Page 16 of The Muse
He’s …
Funny.
Handsome.
And I think unintentionally charming.
Definitely quick-witted.
“Do you have a lot of experience as a muse?”
His eyebrows lift. “Why? Do you need one?”
I shrug, dropping my chin to stare at my ice cream as I sink my spoon into it. “Who doesn’t need a little inspiration?”
“Me.”
“No?” I slant my head to the side.
“I’m not suicidal.”
“I don’t think inspiration is reserved for suicidal people. Artists need inspiration.”
“I don’t think the painting my boss picked up at the gallery was her painting.”
“Well”— June shrugs—“maybe not. Still, sometimes people feel like they’re losing their way, and inspiration can be a roadmap to get back on track. Maybe she feels like she’s lost her way.”
“She’s worth a gazillion dollars. I’m not saying it buys happiness, but what does she possibly have to feel lost about?”
“You know,” I tap my spoon on my lip several times, “money doesn’t solve all the world’s problems.”
“One hundred percent agree,” he says. “But I think the people who hoard most of the money in the world think it solves the world’s problems. Why else would they hoard it?"
“Security, I suppose.” I shrug. “But it doesn’t cure all diseases.”
He bobs his head. “But money buys medical care.”
“Loneliness.”
Another headshake. “Everyone wants to have rich friends. No reason to be lonely.”
“Love.”
He laughs. “Have you seen how many old rich dudes have young, hot girlfriends and wives?”
“That’s not love.”
“I bet the womenlovethe money, and the old dudes love getting …” He clears his throat. “Well, let’s just say they love getting attention in the bedroom.”
“That’s not love. That’s lust. People lust after things in the bedroom. They lust after money. Gratification is not the same as your heart aching in your chest when you miss the ones you love.”
“Does this feel like too deep of conversation for a first date?” he asks.
“Oh?” I widen my eyes. “You think this is a date?” I mumble over the bite of ice cream hitting my sensitive teeth.
“Were you in an accident or a fight?” he asks, pointing to his lip in the same place as I have a scar on mine.
“Neither. I was born with a cleft lip, and that’s the scar from the surgery to repair it.”
