"Thank you. Yes, I'm ready."
We were all sitting around the table chatting, when Bunny turned to me.
"Sarah dear, tell me more about yourself. I already know that you are extremely bright, but I'd like to know more about you as a person. What are your interests?"
I could feel my cheeks burning so I am sure they were bright red. The fact that everyone stopped talking to hear what I had to say didn't make it any better.
"Well, I actually am an enormous art lover. I was admiring your gorgeous pieces in the foyer hallway."
"Oh?" Bunny seemed to really perk up. "Do you have a favorite period or a favorite artist? Art is one of my first loves."
I began to relax because I just discovered that Bunny and I had something big in common. I could talk about art for days.
"The Italian Renaissance is my absolute favorite period. I am so fascinated by the artistic explosion that occurred in Italy at the beginning of the 14th century. I don't really have one favorite artist, but I do enjoy the works of several different artists. Of course there are the obvious artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. But I also enjoy Botticelli and Titian among many others."
Bunny seemed quite impressed with my answer. Jake chimed in from across the table.
"Sarah, I think you've just made mother's day. To meet another art enthusiast, well, there are no words."
"Sarah dear, later this week I will show you our art gallery. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. So how did you fall in love with art? Have you been to Italy to see the original works?"
"Well, I was always drawn to the art history section in the public library as a child. I used to spend hours reading about different periods of art and looking at pictures. The Italian Renaissance captivated me the most. And Italy? No, unfortunately that has not been in the budget. But, it is definitely on my list of things to do. I hope to be able to go in the next five years."
"I can tell that you are an extremely driven person. I have all faith that you will get to Italy. You simply must. There is no substitute for seeing a beautiful, original piece of art in person."
I glanced over at Joshua and for the first time since I'd met him he looked completely at ease. The conversation turned to the plan for the remainder of the week and I was, thankfully, no longer the center of attention. Joshua, Jake and Bunny talked about the family members that would be arriving later that day. Through their conversation I discovered that Bunny's birthday was this week and that was why we were here. A large celebration was planned for Thursday at the home.
We were wrapping up breakfast when Bunny suggested we all get some rest.
"I am sure you are exhausted from your travels so feel free to nap for a while. We are not expecting guests until two o'clock."
We all retired to our rooms and Joshua told me he would come get me around 1:45 PM.
"If you need anything before then, just come to my room. Get some rest, you will need it." With that, he closed my door as he left.
What did that mean? I wondered how many people I'd be meeting, but then I realized it was best if I didn't know. I would make myself sick with worry if I knew I had a bunch of wealthy people to meet and impress. Whatever happens, happens. Bunny seems to like me so that should help. I climbed into the lush bed and dozed off.
My alarm woke me at 1:30 PM and I quickly freshened up my makeup and fluffed my hair. At 1:45 PM on the dot I heard a light knock on my door. Joshua, Jake and Vivienne came to collect me and we went downstairs to wait for the other guests. I turned to Joshua at the bottom of the stairs.
"Who am I going to be meeting?"
Just then the doorbell rang and he didn't have time to answer me. He walked to the foyer and we all followed him. I felt a hint of nervousness and I took a deep breath and counted to 10.
"Bunny, my love! You look ravishing as always."
A gorgeous man leaned down to kiss Bunny on her cheek. He was tall, had a perfect muscular physique, thick, dark, wavy hair and was extremely good-looking.
Who is that?
"Ethan! Always the charmer!" Bunny gave him a big hug and seemed happy to see him.
He walked over to the four of us and gave Joshua a subtle, challenging stare.
"Well, well. If it isn't the golden boy!" I could hear the disdain in his voice as he plastered a fake smile on his face and hugged Joshua.
Hmmm, something's not right here.
"Golden boy? Hardly Ethan. It's good to see you." Joshua, ever the diplomat, ignored Ethan’s snide demeanor and hugged him back.
"Jake, my boy! Good to see you." He seemed less irritated with Jake which I found peculiar.
Jake gave him a hug. "Good to see you as well. You remember Vivienne."
"Of course, gorgeous as ever. Nice to see you again."