Asher continued. “The first time I heard one of your songs, it was being played by a secret service agent who used to think he did a good job hiding his disgust of me. I went back to the residence and listened to more. You weren’t considered some gay icon yet, but still, I felt this connection to your words. You spoke to me. The day I saw the video of you kissing Nicky, I knew a wall had been broken. The story blew up, and suddenly, the chants of those protesting my rights were drowned out by a love story I could finally identify with. And that secret service agent? He started rooting for you too. The looks he sent my way changed. He no longer hated me for what I was because of your actions.”
Beckett couldn’t look at him as the words sank in. He clasped his hands together and fixed his gaze on the rough calluses of his fingers. His hands, their talent with a guitar, brought him to this point.
Asher crouched down in front of Becks, forcing him to meet his eyes. “You want to know how I define important? When a single man with a guitar can change the hearts of those around him. That’s important. When a love story can give people hope and open their eyes to the many facets of love. That’s important. You’re telling me none of it was real, but that doesn’t change the fact that you inspired people.”
A tear slipped down Becks face. “I inspired everyone except the one person I wanted to help.”
Asher sat back on his heels. “We’re complete strangers, Beckett, but I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that one person is Nicky.”
Becks sighed. How did everything end up so messy? Was Asher right? Becks had been focusing so much on the lie he’d been blind to everything else.
“It’s never okay to lie, Asher.”
“No.” He shook his head. “But you can’t change what you did. Besides…how much of it was a lie and how much was truth? I won’t pretend to know what exactly happened or why Nicky isn’t here with you when the entire world thinks you’re still dating, but—”
“I hurt him.”
Cocking his head to the side, Asher smiled as if a big secret had just been revealed. “You hurt him? I thought everything was fake.”
Becks only shrugged, unable to find the words to describe something he didn’t understand.
“You claim to have lied to everyone about dating Nicky, but have you ever thought the only people you were lying to were Nicky and yourself?”
“I never lied to Nicky.” The words held none of the strength he wished he had to defend himself.
“Really? Have you told him you miss him?”
“You don’t know me, kid. It wasn’t like that with him.” Until it was.
“You’re right. I don’t know you. But I spend my life watching people, always on the peripheral, never truly involved. That’s what it means to call the White House home. I know what love looks like.”
“I don’t love Nicky. I’m not even gay.”
Asher pushed himself to his feet with a sigh. “Is everything really that rigid for you?” He shook his head. “You don’t have to be gay to fall for another man. We’ve all seen the pictures of you with women on your arms. Maybe, you’re bisexual. Hell, maybe you’re pan.”
“I don’t even know what that means.” It was like Asher spoke some other language, one that scared Becks.
“Pansexual. It means you fall in love with a person regardless of their gender.”
“I can’t be in love with Nicky.” His voice lowered to a whisper, only meant for himself. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
Becks lifted his eyes to Asher’s. The question seemed so simple, yet the answer was just out of reach.
“I… He’s Nicky. My friend. The kid I always looked out for. I don’t want to even consider what my life would look like without him.” His throat constricted. “If I’m in love with him, if I’m…pan…I could lose him. I could lose them all.” If it ever came down to a choice, he knew Avery would choose his brother, taking Nari with him.
Asher’s gaze softened. “It kind of looks like you’ve lost him already.”
He was right. The words sank into Becks, and he hunched over, curling in on himself. Had he lost Nicky? Would he never get to talk to him again as they used to in high school? Joking around and having fun.
He’d do anything to be able to kiss him again.
He rubbed a hand over his face. Everything made so much sense now. How could he let Nicky leave like he had?
Becks shot to his feet, forcing Asher to jump back to avoid a collision. “I have to go.”
“Thought so.”
A knock sounded on the door moments before Sofie stepped inside. Her mouth rounded. “Oh, Asher Brooks. They’re looking for you. It’s almost time for your speech.”
Asher fixed Becks with a stare. “Important people make a difference. It doesn’t matter how small.” He left, joining the secret service agents waiting outside the door.
