90 - Gallery

                                    

                                          
Alison
***
                          
I woke up to the sound of my alarm. Chris had his arms around me, so I struggled to get out of his hold to turn the blaring sound off. Once I managed to silence it, Chris pulled me back to a laying position. 
                          
"Let me go!" I said playfully as I wrapped my hands around his fingers to get him to release me. He only held on tighter.
                          
"Nope, Kent can manage on his own," he replied in a groggy voice, burying his face in my neck. I tickled him as a last resort and it worked. Reluctantly, Chris gave in to the tickles and let go of me.
                          
"He probably won't unfortunately. I need to be there as early as possible."
                          
I hurried out of bed and into the shower. I had to look my best for Kent's exhibition.
                          
The exhibition had been scheduled to open sooner, either in March or April, but due to logistic impediments on the side of the gallery, Kent had to delay his big opening night. The day had finally come, so Kent gave David and I a call to help him set up everything.
                          
I was beyond excited. Even though none of the artworks were my own, I had a hand in creating them. Seeing my brushstrokes on display in an actual gallery was a dream come true. I had spent a week picking my outfit for the opening night, finally settling on a suit. I didn't want to go with a typical dress. 
                          
As I got dressed at the end of Chris' bed, he couldn't help but comment on my choice of attire.
                          
"Taking fashion inspiration from your favorite professor?" He asked, leaning against the headboard. Nine in the morning was still too early for him on a Saturday. I was sure he was going back to sleep once I walked out the door.
                          
As I put on my fitted blazer, I looked in the mirror. The wide legged pants made me look elegant and tall, the blazer accentuating my waist. It was comfortable to walk around in and still looked incredibly professional and feminine.
                          
"Maybe I did," I replied, glancing at his suit collection which hung neatly in the closet. That was when Chris lifted the covers and got out of bed, standing by my side. 
                          
"There's something missing though," he said, reaching his hand inside my drawer and retrieving my pearl necklace. He unbuttoned one more button of my white shirt, exposing my chest slightly. He then walked behind me and put the necklace around my neck. "You're next level now."
                          
As I took in my appearance, I did look next level. My chest wasn't too exposed, just enough to allow the pearl pendant to be seen. It gave me lightness and sophistication. 
                          
 Chris, who was standing behind me, hugged my curves, his chin resting on the top of my head.
                          
"Are you gonna do those little waves to your hair?" He asked as he looked into my eyes through the mirror. "It's my favorite look on you."
                          
I completely melted with his suggestion. His attention to detail always surprised me. I turned around, cupping his cheeks and kissing him. 
                          
"If you make me something to eat while I curl it yes, otherwise I won't have time."
                          
He smiled tenderly. "Of course my love. Toasts and hot chocolate?"
                          
I pecked his lips again, unable to hide a smile. "Always."
                          
As I curled my hair, I couldn't help but reflect on the weeks ahead. Since I had my apartment rented until the end of June, it was easy to convince my parents that I'd stay with my friends to celebrate the end of the semester. What they didn't know, however, was that I had told my friends I'd be going home sooner so that I could spend the next two weeks in Chris' apartment without anyone worrying about my whereabouts.