Page 106 of Sweet T

Evan’s body released in Tucker, feeling, smelling, and tasting him, tethered together in mutual bliss. It felt to Evan as if their very essence had linked. One. Inevitable. As if the gods had decreed it and he had no choice.

“I’m not leaving you,” he whispered, kissing the back of Tucker’s neck. “I won’t.”

* * *

“Yes, you are,” Tucker said, pouring Evan a second cup of coffee. They had showered and eaten a late breakfast. Tucker took Evan’s empty plate and put it in the sink. “I saw you on stage last night. You have a gift, Evan, and you love it. I can’t keep you from that. Once we get through the weekend, I want you to call your friend in Atlanta. Tell him you’re coming. Once you get established, I’ll come visit. We’ll make it work somehow.”

“Who’s going to run the bar?”

“Shelly’ll be here till fall.”

“That’s just a little over a month away. Then what?”

“If we still feel the same–and I’m pretty sure we will–I’ll sell the bar, pack up, and we’ll get a place in Atlanta.”

“I don’t know, T. You’re saying you don’t want to keep me from what I love. Well, what about you? I don’t want to take you away from your family, your home. Regrets could go either way.”

“No regrets from me. You’re going to be a huge success.”

Evan scoffed. “Actors are a dime a dozen, especially in a city as big as Atlanta. Besides, it’s not like Shakespeare is a hot commodity.”

“With that beautiful face–” Tucker kissed him. “–you’ll be a hit whatever you play.”

“But all I know is the stage. I’m not used to hitting marks for cameras or–whatever–crying on command.”

“You’ll learn it. You’re smart, Ev. You pick up on things second nature... like working at the tavern, Daddy with his website, Sebastian with the tech stuff. Do you even grasp just how skilled you are? Hell, you even figured out I have dyslexia. You’ve got so much to give. You can do anything you want.”

Evan opened his mouth to speak, but words wouldn’t come. His eyes welled.

Tucker smiled, embracing him. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise. I waited a long time for you to come along. I’m not about to give you up.”

“I kn–know.” Evan said, burying his face in Tucker’s shirt. “It’s just–no one has ever encouraged me like that. My parents think I’m worthless.”

“Your parents are idiots.”

“They said I was wasting my life.”

“Do you believe that?”

“I didn’t think so, but maybe I underestimated my subconscious.”

“I’m not them, Ev. I’ll never deny you your happiness.”

Evan pulled back, looking up into Tucker’s eyes. “But what if my happiness is here? With you? You said it yourself, T. I can do a lot of things. What if an acting career isn’t the be-all, end-all? What if it was just a tool for getting out of a no-win situation? What if its sole purpose was to lead me here... to you?”

Tucker grinned. “So, are we back on the predestination train?”

“I’m just trying to figure things out.”

“I know you are. But I don’t want you talking yourself out of a dream because of me. It’s OK to be scared, Ev. We all are with whatever we choose to do. Hell, at first, I was terrified of my feelings for you. Now, the only thing that scares me is losing you.”

“There’s a theatre here. I can still do plays and be with you.”

“It’s an option. But promise me you won’t make this decision now. It’s Friday. Let’s get through the weekend–the play, the wedding. Come Monday, we’ll have the place for ourselves for a week. We’ll be able to relax, fuck like bunnies–around the pool, if you want–and our minds will be much clearer. How’s that sound?”

“Like heaven.”

“Good. Ready to go out and see what all the noise is about?”

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