talking like that. You are a wonderful person and Michel will realize it. Just stop being so nervous and try to enjoy yourself."

"Yeah. Easier said than done. You know I am not at all the outgoing type of person that you are. Just promise me that you will dig me out of any holes I fall into."

About half an hour later, the show was over and everyone was leaving. Michel walked up to them and said "Sorry to make you wait. Shall we?" He held the door for them and they made their way outside. There was a limo waiting at the front of the building. The driver got out and opened the door for them. Saryna stopped and looked at Kathy. Kathy laughed and then pulled her along. Michel was smiling.

"One of the perks of being the artist du jour. They send a limo to pick me up and take me wherever I want to go. I promise you I don't usually travel this way."

for a secluded table near the back. They ordered their meals and then settled back for some conversation. Saryna didn't say much, she never did around strangers.

However, Michel and Kathy kept drawing her into the conversation. She finally relaxed enough to really enjoy herself. She found Michel to be quite a character when he wanted to be. And she was surprised at the things they had in common.

They both, of course, loved animals. They talked about his dogs for a while, and Saryna told him about her dog, Lady, which had died recently.

With Michel being so sophisticated, Saryna would have never guessed that he was a country music fan, but he admitted he was. Their tastes in authors also coincided. And, of course, there was Kathy.

Kathy was a subject that Saryna could talk about without becoming embarrassed. And Kathy didn't seem to mind, either. Saryna was quite amazed when they got up to leave and noticed that it was midnight.

"Yes, time certainly does fly when you are having fun. May I escort you ladies home?"

Saryna was about to tell him that, no, Kathy had her car back at the gallery and they would get home safely. But Kathy intervened.

"Actually, Michel, if you could take Saryna home, I'd appreciate it. You can just drop me at the gallery to get my car."

If looks could kill, Kathy would have dropped on the spot. "That's all right Michel, you don't have to bother. I'm sure Kathy can drop me off." Saryna said.

"Oh, it's no bother. I would love to escort you home, if you don't mind. I promise to behave myself."

Saryna sighed. She knew when to quit. "All right. As long as you promise to behave yourself!" They all laughed and headed back to the limo. They dropped Kathy off at the gallery and made sure she was on her way and then headed for Saryna's house. Once they got there, Michel got out and helped Saryna out of the car. He walked her to the door.

"Thank you Michel. I really enjoyed this evening. And you know, you are a very, very talented artist. Don't forget ... if you ever want to give up that "Dreamscape," I get first dibs!"

Michel laughed. "Don't worry, I won't forget. Anyone who appreciates it as much as you do, certainly deserves first dibs. And I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering if you would go out with me sometime?"

Saryna was rooted to the spot. She couldn't believe that this man was actually asking her out. This handsome, sophisticated, charming, worldly, could-have-any-woman-he-wanted ... artist, was asking her out!

She must have stood there for quite a while because Michel finally said, "Well, that's okay. I understand. Don't worry about it." Then he turned to walkaway.

Saryna blinked and then looked up at him. She finally realized she had never answered him. "Wait, Michel." He stopped and turned around.

Saryna walked back down the walk towards him and said "I'm sorry. I was just so floored that you asked me out. Of course I'll go out with you sometime. I'd love to."

Kathy hung up the phone. She was smiling from ear to ear. She had just spoken to Michel. He and Saryna had been dating for six months now. Today was her birthday and Michel had quite a surprise in store for her. She couldn't wait to hear all about it tomorrow.

Michel picked Saryna up at her house and took her to his place for dinner. He had told her he wanted to cook for her on her birthday. Michel had made lasagna, which Saryna had told him was her favorite dish, and a chocolate birthday cake. It was delicious.

After dinner, they moved to sit together on the couch in his living room. Michel turned on his CD player and turned the music down low. Then he said "Sit tight. I'll be right back."

Saryna wondered what he was up to. She didn't really care, she was just so happy. She and Michel had hit it off from the start and had been together for six months. She thought it was truly amazing.

Just then Michel returned with a large gift-wrapped box. It was rather flat, so Saryna had a pretty good idea of what was in it. He handed it to her and said

Saryna thanked him and then carefully removed the wrapping paper. Her hands were shaking. She opened the box and then gasped. "Michel. It's ...it's ..."

