Love is art 1

By Claudia A. Pérez R.

Alonso Torres; Economist, lives to work, produce and follow regulations, has reached the highest point of his career, earning the position of Managing Director of the number one cement company in the world and being the right hand of the company's president. His personal life does not exist, until the beauty of a forbidden nymph places him in the dilemma of risking what he has worked so hard for.

Damian A.; he is a faceless artist, he lives to enjoy his freedom, his paintings are touring the world, valued at thousands of dollars, but the need to create has been extinguished, darkness has invaded him and he needs a muse to illuminate his nights and turn off their flames.

Will Camila and Luna manage to captivate their hearts? How do these two stories intertwine? Which of this pair of lovers will end up stealing your sleep?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CLAUDIA PEREZ
• Release date: Sep 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667441870

Book preview

Claudia A. Pérez R.

Love is art 1

First Edition September 2019

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Cover design

Saúl Torres Vázquez

Corrections

Isaura Nayeli Tapia González

All rights reserved.

The total or partial reproduction of this work is not permitted, nor its incorporation into a computer system, nor its transmission in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or others) without the prior written authorization of the owners. of the copyright. The infringement of said rights may constitute a crime against intellectual property.

Copyright stimulates creativity, defends diversity in the field of ideas and knowledge, promotes free expression and favors a living culture. Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for respecting copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of this work in any medium without permission.

ISBN: 9781687353658

To all those images that do not need to speak to express,or touch to meke you feel.

Thanks

Today I begin to thank life that has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people who have added salt and pepper to my journey through this incredible path that I do not stop enjoying.

To all those reader friends who are now friends for life, thank you for the support, love and getting excited along with me for each advanced step.

Don't tell, chona, you guys are quite a case #I feel like I want them.

To my Santa, for the valuable collaboration, for being Damián's first love interest, and for believing in my stories. Mi Wen thank you for always being.

As my Swe said #vamospormas.

To my #chicasparaiso, for giving my new characters a chance, for believing in my work and looking forward to it.

To the bloggers and all those girls who dedicate their time and love to their reviews, edits, likes, shares, comments, messages, emails and love when talking about my work. In large part, it is thanks to your recommendations that my stories have reached hundreds of hearts.

And of course to my Kchorro, for taking care of me like nobody else, despite my stubbornness, for loving me more and better than yesterday and supporting me as always #I feel like we love you.

"Playlist

♪♪ Dread Mar  I ♫♫ Hoja en Blanco. 

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♪♪ Metallica  ♫♫  Nothing else matters.

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♪♪  Beret  ♫♫ Ojalá.

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♪♪  Marc Anthony  ♫♫ La copa rota.

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♪♪  Black Sabbath ♫♫ Paranoid.

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♪♪  Edgar Oceransky y Diego Ojeda  ♫♫ A veces quiero contarte.

1

The greatest work of art, you find it in front of the mirror.

Claudia A. Pérez R. 

Alonso

From the large windows of the meeting room you can see the emblematic Cerro de la Silla of this city, Monterrey, Nuevo León, which is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental that crosses part of the Mexican Republic. Unfortunately, the work does not allow to appreciate it as it deserves, the damn monthly meeting is usually marathon. The vast majority of the reports look good, each month equaling or exceeding the amounts of the previous month, both in distribution and sales, but you always have to review them thoroughly, make comparisons with production and bank accounts. On one occasion a manager had the idea of ​​making up the reports, believing that since he was in charge of the Yucatan branch, on the other side of the country, we would not notice, as if I were a slimy hole to which he could play the finger in the mouth.

