Evan massaged his forehead. Jesus. He hated the bias. He could look like a cowboy and be accepted. It was possible, but not for his former manager. Being gay meant being left out.
“It’s one person,” Mick said. “Don’t worry about it. Plenty of people will want to rep you because you’re being authentic.”
“Uh-huh.” His phone rang again and he growled. “I don’t know this number.”
“Then don’t answer. If this person wants to talk to you, then they’ll leave a message. The ones that matter will stick with you and it’ll be a stronger bond.” Mick took the phone. “Let it ride for a day, then I’ll sit with you as you tackle what’s happening. You’ve been through a lot in a very short time.”
“Yeah.” He wasn’t in the mood to read negative comments.
Mick’s phone rang and he rolled his eyes. “I know this number. Just a moment.” He put the device to his ear. “Yeah. So? Doesn’t matter. It’s not your business.” He turned his back to Evan. “Let it alone. No. This isn’t yours to discuss. No.” He threw the phone.
“What’s wrong?” Evan kept space between them. “Mick?”
“My asshole co-worker called the news.” Mick’s shoulders slumped and he closed his eyes. “He followed your group and saw the post. He called everyone. Said you needed to speak to the media and would be happy to do so. It’s false and he can’t do that since he doesn’t rep you, but he did.”
“Really?” He didn’t need to talk to anyone, but now he had little choice. He’d have to face things eventually. He might as well get used to the intrusions.
“You probably should talk to the media. If I know Bud, he contacted them while he watched the video.” Mick rubbed his temples. “He’s a jerk.”
“Bud?” Mick had said Evan knew the guy. Evan frowned. “Bud Levitan? I mean, William Levitan?”
“Him.” Mick rested his hands on his hips. “He’s still immature and still wants attention.”
Evan gritted his teeth. He needed a moment to think things through. He could push Mick away because things that weren’t Mick’s business had been discussed with Bud, but what would that solve? The three of them had attended school together. Evan was known in Cedarwood. This wasn’t Mick’s fault. If Bud wanted to be a prick, then he would be and nothing would dissuade him. If Evan wanted the uproar to stop, he needed to control the message. He’d started by posting his own story, but that wasn’t enough. He needed to control more. Fine.
“What? You look like you’ve made a decision.” Mick tipped his head. “Ev?”
“Bud knows what he knows because he heard you and me talking on the phone. He eavesdropped, didn’t he?”
“Yes. He heard my side of the conversation and knew I was working on your case. He assumed quite a bit, too,” Mick said. “He put the math together that I liked you. According to him, I’m chasing you because I want your fame by association.”
“Do you?” He hadn’t gained that impression, but with the rest of the shit happening, he needed the truth.
“No.” Mick stood tall. “I like you for who you are—not what you are.”
“Think Bud told everyone you and me are together because of circumstance, not because we might have a connection?” He could see why Bud would infer that answer.
“I think so.” Mick sighed. “You’ve dealt with trolls before, haven’t you?”
“Lots.” Now he knew what to do.
“I’m sorry.” Mick bowed his head.
“Why?”
“This has gotten out of control.”
“It’s okay.” Evan held Mick’s hand. “Don’t worry about things.”
“How is this okay? How should I not worry?” Mick asked. He met Evan’s gaze. “Things have gone to shit.”
“I know what I want to do.” He kissed Mick. “If the media want to intrude, then they can. I’m grieving the loss of my grandmother, taking over the farm and settling into the next Chapter of my life with my boyfriend. I have nothing to hide.” He was proud of what he’d accomplished and where he was in life. He could survive this and thrive. Had to. Why? He had no other choice.
Chapter Six
Mick stood in the background as Evan spoke to yet another television reporter. Jesus. He’d never seen so many reporters in his life. Everyone seemed to want a piece of Evan.
Evan had changed into one of his ten-gallon hats, a tight T-shirt and spangled jeans. His cowboy boots clunked on the floor as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He looked every inch the country music singer he’d been not even a month ago.
Mick admired how the jeans contoured to Evan’s legs and the shirt brought out the strength in his body. He swept his gaze over Evan. His boyfriend’s discomfort was evident in how he fidgeted with his silver chain bracelet and the way he couldn’t stand still. Mick wanted to help, but opted to stay aside instead.
Jimmy, one of the teens working at the farm, elbowed Mick. “Can I talk to you?”
“Sure.” Mick gestured to the back porch. Once he and Jimmy were away from the cameras, Mick nodded. “What’s wrong? You look upset. Don’t like the cameras on the property? I know Martha wouldn’t like this.”
“No, my parents aren’t cool with me working here. They think with Mr. Conley being gay, he’ll try to do something to me.” Jimmy picked at the paint peeling from the railing. “I know he won’t, but they think he’ll try to make me gay. They saw him working with his shirt off and he came out…”
“You’ve worked for me and I didn’t make you gay,” Mick said. He’d employed Jimmy and his brother Bobby to landscape the office grounds for the last two years.
“No, but she would check on me when I worked for you. Here, they can’t check on me.” Jimmy’s shoulders sank. “I need the job because Mr. Conley is doing what Mrs.