“Sof.” Becks pulled her into a hug. “I need to leave.”
She pulled back to study his face. He didn’t know what she saw, but it brought a smile to her lips. “I’ll have Harrison handle the media interviews after the speeches are done. You’re going to Twin Rivers, aren’t you?”
He nodded, unable to contain his grin even as guilt twisted inside him for how he’d treated Sofie.
She cupped his cheek. “Nicky is an idiot if he doesn’t want you.”
“Thanks, Sof.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek before leaving her watching after him.
Nari, Avery, and Wylder stood near the side of the stage watching Asher’s speech as Beckett joined them. He leaned in close to his sister.
“I need a favor.”
She turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. “Go on.”
“I want to get to Twin Rivers. Tonight.”
“My car had some issues on the way here. It’s probably okay for city driving, but I wanted to get it checked out before taking it on the highway again.”
Another idea struck him. He watched the rest of Asher’s speech, wondering if the kid was as inspired by his romance as he claimed.
“I’m sorry.” Wylder touched his arm.
Would he help him?
Asher strolled from the stage with all the confidence someone his age shouldn’t possess. His smile faltered when he noticed Becks. “Shouldn’t you be gone already?”
“I need your help.”
A grin slid across his face. “You mean I get to be part of the Beckett-Nicky love story?”
“It’s not a love story.”
“What love story?” Avery asked, looking from Beckett to Asher. “What’s going on?”
“It’s nothing.” Nari grabbed her boyfriend’s hand. “Becks is just in love with your brother.”
Beckett didn’t have time to consider how she’d known before Avery choked on his own tongue. “Excuse me?”
Ignoring Avery, Asher spoke into his phone before sliding it back into his pocket. “Follow me.”
“Wait.” Wylder called. “What about my car?”
Asher thought for a moment before turning to holler over his shoulder. “Jim!” A large, dark-skinned man ran over. “Can you take Miss Anderson’s car to get it looked at tonight?” He turned to Wylder. “Give him your keys. Jim is my mom’s favorite agent.”
Jim’s cheeks flushed at that. “Yes, sir.”
Asher took Wylder’s keys and passed them to the agent. “He’ll get your car fixed and drive it back to Twin Rivers in the next day. I’ll just tell Mom he’s on a mission for me.” He winked. “Thanks, Jim.”
Wylder shrugged. “You crash it, you buy it.” She tugged on Asher’s arm, and they started walking again.
Beckett and Nari wasted no time trailing after him. Avery ran to catch up. “Can someone please explain what’s going on?”
Asher shot him a grin. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Asher Brooks, the son of the President of the United States. Currently, we’re headed to the airport to board my plane.”
“What about the rally?” Nari asked.
“My part is done. The congressman up next will handle the rest.”
“I can’t believe we’re going to ride on Air Force One.” Avery wrapped an arm around Nari.
Nari laughed. “It’s only called that when the president is on board.” She directed her next question to Asher. “What’s it called with you?”
Asher shrugged. “The Love Machine?”
Nari descended into a fit of giggles, gasping for breath. “Because of Becks?”
Becks barely heard their banter as he focused on each step that brought him closer to the moment that could change his life.
“How about Flight of Love?” Asher asked as the secret service agents surrounded them near the hotel entrance.
Outside, the night closed in around them.
Becks sucked in air like he’d never breathe again. His lungs expanded painfully as nerves overtook his body. What was he even doing?
He hadn’t realized he’d stopped moving until a hand landed on his back. “It’s okay.” Asher gave him a sympathetic smile. “He’s going to forgive you for anything you did. He loves you.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because this is a love story. And I refuse to follow one that doesn’t have a happy ending.”
Beckett grunted and started walking again. “Stop calling it a love story, kid.”
11
Nicky
“Didn’t I see you this morning already?” Brian Callahan frowned at Nicky across the kitchen at the Main.
