“How’s he doing? It’s got to be tough on him right now.”
“It’s not the best. He’s not working, he’s missing his grandmother, he’s running the farm…yeah, he’s a little overwhelmed.” Mick paused. “Do you have thoughts on the situation with Evan? That I’m close to him?”
“Nope.”
Mick stopped short. “Wait. You don’t?” Farin was the most opinionated person he knew. “Be serious.”
“I am. I don’t have thoughts on this. You do what you need to do and be happy. I want you to be loved. That’s my thoughts,” Farin said. “If Evan makes you happy, then cool.”
“But you’re the same guy who laughed at relationships.” Farin confused him. “You said you weren’t ever going to fall in love. Had no desire to.”
“I lied. I fell hard for Steve.” Farin shrugged and started walking. “Love comes when you’re not looking. Be open to embracing it.”
“You’re deep.” He strode beside his friend and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’m glad you found Steve, but I really thought the relationship would wither because you were so anti-love.”
“When you find the right person, it’s magic.” Farin snorted. “God, I’m so cliched, but whatever. It’s true.” He stopped on the square and folded his arms. “Look at things this way. Does Evan make you happy? Not for the short term or for right now…but are you all the way around happy?”
“Yes.” He didn’t have to think about the answer. Being with Evan made him a better person. He was calmer and smoother.
“Do you look forward to seeing him?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Does he flow in your blood?” Farin asked. “It’s quick, right? You haven’t been together long, but does he?”
“You’re being poetic and deep, but yes.” Evan was his other half. He’d fallen a little for him in school, thought he’d gotten over Evan, and now that they were together, he’d tumbled head over heels.
“Then you’re in love.” Farin nodded to the taco truck. “What do you want?”
“I hadn’t thought about it.” He’d been too busy escaping Bud. He wasn’t sure he’d brought his wallet. “Tacos are fine. Why don’t I buy?” Smart. He should’ve checked he had cash first.
“Nah. You need a good time. You look like you’re going to fall apart,” Farin said. “You look tired.”
“It’s that bad?” Well, shit.
“You seem depressed.” Farin stood in front of the menu. “Order whatever you want, then tell me what’s got you in knots.”
Mick placed his order and accepted a ticket. He waited for Farin to order and join him in line before he spoke. “I got together with Evan because we were both upset. It’s been very organic, but while I’m in over my head and happy, I’m worried.”
“Do you think he’ll be like Linc? Or Aldus?” Farin asked.
“Yes. I’m not positive, but I thought I loved Linc and what’d he do? He cheated and wanted me to get him out of a DUI charge. Aldus slept around, too.” Mick shook his head. “Their behavior still stings.”
“Does Evan strike you as the cheating type?”
“No.” Maybe. If the right person came along, anything was possible. “I’m not sure.”
“Wow.” Farin accepted the two paper trays. “You’re in so deep.”
“Huh?” He took his tray. “Farin.”
“I’m serious. You like him so much you’re trying to find ways to tear this relationship apart.”
“No.” Duh.
“Mick, Linc was an asshole. I knew you’d get your heart broken because he couldn’t keep it in his pants. I knew he’d do something stupid like drinking and driving. Him asking you to get him out of trouble… I can’t even. That said, I could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t invested in the same way you were. He only wanted the next big thing.” Farin strode over to one of the benches. “Sit.”
“I wish you’d have said something before now.” He sat beside Farin. “Would’ve saved me a lot of pain and headaches. He only wanted me for money.”
“I hate to say it, I’m not shocked.” Farin bit into his burrito. He didn’t say anything right away. “You’re a good guy. Evan is a great man. I remember him from school, too. He hasn’t had any big scandals since he went off to Nashville. He never knocked someone up or ran out on anyone—at least not that’s been mentioned in the news. That’s rare. I don’t think he’s the bad guy you’re expecting to show up. Give him and you a chance. You’re in love. It’s scary, it’s overwhelming and it’s great. Accept it.”
“So sayeth Farin?”
“And provable in a court of law.” Farin laughed. “Take my advice. Relax. Don’t look for the pitfalls, and enjoy the ride.”
He laughed with Farin. “I will.” Being able to talk and vent helped. He felt better about his choices. Evan was a worthy man.
“That’s a good boy.” Farin continued eating.
Mick relaxed. The problems he’d perceived melted away. Remy wasn’t the cheating type and neither was Evan. Mick stayed in the park with Farin and ate his lunch. He still needed time to let the conversation saturate his brain, but his life was clearer and he had direction.
“Mick Ryan is in love. Who would’ve thought it?” Farin balled up his paper, then folded the tray. “I’m glad.”
“I’m in love and I’m happy—even when I’m overthinking.” He finished his first taco. “I’m a mess, but I’m in love.”
“Better tell Evan.”
“He told me he loves me.” He hadn’t disclosed that information to anyone yet.
“He did?” Farin tossed his refuse into the can. “You’re a lucky guy, but let me guess. You freaked out when he said it.”
“I did.”
“Honey.” Farin sighed. “I’ve been there and it’s scary, but you have to tell him how you feel.”
“I know.” Mick finished his second taco. “But I’m ready to tell him now. Thanks for listening to me and thanks for buying. I owe you.”
“You’re welcome. We all need that kick in the pants. Colin kicked me. He’s good at it.” Farin stood and stretched. “Go home to your man and tell him you can’t live
