Heart Of Stone (12 page)

“I think we did.” Matthew answered excitedly. Watching Donnella nod in the affirmative.

“Awesome, now I just gotta tell Raj, he’s gonna flip his shit! Dude! I gotta go, here comes my bag! I’ll see you guys soon!” With a muffle and a click Janet was gone.

Matthew stood looking at the phone, then to Donnella. “So that was Janet. She’s a bit of a stoner. But good people.”

“I gather from how she talks, slow but with purpose.” Donnella smiled. “So I’m gonna head back into the city tonight so I can go over my proposal one more time. Are you going to come with me? Or stay and come up with them tomorrow afternoon?”

“I was gonna stay. But if you want me to come.”

“It’s probably better if you don’t, actually. You can be a distraction, you know.” She smirked kissing him as he bent down to her. “Janet just got back, why don’t I drop you off there so you can hangout?”

“I think that would be cool, I could bring Pepper, I’m sure Janet will freak to see how big she’s gotten.”

“See good things all around. Then.” She smiled to keep the face of pain at bay

12

“It’s awesome to see you!” Janet squealed hugging Pepper as Matthew came through the front door of his old apartment.

“Guess I’m chopped liver then.” He smirked as she was covered in puppy kisses.

“No, just not this fucking cute is all.” Janet hugged him now as well. “Raj!” She hollered past him.

The door across the hall flew open and Raj appeared in full Drag makeup. He looked like Liza Minnelli back when she did
Cabaret
. “Matty?” He cooed arms out, his fake boobs bouncing.

“Is that a water bra?” Matthew laughed with a snort as Raj hugged him tightly.

“You know it girl!” He smacked Matthew on the arm. “I’m trying out my look for the club. I have a gig!”

“When did this happen?” Janet asked, as if just hearing about it.

“My agent called this morning, Miss La T Da, has the shingles. So I the Raj Ma Tall, have just gotten the spot at the
Hardware Bar
, for
Werk Her Wednesday
!” He jumped up and down, his tap shoes making that unmistakable rattling noise, with his glee.

“That is fucking awesome, Raj!” Matthew’s head bobbed up and down watching the diminutive man in drag leap for joy a final time.

“You guys have to come to the show!”

“Wouldn’t miss it. When?”

“Tomorrow night, of course! Ten forty five sharp.” He slipped his fingers down the front of his black bowler hat with purple satin ribbon.

Matthew nodded. “I think we can do that.”

“You think, man, c’mon, has that broad really got you that tight?” Janet asked as they came into the living room. It was different. The old broken brick was repaired and painted slate grey. With one of Matthew’s paintings hanging on the wall, as well as new furniture. The apartment was looking like an actual place where people lived and not the flop house it had resembled when he had moved out.

“You’ve redecorated? It looks good in here.” He ignored her nasty remark about Donnella.

“Yeah well your money helps, so did that gig. That model Cattie. Smokin’ hot by the way. She’s sent me like four other girls and one guy.
That
got awkward.”

“Yes, but I straightened him on out, didn’t
I
honeybunch.” Raj laughed. Thrusting in the air.

“Do I even want to know?”

“Oh it was funny as hell!”

***

“Harold, thank you for coming. I just didn’t know what I was doing all of a sudden.” Donnella sat back on her bed. Her face flushed, the room spinning. She’d called Harold when her temperature spiked to ninety-nine.

“You need to get back in bed. Maybe got to the hospital.” He insisted trying to force her to lie down. She pushed back.

“No! No hospitals. You know I hate hospitals. Besides I promised Matthew I would meet his friends. I haven’t done anything for him that I’ve said I would. Not
really
. I need to start. Now please would you just make me look human again?” She beseeched him, her hands bent in prayer. “After tonight if I still feel like shit I’ll let you walk me into the hospital. Okay?”

“Tonight means this much to you? And it’s not just about the Kelly meet?”

“Fuck Kelly.”

“That’s what I’m afraid it’s going to come down to, sweetie.” Harold frowned. “I’ve worked for your family for a long time. You’re father before you, and I remember the shit storm getting you away from him was the first time.”

