Page 124 of Racing Hearts

“It’s perfection. The perfect tribute,” I assure him as we stand before it, staring up at our smiling faces, red from alcohol and laughter.

“I miss him,” Evan admits. “I wish he were here.”

“He is,” I reply, lifting his hand to kiss the back, “and he would be so proud.” I turn to him and encourage him to look at me. “I am so proud of you. Screw your parents.” He jerks, and I know I hit the nail on the head. He invited them, I know he did, but they didn’t even bother to respond. I want to throttle them for that and for missing out on this. “It’s their loss. They are missing out on seeing your talent and meeting the incredible man you have grown to be. Fuck them, pretty boy, you don’t need them. You have us.” I turn him to see Lally, Alice, Sky, and Bones, who are waiting on the other side. When we glance their way, they wave, and Evan smiles so broadly I know he’s going to be okay.

“Fuck them,” he whispers as he looks at me. “Blood isn’t family, this is.”

“So true, pretty boy, now let’s go meet your fans.”

This is Evan’s night, and I’m happy to be at his side, watching him dazzle the room like he dazzled me. He works his way into their lives, stealing their smiles and laughter. It’s what he’s best at, and he does it so well. He’s so genuine, loving, and passionate, you can’t do anything but adore him.

I answer some questions, but mostly, I just stand proudly at his side as he talks to everyone and shows off me and his photos. How could I ever think this would be something bad? Seeing his pride and love as he explains them steals my soul one inch at a time, and there’s something about the acceptance in everyone’s faces that just makes me happy.

It’s the way he introduces me. “Yep, that’s Alek, my boyfriend, and these are our friends—” He speaks as if presenting me as his boyfriend isn’t a big deal, as if us being gay isn’t a spectacle like I thought it would be. It’s not a conversation, just a fact.

I couldn’t love this man more.

“How are you doing, pretty boy?” I ask, handing him a glass of water when there’s a lull. Everyone is amazed by his photos, so I steal him for a moment, blocking people so he can breathe.

His smile is so wide, it must hurt as he looks at me. “They like them. They really like them.”

“When are you going to stop doubting yourself?” I grin. “Of course they love them. They are of me.”

He laughs as he smacks my side, and then someone clears their throat. “Mr. Shaw?” We both turn to see a man wearing thick-rimmed glasses smiling at us. It’s a kind smile, the type that makes you want to smile back. Wearing loose, camel-colored pants and a sweater, he looks sophisticated and rich, the watch on his wrist screaming money. “I’m?—”

“You’re Conan, the Conan White,” Evan exclaims, staring at him in shock. “You won the Arbel Photography Prize recently, and you worked with nearly every publication.”

Conan laughs. “I guess you know me.” He seems almost embarrassed. “I apologize for being late tonight. I was on a shoot, but when I heard of the rising star of Pine Valley, I had to come. I went to this school, you see, and I know us Pine Valley boys are the best.” He looks around before grinning at Evan and handing over a card. “You have real potential, Evan. I mean it. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen talent like this. Give me a call tomorrow. I’d love to speak to you more. For now, enjoy your night. You deserve it.” He nods and wanders away to another group, and Evan just stares down at the card like it’s the holy grail.

“That’s good, right?” I ask nervously.

“Good?” He looks up at me, whispering in awe. “He makes careers. You don’t become a photographer without his stamp of approval. He’s a recluse, a total genius?—”

Laughing, I kiss his cheek. “And he likes your work. I told you, pretty boy, you’re so fucking talented. He’s right, though. Enjoy your night. Want me to look after the card?” He tends to drop things after all.

He nods, handing it over carefully, and I add it to my wallet next to his picture so it doesn’t get lost, knowing how important this is to him.

Eventually, he gets over his shock, and Lally drags him into a group to discuss his work. I find myself standing before one of the photos of me, a rare one where I’m smiling for him. Suddenly, I feel a presence at my side, and I glance over to find Conan there, looking at the photo.

“He has the rare ability to capture people’s souls. That’s not something you can teach,” he murmurs.

“You think? You can see my soul?” I ask, not doubting Evan’s talent but the sincerity of my soul.

“I can, and it’s beautiful,” he tells me with a smile. “I see why he loves you and you him. I can feel the love through these photos. He will go far, so be prepared because it won’t be easy.”

“We have handled worse,” I say truthfully. “But how do I support him? I don’t know all the ins and outs of the photography world?—”

“Just be there. Listen to him, hold him, and trust him. That’s all he needs.” We both glance over at Evan as his laughter reaches us. “Don’t let anyone steal that spark. It isn’t something you get back, trust me.”

I regard him carefully, sensing the truth between his words. “I won’t. I’ll protect him no matter what.”

“Good, he’s lucky to have you.” He claps my shoulder. “I would offer to photograph you, since you have the perfect face for it, but I have a feeling you are exclusive to him, no?” He smiles, putting me at ease, and I know he meant no harm.

“Definitely.”

“Good. Had to check.” He winks as he waves at Evan and looks back at the photo. “Love, it’s a magnificent thing, isn’t it?” He wanders away.

I can see why he’s a recluse, but when I look at the photo again, I understand what he means. Evan captured something in my eyes, something even I didn’t see but he did.

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