The following week was less eventful for Rowan and the others. Aside from that one early morning show and all the nights Duke was not in his bed, the painter fared well. Despite his busy schedule, he still managed to come up with the six other paintings he prepared for Bradshaw Enterprise. However, it still took him two weeks to breeze through them.
Even if making six in two weeks was too much of a push, Rowan barely slept when Duke was gone. He could only catch up in the wee hours of the morning when Duke finally arrived. After all, Scott knew where they were staying in the capital. He didn't want any accidents happening because he was caught sleeping. His stress and loneliness were enough to make him paint through the night.
These six paintings were a set called [Future Fortune]. They featured vacation spots that employees would love to reach at some point in their careers. From a vast sea to the lush mountains, the six paintings featured physical happy places. The views were not so definitive as if leaving the exact locations to the interpretation of the employees.
Of course, they were all designed to stand in the background. The most important job was that bare cream wall. After the submission of the six paintings, Rowan was going to work on that bare wall. Since it was the start of their extended stay, there were no more other things to do.
"We will be on standby in the control room. If you need anything, you can speak to Bear over there at the security desk." The liaison officer left reminders to Rowan. Tonight was the first night Rowan would be working on that cream wall. Just earlier, they had painted the wall white to accommodate the new design.
"Don't worry about sleeping through it. I'm sure I'll be very quiet here." Rowan was taking note of where everything was, so he wouldn't have to disturb the people. Moreover, the curtains would just be deployed in the morning. He was sure that he would be so comfortable.
Comfortable? Rowan wondered if he would ever be.
He only watched the officer leave before staring at the wall again. He had a sketch to follow through, but he still remained rooted in his spot as if he didn't know what to do. The enthusiastic gleam in his eyes slowly died down the longer he stared at the white wall. After all, it had always been white when Scott's father was still the President/CEO.
…
Fifteen years ago…
The pop music still echoed inside the car as Scott played it in the background. Rowan had his tongue stuck out, playing on Scott's game the entire ride. Soon enough, Scott pulled up at a parking space. He then turned to the side to stare at Rowan for a bit.
"Hey, rotten brain, we're here." Scott laughed like an obnoxious college jock. He then moved to hop off of the navy-blue convertible he recently bought.
"Huh? Why didn't we park inside the building?" Rowan looked up and watched the other person lean on his side of the car. "Do you want bird shit in your car?"
Scott just gestured for him to leave. "I'm going to put the top back on, genius. Get out."
Rowan paused the game and tried his best to get out, but he couldn't do what Scott could. In the end, Scott had to help him out like a fallen child in a tub. Their laughter attracted the attention of the guard, but he only watched the two for a few seconds. Knowing it was just a chaotic pair of college students, the guard paid them little mind.
The two soon patted their clothes as they walked toward the entrance of the building. Their summer t-shirts and denim jeans made them so conspicuous in the sea of people in formal clothing. However, the employees started clearing their throats and acted like they were all working so hard.
"Scott, you came a little too early. Mr. Bradshaw cannot meet you in his office yet. Please follow me to your father's office." The secretary glanced at the new face.
"Nah, we'll wait out here a lot longer. Rowan hasn't seen this place yet—"
"Why is this place filled with so much white?" Rowan twisted his lips. "Is this a hospital? What's with all of this wide space? How boring…"
Scott only laughed and pulled on Rowan's cheek. "Hey, no insulting Dad's company! Art school is not a pass for anything!"
The other guy snorted and held the hand to pry it off his face. "I know, it just looks so sad. Look, how could you motivate people to come here if it looks lifeless? That will suck the life out of them."
"Ahem, I'll forward your suggestions to our boss, Mister…?" The secretary didn't want to agree outright, so he just kept his stone face.
"It's Rowan. Just call me Rowan." Rowan didn't show a smile before spotting a person in the distance. He then slapped Scott's shoulder. "Scott, it's Uncle George!"
Before Scott could stop the other from running around, Rowan already went to greet that smiling middle-aged man who walked from the side. Even if that uncle walked with other board members for a lunch out, Rowan cared too little. He still went running like a small child needing patting.
Upon seeing the small child in the body of a college boy, George laughed and accepted the excited greeting. "If it's not my favorite little boy! Rowan, what are you doing here? I thought Scott could never drag you out here to commute."
"Scott bought a car, Uncle. He's checking what he learned from driving school." Rowan laughed as well, only missing the part where he could hug one of his other favorite people. He then saw the stern and confused faces of the other board members. Rowan only looked at them before stepping back to let George go on ahead.
"I would have asked you to come eat lunch with us, but Scott might want you to eat with him and his father." George only patted Rowan's head again. "Since Scott has a car now, I'll expect you to visit another time, okay?"
"Sure! Bye, Uncle!" Rowan waved his hand and watched the group leave. Another car pulled up at the entrance to chauffeur the group to the restaurant.
Scott walked next to Rowan and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He even placed his weight on the other. "Naughty bastard. He could have scolded you. I won't even feel bad if you cry on me. Let's go, Dad is calling for us to his office."