Knave of Heaven and Earth

Chapter Sixteen: Truth to be Told

"Thank you! Please come again!"

Aitken walked out of the art shop with some supplies he needs after painting several small works. He knows he had planned to have another work other than being an artist but he never thought that finding a decent job would be the hardest thing he had done.

For the past few days, he would look for decent job offers in the city. He entered restaurants, fast-food chains, cafés, numerous shops, and even clubs in the hope to apply but it was unfortunate. The employers either had strict requirements or low benefits so he didn't push through.

Now, he had some small to medium-sized paintings he can sell but so far, none had been purchased on the website he had recently joined. Sighing dejectedly, Aitken hired a cab back to his apartment.

"Good afternoon sir."

Aitken greeted the dark, prime-aged guard sitting behind his desk. The guard returned a smile and nod before going back to what he was doing. Aitken passed through the lobby but then stopped in front of the elevator, taking a moment to glance at the stairs at the end of the hallway.

After then, Aitken entered the elevator and pressed the number 4 button. A few seconds later, a small ding ringed before the elevator opens. Aitken walked out and turned left, passing a door and into the one with a plate numbered 408. The fourth floor has 6 units, three on the other and another three on the other. Aitken's apartment at the end of the hall, next to the stairs.

Aitken jiggled the key on the door and opened it but only to be blocked by a grumpy Jeremy.

"You're late. Do you what time is it?"

Aitken ignored him, and put the paper bag on top of a table then asked, "Did you eat already?"

"I ordered pizza," Jeremy replied with a scowling face and followed the smaller guy closely behind.

They went and sat down on the couch, Aitken grabbing a piece of the pizza on the coffee table and eating it. Jeremy snorted in annoyance grabbed a slice to himself and continue watching the football game broadcasting on the TV.

Aitken opened his phone to check if any of his artworks is purchased. Delightfully, one is shopped and he just needed to confirm then deliver the painting. The price may not be too much but at least he has an income. Seems like Lady luck began paying attention to him.

Aitken immediately confirmed the purchase with the buyer, planning to send the package before evening. A small smile played on his smooth face before continuing to eat the pizza. Of course, that smile didn't escape Jeremy's eyes.

"You sold a painting?" Jeremy asked a little enthusiastic for he knows how troubled Aitken was for the past days of being jobless. He tried saying that he didn't need to be so adamant about their expenses but Aitken reasoned out that it was not just about the money, it's also about being productive and useful.

"Hmm." Aitken hummed in answer while taking another slice of pizza from the box.

"Why don't we eat out tonight? It'll be on me." Jeremy opened a can of soft drink and passed it to Aitken.

Aitken didn't mind too much on the plan for the rest of the day partly because he is in a good mood and partly because he has no other thing to do.

"Okay." Aitken perfunctorily answered then takes a drink from the carbonated drink. Usually, he doesn't drink carbonated drinks and prefers fruit juices or similar beverages but sometimes he just feels drinking during rare circumstances like now.

Jeremy's face had a 360-degree change, from scowling a few seconds ago then into smiling. He laid back onto the couch while his thick and tattooed right arm stretched over Aitken's shoulder, pulling him a little closer. Aitken didn't mind this time because another purchase was done online. Jeremy smirked in satisfaction before gently rubbing his on Aitken's shoulder and continuing watching the football match.