Hearts and Headstands

Chapter 13

"To minimize my risk while supporting local businesses, I started this with the plan to have everything on consignment. At least to start," David said.

Patrick watched David with astonishment. Patrick may have broken the ice, but David came through with his charisma and intelligence. Now he understood his successes as a gallery owner. Patrick sat back in the garden chair and watched the show. His chest swelled with each thing David said.

Hamish sat his cup of tea down. "That's a fantastic idea. Something like that could work in my hometown. Our High Street has been struggling lately and this kind of business could really rejuvenate the local crofters."

"Thanks." David's dimples made an appearance. "We've been successful securing local vendors with amazing products for our launch in a couple of weeks. I'm really pleased, but I think there's an opportunity to add a bit of a global flair so those passing through Schitt's Creek can pick up something special representing the area they're in and further afield."

Patrick bit back a smile. David was much smoother than he'd expected. That must have been what New York David had been like. At least gallery owner New York David, not necessarily the New York David who used drugs and sex to cope. They hadn't talked a lot about David's past directly, but Patrick had kept track of the small bits he'd shared here and there during their casual conversations in the store.

He loved seeing David in his element. Passionate about his work and selling someone else on it, just as he had to Patrick and as he likely would for his customers years to come. Patrick swallowed a lump in his throat. Years he wouldn't see.

Hamish poured more tea into his cup. "You've really got my interest piqued. Did you know that I am working to help some local crofters from Scotland place their wares with a more global audience?"

Patrick and David locked eyes for a moment. "I think I read something about that." David's remained neutral. The man had a mean poker face when he wanted to.

"Your store might be a great fit for this. I want to identify a business or two in each province to carry these items. Harris tweed, wool scarves, handmade jewelry. Beautiful Scottish wares." Hamish smiled and his mustache bounced at its curled ends.

"That sounds lovely." David crossed one leg over the other and rested his hands on his knee.

Patrick filled in details on the finances and projections where he knew David would struggle a bit. Hamish ate up every word they said.

"I really think we're onto something here, lads. I'll be in touch next week to talk about contracts." Hamish stood. "Thanks for sharing with me some of your meditation time. I'll leave you be and see you later for our last class of the day."

Hamish nodded at them both and walked away. As soon as he was out of sight, Patrick turned to David and hugged him. "You did it! You did it. I'm so proud of you."

David rubbed circles on Patrick's back as he angled his face toward David's neck. They held each other for another long moment before Patrick pulled back.

David wiped at his eye. "Thank you. I can't believe we did it." He looked at Patrick and smiled widely. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for pushing me in the right direction."

Patrick smiled. "My pleasure. You just needed a little nudge."

David looked down at his joggers and rubbed his palms down his thighs. Patrick had learned the signs of David's anxiety and knew he was already up in his head and thinking about the million ways the deal could fall apart.

Patrick reached out and placed a hand on top of one of David's and gave it a squeeze. "It's going to work out okay. Try not to stress too much, but I understand anxiety is its own beast. How can I help?" He hated seeing the way David's anxiety could affect him and wished he could take it away. Patrick knew that wasn't possible, so he tried to reassure him and offer steady support as David worked through his anxiety.