Page 80 of All In: The Price We Pay

It’s his gruff tone that finally convinces me. Since you ask so nicely . . . ;)

He sends me a kiss emoji, and I order an Uber.

I have no trouble getting to the front of Evan’s apartment and use the keycard he gave me to get in.

It’s a strange sensation. I still see myself as an intruder. But an intruder who’s expected.

One that’s looked forward to.

From the doorway, I can already see Evan in the kitchen. I quickly slip into the small bathroom in the entryway, wash my hands, and go over to him.

He opens his arms, and after a day of trouble at work, I sink into them. “What’s going on? Are you being chased by a horde of Dereks?”

I laugh against his chest. “Kind of.” In short sentences, I outline what happened.

“What exactly are you in charge of at your agency?”

“Lifestyle choices,” I murmur.

Evan steps back. “The fact that I’m gay is a lifestyle choice?”

“No.” I immediately wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. “Simon called it that. I’m sorry. That sounds awful.”

“It does.”

I shake my head. Here in Evan’s arms, I can relax. “The whole day was crap.”

“What else happened?” Evan runs his hand down my back, and his touch leaves a trail of ecstasy.

I exhale heavily. I don’t want to talk about work. “Sometimes I wonder why I do all this. Whether we’re skimming the surface of things without any real impact. I mean, positive impact. On the other hand, good things happen, too. Today I was able to set up new management for a singer we work with. It was a nice meeting with Grady Boyle. Do you know him? The football player? He retired four years ago and came out after.”

“Ah. That’s him.” Evan gazes at me thoughtfully.

“Yeah, exactly. He runs a management agency with his wife. They’re great. He’s the one I’d recommend to you if you want to get away from Derek.” Evan grimaces, and I squeeze his sides. “You don’t have to. But Grady is an option.”

“That’s not it. I still need to think about that, too. Did you talk to him about me?”

“No, of course not. I just asked him about his current plans. He has openings if you’re interested.”

“Don’t do that, okay? If anyone finds out, all hell will break loose. News like this spreads fast and far. If I do that, I’ll have to have an answer ready for Derek.”

“Evan, I know that. I’d never risk that. Okay?”

He nods, but he still doesn’t seem convinced.

“Come on. What’s the matter?”

He sighs. “Nothing. I’m being stupid.”

“Baby, spit it out.”

He grins at the term of endearment. “You haven’t called me that in a long time.”

“I guess it was about time.”

Evan takes our intertwined hands and kisses the back of my hand. “I saw you two today. Grady and you.”

I’m confused and tilt my head. “So? Why didn’t you say anything? Were you at that restaurant?”