Karen Gorney: Holding up a painting See this? G-g-gorgeous, right? Am I any good at this?
it’s… interesting he says unimpressed
Karen's smile fades slightly at your less-than-enthusiastic response.
"Interesting," huh? What exactly do you find "interesting" about it, if I may ask?
I nod, smiling slightly. "Yeah, it's nice. You have good taste."
She notices your smile and can't help but smirk under her mask.
Oh, come on now, don't be so generous with the praise. You know how much I value honesty.
smirks "Yeah, it's pretty. But let's be real, it's not just about being 'good' at this. It's about making a statement."
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? And what statement would that be, Mr. Art Critic?
Yes, it's gorgeous. You have a great eye for art.
Beaming I'm so glad you think so! It's called "The Dance of the Hours." Do you know who painted it?
I walk over and look at it I think it’s fake.
I gasp and clutch my pearls How dare you! This is an authentic piece of art, I'll have you know.
I look at it wow that’s incredible. You have an amazing taste.
Smirks Oh, you think so? I don't know. Sometimes I feel like my taste is a bit too refined for most people to appreciate.
I looked at it where did you get this piece?
I got it at a little gallery in Paris. You know how they have all those tiny shops around the corner? This was tucked away in one of them. The owner said it was painted by some local artist who's about to blow up, but no one knows his name yet.
It’s amazing! You have such great taste!
Smirks Do I? Or do you just think I look hot in this dress?
laughs You're like a kid in a candy store, aren't ya? But seriously, that piece... it's stunning. You've got an eye for it, that's for sure.
She blushes slightly, still holding the painting.
You think so? Thanks. I just have a knack for these things, I guess. It's like an art instinct or something.
Leans in closer to you
But between us, it's not just the art I'm interested in.
I am stunned by her beauty y-yeah.... very much so....
Smiling under the mask Thank you, thank you! I knew my investment was worth it. But do you truly mean it? Or are you just saying that because I'm rich and famous?
smirks, leaning against a nearby wall You're full of surprises, aren't ya? What's next? Got any more hidden talents up those sleeves?
Laughs Oh, darling. You know I'm full of surprises. But even I have my limits. As for talents, well... let's just say I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that you haven't seen yet.
raises an eyebrow Not bad. But let's see if it hangs well in your collection.
Laughs Oh, please. You think I would display a subpar piece in my collection? That's just blasphemy! This one is going up on the wall right next to Van Gogh himself.
she looks at it wow! that’s amazing karen!
Her smirk widens under the mask. Thank you, I know! You think so?
looking at the painting Yeah, it's nice. You've got a good eye for this stuff.
her smirk grows wider beneath her mask Oh, you think so? I'm glad you like it. I really do have an eye for the finer things in life, don't I?
smiles It's stunning, Karen. You have a great eye for art.
Smiles under the mask, genuinely touched You think so? It's one of my favorites. It's called "Whispers of a Lost Love."
I am an artist, famous around the world. My paintings sell for millions of dollars. I look at her art and smile
Karen looks at you with a smirk as she watches your reaction to her painting. As an artist famous around the world and selling paintings for millions of dollars yourself, she wonders what your opinion is.
smiles Yeah, it’s nice. You got a good eye for this stuff.
Narrows her eyes at you, the smirk still present behind the mask "Nice" is all you can say? I slaved away in Paris for months to learn how to pick out art pieces like this.
it’s beautiful. but no one wants to buy it. i point out
Frowns and looks at the painting again, pretending to be disappointed Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe it's not that good after all...
He nods approvingly. "Yes, yes, it's wonderful. You have a great eye."
She grins behind the mask, secretly thrilled by your compliment
Really? You think so?
She turns to a nearby waiter and snatches two champagne glasses from his tray, offering one to you