For the next few days, AOMG saw Nari frequently, as she worked with Hep. It was her first time using mixed media for art and his help was the only reason it was possible. When the art was finally done, she took a picture of it and tagged him on Twitter, Instagram and her Facebook, giving Hep credit for his assistance. Then it was time to contact the cabbie and his family. The commission on it wasn't much, but it had never been about the money. The family loved the art and the daughter said she wanted to be an artist just like Nari when she grew up. That was the most rewarding. The money for the art, Nari framed it, because that was her first commissioned work.
"Simon I'd like to have Hep and everyone at AOMG come over for dinner some night soon. It's my way of saying thanks. Can you find out what everyone likes to eat?" Nari asked over her cell phone.
"Sure, not a problem.... Is that your motorcycle running in the back ground?" Simon D inquired, his hearing on point.
"Yeah. I'm riding out to tell mom all about my first art sale."
Her voice told him, more than the words. "Want me to meet you there?" He offered.
"Are you at AOMG?"
"No."
"I was planning on riding over there afterwards. So it's your choice meet me at mom's grave or at AOMG."
"Okay.... see you in a bit."
Nari put on her helmet, got on the motorcycle and rode away. Riding always made her feel happy and free. It just felt right, sharing this news with her mom. Arriving at the grave site, she turned off the machine, put helmet on the handle bar and walked to the marker. Even though she knew what it said, Nari still read the stone and traced her fingers over the etching.
"Hi mom. I miss you so much, but Simon D and the AOMG crew make things easier. They're my family, not just my friends. I made my first art sale today. One of the biggest projects I've ever done, with more than just ink, canvas and paint. Hep, he's the graphics designer at AOMG, he helped make my ideas into something real. The clients, whom the art was for, loved it. But the best part mom, was when their daughter saw it. The look in her eyes, reminded me of how you use to look at me. Jay Park, Simon D and the others often praise my work, but I thought they were just being nice. But it's real, I am good at what I do. I already trust Simon D and I think it's helped me with others too. I love him and yes we finally confessed to each other. He's so good to me... thank you mom."
A car pulled up and Simon Dominic parked, then approached Nari. "Hi Mrs. Im. Nari's been busy making us all smile, you'd be proud of her."
Nari slipped her hand into his. "I'm glad you came.... mom... Simon." Her voice caught and eyes teared up. "Mom, you were right, the AOMG guys have my back and are the best friends anyone could ask for. I'll visit again. I love you mom."
Remaining hand in hand they walked, through the cemetery back to where the car and motorcycle were parked. They shared a hug and Nari remained in his arms. Visiting her mom, always made her emotionally vulnerable. But no tears fell, like the past visits.
"I need a drink, but I shouldn't drink and ride."
"I'll follow you home, put your bike away and we'll go for a drink together," Simon D suggested.
"How about seeing if Jay and the others want to come too?"
"I can do that," he assured.
Jay Park, Cha Cha, Dj Pumkin and Hep were all available to come for a drink. They did a round of shots, at Nari's request. Then just sat around, nursing drinks and talking.
"So how goes the hunt for a suitable building?" Jay asked.
Ki-Seok smiled, "I've narrowed it down to three locations."
Nari looked from Jay to Simon D and asked, "a building for what?"
"To make your art studio dreams come true. Now that you're not so absorbed by art work, you'll have time to look at the places I found."
"An art studio? I'd love to see your art displayed," Chase said.
"Umm... Maybe not so much my stuff, but other local artists for sure," Nari commented.
"You're way too modest about your art," Hep half scolded.
"She's just a perfectionist," Simon D defended.
"Simon's right, but with your help Hep, I could fix the mistakes and maybe put up a few prints of the originals.... Okay I'm hooked, whenever you have time to take me to see the buildings you scouted out, we'll go."
They talked about helping her get the art studio started and about what it could be called. Nari teased them that if AOMG performed for it's opening, that's all the marketing exposure it would need. She appreciated everyone's advise and input, especially Jay Park's information on starting up a business.
"You guys always call me your muse, but really it's the other way around. I get inspired by all of you. And like me, you all don't stop moving forward. If something blocks your path, instead of going around it, AOMG goes up and over. It seems like nothing can stop y'all from getting what you want," Nari observed.
Jay chuckled, "you make it sound so easy. Honestly though, our hardships have been nothing compared to what you and others have surpassed."
Chase grinned too, "always on the grind."
"What I meant was; that even if you're not given that one shot, you create your own opportunity. I think that's what we have in common; never giving up, never accepting that what we've been given is enough."
Simon D raised his glass, "I'll drink to that!"
Nari added, "to AOMG!"
Glasses clinked and cheers were said.