Chapter 15 Madi
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Madi
Whynot Paint was as charming as I knew it would be.
The moment I stepped inside, I let out a contented sigh.
This was the dream, really. Not only was it cute, but it was spacious and in a good location.
A nice desk sat in the corner for checkout, the walls around it decorated with both student and professional pieces.
I liked that Avery had chosen to display them together.
It felt strange knowing this would be the first time I’d actually meet her. Avery had changed my life by inviting me here, whether she knew it or not.
Voices echoed through the space. An older couple stood in front of a giant canvas sitting on an easel, the dreamy acrylic pastel desert holding their attention. Cacti bloomed beneath a pink sun, the flowers as bright as the thorns looked sharp.
I lingered behind them for a moment, a smile tracing my lips.
Was this Avery's work? It had to be. Just like her, it was warm and inviting.
I always had a deep admiration for artists that could create like this. Animation was my preferred path of the arts, but I couldn't help but feel a little envious of those who could wield a paintbrush this way.
“Madi! Fancy seeing you here.”
My head snapped up as Avery came down a hallway that seemed to lead to more studio space. Her hair was thrown up into a messy bun, the tips neon blue. Paint splattered her olive green corduroy overalls, her white T-shirt, and a pair of worn cowgirl boots.
“Morning,” I said, then cringed. It was already well past noon. “I mean afternoon. I’ve been meaning to stop by. Sorry I haven't yet.” I felt a little guilty knowing my first time in was also so I could be nosy about her brother.
Avery’s cheeks dimpled with a smile. She planted her hands on her hips. “Oh, it's fine. How are you settling in? How's the hotel? Are you liking everything? I’m sorry I haven’t come by yet this week, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind and it was impressed upon me I should let you settle in.”
I stifled a laugh. “Well, you’re never a bother. And it’s been wonderful. I love it. The entire loft is gorgeous and the lighting is perfect.” I shook my head. “Literally a dream. So is this place.”
Avery’s grin was contagious. “Thanks. I used to paint while my dad worked on the weekends up there. We renovated it to be a livable room, but it was more of a storage space back then. Admittedly, Austin and Dallas used to tease me about it being haunted, but if it is, the ghost is a nice one.”
I laughed. “I’ll keep an eye out. So far it’s been perfect except for a scorpion. Thankfully your brother rescued me.”
She was surprised by that. “Which one? Dallas or Austin?”
“Dallas.” Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I wanted a new friend, and I didn’t want her to think I was trying to jump in her brother’s pants.
Although I definitely was.
“Dallas is good at rescues. I’m glad he was able to help. Whenever there’s a scorpion in the house, it’s either me or Mateo that takes care of them. Levi hates them.”
“Well, I can get on board with that,” I laughed. “Did you renovate yourself?”
Avery nodded, then paused. “Well, sort of. My brothers did most of the work. I mostly sat there and annoyed them since I treat being their sister like a part-time job. Whatever shit I can give them, I do.”
I laughed, feeling any tension in my body simply flutter away. Avery was so fun to be around. There was just something about her. I could see why Mateo and Levi were known to constantly swoon over her.
“We should have dinner soon,” Avery said. “That way you can meet everyone. I think you still need to meet Evie, Mateo, and Levi.”
I nodded and opened my mouth to speak, but a throat clearing drew our attention.
“Avery? Sorry for the interruption. Is this piece for sale?” The older man asked from across the room.
She arched a brow and crossed her arms. “Eli. What are you thinking? You already bought one of mine last month.” She gave me a wink and then bounded over to Eli and the older woman next to him.
“Yes, but we have more spaces to decorate,” the older woman said. “Everyone that comes through our hotel comments on the art. It's just what we've needed in Houston.”
Houston? That was a pretty far drive. Texas was the size of a damn continent, if I remembered correctly.
“Well, you know I won't tell you no,” Avery chuckled.
“Maybe we should set something up, though, if you're wanting to keep buying more pieces.
Also, Madi, sorry. I'll be with you in a few, but feel free to wander around the studio.
Just don't go into the room with the painted door, that space is mine.”
“Of course,” I said.
Exploring would be nice. There was something interesting to look at in every corner of the gallery. I offered the couple a smile before heading down the hall, rooting for Avery to make a huge sale. The cheery tone of her voice followed me like a ray of sunshine as I left them.
