The Torture Tour

Chapter 9

I wake up ten hours later with my stomach reminding me that I didn't eat before I crashed. I look at the time. It is just after two in the afternoon. I Google local places to eat and decide on going to Ribs and Burgers. I could really use a calorie laden burger. I ask at the frond desk how to get there and armed with directions I head out.

I have just got seated looking at a menu when I hear my name being called. I looked around and see Ethan standing with two older gentlemen waving me over to their table. Deciding I would rather not eat alone I stand up and head toward Ethan's table.

Wrenley I figured I wouldn't get to see you again while I was here.

Here I am. Have you called my brother yet?

No I have been catching up with my dads.

I am going to talk to him later I will let him know to be expecting your phone call. So what is the best burger here? I am starving.

Every one of them are really good one of the older gentlemen says.

You must be Ethan's dad. The two of you look a lot alike. I met your son on the plane. The name is Wrenley.

It is very nice to meet you Wrenley. My name is Phillip Mason and this is my husband Frank.

It is very nice to meet the two of you. I don't know anyone here except Ethan. Ethan tells me that you are a painter Phillip. I would love to see some of your work if I can. I never was very talented at painting though I did go through a phase. I mostly do illustrations and comics now.

I have some paintings hanging in a local gallery. In fact I am having a show there Friday night if you would like to come.

I would love to come.

I will have Ethan pick you up. Where are you staying?

I don't know yet. I am only booked in the hotel I am staying at for two days. I wanted to look at houses to rent. I am supposed to only be here two weeks, but I think that I am going to extend it for awhile. Nothing definite yet.

I would love to see some of your work. Do you have a portfolio?

Not with me, but I do have my sketch book. I draw everything up in it before I finalize the designs. I take my sketch book out of my bag and hand it to Phillip forgetting that I have sketches of 5sos in there. Phillip stops at a particular drawing staring for a few minutes before turning to the next page.

You do really well sketching portraits he says.

I only sketch the people that I care about. I have to know a person's personality before I can get them down on paper right otherwise it is just a drawing with no emotion.

I have never done portraits so I don't exactly know what you are talking about. I paint mostly landscapes.

What do you do Frank?

I am a photographer for a local magazine.

Photography is art too. I would love to see some of your work too.

Ethan can bring you by my studio some time. You have very interesting features have you ever thought about modeling?

No I haven't that is not exactly my cup of tea.

What are the chances of getting you to pose for me? I would love to add you to my portfolio.

Sure why not. It is something that I have never tried. This is my e-mail send me the details. I had just closed my eyes and picked a burger when it was set down in front of me the smell made my mouth water. Thank you I tell the waiter who brings our food.

Do you need anything else?

You can bring me a beer. Whatever is on tap will be fine I tell him. Thank you Robert I say looking at his name tag.

Anyone else?

We are fine thank you.

I pick up the burger and take a bite the flavor exploding in my mouth. I close my eyes enjoying the taste while I chew. I love food and I will always appreciate it.

We may have a solution for a place to stay. Frank here owns a small house not far from where we live. He usually rents it out, but it is empty right now. If you are interested we could show you the house and you can move in immediately if you like.

That would be great. I say when I swallow another mouth full. Thank you I tell Robert when he sits a mug of beer down in front of me. I don't have anything else planned for today so whenever will be convenient for you.

Me and Frank are busy the rest of the day, but Ethan can show you the house.

That would be fine if Ethan doesn't mind. I don't want to interrupt any plans that he has.

I don't have any plans until tonight. I am meeting some friends at a local pub if you want to tag along.

I will think about it. We are silent while we finished eating.

We need to be getting back to work now. You two young people enjoy the rest of your day. Here is the key to the house Frank says handing Ethan two keys. If you like it we will discuss rent and all that later. It was very nice to meet you Wrenley.

Your dad's seem very nice I tell Ethan as we watch them leave.

They are the best dads any one could ever ask for. Are you done? We can go look at the house now if you like.

Sounds like a plan I say taking the last sip of my beer before going to pay for lunch.

Your check has already been taken care of.

Thank you I tell the lady at the cash register.