Summer's End - Bucky and Mel Universe 1

Mondays

Surviving Sunday to make it to Monday was difficult. Lots of meditating, drawing, painting, creating. She even went for a run and swam at her gym's pool. The day turned cold and wet matching her mood. Mel had things to get ready for the costume dance at school. She was going as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Some slight modify to the neckline and back and it could work. Hair could easily be done. She spent the rest of the day working on it. The dance wasn't for a couple weeks but she wanted it dine ahead of time.
Monday classes were a breeze, kids were super excited about their work selling and the new group of kids were just as excited to have their work up. The restaurant was between school and home, so she had brought the new works with her on her way in when she came in that morning. Abdul was grateful for her hanging new items of the kids up, but he was talking rather quickly. That and she really wasn't paying full attention.
"What did you say?" She asked.
"A gentleman bought the rest of your works, I was wondering if you had anymore ready to be placed up."
He jaw dropped, sure maybe one or two she thought, but all of them?
Abdul continued, "He wanted to remain anonymous and paid in cash."
Cash, cash!?! No one carries around that much money with them in the city. Sweet Jesus, she could now have enough for a scholarship to her school like she wanted to. He showed her the envelope, cracking it open. Her jaw dropped.
"Ummm, do you think you could do me a favor? Could you walk me to the bank so I could deposit this or perhaps have Pedro or Ulysses go with me? That is a lot of money to be carrying around."
"Of course, of course. I will take you myself. If you have more ready to hang we could pick a couple up from your studio on the way. And that is exactly what they did. She'd bring another piece in each day over the next week if weather was good to help fill the empty spaces. Business was already slow and Abdul was eager to get his customer rates back up. If human had a tail like a dog, she'd be wagging it. She was feeling so good she called Matt to let him know. He could not believe it. Matt wanted to celebrate by going out to dinner but it would have to wait until Tuesday. That was fine with her. She always had a tough time deciding we're to go out to so this would give her time. Maybe she'd go out and get a new outfit as well. Not that Matt would notice but it would make her feel better. Eric would have wanted her to do something like this if he was around. No, she couldn't keep thinking that way. Focus on the positive.
Over dinner, she would need to discuss hie to set up the funds for her school as a scholarship with Matt. She was sure there were legal things that needed to happen. And on a Monday no less. She hit an upscale thrift store on the way home finding a great wrap top and pencil skirt that would go great with a pair of booties she had and matching leather jacket. She rarely drank more than once a week and even then, not that much decided to pour a glass of white when she got home. The nights were getting cooler so she turned on the fireplace. She turned on some music and began making dinner. She danced as she cooked. This is was going to be a good night. Dinner turned out awesome. Chicken parm, yummers. Twirling around the kitchen, she grabbed another glass of wine. She saw the flowers on the table by the window. Hmm, she thought, she should really thank James for the beautiful flowers. Well, if she ever had enough courage to text him back, now would be it.
Hi, it's Mel. Thank you for the lovely flowers.
She sat her phone down and went about eating and cleaning up. She liked doing dishes by hand. The water was therapeutic and it was only her so not a big mess. She did have a dish washer but rarely used it. Starting to fill the sink with suds and dishes. Her phone chirped and she went to see who it was. It was James. She really wasn't expecting a response, it was nice.
Hey, how are you. I hoped you liked them. I saw you talking to one of the venders about the honeysuckle.
How long was he following her originally? That was when she first got to the market.
I adore honeysuckle, wild flowers, too. Most people think they're weeds.
She set her phone down going back to doing dishes. Her phone pinged again.
People tend to take a lot of things that are valuable for granted.
Ok, James, she thought, you have my attention.
Such as rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens? Mel texted back. What did this man want.
I'd settle for some more of your time...... perhaps another walk. James
Perhaps. Mel
Hmmm? What to do? Are you available tomorrow night? James.
I'm not, actually. Going out to celebrate with a friend. Mel.
Oh really, over what? James.
Several of my paintings sold. I'll be able to take kids on a field trip now and perhaps start a scholarship up for a student. Mel.
Don't schools usually pay for stuff like that?
You'd be surprised. My school is an arts school that takes talented youth that would not usually make it into certain public programs because they are poor. I try to help out as much as possible. Mel.
Wow, that's kind of you. So you not only create, you teach? James.
Yes, love it. It's hard work. Not very glamorous, it's a living. Mel.
Would you be available this weekend? Say Saturday, afternoon? James.
I have a few appointments in the morning, but should be available around 2. Would that be ok? Why? Mel.
Ok, 2 is good. I think I can arrange something you might enjoy. James.
What? Mel.
It's a surprise. I am sure you will like it. Perhaps see where the day takes us? James was biting his lip. Excited she decided to take him up on his offer and also hoping he would be able to pull it off.
Where would you like to meet? He knew where her studio was, he didn't need to know she lived across the hall. If things went south she could still be protected. He knew he worked at a school that was a special school, if he was a creep he could do enough research to figure out where that was and that was not something to be desired. She shouldn't have said so much until she was more certain of him.
It's a big city, there are lots of places. How about the park off 4th ave? What should I wear? Mel.
What?
If we are going rock climbing, I don't want to wear heels. Mel.
Casual, heels are fine. I bet you could figure out how to climb in heels. James.
It was hard enough the first time, I don't think I could do it again. That is a story for another time. Mel.
Interesting. This I have to hear. James.
Another time. Promise. Mel. I hate to let you go, I have a few things to wrap up before tomorrow. I know, I'm an old lady. Lol.
I have you beat. Sleep well, good night. James.
Night, again thank you for the lovely surprise, it was a real treat. Mel.
James was scratching his head. A real treat? This woman deserved flowers and often. He had to hear the story of the rock climbing in heels though. Even if nothing else happened, his interest was surely peeked. However, deep down, Bucky was hope more would happen to take this forward on a good path.
After finishing her texting with James, Mel finished her dishes and called Matt. Hoping he did not go out tonight. Either way, she would leave him a message if he wasn't available.
"Are you drunk." Matt asked.
"I had two glasses, you know I am far from drunk or even buzzed at this point. I texted him to thank him for the flowers." Mel said.
"Him, who?"
"The guy I took out with the coffee at the cafe who sent the flowers."
"Well it looks like we will have two things to celebrate tomorrow than."
"Oh ha ha, real funny Matt. I don't pick on you like this with your ladies."
"That is because you know I will pick on you more."
"More than likely. You are just as snarky as my students sometimes."
"That's because you have the patience of a saint with me."
"You bet your ass I do. See you tomorrow evening. Good Night."
"Night."