Page 96 of The King Contract
I cover my face. “I like wearing a mask.”
Noah peels my fingers back. “It’s time to let people see you, Maelstrom. Slap your name proudly on your work. Don’t be ashamed of trying.”
Every time I imagine printing out my work, signing them, putting them on display, anxiety butterflies kick in. They start to dance, whispering words of self-doubt and hesitation, as well as drops of potential.What if I could make a career out of this one day? Noah’s right, I do have a decent following online, but it’s always felt safe and secure because I’ve never shared my identity. This is leaving the nest. This is complete exposure.
“What do you think?” Noah prompts.
“I like the idea of using the store,” I agree. “But I think something during opening hours would be better. That way regulars and tourists can come in and have a look without the pressure. I don’t want anyone pretending to be interested.”
Noah snorts. “No one will be pretending, but I see your point.”
“Most of my photos are beach or nature themed, with humans as the features. It’d fit in with the beachy vibe of the store and I could also put them in without shouting they’re mine. Maybe put them on the shelves and see if we get any bites. We take artwork from locals all the time.”
Noah shakes his head. “You’re such a chicken.”
“It’s a step up from doing nothing!”
“Exclusive photography exhibit with champagne,” Noah insists.
“Why does there have to be champagne?” I cry.
“If one of your friends wrote a book, what would you do?” he asks, crossing his arms. “You’d celebrate them. Throw them a book launch party. If one of your friends wrote music or starred in a movie, you’d celebrate it. You’d host a screening and tell everybody.”
“You don’t have to throw a party every time someone creates something,” I argue.
“But youshould,” Noah runs a hand through his brown locks, his curls bouncing. “When I win the championship next year, I expect a month of celebrations.”
“That’s different.”
“It’s not.” Noah grabs my hands. “You’ve got to celebrate the big and small and everything in between. Life’s too short, Maelstrom. Show off what you can do in style.”
I sigh, studying Noah’s earnest face as I process his words. He’s adamant about me doing this and after a few seconds of me pausing for too long, he grins in victory.
My shoulders drop in resignation. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Noah retrieves his phone from his pocket. “My phone’s dead. Give me yours so I can use the calendar.”
“Invest in a better phone,” I say, handing him mine. “Or better yet. Remember to charge yours.”
“Why? So people can pester me all day? No, thank you. Let’s look at dates.”
By the time we eventually agree on a date that might work (a Saturday afternoon less than three weeks from today), I’m about ready to revert to my stance against the entire idea.
“The fact neither of us can make any of these suggested dates should be a sign,” I huff. “The date we’ve picked is the same day as our free haircuts morningandthe Salt Skin event.”
Noah grins. “You ain’t wiggling out of this. I’ll take one of the boys to the event while you get it set up. We’ll be back in time for it, and it’ll give me a great excuse to do my business rounds and leave. I’m texting Ellis.”
I glare at him as he types with my phone. “While we’re at it, can you charge your phone, please? What if there’s an emergency and I need to cancel the event?”
Noah shakes his head, placing my phone on the coffee table. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I like beingbehindthe camera,” I remind him. “Not in front of it like you. You fame whore.”
Noah’s mouth drops open in mock surprise. “How dare you insinuate I’m a fame whore.”
“You live for the attention.”
Noah narrows his eyes before he lunges for me, tackling me to my back on the couch. I shriek with surprise as he nuzzles his face into my neck, nipping at the delicate skin. “You’re getting more lippy the more we hang out.”
