Complementary Colors Read Online Free PDF Page B

to take you to the Bransfords.”
    “Who are they?”
    “They’re the people hosting the party for you this evening.”
    “Why?”
    “Because they bought three of your paintings and want to meet you.”
    Great. Three paintings. No telling what extras Julia promised them. “Do you know how long this dinner party will last?” That was usually a clue.
    “Not really, but Julia told me not to wait up.”
    That meant she’d promised them more than I’d want to give. “I think I’m coming down with something.”
    “No, you’re not.”
    “Would be a shame to puke all over their fancy floors.”
    “Stop it, Paris. You’re not sick, and this is important. These people love you. They want to meet you.”
    If only that was all they expected. Granted, it was just sex, but I hated that Julia decided who that sex would be with.
    “Go, Paris.” She pushed me toward the stairs. “I’ll make some coffee, then come up there and help you with the makeup.”
    “We’ve talked about this, Alice. Just because I like to bottom doesn’t mean I’m a girl.”
    She aimed a finger at me. “Your cheek.”
    I touched my face. Several cuts patterned a trail to my temple.
    “Yeah.” I nodded. “Okay. Makeup. Bring me another drink, but make sure it’s in a plastic cup in case Julia decides to hit me with it.”
    Just my luck, the subject of our conversation came through the elevator door. She took one look at me and said, “Why aren’t you dressed?”
    “Why don’t you stay out of my apartment? Or are you hoping to catch me fucking the doorman?”
    She drew back her lips. “It wouldn’t surprise me.”
    “Don’t worry, he doesn’t have enough dick to make it worth the effort.”
    “I’m not in the mood for your shit.” Julia jerked away. “Go upstairs and get ready. We have to leave soon.”
    I leaned against the railing. “Who says I’m going?”
    Her hands became fists.
    I often wondered why I felt the need to poke a stick in the hornets’ nest, but there was no answer except maybe I enjoyed getting stung.
    Alice stepped between us. I didn’t bother to tell her nothing short of a brick wall could stop our sister.
    “He’s on his way.” Alice turned her pleading gaze on me.
    “Fine, I’ll get dressed.”
    “And shower,” Julia said.
    “What, and miss the chance to look like a palette of paint shit all over me?"
    Alice flicked a look to me, then the top of the stairs.
    Julia’s voice chased me to my bedroom. “You better wash.”
    I threw a bird over my shoulder and slammed my door closed. The thunder in my chest echoed with a sharp stab in my skull. When Julia didn’t come crashing in, I figured it was safe for me to bathe.
    The oil paint didn’t want to come off so I was forced to scrub my hands and arms raw. When I finished skinning myself, I began the other menial tasks that were required to make myself presentable.
    “Paris?” Alice’s voice was nothing like Julia’s, but she still startled me. “Can I come in?”
    “Yeah.” I tapped the razor on the side of the sink to clear the blade.
    Alice ran a look over me. “Don’t you ever cover yourself?” She picked up a towel and handed it to me.
    “Only when I have to.” I wrapped the towel around my waist because it made her happy.
    Alice put a small carry bag on the counter, then led me to the toilet. I closed the lid and sat. She took a straight razor out of the bag.
    “I thought you were going to make me up, not slit my throat.”
    “Don’t be silly. I’d never hurt you.” No, she wouldn’t. “You missed some spots.”
    Alice angled my head and cleared away the stray hairs with measured strokes. When she finished, she wiped my face with a warm cloth.
    “Now what?” I said.
    She took out a jar of cream. “Turn your head.” Alice caught my chin. “The other way.”
    “How long will this take?”
    “Be quiet.” She dabbed my cheek with a wet finger. The cream made the cuts sting.
    “Why do you do this?” Alice