“You want to change this into a chain? Acorporation?” I ask.
Paul shakes his head. “I want to give you youryouthback. Retired at…what are you? Twenty years old? Come on. It’s a deal of a lifetime, kid.” He smiles and gives me a quick wink. “Why don’t you think about it? Talk it over with…Elijah. His son, right?”
I give him a slow nod.
“Yeah, talk to him. I’ll be in touch. How about making your decision by…let’s say, the end of October?”
His words sound less like an offer and more like a countdown.
He starts to leave the office.
“Okay,” is all I can manage. What the hell just happened?
“End of October, Tobias.” He repeats, pointing at me.
I nod, waving the card before he leaves the restaurant.
Claire stops in her tracks, eyes wide. “Wait—was that who I think it was?”
“Yup,” I answer.
She looks at me, jaw slack, as we both stand there still, staring at the door.
7
Elijah
1 day, 4 hours, 30 minutes, or 102,600 seconds, depending on who’s asking.
I tap my pencil along my notebook. How many minutes until I see that beautiful face?
All I can think about is how distracted he’s been lately. I can’t help but feel like Tobias has been a little…out of sorts. I mean, this week was hard for both of us with me leaving but—
Suddenly, a small hand slams down on mine.
“Could you not?” Katelyn’s whisper comes out like a hiss. I cringe, immediately taking in the fact that the room is noticeably quieter without my continuous tapping. I had no idea I was doing that.
I mouth a ‘sorry’ before she tucks a strand of her black hair behind her ear, turning her attention back to our teacher.
I’m in class for Conceptual Art, and if it wasn’t for my professor, who for some reason keeps glancing in my direction during her lecture, I would’ve already taken my phone out and texted Tobias by now.
I’m here because of Professor Vivienne Flux, the acclaimed art teacher students worldwide fight to study under.
She gave me a chance a couple of years ago when I thought I had losteverythingdue to a few idiots in high school.
One disastrous art night turned into her offering me a chance of a lifetime.
Without her, I wouldn’t have even gotten into this school. I owe her so much, and here I am. Sitting in her class. Ready to prove why she gave me that chance.
I sigh, trying my best to tune back in. The truth is, all I can focus on are two ocean blue eyes, and it’s screwing me up. Why’d he have to be so perfect and 400 km away?
1 day, 4 hours, and 20 minutes
“We’ll be discussing Dada’s origins in the early 20th century during World War I, its reaction to the absurdity of war, and its rejection of traditional aesthetics and rationalism.” She says, pacing the floor. “Your first task will be to create a collage using found images or texts from magazines, newspapers, or random printouts. I’ll be expecting it on my desk by Monday morning.”
I cringe. That means I’ll have to do some work over the weekend while I’m supposed to be with…
A snap in front of my face wakes me up from my daydream.
