a misty gashed aperture

to have come closer, to have flown farther

"I heard the muse arrived, but I didn't know the artist arrived with her," Bam teased Lisa, whom he found seated at the bar when he asked for another glass of gin and tonic.

Lisa sipped a generous amount of whiskey. "Just be grateful I'm having one of your normal nights and taking part in your definition of fun."

Sitting on the highchair beside Lisa, Bam wore an astounded look. "I can't believe it took a supermodel with a worldwide reputation and huge brand representation to persuade you. Honestly, I wasn't expecting you'd be into models but a Mona Lisa."

"Not into models."

"Right. Into her." Bam gestured in the direction where Roseanne stood, crowded by huge names in the fashion industry from creative directors to casting directors, celebrities, and all other rich and famous, giving her a hug, a whisper, a kiss on the cheek, or a flirtatious gaze or touch here and there.

"It feels weird. I feel weird seeing her all dolled up."

"Because the only picture you have in your head of Roseanne was naked."

Lisa shook her head, a thoughtful look on her face. "It's just different but she's as beautiful. A different kind of beautiful."

"Uh, to follow your train of thought, sis, which version do you like better?"

"I think I haven't found that yet." Lisa wore a solemn look.

Bam did not attempt to decode his sister's musings. "Bummer though. It's nearly impossible to get her attention at this party."

"I'm fine seeing her okay."

"Aww, but let's be real here, it took you five months to do just this and it's not going to get you anywhere."

Lisa hung her head to the side. "I don't intend to get further than this."

Bam rested his chin on his palm. "Just how bad are you in this that you didn't come up with any plan at all? Do we have to wait another five months before you approach her?"

Lisa took another gulp of her drink. "I know one thing though. I can't ask for her number, so I'll give her mine instead."

Bam almost spat his drink. "Excuse me? You will what?" He chortled at the end.

A disgusted look was on Lisa's face. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Okay. Let me remind you—"

"You do keep a diary of things you need to remind me of, huh."

"Shush!" Bam lightly hit Lisa's forearm. "Let's try to strategize first by knowing the people who would hinder your approach."

Lisa leaned back in her seat. "That's important?"

"It is! You see that woman behind her with long wavy dark-brown hair? That's Lee Hyeri, her manager."

"If you can use better adjectives, please, that would help," Lisa suggested nonchalantly.

Bam side-eyed Lisa impatiently. "The one wearing a pinstriped suit!"

"Who's laughing with that dude and already tipsy? Yeah, how is she a tough wall to break?"

Scratching the back of his head upon hearing Lisa's description, Bam just let her be. "Yes, her! Another thing, if you're going after the girl, you have to go after her besties too, and that group? Can be nasty."

"Which group? And why call them nasty when you don't even know them personally?" That kind of judgment always ticked Lisa off.

"The Big Trio? Yes, they've done all spoiled bitch ass moves and got away with it."