Chapter 17

Bill told me he was single and was just starting his career in photography. An art dealer by the name of Rafael Spizo had taken the young man under his wing and was establishing him as a notable photographer in the city; a prize among many other artists, desirable and sellable. Bill was living in Soho with two male roommates; both were straight and what he called pains in his ass. His sister, Luanne Rae, was currently thinking about moving to Sacramento and wanted to sublet her apartment to him, which he would consider. His show at The P. Shotter Gallery was his very first, and he had begged me to come. “You and Seth were a great influence on me and my work.”

“I suppose your portfolio proves such a statement.” I pointed to the leather folder on the coffee table in front of him, and felt the vodka numb my nervousness.