CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN – REAL ARTISTS

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," he said, a mix of excitement and nerves in his voice. "It feels like just yesterday we were all crammed into that tiny apartment, dreaming about having our own studio." Ian nodded, a rare smile softening his usually serious expression. "We've come a long way. Remember when we couldn't even agree on what color to paint the walls?" Kendra laughed. "Oh god, don't remind me. I thought you and Marty were going to come to blows over 'eggshell' versus 'ivory'." "Hey, color theory is serious business," Marty protested, but he was grinning too. Molly, ever the peacemaker, chimed in. "Well, I think the compromise worked out beautifully. The white really makes the art pop." Jasmine looked around at her friends, feeling a surge of affection. "You guys, we did it. We actually did it. In two days, we're going to open our very own studio." There was a moment of silence as the reality of their accomplishment sank in. Then Ian raised his water bottle i