“You have been living quite the life my friend. No tests or exams plus technically this counts as moving out, right?” Jack spoke wandering about Tom’s cottage.
“I can’t help you with your tests, but at least you aren’t forced to go to bed hungry when you’re broke” Tom responded staring at the main house.
“Why not just walk into the house and get something to eat. It’s not like your mum will want you hungry” Jack said
“Maybe not, but it’s like accepting I can’t live without her influence.” Tom sighed “Besides I’ve managed to sell some paintings, all of them to this girl who saw the Takuzwa portrait.” Tom said
“Shes bought all your paintings?” Jack retorted in surprise.
“Yeah she comes from serious money” Tom said besides himself
“How do you know?” Jack asked
“Her Dad is opening up a gallery, and for some reason he wants me to work with her and build it into something special. He is willing to fund us and everything.” Tom said
Jack whispered in surprise, “You are living your best life my friend”
“I meet them officially tomorrow, to see the space they have for us and sign the contract” Tom said scratching his head “To be completely honest it’s happening way to quick”
“What do you mean?” Jack asked.
“I’ve wanted this for the longest time, maybe I just didn’t bother admitting it at first because I already knew what my mum would say. And now it’s like everything is just working out. I’m really excited to be honest” Tom ranted on
***
Be smart, be careful, Tom remembered his mothers words as his stepped out of his chocolate Audi A4.
“Tom! Welcome” Kasoma said shaking Tom’s hand once he had entered the house.
“Thank you, Mr Kasoma. Nice house, in a really good area too” Tom replied starring out onto Great East Road.
“Thank you Tom you have a lovely eye, but this isn’t my house. It’s the space for your gallery” Kasoma said handing Tom and envelope. Iyanu drove through the gates of the gallery interrupting the conversation.
“Iyanu, such a pleasure you could join us” Kasoma welcomed Iyanu as she entered the house.
“Uncle Kasoma hi, sorry I’m late” Iyanu said giving Kasoma a hug.
“No worries, I was just catching Tom up, I’m sure you two have met. If you two need me I’m simply a call away” Kasoma said handing Iyanu an envelope.
“I just got here, isn’t this a meeting?” Iyanu said
“It is, but a meeting for the both of you. I’ve already sat down with you individually, knowing that you signed and agreed to the terms. You two will have to do everything from here on out. It is after all, your business.” Kasoma replied looking about the empty house
“Feel free to get in touch with me for any sort of advise. Welcome to your adventure” Kasoma said walking out the house leaving Tom and Iyanu alone.
“Before we start, I have to ask, how wealthy are you guys?” Tom asked
“I don’t know, it’s not my money” Iyanu replied uneasy
Tom sighed and they got down to business. Because Iyanu wasn’t very sure of her art her main duties would be all the administrative work. While Tom concentrated mostly on the creative work of filling the space with original pieces.
They fell into an awkward silence thinking of their biggest task at hand raising five thousand kwacha monthly to pay the rentals, at the end of the year.
Iyanu rushed to her car, grabbing a box of supplies left behind. She placed in on the floor, pulling out markers she begun to write on one of the manila papers she brought with her.
“Urgent, number 1 find K5000 monthly” Tom read aloud Iyanu’s list, as he sought out inspiration.
“I think we have done great work for today Iyanu let’s meet up again tomorrow same time afternoon yeah” Tom spoke as his phone lit up with an incoming call from Takuzwa.
“We’ve just started, can’t you see your girlfriend another day?” Iyanu asked.
“Its just our first day I didn’t expect us to be doing anything too hectic” Tom said looking towards his phone anxiously.
“A piece of advice, I know my old man. He didn’t accumulate whatever wealth he has by not working hard for it. If you’re not willing to work as hard as I am, tell me now. Uncle Kasoma and I can find another way to get this space working without you” Iyanu said folding her hands in defiance.
“Woah, where did that come from?” Tom asked in surprise
“Let’s just say, I’ve had my dreams of doing something artistic professionally crumble once because of another persons actions. I wont allow that to happen a second time” Iyanu said.
An intensity Tom had never felt before filled the air, as he picked up his phone, informing Takuzwa they would have to reschedule. Iyanu smiled as she returned to writing on her manila paper.
