Page 46 of Sharkbait
Everyone moves closer, including James, who leans over the bar to get a better look.
Ralph slides two fingers outward on the screen, zooming in on a small section of the painting. The section gets wider, revealing another image of Muse.
“It’s like paintings within paintings!” Mabel says as she slides down from Wally’s shoulder.
Looks like I lost my ride.
They’re not going anywhere now.
“Sister friend.” Calliope’s mouth drops open. “This is fucking gorgeous. And impressive.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying! For years!” Ralph says. “Shehas an incredible gift.”
“Alright, simmer down, sir,” I say and try to laugh.
“No! I’m not going to simmer down. Not about this! That asshole made you feel like you were less than. An asshole who couldn’t paint his way out of a cardboard box!”
“That makes no sense,” I murmur. “Can anyone paint themselves out of a cardboard box?”
“You know what I’m saying. My sister is goddamn amazing. And no artsy, asshole punk is going to make her doubt herself. Not on my watch!”
Calliope rubs his back and faux fans herself. “My goodness. You’re putting the alpha in Ralph-alpha right now, baby.”
My normally kind, gentle brother turns all Hulk-like whenever Trent comes up in conversation.
It’s an issue.
“I’m sorry,” he says softly. He scrolls through more of my work and holds up another screenshot. “But don’t you miss it?”
“Sometimes, yeah,” I say.
More like all the time.
I continue, “But come on. It’s not like I have time to paint with a new job, a new apartment, grad school, and applying for an internship. I’m maxed out with no room for anything else.”
I can’t help but peek at James from the corner of my eye.
He’s serving someone at the opposite end of the bar, chatting up a storm, a warm, friendly smile on his face.
“Plus, I don’t have Muse anymore. I don’t haveamuse.”
“Excuses.” Ralph shakes his head.
“Okay.” I get to my feet and grab my raincoat. “It’s been a long day. I’m tired, and I’ve had enough public psychoanalysis for one night. I’m heading out.”
I’ll walk if I have to.
“Here.” Calliope reaches into Ralph’s pocket and pulls out his keys. “I brought my car. You can take Ralph’s Vulva.”
She tosses the keys to me with no complaints from Ralph.
Say what you want about the girl, but Calliope always comes through when you need her.
I say quick goodbyes to everyone, then stop in my tracks asJames comes back to our end of the bar.
“Thanks for the, uh—the water, and the um. Thanks for…”
Making me feel normal?
