Page 65 of Sweet T

Evan’s thoughts were muddled. In light of his and Shelly’s conversation, any words Tucker spoke seemed to take on a double meaning.

“It was fun,” he said. “Didn’t even seem like work. Thanks for helping me get back on my feet again.”

“It’s all good. It’s good having you here, Evan.”

Another swelling silence enveloped them. They rolled to a stop at one of Spoon’s few traffic lights. Evan’s hand was resting on the seat between them, and Tucker reached out and squeezed it.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Tucker said.

Evan glanced over, seeing Tucker’s handsome face illuminated red from the light. He hadn’t realized just how big Tucker was until he saw him there in the driver’s seat, nearly blocking out the driver’s side window behind him as he turned. His massive arm tested the tenacity of his t-shirt cuff as his hand encompassed Evan’s. But his grip was soft, so soft—his touch as light as a feather. He was a gentle giant, and Evan tried his best not to yield to that warm, welcoming smile. It was useless, though. Shelly had known more than she’d let on. She hadn’t needed to ask him how he felt.

“What am I thinking?” Evan asked.

“You’re thinking I’m mad at you for agreeing to be in Sebastian’s play.”

Relief washed over Evan. “Are you?”

“I was. But I got to be honest with you. Once I saw you, right there in front of Sebastian–your audition–it would... I don’t know. It’d be like a crime to keep you from doing it. Like a crime against nature or something.”

Evan warmed. Tucker had not removed his hand. “Really? You liked it? It was good?”

“I’m probably not the right person to ask. I don't know anything about acting, Evan, especially Shakespeare. But I do know you lit up. There’s no denying that. So, yeah. I would think you’re good at it. Based on that alone.”

“Thanks, Tucker.”

“For what?”

“For understanding. There’s a lot of insecurity that comes with it. That stereotype you hear about actors needing to feed their ego... there’s some truth to that.”

“Well, I wouldn’t take anything for what I saw tonight. It was like magic in my eyes.”

The traffic light changed, and Tucker’s face went from red to green. He gave Evan’s hand a parting squeeze and returned his to the steering wheel. They began rolling forward again.

“I’m still a little worried about what happened to you. But I think you're right. Even if a thug were to attend one of the performances, you’d be in makeup and costume, right? Probably little chance he’d recognize you.”

“I’m not sure what Sebastian has in mind costume-wise. It could be as clownish as a court jester outfit, or as understated as simple period clothes of the time. Plays that old leave a lot to interpretation. For all I know, he could be doing a sci-fi version where I’m an astronaut.”

“I doubt it. Sebastian is pretty traditional. Anyway, we’ll make do. We can work around it if it makes you happy.”

Evan smiled. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I look forward to seeing your face light up like that again.”

* * *

When they pulled through the gate and up the driveway, they saw Titus and Pedro drying off at the pool.

“Uh, oh,” said Evan.

“It’s all good. They know what time I get home. You want to go for a swim? I do that sometimes. I feel grimy after work and it’s kind of like a shower.”

“No, it’s not.”

“It is if you stay in there long enough.”

“Evening, boys,” Titus said as they neared. “P and I were heading in. She’s all yours.”

“Thanks, Daddy. I think we may take you up on it.”

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