The Artist and the Actor – 12

 

"It's been three years since I've seen him," Shane protested.

 

"I don't care if it's been thirty years," Thomas retorted tautly. "You must not have cared all that much about him if you don't remember one of the defining moments in his life."

 

"Oh, my God," Shane said softly when it hit him. He turned to stare at the painting, again. "This is Kenny—or Colin's interpretation of him after…after his death."

 

"His murder, Shane. Call it what it was. Colin does. He says, to quote him,—" Thomas gently touched the painting, "—this was his way of exorcising the demon of his loss." He returned his attention to Shane. "The murder happened ten years ago Monday, if I'm correct."

 

Shane nodded. "I think you are." He sighed deeply. "He's dealing with that, and then I show up."

 

"A complication he does not need at the moment. I would appreciate it if you would make yourself scarce where he's concerned."

 

"Who are you to give me orders?" Shane spat out.

 

"Colin's friend. Perhaps one of the few he has these days."

 

"Because he spends all of his time locked in his studio, creating more painting for you to sell," Shane replied with a knowing look.

 

"It's his choice, Shane. Something you apparently didn't realize when the two of you were together."

 

"Oh, I got that. His art is everything. I was just…" Shane shook his head. "I loved him and he loved me, but it wasn't enough for either of us, I guess. Yeah, I screwed up, I admit it, but damn it, Thomas, I couldn't compete with his real passion."

 

"I understand," Thomas replied, patting Shane's shoulder. He looked hard at Shane. "Did you honestly love him?"

 

"With all my heart, as corny as that sounds. I still do, for all the good it does me."

 

"Perhaps," Thomas said pensively. "Perhaps your being back isn't such a bad thing after all. He needs someone who cares, Shane, whether he knows it or not. So, I'll rescind my earlier words. Don't make yourself scarce. On the other hand, don't try to push yourself back into his life. It wouldn't work."

 

"Got it. I'm not sure what the happy medium will be, but I'll figure it out. I have to."

 

"Yes," Thomas agreed. "You do, for both your sakes."