A flicker of warmth spread through Steve. “I’m glad you like it. Did you get home okay?”
“The flight was delayed, but I survived.” His dad paused. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you about your sculpting. I only want what’s best for you.”
Steve sighed. “I know you do, Dad.”
“That’s good because I thought about a few things on the way home. What you’re working on must be expensive to produce. If you ever need some extra money, just call me. I don’t mind helping.”
Steve ran his hand around the back of his neck. His dad was disappointed in the career he’d chosen, so Steve hadn’t told him how successful he was. “Thanks, Dad. But I make enough to cover the costs.”
“Well, if you’re ever short of a few dollars, don’t forget to call me.”
Steve frowned. Something must have happened. It wasn’t like his dad to be so supportive. “Is everything all right?”
“I’m fine. I thought I might visit you again when it’s a little warmer. Are you planning any vacations?”
“I won’t be going anywhere,” he told his dad. “When you decide what dates you’re traveling, let me know. Accommodation fills up fast the closer you get to summer.”
“Will do.”
After a few more pleasantries, Steve hung up, his mind racing. He looked at Owen. “That was Dad. He called to thank me for the bowl.”
“That’s unusual,” Owen said diplomatically.
“That’s what I thought.” Steve picked up his coffee and looked at his friend. “I should probably tell you something.”
Owen frowned. “If it’s about the exhibition, don’t worry. I know what it’s like to be terrified of showing people what you do.”
Now Steve felt really guilty. “That’s not the reason I don’t want to exhibit my work. Well, not completely.” Taking a deep breath, he thought about what he should say. What he should have told Owen months ago. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”
Owen set down his coffee. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t have to exhibit my work to find customers. I have an agent who does that.”
“That’s a bit fancy, but each to their own.” Owen pointed to the sculpture behind Steve. “I hope your agent doesn’t take too much of a commission. Something that size could bankrupt you.”
This was the part of the conversation Steve had been dreading. “His commission is reasonable. My sculptures sell for a lot of money.”
Owen didn’t seem surprised. “Anyone with half a brain can see how talented you are. Even without factoring in your labor, the raw materials must cost a fortune. That adds to the price.”
Steve crossed his arms in front of his chest. He’d never told anyone how much he earned. He was worried they’d treat him differently, expect more from him than he was willing to give.
“Last year, I earned more than two million dollars from the commission pieces I made.” Steve waited for Owen to react, to say something that meant their friendship wouldn’t change.
Owen blinked, processing the information. “Wait, are you serious? How come you’ve never mentioned this before?”
Steve shrugged, feeling vulnerable. “It’s not something I like to talk about. I want people to likeme, not the person they think I am.”
Owen leaned against the workbench, his expression bemused. “Is that what’s stopping you from doing the exhibition?”
“It’s part of it,” Steve admitted. “But I’m more worried about Eden. She doesn’t know the full extent of what I do or how much I earn. If she thinks I’ve deceived her or I’m pretending to be someone I’m not, she might not want to have anything to do with me.”
Owen laughed. “Are you crazy? Eden won’t hold that against you. If anything, she’ll make you pay for dinner on your next date.”
Steve didn’t think it would be that easy.
“You’ll have to tell her at some stage. If it were me, I’d do it now before she finds out from someone else.”
Steve looked at the half-finished sculpture behind him. “I guess you’re right. I just... I don’t want to mess things up.”
