Why hasn’t it worked out?
I shove down the question.His situation isn’t my problem.
In between the news articles are images of him in his uniform, in press conferences.I came across one of him with a woman who looks a lot like the one who sent him naked pics in his car.
Damned Kodashians.
I like crunchy peanut butter.
Now you know something they don’t.
Being angry is easier than being crushed.
So, I let myself be pissed for a few weeks in that hard, brittle way that covers up the fact that when it’s late at night and I’m staring at the ceiling, I miss him more than I ever missed the man who offered to put a ring on my finger.
But each day, it’s a little better.
I’m figuring things out.I’m moving on.
“You’re her,” a well-dressed woman says as I finish wiping down at the café.
“Excuse me?”
“I saw your art in a magazine.Your name was listed, and so I looked you up on social and saw that’s who you were.”
She pulls up her phone and shows me.
My drawing of Clay was featured in a magazine.
“You’re very talented.I’d love to buy a piece.”
I’m surprised and pleased.“I don’t have any ready.Soon,” I go on quickly.
I have been drawing lots since I got back to Boston.It’s the one thing that’s better, the only time I feel vibrant and alive.
She hands over a business card.“Call me when you do.”
I’ve never sold a piece of my art, except for at the auction, which only half counts because people were supporting a charity.The prospect of earning money from my work is thrilling.I haven’t let myself entertain that possibility since art school.
After promising I’ll call her, I finish closing up at the café.I’m heading home from work as I go into my social media.
She’s not the only one who found me.
As I walk up the stairs of the walkup, I see I’m tagged hundreds of times.
It’s unbelievable.
But there’s also an email.
Dear Nova,
I’m writing on behalf of the Kodiaks organization to invite you to create a special art installation to be completed on site in Denver.
Discretion is important, so if you intend to accept, please meet me to discuss the details and next steps.
Sincerely,
James Parker
