Chapter 36
Atlas
Epilogue –Eight months later
Asthelastofthe crowd walked out the door at closing time, I stood in the middle of the space, staring at what remained of my art. The show at the gallery had been an absolute success. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I could ever be a true artist.
While things were still a little strained with Hugh’s parents, it was surprisingly Mr. Hanley Cross who encouraged me to be bold and to take initiative. He explained that success didn’t just drop into your lap. You had to make your own success. He told me to get out of my head and let galleries be the judge of my work, not myself. He was incredibly successful, so of course, I’d listen. I was grateful to him.
What started as a couple of paintings of Hugh and Linden turned into an entire series. Some galleries showed no interest, but I finally found one that wanted to showcase my work. Mr. Cross was the first to buy paintings from me, the very ones that started it all: Hugh and Linden. I had no idea where his support came from or why, other than he seemed to like me.
I yawned as Hugh thrust a glass of champagne into my face, just when Linden stood next to me and wrapped his arm around the small of my back. I took a sip of the bubbly, feeling exhausted and wired at the same time. The past two days had been a whirlwind between getting married at the justice of the peace the day before and getting ready for my show.
“I’m proud of you, Mr. Cross,” Hugh said to me.
“I’m not sure I’ll get used to being called that, darling husband. But thank you. I’m still in damn awe.” We debated whether I would take his name, but I chose to for legal purposes.
His parents came to be witnesses at the justice of the peace, but they wouldn’t be coming with us to the ceremony in Greece. While Hugh’s family accepted him being with a man, they’d never accept Linden as Hugh’s lover and partner. We didn’t want to push them when Hugh and Linden were making such great headway with them. So, for now, they just believed we were going on a honeymoon to Greece.
It was only last year that Greece allowed same-sex marriage. Chloe, Hugh’s bestest and most fantastic sister, got ordained, so she could wed the three of us in a small ceremony. She was a damn saint.
“You’re so talented, baby,” Linden said, kissing my cheek. “Here’s to more art shows and success.”
We raised our champagne glasses and took a sip of our bubbly drink.
Hugh plucked my drink from my fingers, set the glass down on a table, and walked toward me like a panther.
“Don’t you dare!” I said, holding out my hand. “I have gone all out with my outfit tonight. I look gorge, so don’t you mess up my clothes, Hugh Cross, by tossing me over your shoulder.”
He raised his hands in defense. “Fine, I’ll behave.”
“Psh.”
I’d been branching out to be more femme. Tonight I wore a black pantsuit with a tapered waist and red heels just for Hugh.
“I can’t wait to get you naked tonight,” Hugh whispered in my ear.
“No time. We have to pack up and fly out early in the morning,” Linden explained. “There will be plenty of time for sexy games when we reach Greece.”
“Have it your way, but those shoes better be coming on the trip with us.”
“No worries, darling. They are definitely coming with.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to wear a shirt underneath your jacket?” Mom asked, straightening the white choker with a dangling pearl in the center.
“I’m sure, Mama. We’re getting married on a beach, plus this jacket is fancy enough.”
“I suppose.”
I wore a cream-colored suit, but the jacket had a 3D floral pattern made of pearls. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. It was stunning. I didn’t need a button-up for it. I wanted to be sexy, and I felt that way.
She fussed over my curls as I applied some lipstick.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve found love, Atlas, my son. I never expected it to be two men, not in mywildest dreams, but you’re happy, and they’re happy. That’s what matters most.”
I bopped her nose. “And that you’re happy.”
She cupped my face and looked deeply into my eyes. “You’re so handsome.”