Leonardo Zambrano, director and majority owner of CEMTY (Cementos Monterrey), who is always attentive to videoconferences with the different branches inside and outside the country, has been absent today, to tell the truth, since his daughter finished university in the United States and gave him a date for his return, he has been somewhat distracted. Mr. Zambrano is an intelligent and bold man in business, for whom I have great respect and I am grateful for the opportunity he has given me by allowing me to work alongside him, in addition to all the knowledge I have acquired in recent years as his right hand, but it has a couple of big flaws, which I've also learned from; an incalculable love for his wife and daughter, of Miss Camila Zambrano I have nothing to say, I saw her in one time prior to go to study abroad, but Mrs. Zambrano, in addition to being extremely attractive, with excellent taste and sophisticated, I have nothing good to say, she is a damn harpy, a hypocritical high society woman, covered in falsehood and appearances, who has never had to lift a single finger to get what she wants, opening her legs to a millionaire man who lives stupidly in love with her, has been enough for her.

And the second, trusts people in the first instance, despite the fact that bad experiences have shown him that trust, like respect, is earned.

Once the meeting is over, I extract the transparent bottle with the mint capsules that I always keep in it from the inside bag of my jacket, to throw one directly from the bottle into my mouth. It is already four in the afternoon and Leonardo asks me to stay by his side for a moment.

Leonardo: Camila has already arrived in the city, I'm going home, don't you dare miss it tonight, Gina has prepared a huge reception and you're not going to leave me alone with her friends' husbands. (I don't feel like going to one more of his wife's stupid and fake parties, but the old man is so enthusiastic that it's impossible to refuse, he has reminded me of this meeting for the last fortnight, as if I needed him to will remind me of my commitments).

Alonso: Of course, I'll be there.

Leonardo: Well, and go home now, you've been spending many hours in the office, don't think I don't notice. (I smile, I know that the old man is always aware of everyone around him, it is another of his many qualities as a leader of this company).

Alonso: Only the necessary ones, see you at night.

One of my assistants reminds me of the time, it's already six in the afternoon, she hasn't given me time for anything, the damn meetings are getting longer and longer, since the company has had significant growth. I have to retire to go home, clean up and go to the damn reception, as if I don't have a world of work here. Damn!

Arriving at the residence of Mr. Zambrano, it is clear that the elite of Monterrey society, including the country, is gathered here tonight, the cars range from the most classic Rolls-Roys to the latest Lamborghini sports models. Fortunately my Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe doesn't look bad at all. I hand the keys to one of the valet guys, anywhere else I'd remind him to be careful parking, but looking around me, possibly one of the most austere cars they've driven tonight, I'd look ridiculous.

I take a deep breath before joining the gentlemen, who unsurprisingly talk about inflation, the stock market, and political events in the country. I am in charge of a lot of numbers in the company for more than ten hours a day, it is not a subject that I like to talk about in my free time, which lately, it is not much, but I handle it perfectly, instead politics, as Machiavelli said, It has nothing to do with moralit., and it's not that I'm a moralistic type, it's just disgusting, leprosy for society in all countries, there is not one that is saved.

The hostess makes her appearance with a smile for other enchanting ones, with an elegant dress that shows the hours she must spend in the gym to maintain her statuesque figure, her golden hair tied back, huge ones that I bet are made of diamonds of the highest quality, since they shine even more than your smile. She is certainly a very beautiful woman, I have no idea how old she is but she must be in her fifties. If I weren't Leonardo's wife, I would have taken her to bed at the first opportunity and she would have jumped with happiness.

Once she greets everyone around her, she looks at my drink carefully, with a subtle disdain, a look she definitely handles perfectly, spreading my dislike for her.

Gina: What do you drink?

Alonso: Mineral water. (smiles mockingly).

Gina: We celebrate my daughter's return home, we toast with us with something of better taste and don't leave me with the pretext that you have to drive, we have drivers for everyone, so enjoy the evening and empty the dig gentlemen!

She adds raising her glass, so that everyone can hear her and I smile pretending that I am amused by her stupid comment. He takes Leonardo by the arm, the old man stands proud of the beautiful lady he has for a wife and affirms what his wife has just assured regarding drivers and drink, encouraging those present to continue intoxicating their blood and stultifying their neurons.

Live music from one of the gardens filters into the house, I'm tired, the conversation has moved on to the latest luxury cars they've bought or the ones they've had to buy for their wives or children, mostly stupid jerks who They have no idea how much work it takes to earn the huge amounts of value from their toys.

