Page 2 of Costume Party Crush
“I can come by right now, if that works.”
“That would be fantastic. Just ask for me at reception.”
“Sean… Jefferson, right?”
“That’s right.”
“I’ll be right over.”
“Great. I look forward to meeting you.”
I got into my car, then did a happy dance. A piece that was done for the city would be an excellent addition to my portfolio, plus it was an extra level of exposure.
I did fine with my regular customers, plus picking up randoms by walking malls and shopping centers during holidays. But if I could gain more repeat customers due to them seeing my work at City Hall? That would be fantastic.
I gave myself another minute to get the giddiness out of my system. It wasn’t a done deal yet, but to be called at all was a major boost to my ego. Then I started the car and headed that way.
Fifteen minutes later I’d parked in the underground lot and ran a hand across my buzz-cut brown hair to ensure that there were no paint flecks caught in it. Finally an elevator let me out in the lobby of the city offices.
The receptionist looked up and smiled as I approached. “Good afternoon. How can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Sean Jefferson. Kaleb Anderson, I think he’s expecting me.”
She nodded. “I’ll call him down.”
“Thank you.”
I stepped to one side to wait, watching as people came and went.
“Mr. Anderson?”
I turned and blinked slightly at the man extending his hand. I’d expected to see an alpha wearing the uniform of the building maintenance department, but instead he was an omega in a cozy-looking sweater. “That’s me,” I replied when I got over my shock.
“Nice to meet you,” he said as we shook hands. “And thanks for coming down on such short notice.”
“No problem,” I replied, then decided to get right to the point. “So you wanted me to paint some windows?”
He grinned and clapped his hands together. “Yes! I’ve always thought we should do something better than taped-up cardboard cutouts in the windows facing Civic Plaza. It took some doing, and it’s coming out of my discretionary budget, but I finally got building maintenance to agree to it.”
“You’re not in building maintenance?” I asked.
He laughed and shook his head. “No. I’m in the events department.”
Events, which meant that not only was he impressed enough to reach out, but he’d had to go through extra effort to get me there. I almost pinched myself to determine if I was dreaming or not.
“Wanna see the windows?” Sean asked.
I nodded, and he motioned for me to follow. We walked past a set of windows that opened onto First Street, and I wondered why. Then he paused and opened another door for me.
I did pinch myself when I realized that he really meant it when he’d said Civic Plaza.
The windows were large, letting abundant light into the lobby. But more importantly was that they were probably the biggest available stage for my work. It wasn’t just shoppers passing by, or cars. No, anything I put on those windows would be the backdrop for any Halloween events on the plaza—of which there were plenty.
My art, behind the concerts, pumpkin run, children’s costume showcase, and more.
It was the kind of break every artist hoped for, and I found myself hyperventilating slightly from the realization that it was happening to me.
“You ok?”
