Chapter 40: Next Step

The very next month, Sharon had painted a new batch of wonderful art. The shop was lively and different people browsed through her newest collection.

One man in particular approached Hector.

"Buenos días, señor. Have you found one that you like?" Hector asked his potential customer politely.

"Not yet. I wanted to ask a question about the artist that made these beautiful paintings. I was here about a month ago when you had a different collection at the time so, being an art enthusiast which l am, I couldn't help but notice certain similarities between these paintings and those from last month. Were they painted by the same artist?" The man asked in curiosity.

"They were actually," Hector replied.

"And who is this artist? I have to meet the creator of these magnificent paintings," the man said in a way that sounded almost like he was begging.

"I'm sorry, señor..,?"

"Diego! Diego Aguilera" The man introduced himself.

"I'm sorry, señor Diego, but the artist wishes to remain anonymous for personal reasons."

"But why? Why would anyone not want to take credit for such a masterpiece?" Señor Diego was in awe.

"I do not know, señor, but if you have any specific requests, she has agreed to take on contracts. Just give me a description of what you would like and in a week's time, it will be available for you," Hector informed the man.

He and Sharon had apparently agreed to take orders which would be separate from the usual twelve paintings she would provide monthly. The money earned from these specific orders went straight to Sharon personally.

"Ahhh! So it's a woman that painted these?" Señor Diego said in a quirky manner.

"How did you know she was a woman?" Hector wasn't sure how he knew that.

"You just told me. You said 'She' has agreed to handle contracts. In that case, maybe I will submit a request. I plan to take a trip to America in a few months. I wish to take a painting as a gift for a very important person whose favour I seek to gain. So, I'll keep coming back here from time to time before my trip to see more of the artist's work, and then, if I remain impressed, I'll ask for something specific," Señor Diego said.

"That sounds great, Señor. We will be waiting for you."

The man took his leave and Hector was a bit puzzled by him. He was a peculiar fella but all in all, seemed like a regular art enthusiast who craved perfection.

Sharon was inside the living area of the building, unwilling to come out into the shop.

"Sharon, just come. What are you so worried about?" Victoria said, grabbing her hand and trying to pull her into the shop.

"I don't want people to know that I'm the artist. You've told me that my paintings have become very popular and I don't want people to talk about me too much." Sharon sounded unreasonable.

"You're just worried about someone finding out who you are and telling that Addicus man that you're here. Sharon, there's no way that that man can find you here. You're safe from him. You have to let go of the past," Victoria told her.

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About three months later, Sharon, Hector, and Victoria were having dinner and they were having a conversation about expanding the business. They were having so many customers but only in one part of San Jose. Hector brought up the conversation after deliberating about it himself and decided to share his ideas of expansion with his sister and his partner.

"So, girls. I've been thinking about something and I wanted to get your opinions about it," Hector started to say.

"What is it, Hector?" Victoria asked.

"OK, so you girls know that we've been doing really well in sales and so many people come here to buy their paintings. Residents, visitors, tourists, everyone comes here. \*\*'Imaginación'\*\*, \[which was the name of Hector's art shop\] is the biggest and the number one art shop in Barrio Escalante, so why can't we expand beyond the neighbourhood and enter into more?" Hector said excitedly, already imagining the future.

"You want to create another branch in a different location?" Victoria couldn't believe her ears.

"Yes, I do. And I know what you're going to say; it's a lot of work, it's going to take a lot of money to get it to happen and if we have two shops, then Sharon's going to have to paint even more in order to fill up both shops with her art."

"True, true. it's quite the undertaking, hermano, but I think we should do it," Victoria said with an approving smile.

"You do?" Hector didn't expect her to be so optimistic and chill about the whole idea.

"Of course, I do. This is your dream; to be the biggest art dealer in all of Costa Rica, and this is the first big step you have to take to make that dream a reality. Don't you think it's a good idea, Sharon?" Victoria asked.

"Me? Why are you even asking for my opinion? This is your business; the both of you, not mine," Sharon said.

"Of course, your opinion is important. You are part of this business now. You're a partner and my number one artist and you also have knowledge and experience about paintings and the market because you did this for a living back in America," Hector put in, trying to convince her of her importance and relevance in their personal and professional lives.

