Regine Iman Thomas
After admiring the work of all the artists Nicole wanted to see, I was finally able to look at the works I found interesting.
I ended up in an area full of pop art. I had no idea where Nicole had run off to, but I could always call and find out later.
To be honest, I was getting tired of her. She talked way too much. I appreciate silence whenever it presents itself as long as its not awkward. Nicole, on the other hand can't stand to be quiet.
I stood still for a while admiring one piece I came across. It was a really colorful abstract piece of a girl. What creeped me out was for some reason, she reminded me of myself.
Colorful, bright, different, but still not catching anyone's eye. Everyone was walking right past this piece. Everyone but me. I saw myself in it.
I felt someone behind me and turned around seeing Joey.
"Its nice isn't it?" I asked him and he just let out a small amused chuckle.
I decided to look at the information tag and see who made it. Someone named J. Scott.
I personally had never heard of the person but this piece was something I'd spend money on.
"I wonder if I can buy a print of this" I mumbled to myself. I had grown accustomed to making remarks and having small conversations with myself due to all the time I spent alone. I had to break the habit of doing it in public.
"Fourty five" Joey said staring at it.
"What?" I asked confused.
"You want a print. I said fourty five for it" he said again looking me in the face for the first time. Only then did I realize how attractive he was to me.
"You know where I could get one?" I questioned still not understanding how he would get me a print.
"From the artist" he said simply.
"You know the artist?"
"I am the artist" he said and I was shocked. He was an artist? Better yet an artist who got a piece into Art Basel?
"Wow, I could pay you today. When would you be able to get it to me?" I asked.
He shrugged,"End of this week at the latest. Gotta find a shop down here."
"I work at one!" I said a little too quickly and loudly earning stares from people around us. I was honestly just very excited that I could get this piece. And a little more excited that I would have an excuse to see him again after today.
He looked at me blankly,"Coo."
I nodded awkwardly and walked away. Who was I kidding? He had no interest in me.
I ran into Nicole and she smiled. "There you are. I was just looking for you!"
"Yeah I was looking for you too" I lied.
"Have you seen Denzel and Joey?"
"I was just with Joey but I havent seen Denzel."
"You were with Joey huh? Are you guys hitting it off eh?" she said with a smirk and nudged me with her elbow earning an eyeroll from me.
"No. I just asked for a print of his piece" I responded simply.
"He's a great artist. All of his work is amazing" she said pulling me in the direction of the restrooms.
"He seems, bland. Whats his story?" I asked her curiously.
"Ummm, I can only tell you so much. He's really big on privacy. Barely even tells me anything. Denzel knows all the serious stuff though. All I know in the time i've known him is that he's been through alot and his mom and brother just passed a few months ago. Not sure the details. Niether him or Denzel speak on it but I know its part of the reason why he moved down here. Since it happened he's been pretty closed off and quiet. Theres some times where he talks alot but only when he's in a good mood. Its rare but it happens. So dont take him not talking as him being rude. He's really nice, he's just... A different type of nice."
I scrunched my face up,"I'm going to pretend I understand what you're saying and let it go."
She laughed. "Don't give up on him. Theres a reason I keep hinting at you two being a couple. You'd be good for each other."
I wasn't so sure about that.
