Mike is a gallery owner who is looking to put on a show with a few local artists, and the first step is interviewing them.<br><br>Interview number one is Tommy: attractive, funny, amazing ... and far too young for Mike's forty-odd years, even if Tommy himself strongly disagrees.

Paint a Story on Your Skin

“You know I’m going on a date with Tommy.” Mike hadn’t tried to hide it, and he knows Dia would have heard through her son, if not from Tommy himself.


“I ah…I was wondering what you thought about it.” Mike’s worried she’ll think he’s just some dirty old man.


“I think it’s a lovely idea. Tommy is such a sweetheart. He hasn’t had a lot of luck with his family or his love life. He deserves to be with someone who’ll treat him right,” Dia says, her fondness for Tommy clear in her voice.


“You don’t think I’m too old for him?” Mike asks.


“Tommy needs someone more mature, I think. He’s an old soul. To be honest, if it was someone else, I might think differently. But Tommy’s old enough to know his own mind. If he wants to go out with you, he should. And as much as I give you a hard time, you’re a good man, Mike. I think you’d be good for him,” Dia says firmly.


Chapter 8