A WhatsApp message distracts me for a moment.

*Emilio: I can bet my left egg that you are at the boring party at your boss's house, call me if you want to have fun.

Emilio is a good friend, we met while doing my master's degree at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, I thought he would be a useless son of daddy, who had a managerial position in one of the most recognized breweries worldwide by his last name Sada, already who belongs to one of the renowned and wealthy families in the country, but I had to swallow my words when he showed me that he knew what he was doing, his last name has made his life easier, but he is not stupid, he has a talent for business. Our relationship improved when he told me that he did various extreme sports, and I started going to his gym to train mixed martial arts together. However, your definition of fun differs a bit from mine, though I guess it's mine that differs from most.

I apologize for separating myself from the group of gentlemen, I'll call him to get rid of the curiosity of what the hell he's doing, and decide if I dare to accompany him. As I cross the huge room, I smile at various acquaintances without slowing down, until a female hand falls on my arm, preventing me from continuing my escape.

Alonso: Alejandra, a pleasure. (I greet her with a kiss on the cheek and I realize that she is accompanied by a couple of friends, so I do the same with each one, I wonder if they know that I have ended up between the legs of the three, with a difference of a few days).

Alejandra: You have been very absent.

Gloria: It's true, I haven't seen you around the club either.

Alonso: Work absorbs me most of the time.

Carina: We'll have to tell Leonardo to let you rest a bit.

Alonso: You would do me a great favor and I'm sure the three of you can be very persuasive.

Alejandra: Never doubt it. (Assures seductress).

The trio of women almost tie me up so I won't leave them, but I excuse myself saying I have to do some business, an excuse they know by heart, surely their ex-husbands used it frequently.

I go out to the back garden, which is completely calm, everyone is inside the residence or around the group that plays live in one of the side gardens, the night is pleasant, despite the intense heat of the day.

*Emilio: Are you still at the Zambrano house?

*Alonso: The question is, where the hell are you? I've been asked about you at least five times.

*Emilio: I refused to go to your boss's house to get bored, I'm in the fifth, very well accompanied, if you don't come, tomorrow I probably won't be able to get up, go for it.

*Alonso: To the national highway? At this time...? I do not know.

*Emilio: You look old, you need to have fun, you bastard. (Those words hit my ego, he's probably right, a little, the guys I meet are at least ten years older than me and their damn conversations have me fed up, I admit we all need a bit of stupidity to relax and Emilio is a specialist in crap).

*Alonso: Okay, I'll see you there.

*Emilio: That's how you speak chingao!

I notice the harmonious movement of some very tall bushes, one after the other, which seem to form a labyrinth, which is not having anything to spend money on!, there is not much wind and it is impossible for me to see from here what it is must, so I approach curious. Going around the first bushes that do not allow me to see, I discover a dazzling nymph with golden hair, turning on her pointed bare feet, causing the short pale pink dress to billow up. The golden light illuminates the fine features of the beautiful lady and I remain enthralled watching her, while she continues her dance while humming a song. He stops short upon noticing my presence, the look of surprise changes in a second to a charming smile, highlighting the blush on his cheeks. She glances at the slippers in her hand, and shrugs her shoulders in a mischievous gesture, looking like a surprised little girl as she scoops up some icing from the cake with one finger.

Alonso: They must be uncomfortable.

Camila: I'm used to it, I just like to feel the grass under my feet.

Alonso: That's lovely, until you have the misfortune to come across a pesky ant. (She approaches allowing me to discover the light blue sky of a sunny morning in her gaze).

Camila: Nice to meet you, Camila... (I interrupt her presentation).

Alonso: Camila Zambrano, the pleasure is mine, Alonso Torres. (We introduce ourselves with a kiss on the cheek, her scent is fresh, like the morning dew, with a sweet touch, just like her image. The only time I saw her, it was from several meters away, I noticed her beauty, which is not surprising, has where to inherit it, but she was a young girl, nothing compared to how she looks now, a really stunning woman).

Camila: Do we know each other?

Alonso: I know who you are because of your father, I work for him and he keeps mentioning you.

