“Great. I’ll see you and we’ll go over everything.” He waved as Walt climbed behind the wheel of his sedan and waited for him to drive off before returning to the porch.
A gig. So the venue wasn’t big. He didn’t mind. It was a steady job where he could play and get back into the swing of performing. Hot damn.
Evan spotted Mick’s car. He relaxed a bit. He needed his boyfriend’s cool demeanor. Plus, if Mick was coming home, then he’d been able to ditch work faster. Nervous energy ran through his body.
Mick parked in the barn, then strode up to the house. “What was that about?”
“That was Walt Ivers. He owns the Worn Saddle,” Evan said. “Ever heard of it?”
“Oh yeah. He opened the dance hall about five years ago. It’s popular. He only opens the doors Thursday through Sunday,” Mick said. “Did he offer you work?”
“A monthly gig, twice a month if I’m cool with it. He’ll call my rep with the details, payment info and contract.”
“Rep?” Mick’s eyebrows rose.
“You.” God, that sounded nice.
Mick grinned and his shoulders relaxed. “I’m touched and humbled. I’ll get it all sorted out.”
“I knew you would.” He wasn’t worried. “How was your morning?”
“Tiring. Aldus showed up. He wanted to pester me and it made getting my paperwork done almost impossible.”
“Aldus?” Jesus. Did the man ever leave Mick alone? He trusted Mick but hated that Aldus kept coming around.
“He’s an ass, but he’s persistent. He’ll find another target soon enough,” Mick said. “Plus, I told him I’d moved in with you. That shut him up.”
Moved in? He liked the way that sounded. Besides, Mick spent so much time at the farm. Why shouldn’t he live there, too? “Why don’t you?”
“Don’t I what?”
“Move in with me. I want you to and you practically live here. You’ve got a spot in the shed for your car.” He threaded his arms around Mick. “The offer is open.”
“I didn’t say that to push you. I said it to make Aldus go away.”
“I know.” He needed to work on their trust factor.
“Evan.”
“I love you and want you to move in—when you’re ready.” He’d been honest and ready for Mick to live with him since the first night they were together.
“You’re incorrigible.” Mick shook his head. “You also had to know I was ready yesterday.” He laughed. The full-throated sound reverberated on the porch. He squeezed Evan. “Yes.”
“There we go. We’re a we and we live together. Sounds perfect to me.”
“Yes.” Mick kissed him. “And we have company.”
He spotted a silver car. “We do.” The nervous energy returned. Neil had said he’d be in a silver vehicle. Would Neil like them? Want nothing more to do with him and Mick? He held Mick’s hand. He needed the support.
The car stopped and Evan sucked in a ragged breath. He held that breath until Neil emerged from the vehicle. Neil smiled and stayed beside the car.
Evan let go and exhaled. He hurried over to Neil. “Mr. Ramsey? I’m Evan Conley. We spoke on the phone.”
“You are.” Neil held on to the car mirror. “I’m Neil Ramsey, but call me Neil.” He paused. “Your uncle described this place to me a thousand times. He knew every detail and after a while I swore I did, too. I thought he’d made it up, but he wasn’t lying. He said I’d love it here and when we were able to come back, we’d buy a house and live happily ever after.” Tears filled Neil’s eyes. “I used the map, but I remembered his stories and found the farm with no trouble.”
“I’m glad you made it.” His heart broke for Neil. He and Edwin had had a plan for a future that had never happened. Evan wanted to hug Neil, but held back. “Welcome.”
“Your uncle would’ve been so proud of you,” Neil said. He shut the car door. “He’d have loved your music.”
Evan paused. He would? “You’ve heard it?” He didn’t think he’d made it that big or had that wide a distribution on his music. “You think so?”
“I’m sure. He loved music and for people to be honest in their music. You’re genuine,” Neil said. “Plus, he’d have loved your flash.”
“I’m not that genuine. I’m gay and none of my songs deal with it.” The tips of his ears burned. Christ. He was forty-five years old and still easily embarrassed. “I drank too much, swore even more and, until I met Mick again, was rudderless outside of my music.” He wasn’t sure why he’d admitted all of that, but it was too late to take the words back.
“Your heart shines through.” Neil hugged him. “I have all your music on my computer. Your grandmother and I emailed back and forth. She kept me apprised of your exploits.”
“Thank you for listening, but I had no idea she talked to you. It would’ve made contacting you so much easier.” He walked with Neil to the porch. “This is my boyfriend, Mick. Mick, this is Neil.”
“I was Edwin’s boyfriend.” Neil hugged Mick. “It’s good to meet you. We’ve talked in a few emails, haven’t we?”
“We have and it’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” Mick stepped aside. “Why don’t I get some lemonade? It’s cooler out here on the porch and it won’t take me long to get the stuff rounded up for drinks.”
“Sure.” Evan gestured to the swing. “We didn’t think you’d come all the way to Ohio.”
“Why not? I loved Edwin.” Neil sat beside Evan on the swing. “You look a lot like him. Stronger and more filled out, but I can tell you’re family.” His smile wobbled. “Seeing you is like talking to a muscle-bound version of Eddie.”
“What was my uncle like? I never got to meet him,” Evan asked. “I wish I had.”
“Eddie loved his sister, but hated this town. He loved the farm, though. That’s why I knew it when I saw it,” Neil said. “Actually, the
