Page 82 of Slow Ride

As Kason played, she noticed a flicker of light and then another as people began to turn on their cellphone flashlights in appreciation.At first it was a few, sprinkled here and there, but as Kason went on they grew more plentiful until it looked like fireflies in a field on a summer night.

Soon, the sparkles became a glow as more and more people showed their support.

And as the last note reverberated around the stadium, the entire place was ablaze.

Kason stood there, staring out at the reflection of his emotions.At acceptance.At love.

He’d earned it.

Wren and Jordan flew to him and crushed him in a hug.If there were tears in his eyes, she knew they were happy ones.“I love you both.”

As the house lights came up, Wren could see that not everyone was as euphoric as she was.Some people scowled and one person in the third row even threw a beer at them.Others stomped out of the stadium, unwilling to listen.

Kason had lost some fans, true.But he would gain others.

None of them as devoted as her or Jordan.

Thunderous applause followed as he said goodnight to the crowd, then abandoned his scooter, putting one arm around Jordan’s shoulders, the other around Wren’s and leaning on them.They would gladly carry him when he needed.

As they reached the edge of the stage, he said, “That was the best moment of my life.”

“It was amazing, Kason.They adore you,” Wren said, reaching around to pat his abs with the flat of her hand.

“No.I mean the way you stared at me when I was singing.”He shook his head.“It was like the day you looked at Jordan the same way in the parking lot of Devra’s restaurant.I thought then that I would kill to have someone beam at me with such intense pride.Tonight you did.No high I’ve experienced was ever as intense as your admiration.Unless it’s Jordan’s.I love you both so much.”

“You deserve it.”Wren squeezed him, loving how her arm and Jordan’s rested against each other in the small of Kason’s back.“And in case I haven’t said it enough yet, I love you too, Kason.”

“Well, isn’t that quaint?”Rick spat, as red as if he had a third-degree sunburn.He looked angry enough to lunge at Kason and might have done it if Van hadn’t been restraining him.“You’re going to regret this.How could you throw it all away for this?”

“For the loves of my life?Easy.”Kason stared straight into his manager’s eyes and said clearly, “Rick, meet my future spouses.Nothingis worth more to me than them.Also…you’re fired.Van, escort him off the premises, please.”

From beside him, Jordan snorted when he heard Van say, “Rick, I think you’ll be going now.”

The Hot Rods and Hot Rides, who were already partying backstage, roared with laughter.Holden raised his glass and said, “Way to take out the trash, Kason.”

Sabra, his wife, was standing beside him.Kason motioned for her to come closer so he didn’t have to shout over the din.“You’re a reporter, right?”

“I used to be.”She smiled.“These days I produce theHot Rodsreality show.”

“Do you still have contacts in the media?”Kason wondered.

“Hell yeah, she does,” Holden chimed in.

“Would you like to interview me about what happened tonight and how insanely happy I am in my new relationship?”

“You don’t have to go that far,” Wren said softly.“Not to prove to me that you care.I believe you.”

“Same.”Jordan rubbed his hand up and down Kason’s side, making the man shiver.

“I want to.I want the whole world to know that it’s okay to love whoever the fuck you want.”He looked from Wren to Jordan and then at Tom, who was standing at the heart of them all, celebrating with Ms.Brown.“This could be the perfect opportunity to announce our charity work, too.Let’s turn this into something positive so that as many other people can be as happy as I am right now.Maybe that’s why I’ve been given this chance.I want to make the most of it.”

Wren was afraid she might crack Kason’s rib, she was clutching him so tight by the time he finished his impassioned speech.She couldn’t wait for them to be alone so she could show him, and Jordan, how perfect the rest of their lives were going to be.

It was going to have to wait a little while longer, though, because it seemed like there was always some drama circling around their group of friends.Now that theirs was resolved, it was someone else’s turn.

Van stormed back inside.Except, instead of looking pleased that Rick was history, he seemed pissed.Kason asked, “Everything okay?He didn’t give you any trouble, did he?”

“Who, Rick?No.”Van scowled as he glared at Holden and Sabra.“But that weaselly little traitor of yours?You can take him right back to Middletown.If he doesn’t get out of my face soon…”

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