She knew how much Michel prized that painting. "But Michel, I can't. This painting is very important to you. It's your dream."

Michel turned to her and said "Good. Because here is your other gift." He handed her a small jeweler's box. Saryna's hands were really shaking now.

She looked up at him and then opened it slowly. When she saw it, she gasped. Inside was the most beautiful Diamond and Sapphire ring she had even seen. She looked up at Michel, at a loss for words.

Michel took pity on her and said "I was hoping that Dreamscape was still your dream. I actually went out and purchased the property. It's not far from here. And I want us to live there after we are married. That is, if you will marry me."

"Oh Michel. Of course I'll marry you." Michel took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger, and then kissed her hand.

It was Kathy. "Hi Saryna. Sorry to bother you, but I couldn't wait any longer! Please tell me you said yes!"

Saryna laughed and turned to Michel, who was standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. "Well, now just what did you think I would say? He was after all, offering me my dream! And Kathy, I owe you, big time!"


	ART GALLERY By: Ange Copyright February 13, 1999 **All Rights Reserved. Story cannot be reprinted/reproduced without Amge's permission. Saryna hurried home from work to get ready. Kathy had asked her to go along to an art show this evening. She wasn't really into art, but since Kathy had asked, she decided to go. They hadn't had a night out together in a while. As she dressed, she thought about the conversation they had when Kathy had asked her to go. Kathy was so animated when she talked about it. "His paintings are magnificent. I can't wait till you see his work, Saryna. He's wonderful. I'm sure you will like it." Saryna laughed. "Fine, Kathy. If you say so. I just hope it's not that abstract stuff because I just don't get that stuff!" Kathy smiled. "No it's not. He does mostly landscapes, but they are just so ... beautiful. They are serene, peaceful ... not just plain pictures. You can actually feel the peace and serenity when you look at them." Saryna was shaking her head. "Okay, okay. I already said I'd go. Boy, you must really, really like this guy's stuff. What aren't you telling me? Are you dating him or something?" It was Kathy's turn to laugh. "Now Saryna, you know I'm married. But if I wasn't ..." Saryna finished getting ready and waited for Kathy to pick her up. About ten minutes later a horn blew outside. Saryna looked out the window and saw Kathy's car in the drive way. She turned out the lights, locked the door and hurried out to meet Kathy. Once she was in the car and they were on their way, Kathy said "So, are you ready to be blown away?" "Boy you have it bad for this guy, don't you?" Saryna laughed. "Since you like him so much, I'm sure he's great. But, if he's so wonderful, why isn't he showing in some big gallery in New York or Los Angeles?" Kathy looked at Saryna with her "oh don't be a pain" look. "Because. He should be ... he would be, but he doesn't want all the hoopla of a huge art show. He's been painting for a while and makes a good living from it. But he also likes his anonymity. He doesn't want to become one of those public figures that never has any time to himself. He enjoys his privacy, so he only does small shows, when he can be convinced to do them at all." Saryna looked at Kathy with an "Oh no" look. "So. How much do you really know about this guy? Sounds kind of strange to me. An artist that doesn't want to be recognized? Maybe he's some kind of criminal or pervert or something and that's the reason he doesn't want the publicity." Kathy laughed. "Oh Saryna, you do have some imagination. Just wait until you meet him. He's nothing of the sort. And besides ... he loves animals. He has two or three dogs, you know." Saryna gave in. "Okay. I'll take your word for it. I guess if he loves animals he can't be that bad. And anyone that owns dogs ... well, you know." ~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~ When Kathy and Saryna arrived at the opening the parking lot was full. The only space they could get was at the very opposite end of the lot, as far away from the building as it was possible to get. "Well, at least I wore my comfortable shoes," Saryna quipped. "I didn't think we'd have to walk to the other end of the earth to get to the show." Kathy laughed and grabbed Saryna's arm. "Would you please come on and stop whining. You are going to enjoy yourself this evening if I have to force you at gunpoint. Do you understand?" "Yeah, yeah, enjoy myself. But let's make a deal, okay. Once we look at this guy's stuff and you introduce him, and we've stayed long enough to be civilized, can we leave? Go get something to eat? I'm starving, and I'm sure the lovely hors d'oeuvres they serve here will not do the trick." Kathy shook her head. "How