Read my new story :
American Fast & Furious NSFW
America's #1 Scumbag NSFW
Her mood was a mix of excitement and nervousness.
For a moment, Annie couldn't quite describe the feeling. It was a strange combination of anticipation and anxiety, something that words couldn't easily capture.
More than anything, though, Annie was worried about Michael.
Michael had been going through a tough time, stuck in a low point with little hope for the future. He desperately needed a breakthrough, something to reignite his optimism.
Deep down, despite knowing she shouldn't, Annie couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement sparked by Thomas's wild guesses. Though this wasn't about her—it was about Michael—she still found herself caught up in the emotions.
Finally, Annie took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and looked over at Michael.
"Do you want to know the truth?"
In the end, she decided to hide her own feelings and leave the decision to him—after all, this was Michael's situation, and his feelings should take priority.
Michael didn't answer immediately, his eyes clouded with hesitation as he looked at her.
Though he hadn't spoken, the answer was clear. Michael was worried about Annie, so he didn't dare voice his thoughts too easily.
Off to the side, Thomas rolled his eyes.
"Oh, God, you two."
"This isn't that complicated. You shouldn't think you're that important. It's just Anson Wood, not Leonardo DiCaprio."
With one snarky remark, all eyes turned toward Thomas.
Unfazed, Thomas shrugged, "What? I don't care about Anson Wood. You got a problem with that?"
After a brief pause, the stares withdrew.
Thomas threw his hands up, "See? He's not that important."
Annie burst out laughing, the tension and nervousness loosening up. She stopped overthinking and fished her phone out of her pocket.
"I'll call him right now..."
Michael was startled. "Here? What are you thinking? You'll give yourself away!"
As he spoke, Michael quickly moved to shield Annie, swiftly guiding her out of the gallery.
Thomas grumbled under his breath, "I doubt Anson has security like this," but still hurried along, blocking any curious eyes aimed at Annie.
…
The phone vibrated, breaking the silence in the room.
Anson paused slightly, "Luca, you should turn off your phone for a bit and let people rest. At least during dinner."
Lucas had been busy all evening, his phone buzzing non-stop.
At the dinner table, this was especially impolite, more so when dining on fine French cuisine.
Without arguing, Lucas glanced at his phone, then looked around the table. "Anson, it's for you."
Anson: …
Anson put down his utensils and picked up his phone, glancing at the screen.
Shaking his head, he said, "I guess it's true, pride comes before the fall."
Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at Anson, a smile forming in his eyes.
Anson answered the call. "Hey, Annie, good evening."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Anson noticed a hint of hesitation in Annie's voice. Curious, he asked, "Let me guess, 'The Princess Diaries 2' is delayed again, and the director sent you to check my availability?"
The playful tease made Annie laugh. She played along, "Your intuition is sharp! So, does Mr. Wood have any availability?"
"Of course I do. Since you asked, I have to say yes." Anson replied without hesitation.
Annie was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a straightforward response. Seeing Michael and Thomas watching her, she quickly refocused.
"Anson, I called because I heard you bought a painting tonight in the East Village."
It was a clumsy segue, and Annie regretted it as soon as she said it. Thomas, next to her, was dramatically pretending to shoot himself in the head.
But before she could react, Anson's amused voice came through.
"Ah, word travels fast." Though it was part of his strategy, the buzz was even better than expected. "What, are you interested in art now?"
Annie was caught off guard again. "No, it's not that. I just wanted to ask…" She fumbled for the right words. "Why did you buy the painting?"
Ahead of her, Thomas mimicked pulling the trigger on himself again, his eyes rolling back.
But Annie didn't have time to respond to him. Anson's voice came through, this time with a smile.
"Because I liked it."
Annie froze, a wave of joy washing over her. "Because you liked it?"
"Yes, because I thought it would look perfect in my New York apartment."
"Oh my God," Annie gasped, clutching her chest.
Anson was confused. "Is that really something to call on God for?"
In the next second, cheers erupted on the other end of the line.
"Ahhh! Ahhh!"
Anson blinked, surprised. Lucas and Nora both looked at him in confusion, but he just shrugged, unsure of what was happening either.
"Anson, Anson!" Annie's excited voice came through. "Can I ask whose painting you bought?"
Anson raised his eyebrows, sensing something off. "Sebastian Ossino, a young artist. But I think that's a pseudonym. Probably inspired by Shakespeare."
An inkling of suspicion began to form.
Annie quickly confirmed it. "Yes, that's Michael Hathaway, my brother."
Anson didn't hide his surprise.
What a coincidence!
Annie continued, "That was Michael's first sold piece. He couldn't believe it! And when we found out the buyer was you? It was just crazy!"
"Wow," Anson said, genuinely impressed. "Seems like the New York art scene really is a small world. But it was an excellent piece. Even if I hadn't bought it, some other collector would've snatched it up soon."
Annie smiled, but insisted, "That may be true, but you were the one to break the ice. Oh God, sorry, Anson, Michael would love to thank you in person. Is that okay?"
"Of course," Anson said, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin.
"Uh, Anson... Mr. Wood," Michael's voice came through the phone.
"Just call me Anson. Otherwise, things will be awkward next time we meet with Annie."
"Haha, Anson, thank you! I mean, really, thank you. This means the world to me."
Michael tried to find the right words, but his mind went blank, leaving him feeling like a fool. "Thank you."
Anson didn't brush it off. As an actor himself, he understood how hard it was to wait for that one ray of light in the art world. When that moment finally arrived, no words could truly express the joy.
It was like the time Hayden Christensen found out he had landed the role in Star Wars, or the time Anson was cast in Spider-Man.
Those moments were still vivid in his memory, yet they felt like a lifetime ago.
"My pleasure," Anson said. "I'm looking forward to more of your work. You've got talent and vision. Trust your instincts."
Those simple words hit Michael deeply. His vision blurred with emotion, and he took deep breaths, trying to compose himself. But it was no use. He threw his head back and let out a loud, joyous laugh.