The Stupid Side of Practical

Chapter 7

"Hi, Mrs. Peters!" Gina smiled at the grey haired, plump woman behind the counter in My Chicago, a trinket souvenir shop on Michigan Ave.

Josh had never actually been inside one of these places before. He looked up at one of the big birds eye view of the city hanging behind the cash register. The picture was taken at night the city lit up and casting a magical glow around the buildings. People crossing the street, lovers holding hands, a small child pulling on his father's arm. Even a cyclist passing through the traffic. "Wow," he murmured.

"You like it?" Gina asked with a knowing smile.

"It's a cool shot."

"Thanks," Gina stood a little straighter as she motioned to another picture on the back wall. "I also have some shot in the back too."

Josh's eyes widen, hers. That, was her work? Looking at the picture again he took in the details and angles. Everything in the photo seemed so alive, like he could hear the chaos and smell the night air.

His eyes wondered the shop. There were shelves and shelves of beach knickknacks, jewelry, and on the walls hung racks of artwork. It seemed like a fun place to wander around in.

"Gina," the woman came out from around the counter. "I see you have a delivery for me."

"Sure do," turning around Gina smiled at Josh who was holding all her framed artwork. Because like hell he was going to let her carry these things around on her own. "I hope you can use them."

"Of course I can, I'm just about out of the others you brought in last week." Mrs. Peters gushed as she came over to Josh. "She's becoming quite the popular artist."

Josh nodded as he motioned to the counter, "Should I just put this up here?"

"Would you please?" Mrs. Peters said as she puts on her glasses, "Who is this strapping young man, he's delicious."

He's also right here.

"A friend, who volunteered to help me out today," Gina smirked in his direction as he set the artwork out on the counter. When he woken up this morning, he was sure she was going to try to get rid of him. He immediately made his way into the kitchen to make breakfast. He would have to talk to her later about her diet.

Her refrigerator was full of Tupperware obviously from her dinners at Maria's but aside from that there was a half galloon of milk and some yogurt. Not really, the best options for a mother to be. She was going to need actual food around.

Luckily, he found some pancake mix and half eaten pack of bacon. He watched as she ate four pancakes and a nibble of bacon before she hurled it all back up. Morning sickness was a bitch, and he had been right there at her side with a glass of water and towel. Once she was done, he carried her back to bed. She slept for a little longer before she was up again and sticking her hand into the cracker box from the night before.

Gina smiled as Mrs. Peters started oohing and aahing at her recent work and a sense of pride exploded in his chest when the older woman said she would take them all. He didn't know if that was a common transaction or not, but he imagined it was good news. The two chatted at the counter while Mrs. Peters wrote out a check for last week's sales.

"How much money does this bring in?" Josh asked looking at the framed photos stacked on the countertop.

"Anywhere from three hundred to a grand," Gina tossed out as she folded her check so it could fit in her back pocket. "I have three stores on Michigan Ave. that sell my work, and I have some stores on State Street that I do custom orders for."

"Custom orders?"

Gina led their way out of the shop and onto the sidewalk outside, "You know if they want one of my pictures on a mug, or a cup, I even do key-chains." Gina said walking ahead of him a little. "That's where I make a little more money, but I also spend a little more money in materials. But this is separate from my clients who come into the studio or book me for their weddings."