Camila: My daddy so cute! (She exclaims with delight, walks a few steps and I imitate her, to take a seat on a strangely shaped bench). So we will work together.

Alonso: It seems so. (He straightens his back as a sign of tiredness, but without stopping smiling). You must be tired, I guess it's been a long day, you're probably going to make it.

Camila: A little, but the reception is in my honor, my mom prepared it with great enthusiasm, I couldn't refuse, I just needed a moment of calm, and I mustn't disappear for too long or she would notice. (I observe the delicacy with which she takes her bag, extracts a silver cigarette case and a Zippo). Like?

Leo: My father's favorite NO son, he doesn't smoke, he's perfect, didn't you know little sister? (The stupid sarcastic comment comes from behind me. The young woman throws herself into the arms of her older brother, a subject with whom I have had the displeasure of crossing a word a couple of occasions. He is what can be called the prodigal son, the black sheep of the family, a poor asshole who has no idea what a great opportunity he has missed by refusing to work alongside his father War: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. I get up to leave. Camila kisses him and hugs him with delight, apparently they hadn't seen each other, he must also be arriving in the city).

Camila: Your not son? What are you talking about? (Confused question, looking back at me.)

Leo: It's the example I should follow, the right hand of dad. (She adds scornfully, you poor idiot! I give her a mocking half smile, I'm not going to hire her stupid provocations, much less in front of her).

Alonso: Nice to see you Leo. (I answer scathingly), I leave you so you can talk, good night.

Camila: See you on Monday.

Imagen relacionada

Luna

I enter the house excited, with an easel, two huge bags full of little paintings; acrylics, oils, chalk, as well as brushes and a huge frame that costs me a bit of work to handle, but it doesn't matter, I want to fill it with color, I've decided. I don't intend to hide my works anymore, I'm tired of having to hide as if I were committing a crime, having to paint at Areli's house so that my mother and Alonso don't bother and come out with the same sermon as always.

Monica: What's all that stuff you've got there?

Luna: Material to paint. (I answer naturally).

Monica: Oh come on! Don't start with that again, you know that... (I interrupt her, before the sermon begins).

Luna: Yes, I know that my brother doesn't want me to paint, but I don't care anymore, this life is lived only once and I don't intend to waste it dedicating myself to something I don't like, so start getting used to the idea, because I plan to leave the degree in economics, to dedicate myself to painting.

Monica: You're crazy! You can't drop your degree, your brother has paid for it with a lot of effort.

Luna: I know and I appreciate it, but from the beginning I told him I didn't want to study something like that, he practically forced me, he didn't give me a choice.

Mónica: Listen Luna, I think we should talk calmly, your future depends on this, you can draw in your free time, as a hobby but... (I interrupt the speech again, I already know it by heart). Luna: Es que that's what you don't understand mom, this for me is not a hobby, it's my life, my passion and I hope you respect it.

I go up to my room considering the discussion settled, I am not going to continue allowing them to decide what I should do with my life, that is only up to me, I just turned nineteen and I am old enough to make my own decisions.

I spread the paintings on my desk, I am really excited, one of my favorite artists has opened a call on his social networks, he is looking for an apprentice, he offers his knowledge and a scholarship in exchange for full-time collaboration for a year, this and Areli, you have encouraged me to make the decision that I should have made a long time ago and that, intimidated by my brother's communist and his stupid logic, I had not dared to make.

Monica: Luna, you can't do this to your brother. (Adds as he bursts into my room.)

Luna: And you can choose my future? I understand that they want the best for me, but it's my decision, and I don't want to argue mom, I have things to do.

Monica: Are you going out with Areli?

Luna: No, (I keep my gaze lost in the cleanliness of the canvas, listening to the hunger for color that emanates), I'm going to create.

Camila

Leo: Did you miss me?

Camila: Very, why are you so late?

Leo: I wanted to arrive in the middle of the party so I wouldn't have to talk to Mr. Zambrano.

Camila: Silly, now that I've returned to Mexico, you'll see that I convince him to get along better.

