Desire’s Price

“I really can’t believe I finally did this,” I say to myself, staring at my computer and reading the email from Radical Arts Agency. It read:

“Congratulations! We’re pleased to inform you, Vanessa Davis, that your contract with Radical Arts Agency for 3 years commences Today 7th April, 2025 and concludes 7th April 2028 with an option to renew the contract subject to new terms or the same terms as to be agreed by both parties.

Taylor Dawson, our Lead Curator shall be your direct agent and middleman between you and the agency. A meeting has been set for the 9th day of April 2025 for you and Taylor to discuss any arising concerns.”

It says a whole lot of other stuff but honestly, I am way too excited to keep reading. I know I’d have to at some point, just to make sure I'm not being ripped off or cheated, but from what I remember, when I signed the contract at our last meeting, everything seemed decent and above board, so I doubt there's any reason to be bothered.

Immediately I call my mom to share the goodnews, silently hoping she doesn't make this about herself. Not in a narcissistic way, just in a… Barbara Davis way.

When she finally picks up, I scream into the phone “MOM IT’S BEEN CONFIRMED, I’VE OFFICIALLY BEEN SIGNED!” My mom immediately starts screaming too and I have to take the phone away from my ears a bit to protect my eardrums as best as I can

“I'm so proud of you Nessa, I never doubted you for even a second,” she says.

Which isn't true by the way, she always second-guessed being an artist as a career path, but I'll take it still.

“Thanks mom, I appreciate it. I'm proud of me too”, I tell her.

Absentmindedly, she asks “so how much are you making from this?”. Realizing I had lost her from the conversation and something else had taken her attention, there's no way I'll be answering that question, so I tell her another call is coming in and I need to go.

I immediately end the call and take a deep breath, realising again what I had achieved after 10 years of starting this journey professionally.

Checking the time I realise I do have to run a few errands to get new paintbrushes, paints, and any other materials I may need or I can splurge on. After all, I'm celebrating!

On my way out of the house I open my phone and go to the “Tortured Artists Society” groupchat, named after the Taylor Swift song, and I call the group.

Watching it ring and waiting for my friends, Marbella and Gemma to pick up, who are in no way artistic but still indulge in the group chat’s name, I make my way to the art supply store. Finally, they pick up and I ask “Who's free for drinks tonight? On me!” Immediately Bella makes a screeching sound “Always down!” she said.

Gemma agreeing says “You know I can never say no to free drinks.”

“Great!” I say, “Is 7pm good for you guys?” They both say they're fine with it and I tell them I have news and we’ll see later tonight. The call eventually ends and I focus on getting my supplies.

*****************

The music from the bar is so loud that I could hear it from around the block as I walked down. Wearing a little black dress tonight seemed like a good idea when I was still in the comfort of my apartment, but now being outside with the slight chill in the air has me rethinking my choice.

I finally get to the bar and the speakers are blasting a The Weeknd song. When I get in I look around for my friends in case they got here before me. From the corner of my eye, I see Gemma’s blonde hair and I walk over to her, noticing the dark two-piece set she’s dressed in. We say our hellos and order drinks as we wait for Bella to get here.

After about 10 minutes Bella in all her glory, sporting a gorgeous red leather dress, walks into the bar and we wave at her signaling where we were seated.

As Bella walks down, Gemma and I begin to whistle and throw out compliments to her

“Okay Pretty!” says Gemma.

“Oh stop it! But keep going” Bella says with rose colored cheeks.

“We got a drink for you, a whiskey sour for a sour soul like yours,” I tell Bella. She nods in mock appreciation.

“So, Nessa, what's this big news you have to share?” Gemma asks

“Right, right, so I finally got my confirmation email from Radical Arts about my contract with them!” I squeal over the music while rushing my words.

“Oh my goodness Nessa!! Congratulations! This is huge news!” Bella says at the same time Gemma says, “I’m so proud of you Nessss! You really did that.”

“Thank you guys, I finally feel like my career is really kicking off, you know?” Gemma and Bella had been with me through all the phases of my career; when I had none and was just painting random sunsets in my room as a teenager, when I got my first official job to paint a portrait of my neighbour’s dog. They had witnessed the times when I wasn’t sure pursuing this as a full time career was a good idea and when I regretted dropping out of college to do this full time.

Things had started looking up a few years ago when I was working for an art gallery who let me show my work once a year as payment for my work there. It made no sense to me but I was grateful for the exposure. I managed to sell a few of my pieces and got some side business from that.

So this is a real full circle moment experiencing so much growth and sharing it with the people who stood by me and cheered me on through all those times.

“From the email I got this morning, it said I have a meeting scheduled with my agent, Taylor, on Monday and I can’t wait for that.” I tell them. “Honestly I know things would be different now that I’m signed with them. They would expect so much from me, I just hope I don’t mess this up.”

Gemma, rolling her eyes, says “ Nessa, please. You’re the most talented person alive. You got this, and if you feel like you don’t we can try hypnosis and make you believe.” Gemma and her theatrics. I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out that she had actually tried to forcefully hypnotize someone.

“She’s right though, no matter how unhinged she sounds. You’re really talented and we know you deserve this and more. You’ll do great.” Bella says to me.

“Thank you guys, it means a lot.”

“Great, now let the night begin and let’s celebrate you Nessa!” Bella says, cheering and raising her glass.

Gemma and I join her in raising our glasses and shouting “yesssss” in concurrence.

And that’s how the night goes, dancing on the floor and getting drunk with your friends on a Friday night, celebrating your big win.