Ripples in Cedarwood, page 7
part #2 of Cedarwood Pride Series
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” Steve sighed. “If you get bored, tell me.”
“I will,” Farin said. “When does the movie start?”
“In forty-five minutes.” Steve jerked into action. “We need to go.”
“Nice.” He followed Steve out of the office and past the desk. Colin waved, but said nothing. Farin appreciated his brother’s silence. He stepped into the sunshine outside the store and bit back a moan. He spent so much time indoors. Being out pleased him. He’d forgotten how pretty the world was.
“I’m over here.” Steve pointed to his car. “I like to get to the theater early.”
“Makes sense.” He climbed into the passenger seat and said nothing as Steve drove. He wanted to converse, but Steve seemed so nervous. Steve’s hands trembled and he fumbled with the turn signal. He took the long way around the theater lot before he parked.
“Hey.” Farin rested his hand on Steve’s. “Hold up.”
Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m a little freaked.”
“I can tell.” He chuckled. “Don’t be nervous.”
“I bet you say that to everyone.”
Momentary irritation washed through him. He wanted to snap what’s that supposed to mean? but he didn’t. He had to make Steve comfortable and rushing to judgment wouldn’t help. This wasn’t an argument. This was two guys finding their way with each other. “I’m telling you to breathe because you’re going to leap out of your skin if you’re not careful.”
“I know.” Steve still hadn’t exhaled other than to speak. He swallowed hard and stared straight ahead.
“We’re friends going to a movie. I don’t expect anything else and I’m happy to be here with you.” He squeezed Steve’s fingers. “Besides, anyone who sees us will think I’m robbing the cradle or I’m your older brother, but no one will care.” He hoped they wouldn’t. If the coalition showed up, he’d lose his shit though. He wouldn’t put Steve and Genie, by extension, in danger.
“Farin.” Steve sighed. “Okay, but you’re not that much older than me. Only a few years.” He sagged in his seat and finally met Farin’s gaze. The panic evaporated from his eyes.
“Ah, but I got you to relax.” He didn’t want to let go of Steve. The sizzles increased and excitement filled his mind. Was he nervous, too? A little. “Why don’t we go in?”
“Yes.” Steve sprang into action. “Gosh.” He scrambled out of the car.
“What’s the hurry? We’re early.” He hurried after Steve. “You already have tickets. We don’t have to rush.”
“You don’t understand.” Steve whipped his phone out. When he reached the kiosk, he scanned the barcode on his phone screen. “I need to get ready.”
“Sure.” He didn’t understand, but he’d go along with whatever Steve had planned.
Steve strode up to the concession stand. The girl behind the counter grinned.
“Hi, Mr. Moore. Your usual?” she asked.
“Yes, for me.” Steve waved to Farin. “What would you like? I’ve got credit to use, so it’s on me.”
“What are you having?” Farin stood beside Steve. “Soda and popcorn works for me.”
“Then two of the usual.” The girl scooped two big bags of popcorn, then busied herself with pouring drinks.
“Credits? I didn’t know you could earn them here.” Farin leaned his hip against the counter. “I’m impressed.”
Steve shrugged. “I review a lot of movies.”
“Very cool.” He carried the drinks while Steve held the popcorn. “I’m following you.”
“This way. I need to get to the right seats.” Steve headed toward the corridor of theater spaces. He ducked into the second doorway.
Farin marveled at Steve’s focus. He’d never seen anyone so determined. He said nothing and followed Steve to the top row middle seats. Only four other people were in the theater.
“These. Perfect.” Steve shoved the seat down. He propped the popcorn on his lap. He pulled out a pocket notebook. “And I didn’t miss the previews.”
Farin sat beside Steve and offered one of the cups. “You’re the only person I know who looks forward to the previews.”
“They’re important.” Steve scribbled on the top page. “They help me plan my next movie to review. The notebook is where I keep my musings about the current movie.”
“You’re really into this.” He sipped the cola. “I didn’t realize reviewing movies was a thing for anyone besides critics. Are you a critic?”
