Jack Of All Trades ✓ | steampunk, dragons, trickery

Chapter 4.4: Charming the Girl

"Sold!" Jack said and everyone, who had gathered to witness the purchase, clapped, and cheered. Finch-James patted Samuel on the back, and they exchanged a laugh. Timothy was busy with his own things, but he looked up briefly to flash a smile in their direction. Ann, who knew about Samuel's damned painting like Jack did, hollered in Corvish so that only Samuel, Jack, and Simon would understand. 

She said,

"Tickilay-ah!" which was an exclamation of disbelief.

Just five minutes before the dinner, Minister Palestone had come to Jack and announced that he would buy the mural. Good news it was for both Samuel and Jack, but then more good news came around. Palestone also announced he would like to hire Samuel to paint some of the large white walls in his living room and four bedrooms.

"Something of a landscape? Or even another color version of this one? I have a few ideas. Of course, I will pay half up front. What do you say Mister Bakers?" Palestone's small eyes nearly disappeared when he smiled.

Samuel was trembling with excitement. "I would be delighted to work for you, sir!"

"My what an honorable opportunity, Mister Bakers," Jack said, adding to the excitement. It was always good to hype everything up notch to keep good relations.

"Good then! Here's my card. Call tomorrow at nine. Tell my secretary who you are. I'll notify her. This is splendid! I have been wanting something nice on those walls. Why have I never come to the gallery before?" Palestone turned to his pale wife who was as stiff as stone, and she shrugged. No words, as always. He seemed pleased at her response.

As Jack was about to go get the paperwork for the official purchase, Minister Palestone grabbed his right shoulder with his left hand. It shouldn't have worked, but it did.

He's a handsome lad, Palestone thought.

A migraine hit as Jack tried hard to keep his smile up. It wasn't unusual for men to be interested in men. He had nothing against it as long as it wasn't pointed his way. When it was, it made his skin crawl.

And of all the people to have those thoughts, bloody hell.

"You're a fine chap." Minister Palestone kept patting Jack on the shoulder. The minister's hand slipped down to his arm in a way that, naturally, it shouldn't have had to. You don't pat someone's shoulder and rub down their arm.

Dungs and apples, I need to get out of here. Jack held his smile. Another migraine dug into his skull. And you, he addressed the migraine, stop it. Not now.

"You young man, you are going far, young man, I can see it. This gallery, you know how to showcase the art and tradition of Endil. Keep up the good work!"

Jack laughed. "Thank you, sir! Will do."

Charming smile that I would love in my bed. Suddenly the minister's smile held a whole other meaning.

Alright, that's enough. Jack excused himself to get the paperwork. Once he left the room, he rubbed his arms up and down and took a good long walk to the farthest room to put as much distance between them as he could. He didn't want to hear Minister Palestone's thoughts all night. Sometimes putting distance between himself and the person could make the thoughts go away.

Sometimes.

When he returned, it hadn't worked.

I'd trade him with my wife, I would, Minister Palestone thought, flashing a smile his way. Jack returned the smile and hated his cursed gift for doing this to him.