Perfectly Too Far Read Free Page B

but part of her was
intrigued. “How long did you guys talk?”
    “ Not
long. I was busy, and he pretty much just handed me the form and a
blank check,” she laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You
understand how much money you made tonight, right?” Lorraine
searched Judith's dazed eyes, her tone softer. “You don't need
to do this for the cash, is my point.”
    “ I
know,” she whispered, still staring at the card. “But
money aside, and I thought I'd never say that, this guy might be my
in. Maybe he'd be able to help me get past admissions finally, if he
has as much pull as it sounds.” What
would he want from me, though, in exchange? Does he really just like
my art?
    Lorraine
grabbed the empty bottle, standing with a groan as she cracked her
back. “Well, this gallery is going to be done, now. Your stuff
will stay up for the month, but you don't need to come here, since
it's all sold. I can cut you your share, and then...” The wine
bottle crashed loudly into the trash, making Judith jerk in surprise.
“Then, I guess you can do whatever you like.”
    Tucking
the business card into her pocket, Judith stood as well, seeming lost
in her own head.
    “ Judith.”
    “ Yeah?”
she asked, looking up to find the worried face of her new friend. How
fast, but yes, we did become friends.
    “ Just
remember, you don't need to call him. You don't need to do anything, alright?”
    Can
I really just do nothing? Frowning,
she took one more look around the room, finally ending on the large
piece, the work Benedict had walked in on her painting last night.
    Her
mind was a blur, considering her options; her curiosity, and the
potential in this venture for the one thing she really wanted.
    With
a forced smile, she faced Lorraine, holding out a hand. “I
know. Thank you, I'll keep in touch.”
    When
they shook, Judith noticed how hard Lorraine gripped her. Suddenly,
it turned into a fierce hug, leaving the girls both breathless.
    “ Don't
do anything dumb,” Lorraine mumbled into her ear.
    Judith
simply didn't reply.

Chapter 3.

    For
the third time, Judith lifted her cell phone, finger hovering over
the buttons. Benedict's card lay on her bed beside her, but she
didn't need to look at it. By now, she'd managed to unintentionally
ingrain his phone number into her mind.
    Sighing,
Judith lowered her cell, staring at the screen. It displayed the
time, reminding her it was after ten at night. It gave her an easy
out. He's
probably asleep. Also, who calls anyone this late, ever?
    Yet,
her whole body and brain were buzzing; anxious, unable to relax.
Lorraine's warning, as if she could call it anything else, rumbled in
her memory.
    She's
wrong, I do need to do this. It's such an opportunity to get an upper
hand, to get into that school.
    Judith
felt the slow burn of curiosity in her belly. Once more, she lifted
her phone. The
worse that happens, is he doesn't answer, and I leave a message. She
debated if maybe, just maybe, the worse that could happen was
actually making the phone call at all. No,
he didn't seem dangerous. He bought all of my art, I have enough
money now to stay out here for some time. Is it crazy to want to find
out how much he'd offer for a commission, if he'd agree to assisting
me?
    Biting
her lower lip, she inhaled deeply, typing out his number. Pressing
her phone to her ear, the red-head listened to the metallic ringing,
preparing herself for what she might say. She wasn't ready when, on
the second ring, the line 'clicked' and someone began speaking.
    “ Benedict
Vance, who's calling please?”
    The
voice wasn't the familiar, rich baritone of the man she'd met so
briefly. This was someone else, calm and almost flat. Confused,
Judith cleared her throat. “Uh, hello, I'm looking for
Benedict.”
    “ Of
course, but may I ask who's calling?”
    She
wondered if she'd imagined the tart edge to that reply. “Sorry,
this is Judith Flight, he left me a message to—”
    “ Oh!”
That tone became suddenly very