Page 68 of Follow Me Down

“Do you ever think they’ll rebuild the bridge?”

“Doubtful. Daddy is too stubborn and Titus is too proud. What about you? Ever think you’ll work through your issues with your father?”

“Doubtful,” I repeat her words back to her. “If I thought he was capable of changing, maybe. But if the last ten years have taught me anything it’s that Thomas Buckley only cares about one person, himself.”

“And your mom?”

“She died when I was nine.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Titus hadn’t mentioned that.”

“It’s okay. I miss her, but if I’m being honest, I don’t really remember all that much about her. It’s like the older I get, the less of her is still with me.”

“I get that. It’s a funny thing... Time.”

“That it is.” I lift my glass, taking another drink.

“Okay, enough with the heavy. Let’s talk about something else,” Ellen suggests.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Tell me what you like to do for fun?”

“Honestly, I don’t really know. I love to paint. So there’s that.”

“That’s right. You painted that picture I saw sitting in the living room, right? The one of the sun setting over the trees.” I nod. “I thought Titus had sprung for a professional piece when I saw that. I can’t believe you painted it. You are really talented.”

“Thank you. I’ve never really taken it seriously. Though it’s the one thing in this world that makes me truly happy.”

“Have you thought about trying to sell your paintings?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like in an art gallery?”

“It’s crossed my mind, sure, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin to make something like that happen.”

“And that’s why it pays to have friends with connections.” She winks. “I can make a few phone calls.”

“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t have to. Iwantto. Trust me, there’s this incredible gallery in Atlanta. The owner and my father go way back. There’s no way he won’t feature you. We won’t even have to put your real name on it. What do you say?”

“I don’t know...” I mull over the idea.

“Oh come on. Please.” She pouts out her bottom lip dramatically.

I don’t really understand why this is so important to her, but I also don’t want to seem unappreciative or rude by questioning her motives.

“Let me take the piece you’ve already finished,” she continues. “I’ll have it up in the gallery in no time.”

“I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Are you kidding me? It’s a great idea. Listen, I get that you’re hesitant to accept my help, but I’m not saying I’m going to sell the painting for you. I’m just offering to get you placement. If it sells, it will be because your work was good enough. And, depending on how well received it is, you could potentially get more pieces placed and not only in Atlanta. This could open a lot of doors for you. If art is something you’re wanting to pursue, that is.”

“Being an artist has always been a passion of mine. My father used to say it was a waste of time and that I could never support myself that way.”

“Well, then here’s your chance to prove him wrong.”

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