Hunter actually blushes when she makes that comparison. I know nothing about art, but I can tell he’s glad for the compliment.
For the next five minutes, the two of them get lost in a conversation about art, and pride surges inside me.
Hunterneedsthis.
I feel like he may have needed it for his whole life, and never known it.
Especially after this year’s events, he needs a win.
Hunter’s been haunted by his father’s betrayal and passing, even though the two of them certainly were never close.
But he’s also been dwelling on Briar.
The fact that he had a true friend, for the first time in forever, and she turned out to be a source of betrayal, too.
It’s the kind of thing that could break someone’s ability to trust for a lifetime.
Seeing him put his art out in the world and receive praise like this is monumental.
He has a place in this world.
Clearly.
He’s just never known it.
Soon after, three familiar faces walk in.
James, Ethan, and Ezra.
The founding members of Onyx society have very busy lives and I don’t always get to see them, so it’s a small surprise, even for me.
They come over to greet us, and James keeps looking over at one of the paintings.
“I’ll give you 10 for it,” James says. “It’s worth far more, I’m sure, but if no one else is vying for that piece, that’s my starting bid.”
For a minute I think he means 10bucks, and I raise an eyebrow. “Hunter put in a lot of work on that. Weeks of work.”
James has millions from his career in tech.
“You’re right. 20k,” James says. “Still probably undervalued. I think you’ll be a very successful artist very soon, Knox.”
I practically feel like I could fall over hearing a number that high.
“It’s yours. No cost,” Hunter offers.
Oh. Right.
Hunter has millions now, too.
“Going to fight you for that piece, J,” Ezra says, coming over.
I feel like I’m among living legends.
And in a way, I know it’s true.
But the only thing I can focus on is Hunter’s slight smile. A smile that has an ocean of meaning behind it.
A smile that never used to be possible for him.
