Read Online Liquid Desires by Edward Sklepowich - Free Book Online Page A

edge.
    â€œVioletta Volpi is an artiste .” It was a word the Contessa reserved for only the least talented and the most pretentious. “I mention this only as a warning.”
    Urbino next called Bruno Novembrini.
    â€œAh, yes, Signor Macintyre. Massimo said I might expect a call from you.” Novembrini’s voice was low and smooth. “He tells me that you’re interested in one of my paintings.”
    Surely Zuin would have been more specific than that.
    â€œI am, but not in buying it. I’d like some information about the model you used.”
    â€œYou would?” There was an almost total lack of surprise in Novembrini’s question. “In that case I don’t think we should discuss it over the phone. Why don’t you meet me at Massimo’s gallery tomorrow morning at ten. Massimo said that a relative of yours would be stopping by then.”

10
    Eugene was in an exuberant mood the next morning despite the heat as the crowded vaporetto went up the Grand Canal between rows of palazzi and under a sky as gray as lead. His exuberance, however, had nothing to do with the scene around them. Urbino kept pointing out buildings as they stood in the front of the boat, but Eugene only nodded and inevitably returned to his preferred topic of conversation since leaving the Danieli.
    â€œI like that Zuin,” he said for what must have been the fifth time. “Not one for piddlin’. Called me up right before you came—wanted to be sure it was still a convenient time for me to stop by. Very accommodatin’—the most accommodatin’ man in his line I’ve ever come across,” he added, giving the impression of a long and rich experience with art dealers. “Says he’s got some mighty fine stuff at his shop—big things—and he won’t even charge for shippin’!”
    â€œIt might not be a good idea to seem too eager, Eugene.”
    â€œâ€™Cause he might take advantage of me? You know there’s nobody on either side of the big lake that can do that to Eugene Lee Hennepin! I know you want to help me out—Europe and this place bein’ your turf—but let’s face it. You have no more business sense than Evie. Good thing you never agreed to join our family business. Between you and Evie you would have run us into the ground!” He gave Urbino a quick sideways glance. “Evie isn’t so happy these days, Urbino.”
    Eugene waited. Urbino had no choice but to ask him why.
    â€œSeems like her marriage to Reid is over and done with! That’s what comes from marryin’ a cousin from the Delisle side of the family. The only good Delisles are the women, like our Momma. Could I ask you a personal question, Urbino?” Not waiting for an answer, Eugene went right on, “Could you love another man’s child?”
    Urbino stared at Eugene in disbelief.
    â€œDamn hot in this city of yours!” Eugene said quickly. “Even worse than back home! And I keep gettin’ these glimmers in my eyes and feelin’ unsteady on my feet as if I’m on a ship!” Eugene applied his handkerchief to his flushed face while looking surreptitiously at Urbino. “Don’t look at me like that! You know what I mean! Could you love Evie and Reid’s little Randall like your own?”
    â€œWhatever are you talking about, Eugene?”
    â€œI know I’m bein’ premature and jumpin’ the gun, but let bygones be bygones. It’s been years since you’ve even seen one another. She’s as fresh as ever, and you haven’t changed all that much,” he added with less conviction, squinting at Urbino. “The reason I mention little Randall is that Evie would never remarry under any other circumstances. And you wouldn’t be reminded of Reid. Little Randall looks a lot more like me, poor kid, than Reid—or even Evie! Funny how genes work out, isn’t it? So what do you