I was worn out. Mentally and physically. I felt as though I dragged my soul behind me all day at the boutique. And my soul weighed at least a half a ton.
Rene was out of town and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was relieved. To say things were tense between us would be an understatement. Things were intense and not in a good way.
I had never been affected physically by an argument with a lover. The anger may burn internally for days, but this? This tired, sickly, heavy soul that drained my energy? Where in the hell did that come from?
I hated that Rene was feeling whatever it ws that she was feeling. If I knew what label to give the emotion, I’d be better equipped to handle it. At this point, I was clueless.
I knew I didn’t want to live my life without her. I’d rather argue with her than be with anyone else. I collapsed on her side of the bed. Her scent floated up to tease my senses. I missed her.
At work, I tried my best to be cheerful for the customers. I tried to be excited about the new line of ridiculously expensive bags we just received. I tried, and failed.
I was leaning against the counter, my head propped up on my palm when the agent from the art show walked through the door.
“Are you stalking me?” I asked.
“Now why can’t I be in here to buy a new dress?” She walked over to a frilly pale pink number and held it against her body. I scrunched my face up at her. “What’s wrong? It’s not my color, is it?” I burst into the only genuine laugh I’d had in days… and it felt so good, so relieving.
“There are a lot of things wrong with you and the color of that dress should be the very least of your concern.”
“Oh, darn!” She smiled again. “So since I’m here, let’s talk business. Let’s talk about me and you…”
“Scuse me, are you propositioning me?” She stood over me now. Why was everyone so darn tall? She was at least as tall as Rene, but for some reason, her height seemed a bit more intimidating.
“Rebel, I am going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
“Can you offer me your name first?”
I found myself looking across the table at Sonya, affectionately known as Sonny. We turned our business meeting into a business dinner as we ordered from the same diner Rene and I had gone to the night we met. Coincidences.
“So listen, I’m not going to tell you anything you don’t already know. Your work is amazing.”
“You’re right. I know that.” I smiled as I brought my drink straw to my lips.
“I love your modesty. Let me promote you. What’s stopping you from doing this full time?”
“Life. Responsibilities. My mortgage.”
“There are artists out there that are supporting themselves quite nicely just by using their God gifted talent…You could too if you would stop undervaluing your work. You’re pricing your work too low. I can get you twice, possibly even 3 times what you’re currently getting.”
Now this caught my attention. If she was for real, I could pay my mortgage just by selling one piece. Hmmm…
“Rebel, you know I want this. I want you. Let me show you what I’m capable of. You won’t be disappointed.”