about this. Once we've looked at his stuff and you've been introduced, if you still want to go, then we'll go. How's that?" "Sounds like a plan. Now let's get this over with." Saryna and Kathy headed for the door. Saryna was pondering what Kathy has said. What did she mean ‘If you still want to go ....' What exactly did Kathy have up her sleeve anyway? This had better not be some kind of set up or I'm outta here quicker than you can say ‘see ya.' The gallery was very crowded when they entered. Kathy grabbed Saryna's arm and tugged her along to the first painting. "So now, what do you think?" she asked. Saryna looked at the painting and had to admit it was beautiful. It was a landscape ... a wooded area with a stream ... some wildflowers growing ... and a few animals here and there. And the painting did make you feel peaceful and serene. "All right, Kathy. You were right. It's beautiful. And it does make you feel peaceful. This guy is definitely talented." "Told ya!" Kathy taunted and then pulled Saryna along to the next painting. The crowd moved very slowly, but they eventually made their way through most of the paintings. Everyone seemed very impressed with the artist, but Saryna had yet to see the man. Finally she had about enough. "Kathy, I'm starving. Can we at least go get something to nibble on?" Kathy looked at Saryna and then apologized. "I'm sorry. I just get carried away when I'm looking at art. And Michel's art, well ... it's just ... special. Let's look at one more and then we'll make our way over to the hors d'oeuvres." Saryna sighed and nodded. "So, this guy's name is Michel. Michel what?" Kathy looked like she didn't want to answer, but finally relented. "His name is Michel Aubyn." "Michel Aubyn. Sounds French. Is he?" Saryna asked. "He's French Canadian." Kathy replied. They finally arrived at the next painting and Saryna was mesmerized. It was amazing. It was almost like this man had read her mind. Kathy noticed Saryna staring at it and asked "You like it?" Saryna looked at Kathy and then back to the painting. "I love it. It's ... it's ..." Kathy laughed. "It's what?" "It's like he read my mind. It's the place I've always dreamed of. The place I would love to live one day. I've been dreaming of a place like this for years." The she noted the title of the piece -- ‘Dreamscape.' "Dreamscape. What an appropriate title for the painting." Just then someone walked up behind them and spoke. "So you like it?" Saryna jumped and turned around and saw an extremely handsome man. Kathy was smiling. Saryna found her tongue and answered his question. "I love it. I have always dreamed of living in a place like that." The man nodded and smiled. "Me too." Then he turned his attention to Kathy. "Hello, Kathy." Kathy smiled and shook the man's hand. "Hi, Michel. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Saryna. Saryna, this is Michel Samuelle. The artist." Saryna looked at Kathy and then back to Michel blinking in confusion. Michel extended his hand and Saryna shook it and tried to piece together a coherent sentence. "It's nice to meet you, Michel. Kathy has talked about your work all week. I have to say she is right. You are a wonderful artist." Michel smiled and said "Thank you. To have the admiration of two such lovely ladies for my work is more than I could ask for." Saryna blushed and looked back to the painting. This man was handsome and quite the charmer to boot. She didn't have a lot of experience with this kind of thing, so she got very quiet, which she always did when she was nervous. Kathy and Michel talked for a few minutes while Saryna listened. Well, she tried to listen, but she just kept staring at Michel. The man was too handsome for words. And she couldn't believe that Kathy knew him and had been holding out on her all this time. Just wait until we get out of here, Saryna thought. Kathy has some serious explaining to do! ~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~ Kathy had noticed how quiet Saryna had become. And she was pretty sure what the reason was. She decided she had better not push things. "So Michel, we have been monopolizing you for quite some time. I'm sure everyone here would like to speak with the artist they came to admire." Michel sighed and then said "I guess you are right. That is the part of this job that I would rather do without. But duty calls." He was beginning to turn away when he stopped. "I wonder if you ladies would do me a favor?" Kathy and Saryna looked at each other and then back to him. "Sure, what do you need, Michel" Kathy replied. "I was wondering if you ladies would do me the honor of having supper with me after the show?" Saryna was surprised. But why should she be? People were drawn to Kathy. And it appeared that she and Michel already knew each other. And he was just being polite in including her in the invitation. Kathy watched the emotions play across Saryna's