Finding Technicolour Read online

  I was about to speak, but Kai interrupted.

  “And before you say anything, I know you don’t like people going in your cave unless you’re there with them, but this was an important circumstance and …”

  “Kai. Shut up.”

  He took a breath.

  “This is incredible. Thank you. Thank you so much.” I kissed his cheek.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention, like you already know, most or all of the art that we hang here is for sale, so, if you’re up for it, you could sell yours.”

  I was still caught in surprise.

  “Well, are you going to start setting up? Customers will be here before we know it.”

  “Um … Yeah.” I smiled.

  “Just tell me what to do, Boss.”

  The early-morning customers arrived. I was there for a couple of hours, soaking up my first-ever art exhibition. I couldn’t wait to call Liam and let him know. I knew I had to take pictures, maybe even a video. I knew he would be just as excited and happy as I was.

  I was perched at a two-seater table near the counter so I could observe everything with an iced coffee in my hand. I felt like I was buzzing. I didn’t even want to try to hide my excitement.

  A mid-thirties couple strolled in. The girl wore her auburn hair in a knot on top of her head. Her short flimsy white dress was paired with brown boots and a jacket. Chunky rings overtook her fingers. Her partner wore a light-blue long-sleeve t-shirt paired with jeans and ankle boots. His black hair was tousled from his face. His beard looked like a shadow, making his blue eyes glisten.

  “Wow. Babe, look at these …” The girl’s wide eyes searched the walls like she was in a candy store. She stepped closer to one of my personal favourites. The face of a girl, wearing a flower crown with petals running down her flowing hair. Her eyes were straight ahead. Focused. Strong. She was made of only turquoise and purple. The effects of the watercolours dripping down the canvas drew your eyes up and down.

  “Eddie, they’re for sale …” She smiled. Her red lips made her teeth look whiter. “One of these would look amazing in our home. It would finish off the lounge perfectly. Don’t you think?”

  Eddie nodded.

  “You know it would be an awesome statement piece and it would fit with how we’ve just decorated. Do you like it?”

  “Yeah … Is this the one you’d want?”

  “Well I mean I want to check out the others, but I love this one.”

  As his girlfriend continued looking at my art, Eddie went to the counter. I overheard him ask if he could put that piece on hold. I slapped my hand over my mouth. I couldn’t stop my smile from growing.

  Other customers’ comments kept me beaming. This moment made me believe in myself and my art. Their words sparked fresh inspiration. I wanted to rush home and create something new. And I wouldn’t have any limitations, because now I see the light. Now I see in colour.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Writing this novel has been such an adventure, one that I will treasure forever … Thank you for reading it.

  The characters and the story fought their way (quite forcefully) to the keyboard and I’m so glad this story chose me. Finding Technicolour will always hold a dear place in my heart.

  It feels peculiar writing acknowledgments, (but I’m so excited I’ve come this far!) I want to start with the largest possible thank you to everyone who’s been involved (an umbrella thank you, just in case I forget to mention anyone in particular).

  To all the ears I’ve bent discussing characters and plot points, thank you for your patience, honesty, advice, thoughts, ideas (the list goes on & on). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me & my words – and for filling my world with colour!

  Everyone at A Story To Tell, thank you for letting me into your family and making me feel welcome as a new writer. To the wonderful Ann Bolch, thank you for believing in the story/stories that I have to tell. Your constant encouragement, kindness and wisdom have shaped me into the writer I am today. (I’ll always love our handwritten letters).

  Richard Holt, thank you for believing in me and for your honesty and guidance. This story wouldn’t be what it is now without you.

  I have mad respect for all the proof readers out there, so a big thank you to Heather Kelly for your fierce eye.

  Aimee Coveney, thank you for my beautiful book cover – I can’t picture it any other way. You’re amazing!

  Thank you to my family for their boundless love and support. You are all colours I feel safe in. Extra heartfelt thank you to my wonderful Mum, who read every draft. I always look forward to book clubbing with you!

  My fabulous friends: Rhiannon Woolf, Holly Campbell, Jennifer Ibrahim, Laura Steen thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me and for being the marvellous people that you are.

  Darcy Conroy … Where to begin? Thank you seems too simple a phrase. Your endless support, encouragement and insight throughout this entire process has been incredible and I am truly thankful. Having you in my corner and as a fellow writing buddy, means more to me than you’ll ever know.

  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. XO_RR

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Rebecca Rose lives in Melbourne, where she relishes in the stories whichever form they come – books, music, movies, TV shows.

  Finding Technicolour is Rebecca’s first novel.

  Follow Rebecca on Instagram & Twitter @r_roseofficial

  or visit her website online at www.rebeccaroseofficial.com