The Muse Read Free Page A

that you might want to take a look in the mirror when giving that kind of speech.”
                “Boy, someone really did a number on you at some point in your life, didn't they?”
            Gibson averted his eyes, focusing at some point beneath his shoes.  “That's really none of your business.”
                “You're right,” Faith agreed.  “I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have asked.”
                “Why do you want to talk to me?” Gibson asked.  “I'm not like you.”
                “Did you ever think that's maybe one of the reasons why?  Opposites attract...or something like that.”
                “You're attracted to me now?” he asked, laughing.  Faith's face turned red.  At first it looked like an innocent blush.  Then, the color seemed to have some heat to it that spread to her neck and ears.
                “Of course not,” she said quickly.  “Or at least not in that way.  Don't be ridiculous.  You just seem like an interesting guy.  That's all.  I'm lonely.  You seem lonely too.  I just thought a little conversation might be nice.  You know what they say?  Conversation rules the nation.”
                “The Lonely Hearts Club, eh?” Gibson said.
                “Guess so,” Faith added.  “Anyway, just forget all of what I said.”
                “Already done,” Gibson said with a laugh.  “It would be crazy to think that me and you might...”
                He paused and saw the disappointment on her face.  Faith was obviously hurt by something he said.  Was it possible that she was interested in him and he had called her out on it?  The thought had never occurred to him.  He shrugged.  “Look, I'm sorry.  I don't mean to be rude.  It's just been a rough day.  That's all.  I didn't mean to be such a jerk.  You didn't deserve the way I talked to you.”
                Faith wiped a tear away from her cheek and nodded.  “It's ok.”
                Gibson sat down beside her for a moment, feeling guilty.  Crying women always got to him.  He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped her tears away.  “I'm really sorry,” he said, meaning it.  “Please don't hate me.”
                “Don't be silly,” Faith said.  “I don't hate you.  Do you think I sit on these steps all day long for my health?”
                “Don't tell me you sit there waiting for me,” Gibson said, a little surprised.
                “Sometimes I hope I run into you,” Faith said.  “You seem like an interesting guy.  I can tell you aren't like everyone else.”
                “How do you know that?”
                “Because it's obvious that your emotions run deep.  You aren't just another shallow guy trying to be macho to impress girls.  You're sensitive.  You have to be.  Your art demands it.”
                “Art is about finding new ways to touch the soul.  Painting is the method I use.”
                “And when two souls are intertwined?  What then?”
                “I immortalize their love in brush strokes of color.  That's what happens.”           
                Faith studied him carefully and smiled.  “All day long you're around people in love.  Haven't you ever been in love yourself?  Don't you understand how wonderful they're feeling?  Please understand, I'm not prying here.  It's just a general question.  You don't even have to answer it out loud.  Think of it as food for thought.”
                Gibson shook his head.  “I was in love once, and she broke my heart.  Since then, I've always been a loner, although not necessarily by choice.  Maybe I've become jaded and bitter.  Maybe I've built a wall between me and the rest of the world.  Maybe I'm just scared of being