face and knew what she was thinking. "Of course we will, Michel. We would be delighted, wouldn't we, Saryna?" Saryna could have strangled Kathy right on the spot. She turned to Michel and squeaked out, "Of course. It would be our pleasure." Michel smiled. "Wonderful. I'll meet you at the front of the gallery after the show. We can go in my car." Then he took Saryna's hand in his and kissed it. Then did the same to Kathy. "Until later, ladies. Please excuse me." Kathy and Saryna made their way through the remainder of the paintings. Saryna was very impressed with Michel's work and told Kathy so. But she just couldn't get that one particular painting, "Dreamscape" out of her mind. It was just so perfect. It was the place she had always pictured in her mind as the perfect home. There was a nice house, but not too big or flashy, there was a nice-sized yard with a couple of dogs running around it, there were woods containing all kinds of woodland creatures, a small brook running between the edge of the yard and the woods. There were shade trees in the yard and wildflowers growing everywhere. It was a very peaceful, quiet, comforting place. "So Kathy, do they actually sell these paintings, or what?" Saryna asked as she came back to the present. "They do, if the artist wants to part with them. Why? Did you have a particular one in mind, perhaps?" Saryna laughed. "As if you couldn't guess. That painting is just so ... so ... it's everything I've always dreamed about. Do you think he would be willing to sell it? Oh, never mind. I'm sure I couldn't afford it to begin with!" Kathy laughed. "Well, you never know. However, I do happen to know that Michel does not want to part with that particular painting. We were made aware of it before he agreed to do the show." "Well that figures. The one painting in my life that I would love to own, and the artist doesn't want to sell it. Well, that's about how my life goes, isn't it?" Saryna and Kathy moved toward the front of the gallery and then Saryna decided to broach the subject of supper. "Hey Kathy, about supper. I know Michel only invited me to be nice. You and he must have a lot to talk about, so I'll just go on home and you two can catch up on old times or whatever." Kathy turned on Saryna with her "I'm a mom and don't mess with me" look and said "Forget it. Michel invited both of us and we are both going. I'm not letting you beg off of this, so just don't even think about it." Saryna sighed. She knew when Kathy used that tone that you might as well give up. She wasn't about to win this argument, so she relented. "Fine, but don't blame me if he calls you up later and tells you how painful it was to have supper with me!" Kathy laughed and hit Saryna with her program. "Would you stop talking like that. You are a wonderful person and Michel will realize it. Just stop being so nervous and try to enjoy yourself." "Yeah. Easier said than done. You know I am not at all the outgoing type of person that you are. Just promise me that you will dig me out of any holes I fall into." Kathy sighed and then promised to do her best. About half an hour later, the show was over and everyone was leaving. Michel walked up to them and said "Sorry to make you wait. Shall we?" He held the door for them and they made their way outside. There was a limo waiting at the front of the building. The driver got out and opened the door for them. Saryna stopped and looked at Kathy. Kathy laughed and then pulled her along. Michel was smiling. "One of the perks of being the artist du jour. They send a limo to pick me up and take me wherever I want to go. I promise you I don't usually travel this way." They made their way to a local restaurant and Michel had already made reservations for a secluded table near the back. They ordered their meals and then settled back for some conversation. Saryna didn't say much, she never did around strangers. However, Michel and Kathy kept drawing her into the conversation. She finally relaxed enough to really enjoy herself. She found Michel to be quite a character when he wanted to be. And she was surprised at the things they had in common. They both, of course, loved animals. They talked about his dogs for a while, and Saryna told him about her dog, Lady, which had died recently. With Michel being so sophisticated, Saryna would have never guessed that he was a country music fan, but he admitted he was. Their tastes in authors also coincided. And, of course, there was Kathy. Kathy was a subject that Saryna could talk about without becoming embarrassed. And Kathy didn't seem to mind, either. Saryna was quite amazed when they got up to leave and noticed that it was midnight. "I can't believe we've been here so long," she exclaimed. Michel laughed and said "Yes, time certainly does fly when you are having fun. May I escort you ladies home?" Saryna was about to tell him that, no, Kathy had her car back at the gallery