Page 45 of Sharkbait
“You did?” Her face scrunches in confusion. “You’ve never mentioned that.”
“That’s because she was my dog,” I say. “But Ralph helped out with her quite a lot.”
Because Ralph helped me with everything. All the things parents are supposed to do for their kids. I probably don’t thank him enough for everything he did for me.
“Her name was Muse. She was my best pal. Slept in my room, followed me around...”
“Inspired your paintings,” Ralph adds.
“Yeah.” I can’t help but smile any time I think about Muse. “She did.”
Ralph reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. He starts scrolling. “Here, I’ll show you all one of their collaborations.”
“Oh God. Please don’t.”
“Why not? If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times. The whole world should see your art.”
“No. They should not,” I fire back.
“You’re an artist?” James asks as he places a bunch of appetizers in front of us.
Here we go again.
I sigh. “No. I am not.”
Mabel whisper-shouts to James, “Warning: don’t call Louise an artist. It really pisses her off. I tried to commission her to paint me nude as a sexy surprise for Wally last night, and she yelled at me.”
“I didn’t yell at you.”
“You yelled,” Mabel and Calliope say together.
“A nude commission, huh?” Wally waggles his eyebrows at Mabel.
“Oooooh. You’re waggling.” Mabel pauses. “The waggle is good, right?”
“Yes, milady. The waggle is very good.”
“Speaking of waggling, Wally,” Calliope says. “Maybe you could have given us a heads-up that your lady is a nudist now. I saw all her nooks and crannies last night against my will.”
“I’m only a nudist at home,” Mabel corrects. “As you can see, I am fully clothed while in public.”
“Looks like we need to get home then.” Wally picks her up caveman style over his shoulder.
She squeals in delight.
“Perfect timing!” I say and start gathering my things. “Could I have a ride?”
I’ve got to get out of here before—
“Wait, wait, wait. I found it! Here is one of Lou’s best,” Ralph holds up a screenshot of one of my paintings.
I haven’t seen this one in so long.
It’s always been one of my favorites.
“Wow,” James breathes.
“I know, right?” Ralph says. “It functions on two levels, though. You can take it in as a wide view, like you’re doing now. But then, get closer and...”