“Hey, Mr. C, let me help you.” Nicky took one of the heavy crates of produce from his boss. “I picked up another shift, trying to make up for lost time during the media frenzy.” Nicky was relieved it was finally dying down now. It seemed there were much more interesting topics to fill the gossip sites than Nicky’s boring life in Twin Rivers—and that was exactly what he wanted. A nice, boring, drama-free summer before school started in the fall.
“You know you don’t have to make up the time. As far as we’re concerned, you’re free to work as much or as little as you like, but don’t forget to have fun too, son. This is your last summer before college. We want you to enjoy it. Go spend some time up at the river with your friends—or whatever it is you kids do to blow off steam.”
“Thanks, Mr. C.” Nicky forced a smile. With the exception of Wylder, who was pretty much grounded for the summer after the stunt she pulled with the graduation party—except when she managed to sneak out—Nicky didn’t really have friends in Twin Rivers. His friends all lived in Nashville. Well, his brother lived in Nashville with his friends and girlfriend. Nicky was certain he’d always be friends with Nari, but he wasn’t sure his friendship with Becks would survive. The only thing Nicky really had to do anymore was work.
How sad is that? Nicky shuffled out of the kitchen to check on his remaining tables. Summer afternoons at the Main were pretty slow, but Nicky really enjoyed his job.
Grabbing a slice of Key lime pie and Mrs. Callahan’s newest chocolate peanut butter cake creation, he headed across the dining room to his favorite customers.
“Hey there, Nicky, I think we’re ready for dessert,” Mr. Jones said.
“I’m way ahead of you.” Nicky smiled. “Mrs. Jones, your favorite Key lime pie.” He placed the slice in front of her.
“And what you got there for me, boy?” Mr. Jones picked up his fork and tucked his napkin into his shirt collar.
“Mrs. Callahan’s new chocolate peanut butter explosion layer cake. It’s disgusting-amazing, you’ll love it.”
“All right, that’s two of my favorite things. Good job, son.”
Nicky left them to their desserts. He’d learned from Peyton Callahan that Mr. Jones liked to experiment with the dessert menu, never choosing the same thing twice, while Mrs. Jones stuck to her tried and true favorite.
After refilling drinks for the rest of his customers, Nicky turned toward the kitchen to work on some of his side tasks, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw a familiar form sitting at the counter. Kenny? What’s he doing here? He looked worn out and tired.
Nicky took a deep breath and stepped behind the counter. “Hey, Kenny. What can I get for you?” He said it in such a rush he doubted if anyone understood him.
“Hi.” Kenny gave him a weary smile. “I’m bored, exhausted, and starving. How are you?”
“Bored and starving.” Nicky managed a laugh, his tension easing slightly. “How’s Penny?”
“Good.” Kenny sighed. “But she’s busy with her summer internship in Cincinnati, and I’m busy with hockey camp, so we don’t see each other much.”
“Everything okay with you two?” He didn’t really want to hear the answer. Nicky busied himself pouring Kenny a tall glass of the sweet tea he liked.
“It’s good.” Kenny nodded. “Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t handle our breakup very well.” He cast his eyes down to the napkin in his hands. “I was a dick about it. I care about you, Nicky, but our lives are going in different directions. I thought it would be best to make a clean break, but I screwed that up. I’ve always liked Penny. You knew how much I’ve struggled and Penny... It’s easier. Since bringing her home, my parents have stopped looking at me like I betrayed them with that video from Beckett’s concert.”
“I get it, Kenny. I do,” Nicky said, surprised by Kenny’s candor.
“I shouldn’t have thrown her in your face like that.”
“It was a dick move,” Nicky agreed. “But you tend to do things like that when you feel cornered. Try not to do that with her. I want you to be happy, Kenny, but I’m afraid you’re never going to find happiness until you learn to love yourself and not let your family dictate your decisions.” It was the most honest thing he’d ever said to Kenny.
“Easier said than done.” He brushed a tired hand over his face.
“How’s hockey camp so far?” Nicky tossed a menu in front of him, steering the conversation on to easier things.
