章節 2: My Freelance Job
"So, where are you headed off to so early in the morning?" Ryder and Blake pointed at themselves because they thought Lorenzo was asking them but the eldest in the household shook his head. "I know you are going to that library thirty minutes away from here. Why would you do that when there is one two blocks away? And you, you always leave for the studio at this time. Vivian here is dressed very elegantly, could that be her power?"
"I need to find a larger library to do more research. Of course, a jock like you would not remember how to find information that is not on the internet." Blake grinned and ducked after Lorenzo chucked an apple core at the youngest. They both knew Blake was being sarcastic but Lorenzo loves showing off his biceps. Blake dusted his precious lab coat and pushed his glassed up the bridge of his nose. "You can pick that up. Cinderella, make sure you wipe that spot well!"
As the twins put their shoes on, Ryder asked his brother who he was in the story of Lorenzella. Blake showed his fun side by saying Ryder would be the other stepsister. Ryder looked shocked, as if he had forgotten Cinderella had two sisters and I find it funny how Ryder wanted to be the crueler sister. "There is a cruel sister, right? I mean, they are both mean but I want to be evil!"
The doors closed and after they locked the door Ryder's loud voice fades as they walk away from the unit. Lorenzo waits for me by the coat hanger with a random pair of knee high combat boots hanging around his neck. We have a tradition of picking each other's shoes that started ever since we were kids. Others tease us for acting like a couple but I do not know if other friends in platonic relationships have their own weird traditions.
I looked at my outfit which consisted of a white turtleneck, a black bomber jacket, leather pants and a tote bag that holds my work and superpowers. I had to say that his styling has improved during the year because there was one time when he gave me running shoes that are comfortable but I was wearing a sundress.
"I will find your superpower," Lorenzo whispers in my ear as I bend to slip the shoes on. I looked up to see his glistening teeth that could blind the eye and all I can think of if they were pure white or a slight shade darker. My friend saw my bewildered expression but slaps my back as if to ease the rising tension. "And when I do, it will be awesome!"
"Yeah, I believe in you Lorenzo but I have a customer I need to meet." I checked my pockets for my phone, keys and a sharpened pencil. I'm ready to meet the first customer ever since I finished my last project but I know I will get cold feet when I actually meet the customer. He said he wanted to meet at his company but if I rode my bike it would take about forty minutes if traffic isn't bad. I would take public transportation but there are still a lot of people going to work at six.
"You are riding your bike again?" I nod and Lorenzo looked reluctant to let me go. After moments of silence and Brett's background noise, Lorenzo opened the door to the balcony where we stored our bikes. He checked the bell which sent a row of pigeons flying from the railings. "Be careful, you hear me? I was riding the other day and almost got ran over by some fancy guy. Do you have the can of Fabreeze, pepper spray and dog repellent?"
I nod and pull out the three cans of protection. Brett calls them the Guardians and sometimes I wonder if he is addicted to games or not. He is a game tester which makes his lifestyle slightly understandable. It is a wonder how he does not need glasses or contact lenses. "I hope I do not have to use the Fearsome Fabreeze."
Brett whoops in the background like he always does when someone uses the names he gives to everyday objects. Fearsome Fabreeze can act as air fresheners after a long battle with constipation or it could be trickery according to Brett. He spent a week painting and perfecting the outer layer of the purple can until it looks like metal.
"I have been trained to recognize poisonous fumes but I would be terrified to see an unmarked metal can I would sprint. Do you remember how to hold it?" He nods in satisfaction when I exaggerate a pose that we always see in superhero movies. "Also, you better not leak your superpower to anyone else. Who knows if you can make diamonds. Greedy people would surely love that."
"But that isn't my power," I secured the tote bag in the basket hanging from my bike. Lorenzo opened the door for me and helped me to the elevator. He wanted to drop me off at the lobby but I told him to go back up and rest. "I will be fine."
