First Priority

by Este Holland

  Chapter 24

  There’s No Place like Home

  Adam

  We said good-bye to the McCamishes and flew to LA after the garda in Galway said we were okay to leave. Truman had no idea who Rick was, but Riley and Bill were going through his fan mail. It would take a while, though.

  We’d been so sheltered on the island, I’d kind of forgotten how big of a celebrity Truman was. The reason we’d been there in the first place hadn’t escaped me, but I hadn’t actively thought about it either. The stalker reminded me of what it took to be with someone so famous. There’d never be a normal vacation or outing to dinner. Not without disguises or bodyguards at least. I wanted to be with him, but I’d sacrifice my privacy.

  That ship had sailed, so I was ready to go all in. I was anxious, but kind of excited too.

  We arrived at Truman’s Malibu house to find Daniel sprawled out on the pool deck.

  “Adam,” Daniel said, standing and giving me a hug. “Nice to meet you finally.”

  “You too. Thanks for your help with that reporter.”

  “Ah, no worries. Journalism is a small world.” He smiled at Truman. “So, what did Brian do with Jonas? Hang him by the thumbs in the dungeon of that old pub of his?”

  Truman laughed and sat beside him. “Not that I’m aware of. I think they just had a nice chat when he sobered up.”

  I sidled out of the room as the friends talked. I needed a shower after the trip home. I ran into Riley in the kitchen, pretending not to look at Daniel. I smiled, and he straightened and shuffled some papers. He’d picked us up at the airport and had immediately made sure I was okay after the “Galway Incident,” as he called it.

  “Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

  “I’m fine. Thanks. Did you take any time off while His Majesty was gone?”

  Riley shrugged and avoided my eyes. “A little here and there.”

  I had a feeling he was leaving a lot out, but it was none of my business.

  “Well, I’m going to shower.”

  I went to Truman’s bedroom, which I’d only seen for the first time when we got home, and wandered into the huge bathroom. It was gorgeous, but I missed the cottage. It wasn’t practical to live there. Truman and I both had work, and the spotty Wi-Fi signal wouldn’t cut it. But I hoped we’d return soon.

  The shower was tiled in translucent gold and the waterfall shower head soaked me in warm water. Light streamed in from glass squares in the wall from the ocean side of the house. I stepped out and dried off with a heated towel and wandered into the bedroom. Another huge space. I had a feeling I’d get lost before too long. The bed was bigger than a king and seemed to float in midair with blue silk sheets. A painting of a bright orange-and-red sunset with hills hung on the wall behind it.

  Windows overlooked the beach, and I had a feeling they were the same specially treated glass as the ones at the cottage. So, I didn’t mind standing naked while I finished drying.

  I dressed and left the room, exploring the house. Truman and I needed to talk about our relationship. Chad’s was out (obviously), and my apartment wasn’t ready yet. I didn’t want to move in on Truman. Maybe I could use a guest room?

  I found several, beautifully decorated in modern furnishings and white walls, but something told me Truman wouldn’t go for it. Heck, I wouldn’t either. I’d gotten used to sleeping with him next to me.

  “Hey.”

  I spun around and smiled at Truman leaning against the doorjamb.

  “Hi.”

  “What are you thinking about?”

  I fidgeted with a thread on my shirt. “Where I’m going to live.”

  He nodded and looked around the room as he stepped closer to me. “I don’t want you to go back to Chad’s place.”

  “Me either. But I need to grab the rest of my stuff.”

  “What are you doing in here?”

  “Wondering if I could stay with you until my apartment is done.”

  Truman’s eyes shot to mine, and he gave me a half smile. “And you think you’ll stay in here?”

  I rolled a shoulder. “I didn’t want to presume anything.”

  Truman stalked me across the room, backing me up until my knees hit the bed. He put his finger to my chest, nudged, and I fell. He straddled me, holding my hands to the bed on either side of my head as I bit my lip and gazed up at him. I’m sure I looked as in love as I felt.

