Thad nodded. “I do enjoy dabbling in portraiture.”
“Well, from a skills perspective, you’re a hell of a lot more than a dabbler,” Simon said with a smile. “You have real skill. Where did you learn?”
Thad laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uhh, Pine Grove Correctional Facility.”
Simon frowned. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“Well, you’re aware I went to prison?”
Simon nodded. “Yes. A burglary?”
“Robbery,” Thad corrected. “There’s a difference. Legally, anyway.”
“Ahh. Okay. Apologies.”
Thad waved it off. “While I was incarcerated, someone donated a whole lot of old photography books. We had no cameras to practice on, of course. But I learned the basics. And once I got out, I, uh, scraped together enough money to buy an old, shitty camera I could practice on.”
“Wait.” Simon’s jaw dropped. “You’re telling me you’reentirelyself-taught?”
“Yes?” Thad said. “I mean, I’ve learned some additional skills since I came to work for the Harriers and there’s a lot of information online. Video tutorials, articles, that sort of thing. But basically, yeah.”
“No, but that’s extraordinary.” Simon looked excited. “I wouldloveto talk more about this.”
“Sure, yeah,” Thad said, still a little bewildered by the whole thing. “Um, I can give you my business card?”
“Yes. Please! That would be fantastic.” Simon’s face lit up. “I know some gallery owners here in Boston. I could put you in contact with them, if you’re interested.”
“I …” Thad said hoarsely. “I don’t even know what to say. That would be … an honor.”
But Simon laughed. “Oh, believe me. I’m not only doing this out of the kindness of my heart. Ilovenurturing real artistic talent. And trust me, you have that in spades. Some of the angles you use are …” He shook his head. “Trulyspectacular. I really would love to discuss them more with you.”
“Yeah, just give me a call, text, email or whatever,” Thad said with a shrug. “Honestly, even if nothing comes of it, it would be nice to have someone to geek out about photography with.”
Simon grinned. “Let me guess, Graham listens patiently but at least half of what you’re yammering about goes right over his head?”
“Pretty much,” Thad agreed with a laugh.
“Same with Noah.” Simon shot a fond look at his husband. “He tries, but it’s never going to be his thing.”
“Does he pose for you?” Thad asked, curious.
“Yes. But we don’t share most ofthosewith the public.” Simon’s expression was mischievous. Not quite a wink, but almost.
Thad laughed, a little surprised but amused by Simon’s subtle joke. “I understand. I’ve thought about photographing Graham that way. But somehow … it feels too … I don’t know. I don’t have the word for it.”
Personal wasn’t quite right. Private wasn’t either. Even intimate wasn’t.
“Vulnerable?” Simon asked.
“Maybe,” Thad mused, staring across the room and watching Graham laugh about something with Noah.
“More vulnerable for you than for him, maybe?”
“Yeah, you may be onto something,” Thad admitted slowly. “Maybe I hesitate because I don’t know if I can ever adequately capture what I see when I look at him.”
“I get that,” Simon said. “As much as I love photography as a medium, as much as I treasure those photos I do take, I sometimes feel like they’re inadequate. They capture a glimpse of the feeling, but they can never quite show the way my heart leaps when I see him, or the depth of the love I feel.”
“Exactly,” Thad said.