"I know but there are some crazy things happening out there. You are also a female, of course I would worry." He tapped the pocket holding my phone and reminded me to call him when I arrive at my customer's company building. "If anything seems suspicious do not eat, drink or breathe in the building. Which number am I on your speed dial?"
"I think you are number two. 911 is always number one." I laugh when Lorenzo pretends to imitate one of his students who always throw temper tantrums. He smiles and waved me away as he spun on his feet. I waved at his retreating back, "Rest well! I will be back before you know it. I might get you your favorite cupcake from Hao's Bakery on the way back."
I slowly brought my bicycle down the short flight of concrete stairs while trying to dodge seagulls scattered on different steps. Once I reach the sidewalk I took a whiff of the crisp morning air. Living right beside a Great Lake is the best place for inspiration. Living with four guys in a busy city beside a lake was surely not what I wrote in elementary school for the 'When I grow up I want to be...' boxes.
I rechecked my inventory and when I am sure I have everything I need, I hopped onto the bike. I zipped up my jacket pockets as I recalled the time I learned the hard way that riding with open pockets could be dangerous for my phone and keys. I have lost my previous phone and Brett had to buy me another one because he was worried whenever I went out without one of the boys.
I stepped on the pedals and rode onto the lane for bicycles, keeping to the curb as closely as possible. As I rode through the urban streets I counted Uber cars as they went by, wondering what the story of the individual drivers were and where they were going. If they are on the road at six, they must have started very early but customers would be needing them later in the day so I do not know why so many are out at this time.
I made a sharp turn to the right and looked at the smartwatch on my wrist to read the time. I still have more than enough time to stop by my favorite flower shop for inspiration. I rode into the bars for bicycles and dismounted while retrieving my tote bag from the basket. I slung the bag over my shoulders and tried to fix my hair using the windows.
"Viv! How many times have I told you not to stick your face into the window? You are scaring my babies." The door of the shop opened which made a set of windchimes sing. I slowly turn my head to the side, straightening myself quickly. The best florist I know had a pot of different succulents in her hands.
"Ah, I forgot the roses are pricks." We both grin at the pun I made and without invitation I walk past her to look around the cozy shop. Soft music that seems fit for mediation plays in the background. "I just wanted to get a flower for inspiration. What is the flower of the day, Melina?"
"Daffodils! Symbolizes rebirth, fresh starts and all that jazz." Melina brought a small pot from the wooden counter. In the cute container decorated with stickers is a single stem with the bright flowering top. "This one is free since you created the stickers. The kids love them! I think you should try using social media to gain more exposure though."
"I hear it's a good idea for artists but I don't think I am dedicated nor confident enough. I just finished a small project that paid really well and I'm also on my way to meet a customer." I gratefully take the daffodil from her outstretched hands. I give her a wink as I backed out of her shop, "Thanks Melina. I will be sure to make another set of stickers for your store."
"Alright, take your time. If you do not think you can manage a social media account yourself I can help. The shop is not so busy around this time of year until some holiday comes along." Melina watched as I reorganized my stuff. She adjusted the flower pot and shook the handbars, satisfied when the pot seems secure. "Good luck! Whoever you are meeting would be shocked to see your skill."
"Oh," I chuckled as I mounted my metal steed. I should be leaving the block any minute now if I want to be fifteen minutes early to the meeting. "I like working at my own pace. I think being a freelancing artist has its difficulties but that's the same with every job. You say caring for plants makes you feel magical and I feel magical when I draw. I'll be seeing you soon. Maybe for setting up social media accounts just for fun. We can post about flowers and art!"
"You mean me as in we? Alright, I might quickly make an Instagram account and I'll post the daily flowers until you come around again. Bye Vivian!" We wave at each other and said our byes. Melina walked back into her store and I continued on my way, watching buildings and cars as I fly past them. After the great start of the day I am full of ideas for my customer. Let's meet him first before I get too excited.
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