Etching Our Way (Broken Tracks 1)

Oliver looks at my mom who shrugs, making him chuckle. “Ah, this makes more sense now. If we can let the gentlemen inside, then I can explain properly? I don’t mean to rush you but I have inspiration swirling around my head and I need to get back to my studio.”

I start walking toward the door, pulling out my keys. “Yes, of course. Come in.”

We all step inside, the men putting down the equipment and going back out for more.

?

?I’m guessing your… friend didn’t tell you about this.” He walks over to the two men who are carrying a large rectangular object wrapped in cloth. He motions for them to rest it up against the wall and then pulls out a pen knife, flipping it open and cutting the string holding it all together.

The material unravels and I gasp when I see what it is. “That’s…”

“Yours now.” He grins. “I’m here to help set it up, but it’s all yours.”

I can’t formulate words as my mom sidles up beside me and gazes over it. “Tristan bought you a painting?”

“Apparently so.” I look up at Oliver. “I’m sorry, did you say you were here to set it up?”

He nods as he types something into his cellphone. “Yup, he paid for the whole package.” He pockets his cellphone and claps his hands. “So, where do you want it?”

I look around the room, but there’s no way I’m hanging an Oliver Hunt original in reach of the kids. “Upstairs, that’s my personal studio.” He nods and motions for the men to take everything upstairs, following closely behind them. “Oliver, I’m a little speechless. Are you sure Tris—Mr. Carter wants this here?”

He reaches the top of the stairs and whistles, spinning around. “This is a quality space you have here. Wow.”

I smile at his compliment. “Thank you, I’m pretty lucky to have found it.”

He nods. “And yes, Mr. Carter specified it be brought and set up here.” He points to the only blank wall to the right of the studio. “Over here would work.”

“I think… Yes, you’re right, it would look perfect there.”

He instructs the men on what to do and gives me a rundown on the lighting and software. “But Mr. Carter can tell you more about the software and help if something happens.”

He has a knowing look on his face as he says, “Mr. Carter,” and I blush, looking over at Mom who hasn’t stopped smirking since we first arrived.

“I really need to get going, but if you need anything else then call. I’m always available for important clients,” he says and holds out his hand toward me.

I shake it, smiling wide. “Thank you, this… It’s an honor to have one of your pieces.”

He chuckles. “I’ll never get used to people thinking that I’m something special.” He turns toward my mom and shakes her hand too. “Have a great day, ladies, I’ll see myself out.”

He waves before walking down the stairs and I watch out the window as he pulls out his cellphone and taps on it while walking toward his car.

“I’m guessing this is a big deal?” Mom finally says.

I blow out a breath while looking at the painting, feeling the emotion from the first time I saw it flowing through me. I’m in awe. “Huge.” I hold my cellphone in the air. “Do you mind if—”

“Call him,” she interrupts. “We can do lunch another time.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I hand her the car keys. “Take the car, I’ll take a cab.”

She smirks and takes them from me, waving goodbye as she walks down the stairs.

I look down at my cellphone, pressing call on Tristan’s number.

It rings out so I hang up and type out a message to him.

Harmony: We need to talk. I’m at my studio if you can come.

I giggle at the sentiment behind the message, the words “we need to talk” are hardly ever a good thing. In this case they are, but he doesn’t know that. He deserves the anxiety for spending so much money on me.