He sputters.
“What were the chances? Because Howard Bates is my buddy, didn’t you know? We were in the same squad in Afghanistan way back when, covering for each other when mortar came hurtling through the sky. Holy shit! This is incredible.”
I want to leave, but that would be unladylike. Plus, I have to admit that Charlie’s new artistic lifestyle has been good for him. He has a little scruff on his chin. His blond hair is more grown out. He looks like he’s been working out and drinking less. He has a white tunic on, tucked into strange wool pants. He really looks like a painter now. I look down on a chair and see a black beret.
“Are you serious? You wear a black beret when you paint?” I say with disbelief.
“Lacy, I’m changing my life. I really mistreated you back then, and I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me?”
Charlie starts to inch near to me. I back up.
“Charlie, no! Can’t you see what’s happening here? I belong to Howie now,” I say firmly. “Plus, everything’s different. I see that you’re trying to change your life to become a painter. This is good for you, and I want to help you achieve your dream. But you have to play by the rules. I am in a serious relationship with Howie, and if he finds out who you are to me, he’ll kill you. He’ll slice you up, Charlie, with no remorse. Howie’s that kind of man. Plus, I know better than anybody how much you need the money from this gig. I know your old spending habits, and how you had hundreds of thousands racked up in credit card debt. This is your opportunity to get out from under all that.”
Charlie looks ashamed.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head, suddenly exasperated.
“This is just a wild coincidence. You being Howie’s buddy from the field. Plus, the whole Veterans’ Collective thing. What were the chances? But seize the opportunity, Charlie, and don’t screw it up like you’ve screwed up stuff in the past.”
Charlie looks down at his feet which are sheathed in tattered canvas sneakers. The old Charlie would never wear such a look.
“I see you want to be a painter Charlie. You even dress like one now. Let’s just leave it at that. I’ll help you. You can paint me, but under one condition.”
He sits down in the chair.
“What is it?”
“You don’t say one word to me when you’re working. And if you even make the tiniest move, I’m going to have Howie hire someone to torture you.”
Charlie swallows.
“So they sex is really that good, huh? You can make him do anything?” he asks dryly.
I shoot him a scathing look.
“Stop it.” My voice is firm.
“Sorry. I won’t say anything. I’ll just draw you. That’s all.”
“So you agree?”
“I agree.”
“Great. Let’s just get the sketch done so that you can start on the portraits.” I sit down, staring ahead at the wall with what I hope is a serene expression.
“Okay. I’ll do it all, but under one condition,” says Charlie.
I sigh.
“What is it?”
“You don’t make fun of my beret.”
I pause and look at his beret. This is going to be hard. It looks like something Mickey Mouse would wear in Fantasia.
“Agreed.”