God, it wasn’t fair. Mick had been out since they were in school. He probably had a relationship. If he didn’t, he should. Mick deserved to be happy—even if he was an ass.
Mick would laugh or hate him more when he learned the truth—Evan was gay and afraid to come out. So not like Mick.
Gay. Why was he so scared to admit that out loud?
He’d lose his career, that was why. He wouldn’t be as appealing to his fans if they knew the truth. Jesus. He wanted to be himself—and get away from Mick. He’d crushed on Mick in school. Hell, he was still attracted to him.
He groaned. If Mick was a lawyer and handling Martha’s estate, then they’d be together a lot. Nice, but Mick hated him.
What a way to spend the next few weeks of my life.
Chapter Two
Mick scrubbed both hands over his face as he rode the elevator to the seventh floor. He’d spent the last two days in and out of the hospital with Martha and Evan. So far, she’d held on longer than he’d expected. Part of him looked forward to their visits, because Martha had so little time left. As he spent more hours with Evan, he realized the guy wasn’t so bad. Evan was going through hell and deserved a break. Plus, he was there. Some of Mick’s clients didn’t have family around during their final hours.
Part of Mick wasn’t fond of Evan. He couldn’t pinpoint why. Because Evan had left Cedarwood? Because he’d tried to chase a dream and fame? Maybe. Fame seemed to elude Evan. He was still playing dive bars, county fairs and smaller venues. If he made a bigger venue, he only managed third billing. How was that famous?
A little bit of Mick was jealous. He’d never been able to leave Cedarwood. His family had needed him and he toed the family line. Why couldn’t Evan do that, too?
Evan walked down the corridor toward Martha’s room. His heart ached for Martha. He’d miss her when she was gone. Besides, no one deserved to be diagnosed with cancer. But she’d be reunited with her husband, Clem. She loved her husband and missed him so much.
Jess Cutter, one of the nurses who worked on Martha’s floor, hurried up to him. “Mick.” She crinkled her eyebrows and frowned. “Honey, didn’t you get the call?”
Mick tipped his head. “What call?” His heart sank deeper. He had a pretty good idea what she had to say and was trying to avoid saying it. “How long ago?”
“An hour.” She hugged Mick. “I haven’t been able to console Evan.” She rubbed Mick’s back. “Maybe you can help him.”
The last thing he wanted to do was be with Evan. He’d crushed so hard on Evan in school, only to be ignored. He winced. He disliked Evan because he’d been rejected. They were different people now and Evan needed him. Evan was the only Conley left. Tears pricked his eyes, but he ignored the instinct to cry. He wasn’t permitted to lose control. He had to be professional and strong. “I’ll sit with him.”
“Good.” Jess let go of him. “He’s been here all night. Try to get him to eat something and help him get some rest. He’s exhausted.”
“I’m not his parent.” He allowed Jess to escort him down to the waiting area near Martha’s room. Evan sat on one of the chairs with his head in his hands.
Mick steadied himself and approached Evan. He knelt in front of the man. “Hi.”
Evan said nothing and didn’t acknowledge him.
“There’s nothing I can say that will help. I’m hurting, too.” He hugged Evan. “Why don’t we go to the farmhouse? I’ll stay with you.”
Evan nodded and said nothing. He allowed Mick to herd him out of the hospital to Mick’s car.
“Do you have clothes or a bag?” Mick asked. He noted Evan was wearing the same clothes he’d donned when he’d met Evan at the airport. “Evan?” He opened the car door for him. “Where’s your bag?”
“My manager took it to the farmhouse and left. Said he couldn’t stay around with a loser,” Evan mumbled. He faced away from Mick.
Mick wanted to be irritated, but he understood. Everyone grieved in different ways. He rounded the hood and climbed behind the wheel. “I’ll take you home.” He assumed Evan had heard him, since he hadn’t answered.
Mick refused to push Evan. The situation would be smoother if he let Evan come to him. If Evan wanted to talk, then he’d listen. Mick drove to the farm. Truth be told, he hadn’t come to terms with what had happened. His friend was gone. No more conversations or advice or nudges from her to date the guy she’d picked for him. A lump formed in his throat. He’d miss her, but was thankful for the time he’d had with her. He’d learned a lot from Martha, mostly to never accept less than what he deserved. He pulled into the gravel lane and sped back to the farmhouse. He parked by the barn.
Mick patted Evan’s thigh. “Come on. We’ll make sure your bag is in the house.” He left the vehicle and rounded the hood. When he opened the door for Evan, he asked, “Who is your manager?” He’d have to talk to this person when it came time to sorting out the finances.
“Lawrence Crowse.” Evan left the car. “He’s a user, but he gets me gigs.”
Mick nodded. A shyster, no doubt. “Sometimes you need a tenacious fellow to help with the work.” He walked with Evan up to the house and spotted a bag by the front door. “Is that yours?”
“Yeah.” Evan scooped up his bag. “Thanks.”
Mick unlocked the door and allowed Evan into the house first. “Want me to order something to eat? We get deliveries out here.”
“Not hungry, thanks.” Evan wandered through the
