Animosity

the long version

Ross Marteau is the toast of the international art world for his sensualsculptures of rich and famous women. But when a long-term relationshipbreaks up badly, he retreats to his Texas hometown -- only to have hisnewfound peace of mind permanently, and profoundly, shattered.One afternoon over lunch, Ross is approached by a woman to whom he feelsan irresistible attraction. She introduces herself as Celeste Lacan andasks him to take on a new commission, a sculpture of her younger sister, Leda, promising that the job will present artistic challenges unlike anyhe has encountered before. Though reluctant, Ross can't help but beintrigued: by Celeste herself and by a photo of Leda's face, a portraitof incomparable beauty.When he meets her, Ross is stunned to discover that Leda's body is asstartlingly unique as her face is beautiful. Just as Celeste predicted, he becomes consumed with portraying the duality of her body... and, perhaps, her soul. At the same time, he becomes increasingly aware thatthe enigmati depth he sees in Celeste is as mesmerizing as thefathomless torment he sees in Leda. Soon he's romantically involved withone sist