Jen's Heart

By Stephanie L White

Jennifer Mallory is a former prima ballerina.  Now she is a sculptor living in a new city with her dog.  She needs a sponsor for her sculptures.  Jen walks into an art gallery expecting to meet the owner but the owner's grandson is there.  Dana Delaney is very handsome and a billionaire.  There is an immediate connection between the two.  Both have others that need the relationship clarified.  Will Jen win Dana's heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: ladywriter314
• Release date: Nov 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781536548761

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Jennifer Mallory moved to Mango Cove Florida six years ago.  After graduating college in Paris, she decided a new locale would add spice to her life. After six weeks, Jennifer found an awesome house in the right upper income neighborhood.  She likes living in Autumn Rain gated community.  Florida is a welcome reprieve from winters in Maryland.

Jennifer’s parents were not at all excited about this move.  Her father Walter Douglas Mallory is an ambassador assigned to the Paris office.  Her mother is Michelle Sterling Mallory a Washington DC area socialite.  The Lawson descendants receive a substantial income from their family trust fund.

Jen was previously a prima ballerina with a ballet troupe from the age of twelve until age nineteen.  Michelle travelled extensively with her daughter during this period.  Walter was home with their son, Steven and his children, Kent and Nicole. Walter’s first wife died in an automobile accident. Walter wanted his youngest daughter to obtain her chosen career.

At age nineteen, Jen joined her parents overseas.  Jen returned to Maryland in December for her debutante ball at age nineteen.  Now she lives in her home where she has embraced a new career.

Sculpting fascinated Jen while in Europe.  Now because of the family trust fund, Jen is executing her vision for her career.

Jen has been sculpting for nine years. A sketch is the beginning of her project.  Jen can now visualize her sculpture. This drawing details of the whole sculpture.  Next, Jen begins constructing her armature.  It is a support structure. It also can be called the sculptures skeleton.  Construction consist of with wire or toothpicks for smaller pieces.  Jen prefers wire it is easier to manipulate.  For larger items PVC pipes are used.  Next filler is added to the figure to give it a more human appearance.  Masking or painter’s tape can be used for this purpose.  Tin foil,  newspaper or cheaper can be utilized too.

Once Jen has completed her armature, she can begin her sculpture.  Jen likes using polymer clay at this stage of her project.  Jen begins adding smaller sections with the clay.  During this time, Jen perfects her finer details.  This is the time of development for Jen.  The armature and the finer sections are slowly growing into her piece.  Then she begins to texture the piece.  Large tips are used to create the broad pieces.

Once the large piece is completed, then it is time to cure the sculpture.  It can be air dried or baked.  Jen prefers to under bake her pieces.  This process takes a longer time.  The sculpture will not be burned.  Before painting, it has to be washed with soap and water.  It can also be wiped down with rubbing alcohol.  Some of her pieces require gloss.  Jen uses real hair for some of her sculptures.  The sculpture now has a more realistic look.  Fabric is also used for some pieces.

Jen met Reynaldo Ruiz two years ago.  Jen was walking in a local museum. She was studying the various paintings and sculptures to develop ideas of her own. Reynaldo’s brilliant smile caught her attention. 

Naldo’s beautiful black long curly hair is in a ponytail.  Jen wonders how his hair will feel in her hands.  That night he captured Jen’s attention.  Naldo is very smart and his eyes are like magnets.

Naldo’s parents are Puerto Rican. The Ruiz family have three adult children, one son and two daughters.  Hector Ruiz is retired as a sanitation driver. Carlotta owns a bakery where her daughters work with her. 

Naldo’s tanned skin and handsome looks always keeps him in someone’s bed.  His six feet three height with an athletically built body is sensual to women of all races.  Reynaldo grew up in New York.  After graduating college, Naldo obtained an agent and began his career as an actor.

Their first Christmas as a couple, Reynaldo flew to Maryland to meet Jen’s parents. Although Jen’s parents were overseas, at Christmas time they return to Maryland. The Mallorys were entertained by Reynaldo.  Reynaldo’s parents also visited the Mallorys.

Reynaldo has several bad habits. Jen tries walking away from this relationship.  Naldo does not want to lose Jen.  Their relationship is hanging by a string.  Honesty is not a virtue Reynaldo embraces. He likes the attention from being a ladies man.

Dana Delaney is a quiet billionaire executive. Previously Dana wore glasses and felt awkward in the presence of women.  This made him feel like a geek. When his eye glasses were discarded for contacts, the dating world opened for Dana.