“Good, I guess. I’m exhausted and in the mood for a giant steak and a side of pork chops after a full day on the ice.” He perused the menu the whole town knew by heart.
“Just good? I remember when you couldn’t talk about anything else after you got accepted into the program. You were so excited.” Nicky didn’t like the way things ended for them, but he also didn’t want to see Kenny so…depressed. Nicky scribbled an order onto his notepad and pinned it to the wheel behind him in the kitchen window.
“No, it’s great, really.” Kenny leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “Getting to train under an NHL player with so much experience and with such a talented group of players, it’s exactly what I need right now. Hockey has never been the problem. You know the ice is my escape.”
“It’s all you’ve ever wanted.” Nicky knew how much Kenny needed his chance to get to the NHL. That was the only future he could see that didn’t lead to Washington. The only future where he’d have the means to take care of himself so he didn’t have to follow the career path his senator father had laid out for him. The NHL would either save Kenny’s life or break him.
“So, why so glum? You have the opportunity of a lifetime at your fingertips. An opportunity that put you on cloud nine just a few months ago. What’s the problem?”
“You, all right,” Kenny snapped. “I miss you.” He threw his hand up to stop Nicky from responding. “Not like that. I just miss our friendship. It turns out I don’t have that many friends, and with Penny so preoccupied with her internship, and Mom and Dad in Washington for the summer. I’m—”
“Lonely?” Nicky supplied. “Yeah, I get that.” Nicky crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the back counter.
“Well, you have Beckett Anderson,” Kenny muttered, and Nicky couldn’t help feeling just a little too satisfied at the sound of jealousy in his tone.
“I guess I do,” Nicky said, unable to tell Kenny it was all a farce. “But he’s in Nashville, and I’m here.” He shrugged. “And with Wylder grounded after the stunt s
he pulled at graduation, I find myself short on friends too, Ken. I miss that part of our relationship.” In reality, Nicky would like nothing better than to salvage their friendship, but he wasn’t sure that would ever be a possibility.
“I am happy for you, you know.” Kenny fussed with the straw in his glass. “I hate the guy, but if he makes you happy, then I’m really glad you have someone who is so out and proud. You deserve that after all I’ve put you through.”
“Thanks.” Nicky dipped his head, surprised by such honesty. “But truth be told, I’m not sure I can really trust Becks’ feelings.”
“Sorry about that, I really am, but I don’t think I’m quite there yet, Nicky. I can’t talk about the guy you were cheating on me with. It’s too soon.”
Nicky’s head snapped up. “Cheating? Ken, I wasn’t cheating on you with Becks.”
“So, he, what, just jumped off the stage to kiss you like that for no reason? I’m not stupid, Nicky, I know you’ve had a crush on him forever.”
Nicky’s face flushed red. Kenny was too close to the truth, and it killed him to maintain the lie, but he’d rather be a liar than a cheater. “He saw the way you were treating me, and the kiss was just meant to make you jealous. But it turned into more than that. I guess Becks has had feelings for me all this time too.” Nicky felt like a jerk, but it was the best he could do. “That kiss started the whole thing, Ken. I didn’t cheat on you. I swear. The kiss surprised me as much as anyone else.”
Kenny nodded, but Nicky wasn’t sure if he believed him. “Just don’t let my bullshit issues keep you from a relationship that makes you happy. Becks isn’t me, and anyone who sees you two together knows they’re looking at the real thing.”
“Order’s up, Nick,” the line cook called through the kitchen window.
“That’s our dinner.” Nicky pushed away from the counter, unable to look Kenny in the eye.
“I didn’t order anything.” Kenny frowned.
Nicky shrugged. “I know what you like.”
Nicky found a seat toward the back of the hockey arena, not sure why he was even here. He watched Kenny on the ice with the other players. Even after two years of dating a hockey player, he knew next to nothing about the sport. Kenny never wanted Nicky to come to his games before, and he’d never pressed the issue.
Dating Him: The Series Page 12
