Gavel Down’s Weblog

Chapter 4 ~And Talk About Numbers~ 9-30-08

September 30, 2008 at 2:17 pm (Uncategorized)

Parker was self employed as a sign maker.  His parents had always encouraged him to follow his desire to be an artist, after recognizing his God given ability in drawing and painting.  His business, however was largely commercial work, advertising and such.  Parker did do landscapes, portraits and whatever else he took a notion to draw or paint.  But those mostly stayed hidden down in his basement studio, where the walls were covered with various artwork he had completed.  It seemed Parker’s very reserved nature not only had kept his social life on the back burner over the years, but it had also limited him professionally, with his tendency to not market his more personal artwork.

Haley had taken a job offer in the town of Pocatello .  She had been in the state of Idaho just a few times before going to interview for this job.  She was now employed as an accountant at the prestigious Hearn’s & Holder law firm.

Parker and Heath began sitting with Haley and Alice at church, largely due to Heath and Alice’s insistence. After services on Sunday nights, they began to make a usual routine of getting ice cream at the Tasty Freeze. This suited the two youngsters just fine. For the most part Parker had grown to be at ease around Haley, mostly due to Haley’s penchant for  practical jokes.  She knew how to disarm Parker when he would start to be tense and uptight.  She was good for him, and much needed in his dealing with the loss of his twin brother Dallas.  Being a father figure to Heath came natural to Parker. It seemed effortless as Heath and Parker had always been close.  Parker seemed to bring something that was needed in Haley and Alice’s life, also.  Haley had tried to make a career out of modeling in Los Angeles after graduating college in Alabama .  After only a few short years, things had not gone the way she had envisioned them.  She most certainly had her own share of hurt and pain she was working through.

One Saturday evening after barbecuing some hamburgers at Parker’s house, Haley asked about his artwork and her desire to see his studio.  Heath and Alice had fallen asleep while watching reruns of Green Acres on the Classic T.V. channel.  Parker knew it was going to be an uphill battle in trying to keep Haley from seeing his personal artwork but he tried, none the less.  “It just smells like paint down there, it reeks, really, trust me.  Here, I’ll show you the new Hearn’s & Holder sign I just finished out in the garage!  It’s sweet!”  Haley stepped closer to the stairway leading down to the studio and said, “You know Parker, I really appreciate that gesture, but I work there, and I will see that sign everyday of the week.  Now why don’t you just lead the way and show me all the artwork you have down there.  Heath has told me that I absolutely must see the studio”.

Parker knew it was a lost cause in trying to divert Haley’s attention. He turned and slowly, step by step, descended to the basement studio.  Haley followed with a slight smile of accomplishment on her face.  Upon entering, Parker slid the three dimmer switches on.  Haley was awestruck!  It was not the grungy, cluttered, stereotypical mess of a workshop that she had pictured.  Parker had built the studio with the vision of selling his work out of it, and it was gorgeous.  It had plush tan carpet, beautiful pine wood walls, leather couches and chairs, recessed lighting, a professional grade sound system; and a small kitchenette in the back corner.

But what amazed Haley the most was the many pictures that were displayed throughout the room.  “Parker, these are magnificent.”  Haley’s eyes gazed from one work of art to another.  “Why in the world aren’t you selling these instead of doing signs?  People would pay good money to have these in their houses. They are so good!”  Parker sat on one of the couches looking at his shoe.  “You know, I bought these spiffy leather shoes for less than $50 bucks at Jerry’s Shoe Emporium.  It’s not pleather either, they’re the real deal,” Haley chuckled, “You’re the real deal, kid.  You’re gifted.  Come on, what gives?  Granted, the signs you do are quality.   But this,”…she paused, slowly turning, “these are your heart and soul, these are what move people.” Haley blew a small cloud of dust off of the studios elaborate stereo system as she hit the (ON) button.  “Do you play Beethoven down here while you work?” “Not so much” Parker replied; still eyeing his shoes.  The surround sound speakers began delivering pleasant guitar and stringed instrumental music.

Haley plopped down on the couch also.  “May I ask you something, Haley?”  Parker carefully inquired.  “Go ahead, cowboy, shoot.”  She responded.  Parker continued “Would you tell me about, well, who is, what I was wondering was… never mind.”  Haley said, “Alice’s father?  Is that what you’re asking about?”  Parker nodded, “Let me tell you a bit about my life, Parker.  Ever since junior high and high school, I was told I could be a professional model.  I wasn’t a cheerleader or anything like that.  I preferred playing sports myself much more than cheering others on to play.  I went to college, Parker.  I got my degree in accounting.  Working with numbers always came easy to me.”  Parker blurted, “I bet you had a ton of boyfriends.” Haley raised her eyebrows looking at Parker as if to say, “What?!”  Parker’s mind was following just behind his words and he began to stumble, “I uh, no, what I meant…” Haley, enjoying having him in a noose, loosened the rope.  “I know what you meant, cowboy.  I had more than a few guys that worked all too hard at taking me out on a date.”  Haley’s random reference to Parker as “cowboy” always puzzled him.  He thought that was probably her only motivation in doing it and never gave her the satisfaction of questioning it.

Haley continued, “Parker, I have to admit, I enjoyed all the attention that I got.  But I was raised in a Spirit filled, Jesus lovin’ home. Not perfect mind you, but I loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him in all that I did.  I never had a boyfriend growing up or in college.  I just concentrated on getting my degree and figured there would be plenty of time for romance and starting a family later.  But I was restless, Parker. I was bored with numbers and academics, I guess.  The idea of heading to L.A. and trying the modeling gig all of a sudden seemed so glamorous; so exciting to me. And talk about numbers,  girls were making six digit incomes being in front of the cameras. That did not seem boring at all.”  Parker’s mouth was all but hanging open at the thought of leaving Pocatello, or even the state of Idaho itself had rarely crossed his mind, let alone moving to L.A.  “What happened out there?”  He curiously prodded.