Wes nodded.“We’ll announce it formally in acouple of months.The prospect of working with a creative partneris very exciting.It’s a new venture for both of us.He’s a verytalented author.His storytelling is so vivid, so imaginative.”Wescould feel heat rising in his cheeks.Dammit, I never blush.“Sorry, didn’t mean to get carried away there.I feel thispartnership might give my writing new inspiration.The passionthat’s been missing for a while.”He sipped his drink, lowering hiseyes.
“That’s good.He sounds like an amazingpartner.I wish you all the best on your new collaboration.”Ethansmiled knowingly as Wes’s face continued to burn.Ethan’s phonevibrated suddenly.“Excuse me for a moment.”
Wes sat there pondering their conversationwhile Ethan checked his phone and typed away.
“This was really nice, Wes, but I gotta getback to work.My agent is after me about another public appearanceopportunity, and I’ve got a forty-eight hour deadline for my nextdraft.”
Ethan made to pull out his wallet, but Wesintervened.“Nope, I’ve got it.My pleasure.”
“Thanks, Wes.Hey, here are my contactdetails.”Ethan handed over a plain black business card.“Stay intouch, okay?Who knows, maybe we can work together on a book in thefuture.”
Wes shook Ethan’s hand.“I’d like that.Takecare.”
Wes ordered another drink and sat quietlylooking out over the harbor, taking in the sunset and enjoying thehappy, frenetic atmosphere of the bar.He wondered what Ryker wouldthink of this place, this view.He’d probably grumble about toomany tourists.Then they’d sit closely together, and talk aboutanything and everything, and sip wine and stare at each other likeno one else existed.Jesus, I guess I’m ready to write thoselove scenes now.Maybe Ethan was right.Wes’s previousexperience at a relationship soured him for years, but it was basedon lies.Was he ready to try again?Maybe there was something tothe idea of having a partner, someone to hold hands with whilewatching the sunset.
Half an hour later, Wes was walking back tohis hotel when his phone rang.The call display saidUnknownNumber.
Wes answered.“Hello?”
“Hello, Wesley,” a smooth voice murmured.“It’s been a long time.”
Kieran.Fuck my life.
“Did you get my e-mail, Wesley?I’ve beentrying to reach you for ages, but your annoying little assistantkeeps blocking my attempts,” Kieran complained.
“If you’re referring to Luca, he is anythingbut annoying or little.And why the fuck are you calling me nowafter three years?What do you want?”Wes demanded.
Kieran sighed.“I just want to see howyou’re doing, my love.I’ve missed you terribly.And I see from thenews that you’ve been busy fucking everything that moves, butthere’s no evidence of any relationships.I guess you’ve nevergotten over me, have you?”
Kieran’s smugness ratcheted Wes’s temper upten notches.“There was nothing to get over.We had fun, you liedand betrayed me, I kicked you out on your sorry ass, end of story,”Wes barked.“And there’s no fucking sequel or part two.But let meguess, you’re flat broke again and need money, right?”Wes heardKieran’s faint gasp on the other end of the line.“Well, toughshit.Now, I don’t know how you got hold of this number, but you’dbetter erase it from your phone and never, ever contact me again.Got it?”
“This isn’t over, Wesley.See you around,”Kieran replied with a monotone voice, then hung up.
Wes dialed Luca but got his voicemail.“Hey,it’s me.Kieran just called my cell.I don’t know how the fuck hegot my number, and his showed up as unknown, so I can’t block it.Let me know if he’s contacted you or Grey.Oh, and I need to make achange in my itinerary, so call me back ASAP.Thanks.”
Then he texted Ryker.
Wes:How are you?Long time notext.
Ryker:Busy.Sent you back your chapterwith notes.I’ve also added another chapter for you to review.It’svery good.I think we have something here.Being on the road mustbe good for your writing.Your block is ebbing away.
Wes:Not how’s work.How are you?
Ryker:I’m okay.Still tired.Work andfur babies keeping me busy.Oh, and I have to call my sister inAustralia.I need to set aside at least two hours for that.
Wes:She likes to talk?
Ryker:She’s a linguistics professor sothe answer is yes.
Wes:Interesting.Speaking of talking, Ichatted with a former FBI investigator today.Very coolguy.
Ryker:Ethan Blackwell?Saw him on thelist for your event, lucky you.
Wes:He’s awesome but sadly into women.Besides, he isn’t a grumpy New Yorker.
Ryker:Are you saying you likeme?
Wes paused, his earlier promise to himselfto focus on their writing partnership slowly dissolving.Instead,he blurted out exactly how he felt.