The rest of the studio was just as inviting as the front area. Countless pieces of art hung in the hallways. I recognized Avery's style in some of them. Other pieces were clearly from different artists.
I slowed as one at the very end of the hall caught my eye. Sunlight filtered in from skylights above, highlighting it in a way that made me feel like I was in a museum.
It was a large oil painting, nearly as tall as I was.
The massive piece was a landscape, but it felt like it was glowing all by itself. A golden sun set over the desert. Scarlet and orange clouds crested over fluffy, dusty purple ones. It was an overcast day split up by the ferocity of a Texas sun.
The landscape itself blurred as if someone were driving by, the details soft and blended together.
I felt like I was standing in a moment, fleeting and special because it was going to be gone in an instant.
Except it was right here in front of me, immortalized in a way that made me stand still and savor.
I got it now, why people came to this place. There was something about it. I made a mental note to check out the state park nearby, as I had a feeling the landscape was responsible for a lot of artists’ inspiration. Maybe it would loosen up my own creativity.
“My dad painted that one.”
I jumped and spun around. “Oh god,” I gasped.
“Sorry,” Avery laughed. She stepped up beside me, her arms crossed. "Didn't mean to scare you.”
“I’m just jumpy.” I looked at the painting again. “I keep hearing about your dad. Everyone talks about him.”
Her smile wilted with the edge of sadness. “It's hard not to. He was special.”
I swallowed hard. I didn’t mean to make her feel sad. “Did you get your art sold . . . ?”
“I actually talked them out of that one.”
“What?” I gasped. “But they wanted it. Wouldn’t that have been a big sale?”
“Yeah, but they want all of my work. I asked them to commission me for a series instead, and they're going to have an early dinner down the street to discuss it.
It's not that I don't want to sell the piece up front to them, but I'd like to have work for people who come through town too. I think if I threw paint at a canvas, those two would buy it.”
I laughed. “Oh my, what a curse.”
She snickered. “I know, I know. I’m being a little bratty about it. I’m very thankful for them, honestly. They’re funding our big house-building project.”
“You, Levi, and Mateo?”
“Yep. I’m excited. My dad would be thrilled.”
My smile stayed in place but softened as I focused on the art again. “This is a nosy question, but . . . Well, do you ever run into any issues? With having multiple partners and being in a small Texas town?”
Avery hummed. “Well, I’m lucky because I grew up here, so I know everyone.
I’m sure there are some folks who disapprove, but they haven’t said anything to us.
Most people here are very welcoming. They don’t care who you love because it’s none of their business.
” She nodded. “Whynot is a good town. It has its issues like any other place, but the people are good. It’s safe. And for that, I’m grateful.”
All of my assumptions about this place had been proven wrong so far. Not only was I impressed, it made me realize I’d been living in a bubble. Getting out of my comfort zone was turning out to be good for me in more ways than one.
“So your dad was an artist too? Is your mom one too?”
Avery shook her head. “Not at all.” She laughed. “No, she doesn’t have a single artistic bone in her body. You’ll meet her at some point, I’m sure. It’s a small town, so everyone has been gossiping about you and Dallas going to lunch.”
“Oh.” Oh. Now, I blushed. So that meant Avery knew we'd gone on a coffee date? So much for being sly about literally anything. “Uh . . .”
Avery held up a hand, a silver band with gems glistening on her ring finger. “Listen, before you feel awkward, Dallas is an adult. So are you. Contrary to how my brothers acted about me dating, I don't get involved in their love lives.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I sighed. “Dallas mentioned a little bit about overreacting to you dating, but I didn’t realize he was serious.”
Avery snickered. “Let me tell you my story. But you can't hold it against them. They're idiots, but Dallas and Austin meant well. Plus, Dallas was the voice of reason.”
“I want to hear all about it.”
She looped her arm in mine. “Excellent. I’ll show you the other rooms.”
I felt like I'd just made a new best friend.
Even though Avery was much shorter than me, she steered me around with ease. We drifted back down the hall toward an open doorway. “Okay so, you haven’t met Levi and Mateo yet. Levi used to be a hockey player. Mateo is a firefighter.”
“So what you’re saying is that they’re both hot and that you’re the luckiest girl in the world?”
Her smile turned into a satisfied smirk. “Yeah, they are. Mateo and I were friends for a couple years. I went to college at the University of Texas, and then came back home after my dad passed away. And he was here.”