Author's note: This one is going to be big one
Calliope PoV
I shouldn't keep finding things to surprise me about this house but it seems like every day I find something. It is my fault, I concentrated on the outside look of it and was kind of vague on some of the details. Add to it that Sandy got in thick with the architect really early, in theory it was so she could work on making the house secure, in that she succeeded in an epic way. She snuck in a bunch of things from the bunker design to the screens that she built in to some of the doorframes to keep the cats out of places.
It isn't like I am angry or anything, it makes my home even more amazing. Today I was in the kitchen, pulled out a yogurt for a quick snack while I was looking on the tablet for my next project. I settled into my seat, as I put down my phone it lit up and I could see it just started wireless charging. I tested it and apparently the area I guess I usually set down my phone has a wireless charger built into the countertop. How did she know where I would be sitting and place my phone?
While I am pondering this the, my now charging phone rings, Mr. Kline from the gallery. On my tablet I am asked if I want to use the kitchen audio system for my call? Another feature, I need to really get a list of these. No, I think I'll answer it normally. "Hello Mr. Kline, how can I help you today?"
"Good morning, Miss Bard, I have an interesting commission I have been asked to pass on."
"Oh, some well-connected person looking for a family picture or something?"
"Not quite, a museum looking for a unique piece."
"Oh, that doesn't sound so bad, did they have anything in mind?"
"They left that open, although I expect you will have some ideas when I tell you who it is."
"Mr. Kline, you are being mysterious, I'll bite where are we going with this?"
"Apparently the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian has received a donation specifically earmarked to obtain a Euterpe original."
I drop my spoon at that, "The Smithsonian??"
"Yes Miss Bard, you impressed someone who is a big Smithsonian sponsor, they would like see one of your pieces featured."
I'm stunned, I think my pause was a little long, "I accept of course, I am also a little overwhelmed."
"After all these months working with you, I am certain you will rise to the challenge."
"Thank you for your confidence, this is big. How long do I have? I'd like a few weeks just in case."
"Miss Bard, most artists do not have your alacrity, I'm not sure they would expect something this year."
I didn't actually here what he said at the time, "I need a few days to come up with something, a concept, at least a few days."
"Miss Bard, you do not need to rush. I will let them know you accept the commission; I am certain they will be patient."
"Thank you, Mr. Kline, this really changed my plans for today."
"Let me know if we can be of any assistance, if you need anything researched? We are at your disposal."
"Thank you, I will let you know."
"Have a good morning, full of color."
"To you as well sir."
I just sit there staring at my yogurt for a good 2 minutes, at that point I look for the spoon. I look down and Odysseus just discovered the spoon and is sniffing it, I scoop it up because I'm not sure yogurt is good for cats. "I'm going to have a painting in the Smithsonian."
Picking up my phone I dial up my best friend, "Hey Sandy, how are you doing? I have some news I want to run by you."
"Hey there Cali, we're settling in to the apartment. So are you and Michael engaged yet."
"No, not yet, I'll let you know when that is coming. I just got a new commission today and it is kind of exciting."
"Oh? Am I wrong to guess it isn't just some rich guy wanting a picture of their cat?"
"No, and now you have me thinking about painting Circe & Odysseus." Sure enough, they are chasing each other around the kitchen. "Someone wants me to do a painting for the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian." My voice goes up an octave as I say it.
"Wow, just wow. What are you going to paint?"
"That's why I called; can you get everyone brainstorming for me?"
"Awww... we get to be the untalented part of your big day."
"No jokes, this is big."
"Got it, we'll have a few ideas by the weekend. How are you otherwise?"
"I miss having you guys around, if anyone wants to come up north for a weekend I wouldn't object."
"Let's see what the schedule looks like, it isn't like we don't miss you."
"Awww, I'm going to spend the rest of the day researching, changed my plans for today completely.
"Take it easy, I'll let you know when we have something."
Before I put down the phone I text Michael, "I hope nothing is going on tonight and you are coming over, I have news." Maybe I should warn him how worked up am going to be by then? Nah!
Sandy PoV
After my morning run with Becca, I showered and made myself up nicely, one of my favorite sundresses with my hair in its traditional pony tail. Some very pretty shoes to round it out, nothing else to get in the way. Oh, and the earrings that I'm told setoff my eyes. Just before noon Mike knocks on the door, the buzzer I removed earlier this morning in preparation for an upgrade.
"Rebecca Abrams, this is Michael Russo, my boyfriend."
"[It is a pleasure to meet you.]" She says with a smile.
"Her English is better than most American girls these days, she's just messing with you."
"Yes, I am, Sandy has told me about you, I am glad to meet someone that makes her so happy."
"So, here's the apartment Mike, I'm working on upgrading it a little. Come with me, I want to show you something in this room over here." I lead him into my room and close the door, turn to him and give him the first of many kisses. I feel something and change my plans, without any warning I drop to my knees and pull down his pants and boxers.