Leo: You are his adoration, but the old man is too stubborn, and your charms do not work miracles.

Camila: Don't underestimate me. (I add sure of my scope).

Leo: I don't underestimate you, but if my mother hasn't made him change his mind, she's the one who gets into his bed... (I slap him on the arm).

Camila: Leo! Don't talk about them like that. (The very cynical man lets out a laugh.)

Leo: You will never stop being a good girl. (He hugs me so tightly that he lifts me off the ground a little.)

Camila: Come on, we have to get back to the party, before mom notices my absence and has security look for me. (I take him by the arm and we start walking.) Tell me, why do you dislike Alonso?

Leo: I don't like it. (Replies reluctantly). To tell the truth, I have only exchanged a word with him two or three times, the problem is the old man, since he started working at the cement plant with him, every time he has the opportunity he gives me an example, Alonso studied such a degree, such a master's degree , such a postgraduate degree, Alonso spends hours in the company, Alonso this, Alonso that, it is clear that Alonso is the beloved son he would have had, not like me. (I smile sadly, it hurts me that they have such a bad relationship, I know that this affects both of them, although they insist on denying it). But I guess if the old man praises him so much it's because he must be good at his job. Will you really start work on Monday? You're coming, you should take a vacation.

Camila: Yes, but dad wants me to start as soon as possible and I prefer that to hanging around in social gatherings with mom, ever since I set foot on the ground, she hasn't stopped talking about her friends' children that she wants to introduce me to.

Leo: Surely he wants to marry you, just to have an excuse to spend dad's fortune organizing the best wedding Mexico has ever seen. (Mom sees her spoiled little one and hugs him pouring out all that motherly adoration she has for him, he's always been her favorite, but I have no problems with that, I've always been dad's spoiled one).

Gina: You didn't confirm your arrival, I thought you wouldn't come. (His pupils shine when he contemplates his cherub, while he adjusts the collar of his shirt, he is very handsome with that casual and carefree demeanor that he usually uses).

Leo: I wanted to surprise you.

Gina: My boy! (She kisses him again.) Come with me, I want you to say hello to some friends.

And here we go, if it is not because this makes her really happy and surely she spent several days organizing everything, I would go to collapse in bed, I am dead...

Imagen relacionada

Alonso

Once the huge gate is opened with the key that Emilio gives me, I find it with five girls surrounding it leaning against the bar, next to the beautiful pool lit from the sides.

Alonso: What a hard life yours!

Emilio: Someone has to do it, did you fly? (He greets me with a fist bump.)

Alonso: I didn't find much traffic. (I'm lying and he knows it, I've always liked to go full throttle, every penny I paid for the expensive car has to be worth something, a small luxury in exchange for the hundreds of hours I dedicate to my job).

Emilio: It's the only glimpse of youth you have left. (I insult him while greeting the girls who look spectacular in tiny bikinis), I'm glad you came.

Alonso: Five? Your self-confidence never ceases to amaze me, if I leave you alone with all of them, you won't train on Monday.

Emilio: It's not self-confidence, I know my scope, although it's possible that I wouldn't even have gone to work. I admit, that's too much meat for a couple of eggs. (I laugh out loud, he's an asshole).

Bartender: The usual, Mr. Torres? (He asks, knowing well what I usually drink, since he is the barman who attends him at all his meetings).

Alonzo: Please.

Emilio: Be careful, you won't miss the lemon drops and end up dancing on top of the bar naked. (Adds mockingly).

Alonso: Add Viagra to your drink, we don't want your girls to end up unsatisfied knocking on my door at dawn. (I answer taking a couple by the waist).

Imagen relacionada

Arriving at the edge of the pool I realize that Emilio is looking at me with dark glasses, drink in hand and wearing only a boxer shorts.

Emily: What the hell are you doing? (Asks in a rough voice.)

Alonso: Swimming a bit before I go. (I answer smiling when leaving the huge pool).

Emily: You're crazy! I can barely move, those women squeezed my ideas! I only got up because I was dying of thirst, my head is going to explode, the damn sun is hellish and you swimming cool as a lettuce. (I can't help but burst out laughing).

