Looking away for a moment, Anthony huffs a small laugh. You’ve become rather important to me—the words ricochet about in Anthony’s head. There is a sweet intimacy to them that he can’t deny, and he isn’t quite sure what to do about that.

For now he leaves it be.

He gives a shrug and waves his hand. “I would be a poor art historian if I dismissed religion entirely. Make of that what you will.” He offers a wry smile, knowing that there is a contradiction between his beliefs and his passions. How can an atheist remain so attached to art of a decidedly religious bent? Even Anthony doesn’t have an entirely satisfying answer for himself.