“Fallon’s painting sold for eight grand and now the owner of the gallery is requesting more pieces.”
“’Bout time that showed up.” Titus grins, crossing the space toward me.
“Wait, you knew?” I throw him a confused look.
“Ellen called me two days ago.”
“And you didn’t tell me.” I swat at his arm when he stops next to me to look down at the check in my hands.
“I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.”
“I just... I can’t believe this.” I turn my gaze back down to the check.
“Well believe it.” He kisses the side of my head. “You are officially a paid artist.”
“And they’re requesting more,” Link reminds me. “I bet the one you finished the other day will go for twice that,” he says, referring to the spattered heart piece that I painted. It’s hands down the favorite thing that I’ve ever painted and so different than anything I’ve done before.
I usually stick to landscapes, but feeling inspired by Titus, I branched out and the end product is something that I’m more than a little proud of.
“You really think so?”
“The gallery that Ellen hooked you up with has a pretty high-end clientele. It wouldn’t surprise me,” Titus agrees. “We can take it into town and have it packaged for you to get it sent over.”
“Will you give me her phone number? I want to call and thank her personally.”
“Of course.” Titus nods. “In the meantime, I think this calls for a celebration.”
“I’m going to bow out and let you two take this one on your own.” Link steps back around the counter.
“No. You have to come with us,” I tell him.
“Another time,” he promises.
“Why?” Titus pins him with a questioning look. “Got other pressing plans?”
“Maybe.” He shrugs.
“Maybe?” I question.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but I do actually have a life outside of you two.” He snorts.
“Fine,” I concede, turning to Titus. “What did you have in mind?”
“Let’s go to Harrisburg. There’s this steakhouse that just opened up there.”
“Okay, but only if you let me pay.”
“No way.” He shakes his head.
“Um, yes way.” I wave the check in front of his face. “It’s the least I can do. Besides, if it weren’t for you, none of this would even be possible.”
“How about we decide that later? For now, why don’t you go get ready?”
“Now?” I ask, glancing at the clock. “It’s only three.”
“And?”
“Okay,” I readily agree, turning to Link. “You sure you don’t want to join us?” I ask one more time.