Dana’s parents are Daniel Delaney and Denaida-Dubois Delaney. Daniel’s parents are Efrem and Sarah Delaney.  Efrem and Sarah had seven male children.  Daniel is a fraternal twin to Reginald. The seven sons of Efrem and Sarah all have college degrees. The Delaney family lives on a five thousand acre ranch in New Mexico.

Daniel and Denaida met in college.  It was Daniel’s fourth year. Denaida was in her third year.  Daniel went home with Denaida to her Florida home and met her parents. 

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Carter and Julia Cummings-Dubois are the parents of Denaida. The Dubois had five children, three sons and two daughters.  Denaida is the youngest child in her family.  Daniel requested to meet with the Dubois during Christmas break.  Carter agreed.  On Christmas Eve, he proposed to Denaida.  They married after Denaida graduated college.  Daniel and Reginald were in law school. 

Daniel moved from his New Mexico home to the Dubois Estate with his new bride.  Daniel purchased twenty-five acres of land from his father-in-law.  Reginald was married two months later to Patina Pattison.  Now both brothers and their children reside in Florida. 

Daniel and Reginald were fascinated by the oil empire.  They invested their trust fund money into this venture.  Within five years, Delaney Oil Exploration was expanding and growing.  Now the brothers are billionaires like the rest of their family.

Dana’s height is six feet six inches tall. Graduating from college at age eighteen with two degrees, engineering and business management, Dana began his corporate career. Dana wears expensive tailored suits and Italian shoes.  He is the second child of Denaida and Daniel Delaney.

Dana has dated several women but found each to be empty of genuine feelings.  Most of the women Dana dated were more interested in his bank account.  Dana felt like life was passing by for him in the romance department. 

Jennifer Mallory walked into his Dana’s grandmother’s art gallery.  Dana’s empty life was now filled with joy. Jen always smiled when Dana was in the room.  Dana frequently would sit beside Jen.  He loved clasping her small hand into his.  Her lips were in need of a kiss from Dana.  Now Dana is pursuing Jennifer.  Reynaldo is still in the picture.  Which man will receive Jen’s Heart!

Chapter 1

Jennifer Mallory is shaking with excitement. Tonight is her debut art preview show. An after party is scheduled at a local club.  Jen’s friends and fellow artists are hosting a party in celebration of her accomplishment. The art debut event is an invitation only black tie affair. Jen had no input over the invitation list.  This is why her friends are celebrating Jen’s triumph at another location.

Evelyn Winters, her best friend, is here to support Jen. They are at the Dubois Art Gallery.  The gallery is located on Second Ave NE in Mango Cove.  This area of the downtown is a central location for a shopping center, museums and many expensive restaurants.  The skyline is filled with condos being built.

Jen is wearing a beautiful off the shoulder burgundy and sleeve cocktail dress.  This dress accentuates her size nine figure.  Naturally wavy ebony hair falls teasingly down her back.  Jen’s parents sent a gift of burgundy sapphire earrings.

Jen is anxiously walking all around this chic art gallery.  The guests are strolling into a huge glass door entrance and ceiling.  Jen’s life size Incan mother and child sculpture will greet guests.  The statue is four feet in height and weighs eighty pounds. Jen got the idea from when she lived in Peru as a child. This statue has an indigenous look of the natives of that country.  Next to the sculpture is an introduction label.  It says:  Welcome to the Dubois Art Gallery.  Tonight Sculptures by Jennifer Mallory are being presented.

The white walls with huge walkways and flooring draws visitors’ eyes to aesthetic paintings on the walls. All other displays are closed. The section label is: Jennifer Mallory’s Sculptures.   Only Jen’s sculptures are visible for the art collectors. Object labels are in front of all her sculptures. The section where Jen’s sculptures are placed is perfect for viewing and observation. 

Lights are spotlighting her works of art.  Jen was at the art gallery rearranging her smaller statues for the last two days.  The gallery was closed.  So Jen had time to arrange each piece for optimum viewing.

Jen I love your mother and child sculpture.  It is so beautiful and realistic.  Now that sculpture will be the star of your show.  Evelyn states smiling. 

Hmm, I think that dress is wearing you tonight, Evie.  Gurl thanks for coming tonight. I am grateful for your support.  Mr. Delaney agreed to mail you an invitation.  I let him know that I had no one here to support me. Jen laughs. 

