Page 6 of Calculated Risk
I think about it. "Chelsea."
"Chelsea Winters? The girl who tried to sabotage me and Sebastian freshman year?"
"The same. She applied for the same senior show slot I got. She was furious when I was chosen instead. Said my work was 'derivative' and 'overly emotional.'"
"That sounds like a motive."
"Maybe. But I can't prove it and even if I could, it doesn't help me recreate a year of work in two weeks."
"So we focus on both. We investigate Chelsea and we figure out how to recreate your show."
"I can't ask you to?—"
"You're not asking. I'm offering. That's what friends do." Isla stands and offers me her hand. "Now come on. Let's go document what's salvageable. And then we're going to make a plan."
"I hate plans."
"I know. But sometimes even chaotic artists need a little structure."
She pulls me to my feet, and we head back into the gallery. The damage looks worse in the afternoon light. More deliberate. More cruel.
My phone buzzes. Email notification.
From: Marcus Chen
Subject: Gallery Incident - Resource Assessment
Attached: 47 photos, 3 documents
I open it reluctantly.
Lilah,
I documented the damage before leaving. Attached are photos from multiple angles, an inventory of destroyed pieces based on your posted show schedule, and a preliminary assessment of salvageable materials.
Also attached: List of art supply vendors who offer emergency delivery, contact information for three other art students who've offered to help (I asked around), and a proposed timeline for reconstruction.
I know you said you don't want my help. But you have it anyway. Delete this email if you want. Or use the resources. Your choice.
-Marcus
I stare at the email. At the attachments. At the fact that he's already done all of this in the hour since I told him to leave.
"He's already started," I tell Isla.
"Of course he has. That's what Marcus does."
"I told him I didn't want his help."
"And he's giving it to you anyway. Because he can't help himself. Problem-solving is his love language."
"That's not—" I stop. Is it?
I open the attachments. The photos are thorough, systematic. The inventory is accurate down to the smallest detail. The timeline is... actually feasible.
Not easy. But it is possible.
If I follow his plan. If I accept his help. If I let Marcus Chen into my chaotic disaster of a life.
