Page 35 of Paint Me Love
“It’s looking great,” Jesse says with a smile, tilting his chin at my canvas. “But I’m afraid that’s it for today.”
I look around and realize we are the only two left, the model and the other artists already gone. “Oh. Sorry, I got carried away.”
“It’s no problem, and I’d let you draw more if I didn’t have to pop out.”
He helps me put away my stuff and then lets me see his own drawing. His angle looks just as challenging as mine and he’s done a great job on the form, better than me in fact. “You are really good.”
He rubs the back of his neck and smiles. “Listen, maybe you can stop by again? I watched you draw, and you have a really good sense of proportions, which is what I struggle with the most. Maybe you could give me a few pointers?”
I arch an eyebrow, because there is no way that’s true.
“Okay, I have my ways of brute forcing it, but it’s a lot of back and forth. Your ratios are way better and you spent less time, too. So, are you willing to help out a fellow artist?”
I think his request through for a few moments. I really enjoyed it here and the people were nice, not bothering me unnecessarily with too much small talk. “Sure, I can come again. It was fun.” I shrug. “There were a few things that I struggled with, so I think it will be good practice for me, too.”
He beams at me, tucking his hands in his pockets as we get to the front door. “Great. And I had fun, too. I’m looking forward to another drawing session with you.” He pauses and opens the door for me. “Maybe you can come earlier again, so we can chat for a bit? I’d love to know what you are currently working on.”
Jesse’s really nice and I also find myself curious about his current work. I don’t have many friends other than Molly, and it would be nice to have someone to talk to about art. “Sure, but you have to tell me about your work-in-progress, too.”
“Deal.”
“Okay.” I catch his eyes again, that same intensity from earlier there again. “Well, thanks for today. I’ll see you next time.”
“See you next time,” he echoes back, waving at me as I head for the bus stop.
Today was a productive day. I’m glad that I got out of my apartment. I didn’t work on my painting, but I feel invigorated to once I’m back home. My skin covers with goosebumps. They are pleasant, but I fight them.
I won’t give in, at least not yet. I clap my cheeks. Okay, it’s decided—I’ll work on the painting for two hours. And once I am done for the day, Derek will be my reward.
17
Derek
I’mbuzzing.Ican’tsit still. Daniel texted me earlier that he went out to some guy’s studio and did a live-drawing class. Now he’s at home working on his current painting. I’m going over in just under an hour.
“What’s with the constipated look?” Adam scoffs, crossing his arms as he stands at the door.
“None of your business?”
“Ah, it’s the artist. Who would’ve thought a nobody would have you wrapped around his finger like this?”
I flip Adam off. He grins. Maybe I’m a masochist and just didn’t know it? Otherwise, why would I willingly do this to myself when I could have anyone I wished? I could move on, forget my little artist and return to my peaceful life. All I need to do is pull the plug of whatever this is.
But I don’t. Nah, fuck that. Daniel is like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. He’s the only star in my dark sky.
“You are just annoyed you didn’t manage to,” I shoot back, returning Adam’s challenging look.
He shakes his head. “Maybe. And on that note, I had Samantha prepare a plan of action for our media break up. Look over it and let her know if you are not happy with it.” He turns on his heel to leave. “We are having a dinner with my parents tonight. Make sure you are on time. Oh, and Jared is waiting for you downstairs. Jack Keller is here.”
Oh shit, that was today? I quickly send Daniel a text that I will drop by later than planned, then head to the conference rooms floor. Jared waves me over, a clipboard in his hand. Good, he has all my talking points sorted. I could wing this of course, but it’s always better to have a narrative ready when you are trying to sell something to someone.
“I’ll increase your salary,” I let him know, grateful that he’s such a good PA because I’d forgotten I have such an important meeting today.
“We had that conversation about two months ago, Mr. Salinger. You increased it not half a year ago, so the Board are unlikely to agree,” Jared informs me, chuckling.
That sounds very probable, yes. “I’ll double your bonus then.”
He squints at me and sighs. “I don’t know if that will fly either, considering you put me on the premium bonus package last year. Despite me not being an executive.”
