A gallery of shadows
At Costa family art gallery
The Costa family art gallery was never quiet on opening days. but today carried a different hum beneath the chatter a tension Julian Costa couldn't quite place
His father had been speaking in hushed tones all week, preparing for a metting that had nothing to do with art and everything to do with power. The kind of collaboration wishpered about behind locked doors
In the art gallery Julian Costa standing quietly adjusting his necktie when suddenly his father called him
David costa
Let's go son. The meeting is about to start. it's a big day for us also your mother's dream
They both talking to some partners until he arrived Adrian Romano
When Adrian Romano stepped through the arched glass entrance, Julian knew who exactly he was
He'd seen him before in papers, in rumors, in stories no one wanted to believe and now here he was in the middle of Florence most pristine gallery, dressed in sharp charcoal and polished indifference
David Costa greeted Adrian with firm professionlism, but a slight edege of unease
David costa
Mr Romano, welcome
David costa
Thank you for accepting our invitation. my son Julian will show you around before meeting
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
(Slight nod) I appreciate the invitation
Julian approached clam on the outside curious beneath
David costa
Julian, this is Adrian Romano of Romano holdings. He'll be our potential collaborator for the upcoming international exhibit
Julian Costa
(Extending hand)Julian Costa
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
( shaking it) Adrian Romano
their eyes met.And that single moment, the noise of the gallery dimmed
He was colder then the rumors said composed to the point of being unreadable, but behind his restraint there was focus sharp dangerous. it would be a lie if I say I didn't get attracted by him
Julian Costa
(pointed to the art room) shall we?
They moved through the corridor walls lined with curated pieces that blured realism and memory. the light was low, moody casting their reflection side by side across the marbale floor
Julian gestured towards a dark toned obstract
Julian Costa
That one called inheritance. my mother painted it just before she disappered from the art world
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
she left something behind that matters more than most people manage
Julian Costa
she left silence the painting just gives it colour
Adrian turned to him with something unreadable in his eyes
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
you sound like someone who knows the weight of missing things
Adrian didn't answer he stepped closer to the next piece - a sculpture frozen mid-collapse
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
There's honesty in destruction. the moment something breaks you see what it was made of
Julian titled his head, watching him more than the art
Julian Costa
so what do you see in this one?
Adrian eyes lingered on the jagged edges
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
something that should've never been whole to the begin with
Julian Costa
Or something still trying to be
Adrian gaze flicked back to him
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
You always give broken things the benifit of the dobut?
Julian Costa
only when I see the piece is worth keeping
Their eyes met again. the tension wasn't about disagreement it was about reflection they both too familiar with fracture
before Adrian could reply a voice echoed from the hall
Anastasia Griffin(ML BROTHER PA)
we're ready for the meeting sir. the board is assembled
Adrian Romano(ML BROTHER)
(To Julian)Shall we finish our walk another time
Julian Costa
Only if you are brave enough
Then they both walk towards the meeting room, two shadows cast by very different fires
And neither of them look away
Comments
gakki
I can't wait to see where you take the characters next.
2025-07-25
1