Three days later…
Haley called, bubbling with excitement, "Alicia, Alicia, great news! After evaluations by all the experts on site, they decided that you'll be in charge of retouching John Vernez's painting. Isn't that great?"
Alicia responded casually, "When do I start?"
Haley was taken aback, "That's it? Is that all the reaction you've got?"
Alicia raised her eyebrows slightly, "What reaction should I have?"
Haley raised her voice, "You outperformed eighteen experts from across the country who were gathered for this task. Each of them is an outstanding artist in their local museum, all over the age of forty or fifty. You're only one in the twenties and you've beaten so many experts. Shouldn't you be overjoyed?"
Alicia gave a dry, perfunctory laugh, and asked, "Is that better?"
Hearing her insincere laughter, Haley rolled her eyes and asked, "Your left hand is still recovering; will it affect your ability to paint?"