“No.” Steve propped the popcorn between his knees. “I’m going to sound like a jerk, but hush. I need to focus.”
“Sure.” Farin snorted. He wasn’t one for talking during the feature. If Steve took this reviewing business seriously then he would too. He didn’t see the importance of watching the previews, but he tried to look at the situation through Steve’s eyes. If he made money by reviewing, then he needed to know the movies coming up would be worth his while. This was a job. Maybe not a career, but he took the experience to heart. Farin appreciated Steve’s diligence and determination.
He settled in beside Steve. Where his friend seemed wholly engrossed in the movie, Farin loved the experience. There wasn’t any pressure on him—just enjoyment. He hadn’t kept up on the overall plotline of the movie or the ones that preceded it, but no matter. Being there with Steve was enough.
Every time Steve’s knee brushed his, shivers raced down Farin’s spine. He rested his hand on the armrest and twice Steve grabbed his fingers, only to pull away, but not before sparks shot to Farin’s core. Did Steve feel the sizzles too? He hoped so. They had a good foundation for friendship, but he wanted to take things to the next level. He liked the darkness surrounding them and the privacy. He longed to run his hand over Steve’s thigh and see where nature took them. Instead, he kept himself in check.
Once the movie concluded, the other people left the theater. Not Steve. He stayed in his seat. Farin crossed his ankles and watched Steve scrawl notes.
Farin finished his beverage, then crinkled his empty popcorn bag. He waited for Steve to stop writing. “You really get into your reviews.”
“Hold on.” Steve pointed to the screen. “Extra snippets and bonus materials.”
Farin pressed his lips together. He hadn’t realized there was anything beyond the credits at the end of the movie. He thought everything stopped at the credits. When the screen went dark and the lights up, Steve continued to scrawl in the notepad. “Okay.” He closed the pad. “Phew.”
“You’re tense.” Farin rubbed Steve’s shoulder. “You like reviews?”
“I do.” Steve tucked the notebook in his front pocket. “It doesn’t pay much, but it’s fun and the tickets are paid for by the company. I’ve been here so many times that I’ve accrued a bunch of credits for food and drinks.” He offered up his phone. “See? It’s all here in the app. It shows what I get at the concessions and what I’m watching. It logs when I check in…”
“Hi-tech.” Farin nodded. Steve had impressed him all over again. He didn’t know such a system existed.
“It can be a pain in the ass too.”
Farin laughed. “Why? Does the tech fail?”
“Because it keeps me accountable. If I sign up to see the movie, I’m committed. Too many no-shows or walk-outs and I get purged from the system. The money isn’t great, but it’s something, and it helps with the bills.”
“Huh. How many horrible movies have you had to sit through to keep from being kicked out of the program?”
“A few.” Steve turned in his seat and faced Farin. “I’m honest in my reviews, but constructive. Some films just don’t work.” He shrugged. “Others do.”
“Cool.” Farin plunked his hand on the armrest, right on top of Steve’s. The move had been inadvertent, but he didn’t want to take it back. Steve met his gaze for a few seconds, then pulled away. Farin missed his warmth. “Why did we sit through the end credits? In case the crowd complained?”
“To make sure I didn’t miss something.” Steve laughed and the warm sound echoed in the room. “And if any other reviewers are here, to listen for any comments. I get all sorts of comments because I’m here for free or because they know I’m gay.”
“That’s a crock of shit—they’re jealous.”
“It’s life.” Steve waved. “Let’s go.”
He wanted to ask more questions. Was Steve being targeted by the same group bothering Colin? Was he afraid to be himself? Jesus. Steve shouldn’t have to be afraid. Farin hurried to keep up with Steve and said nothing until they were both in the car. “I had fun.”
“Well, I’m glad and I’m equally glad you decided to come along.” Steve drove across town to the bookstore. “It was nice to not be alone for a while.”
“I enjoyed myself.” He watched Steve and debated his next move. Part of him wanted to hold Steve’s hand. To offer to accompany him to more movies. But would Steve want that? Any of it?
Steve stopped in front of the store. “Looks like we’re back before closing.”
