My music blasted from my phone. I couldn't pay much attention as I focused on the strokes of my brush.
This has to be perfect. Last night's sunset from the roof of this shitty apartment was beautiful. I won't have another chance to paint it again. I took my brush and mixed my acrylic paint.
I should be filling out job applications. Becoming my own employer is harder than I thought four years ago when I graduate high school. I honestly don't know what I thought. Anything to get out of Connecticut, I guess.
A new song was interrupted before it could begin. Looking at my screen, "Unknown" flashed up as it buzzes against the stool. I reached for my phone contemplating whether or not to pick it up.
"Hello?" I picked it up anyways. Hopefully, it's a buyer.
"Is this Raelynn Parks?" A male voice came through. I could feel my heart skipped a beat, thinking—hoping it someone bigger than a buyer.
I took a minute before responding. "Yes it is. Who is this?" I stood up from my position on the floor and made my way to the kitchen.
"My name is Kyree Jordan." I placed the phone on speaker as I walked around the kitchen. My cat, Misty, jumped on the counter catching me off guard. I let out a small gasp before placing her back on the floor. "You know who I am?" He asked.
Embarrassed, I spoke up. "I'm sorry, no. Something happened on my end. What can I help you with Mr. Jordan?" I asked as politely as possible, ignoring the heat crawling up my spine.
"I need to buy a painting. As a housewarming gift. Something homey. I need it by tomorrow afternoon." He demanded.
"Oh. Okay. Um...I can do that. I suppose."
"How much?"
"How big?" I countered. Walking around, preparing a bowl of cereal
"I dunno. Sixteen by twenty" He said
"Eighty-five" I answered. I tried to hide my disappointment.
"I'll be there to pick up the painting by three. Don't make me wait. Understood?" His sharp tone brought the hairs up from the back of my neck.
"Yes. I understand..." I said holding back the strings of curses I wanted to yell at him.
With that he hung up. "It looks like I'm gonna have to hold off on my sunset painting." I said out loud.
Sighing, I looked down at Misty, who was looking at me talk to myself.
"I know. I'm crazy."
🥀
I worked late last night. It didn't take me long to come up with what I wanted to paint for him. It's just hard to limit myself with his dumbass time limit.
I kept turning my music on and off. I kept dozing off. I kept mixing more and more paint. Yet, I'm still not finished. I am absolutely exhausted but I need to finish.
"I need a break." Looking down I see Misty rolling in on one of my brushes that was full of paint. "Oh Misty. Now you need a bath." I sighed.
Before I give her a bath, I need to take a shower. It can get hot in the small closet I decided to use as an art room. My legs and arms ache from sitting on the floor and the stool.
I step out of my leggings and panties then toss my shirt over my head. I allow the steam of the hot shower relax my mind and the force of the water to attend to my aching limbs.