  “You can presume anything you want with me,” he whispered and leaned in to kiss me. I moaned and sucked his tongue into my mouth.

  “Mr. James—oh, I’m so sorry!”

  Truman sat up. “It’s okay, Riley,” he called out since Riley had fled. “Adam’s going to be staying here, so you’ll have to get used to seeing us in compromising positions.” He waggled his brows at me, and I grinned.

  “Yes sir,” came Riley’s voice from down the hall.

  I snickered and pushed Truman off me. His arms pinwheeled, and he stood to catch his balance.

  “Brat.”

  “Me? You’re the spoiled celebrity.”

  “I’m your spoiled celebrity.”

  I hugged him. “Cheesy. But, yes, you are. So, you’re okay with me staying here?”

  “I’m okay with it. In fact, I don’t want you to leave when your apartment is ready.” I opened my mouth. “But,” he continued, “if it’s too soon for you, I’ll understand.”

  I stared into his dark-blue eyes. “I just don’t want us to move too fast and crash and burn, you know?”

  “I know.”

  “I’ll stay for now, and we’ll see how it goes.”

  He hugged me. “While we’re talking. I don’t want us to end up like my parents.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They were in love, and now they’re miserable. I know we can’t predict that sort of thing, but can you promise me that you’ll talk to me if you start to feel differently about me? Just tell me. Maybe we can fix it, maybe couples therapy, or something?”

  “I can do that.”

  “Good. Thank you.”

  “Um, sir?”

  “Yeah?”

  Riley poked his head around the door. “Speaking of parents, one of yours is here.”

  “Say, what?” Truman’s arms went limp.

  “If you’ll recall, I told you your mother wanted to come visit, but you never gave her an answer, so she just showed up.”

  “Fuck. We can’t catch a break, can we?”

  My anxiety spiked. Meeting parents? Already? Truman placed his hand on the back of my neck and rubbed.

  “It’s okay. You can hide, if you want.”

  “No.” I shook my head. “No. I just…need a few minutes to work myself up.”

  “You mean gather your courage?”

  “Yes, that.”

  “Come on, let’s face the dragon.”

  “Tru!”

  “What? I told you I rarely talk to my parents, didn’t I? You’ll see why.”

  Truman

  Of all the ridiculous timing. My mother had to choose now to visit. Right when Adam and I were taking our first steps forward as a real couple. I sighed as I held Adam’s hand and pulled him down the hallway. If I left him, he’d get all anxious in the bedroom by himself. Better to get it over with.

  I stopped suddenly. “Am I being a bully?”

  “What?” Adam straightened in alarm.

  “Am I pushing you too hard?”

  “Oh.” Adam paused. “I don’t think you’re being a bully. It doesn’t feel like it. I think you’re pushing me, so I don’t worry myself to death.”

  I took his face in my hands. “Promise me you’ll tell me if I go too far?”

  He smiled. “I will.”

  I gave him one more kiss, and we walked into the living room where Daniel sat with my mother, nodding at something she said.

  “Mom.”

  “Truman!” She pushed herself up from the couch and rushed to hug me, knocking Adam out of the way.

  I fr
owned and pulled out of her arms and took Adam’s hand again.

  “This is Adam Hendrix, my boyfriend. Adam, my mother, Deana.”

  Her mouth flattened. “How do you do?” she asked, and then took my arm to drag me to the sofa. Her hair was its usual bleached frizz, her eyes were like mine, and her leopard print dress barely covered her ample cleavage. Same old Mom.

  “Nice to meet you,” Adam mumbled as he followed us. He sat near Daniel, who gave him a wink.

  Riley came in with drinks, and I smirked as Daniel’s attention strayed to him.

  “Truman! Are you listening?”

  I turned to my mom. “What?”

  She huffed. “I said your father and I are getting a divorce.”

  I raised my brows and sat back, resting my ankle on my knee. Adam scooted over on the couch and laid his hand on my leg. Mom eyed it with a frown.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, but maybe it’s for the best.”

  “That’s what I think. He told me he’s like that,” she said and waved her hand in my general direction.

