“Tomorrow morning. He got a flight for this evening and decided to make a road trip of his drive from the airport. Said Edwin always talked about his home with a wistfulness in his voice. He wanted to see the place Edwin once called…home.”
“That’s sweet.” He admired Evan’s tenacity and the way he cared about the uncle he’d never met. “You’ve been busy.”
“I wanted to give Neil closure and the chance to meet us.” Evan averted his gaze. “I guess there was a ceremony, but it was small. I don’t know. Seems like Edwin got the shaft. Am I bad for wanting to meet this guy and wanting to learn more about them both?”
“No. You’re curious about someone you’ve never met who is family. He had some similar experiences to ours and it’s nice to find people we can identify with,” Mick said. He held Evan. He loved this man and wanted to make him happy. Evan needed closure, too. “Tomorrow, we meet Neil.”
“We do.”
Excitement and a little sadness filled Mick’s mind. He’d never thought he’d find someone like Evan and had never expected to fall this hard for him. He loved Evan and couldn’t see his life without him. He couldn’t imagine what Neil had gone through, seeing the man he loved dying for their right to be accepted. He couldn’t fathom that kind of sadness. Hopefully, he’d never have to find out.
* * * *
Evan waited on the porch the next morning. The clock on his phone read ten. The day was new, but everything had gone haywire by six-thirty. He’d fed the cattle and done the chores, but the clutch on the newer tractor wasn’t working. He needed Clark, from the tractor repair shop, to arrive to work on the engine. Evan knew music, but nothing about motors. He wished Mick were there, but his boyfriend had gone to work for half a day. Tommy was out in the south field, mowing. Evan groaned. The farm was his responsibility. He should be working, not standing around. But Neil was on the way.
He noticed a car in the lane and didn’t recognize the vehicle. He left the porch and strode over to the gravel patch in front of the house.
“Hi.” Evan kept a bit of distance between him and the car. “Can I help you?”
“Evan James?” The man left the vehicle. “The musician?”
“I am.” He’d almost forgotten his stage name. “And you are?”
“Walt Ivers. I run the Worn Saddle on the northern outskirts of Cedarwood. I hear you’re looking for gigs.” Walt shook hands with him. “I’d like to offer you the stage.”
“I don’t know the Worn Saddle.” Evan hooked his fingers in his belt loops. “I stalled my career to help the family.”
“I heard about Martha,” Walt said. “She’s the reason I’m here.”
“Oh?” Interesting, since she wasn’t exactly talking to anyone.
“She gave me your albums, talked you up highly and needled me about giving you time on the stage.” Walt chuckled. “Said when you came home, if I didn’t chase you down to work for me, she’d be upset.”
“Did she?” His grandmother had always been his best PR person.
“I’d like to offer you the chance to play once a month, twice if you’d like, for the next year. It’s not a huge venue, but we pack ’em in. Do you have a rep I can call about the contract?”
“I’ll pass along the information to my lawyer, Mick Ryan.”
“Perfect.” Walt grinned. “I understand why you got out of the biz. The farm is a lot to handle. Your grandmother worked hard to keep it running.”
“She did.”
“She also worked hard to keep you in the news around here,” Walt said. “She loved you.”
He nodded and allowed a grin. The kind words flattered him, but he had to make something clear. “You do know I’m gay, right? If that’s a problem, tell me now.”
“I don’t care if you’re gay.” Walt shrugged. “You make music and can rock the stage. That’s what I care about.”
“Most people seem to have a big problem with me being gay,” Evan said.
“No one I know will be upset,” Walt said. “I’d like to say that if you can keep the joint hopping, we don’t care who you sleep with. That said, I know why you’re concerned. Some clientele might leave, but I’d rather you be authentic and happy. The crowds will come. Besides, no one’s run me out of Cedarwood and I’ve been out of the closet for years.”
“You have?” He had no idea. “Do you get attacked? Some folks in town aren’t LBGTQ friendly.”
“Correct, and they’ve let me know, but I refuse to let them rule me. I like music, to dance and a good cowboy in chaps. You aren’t in chaps and you’re a little young for my taste, but you play good music and would be an ideal fit for the Worn Saddle.”
“Then thank you.” He appreciated Walt’s honesty. “I’ll have Mick contact you.”
“Perfect.” Walt hesitated. “I know this sounds a little out of the blue—me showing up here. I wanted to speak to you the day I heard you’d come back to town, but Martha was my friend and I can’t imagine how you’re holding up. I couldn’t offer you a job when you were so torn up. I’m sorry your grandmother is gone. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.”
“She is missed, but she’s not completely gone,” Evan said. He rubbed a spot on his chest. “She’s in my memories and my heart.”
“That’s the best place to have her.” Walt dipped his head. “I’ll contact Mick and look forward to seeing you play.”
“I’m looking forward to it, too. Thank you.” He shook hands with Walt. “I’m kind of stoked to be on the stage. I thought no one around here cared—besides my grandmother.”
“You’re a favorite son in Cedarwood. It’ll be a great return. I know it,” Walt said. “I
