Chapter 8: Art Exhibition Date

Arnold's expression softened. "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I know I messed up your day with that coffee spill." Still breathing heavily from the dancing that just ended.

Ruby gave him a quick smile, tilting her head.

 "Well, maybe I overreacted a little," she admitted, feeling her guard relax a fraction. "It's not everyday someone drenches me with coffee, especially right before an important meeting."

He chuckled, then nodded toward the room's art collection as if inviting her to take it in. "I see you're admiring the artwork. Do you like art?"

Ruby's eyes lit up as she glanced around, captivated by the room's eclectic mix of paintings and sculptures. "Your collection is… stunning," she said, her gaze landing on a particularly haunting painting—a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves, each predator's face twisted in a primal snarl, yet strangely beautiful. 

"Especially this one. It's powerful, isn't it? The lamb, vulnerable and alone, surrounded…"

Arnold looked at her thoughtfully, surprised by her insight. "It's one of my favorites. Most people don't even notice it. But you're right; it's haunting, in a way."

"It speaks to me," she murmured, almost to herself. "How something so small can be so brave." She caught herself, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "Sorry, I tend to read too much into things."

Arnold smiled, his gaze intense. "No need to apologize. You've got an eye for it, and it's refreshing. There's an exhibition opening next week for Aiko Motohiro, one of my favorite artists. You know her work?"

Ruby's face lit up involuntarily. "I know her work? I've always wanted to see her exhibitions!" Aiko Motohiro's abstract yet evocative depictions of modern-day struggles had always struck a chord with Ruby, though she'd never had the time—or resources—to attend one of her shows.

"Then it's a date." He said it smoothly, with an assurance that suggested he wasn't used to hearing 'no.'

Ruby's heart raced, and she fumbled for an excuse. "I'm… busy," she said, though even she could hear how unconvincing she sounded. The real reason was her daughter. Nights out were rare, and she'd have to arrange for a babysitter if she went. But when she looked into Arnold's hopeful eyes, she found herself wavering.

"Trust me, Ruby," he said, leaning in just enough that his words felt like a secret. "You'll have a great time. You deserve it." 

She hesitated, her heart in a tug-of-war. Ruby had always put her responsibilities first, especially since becoming a mother. But she'd longed to see Aiko Motohiro's work in person for years. Besides, maybe it was time she allowed herself a little joy.

Finally, she nodded, trying to suppress the small thrill that bloomed in her chest. "Alright, you win. But just this once."

Arnold's face broke into a grin, one that made him seem younger, almost boyish. "Perfect. I'll make it worth your while." 

As they continued talking, Ruby found herself lost in the ease of the conversation. Despite his polished exterior, Arnold had a relaxed way of speaking, and they drifted through topics as effortlessly as if they were old friends. 

He told her about his favorite places to travel, his love of jazz, and the restaurant in Florence he claimed had the best pasta in the world. In turn, Ruby found herself opening up about her favorite books, the little weekend trips she used to take before her life changed, and her dreams of becoming an artist herself one day, though she'd left that ambition behind long ago.

By the time she checked the time on her phone, it was already past eleven. "I didn't realize how late it was," she said, startled. "I should get going."

Arnold nodded, his gaze lingering as if he wasn't ready to see her go. "I'll walk you out," he offered.

As they approached the exit, Kiko staggered over, clearly a bit too merry from the night's festivities. Ruby laughed as he threw his arm around her shoulders, giving her a tipsy grin. "Ruby, you're driving us home, right? You know I can't be trusted with a steering wheel."

She rolled her eyes but smiled fondly. "Yes, I'll drive. Thank goodness I didn't drink so much."

Arnold raised an eyebrow, amused. "Always the responsible one?"

"Always," she confirmed, feeling a strange satisfaction in the thought. She had been, ever since she became a mother.

"Goodnight, Ruby," Arnold said, his voice softer, as if he were speaking only to her. "I'll be in touch."

As they left the penthouse, Ruby couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face. She'd had a genuinely good time—something that felt rare in her world of responsibilities and routines. She kept replaying their conversation in her head, and with each thought, the smile deepened.

Driving Kiko and his friend home, Ruby listened to Kiko ramble about the night's events, all while her mind remained partially with Arnold.

♤♤♤

The next day, Ruby's usual morning routine was infused with an uncharacteristic lightness. As she got her daughter, Ariel ready for school, her mind occasionally drifted to daydreaming about Arnold and she found herself smiling for no reason at all.

"Mom, what are you so happy about?" her daughter asked, peering up at her with her wide, curious eyes.

"Just... something funny Kiko said last night," Ruby deflected, playfully tousling her daughter's hair.

That evening, as she went through her tasks at the hotel, a small part of her was already looking forward to the art exhibition with Arnold. The thought of dressing up, going out, and experiencing a world she'd once only dreamed of felt exhilarating.

The rest of the week passed quickly, and when the night of the exhibition arrived, Ruby found herself standing in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection in a designer chiffon black dress that Kiko had all but forced her to buy.

She'd opted for simplicity, her hair styled in loose waves, and a touch of red lipstick for a pop of color. But Kiko insisted.

Kiko, as her self-appointed stylist and chauffeur for the evening, waited impatiently in her living room, tapping his foot. "Hurry up, Ruby! We don't want to keep Mr. Art Lover waiting."

Rolling her eyes, she took a deep breath and stepped out, greeted by Kiko's approving whistle. "Look at you, Ms. Ruby. You're going to turn heads."

She laughed, though a part of her felt like a teenager again, excited and unsure. "It's just an art exhibit. Nothing more."

Kiko raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

When Ruby arrived at the gallery, Ruby scanned the crowd nervously. Then she spotted Arnold, standing by a sculpture, looking as polished and composed as ever in a cotton man's two piece. It looked like they had planned their outfit as he also wore black and styled it with gold accessories. 

He caught her gaze and smiled, making his way over to her with that same calm confidence.

"Ruby," he said warmly, his eyes gleaming with admiration as he took in her attire. "You look beautiful."

Ruby felt her cheeks warm, but she managed to maintain her composure. "Thank you. You're looking rather impressive yourself."

His perfume filled her nose.

They spent the evening wandering through the exhibit together, Arnold guiding her to each piece with genuine enthusiasm and listening as she shared her thoughts. She found herself captivated, both by the art and by the way Arnold's guarded exterior seemed to melt as he spoke passionately about the pieces.

Eventually, they found themselves in front of an abstract painting that seemed to shimmer with chaotic energy—a riot of colors that felt both hopeful and desolate. Ruby stared at it, feeling an unexpected pang of emotion. She didn't know what it was, but the piece spoke to her, as if mirroring some part of herself she'd buried.

Arnold watched her, sensing her reaction. "Art has a way of touching us where words can't, doesn't it?" he murmured, his voice gentle.

She nodded, her throat tight. "It's… incredible. I didn't realize how much I missed this."

Arnold turned to her, his gaze earnest. "Then don't let it slip away again."

"Arnold" A voice from behind them called out to Arnold. It was Aiko Motohiro.

Ruby stared at Arnold with amazement. He knew Aiko personally?