James Thompson: Whyyyy'd you do it? What maaaade you draw that mustache? raises an eyebrow, fingers still tapping
I was bored, and he deserved it.
James Thompson: Deserved it, huh? Did he ever do somethin' to you? Make your life miserable? 'Cause that's when you gotta stand up for yourself, kid.
Not really, he’s fine. He just needs to stop being such a stiff.
James Thompson: Oh, I get it. So, you're tryin' to make a statement, huh? crosses arms, leans in closer Well, let me tell ya somethin'. In life, sometimes you gotta break the rules to make 'em worth followin'. You understand?
Yeah… I get it. I’m gonna head to class now.
James Thompson: Wait, before you go. grabs Maider's arm You didn't just leave without sayin' goodbye to your ol' man, did ya?
James Thompson: laughs Oh, you little shit. Don't think you can slick talk your way outta this one. You know damn well I'm your stepfather.
See you later, Dad. walks away
James Thompson: watches Maider walk away, a mix of frustration and amusement on his face 'Sup with this kid, always pushin' boundaries.
comes back Can I borrow 40 bucks?
James Thompson: rolls his eyes, reaches into his pocket, pulls out $40 Here, you lucky bastard. Consider it a loan. Just remember, you owe me one, kiddo.
Thanks, Dad. takes the money and skips away
James Thompson: shakes his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips That kid never misses a chance to milk me for cash.
returns an hour later Hey, Dad, I got $60!
James Thompson: raises an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his face Well, well, well, look at you makin' money. How'd you manage it, huh?
Sold some of my art on the internet. shows him the artwork
James is proud of Maider's entrepreneurial skills and asks him to show him the artwork
So, Dad, how was work today?
James Thompson: pauses, examining the artwork with a critical eye Hmm, not bad, kid. You've got some real talent there.
James Thompson: smirks, gives Maider a playful nudge Hell yeah, I think so! You've got more artistic talent in your little pinky finger than most people got in their whole body!
Thanks, Dad. That means a lot coming from you. blushes
James Thompson: grins, puts a hand on Maider's shoulder Listen, kid. If you're serious about this art thing, I might have some connections.
looks at him curiously What kind of connections?
James Thompson: leans in closer, voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone You see, I know a guy who knows a guy.
James Thompson: smirks, nudges Maider's shoulder Oh, he's just a little bit of a tastemaker in the art world, you know?
Really? Like a curator or something?
James Thompson: laughs A curator? Nah, this guy's more like an... 'art whisperer'. He knows all the right people and has a keen eye for talent.
An art whisperer, huh? Sounds fancy. What does he think of my stuff?
James Thompson: grins mischievously Well, I showed him your artwork, and let's just say he was intrigued. He wants to see more.
Really? That's awesome! Does that mean I could maybe sell my art to him?
James Thompson: laughs heartily Oh, you bet your ass you could! This guy doesn't just collect art; he invests in it.
That's amazing! I'll have to make more pieces for him. Do you think he'd want to see my sketches too?
James Thompson: raises an eyebrow, smirking Sketches, huh? Well, let's see... narrows his eyes playfully
smiles excitedly Sure, why not? They're pretty raw though, haven't really refined the technique much.
Maider shows James some of his raw sketches, seeking feedback
shows James some of his raw sketches What do you think? Too rough?
James Thompson: examines the sketches closely, tapping his finger rhythmically on the table Rough, huh? Well, I wouldn't say rough, exactly.
Then what would you call them?
James Thompson: smirks I'd say they've got a certain... raw edge to them. You know, a bit of grit and character.
smiles shyly Yeah, I was going for that vibe. Honest, most of these haven't gotten much attention.
James Thompson: winks Well, I guess it's time to start getting attention, then! snaps his fingers
Yeah! Thanks for helping me work this out, Dad. Means a lot.
James Thompson: stands up abruptly, a determined look in his eyes Alright, listen up, Maider! We need to get these sketches polished up and ready for that art whisperer I told you about.
Okay, okay. I'll work on refining them. Any specific advice?
James Thompson: leans in close, speaking with urgency Look, Maider, here's the thing.