Slumber by Tamara Blake

with Cosette and Ash. She could hardly believe it. Kentaro himself, his black hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, and wearing an intricate designer shirt that seemed to have origami folds all over it, was shaking her hand.
    â€œThis is such a huge, huge honor,” Ruby said. She hoped she didn’t sound like a gushing fangirl, but holy crap, Kentaro was standing in front of her!
    â€œRuby is an admirer of yours, obviously.” Tam gave his friend a smirk, but it was a friendly one. “She’s even tried to cram some art appreciation into my thick skull because of you.”
    Kentaro gave her a warm smile. “I’m flattered, Ruby.”
    â€œThanks,” was all she could manage before being overcome with shyness.
    Tam gave her an encouraging look. “Ruby wrote a paper about your art.”
    â€œA paper on my work? Really?”
    Kentaro seemed genuinely interested, so she said, “Well, we were given a choice of subjects for art appreciation, and I chose to focus on contemporary Japanese art. So of course I had to cover your work, I mean, it’s a huge part of the scene. The way you combine traditional ukiyo-e woodblock techniques with Western pop art…”
    Kentaro raised a brow at Tam, who laughed. “I usually don’t hang out with girls who even know what art is, let alone uki-whatever.”
    â€œIndeed you don’t,” Kentaro said. “I can see that Ruby is different.”
    Oh yeah, Ruby was pretty sure she was different from Tam’s usual hookup. “Your Genji series is my favorite,” Ruby continued, addressing Kentaro. “ Hip hop Genji is a masterwork.”
    â€œThe Genji series is my favorite, too. I find that celebrity and the fascination with supernatural beings spring from the same place in the human psyche. At least, that was my intention with the work.”
    â€œThat’s so true. The different layers of composition are stunning!”
    Kentaro took Ruby’s hand in both of his. “I see that you have an artistic soul inside of you waiting to be free.”
    Flustered, she pulled her hand away. “Well, I’m applying to the drama program at NYU. But we’ll see. I don’t think I have the strongest application.”
    â€œI know the dean of the department,” Kentaro said. “I’d be happy to make a call on your behalf.”
    â€œYou would?” To have a world-famous artist put in a good word for her at NYU would make her application instantly stronger—maybe even strong enough to overcome her terrible grades. Ruby felt the temptation pulling at her like a treacherous undercurrent, but she fought back. She wanted to get in to NYU on her own merits. Anything else would be dishonest. Still, having someone like Kentaro vouch for her would undoubtedly push her application to the top of the pile. Would that be so terrible?
    â€œKentaro, buddy, you’re making me look bad,” Tam said while she hesitated. “How am I supposed to impress Ruby now?”
    â€œNot my problem,” Kentaro bantered back. “Maybe you should exert yourself to do more than dazzle a girl with your money, charm, and good looks. Tam’s a lazy bastard sometimes, but I bet you already knew that, Ruby.”
    Tam doubled over on a laugh and even Ruby giggled. The other guests at the party glanced at their way, and Ruby caught the envious glances of other guests thrown at her.
    â€œHow about I ask you to dance with me?” Tam said. “Let’s start there.”
    â€œThat might work,” Ruby admitted.
    Kentaro slapped Tam on the shoulder. “You’re a quick learner, my friend.”
    â€œI have to be. Ruby keeps me on my toes.”
    Tam placed his hand on the small of Ruby’s back once more and drew her out to the deserted balcony. It glowed with sparkling fairy lights that were twisted around potted topiary plants and illuminated lanterns. Ruby sighed with delight. The