  “What ‘that’?” I asked, baffled.

  “You know. Like you. Unable to make up your mind.”

  I tilted my head. “You mean bisexual?”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Good for him.”

  “Truman!”

  “What? He’s finally being honest with himself, and with you. And speaking of being honest, I’ve realized that I’m not bi, I’m gay.”

  She cringed. “You knew about your father?”

  “No, but I suspected.” I sighed. “What is it you want?” She crossed her arms and frowned at Adam again. I sat forward and placed myself in her eyeline. “You never involved me in your lives before. Why now?”

  “I need money for a good attorney.”

  “So you can take Dad for everything he’s got?”

  “You have enough to spare.”

  “That’s not the point. You’re asking me to choose sides.”

  “Your father has money. I don’t.”

  I resettled on the couch, leaning against Adam, and he rubbed my leg in silent support. “I’ll talk to Dad and see what I can do.”

  “Fine.”

  She levered off the couch as if to leave.

  “Not staying for dinner?” I asked. Placing two fingers on my head, I shut my eyes and rubbed my temple. “Don’t you want to get to know my boyfriend?”

  She scoffed. “What’s to know? He’ll be gone soon. I’m meeting an old high school friend.”

  My face flamed in outrage, and I bit the inside of my cheek. “Adam’s not going anywhere. You might want to change your attitude if you ever want to be invited here again.”

  She gathered her purse and her eyes flicked between me and Adam, the look of supreme dislike all too recognizable. I nodded at Riley, and he ushered her to the door.

  “Fuck, that was unpleasant,” Daniel said. He took a glass from the tray and drank the liquor in a few gulps.

  Riley came into the room and crossed his arms. “Feel better?”

  Daniel choked on his last swallow. “Shit.” He looked at the glass, then Riley. “Oops?”

  Riley did that thing I recognized when he was at his limit: tongue in his cheek, pushing it out, and rolling it inside his bottom lip into the other cheek. I was glad it wasn’t aimed at me this time. He stalked off to the kitchen.

  “Daniel, what’s going on? Are you and Riley okay?”

  Instead of answering, he flew off the couch. “Ry! Wait.”

  Adam and I looked at each other, and I’m sure our expressions matched.

  “Wow,” he said. “Ry?”

  “Yeah.” I shook my head. I’d get that story out of Daniel later. “So, anyway, that was my lovely mother.” I waved at the door.

  Adam grimaced and took my hand. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Divorce was inevitable. I think it’s a good thing.”

  He nodded in understanding. “Do you want to call your dad?”

  “No, but I guess I will.” I sighed as I stood. “I won’t be long.” I leaned down to kiss him, then walked to my office and called.

  “Truman?”

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “How are you?”

  “Good. I just got back from Ireland.”

  “Yes, I was just reading about that stalker business. Are you okay? And your—Adam, is it?”

  “My boyfriend, Adam Hendrix. He’s okay. Thanks.” I kicked at the desk leg. “Mom was just here.”

  He was quiet. “Oh. She told you, then?”

  “She said you’re getting a divorce because you’re bi.”

  He sighed, and I waited.

  “That’s not the only reason, as you know.” I said nothing. “I’m sorry, son. I should’ve told you a long time ago.”

  I hung my head, remembering the times I’d stared at the four walls of my old bedroom, listening to them yell, feeling so alone. “Maybe, but everyone comes out when they’re ready.”

  He cleared his throat. “I met a man.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  I could practically hear my father blushing, and it made me smile. “That’s great, Dad. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  Hesitating, he said. “We could come visit in a few weeks?”

  “Sure. I’d like that. You can meet Adam.”

  “Good.”

  “Listen, Mom wants me to give her money for an attorney. What are your thoughts?”

  “It’s your money. You can do what you want.”

  “I’m not choosing sides. Though if I were, I’d choose yours.”

  He chuckled. “Well, thank you. You can give it to her to match what I’m going to spend.”

  “All right. That’s fair.”

  “I’ll call you soon to make plans for me and George to come down.”

