Page 80 of Tell Me Lies: Manlove Edition

“Are we about ready? I know you just got here, but we have everything set up for you.” Dorian flattened his hand. “Should be plug and play, but we need to do the checks.”

“You bet.” He picked up his favorite guitar and ran through his finger exercises. He loved playing and hadn’t done the exercises in so long. Stretching his abilities this way pleased him. He’d rather have Will there watching, but he couldn’t be sure Will would show up.

“Great.” Dorian hurried back to the soundboard.

Within half an hour, Carsten had limbered up and Dorian had his levels. Carsten jammed with the band for another few minutes, running through some of the songs on the playlist. It’d been so long since he’d played simply for fun, not to pay the bills. He loved the thrill of making music. Songs filled his head and some weren’t even from the playlist. A new tune added to the mix. He hadn’t heard this one before. He’d have to write it down when he got the chance.

He finished the jam session, then left his guitar on the stand. “Nathan?”

His slide guitar player glanced over his shoulder. “What’s happening?”

“Someone knew we were here.” He sank onto the stool next to Nathan. “She said she was coming to watch the comedy act.”

“Goddamn.” Nathan folded his arms. “That’s harsh.”

“Is she right?” He didn’t want to think so.

“She’s not, but she was trying to get a response out of you. The papers want dirt on you. The word got out that you’re looking for the guy you went to school with and you’re expecting to meet him here. They want to see you get a happy ending. She probably wanted to tip them off.”

“You could be right.” He hadn’t thought of that.

“It might have gotten out that you treated that guy like shit in the past and you’re trying to make amends, too.” Nathan moved the guitar aside. “Are you really tying to make up for what you did?”

“I am.” He might as well be honest. If the word was out, then it was. “I used to tease him pretty good when we were teenagers. I thought it would make him like me if I made fun of him. It was stupid and stereotypical and I wish I hadn’t done it. I was miserable back then. My parents hated me for being gay, I didn’t like my life and I wanted someone to hurt, too.”

“That’s deep and rough.” Nathan stood. He covered the guitar with a sheet, preparing for the show. “Is he even open to the idea of forgiving you?”

“Kind of?” He wasn’t sure if Will had forgiven him. “We’re talking at least.”

“That’s something.” Nathan narrowed his eyes. “Did you invite him to the concert?”

“I did.”

“That’s romantic.” Nathan grinned, then laughed and the sound echoed through the room. “I knew you could be. After Amber and that farce of an engagement you tried to have, I knew you could really be romantic and it sure looks like he means a lot to you. I hope he understands that and is open to giving you a chance.”

“It would be nice, but I’m not banking on it.” He knew better than to bet on something that wasn’t guaranteed.

“If he shows up, I want you to point him out to me. I bet he’s handsome,” Nathan said. “He must be something special.”

“He is.” He considered his friend a moment. “You’re not upset that I’m gay? The rest of the original band hated it.”

“They wanted to get paid and they thought you’d tank.” Nathan stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I never cared either way because I know you’re damn good on the mic and on the guitar. You hold your own and that’s what matters. You’re captivating on stage and your sexuality shouldn’t make a difference. As long as you can entertain and bring in the crowds—which you can because tonight is sold out—then that’s what matters. I want to play with someone who wants to play. You.”

“Thanks, Nate.” He appreciated his bandmate’s honesty. “I wish I’d have known the truth.”

“That’s why we had to find the new band members. Your reputation wasn’t as trashed as you think and the gang wanted to play on this tour.”

“But that’s why no one was honest with me, isn’t it?” Carsten asked. “I thought they jumped ship because my sales were tanking and my reputation was in the toilet.”

“Sadly, it’s true for those guys, but not these. Look, I knew you were gay all along, Car. You’ve got to be true to yourself. The band is behind you and I’m on your side. We’ve got this.” Nathan clapped him on the shoulder. “And if this guy is any kind of gentleman and he sees you for who you are now, then he’s a fool if he doesn’t snap you up.”

He laughed and the tension left his body. “He is, and thank you.”

“Let’s get dressed for the show and grab something to eat. Before we know it, it’ll be showtime.” Nathan walked with him from the stage. “You’ve got to shine like a fucking diamond tonight.”

“Damn right.” He wanted to knock Will’s socks off, pour his heart out with every song, and show his former rival that they were meant to be together all along. Not impossible, but quite the long shot.

Good thing he liked his odds.

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