The Erotic Artiste

CHAPTER 22

Evelyn returned to her apartment, finding Imani unexpectedly present instead of being at work. She discovered her closest companion engrossed in television and enjoying a bowl of cereal on that pleasant morning.

"Good morning, dear bestie!" Evelyn exclaimed cheerfully, to which Imani, surprised and entertained, turned her gaze towards her.

"Oh wow. It appears someone is exceptionally joyful this morning," she remarked, noticing Evelyn's new shorts and t-shirt. "And those clothes are not yours. They seem freshly bought. You had quite a night, didn't you?."

"Yes," Evelyn responded as she drew near and settled on the couch beside her friend.

She gazed at Imani, who returned her gaze, confused.

"What is it?" Imani inquired.

However, when Evelyn remained silent and offered a radiant smile instead, Imani gasped as realization dawned on her, her eyes widening.

"Wait a damn minute," Imani muttered, immediately placing her bowl on the table before her. "Evelyn, you are positively radiant this morning. I sensed it the moment you entered, attributing it initially to the recent positive events in your life. The inauguration and Victoria's post. But now, my thoughts are heading elsewhere. Please don't tell me..."

Imani paused, seeking confirmation from Evelyn, who chuckled and nodded.

"What?? Oh my goodness! With whom? Hold on! Were you intoxicated? Did you give consent?" Imani asked the crucial questions first.

"No, I wasn't intoxicated. Don't worry. And yes, I consented fully."

"Ah!" Imani exclaimed, and Evelyn chuckled. "Wait! Allow me to guess the lucky man!"

"Alright, go ahead."

"The blonde gentleman. The handsome, tall one."

"Oh," Evelyn's brow furrowed in amusement and surprise after realizing Imani meant Sebastian. "No. What led you to think it was him?"

"That man was observing you from a distance at the buffet yesterday. I was going to inform you, but we were interrupted by your employer and his legal advisor."

Evelyn smirked, tacitly hinting to her closest companion about the identity of her intimate partner. Witnessing Evelyn's expression, Imani nearly choked on her own saliva.

"I know it can't be Mr. Galanis. So it's–" Imani gasped sharply. "No, you didn't!"

"Yes, I did," Evelyn laughed. "Last night, I accompanied him to his penthouse, Imani."

Imani appeared doubtful, a fact not lost on Evelyn.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm unsure how to process this, Eve. What kind of employer?" Imani judged.

"I consented, remember?"

"Yes, but it's still unprofessional. Now, it makes me question his true intentions, much like I questioned that peculiar contract of his. Please, be careful."

"Im, are you taking this too seriously?" Evelyn chuckled lightly. "We are both adults. And truth be told, there has been something between us since the night I met him at the gallery."

"What do you mean? Are you two in a relationship?" Imani inquired, her eyes narrowed.

"No."

"Alright, but do you intend to pursue a relationship?"

In that moment, Evelyn began to question if confiding in her best friend had been the right decision. She knew Imani always had her best interests at heart, and a part of her had hesitated to disclose the truth, anticipating the sensible reprimands she would receive. Yet Evelyn had chosen to turn a blind eye and simply embrace whatever was unfolding between her and Hiro Akeno.