Chapter 30

“If he isn’t,” Merrick has said, after looking at and approving of them, “then we’ll find another gallery for you.”

Merrick’s approval meant a great deal to Ryan, as it always had. He trusted his lover’s instincts and felt, if Merrick liked his artwork, potential buyers would as well. After all, he loved the homeless drawings I did, and look how well they sold.

Since Ryan had been responsible to planning and planting the back yard, Merrick insisted it was up to him to take care of it as well. Ryan had no problem with doing so—most of the time. When he was totally wrapped up in a drawing, or a series of drawings he was creating, he sometimes resented having to take the time to water and weed, but he did nonetheless. He craved Merrick’s praise when he told him, as he often did, how much he appreciated all the work Ryan had done to create such beauty—and how happy it made him.