April 29th, 2040
A melancholic smile appeared on Dom’s face as Candice spoke about his sister and his daughters. “She was and they are. This was them on their birthday with their younger brother.” He agreed before pulling out his phone to show Candice a picture of his kids. “Their names are Amanda and…Clara. Amanda is a soccer player like her dad but Clara is a ballerina and they’re both so wonderful.” He paused before the first mention of Clara’s name, realizing that this might be the first time Candice was hearing that one of his daughters was named after his sister.
“I think about her all the time too. Sometimes I wonder if things would be different if she was still her. If things wouldn’t have ended between us the way they had.” He responded, looking down to the ground while he spoke and not looking up until his sentence had finished. “You know, I wouldn’t have met my husband if it wasn’t for her. We met at a show I did in New York because he was interested in a painting I had done that was inspired by her.” He added with a soft smile, remembering the moment he first heard his future husband’s voice.
Dom blushed as Candice’s laughter rang through the gallery. Even if it was at his expense, he enjoyed hearing her laughter. He hadn’t realized how much he missed it and some part of him hoped that it was sign that they could continue to repair their relationship.
“Maybe I did.” He teased back with a small smirk. “It’s quite impressive that you’ve managed to keep your name as quiet as you have. Although, I guess I have to confess that Dominic Lucier is just the name I put on my art now. My last name is actually Lucier-O’Brien.” They basically knew next to nothing about each other and their lives now and Dom wanted to try and remedy that.
As Candice explained her vision for her gallery, Dom could perfectly visualize what she was described and it sounded magical. “I can already see that vision coming to life in the pieces you have in display.” He confirmed before sitting with her comment about not expecting their stories to cross like this. “Neither did I but I’m glad they did.”
Then Candice asked if he still wanted to do a show here, reminding Dom of why he had come to the gallery in the first place. “Right. Yes. I’d love to do a show here.” He responded, getting himself back on track. He opened his wallet, pulling out one of his business cards. “I have pictures on my phone if you want to see some pieces now, otherwise the website on this card has my full portfolio.” He explained, offering her the card. Of all the people he’d given his portfolio to, Candice was the one who made him the most nervous. His style had evolved since the last time she had watched him paint and he couldn’t help but worry if she would like it.
@benitz786 - Candice