Alonso: The problem isn't women, the problem is all the alcohol you drank, you're going to end up with your kidneys before you're fifty.

Emilio: And they're going to last you two centuries. Order whatever you like for breakfast, I'll go back to bed.

Alonso: Have breakfast?! It's twelve noon, I take a shower and I retire, it's Sunday, I have a family meal.

Emilio: I swear that if one day I have a son, I want him to be like you.

Alonso: Me too.

We say goodbye with a fist bump and I get ready to see my family, my women. Fortunately, Emilio has a dressing room full of all styles of clothing and we are practically the same size, although I have to say that I have better taste in clothes.

2

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things,

but its inner meaning."

Aristotle

Alonso

I hugged my mother and sister when I get home, they are both beautiful, as always, but surely they had some discussion, they don't talk to each other more than the essential while we arrange things in the garden, to start making the roast meat, typical food of the city and its surroundings for any type of social event, of which as a good man from Monterrey, I take charge.

Alonso: What is the menu of the day?

Mónica: Northern needle, loaded rib, joints, cactus salad, grilled onion and red and green sauce.

Alonso: Excellent! (I look at my women, they are both like an open book, although in Arabic, a language I still can't understand and braille doesn't apply to them). How was your week? How are things at the flower shop?

Monica: All good, a little quiet, but next week there are a couple of events that we will be at.

A few years ago, when I started working for Leonardo, I managed to save enough to buy a house worthy of them and soon after opened a flower arrangement business for my mother, not because I needed to work, fortunately my salary at the cement factory is very good. and i can take care of everyone

expenses, but she refused to do anything, and I flatly refused to let her continue singing in bars and social events.

With the meat perfectly seasoned, the spit screeches in that unique way as the meat hits the hot grill, music to the ears, causing my appetite to flare fiercely.

The music is immediate, Luna is the one who takes control, but I don't recognize the song.

Alonso: Who sings?

Luna: Dread Mar I, the song is called Blank slate, it's great, don't you think? (Adds enthusiastically).

Alonso: Reggae!? It's not bad, the bad thing about them is that they spend their time smoking weed.

He pouts at me for the comment, but refrains from denying it. The musical genres that are heard at mom's house are very varied, she loves music in general, and as much as I refuse to accept it, I also have a special weakness for her.

The day is wonderful, with the radiant sun, a bit hot, but nothing that cannot be tolerated with a lemonade with a touch of mint.

I finish roasting the meat, it gives off a delicious aroma and my girls prepare the garden table that mom keeps impeccable, like a contest and it's perfect for eating these delicacies.

We don't eat, we devour, while mom asks me how things are going in the office, the answer is the same as always, with more responsibilities on my side and endless hours in the office, so she makes me promise to relax about it.

Alonso: And you, ugly hollow? (I ask affectionately). How are you doing in college? (Looks at mom for a moment as if asking for help, but she can't find the help she's looking for, in fact she ignores it, so this is what they had, she probably failed some subject or something like that, I'll try not to be harsh with her, economics was not what I wanted to study, I am aware of it). Drop it, problems with a particular subject? (My mother's face is disfigured, she wants to swallow my little sister with her eyes, now what the hell did she do?). What's up, Luna? (I question with a severe tone, I watch her take a deep breath to gather courage).

Luna: I've decided to drop my degree. (He answers with a look at the plate, the temperature of my blood rises suddenly, but I clench my jaw so as not to spit out everything that comes to mind).

Alonso: Oh yeah?! (He doesn't look at me) And what are you going to do? Because you won't believe that I'm going to keep you for free.

Luna: I will create.

Alonso: Excellent! Then? The cancer vaccine? (I add sardonically).

Moon: I'm going to paint. (I drop the cutlery at the stupid answer I already saw coming, again with that damned idiocy!!).

Alonso: So from an economics degree you will become a lazy, alcoholic and drug addict. (I clarify the anger that bubbles in my veins).

Luna: I'm going to be an artist. (answers annoyed, finally looking up challengingly).