Page 86 of Wicked Design
Epilogue
Months later…
Mild weather and clear skies made the day perfect for Clover and Van Gogh’s move to their new place, a modest rental home Lauren and Dante owned as an investment.
The second bedroom proved ideal for Van Gogh’s studio if Clover could only convince him to use it. “I want you to have this.”
“I prefer to share the space with you.”
Her stuff was already inside over her objections. “But you could make this your man cave and paint on the walls like Neanderthals did in their places.”
“Don’t think that’s in our lease. You can ask Dante if you want.”
He, Tor, and her dad grilled burgers and steaks in the backyard. Earlier, they’d hauled furniture and boxed belongings inside. Her mom, Lauren, and Jasmina helped clean and currently took over the kitchen to whip up sides for the meal.
Thankfully, her mom didn’t mention the talk they’d had about Van Gogh, nor did she give him the evil eye. With him back to the man he’d always been, she treated him like family already.
As far as Van Gogh was concerned, he hadn’t hidden his surprise or delight that her folks had arrived dressed. What a worrywart. Her parents knew how to look and behave like ordinary people in the outside world. When they were on their own turf, though…
She circled her table and equipment and shook her head.
Van Gogh fiddled with his painter toolbox, pretending not to notice her mood.
“I don’t like how this is set up.” She gestured to her stuff.
“There’s no other way for me to arrange it. You get the left or the right side. We’ve tried both.”
“My things are still taking up too much room. Way more than yours. My stuff should go in the garage. I can work there.”
“Where will we put the car?”
They’d bought a clunker he and Tor had fixed up so Van Gogh could drive to the parlor.
She pointed behind her. “How about we park it on the street, like our neighbors do with their vehicles? It’s the only solution. There’s no space in here now for your earlier paintings unless we hang them, too. We should.”
“Hold on.” He grabbed her wrist before she could leave. “My oils are already on every wall in each room, even the bath. This is the only place you haven’t hung them.”
“That’s my point. We’ll put the rest here on every available spot.” She lifted her face to the ceiling. “If we have any paintings left over, they can go up there.” She pointed.
“Storage sounds better. Dante and Lauren own one of those places, too. I’ll make arrangements with them tomorrow.”
Jasmina shouted, “Hey, guys!” She dashed down the hall and stopped in the doorway. “Noah and Kyle are in route. Marnie, too. They’re expecting to see your vid.”
Clover crossed her arms. “Cover charge is five bucks apiece. Do they have it?”
Van Gogh laughed. “It’s not that good.”
“Says you.” She bumped her hip against his. What he’d done was beyond awesome. Since the convention, he’d proved repeatedly that she mattered. “Your work makes Avatar look lame in comparison.”
“Thanks. But what I did is more like Story of O.”
Jasmina brightened. “Yeah?”
“He’s kidding.” Clover swatted his ass. “Everyone pays ten bucks or they don’t get to see it.”
“Noah and Kyle will be armed.” Jasmina smiled smugly. “They get in and watch for free.”
The doorbell rang.
