Page 10 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

“He works that stall well at the farmers’ market.”

“He’s got produce to sell. Why not work what he’s got to get it into the hands of shoppers?” Cain asked. “He’s confident, knows himself and he’s good at selling stuff. Doesn’t sound like he’s much different from you and me. We put up a façade and try to convince viewers we’re someone we’re not.”

Liam stared at him for a long moment. “I hadn’t thought about this that way.” He nodded twice. “I should kick my own ass for believing the rumors, too.”

“You should.” Andrew probably wouldn’t know he’d stood up for him, but damn it, Cain wasn’t going to let anyone walk all over his new friend.

“We should go over the script and start working on our respective characters,” Liam said. “Why don’t you ask Andrew out? Like on a real date, and practice your act with him? He’s nice and seemed interested in you.”

“I’m not playing a character to get into his pants.” Cain refused to be that underhanded. “That’s not fair.”

“I suppose not,” Liam said. “My schedule is wide open starting next week. Stone and I were going to Vegas for the weekend, but when we’re back, you and I can start initial rehearsal.”

“Principal filming isn’t for another month,” Cain said. “I want to be ready.”

“We will.” Liam stood and hugged Cain. “Things with Andrew will work out. You’ve got to be patient with him. I’d suggest being honest, too.”

“Thanks.” He walked Liam out and waited for his costar to leave before he ducked back into the apartment.

Cain locked the door and leaned against it. Being alone with his thoughts sucked. He couldn’t get his mind off Andrew. There had to be more to him than Liam seemed to think. Andrew reeked of confidence and gentleness. He was unique and happy in his skin—at least he acted like it.

Cain wanted to be like Andrew. He only had self-assurance when he stood before a camera and was someone else. Cain Ables wasn’t that exciting, but the various roles he’d played were very interesting. People liked him when he played Duncan inFlameThroweror Greg inMy Boyfriend’s a Monster. Silly shows, but the audiences loved them. He’d become a cult hit when he’d portrayed a nasty vampire, then turned around and made those silly rom-coms. Those characters sparked with people. Cain wouldn’t spark a damn thing.

His phone beeped and Cain gnashed his teeth. Dixon must want him again. He’d set Dixon’s number to register as a beep. Part of him wanted to check the message and find out what Dixon wanted, but the rest of him chose to ignore the phone. His former life would intrude on his current one soon enough.

For all he knew, his parents would swoop in and take control tomorrow. They wanted the money he made. His personal happiness meant zip.

The self-loathing set in.What am I doing? I can’t live on my own. I can’t break away from the set rules.He was a helpless guy and not all that smart. He needed his support system, because without it, he’d fail again.

God.He scrubbed his hands over his eyes. He hated when the depression hit. He’d never lived alone, save for being on location. He’d survived just fine when he’d gone off to make the various movies in Utah and New Mexico. This wasn’t any different. There wasn’t a movie being made just yet, but so?

Other people managed to break free without incident. They lived with friends or alone. He didn’t need the support of a bunch of servants. He could learn to cook and clean. Money would be tight, but that was on him for not squirrelling more cash away.

His agent knew where he was and could get him money, but he didn’t want to rely on someone else. He’d made this choice to break out and had to live with it. Maybe he could get a job in Cedarwood. But where? The theater group? They’d figure him out and everyone in the world would know he’d come to the small town. Cedarwood didn’t need the chaos of him not only admitting he was in the area, but coming out, too.

His head throbbed. He wanted to see Andrew again and explain himself.Christ.He’d been foolish for keeping his story from Andrew. How could he want to be with this man if he couldn’t tell him the truth? Andrew deserved answers and to decide for himself if Cain suited him.

But the way he’d left things…he couldn’t pounce on Andrew right now.Damn it.He scrubbed his face again. Going forward, he needed a plan. He’d give Andrew space for a couple of days, then ask him on a date. When they went out—if Andrew accepted—then he’d spill his guts. If Andrew turned him down, then he’d know not to push.

He sagged in his seat. In the space of a few days, he’d found his backbone and upended his life. Was he sorry? Not a bit. He had the chance to be his own man. Who wouldn’t want that?

Holy shit.

Chapter Six

Andrew spent the next week working on the farm, happy to have something to occupy his mind. He didn’t like the way he’d left things with Cain, but what was there to have? They weren’t together. Weren’t even trying to get together. They were friends at best.

He drove the load of straw to the barn, then parked it in front of the mower. He’d stack the straw later. Sweat slid down his temple and between his shoulder blades. The afternoon sun scorched the back of his neck. Where was his trusty water jug?

He spied the jug on the ground by the front wheel of the truck…empty.

“Are you in here?” Maddie strolled into the barn. “Hey.”

“Hi.” He hopped off the tractor. “Bored?” He wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and approached his stepsister. “What’s happening?”

“I thought I’d come out here a while and help with the critters. The vet seemed happy with the progress the kittens are making.” She ventured over to the pen the kittens and mama cat occupied. “They’re almost big enough to be fixed and released.”

“I know.” He’d already scheduled the appointments with the vet and paid half the bill. “I wish people realized I’m not a home for wayward cats.”

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