"Rene is your brother then." states Clay.
"So he finally figured it out, eh" comes the booming response from the door as Rene re-enters the room. "'We'll let Rene decide that. When is SHE going to get here?'" Rene mimics Clay's previous words.
"You Americans! It is Rene" the Frenchman intonates "one 'e', not Renee two 'e's"
To Clay's American ears both names sound the same but it is obvious from the artist’s demeanor that they where worlds apart "You probably think Nikita is a girls' name as well don't you?"
Rene looks at Clay and sees the bronze man's shame written in his face and perfect body, and his ire subsides.
"Forgive me." he says taking a big breath "It was Madame Clare on the phone. She's the president of the 'Societe Metamorphose' the most prestigious association of modelers. Only once every five years they allow three members the privilege to audition before the grand committee. There they are tested under the most severe conditions, and those who succeed are awarded the title of Grand Master and a chance of a position at the associations ruling body. This time I was selected to audition. That is why I must constantly practice, and also why my temper is so short. Once again I apologize"
"Well I apologize too. You must be tired of having your name confused with that of a woman all the time. Now let’s get this body finished. Oui?" responds Clay the last word said with an American accent.