“I’m not going to go through that again. I’m a big girl now. Not the naïve child he manipulated back then. I’m going to fuck him Harold, just not in the way he intends to fuck me.”

“Good to hear.” Harold followed her over to her vanity, as she sat down. “Hair up or down?”

“Down, Matthew likes it in loose curls.”

“Don’t we all?” Harold grinned widely. “He’s good for you.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

“How’s that?”

“How am I going to give him up in six months?”

“You can always extend his contract. It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve done that.”

She nodded. “Yeah, but that might make it worse.”

“How so?” He turned her to apply her darker foundation, the one used to cover her when she was ill but still working.

“I think he’s in love with me already.”

“That
can
be a problem for
you
.”

***

“She sent a car! Oh my God! Oh my God!” Janet screeched seeing a limousine pull up in front of their apartment building.  She looked down at herself. Wearing a matching Liza dress to Raj, she felt naked. “I look like a freak!”

“You look fabulous!” Raj and Matthew insisted together with a laugh.

“Seriously Janet. You should wear women’s clothes more often. You’re hot.” Matthew teased. Trying to kiss her.

“Eww, man germs!” She wiped at her cheek. “Let’s just go.”

***

Loaded in to the limousine they laughed and drank from the fully stocked bar. Janet and Raj popping a bottle of Champagne as soon as they spotted it. Matthew reveled in the chance to show is friends a good time. They had been his anchors through college and while he worked to build his portfolio. Raj even sat for him for some of his glamour work. Posing as famous stars like Marilyn Monroe and Cher. He was talented with his makeup and dressmaking and could run in horrifyingly high heels if needed.

Janet was another story. She was a classmate in his photography program at Yale. She specialized in digital manipulation. Where his focus was with film, and development. He loved darkroom work. She helped him get a feel for the digital cameras so he could catch up to the times. Showed him where to get the best deals on supplies and equipment. With her help he increased his collection of antique cameras for half the cost. She was and always had been his encouragement. He couldn’t wait for Donnella to meet them.

They pulled up to
The Keynote Gallery
, as Donnella’s text explained she had a little surprise, and would meet them there. They got out, the cold air hitting Janet like a ton of bricks, she pulled her heavy wool coat closed around her half naked ass.

“I should have worn more clothes!” She jibbed. “I look like a hooker!”

“Shut up, Janet.” Raj patted her on the back. “A hooker wouldn’t be hiding it!”

Cordell opened the Gallery doors for them, as he had a key, and the lights flicked on. The place smelled of warm apple pie and cinnamon.

“Now I’m hungry.” Janet whined. “We’re gonna do food right?”

“A meal is being provided.” Cordell’s voice broke in behind them and Janet turned with a quick show of teeth through red lips. “Awesome!”

They headed into the main gallery to find a full spread of food. Imported beer, wine, cheeses, and meats. A tower full of desserts.

“Wow.” Raj’s mouth hung open as they looked around. Standing by the entrance to velvet rope blocked exhibit was Donnella. She wore a black slip gown with a V neckline, and spaghetti straps which accentuated her cleavage perfectly. Her hair hung down to her creamy white shoulders in long loose curls, pulled back from her face by a simple clip at the temple. She smiled walking over as they awed.

Matthew noticed that she was wearing a lower heel than usual and cocked an eyebrow at her. “You okay.” He mouthed walking over and kissing her hello.

She nodded, pulling away quickly hoping he wouldn’t feel how warm she still was. “You must be Janet and Raj.” Walking to them she extended her hand but the pair grabbed her in a group hug.

“Thank you!”

“Yes! You’ve been such inspiration!” Raj added.

“I haven’t done much…
Yet
.” She pulled back with a grin, looking them over. “You guys look great. Raj, I here congratulations are in order.
The Hardware
isn’t easy to get into.” Reaching out for Matthew, she turned. “Let’s have a bit of food, then I’ll show you my surprise.”

