bapa: from here to eternity

chapter 22: answers

Chapa POV:

I was still reeling from the excitement of George Davis buying my piece. It felt surreal—almost too good to be true. I sat at the bar with Miles, Mika, and Sage, toasting to what felt like an impossible success. Meanwhile, Bose and Andrew were still mingling, chatting with guests. My eyes caught sight of them in conversation with George. It didn't look like the usual small talk, but I brushed it off and returned to my drink.

It was around 8:30 p.m. when George approached me. I instinctively adjusted my posture, making sure I looked composed.

"I've got some great news for you, beautiful," he started, his tone overly familiar. I cringed inwardly at the way he called me that but chose to ignore it.

"Someone else was interested in your piece and offered $10,000. I raised it to $15,000. They countered with $20,000, so I went to $30,000. Then they offered $50,000, and it got a bit out of hand. I decided to outbid them with $60,000, and they backed down. So, now I'm buying your piece for $60,000."

I was stunned, struggling to process what he was saying.

"Don't think your piece isn't worth that much," he added, sensing my disbelief. "If you were a more established artist, that price would be standard."

"Are you sure you want to pay that much?" I asked, still trying to grasp the situation.

"Absolutely. And I want you to consider working as my personal painter. You can stay at your academy to continue learning, but I'd like you to create art for me. Sometimes, you'd work from my home, where I have a dedicated painting room. I already have four personal painters, and I want you to be the fifth."

His offer was beyond anything I'd imagined—being a personal painter for someone like George could mean major exposure and success. I tried to contain my eagerness and told him I'd think about it. Miles, Mika, and Sage were visibly surprised as well.

"Here's my number. Call me if you decide to accept," George said, handing me his card. "I'll send you the details later."

I could hardly believe it. I'd only been at the academy for a short time, and already I had an offer like this. My friends congratulated me, and we drank even more to celebrate. The evening continued with more of my pieces being bought by wealthy patrons. It was a night I'd never forget.

By 9:30 p.m., guests started to leave, and the exhibition wound down by 10. I suggested to Sage that we should head out since she had school the next day. Miles and Mika walked with us outside, and Bose and Andrew joined us.

"Hey, are you guys leaving?" Bose asked.

"Yeah, we are," I replied.

"Miles and I had a great time tonight," Mika said, smiling. "Thanks for inviting us, Chapa, and letting me finally wear this dress. This was the perfect occasion."

"You have good taste. Where did you get it?" Andrew asked.

"It's handmade," Mika replied. "Why? Are you thinking of getting one yourself?" We all laughed.

"No, seriously, it doesn't even look handmade—in a good way," Andrew said, clearly impressed.

"I just like to dabble in fashion in my free time," Mika said, shrugging.

"You're really talented and good in everything," Andrew muttered, almost to himself.

"Well, we should get going," Miles said, signaling that it was time to head out. He and Mika walked off, leaving me, Sage, Bose, and Andrew behind.

"I'll say goodbye to the remaining guests for you, Bose," Andrew offered. Bose thanked him, feeling grateful for his help.

"Come on, I'll drive you two home," Bose said, walking toward his car with Sage and me in tow.