“Yeah.” He’d hoped to stay out longer, but wasn’t about to push Steve. He couldn’t help the awkward feeling. They’d gone out on a date without it really being a date.
“Let me know what kinds of movies you like or if there’s something you want to see and I’ll try to sign up for them so we can go together.” Steve sighed. “Yeah?”
He wanted to say something smart, but all he managed was, “Sounds good.” Jesus. Not smart or good. He itched to lean over and kiss Steve.
“I should go. I need to get Genie from her friend’s house.” Steve drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.
Right. Not in the mood to kiss. Farin leaned over the console and hugged Steve. The move was awkward and he wasn’t even sure Steve enjoyed it, but he needed the closeness. The scent of Steve’s cologne enticed Farin. He appreciated the feel of Steve in his arms and the sparkle in Steve’s eyes. Before Farin could kiss him, Steve pulled away. “See you and thanks,” Farin said. “I want to do that again.” He left the vehicle and waited until Steve drove away before he went into the store.
Colin stood behind the desk and fiddled with the computer. “You’re home early.” He frowned. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Farin shrugged, but he knew his brother. Colin could sense when he wasn’t himself. “It was fun.”
“Steve’s sweet.” Colin closed the laptop lid. “I like him.” He paused. “But you like him a lot more.”
“We’re just friends,” Farin said. “Don’t get any ideas. I don’t need to be fixed up. You tried at the swim complex and it didn’t work. This isn’t any different. It’s not working.”
“Who said I wanted to fix you up?” Colin asked. “I want you to be happy and if this guy makes you happy, then great.”
“Yeah, but we’re only friends.” Nothing more. No kisses, hugs, holding each other…just friends.
“For now.” Colin wriggled his eyebrows.
“Don’t say that.” He wanted things with Steve to progress, but he couldn’t push. If Steve wasn’t ready, then getting too bold wasn’t the answer. He had to go at Steve’s speed. But god damn, he wished he knew what that speed was.
“You like him.”
“I like being friends with him,” Farin said. “He’s sweet and funny. He’s nerdy, but it’s sexy.” He rested his elbows on the counter and groaned. “I’m in over my head and I’ve barely gotten to know him. I’m hopeless, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re not.” Colin grinned. “You’re in deep, though.”
“What am I supposed to do?” Farin shook his head. “He’s got a kid sister.”
“Genie. Right.”
“He’s got a kid. Even if she’s his sister, he’s responsible for her. The only kid I know how to handle is Gage and he drives me up the wall on a routine basis. What happens if Steve and I hit it off? Huh? What happens if we decide to date and he has to bring his sister along? I can’t drag Gage with me. I can’t handle going to those kid restaurants all the time. I don’t have patience.”
“You’re underestimating yourself.” Colin rounded the counter. “Nothing’s happened, right? You’re ogling him and thinking, but you haven’t slept with him, correct?”
“Correct.” Farin massaged his forehead. “So?”
“My point is to let things happen when they do. If you’re meant to get together, then you’ll find a way.” Colin grasped Farin’s shoulders, forcing Farin to look at him. “Jordan never thought he was a kid person. I’m sure he has his moments when Gage drives him crazy. I’m Gage’s father, and Gage drives me up the wall at times. It’s life. Don’t sell yourself short. You can’t know how this will shake out until it does.”
Farin sighed and sagged into his brother. He hated when Colin showed his intelligence. He was the fixer. He was the one who helped. Colin was the father figure. He bowed his head. “Okay.” Colin had a point. If Steve wanted him around, then they’d get together. If they were going to be more than friends, then that would happen when it did and not a moment earlier. He had to have faith. “Colin?”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s go home.” Farin ducked away from his brother and headed out to the parking lot. He needed to think and not deal with people for a while. Time to clear his head of everything Steve.
Chapter Nine
Steve closed his notebook and stared at his messenger bag. Three days after his not-quite-date with Farin, he had a rare day off. His sister was at school. He had no swim classes scheduled, no substitute teaching and no movies to review. He could do what he wanted for a few hours.
