Anthony:

“Any names for the baby?” He asked cautiously as he passed out cups of tea. Anthony had gotten over his initial shock of seeing his cousin, hearing about her career and that of her boyfriend’s. 

“No, we wanted to take some more time to figure a name out.” George admitted; his arm was loosely slung around his girlfriend’s hips as he held her close. It made the dark haired male uncomfortable seeing his cousin so close with someone.

Anthony nodded and ran a hand through his hair. He’d already given them a tour, some breakfast and he even let them go through his painting and photography. Maia had been more than pleased to see that he had kept the drawings she had made him back when they were kids. His blue-gray eyes studied the thick lines of their tattoos, the colors blending in a way that was similar to the style that he painted in. 

“Hey Tony…Let’s go get up your fliers.” Maia said, reaching across the small coffee table to her cousin. He had moved his hair so he could show them his art and pictures. “It’ll be fun.”

Anthony couldn’t deny that he had been holding back at getting his fliers up. He was embarrassed at the idea but Maia had conned him into life drawing using her and George.

“It’s not that bad,” George admitted, “Nudity is nothing to be ashamed about.”

Nodding he excused himself so he could get dressed for the day. A pair of black pants and beat up shoes that were as comfortable as clouds, and a long sleeves slate colored shirt were his chosen items today. Anthony ran a comb through his messy hair; some locks were still wild as he grabbed his eyes and wallet before heading out into the living room to find Maia and George talking about his art. Anthony hid inside of his room, listening to them talk quietly.

She wanted his work to go into a gallery?

Maia:

“He’s a talented artist, George, you can’t deny that.” She said, pointing to the work that was laid out on the table for them to observe. Her warm brown eyes scanned over the pictures that he’d taken on trips and at family gatherings. They had been so close, there were several of Maia and Anthony taken by one of their parents; there were some of odd things like trash heaps and a close up of a dog’s nose and the spokes on an old tricycle wheel. George nodded; he had a buddy in the art industry with a gallery that was going to open up soon. Maia was trying to put in a good word for her cousin. 

“He’s always wanted to have stuff in a gallery, I don’t know if he ever has.” She admitted, looking down at the glossy photos. George kissed her cheek and smiled, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Maia was surprised when her cousin entered the room with a small smile on his face. “Thank you…for thinking my work is good.” He said, bringing her into a half-formed hug.

“You’re welcome; now let’s go get those fliers out while Georgie-boy makes a few calls, ‘kay?”

Anthony nodded and led his cousin down to the lobby of the apartment complex. They talked about their jobs and whatever came to mind. They hit the street and began to pass out the papers or tape them to the sides of buildings, light poles and even people when they were quick enough.

“And this is where I work.” Anthony said with a sheepish smile on his face. 

“I like it...it’s got that mom and pop vibe,” Maia said as they walked through the doors. The grocery store was tiny and old fashioned with the candy displayed out like an old school candy shop, the canned goods in the center of the store and the fresh produce and meats along the walls.

“Hey Cassie!” He called, making Maia raise a brow. 

“Girlfriend?” she asked, making Anthony choke on his saliva. 

“N-No!” 

“Geeze, calm down I was just asking.” Maia held up her hands in defense but giggled anyways.