Sharon was flattered. She was overcome with joy and her heart was glad. These people have accepted her into their home, their hearts, and now, their dreams as well. What more could she ask for?

"Ok, then! If we're going to do this, then we have to make plans; big plans," Sharon said enthusiastically.

"I already have it all figured out. We've made an incredible amount of profit since we stopped purchasing art from other dealers and having Sharon paint them all. According to my calculations, and if we're met by some good fortune and loyal, consistent patronage, if we continue like this for six more months or so, we'll make enough money to buy a shop in Cristo Rey, which is one of the biggest art-loving tourist fish trap in all of San Jose with enough money left over to design and redo the place, make it shiny and nice," Hector said.

"But, what about the paintings? We can't have Sharon paint both shops every month. It'll be too much for her," Victoria informed, and Sharon nodded in agreement.

"I'd love to say that I could do it all but it would be biting off more than I could chew," Sharon said.

"You wouldn't have to because we would also have enough money to purchase new paintings as we did before. But this time, from legitimate dealers with no strings attached. Then we'd mix it up; Sharon's paintings and the ones we'll get. That way, we have more variety and more patronage," Hector said with a confident smile.

Victoria and Sharon looked at each other and smiled in approval of Hector's plans.

"I just thought about something," Sharon said, "who's going to man the other shop if it's in a completely different neighbourhood far away from this one where we all live?"

Hector hadn't thought about this and was silent. Who could he get for the job? He wondered.

"I think I know someone that would be perfect for the job," Victoria said, causing Hector to raise a puzzled brow.

"Who did you have in mind?" Hector asked.

"My friend, Pedro," Victoria replied with a smile.

"Pedro?! No way. I don't think that's a good idea, Victoria?" Hector said with derision.

"Why? Because of his 'bad reputation'? Is that it?" Victoria was already offended.

"This is a big step we want to take, Vic. This is the biggest thing either of us has ever done. I just don't think your friend Pedro will show the amount of commitment and interest that I want," Hector explained his concerns.

"You're only saying this because you haven't met him yet and you dont know him like I do. He's a good kid, Hermano. He's a hard worker and he's trustworthy too," Victoria added.

"Okay, now you're just being sentimental. How can he be trustworthy if he stole from his own parents?"

"That was a long time ago, Hector. He's changed. All he needs right now is someone to give him a chance to prove that he's a different and better person now," Victoria said as convincingly as she could.

Hector put down his spoon and contemplated it in his head. He didn't want to take a risk with his business, but he was human after all. He too had made some bad choices as a child and maybe, he thought, Pedro should be given a chance first before judging him.

"Okay look, Vic. Even if I wanted to give him the opportunity, we need someone who lives in Cristo Rey or at least close by. He lives here in Barrio Escalante. It's too long a trip to go back and forth every day," Hector made a good point but he knew his headstrong sister would find a way to counter it.

"Cristo Rey isn't that far from Sabana. Just a few minutes by foot. Pedro has family in Sabana. He could stay with them while he works for you," Victoria thought.

"Are you talking about his parents? They kicked him out of the house. Do you really think they'll take him back in if he just walks up to them and apologize?" Hector asked.

"I'm sure that they would if they saw how much he's changed and how hard he's trying to be a better person."

"Victoria," Sharon cut in, "Does Pedro even know about this? The job and the whole living-with-his-parents idea?"

"Well, he's always talking about finding a decent job, and he also talks about reconciling with his parents. This way, he could do both. I just have to tell him and I'm sure he'll jump at the chance to prove himself and earn his parent's love and approval once again," Victoria said.

"And what if he doesn't want to?"

"He will. I just have to convince him and I know that he'll agree to at least try. Please, Hector, just give him a chance," Victoria pleaded with her brother.

"Fine! I'll give him a chance. But first, I have to meet him, face to face. Tell him about your idea tomorrow and if he's interested, then bring him over for dinner tomorrow evening," Hector finally caved in.

\*Victoria was so happy about his decision. She ran over to him and kissed him on the cheeks, thanking him profusely for what he was doing for Pedro.