He gathered up his notebook, tablet and pens. Time to get writing. He drove into town. Staying home was an option, but if he did, he’d get distracted by housework or a hundred other tasks. At the coffee shop, he’d have to focus. He needed to write. The money brought in from his stories wasn’t much, but he loved writing.
He parked in the lot next to the shop, then headed inside. Giddiness swam in his brain. He loved having time to write. The ideas were there, and characters wanted to talk. If he really plowed ahead, he could get the first draft of his current short story completed before Genie got out of school for the day. The scent of coffee and blueberry swirled through the air. One of the baristas placed a tray of fresh blueberry muffins in the glass case beneath the counter. His stomach rumbled. He should eat, but he’d already had lunch. Would a muffin hurt? Probably not.
Steve ordered his tall latte without a muffin, then selected a table. Unlike some visitors to the coffee shop, he didn’t require an outlet. As long as he had battery life on his laptop, he’d be fine. He cracked his knuckles and opened his laptop and notebook. The plan for the story had already been outlined. All he had to do was start typing. His fingers flew on the keyboard as he opened the document and started writing. The cover was already done and now he needed to finish the story. His online friends called him a pantser because he had some outlines, but didn’t follow them to the letter. If the muse wasn’t cooperating or wanted to go in a different direction, who was he to argue?
The ideas were there. The characters wanted to be around each other, despite being thrown together, and the chemistry built nicely. Within an hour, Steve had five pages completed. He grinned. Sweet progress. The tale would need editing and a couple of read-throughs, but he had the words in the laptop.
Don walked through the door. “Steve. How are you?”
“Good.” He leaned back in his seat and laced his fingers together behind his head. “How about you?”
“Great. The sun’s shining, birds are singing, I have a guy in my life, and now, I’m here with you.” He whipped his phone out. “How’s life? You’re writing.”
“I am.” He crossed his ankles. “I had a line on this story and time to work, so I took it.”
“You write sci-fi, correct?” Don sat with him. “Mind if I join you? Just for a minute?”
“Feel free. I’m on a break.” He stretched, then closed his laptop. “As for what I’m writing, this is a sci-fi story with a little romance mixed in. The characters are gay.” He shrugged. “It’s my fantasy world where endings are happy, people fight with swords and there are aliens and…sex.”
“Happy endings?” Don crooked his eyebrows. “Like running off to the sunset together or…happy endings ?”
“Running into the sunset.” Steve laughed. Only Don would think the endings always meant sex. “There might be some hot scenes, but most of it’s space opera stuff.” He nodded. “You mentioned a guy. Who?”
“A man named Philip. We met online.” Don sighed. “I’m going to find your books. They’re all online, right? What’s your pen name?”
“I write under my name, Steve Moore. It’s my writing, so might as well be my name on the cover. You can find the stories anywhere you buy ebooks.” Most guys thought his writing was a waste of time or he should be a millionaire. No one wanted to talk about his stories—except Don. “I’m proud of what I do.”
“You should be, busy guy.” Don laughed. The full-throated sound echoed in the coffee shop.
The door pinged, but Steve didn’t bother to look up. He was enjoying his conversation with Don too much. “I’m busy, but I’m happy. All I need is a guy who understands what I like doing and isn’t trying to shame me for writing.”
“Who would do that?” A shadow blocked the light beside him.
Steve knew that voice. “Farin.”
Don laughed again. “And now’s the time for me to exit.”
“What?” Steve stood. He shook hands with Don. “So soon?”
“Yeah. I only came in for a coffee.” Don waved, then walked away empty-handed. “See you.”
Steve tensed. After his not-exactly-a-date at the movies with Farin, his thoughts had been a jumble. He liked Farin and wanted to see him again, but he wasn’t sure how to proceed.
“Well.” Farin gripped the back of the empty chair next to Steve’s. His button-down shirt clung to his upper body, showcasing his lean muscle. He’d left the top button unfastened, giving a glimpse of his crisp white undershirt. If he’d shaved, Steve couldn’t tell. His five-o’clock shadow darkened slightly on his cheeks, adding to his attractiveness.