and they would get home safely. But Kathy intervened. "Actually, Michel, if you could take Saryna home, I'd appreciate it. You can just drop me at the gallery to get my car." If looks could kill, Kathy would have dropped on the spot. "That's all right Michel, you don't have to bother. I'm sure Kathy can drop me off." Saryna said. Michel watched the interplay between the two friends and chuckled to himself. "Oh, it's no bother. I would love to escort you home, if you don't mind. I promise to behave myself." Saryna sighed. She knew when to quit. "All right. As long as you promise to behave yourself!" They all laughed and headed back to the limo. They dropped Kathy off at the gallery and made sure she was on her way and then headed for Saryna's house. Once they got there, Michel got out and helped Saryna out of the car. He walked her to the door. "Thank you Michel. I really enjoyed this evening. And you know, you are a very, very talented artist. Don't forget ... if you ever want to give up that "Dreamscape," I get first dibs!" Michel laughed. "Don't worry, I won't forget. Anyone who appreciates it as much as you do, certainly deserves first dibs. And I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering if you would go out with me sometime?" Saryna was rooted to the spot. She couldn't believe that this man was actually asking her out. This handsome, sophisticated, charming, worldly, could-have-any-woman-he-wanted ... artist, was asking her out! She must have stood there for quite a while because Michel finally said, "Well, that's okay. I understand. Don't worry about it." Then he turned to walkaway. Saryna blinked and then looked up at him. She finally realized she had never answered him. "Wait, Michel." He stopped and turned around. Saryna walked back down the walk towards him and said "I'm sorry. I was just so floored that you asked me out. Of course I'll go out with you sometime. I'd love to." Michel smiled. "Good. How about Friday night?" ~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~<>~~ Kathy hung up the phone. She was smiling from ear to ear. She had just spoken to Michel. He and Saryna had been dating for six months now. Today was her birthday and Michel had quite a surprise in store for her. She couldn't wait to hear all about it tomorrow. Michel picked Saryna up at her house and took her to his place for dinner. He had told her he wanted to cook for her on her birthday. Michel had made lasagna, which Saryna had told him was her favorite dish, and a chocolate birthday cake. It was delicious. After dinner, they moved to sit together on the couch in his living room. Michel turned on his CD player and turned the music down low. Then he said "Sit tight. I'll be right back." Saryna wondered what he was up to. She didn't really care, she was just so happy. She and Michel had hit it off from the start and had been together for six months. She thought it was truly amazing. Just then Michel returned with a large gift-wrapped box. It was rather flat, so Saryna had a pretty good idea of what was in it. He handed it to her and said "Happy Birthday, Mon Coeur." Saryna thanked him and then carefully removed the wrapping paper. Her hands were shaking. She opened the box and then gasped. "Michel. It's ...it's ..." Michel leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Yes, I know. It's Dreamscape." Saryna was flustered. She knew how much Michel prized that painting. "But Michel, I can't. This painting is very important to you. It's your dream." Michel smiled. "Yes it is. And I hope it is still your dream too." Saryna laughed. "You know it is. I've told you that often enough!" Michel turned to her and said "Good. Because here is your other gift." He handed her a small jeweler's box. Saryna's hands were really shaking now. She looked up at him and then opened it slowly. When she saw it, she gasped. Inside was the most beautiful Diamond and Sapphire ring she had even seen. She looked up at Michel, at a loss for words. Michel took pity on her and said "I was hoping that Dreamscape was still your dream. I actually went out and purchased the property. It's not far from here. And I want us to live there after we are married. That is, if you will marry me." Tears started to run down Saryna's face. She had never been so happy in her life. "Oh Michel. Of course I'll marry you." Michel took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger, and then kissed her hand. A short while later the telephone rang and Michel got up to answer it. He laughed and then handed the phone to Saryna. "Hello." It was Kathy. "Hi Saryna. Sorry to bother you, but I couldn't wait any longer! Please tell me you said yes!" Saryna laughed and turned to Michel, who was standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. "Well, now just what did you think I would say? He was after all, offering me my dream! And Kathy, I owe you, big time!" The End**