Noah gave him a slight nod of encouragement. He and Noah had a heart-to-heart about everything, and Jeremy hoped his brother would find the courage and strength to take the next step with Oren, the first man to touch his heart. Jeremy dismissed Leon as a mistake and an aberration and refused to give him any importance in Noah’s life.
“Hmm. He should’ve tried to be here.”
“Mom, have you seen the menus? Jeremy was telling me he’d love your input on which design to choose.” Noah took her by the elbow to steer her toward the counter, but she shook him off.
“I’m not a fool. I know what you boys are doing. Neither one of you likes to tell me anything about your personal lives. I get it. I’m only your mother.”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Okay, Ma. But this isn’t the place to talk about any of that stuff. Tonight it’s all about what I’m trying to do. Expand the club and make it more profitable.”
“I understand that. And as a businessman and a financial expert, I expected to see your boyfriend here to support you. That’s all I’m saying. I’ll go look at those menus now.”
Jeremy watched her retreating back, and Noah murmured to him, “You’re either going to have to tell her you guys broke up or figure out a way to get back together before she finds out.”
“I prefer option two. And I have a plan.”
“Good. Because you know she sees right through me if I lie to her.”
He punched Noah on the shoulder. “Yeah, you were always pathetic.” They shared a laugh, and Jeremy waved as Carter approached him with another man. “Great turnout, huh? As of now, we’ve signed up ten new members.”
“Excellent.”
“Carter, this is my brother, Noah.” They shook hands, and Carter introduced the man at his side.
“Guys, this is Mason Wales. He owns a gym on the Island. I’m working with him and brought him along to show him what the finished product looks like.”
They shook hands, and Noah excused himself. “I’m going to go make sure our mother doesn’t get into or cause any trouble.” Jeremy watched him walk away and rescue one of the customers from her questioning, most likely about their love life.
“Good to meet you. Where on the Island? I know there’s a lot of competition out there.”
“There sure is. I’m in Great Neck. Seems like every day another place is popping up. I tried a smoothie bar and making it more of a gym/hangout, but it wasn’t going anywhere. So Carter here hooked me up with his clients, and I’m going to try it. You’ve got a great setup.”
Jeremy knew he shouldn’t judge a person by their appearance, but Mason looked like a badass biker with his tattoos and black hair hanging almost to his shoulders.
“How do you guys know each other?” Jeremy couldn’t put the two men together; they seemed so different.
“My brother works with Carter’s husband, Reed. Sometimes I’ll come hang out with him, and I’ve met Carter. We’ve started chatting, and you know how persuasive Carter is…”
A chuckle escaped Carter. “I like to think it’s my charm and personality. But seriously. We’re going to do this with your place, Mason, and you’ve already got the spot. I’m gonna take him around to show him, Jer, okay?”
“Sure. Be my guest.”
Carter took a few steps, then stopped. “Why don’t you come out with me day after tomorrow to Mason’s place? He has some interesting virtual equipment you might like. You guys could hook up.”
“Uhhh…” Jeremy glanced over at Mason, who cocked a dark brow and gave him a flirty smile.
“I didn’t mean in that sense. I’m talking business-wise.” Carter clapped his hand on Mason’s back.
Jeremy watched them walk away.
“Jeremy.” His mother waved at him, and Noah shrugged helplessly. “Come here.”
Unable to hold back a grin, Jeremy joined his mother, muttering to his brother, “You’re hopeless.”
The rest of the evening found him unable to dwell on his personal issues. It had been one of the best nights of his life, but it made him more aware of how keenly he missed having Blake by his side. The man wasn’t only his lover; he’d become an essential part of him, and that night as Jeremy went to bed, he knew what he had to do to get his life back.
The next morning Jeremy took the endlessly blue sunny skies as a good sign as he stood in front of the building where Blake’s office was located. After the security officer signed him in, he fidgeted, waiting for the elevator.
What if Blake turned him away, or worse yet, refused to even see him? Jeremy wouldn’t be put off. He’d calmly stay put until Blake assured him they’d sit down like adults and talk. No more running away.
