Page 46 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“I hope so,” he said. “About the interview, I’d like to get to it as soon as possible. I’d like to meet at Colin Baker’s duplex. I’m supposed to be living there, but after the incident with the graffiti on my car, I decided not to be alone. Would meeting at the duplex work for you?”

“Not a problem. Would you like me to pick you up?”

“If you can, that would be great. The police still have my rental SUV.” Maybe this would all work out for the best.

“Terrible they have the car, but good that you need a ride. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Look for the black Jeep with a red grille.”

“Deal. I’ll let the kids know you’re coming and to let you through.” He hung up. Fifteen minutes was just enough time to change clothes and get the animals situated. He scooped Champ into his arms and carried him to the kitchen.

Katie stood at the counter, portioning out dry dog food. “Hi.”

“Hi. I need to ask a favor.”

“Sure.” She stopped portioning. “I’m sorry I asked if you’d dated my mother. There are a lot of guys…” She shrugged. “Anyway, what’s the favor?”

“Let Zak know Remy Bard is coming. He’s got a black Jeep with a red grille. I’m going to do an interview with him. Would you please keep an eye on the animals for me?”

“Sure.” She took Champ. “He seems happy and becoming more social. I’ll place him with Missy. Have fun at the interview.”

He nodded. “I will.” His heart filled to capacity and he knew his place. Everything would work out. He just knew it.

* * * *

Two hours later, Liam finished the interview. “Thanks, Remy. That was great.”

“Do you feel free?” Remy tucked his notebook away. “I bet you do.”

“I am.” He walked out of the rental with Remy and locked the door. “It’s nice to be myself and accepted. Thank you for listening.”

“It’s an interview. I have to listen.” Remy laughed. “But I know what you mean.” He tossed the bag onto the back seat of his Jeep. “I’ll write up the interview and give you the chance to go over it in case I got anything wrong.” He leaned against the fender. “Can I drive you back to the farm?”

“I’m hungry and dying for a gyro. Would you mind giving me a ride to the center of town? If the gyro truck isn’t there, I’m sure I can find something somewhere.”

“There’s the diner. The pizza parlor has a nice personal pizza for five bucks and Bart’s Burgers is reasonable. If I weren’t meeting Bobby and the kids, I’d tag along.” He climbed into the vehicle first and waited for Liam. “Do you ever wish you’d grown up somewhere else? In any other situation? I wish I’d have known Bobby earlier than I did, but that’s because I’m finally whole. You grew up in a crazy situation.”

He’d thought long and hard about this. “I’m convinced I grew up when and where I did because it made me stronger. I thought I was weak, but I can handle anything. Plus, it made me respect Stone more. I can handle what I’ve been given. Ten years ago, I’d have turned my nose up at the opportunity to be here.”

“Nice. Cedarwood grows on you.” Remy stopped at the town square. “You’re going to be okay? The paparazzi won’t find you? No fans?”

“I’m tired of hiding from the fans. If they’ve come looking for me, I’m here. As for the paparazzi…they can watch me eat a gyro. If something goes wrong, the police station is right over there and there are people around to hear me scream.” He shook hands with Remy. “Thank you for the interview and the ride. I appreciate it.”

“Stay in Cedarwood. It’s a good place.” Remy waved as Liam left the Jeep. “See you.” He drove away, leaving Liam to himself.

Liam strode over to the gyro truck and placed his order. Did anyone really want to watch him eat? He doubted it. He wasn’t doing anything subversive. His phone buzzed. Not a text, but an email, and not from Stone. Script offers. He might as well read while he ate. No one seemed to mind that he was in the town square.

Once he picked up his sandwich and drink, he headed to one of the picnic tables. As he ate, he read the scripts. Both featured a fine role he could sink his teeth into. Low budget, but who needed a huge production? Indie films were the way to stretch his talents.

His thoughts turned to Stone. He believed he’d made the right decision by being with Stone, but something gnawed at him. He needed to hear the wordsI love youfrom Stone. Nothing half-assed or forced, but the real words. He didn’t doubt Stone’s affection for him. The sex was great, too. But was the attraction a result of him being a celebrity? His money? Or just him being himself? Stone struck him as the type to tell him the truth. So why question his feelings? Because so many other people who’d come through his life wanted him for every other reason besides the man inside.

Then there was the studio. The company would want him to leave Cedarwood for production. Could he leave Stone without knowing exactly how Stone felt?

“Excuse me?” A man approached him. His hair stuck up at odd angles, like he’d run his fingers through it, and his shirt hung on his thin frame. “Are you Liam Blackwell?”

He balled up his sandwich paper, then tucked his phone away. “I am. Would you like an autograph? I don’t have a pen or paper, but if you do, I’ll gladly give you an autograph.”

“No.” The man tipped his head. “Do you know where you are?”

He almost replied ‘the jungle, baby’ but opted to keep that to himself. “In Cedarwood?” The guy looked familiar, but he couldn’t place him. Was that dirt smeared on his cheek? He needed a shave and a bath. His brown eyes blazed. Liam tensed. “Why?”

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