Thomas looked around as he sipped his drink. It was the first day he opened a gallery, at least, in an important center in the middle of New York. 

He received good reviews on most part of his works however he was still nervous. He sends his father an invitation so he could attend as well, but he didn't even call him back. He honestly hoped he could attend since he wanted to have a better relationship with him.

Thomas tried to spot him on the crowd but sometimes he took a moment to talk with the critics or with a customer when they wanted to purchase a piece. It was past halfway through the night when he gave up and walked to find something stronger than champagne that he could drink at that moment. 

He sat down in one of the benches and sigh heavily as he hides his face in his hands. Even though he was a well-looking man and seemed to sweat confidence, but sometimes he couldn't handle big events that lasted a lot of time and had to take a moment to be alone, usually have a drink or a cigarette but he was trying to not return to his old habits.

"Can I sit next to you?" a man asked as he holds two glasses of wine. He was kinda a short man with a gray suit that looked good on him. 

"Yes, I don't have a problem," Thomas said with a smile.

The man sat down and offered the other glass and sipped his. Thomas was glad that he didn't start a conversation as he checked if he had any messages or missed calls. He sighed when he noticed it was empty.

"Long night?" the stranger asked as he sipped his drink. 

"Something like that... I was hoping someone special came but..." he shrugged and groaned. 

"Well, that's sad to hear. Was that person really important?" he asked hoping he didn't sound too bad.

"Kinda. I really hoped that he could come since it's my first time attending this type of events... I'm not a really social person..." Thomas admitted.

"Me either, however, I wanted to assist to this one. I heard the artist is a genius and I wanted to see it by myself. The rumors were right. His art is really good, a few things to polish but an impeccable job to say the least".

 Thomas felt his heart go warm with the comment. It was the first time he heard the critic coming from a critic in his face. "What do you think he needs to improve then?"

That man told him a few things about it, Thomas taking mental notes that he might write down when he arrived at his apartment-studio. "Those are really good advice, have you told him or his manager?" 

"I've been wanting to meet the artist all night, but whenever I try, his manager says that he's busy at the moment." The stranger said as he went to drink his wine.

"Well. You're sitting to him", Thomas said sipping his.

The other man almost choked on his drink as he looked at him and tried to talk. "You are Thomas Jefferson?" 

"Yes, I am... with whom I have the pleasure to be?"

"James Madison Jr." He presented himself

"My pleasure," Thomas said smiling softly. "Thanks for attending and the wine by the way, and for accompanying me in this night. I wasn't sure my art was even worth it to show, but I'm glad you liked it."

"The pleasure is all mine, you're a really good artist. I hope to see more of your work," James said smiling as he handed him a piece of paper and stood up. "My number, in case you need something."

Thomas nodded and smiled back. "I'll call you as soon as I can"

"Have a good night, Thomas," James said as he shook his hand and walked away.

"Have a good night as well, James..." he said smiling softly as he saw him walk away.

//The lack of sleep is making me go slowly in my thinking and I feel like my brain is full of cotton