Page 37 of Rocking Cedarwood

Chapter Eleven

Michael embraced his time with Niall. He had his boyfriend there. There weren’t any secrets between them. Every night, he performed for his man. The crowd was there, but Niall was the only one who mattered. The words took on a new meaning, the songs were louder and the band gelled more.

After the show that night, he headed to the dressing room. Niall strode in front of him. Dale, one of the members of Michael’s security team, nudged Michael aside. Dex stopped with them.

“Yes?” Michael ensured Niall had gone into the dressing room with the band before stopping for Dale and Dex. “What’s up?”

“You’ve got mail.” Dale held up three letters and a tablet. “Might want to look at them. Dex, you, too.”

“Why? It’s not bad mail, is it?” Michael folded his arms. “Is there something in there I should know about? No powder or anything?”

“There aren’t any chemicals in them, no, but one of them is from a group called the coalition,” Dale said. “The emails refer to your other job…the one in Cedarwood.”

“Wonderful,” Dex muttered.

Jesus. “Okay.” Fucking coalition. They would have to get into his business. Things had been going too well… “What do they have to say?”

“Among other things, they want you out of Cedarwood. Out of town then out of the school. I’m pretty sure they mean that the other way around, but whatever.” Dale shook his head. “But really, they want you gone. They don’t want a gay musician and, in their words,devil worshipper, teaching their children.”

“We’ve been through this,” Dex said. “But it took ’em long enough to find an issue.”

“I don’t worship the devil.” Michael groaned. He’d never worshipped the devil. Never wrote about it or sang anything along those lines. “They’re over-exaggerating.”

“I know, but this group isn’t letting up. All three of these letters—and there are more—are from them. They’re threatening to go to the school board,” Dale said.

“Of course.” Michael massaged his forehead. He’d lost control of the narrative. “What about the emails?”

“Dex hasn’t seen them yet, but they’re requests from the media for interviews.” Dale offered up the tablet. “Just came through.”

Dex took the device. “They work fast. Damn. You’re not going to like this.”

“What do they have to say?” Michael asked.

“They want to know about your coming out. It’s big news.” Dex sighed. “Our favorite gossip shared your business.”

“Leif.” He should’ve guessed.

“He went public.” Dex paled. “I thought I knew him better than that.”

“I know,” Michael said. “He fooled everyone.”

Dale leveled his gaze. “Be advised. The band, the team…we all don’t care that you’re gay or a teacher. We love Niall. Hell, we want to protect him and you.”

“Agreed,” Dex said.

“But?” Michael asked. There had to be more to the story.

“You have to address this sooner than later,” Dex said. “The press sees Niall and you together. Leif makes an issue and that coalition is being a pain in the ass.” He crinkled his brows. “What do you want to do? This won’t blow over.”

“No, it won’t, but the story involves Niall. Let me talk to him, then I’ll get back to you.” He and Niall were equals. They needed to act like it. Niall should be included.

“Understood and agreed.” Dale offered up the letters to Dex then spoke to Michael again. “You played well tonight. More energy than I’ve seen in forever and you looked like you enjoyed yourself.”

“I did.” Michael opened the dressing room door. “Give me a few.” He stepped in where the band were already relaxing. He mingled, but he’d rather have Niall alone. “Good show, everyone.”

Niall stayed at the perimeter. He’d been accepted by the band, but sometimes he seemed afraid to join in the fun. Michael headed over to him at the edge of the room.

“Tired?” Michael asked. He’d forgotten how long the hours could be, especially for someone new to touring and his hectic schedule.

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