“Well aren’t you in high spirits” he sounded normal, unaffected by the stories that were circulating about both of them. She wished that she could be like him. This was all her fault. She had read all the thoughtful comments of what the relationship between them really was.

“How are you?” he asked softly with concern.

“How do you figure?” she sighed.

“Well this isn’t the first time that they are talking about me. I just learn to ignore it. It’s not like it’s true anyway. You are a very good artist and you’ve accomplished everything with nothing but hard work. This isn’t the first time for you. Don’t tell...