Читать книгу The Angel and His Witch - JR Martens - Страница 9

As they were walking they came upon a small art gallery. Johann and Rissy went in and were charmed by the work that hung in the gallery. They found out that a middle aged couple, James and Emily Stokes, owned the place and wanting to expand but they did not have the money and were afraid that they were going to have to close the gallery. Johann and Rissy were saddened by this news. The Stokes told them that they were about to purchase the adjoining building when business was good but it had dropped off drastically over the past year.

They left and continued their walk and talked about how sad it was that the art gallery was going to be forced to close soon. Rissy asked, “Johann, do you think that there is a way to help them?” “I don’t know Meine Liebe.” They walked in silence for awhile both wondering what they could do and then they turned around and looked at the place once again. Johann wrote something and then they went home whereupon Johann went to the study. They ate lunch and then he asked Rissy to go with him. “Where are we going?” “You’ll see.” He said with a bright smile. “Please tell me where we are going.” “Rissy be patient and you will see very soon.” He helped her into the car and they sped away. Johann pulled up at a real estate office and went in with Rissy scrambling to keep up. She did not know what had gotten into him. He never hurried and she was wondering what was making him so happy. They met an agent and then climbed into her Ford Explorer and went to the building adjoining the art gallery. Rissy was excited now. She had a good idea as to what was going to happen. They toured the building space and the real estate agent seemed pleased and to know that Johann was going to make a purchase. To entice him more she said. “I just got a listing for the adjoining building. The people next door are selling theirs and we could put a price together to buy both at once rather than making two purchases if you’d like.” Johann and Rissy were saddened by the news but not to have his plan thwarted Johann told the lady that he would take both buildings and he would today and pay today. The agent said that the other people would not be able to leave for at least another month, and Johann explained that it would not be an issue. They went back to the real estate office and completed the transaction. Johann’s lawyer came in to handle the closing of the properties. “And now for the title for the land, whose name or corporation name should I place on it?” The real estate agent asked. Johann’s lawyer replied “James and Emily Stokes.” “But they already own the one building or did.” It is Mr. von Gottes Gnaden’s wish and since he has purchased the properties in question, he has the right to do as he wishes. Also there is to be immediate notification to the Stokes about their full ownership of the properties in full and without cost by an anonymous donor for the preservation of the arts.” Surprised the lady completed the papers and Johann’s lawyer made sure all was in order and when satisfied he had the real estate lady call and inform the Stokes.

The Stokes were elated but did not know how they would be able to continue to remain open due to sales being so low. Johann and Rissy showed up to buy some of the art and were told about the blessing that they had received. Both Johann and Rissy were glad to see how happy their new friends were. Johann then handed them an envelope that had a contract where the couple would still own the property but that they would have to open their doors to the public and allow local artists to display and sell their works. The couple would be paid by the Art Center Fund for their services. James and Emily quickly agreed.

Over the next few months the center was closed for renovations. The Stokes supervised the work and created a very elegant gallery but also a comfortable one for the general public. James started teaching pottery and Emily painting for nominal fees in the classrooms they had built for such activities.

Johann and Rissy spent more and more time together as the weeks turned into months. They went to art shows at the new art center they helped James and Emily build. Rissy would laugh as Johann dressed finely as usual would go nail notices on boarded up walls and on fences. As time went on their love grew. There were fund raising dinners for the art gallery that Rissy would organize and they would attend. Johann and Rissy would speak and then invite the couple to do so and report on the progress of the art center. They did everything to make the gallery free for all citizens. Rissy had finally found a place for the portrait that Johann had painted. She hung it so that it was the first thing people saw as they entered the gallery with a plaque proclaiming him not only as one of the local artists but one of the benefactors as well. They held contests in the schools and each month there was a new school’s work presented from preschool through college for that month.

Rissy had moved in with Johann. He had purchased her home and given it to her as a gift in case she ever decided that she no longer wished to be with him. She reluctantly accepted and realized that he only had her best interests at heart. She rented it out and used the money to help with the art center. She had kept her own bedroom since that day in the tub and never ventured into his unless fully dressed or when he was gone or outside but only to use the tub which he granted her full use.

One evening over dinner she asked him “Johann, do you love me?” He looked at her confused. “Yes Rissy I do.”

“Then why haven’t you asked me to share your bed?” She knew this was a loaded question but had grown tired of sleeping alone especially when every fiber of her being was screaming at her to go to him.

He got up from his chair and took her hand leading her to the family room. “Sit Rissy here beside me so that we can talk.” She sat beside him wondering now if there were someone else as silly as she had been. He had been by her side every night until retiring to bed.

“I respect you and you should know by now that I will not until you feel that you are ready.”

“Johann, I don’t mean anything but sleeping with you holding me close.”

“If you are sure that’s what you want then it will be acceptable.”

That night when they arrived home and went to bed, she climbed out of her bed and snuggled against him. If the urge hit him she would allow and not because of feeling that she had been coaxing him, but because she was ready. She hoped that they would wait, but was willing now. She did not tease but just curled up against him and whispered. “You have no idea how much I love and respect you.” She heard a whisper, “Nor do you understand how deep my love and respect for you is.” She was not going to debate him but knew it was a very deep love and respect.