Free Legal Artistry by Andrew Grey

never wanted for attention or affection. But your Gram could also be a bit of a snob, and some of those attitudes made their way into you.” Dieter opened his mouth to argue, but Sean stopped him with a gentle touch. “I don't think you're a snob, but some of her opinions—and we both know your Gram was free with them—are still playing in your head."
    "No, they're not."
    "Dieter, I think they are. Your Gram had certain ideas about people and how they fit into the world. I think a lot of those ideas came from her early childhood, which was very sheltered, privileged, and quite narrow. Your Gram once told me stories of things I can barely imagine, balls and parties that boggled the mind, but always with the same people. But you realize she nearly had a conniption when I offered you the job here, because I was gay."
    Dieter's eyes widened, and he shook his head. “No. Why would she?"
    Sean smiled at him a little indulgently, and Dieter felt himself bristle slightly. “She was concerned that I would turn you gay."
    "But she always liked you,” Dieter countered.
    "Yes, she did. But liking a shopkeeper who happened to be gay is one thing. Having your grandson working for him and in close proximity to him on a regular basis is quite a different story, at least in your Gram's mind,” Sean explained, and Dieter wanted to refute what he was saying, but he knew his Gram, and what Sean was describing held a ring of truth he couldn't ignore. “I'm not faulting your Gram. She came around, but she never really understood."
    "I know she had strong opinions about people, some of them not always good or right,” Dieter confessed.
    "Yes. You heard those views all your life, and they keep playing in the back of your mind. You can't live your life the way your Gram wanted you to. No one could. You need to be happy, and you need to live for you.” Sean stood up as someone knocked on the door. Cracking it open, he said something quietly and then closed it again. “You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to go dancing, and you most certainly have nothing to be ashamed of if you find someone attractive and want to dance with them. As for the rest, follow your heart and not the voice of your grandmother in your head,” Sean told him with a knowing smile. “It's getting busy, and I need to get back out front, but we can talk again later if you want."
    "No,” Dieter said as he got up, and Sean pulled him into another hug. “Thanks, Sean."
    "You're welcome,” Sean responded before opening the door and striding toward the front of the store. Dieter followed behind and saw Sean hugging his son Bobby while Laura hurried back into the office, still carrying the invoice she'd had earlier. Knowing her, she'd probably been holding it the entire time for fear she'd lose it.
    "Hey, Bobby,” Dieter said as he approached, “are you working tonight?"
    "No. Mark and I are getting together for an art slam."
    "What's an art slam?” Dieter asked, visions of paintings being hurled against walls flashing through his mind.
    "Not what you're thinking,” Bobby told him with a mischievous grin. “Musicians have jam sessions. Mark and I have slam sessions. We get together and work through new techniques and just have fun. Would you like to come?"
    "I'm no artist,” Dieter countered, shying away.
    "Don't have to be, we're just messing around with color. I've got some extra paint clothes in the car,” Bobby coaxed with words and a smile.
    "If you're sure,” Dieter responded nervously. It sounded like fun, but he didn't want to intrude.
    "Cool.” Bobby practically dragged him out of the store, saying good-bye to his dad in his excitement. Sean waved as they left, laughing to Katie. “We'll leave your car here, and we can pick it up later,” Bobby added as they climbed into his car and took off. “The extra clothes are in the backseat."
    "Are you sure Mark won't mind?” Dieter asked as he reached into the backseat, retrieving Bobby's bag.
    "Of course