Chapter 5

“This is Ryan Westley,” he said.

“Hello, Ryan, this is Merrick.”

Ryan frowned. “How did you get my number?”

“From Mr. Foster at the gallery. He gave it to me when I asked him if you worked for yourself, as well as showing your drawings at the gallery.”

“That was you?”

Merrick chortled. “It was, unless they’ve had more than one inquiry about you.”

“I wish.”

“Don’t worry, it will happen. For the moment though, did Mr. Foster tell you what I was looking for?”

“Yes. A portrait of you, either a drawing or a watercolor. You want one to give your mother for her birthday.”

“Exactly. How much would it cost?”

“I…well…” Ryan had no idea what to tell him. “I suppose the same price they were charging at the gallery, depending on the size.”

“From three hundred to four-fifty?”

“Yes.”

“Ryan,” Merrick replied, “you’re undercharging. You’re not taking into account the time you’ll spend doing preliminary sketches, or your travel expenses coming out to my house.”