Art Submission

Oliver was quite happy with the summer mural he painted last night. Granted, it took him all night, but it came out nice. Ramona had requested a beach scene after their beach day. It had been a little tricky at first since he had slept through a good part of the afternoon that day. Anita however had given him some pictures she had taken to jog his memory. The mural would be perfect as the days warmed up and Cyrus kept the temperature in the restaurant to cost-efficient levels.

Currently, Sierra and Leigha stood in front of it, imagining the ocean breeze.

"Thank you, Oliver," whispered Sierra as he passed them to show new customers to their seats.

"No worries, make sure Cyrus doesn't mind you slacking."

"He didn't mind your nap this morning. We're fine," commented Leigha. She opened one of her eyes to look at Oliver as he gestured to the customer’s table.

Oliver said nothing as he had caught a little sleep with his morning nap, so he had no right to scold the girls. He would leave it to Anita, who looked tempted to join them. 

"Here are your menus. I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders."

 "Young man," called a gentleman. Oliver returned to his table.

"Could you tell us who painted that mural? I noticed that the mural seems to change every season and I’ve been curious since the other local Tormino's don't change their murals."

"Oh, that would be me."

"You?"

"I graduated as an art major from the local university. The manager lets me practice so long as I put Tormino's name on the mural somewhere."

The gentleman looked back at the mural, while his companion ordered two ice waters for both of them. When the gentleman said nothing more, Oliver left to prepare the drinks.

Cyrus appeared from the back with Anita in tow and scolded the two girls to get back to work. They returned to their stations, Leigha over to her area that included the two gentlemen. The occupancy of the restaurant had dwindled. Leigha and Anita left Ramona and Miles to replace them.

"Excuse me, young man," the gentleman called Oliver over as he and his companion stood to leave. "Do you have any other pieces like this, perhaps not attached to a wall?"

"Yes, sir, I have other pieces on canvas and sketchbooks."

"Good." The gentleman began fishing his wallet out of his back pocket. "I work at a local art museum that will be hosting an event for young artists like you. I would very much like to see more of your work there. Simmons, do you have an application or a flier?" The gentleman asked his companion. He handed over a business card, while the other man offered a small flier.

"The application is due tomorrow morning, and art pieces are due in two weeks. The museum should have the application."

"Or online. The flier has a link," offered the other gentleman.

"Right. As I said, I hope to see your work there."

The two men left, leaving a shocked Oliver.

"Did that happen?" Oliver whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

But Ramona, having left the breakroom, answered, "What happened?"

"The man over there…“Oliver said, pointing to the man walking with his companion away from the restaurant, "asked me to join an art competition." Oliver offered the flier, and Ramona leaned over to take a look

 "Tokyo Museum of Modern Art presents The Summer Nights Art Show and Competition," she read the title. Oliver could hardly contain his excitement. He whooped and hollered for joy, taking Ramona around in a spin. His dream was finally on its way to coming true.

"I need to apply," he announced, then ran for the back, tossing Ramona into Miles' arms as he walked onto the floor. Oliver threw open Cyrus' door.

"I need your computer," he demanded as he pulled the manager and his chair out of the office before going inside the small room. He minimized Cyrus’ Galaga game before opening a new webpage.

"Get off my computer! Sierra let me in!" Cyrus yelled. How and why Sierra stood guard Oliver didn't know or care.

"Thanks, Sierra," Oliver called out, typing in the web address listed on the flier. He could hear Cyrus begging at the door to go back in, with yet another voice joining in.

"Cyrus, help me with Inventory check," demanded Shasta. Cyrus' voice was fading. That would be the first time Shasta had invited someone into the storage room.

"Sierra," he called out.

"Yes?" She opened the door slightly.

"What do I put as my home address?"

"The restaurant, I guess, or Miles' address. But then his mother might find out. Cyrus' address?"

"I don't know Cyrus' address."

Sierra huffed in annoyance, "Put the restaurant."

"Fine."

"Why is Cyrus crying in the supply closet?" asked Ramona.

"Oliver kicked him out of his office to fill out an application for an art show."

"Oh, that's wonderful! About the art show, not kicking Cyrus out. Good luck, Oliver!"

 "Thank you, and send!" He waited for the page to reload to confirm he had entered the art show. "Now to print out my acceptance." As he printed the paper, he could hear Cyrus wailing.

"I finished," he called out, the door opening when he said so. Sierra sat smugly in Cyrus' chair. Beside her stood Ramona, trying to contain her excitement.

"I'm in!"

"Yay!" Ramona managed a small jump and reached over to hug him.

"Your art will be amazing, and they will see that!" She jumped back, falling, but she steadied herself against the wall. Ramona gave him a thumbs up before rushing back to the front. Cyrus burst out of the supply closet and would have crashed into Ramona if not for Miles pulling her out of the way as he came to the back. Cyrus then pulled the chair out from under Sierra, who stood to avoid landing on the floor. Cyrus tucked himself and his chair back in his office.

"Mine," he hissed before slamming the door shut.

"So what pieces are you going to use?" asked Sierra.

Oliver was about to respond when he forgot every piece he had ever made.

"I have no idea."