Page 125 of Sweet T

“Nope.” He sipped his brandy. “There was a time when I would have said the same about Pedro. But beauty trumps age, you know? And you’re the winner.”

“Thank you.”

“What’s up? This is a happy occasion, remember? Why the long face?”

Evan sighed. “It’s stupid, really. I’m avoiding Tucker’s ex. At first, I was curious. Now, I just–”

“First of all, that man is not his ex. I think you and I both have a good idea of what was going on there. Second, Tucker loves you. You know that and I see that.”

“But he loved Emmett too.”

“Not the same. Totally different context. I have to say, I am relieved, though, seeing this color on you.”

Evan’s fingers went to his lapels.

“Not the jacket,” Sebastian said. “The insecurity. You were a little too confident when we first met. Unusual for an actor. Insecurity is essential, you know? Not only can you tap into it for character development, but it’ll guide you when decisions are tough. When I got the Black Sheep gig, I was terrified–new guy, a new job, a new town. A lot like you now. But with my fear came clarity.”

“I get that. What I don’t get is the emotional see-sawing. When I first put this suit on, I felt invincible. Now, I’m a wreck.”

“That’s love, my friend.”

“It’s more than that. I know I love T. Things just keep happening–little things that seem—I don’t know—predestined.”

“Ha! I already told you what I think of that horseshit. Look at him over there.” Sebastian pointed at Tucker, who was standing at the bar. “Look how confident he is, how happy. That’s because of you. The role reversal thing is natural. You balance each other out. It’s got nothing to do with Emmett.”

“But what if it does? He wanted me to meet him.”

“He wants to show you off.”

“He told me we didn’t have to.”

“Then don’t.”

“What if he’s handsome?”

“He’s not. Not really. Would it help if I pointed him out?”

Evan nodded.

Sebastian looked around, lifting in his seat a bit. “There. Over where the people are dancing. Standing on the far side. Navy jacket. Khakis.”

Sebastian pointed, and Evan’s eyes followed. It took a moment because the dance area was between them. Finally, he saw a pudgy, dark-haired, bearded man, coupled with a woman he recognized. She was the one who had assisted the elderly couple earlier. Neither looked happy, the way Evan felt he might look, too, if he was attending the wedding of someone he barely knew.

“See what I mean?” Sebastian asked.

“Yeah.” Evan gave Sebastian a small smile. “Thanks. I feel much better.”

“Don’t thank me. Now that you know who he is, I’m ready for a fight like in Sweet Home Alabama. Nothing tickles me more than a good old-fashioned wedding brawl.”

“You’re not gonna get that. But thank you again. For everything.”

“You’re welcome. I’d give you the moon if I could...”

* * *

Hootie and the gang switched the music to up tempo–Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne.

Shelly and Ben were with Tucker when he returned with Evan’s beer. They all sat at Sebastian’s table.

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