Page 53 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

Shaun stared at Remy. “I have no idea why he’d want to work here, but my professional opinion is we don’t need the help. We’re good the way we are.”

“Very well. I’ll respond to his email with a polite no—which I’d planned on giving him from the beginning.” Remy stood. “You didn’t strike me as the name-dropper type.”

“I’m not.”

Remy shrugged. “There’s using someone’s name to get a story, then there’s name-dropping to get ahead. This was to cover his ass and get out of trouble. I don’t want that headache. Thanks.”

“Sure.” This time Shaun laughed, but to hide his annoyance. He waited until Remy left, then checked his email.

A message from Kyle popped into his inbox.

Dear Mr. Fallows,

My name is Kyle Beglin. I’m sure you remember me from the newspaper part and my work with the Cedarwood Wildcats baseball team. We spoke at length about my joining the Tribune as your assistant and I’d like to take you up on your offer. I’ve listed my qualifications on my resume and have been given high praise by Mr. Nicholas. I hope you’re still interested in giving me the position. I won’t let you down.

Respectfully yours,

Kyle Beglin

Thatshit. He read the email twice more to be sure he’d really seen it. Ballsy was right. He’d made up a job position. Kevin had said Kyle could manipulate and he wasn’t wrong.

Shaun forwarded the email to Remy with the note,I never offered him a job.

He logged out of his email, then called the animal shelter to confirm his appointment the next day with Stone McCartney.

At three, he packed up his things and locked his office. Before he drove to the truck stop, he needed to see Kevin. He left the newspaper building and drove over to the stadium. He parked, bought a ticket and went straight to Kevin’s concession stand. There weren’t many people in line.Good.Maybe he’d get a chance to talk to his boyfriend and boost his spirits. When it was his turn, he darted over to Nedra. “Hi. I’d like a soda and Kevin.”

“He’s in his office,” she said. “Three bucks for the drink and I’ll get him.” She grinned. “You know, I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep it up.”

He counted the bills and waited for her to return. Nedra reappeared a moment later with Kevin. She handed over the soda. “One beverage and one Kevin, over there.”

Kevin half-smiled. “I didn’t think you’d come up here.”

“Can you come out for five minutes?” Shaun asked. He held tight to the paper cup.

“Sure.” Kevin left the counter and appeared at the side door. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Shaun paused. “No, it’s not nothing.” He lowered his voice and inched closer to Kevin.

“We can’t make out here,” Kevin joked. “Not that I’d be upset if we did.” His smile faded. “Shaun?”

“Kyle contacted the paper.”

“About what?”

“In not so many words, he asked for a job. He said I encouraged him. Kevin, he got fired from his position here and tried to use me to gain a position at theTribune.”

“Wow.” Kevin grabbed Shaun’s sleeve. “You’re serious?”

“It won’t work because Remy’s on to him, but still. Just watch your back,” Shaun said. “I don’t trust him.”

Kevin nodded. “I will. You be careful, too.” He let go and slid his fingers down Shaun’s arm. “Thanks for telling me.”

“After the day I’ve had—and I haven’t seen Jonah yet—I’m worried. It’s like every clusterfuck has come together and it’s getting me in the ass,” Shaun said.

“It’ll be okay.” Kevin tugged him closer. “You’re my guy. Kyle can’t touch us and neither can Jonah. I’m not going anywhere and it sounds like Remy has your back, too.”

He nodded and embraced the reassurances from Kevin. “Sorry, I’m dramatic.”

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