Chapter 2

“Hello, Tommy. I’m Mike. Take a seat.” Mike gestures to the seat opposite him, trying not to stare. Tommy has long hair, dyed black curls falling to his shoulders, a streak of bright, unnatural red on the left. He has piercing blue eyes, and Mike realizes he’s noticing more than just casually how attractive Tommy is. He’s a handsome young man.

Not at all Mike’s usual type, and far too young, even if he did turn out to be gay.

“You brought your portfolio with you?” Mike asks, pointing to the large black folder Tommy has with him.

“Yes. You said in your email to bring some examples of my work, so I did.” Tommy bites his lip, and he’s fidgeting slightly in his seat.

“Nervous?”

“Yeah. I’ve never done anything like this before. Tried to show my work outside of stuff related to art school,” Tommy admits.

“Well, try and relax. I’m not that scary.” Mike smiles.