Watch Me

~ 4 ~

Picture of Jackson

Jackson walks into the studio and turns on the light. Something is different. As the gallery manager, he uses Ralph's studio as a storage. He needs to make sure the gallery is client-ready at all times. Any new paintings and supplies delivered are stored in the studio.

"Come on in... Here, place them over here." Jackson shows the delivery guy where to place the two 7-foot-tall cardboard boxes.

The delivery guy does as he is told.

Jackson takes out two five-dollar bills and gives them to the delivery guy. "Hey man, lunch is on me today."

"Thanks, man!" Says the delivery guy with a big smile on his face like Jackson made his morning.

As soon as the delivery guy leaves Jackson looks around the room. He walks over to the painting table. He carefully observes the dry paint and then he notices it. His pupils dilate from excitement.

"Wow..." Jackson says with excitement.

He walks closer to the painting. He quickly checks the signature. Yep, it's Ralph's work. It has been a while. A very long while.

Jackson steps a couple of steps back, takes out his phone, and takes a picture of the painting. He quickly shared it on the gallery's Facebook and Instagram page with a caption. "Need time to dry... The auction will be closed as soon as it's dry."

Jackson's eyes fall again on the painting. He is memorized by it, it has been years since Ralph has created something. He has been with Ralph from the beginning. He knows Ralph has to be inspired to paint. Ralph's wife Clara was always his inspiration. Jackson Smilies, some people are just lucky in their relationships.

Jackson's train of thought was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.

"Morning Shannon!"

"I want that painting. Close the bidding. My client will pay 10k for it." Shannon gets right to the point.

"You are too funny, Shannon. The bidding will start at 50 thousand. I will upload the painting on the website in 15 minutes and that's where you should place your bid." Jackson tells her.

Just before Jackson finishes his sentence his phone alarms him he is getting another call.

"Got to go Shannon." Jackson ends Shannon's call and accepts another.

"Good morning Sylvia."

"Good morning Jackson, beautiful piece of art by Ralph. I will be bidding on it as soon as it is posted on the gallery's website. I know a businessman that would like to have it in his spare office. The reason I called you is to see if Raph has painted any more pieces?" Sylvia asks.

"As of right now, this is the only one and I do not know if there will be another." Jackson's replies.

They say their goodbyes and Jackson rushes into his office to upload the painting. He is eager to start the bidding. He will close the bid in 24 hours. This will create a lot of buzz. Ralph's paintings always do.

He is painting again... This is good. Jackson take a minute to think about it. Jackson is Ralph's biggest fan.

It took Jackson 20 minutes to set up the bid starting at 50 thousand dollars. The bids started pouring in.

Jackson went back to the studio to check on the painting, to admire it, it's addictive, and as soon as you walk away from it you miss it. He looks at it. Something about this painting. It's different. Ralph is no stranger to sexy pieces but this is different. The lips and the nose of this girl are unique.

Did Ralph paint someone? Jackson can not see her eyes. The eyes are the window to the soul. Jackson gets a strange feeling. He immediately takes the thoughts out of his mind. Ralph would not dare.

Jackson takes out his phone and messages Ralph.

-Who is the girl in the painting?

No reply...

***Six hours later***

-What are you doing in my studio?

Jackson gets a text message reply from Ralph. Jackson feels a little hurt by the reply, Ralph is a kind man he never spoke to him this way. Even though there is a 12-year difference between them Jackson always considered Ralph as a friend and family.

-I saw it when I received the delivery this morning. I placed it on auction and our highest bid is up to 220 thousand.

Jackson's phone rings as soon as he sends that message. It's Ralph.

"Hi Ralph" Jackson picks up the phone with an uneasy feeling preparing himself to be scolded.

"Why did you put the painting up for auction before talking to me?" Jackson hears frustrated Ralph on the other end of the phone. This voice is sleepy. Did Ralph just wake up? It makes sense, he was painting all night.

"I am sorry Ralph, is this painting a custom order for someone?" Jackson asks.

"No..."

"Is it a gift for someone?" Jackson asks again.

"No..."

"Do you want to keep this painting for yourself?" Jackson is trying to understand.

"NO!"

"Ralph, help me understand what I did wrong. I always put your painting up for a bidding war. Why is this different."

"Sorry man, I just woke up and saw your text I don't understand why I got angry. ... So the highest bid is 220K?" Ralph says.

"Nope...220 was 30 seconds ago now it's 230. I have been standing in front of my laptop for the last two hours watching it. I can not take my eyes off the screen. Daddy getting paid this weekend! 10% baby!" Jackson says causing both men to laugh.

Ralph says his goodbye and hangs up the phone. He lays back on his pillow. He closes his eyes and a big smile appears on his face. 230K for his painting. The painting of her. The memory of Eva enters his mind. That red dress. Her smile, the feel of her skin on his, and her moans.

Ralph opens his eyes and looks down at his shorts. He is so hard.

Fuck!

I need to paint...