Page 43 of Seal the Deal
Juanita grins, taking their order and sending them to a table while they wait for their food. It’s not until they’re sitting that Charlie kicks him under the table, one eyebrow raised.
“I’ve been practicing my Spanish every day,” he offers, well aware that’s not what information Charlie is looking for.
“That’s great, showing me up.”
“You could practice too.”
“I have practiced. I’ve learned how to tell Eden?—”
Andrew holds up a hand to cut him off. “Before you finish that sentence, ask yourself if that’s something I want to know.”
“Probably not,” Charlie concedes. “Anyway, we need to talk.”
A rock settles in Andrew’s stomach. Shit. He kind of wishes he’d eaten already since there’s no way he’s going to be able to stomach his food now. On the other hand, maybe it’s better they’re going to do this on an empty stomach. Andrew is such a horrible liar.
“I know.”
“Did Eden tell you?”
“Did Eden tell me what?” Andrew asks.
“About New York.”
“Wait.” Andrew’s brain tries to puzzle the pieces together, but there are too many missing. “What are you talking about?”
“The gallery showing a few weeks ago, the one you missed with the big deal art curator. They liked my stuff. A lot. Particularly the piece I did of Eden. They want me to come to New York for a show, Annie.”
“Holy shit, that’s amazing,” Andrew says. “Are you finally going to show all those pieces of Eden you’ve got stashed away in your art shed like a dragon?”
“I mean, I didn’t officially accept, they gave me until tonight to answer them. It’s going to be a lot of stress transporting so many pieces, and the gallery is some swanky place that I’ll have to wear a suit for, and they wanna put me up in some expensive boutique hotel.”
“Only you would see those as negatives.”
“I’m not fancy, Annie. You know that, but?—”
“You wanna do it,” Andrew finishes.
“I do. Does that make me a sell out?”
“You’re not a sell out,” Andrew assures him. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show off your work. When do they want you?”
“I’m not sure, they’re going to reach out to Amanda probably in the next month or two. They said I probably won’t have much notice to prepare now.”
Andrew whistles, trying to figure out how he’s supposed to manage that on short notice. “I have some PTO accumulated. I’m not sure if I can use it on such short notice but—why are you making that face?”
“So uh, that’s what we need to talk about.”
“Charlie?”
“I want to take Eden,” Charlie whispers.
Andrew tries and fails to ignore the sudden racing of his heart along with the gut punch of panic at the prospect of being replaced. For years, Andrew has been telling Charlie he’d make it to New York one day with his art, and for years Charlie has been denying it. Despite his denials, Charlie always said if it did happen that he’d need Andrew with him. Apparently, that’s not true anymore.
“Of course you do.” Andrew tries to smile but judging by the look on Charlie’s face, his expression must be betraying him.
“I don’t have to take him, Annie.”
“You should take him.”