Evie is wearing a red dress with a low back. It leads to her big rump. Nothing is exposed but Evie is definitely advertising her wares. Red pumps are on her feet pushing Evie’s height to six feet.  She has a sienna complexion with mascara walnut large eyes. Evie has a small nose and large kissable muted plum lips.

You know that Dana Delaney is going to be here tonight.  Gurl I am going to snatch that man for myself!  Evie whispers and laughs.  She sips some champagne from her flute.  I am sipping one flute of champagne. Our limo arrives at ten.  The after party will be so awesome!  This champagne is excellent and expensive.

Thanks because I need another flute of champagne. I wish Kent was here. So Evie how are you going to discard his girlfriend?  Jen laughs and takes a sip of champagne.  Kent is Jen’s older brother. 

More guests are meandering into the gallery.  Jazz music is quietly playing in the background. Men are dressed in tuxedos. Women are wearing the latest cocktail dresses and pumps.  They are studying the sculptures for details and originality.  Each statue has a brief object tag.

Kent Mallory should be here with his sister. Once Dana sees all I am offering, his girlfriend will discard herself.  Evie grins while shaking her head.

As the invited guests enter the gallery, they walk into a center room. Appetizers and champagne or sparking grape juice is ready for the guests’ consumption.  The caterers are keeping the white linen cloth tables supplied with food. The drinks are being served to the guests.

Jen shakes her head and laughs at Evie. This is his family’s art gallery.  So of course Mr. Delaney will be here tonight.  He wants to see how well my sculptures will be selling.  Mr. Delaney gave an interesting interview on the local station.  He stated that my work is romantic with an urban flair. It will be recognized. Mr. Delaney believes my sculptures will be purchased by some wealthy collectors tonight.

Now at age twenty-eight, finally Jen is being recognized.

You are calling him Mr. Delaney?  Jen you two have been working closely together for the last three months to make this debut a success. Dana Delaney is four years older than us. Are you interested in Dana Delaney a little bit Jen? Evie grins while looking into her friend’s eyes. How are you going to explain Dana Delaney to Reynaldo?

No, I see Mr. Delaney now.  He has finally arrived. Jen is quietly eager.  Dana Delaney will calm all her fears. Naldo and I are just friends Evie!  Stop pretending we have a relationship! Previously I thought Naldo and I were in a relationship.  He did not.  Reynaldo Ruiz and Jen have not had a real date in six months.  It is now a relationship without action.

While they are talking, Dana Delaney enters the art gallery.  Dana strides into the gala with long regal steps.  He greets some of the guests by their first name. As Dana enters a room, he exudes an air of calmness and familiarity. After ten minutes, he is standing in front of an enthusiastic Jen.  A smile is on his face while welcoming Jen.  Miss Mallory you have a wonderful intimate crowd present tonight.  Come with me so I can introduce you to some affluent collectors.  Dana is wearing a tailored tuxedo.  He is leaning in toward Jen while speaking.

Jen is now at an intimate kissing range with Dana.  Wait Mr. Delaney, I want to introduce you to my best friend, Evelyn Winters. Jen whispers.  Evelyn this is Mr. Dana Delaney, one of my patrons. She is patting Dana’s arm.

Well it is very nice to meet you Miss Winters.  Now Jennifer and Evelyn please call me Dana. Evelyn, we will talk again.  Jennifer, your collectors are waiting.  Dana smiles while waving goodbye to Evie.  He is gently escorting Jen in the direction of the patient art connoisseurs.

It was nice meeting you too, Mr. Delaney. Evie waves goodbye and sips the last of the champagne.  Evelyn smiles to herself.  At least she inhaled a hint of his exotic smelling cologne. The cologne has a citrus scent with just a hint of spice.  Evie pats a gentleman standing near her on the shoulder.  Hi, do you like that sculpture?

The chestnut hair man smiles.  Yes ma’am, I do.  The detail of the facial features are exquisite.  My name is Cary.  What is your name?

This collector appears to be in his thirties.  Other collectors are older.  This is why Evie is talking to him.  Evie grins.  I agree.  The artist is my best friend, Jen Mallory.  She is very talented.  My name is Evelyn.

Cary takes a sip of his champagne.  I may put a bid on this sculpture. Let’s walk and look at some more of her art. Evelyn what is your favorite sculpture?

Okay. My favorite is the mother and child.  I love how Jen has captured their emotions in that sculpture. Evie is walking and enjoying the company of this stranger.

