Unexpected: A Year to Remember

Chapter Three

**Edited and republished on 7/16/2019**

Brandon

I had always liked the flea market; it was where I sold a large amount of my work to help fund the rest of the year. The people around here enjoyed supporting locals- so I tailored some of my pieces to cater to that and I had to admit that I on occasion jacked up the price. We could afford it up here, I'd admit that too...

But what I couldn't admit was the shock I'd have when I turned around and saw her. Damn she was gorgeous right off the bat... Shoulder length hair that seemed to be full of perfect Hollywood ringlets, and striking blue eyes against her dark skin that made them look like they were staring into your soul, gently coaxing out your deepest secrets. I didn't even know her, and yet I felt captivated anyway, like I wanted to get to know her.

But I felt my phone go off in my back pocket seconds before I started talking to her- right. Caroline, I had a girlfriend. I couldn't forget that; I was seeing her later....

"Finding everything okay?" I asked, making the first approach anyway and it happened to catch her off guard just slightly. Her body barely jumped but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly before speaking.

"Oh yes. I just happened to see this stunning piece of art and it drew me in. It's just so beautiful- I couldn't help it..." I had to admit that I was a little taken back from the compliment. Usually people didn't speak about my art so deeply, it impressed and flattered me at the same time. She finally looked up, her soft voice fading as our eyes met for the first time and I smiled a little at her.

I opened my mouth to respond but she plowed on, her calm demeanor becoming shy and a little awkward which I had to admit was damn cute. I hadn't expected that from her, but it worked in its own special way. I half expected her to be far more brash and confident in her words, but she was quiet and calm which was incredibly refreshing. "I'm sorry, that must've sounded incredibly stupid." She apologized hastily and I laughed a little.

"Well, thank you. I've never had someone talk about my artwork that way." I sheepishly remarked and that must've surprised her. Most people assume that I'm the mastermind behind these creations, I guess she thought I was just a friend of the vendor or something else.

"Oh my god you painted this?" She asked, her tone changing to one of surprise and intrigue as her eyes became a little excited. I enjoyed seeing a reaction like this about something that I considered trifle in life, but at this moment to her it was huge and that felt a little nice to be honest...

"Yes, I did. Took me a while until it felt just right." I loosely explained and shrugged, bringing forth another smile.

"You have an amazing talent." She encouraged, shrugging nonchalantly, attempting to act can about it now, but her striking eyes still held a little sparkle of excitement and I couldn't help but want to watch them dance as she spoke. "How much for it?"

I took a step towards her, glancing at her face again before moving my gaze down to the piece and flipping it over gently in my hands. "One hundred dollars."

"Makes sense. It's large enough to sell at that price." She softly agreed, looking at it thoughtfully. I could tell that she was debating the purchase, weighing her options before coming to a final decision. I couldn't help but watch her face as she waged a mental discussion with herself; noting the way her brows furrowed slightly, she bit her lip in deep concentration. I wanted to watch her do that all day...

"You look torn about it." I observed and it caused a few nervous chuckles.

She lowered her gaze slightly, away from mine and back to the piece. "A little... Just seeing if it works into my budget. But god I really want it!" She groaned and pushed her hair back, the move so simple yet graceful at the same time.  She glanced up again to my amused expression, causing a nervous smile to appear. I wanted to see her again, even if it was just a hello. I weighed my own options before coming to a logical conclusion just to get her smiling one last time.

"How about this, I'll put it on hold for you, okay? Stop by before you leave and if you can afford it with your budget, then it's yours." I gently offered and found myself smiling at her face- it lit up like it was her birthday or something. Her eyes against her skin were just as animated as when she first walked over, her lips spread in a large grin and her hands tightened slightly around the cup of cocoa she had been grasping during our encounter.

"Seriously? Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I'll stop by before I go, I swear. It's calling to me- screaming at me. I just want to make sure I have enough first." She hastily explained and I chuckled, grasping the painting firmly to show her that I meant my word. And yes, I did mean it, but I also just wanted to see her again before she was gone forever. I typically didn't have many regulars considering the type of art that I did, so I saw all types of people here and usually just once. Her? I couldn't let that happen...

"Don't worry about it," I smiled at her, unable to hide my own shred of happiness. "I'm Brandon by the way," I introduced, holding out a hand and internally cringing at the fact that there was paint- dried paint all over it.

"Sadie," She shyly introduced herself back and I liked how it sounded.

"You from around here?"

"I grew up across town actually. Now I'm in Manchester."

"No way, so am I. And can I just say that you have great taste in art Sadie," I gently teased, my face surprised yet happy that a girl like her was close by. They seemed rare nowadays.

Her next words were so casual, so nonchalant that it took me a few moments to realize what she had just said. "Oh, thank you. That tends to happen when your dad curate's art for the Wadsworth."

I was in shock. The god damn Wadsworth! They had a local artist showcase every fall and I was always too chicken to submit any of my work to see if they'd accept it. They would only take three local applicants a year and take five pieces from each. It was exclusive as hell. At the end of autumn, you could buy the pieces and 10% of the proceeds went to local charities and the rest to the artist. God if I sold five pieces, I'd have enough money to rent a studio for a while. A real studio...

"No way, seriously?" I asked, still processing the news and she nodded, a little taken back at my interest, yet chuckled anyway.

"Dead serious. He loves it- so do I. He helps bring in some interesting collections that draw crowds for the summertime." Sadie explained. "I should tell him about you, he likes to bring in local artists for the fall when tourists are here. Help keep some money in the state." She chuckled at her joke and rolled her eyes, causing the corner of my mouth to turn up a little.

I couldn't ask her to put my name out there like that, it was like knowing the director and then getting a lead role! It wasn't right.... "You really don't have to; I don't want you to feel obligated in any way..." I shook my head, trying to be gently dismissive about it. I could get there on my own...

But she pressed on, this girl was determined to get my art known one way or another. "I'm being honest. Like I said earlier. You have talent." That caused me to smile again and she returned it.

I found myself standing there like an idiot for a few moments until my brain decided to work and I looked away towards my backpack on the floor. "Well here, let me give you at least my card so you don't forget to come back." I offered, taking a few steps back from her towards my usual spot behind the counter.

"That would be awesome thank you." She smiled a little, her head tilting just slightly to the left. I took my time, not rushing through placing the picture down and rummaging through my bag even though I knew exactly where they were.

"Here you go,"

"Thank you," She looked at it for a few moments, studying the stupid piece of cardstock before gently sliding it into her front right pocket for safe keeping. She began to take a few steps back and glanced at me again, which I took as an opportunity to just say her name- just once so I wouldn't ever forget.

Our eyes met and I couldn't help but say something incredibly stupid. "I hope that you come back for your painting, Sadie..."

"I will, I promise." She shylyremarked and I felt like it might've been less stupid than I had thought. Wekept our eyes locked for a few more moments as she backed away ever so slowly,finally being the first to break away and leave me alone once again. I wasseriously hoping that she'd come back. I wanted to talk to her again already.