Post 5 – Art in the Park, Part 2
Several people stopped by my booth to look at my art, unfortunately, sales were insignificant. It was pleasing to hear so many positive comments about my paintings. Yet, with so few sales, I wondered if people were simply being nice. Did they really think my art was beautiful and unique? Or, did they actually think something else like…
…don’t quit your day job!
By 4:00 PM the event was over. Artists dismantled their kiosk and packed their cars with unsold art. A few stragglers remained from the crowd, trying to get a final deal on a work of art. To my surprise, Seth walked over casually and was checking out my art as though the event was still on. He didn’t seem in a hurry to pack up and go home. I observed him as he contemplated on my artwork.
“That is fantastic!” he expressed.
“Thanks!” I replied. “Too bad nobody bought it!”
“People are so cheap!” he groaned. “They don’t realize the amount of time that goes into a painting.”
He turned to look in my direction and smiled. “Sorry! I’m a bit sensitive about the subject.”
Seth continued commenting on my art and asking questions on how I achieved certain textures and I found myself completely captivated by the conversation.
After 30 minutes of non-stop art talk there was quiet a pause.
“Hey!” he chirped, “You should come to my art show! Well, it’s not exactly a show – more of a display of my work at the Green Door Restaurant. It’s in a few weeks. My art will be up for the whole month. I know the owner of the restaurant. Maybe I can introduce you to him and he can look at your work! If he likes your art, he’ll display it for a month at no charge! He likes helping artists, especially those just starting out.”
“Sounds great!” I exclaimed.
It did sound great! I couldn’t help but hope it would jump start my art career. After all, getting exposure is key to getting known.
We exchanged numbers and set up a date to have lunch at the restaurant.
As I dismantled my stall I couldn’t help glancing, repeatedly, over at Seth. My thoughts raced. I remembered having great intellectual discussions with him and other classmates many years ago when we attended university together. My mind recalled a special moment when Seth knocked on my office door at school. I felt excited to see him. He stood tall, his shoulders as broad as the door frame. He asked me a few questions – I can’t remember the details. Captivated by his good looks I stumbled in my words as I answered.
My feelings for him were strong back then.
I reflected on my current emotions. What if my feelings for him develop again? What if that crush comes back?
“Is it a bad idea to have lunch with Seth?” I wondered.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” I mumbled to myself. “It’s only lunch!”
He may be good looking but I’ve crossed paths with other beautiful men in the time I’ve been married. Nobody could break the ties of my fifteen year marriage, not even a hottie like Seth. My marriage was solid. Nobody could shatter that bond! At least, that’s what I believed.