***

There was a table set up in the middle of the gallery for them to eat and talk. Raj did a little of his act for them, telling jokes and impersonations. Making them laugh until they cried. Janet went on about the models and how catty they could get when more than one was in a shot. Donnella got to hear about how awkward Matthew had been in college, before Janet stepped in and helped him develop his game. Work his assets.

Once plates were empty and glasses filled again Donnella couldn’t contain her excitement over her surprise any longer.

“Okay… Okay...” She laughed checking the clock covertly. It was only going on four thirty. She still had plenty of time… “Now for my surprise.” She looked at Matthew who kissed her hand which was on the table clutching his. She stood up taking him with her. “This way you guys.”

They followed her to the velvet rope and she took the bit of cardboard off of the plaque over the stand beside it that said
Coming Soon
. Embedded in the plaque was a simple phrase but it made them all laugh and gasp.

The works of Matthew Gerald Mayfield

***

Matthew tilted his head cautiously as he stepped through the archway, the ceiling opened up to a canopy of lights that reflected like moonlight and stars as they entered. To the left on the walls were some of the photographs that Rupert Walsh had taken copies of, mounted and framed. With expert lighting. Janet and Raj, chatted to each other as Donnella faded into the background just watching them. The pair seemed impressed. Matthew stared at the photos, he seemed to be retracing each line. Every curve, but not saying a word. It was his opinion she valued. It was his work. She simply wanted to give him a chance to see what it could look like in true gallery form. That was after all one of her many promises. To give him the show he wanted. She had taken the steps to reserve the space, now it was time to start showing more of his face.

She followed them out of the exhibit, and waited patiently as the three talked to each other, looking at her, occasionally. Janet approached her and she straightened, her heart was in her throat.

“You can stay.” She grinned. “He loved it!” She screamed hugging Donnella jumping up and down.

“Oh, my God.” Donnella said coming back to the men with Janet. “I was so afraid you were mad… I know I didn’t ask, and you can change things around when you get it all together, but I wanted you to see it least part of what I was thin-”

He swept her up into a kiss. “I said it’s perfect. I wouldn’t change anything. Only add to it, as I see fit?”

“Of course.” She smiled as he put her down, she was a little unstable. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’ve just had a bit too much wine mixed with my Midol and you spun me around.” She whispered embarrassed.

“Okay. I’m just worried.”

“I
know
…” She sighed. “I
know
.” She picked up her head with a big smile. “I don’t want to run on you guys but I have to be uptown for a meeting, and can’t go like
this
. So, I’ve got to run up and change. But have some more food, drink.  The car is yours for the night. I’ve got my personal driver taking me. So I’ll see you in a few.” She winked at Matthew as she headed up the stairs to her office.

“Thank you!” Janet and Raj called up to her in unison.

***

With the promise that she would call as soon as the meeting was over, Donnella arrived at the Surry Hotel at Six twenty five.

“Cutting it too close.” She called out to Cordell, as he opened the door. “I’m not sure where, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do.” She assure him as he closed the door. The concern on his face obvious.

“Yes ma’am. Please be sure that you do.”

Once inside she asked the desk clerk if there were any messages for her and as expected there was. She was to meet Donavan Kelly in the Penthouse Suite. As soon as she turned around she found a bell hop waiting to escort her. The white glove service was exceptional at the hotel and no guest was ever left to wander alone if they could help it. Donnella shifted in her heels. “I’m waiting for my security detail.”

“Of course Miss
Stone
.” The desk clerk smirked. As a man buzzed by with a camera snapping her photograph. She tried to hide her face, but it was too late.

“Fuck, you did that on purpose.” She hissed, walking as fast as she could for the hotel elevator, the bell hop behind her. She couldn’t have that. Her photo all over the papers, she hoped that it was a blurry mess, as she’d turned so quickly. She was going to have that clerk’s ass. She texted Cordell that she was going to the penthouse and to report the desk clerk for the photographer. As luck would have it, Cordell had seen the photographer and already had possession of the film. Donnella sighed relieved. Now she just had to deal with
Donavan Kelly
.