I agree Evelyn.  That sculpture is the star of this art show. Cary smiles at Evie while sipping his champagne.

Cary and Evie walk through the gallery and observe each sculpture.  Evie feels like a participant of this show now.

Jen and Dana stroll through the gallery. Jen is amazed at the compliments she is receiving. Dana is very savvy in how he introduces Jen to the collectors. Miss Mallory’s pieces reminds me of the romantic era.  Each piece that Miss Mallory has presented evokes emotions, spirituality and her wonderful sense of free expressions.  Dana is being surrounded by collectors like a rock star.  Everyone wants to talk to him and Jen.

The connoisseurs nod agreement with Dana’s assessments.  Dana had his assistant mail out calligraphy invitations to tonight’s debut. The recipients are people with expendable income.

Evie is hoping to speak to Dana again. Jen’s quick introduction seems to be all that Evie will get from Dana. Dana has eyes for Jen.  Evie is now intermingling with other guests while sipping grape juice.  She is a stranger among these invitees.  Some people are engaging Evie in conversation. Evie is enjoying the conversations.

At eight o’clock, Dana is now standing in the front of the display room. The music is turned off.  Ladies and gentleman, I welcome each of you to the Dubois Art Gallery.  I am Dana Delaney, the grandson of Julia Dubois the owner of this fabulous art gallery.  Unfortunately, my grandmother will not be joining us this evening. We will begin with our house rules. Now each of you were mailed numbered cards.  These numbers are assigned only to you.  When there is a sculpture in front of you that is intriguing, place the number in front of it. One more piece of business, Miss Mallory tried to sneak in another piece of art.  It is a beautiful colorful self-portrait.  I have purchased it for my own collection. Dana laughs with a smoky tone along with his guests. Tonight we are presenting to you the debut showing of the wonderful talent of our artist of the hour, Miss Jennifer Mallory.

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The audience applauds.  This artist began her artistic career as a prima ballerina at age twelve.  At the age of nineteen, Miss Mallory, left her ballet troupe and began sculpting.  Miss Mallory will take us on a journey with each of her sculptures.  You will see unpredictable and exciting sculptures.  Each piece represent a different time in her much travelled life. Miss Mallory has travelled to over twenty-five countries with her parents.  Her father, Mr. Walter Mallory, is assigned as a US ambassador in Paris.  Now please welcome our honored artisan, Miss Jennifer Mallory.  Dana is clapping along with the guests. The cologne he is wearing is sexy and welcoming to Jen.  She is standing real close to Dana.

Jen is awed by the applause. Two hundred people are in attendance.  Thank each of you for coming to see my sculptures. Artist never expect people to understand our vision.  Mr. Delaney just shocked me by purchasing my painting.  Thank you so much for your support. Jen is looking into Dana’s eyes. Dana’s glance appears conspiratorial as a wink.

I watched each of you. The engaging looks that you gave each of my pieces.  I want to thank Mr. Delaney and Mrs. Dubois for being my patrons.  They believed in my talent. Now they have now presented my works to you.  Please continue to visit and hopefully purchase my sculptures.  I am available to talk if you have any questions.  Jennifer bows to the applause of her audience. 

Dana clasp Jen’s hand as they resume strolling among the guests.  The gallery is open until ten.  As each collector selects a sculpture, it is marked sold with a number.  This way the collector is not named publicly.  The vibe in the air is filled with interest and excitement.  Music has resumed.  People are returning to the appetizer area to obtain food and champagne.

Jen is smiling because now she is a professional sculptor and painter.  The hidden dream within her psyche is born tonight.  She felt insecure about placing the picture for sale. Dana is a visionary who brought her dream to life.  Jen is truly grateful.

Miss Mallory, how would you describe your work? A news reporter questions.

Some pieces of my art are curvaceous, swirling, and vibrant. Some of my pieces are filled with saturation and is the focal point of tonight’s show.  Each piece has great depth and an earthy feel. Jen smiles for the camera.

Well thank you Miss Mallory for those description of your sculptures.  Enjoy the show. The reporter ends their brief interview.

Thank you for asking. Jen waves goodbye as she walks over to converse with another interested collector.  

Jen finds Evie and pulls her away from the crowd so they can talk privately.  "Evie, Dana reminded me that his mother and grandmother are having a late dinner with some of these guests.  I am the guest of honor and have to attend.  Please thank Naldo for me.  I