Page 2 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“Are you jealous?”

“Maybe a little.” Or a lot. He wanted a lover who cared about him, not his movie persona.

“You bastard. You are. Why don’t you just come out? You’ll be happier.”

“No, I won’t.” He couldn’t risk his marketability.

“Why? Because you’ll lose out on roles? You know that’s shit. If you’re half the actor you think you are, then you can play any role, no matter if the character is gay or straight.”

He’d once thought that, but not now. “You don’t know the business.”

“Why not play gay characters? They’re in the movies and part of the culture. We’re not invisible any longer.”

“Visibility is a relative thing.” God, he sounded like an asshole.

“I call bullshit.”

“Call it all day long, but I’m not asked to play gay characters. I’m a pinup.” He rolled his eyes. He hated posing for the cheesecake-type shots, but women wanted to see him in as few clothes as possible. “Do you know my best download is that picture of me stretched out across the hood of that Jeep?”

“Gag.”

“Shut up.”

“I’ve seen you at your worst. You’re not a pinup, but you’re right. You’ve got a body women want. Hell, I bet men want it, too.”

“The fans think I’m hot and I’m not going to argue,” he said.

“Fine. I’ll send you the info and get you hooked up with the rental car place, but I’m not your guide. You need to experience and figure out Cedarwood for yourself—like everyone else.”

Fair enough.“You’re an asshole.” He didn’t have to play the jackass role he’d perfected for the public. He could be nicer.

“No, I’m not letting you walk all over me,” Tanner said. “I remember the last time we chatted and you tried to use me.”

He hadn’t wanted to admit he could be such a jerk, but Tanner was right. “Okay.”

“Good.” Tanner paused. “You’re going to be fine. Be yourself. Most people won’t know who the hell you are and that’s a good thing. Don’t be the movie-star jackass. Be the nice guy that’s buried deep inside you. They’ll like you. It’ll take a little bit, but they’ll come around.”

“Thanks, Mr. Greeting Card-slash-Motivational Poster Man. I’ll be in touch.”

“Just don’t be an asshole.” Tanner hung up.

Liam stared at the bar top and sighed. Tanner had a point. He could be a self-serving, greedy, needy pain in the ass. He’d let Hollywood and the business run his life.Ruin my life, more like it.He doubted he’d be happy in Cedarwood, but if no one knew him, he could be the guy beneath the veneer, like Tanner suggested. He might not be thrilled, but he’d make his time in Cedarwood work. If nothing else, he’d do his best.

* * * *

Two days later, Liam pulled in to the driveway of a gigantic purple Victorian home. He’d expected a brick house, or maybe a muted gray or putty color for the houses, not…purple.Does the person renting the duplex live in this gaudy-colored building?

A man strode onto the porch and waved. Not Tanner.

Liam drove toward the house and parked. He left the vehicle. “Hi. I’m Liam Blackwell. I’m looking for Arthur Marsh.” He held out his hand. “Are you Mr. Marsh?”

“One and the same.” Arthur shook hands with Liam and grinned. “What brings you to Cedarwood? A hot new movie? Seeking the perfect girl-next-door for your leading lady? Time off?”

Christ, he asked a lot of questions. “A vacation.”So much for not being known.“I’m interested in a rental property. Tanner Fox told me to talk to you and Colin Baker.”

“Ah, the duplex. Yes. Mr. Baker and his brother sold it to me last year. Both got married and didn’t need the house.”

He didn’t need an explanation. Instead of being catty, Liam forced a smile. “I see. Is it available?”

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