  “Sounds good.”

  We hung up, and I sat for a moment, staring out the window at the sunset. And I smiled. Life was a funny thing. So many ups and downs, beginnings and endings. I stood and went to find Adam. I wanted to live while I could.

  Chapter 25

  Maybe Elsa Was Right

  Adam

  Truman waited in the car as I went up to Chad’s apartment. I’d insisted on doing this alone. He’d been stubborn, of course, until I’d put him on the phone with Deborah. She’d convinced him he didn’t need to always be my white knight—just every now and then when I asked him to be.

  I unlocked the door and snuck inside. The living room was empty. It looked even smaller than I remembered. Shit, I hope I’m not becoming jaded. Truman had paid for everything while we were away, and he refused to accept money for expenses now. I frowned. We’d have to talk about that some more when we got home.

  Home.

  It was funny how quickly Truman and I meshed our lives together. We’d only been back to LA for ten days, and I’d already given up the idea of returning to my moldy apartment.

  I heard voices from the kitchen, so I tiptoed over to eavesdrop.

  “Come on, baby. You can get another fifty grand. Just make some shit up. No one’s going to know.”

  “What happened to the money?” Chad asked, voice low.

  Pacey huffed and clicked her tongue. “I bought a BMW.”

  Chad swore viciously.

  “Baby, it’s for both of us!” Pacey rushed to say. “It’ll get you noticed.”

  I backpedaled to the guest room, not wanting to hear anymore. I packed everything in two suitcases and was checking the drawers when I sensed I wasn’t alone anymore.

  “Did the movie star finally kick your gay ass out?” Chad blocked the door with his larger body, but I wasn’t afraid.

  “No. Just getting my stuff. Thanks for letting me stay here, Chad, but this is the last time you and I will ever speak.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “I guarantee it.”

  Chad swallowed, and his eyes roamed the room. “How’s that?”

  I tilted my head and studie
d him. “You needed that money, didn’t you? And Pacey spent it.”

  He whipped his head around and glared at me. “Shut the fuck up!”

  I shrugged and pulled out my trump card from my hoodie pocket. “This is what guarantees it. Truman’s lawyers say hello.”

  Chad paled and didn’t touch the papers. I laid them on the desk along with the apartment key.

  “I’d read that before you do anything stupid, if I were you. Sorry, I meant anything else stupid.”

  I moved toward him with my suitcases, and he let me pass.

  I took a deep breath and let it out and didn’t look back. I smiled when I saw Truman waiting for me by his car. We stowed my suitcases and got in.

  “How did it go?” he asked as we clicked our seat belts.

  “Good. I’m going to be like Elsa and let it go.” I flung out my hand, à la Elsa, and hit Truman’s chest.

  Truman grunted. “Who?” he asked as he pulled away from the curb.

  “Elsa. Frozen?” He glanced at me. “Never mind. I forgot you live on a different planet than the rest of us mere mortals. What’s going on with that?” I pointed.

  A guy in a gray hoodie was getting cuffed on the sidewalk. He watched us as we drove by, narrowed his eyes at Truman, and mouthed, Fuck you.

  Truman saluted him with a middle finger. “He’s getting what’s coming to him.”

  He drove us to Pasadena, and the landlord said it was safe to go up. I’d already given him my notice, and a moving company had boxed everything and taken away what I didn’t want. I was quickly learning that Truman had clout that I couldn’t dream of. If I’d tried that, my landlord would’ve gouged me on the lease, and the moving company would’ve told me they’d be there sometime in the next century.

  I scowled over at the man in question from behind my sunglasses.

  Somehow, he felt it because he took my hand and smiled before kissing my knuckles. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  “Rich man privilege.”

  Grinning, his brows went up his forehead. “Oh? Do tell.”

  I sniffed. “I hope you know we’ll be going to a lot of animal fundraisers as long as we’re together. A lot, mister.”

  “As long as we’re together? I’m fine with that. I told you, you’re my first priority. And we can go and adopt that giant dog, Silvester, right now, if you want.”