Page 53 of Finding Michael

Michael stayed in the midst of the books and waited for the door to shut before he peeked around the corner. He patted his pocket, then retrieved his phone. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to interact with Tristan, but a text wouldn’t hurt.

Got a visitor @the lib. Someone you know

He got an instant reply.Oh? Who?

Didn’t say, but claimed to be your BF from NY

Truth be told, he hadn’t asked the man’s name.

The next reply popped right up.Don’t have one.

Michael gritted his teeth. If Tristan was playing coy, it wasn’t helping.Well, he was here

U sure?

Positive. Tall, blond, handsome. Could be a celebrity.

Doesn’t sound familiar,Tristan wrote back.

Think it could be the stalker? He said you were tight.Michael held his breath. Talking about the fan was playing with fire.

That guy never showed up before in person. Let me do some checking.

Michael pinched the bridge of his nose. Something about the new guy didn’t feel right.Fuck it.He’d wear his big boy britches and talk to Tristan in person. He needed to know the score. He typed one more text.

Okay. Guess it was a misunderstanding.

He tucked the phone into his pocket. He was an adult and had to act like one. He’d worry about Tristan later. The guy could be a sham or could be the real thing. Who knew? Right now, he didn’t know which way was up.

“Are you okay?” Dicey wrapped her arm around Michael. “I saw the new man.”

“I’m fine.”

“Don’t lie.” She rubbed his back. “What happened?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. Could be something. Could be nothing.” He shrugged. “Could be…anything.”

“With Tristan?” she asked.

“I don’t know.” He seemed to be saying that too often.

“I hope not. I had my misgivings about him, but you’ve been the happiest I’ve ever seen in the last two weeks. The smile is back and genuine. The spring is in your step. I haven’t worried about you.” Dicey walked him over to the counter. “That’s big for me.”

“I know and I appreciate the concern, but I’ll be okay.” He hugged her. “Things will work out.” Once he spoke to Tristan, he’d be happier, but he understood part of what was going on. He’d jumped into a relationship with Tristan too fast. He’d gone against his better judgment and followed his heart. Big mistake. He didn’t have the looks or swagger to compete with the new guy.

At ten minutes to eight, his phone buzzed. He’d almost forgotten he’d left the device in his back pocket. Michael checked the text from Tristan.

Meet me at the old Victorian on 3rd Street. Got the realtor there for a tour.

He debated ignoring the text, but gave in.Will do.

Another text popped up—also from Tristan.Love you.

He paused. Did Tristan love him? He tucked the phone away. Giving in to his feelings right now wouldn’t do him any good. Besides, if he didn’t answer that text, he couldn’t get into trouble later.

He clicked the lock on the main library door, then went through the closing-down-time checklist. All doors locked, computers off, lights off…patrons out.Good.He met Dicey at the main entry. “Ready?”

“Let’s go.” She strolled out in front of him and waited for him to set the alarm then lock up. “Nice night.”

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