Epilogue - Carlo
“This is so incredible, baby,” Tania whispers to me, looking around with the most proud expression on her face at my first ever art show.
She’s absolutely breathtaking in a long, strapless, black dress that skims every curve, and has gold accents that bring out the bronze of her skin.
Her hair is up in a complicated looking series of twists, which shows off the big gold earrings she has on.
We clean up well, I’d say. I’m feeling good in my best suit for the occasion, freshly shaved, and my wavy hair is as tame as it’ll get.
In spite of feeling good and having the most incredible woman in the world at my side, my nerves are shot tonight about the general public seeing and judging my sketches.
My art program at the community college submits a few selections from their students every year for this juried show, and I was lucky enough to have three of my pieces chosen by the panel of judges.
It’s great exposure if I want to be more serious about making money through my art.
The show is taking place in an opulent old mansion that is also often used for weddings.
My canvases are displayed together against the gold accented white walls, in between two of the columns that line the bright space.
The floor is a plush blue, white and gold patterned carpet, while an ornate chandelier dominates the ceiling.
A few servers pass around little bacon wrapped scallops, flutes of champagne, shrimp cocktail, and bruschetta. It feels so fancy.
Looking around the exhibition, I take in my other two entries next to Tania’s portrait.
I fine tuned my sketch of the Alella beach sunset for class and that made it in.
My rendering of my parents’ house also made it in, which made them so happy.
My mom cried when she saw it, and of course I made them one too to hang up at the house.
They’re right behind me and Tania, along with my sisters, Taran, Lyra, and Celeste, all of them murmuring about how much they love what I did, and remarking on the rest of the art on display as well.
I really love my classes, and I can’t wait to learn more.
Every time I master a new technique or try a new medium I get the most exhilarating sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
I’ve been able to experiment with watercolor, charcoal, oil paints, and even some sculpting with modeling clay.
Sketching is still my favorite, but watercolor has become a very close second, so hopefully at some point I’ll get good enough to enter some paintings into shows as well.
I’m not sure I’ll ever make a living as an artist, but doing shows like this and possibly making extra money from pieces I sell is such a high.
I’m still at the FedEx hub full time, because Don got himself fired without any help from me.
Too many people started to complain about his little power trips with scheduling and vacation time to Jacob, so it turns out Tania and I were just the tip of the iceberg.
I’ve actually been promoted to be Jacob’s second in command now, covering for him when he isn’t working.
Karma truly takes no prisoners, and it’s beautiful.
I’m brought back out of my thoughts with a sweet kiss to my cheek.
Tania whispers that she’ll be right back and wanders off to look at some of the other art.
I feel my dad come up and clap a hand to my shoulder.
“Mijo, this is what I meant when I said I want you to find something you’re passionate about. You have so much talent, and I’m beyond proud of you,” he says, bringing me into a fierce hug. Tears threaten to sting my eyes.
“Thank you, Papi,” I whisper, and he seems to get why I’m emotional as he hugs me more tightly.
The two of us have had some deep and sweaty conversations about his pride, my stubbornness, the clashes we’ve had, and the comments we’ve made.
It’s been slow and steady progress since he owned up to putting unrealistic expectations on me all of those months ago.
He made several heartfelt apologies for the cutting comments about my job and life choices.
I owned up to making trouble and purposely bucking every single one of his expectations out of spite instead of focusing on what I really want out of life.
This moment between us is what I’ve been craving.
My dad is proud of me for forging my own path and finding my passion, not becoming a lawyer like him.
It’s pride in me for being exactly who I am, not who he wanted me to be, and it means everything to finally feel truly seen by him.
More and more, I’ve felt less like the black sheep of the family as I’ve grown more content and settled, in both my work and my life in general.
The rest of my family, including Lyra, Taran, and Celeste, all congratulate and hug me, as they gather around in the most supportive circle ever.
Their love and my dad’s words help soothe my nerves as I see people starting to look at my sketches.
I step up and introduce myself, chatting with them and informing them about the pieces.
They all have insightful and wonderful things to say, which means a lot.
Tania hangs back, ready to be at my side if I need her, but letting me do my thing.
I motion for her to come over and pull her in close, my arm sliding around her waist.
“This incredible woman is the subject of that portrait you’re all looking at.
She’s my muse, my love, and her name is Tania,” I say proudly to the art patrons standing there.
They coo and applaud, telling us both how wonderful and alive the piece is.
She charms them with her smile and knowledge about art.
Once all of the glad-handing is over, I end up selling all 3 for a decent amount of money.
One of the people who bought my beach sketch tells me I am definitely an up and coming talent, and he will be keeping a close eye on me.
Glowing with that praise, I chat with my family and friends as we enjoy the rest of the show.
It’s a perfect night with my favorite people in the world.
When Tania and I get back home, we immediately get into comfy clothes and flop on the couch. She crawls into my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck as she kisses my cheek.
“You freaking did that, baby. You sold all three sketches in the show.” I drop a kiss to her forehead and then tip her head up to kiss her properly.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, mi sueno. Your portrait started the buying frenzy, and your support has been everything,” I whisper onto her mouth.
The cats jump up and start crawling all over us, and I soak in the moment.
Me, the woman of my dreams, our fur children, and this beautiful life we’ve built.
I have my promotion at work and my art, while she is quickly becoming a sought after tattoo artist because of her talented and ingenious designs.
Tania once told me that I’m like a care package who made her feel so accepted and loved.
Now I think we’re both wrapped up in that beautiful package she described together, taking care of each other, supporting each other, and I never want to live my life any other way ever again.