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¨Precisely correct.¨
Simon opted for British Breakfast tea with a splash of milk. He sits erect, looking like he was raised by a professor or royalty. He’s a rather juxtaposition as I’d never imagine someone this defined looking to be so absorbed in the minds of underprivileged children from New York. He taps his index finger on his tea cup’s side as if it releases built-up tension, or maybe he’s someone who fidgets.
¨So, when you have the chance, please look into the two publications I’ve sent you.¨ He points to my phone.
I realize I never swapped my phone for a new one as I was supposed to today. I’m sure the unexpected sex I had with Alex took the place of needed conversation this morning. Once I arrive back in Knightsbridge, I foresee Alex having a drawn-out plan for me to execute. I can picture a gallon-sized ziplock bag to hold space for my old phone.
Speaking of, it’s actually uncanny to see a text from Alexander pop up regarding:
¨I have your new phone. Also, where are you? I’ll meet you and tell you about my meeting with Mr. Duke.¨
I’d rather not tell him where I am, although I am massively eager to hear how his conversation with Panther went. Intentionally, it’s best I only see him when our schedules say so. I may have to give us a couple grace period days in order to get in the rhythm of things. I can’t help the anxiety beginning to pick at me, hoping Alex didn’t shit on his chances with Mr. Duke. I know Alex can lack compassion in areas he’s unfamiliar with, but what a way to grow if he genuinely has.
Lost in my text, I glimpse up to meet Simon’s curious eyes.
“I’m sorry. I got distracted. Yes. I’ll look into the publications no later than this afternoon. This is so sudden and amazing that —¨
¨Well, take a breath and remember that good things can happen to good people too. They’re the publications I’ve invested in. They’ve started many amazing art careers for so many youths globally. The painter from Indonesia, Song, is her name. Sir Elton John bought her India Sea collection. That was a pretty penny. And, well, who are your star students at your studio?¨
¨I have a handful, that’s for sure.¨ I open my phone’s art studio photo album and begin sharing with him the gifts of my students.
Perhaps it’s British charm because the way Simon has been forcing intense eye contact with me is obvious. If I stare at a child’s artwork photo for too long, I’ll feel pressure from his eyes. Blue-green glossy eyes like the sparkle of a patch of ocean hit by sunlight. Typically not my cup of tea, but I can’t deny their near-haunting beauty.
¨ There’s so much grit and joy simultaneously…it amazes me.¨ Simon exclaims.
¨ That’s life.¨ I agree as I see Alexander interrupting us with a phone call.
I swipe to answer it and place it to my ear.
¨Cola? Where are you?¨ I’m betting he’s had a successful meeting. I can’t imagine Alex sounding this eager if he hadn’t.
¨A sweet little quaint cafe.¨
¨Is that the name, or are you describing it?¨ He snickers. I try not to laugh because, by the warmth of my cheeks, I know I’m blushing. I had no idea how much of Alex I liked, fell for, or wanted more of.
¨ What’s the name of this cafe?¨ I ask Simon.
¨ Pillar’s Brewpoint.¨
¨ Pillar’s Brewpoint. Off the second stop —¨
¨I know where you are. Be there soon.¨
And he hangs up. Great, now I’m stuck here until he comes.
¨Oooh, is someone joining us?¨ Simon sips his tea.
¨Alexander. He’s on his way.¨ I shrug at it as if he’s not my ¨partner.¨
¨The art entrepreneur. What exactly made him change his name?¨
¨Oh…well, he wanted to accomplish things without being tied to his family name. If you have any more questions about it, he’s the one to ask.¨
I love how direct I am when answering questions that aren’t anyone’s business. Being a Costa, I’ve been trained to answer questions just like this.
¨So, here’s the deal. In September, I’ll be in New York to hand-select three young artists directly from your art studio to launch an art campaign for them each to help them advertise and sell their artwork around the globe. In addition, I ´ll select three working artists from your studio for a year-long art program where they ´ll stay between London and Hong Kong, teaching students while simultaneously working on their own collections to be featured in both of those publications, including a guaranteed exhibition here in London. Oh, that’s all paid for. Handsomely.¨
My jaw is on the ground. I immediately think of my assistant, Teresa, and her desire to spread her art around the world. There are at least five young artists in my studio that would be both grateful and deserving of this opportunity. The hardest part is selecting only three.
