Spencer stared at the bubbles rising in his glass. “I want to see how he operates. I think Jamie needs closure.”
Nathan frowned. “Closure’s one thing. But Tom’s dangerous. You really want him in the same room?”
Spencer nodded slowly. “I do. I want Jamie to see him for what he is. Not through fear. Not through memory. Just… face to face. I think it’ll help.”
Nathan sighed. “I still say we return his money and ban him.”
Spencer shook his head. “I’m picking up Jamie’s things. What’s left in the Jeep, and the rest in Brentwood. I want Tom to know Jamie’s not coming back. Not quietly. Not broken.”
Nathan rubbed his jaw, clearly uneasy. “You’re playing with fire, man.”
Spencer didn’t argue. He knew the risks. But he also knew Jamie. That boy had been carrying too much for too long. If Spencer could help him unload even a piece of it, he would.
Nathan’s phone buzzed. He glanced down, then looked up with a grin. “Alfie just texted. Says Jamie is wondering if you’re gonna ask him to go to Montana. Or at least for a week.”
Spencer smiled, heart tugging in that gentle way Jamie always managed to do. “I don’t want him for a week,” he said. “I want him to stay.”
Nathan raised his beer. “Then tell him.”
Spencer nodded, already thinking about how. Maybe not with words. Maybe with a look, a gesture, a quiet moment where Jamie could feel it—you belong with me.
“I think you should tell him before the mixer. Let him know you want him to visit your ranch, and if he enjoys living with you, he can stay. But you need to give him a way out.”
“I don’t want him to leave.”
“I know, but make it a safe risk. You could mention that he could return with us. You’d have a ticket for him.”
“Damn, I don’t want to make it that easy for him to leave me.”
“Make his options safe. I hate to inform you, but California guys aren’t jumping to move to Montana where there is work and no play. Are you even out in Montana?”
“No reason to be out when I don’t have anyone.”
“Cop out! You need to figure out how you both can live with who you are.”
“I know. Bringing him onto the ranch will upset my applecart. I’m willing to chance it.”
“Can Jamie get around alone there? Is it safe for a gay guy?”
“I don’t know if it is safe for any gay person.”
“Are you going to ask him to live a secret life?”
“I don’t know. You’re giving me a headache.”
“Because you know it and I know you belong here with us. You can buy a ranch here. You can sing again.”
“No, I’m not singing again.” He was being truthful to himself.
Spencer was halfway through his beer when he noticed Nathan go still. Not tense exactly, but alert. Nathan’s eyes flicked toward the entrance, then back to Spencer with a subtle tilt of his head—look.
Spencer turned, and his stomach dropped.
Billy.
Long blond hair, same smug posture, same leather jacket he used to wear on stage like it was armor. He stood at the edge of their booth, alone, but carrying the same air of entitlement. Like he still thought the world owed him something. Like he still thought Spencer might want him back.
Spencer’s grip tightened around his bottle.
