“I thought about it a lot, actually. All day long. And I really don’t see why I should refuse.”

“Really?” Rafael asked, surprised.

“Do you? Think I should refuse, I mean?” Marc-André asked, and Rafael shrugged.

“I don’t know, I think that paintings are unique, there is only one of each, you know? So theoretically, this guy will have your painting on his skin, but...he will not pay you. He will pay me. And it’s way cheaper than the price of the actual painting.”

“Oh, well, I haven’t thought about it that way. There is only one of each, indeed, but I take tons of photos before selling them, so isn’t it the same thing?” he smiled. “And honestly, the money thing is not a problem for me. If this man is happy with his tattoo, that is all that matters. You’re the one who will get pay because you are the artist, this time. You’ll be the one putting my painting on his skin. Is that weird if I want to be here to see that? I’m really impressed by tattoos, I don’t have any but they are really something that I love to see and to hear about.”

“Well, if you’re in...I don’t see why you couldn’t be here. I’ll have to call the client tomorrow to let him know that it’s fine with you, and we can pick a date. He’ll have to stop by the tattoo shop, so we can talk about the place and all of these things, so you are free to join as well if you can.”

“Sure, text me when you know more!”

Rafael smiled.

“I will. Thank you for taking your time to care about this.”

“No problem. So...I also know a place that sells amazing ice creams, if you still have room for that,” Marc-André smiled, and Rafael laughed.

“There’s always room for ice creams.”

They started to walk quietly, until Rafael couldn’t hold his thoughts anymore.

“Thank you for all of...this. I mean, choosing where we are eating tonight. It’s really nice.”

“My pleasure. I hope it impressed you enough so to earn a second date.”
Rafael stared at him, surprised to hear those words.

A second date?