Chapter 3

“Sometimes. People can be shy about their bodies. I get that, I do. I wasn’t always body confident. But I see bodies for what they are now, and they’re wonderful things. Even our imperfections—they make us who we are, they tell stories. I just…It’s something I really see beauty in.” Tommy shrugs slightly, like he’s unsure of himself.

“These are beautiful, so I’ll have to agree with you. Not sure I could ever get my clothes off and let someone draw or paint me, not personally. I’ll leave that to young guys like you,” Mike says, rubbing his jaw self-consciously.

“Young bodies aren’t the only beautiful ones. And it’s not like you’re old, dude. I’d draw you. You have intense eyes, a good jaw line, broad shoulders. You’re very handsome. You’d be interesting to draw,” Tommy says simply, like he’s not just declaring that he’d like to draw Mike naked.