Page 45 of Close to Falling

“He is good, isn’t he?” I smile, walking over to the couch to sit down.

“He is,” she agrees, sitting down beside me. “So, what have you come up with?”

“I’ve made up two pieces so far,” I reply, running a hand through my hair and rubbing my eyes.

“Well, we still have a few weeks for you to come up with more. I’ve contacted a local framer, so we need to sit down and decide on the molding style as soon as you finish. I’ve emailed, texted, and called everyone I can think of to promote the gallery. So far I’ve gotten a good response. Your work is fantastic, Maddie, and a lot of people agree.” She's bright-eyed with a proud tone. She moves her blonde hair off her shoulder before she looks back down at her phone.

“Thank you,” I reply, grabbing my phone to text Landon. I know he won’t see it until later, but I want him to know I was watching. I see that I have two missed texts, one from Sarah and another from Landon, telling me not to forget the championship. I feel like crap that he has to remind me. It’s not that I don’t care—I’m just… Well, like Sarah said, in my head. Especially now that I have this art function coming up. Following your passion isn’t an easy road, but who said it would be anyway? “Landon texted me, too,” I tell my right-hand lady.

“He said he would,” she says, but she isn’t looking at me. She’s traded her phone for a tablet, and I'm sure she's probably working on something for me. The woman works her ass off, and I’d be lost without her. “So your birthday is coming up.” Now she’s looking at me.

“Yeah,” I say.

“I think we should celebrate. You’re turning thirty.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I roll my eyes.

“I don’t like parties much.”

“It’ll just be family and close friends then. Nothing big, just maybe dinner or something. We could have it here, and I’ll cook. I’ll set it all up,” she says. “You won’t have to do anything but get dressed.” And her mind is made. I might as well not fight it. It’ll be me against all of them. Frankie will agree with me for a minute and then change his mind because of Landon, and then Landon will agree with Sarah, because what she wants is what he wants.

“Fine. Can I wear my pajamas?”

“No,” she replies. “I’ll get your outfit.”

“Whatever you say, Mrs. Davis.”

“Thanks.” She’s all smiles, and I love her.

***

Sweet rhythms flow through my studio speakers, calming my mind and relaxing my soul. There’s just something about soft music that soothes a person. I’m feet propped up on my drawing table, charcoal gray fingers, and closed eyes. I’ve made up one piece today, and I’ve thrown one piece away today. I’ve walked back and forth across this fucking room forty times, and I’m getting nowhere and nothing done. The music pauses before the next song plays, and I hear my phone ringing. I flop my feet down and make my way to the living room. I have no idea where the damn thing is. I look around the room, listening for it. I hear it again, and my eyes go to the couch. I grab the throw pillow and see a lit up screen that readsFrankie.

“Hello,” I say after I pick up.

“Hey, B, thanks for the honey.”

“You’re welcome, old man.” I grin because I know that drives him crazy.

“Who are you calling an old man?” he questions with a grunt.

“No one,” I say. “That was the TV.”

“Huh.” I can tell he is grinning, too.

“Well, happy birthday,” I say. “Did you see Landon the other day?”

“Thanks, and, yes, I did. Boy did well.”

“Yeah,” I agree.

“Everything good with you?” he asks like he does every single time I speak with him. I can’t blame him for making sure. I scared my boys, but that was a ton of therapy and a lifetime ago.

“Good my way,” I reply as I pick the pillow up off the floor and put it back on the couch.

“Good,” he says.

“Yep, what about you?” I ask because he drinks too much beer and doesn’t eat like he should.

“I’m fine, kid,” he answers. “Well, I’ve got to hang up now. My water is boiling on the stove.”

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