Page 64 of Sweet T
“That’s the problem. I don’t want him to. I’m not coming back. Evan. There’s no fashion career in Spoon. I want Ben to be happy. He deserves it... with someone else.”
“So, you’re headed to the big city, leaving everyone else behind. Sounds like a song lyric.”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing?”
Evan nodded.
“I get it,” Shelly continued. “We both have our passions, and they outweigh the things that anchor us... friends, family, love. Can I be candid with you?”
“For sure.”
“I know Tucker like the back of my hand. He likes you.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“How do you feel about him?”
Evan smiled.
“Never mind. It’s none of my business. I can see it, though. You’ve only been here three days and I can already see the effect you’re having on him. It’s great, but it worries me too. If you break his heart–”
Shelly stopped, sighing heavily.
“I know,” Evan said. “You’re looking out for him. He told me about that guy he liked, the one from school.”
“Emmett?! Jesus Christ. It’s worse than I thought.”
“I don’t know about you, Shel, but I’m no saint. I’ve had my fair share of dick. I feel like that’s the way it’s supposed to be... when you’re young, anyway.”
Shelly laughed melodically, placing a reassuring hand on Evan’s shoulder. “It is, and I relate. I’m discreet, but I have a guy or two I hook up with from time to time to help me get my ya-yas out. No strings, of course, and I’m careful around Ben. I would never want to hurt his feelings. Tucker’s a different breed, though. He’s–I don’t know–sweet. He can’t seem to separate sex and love. That’s why he’s still hung up on a straight-crush from long ago.”
“You don’t think Emmett was bi?”
“Well, if he was, he’s with a woman now. Regardless, he was using Tucker for his own ya-yas, and then he just discarded him like tissue. I’ll never forget how miserable T was our senior year. I couldn't get him to do anything. Emmett had him on a leash, constantly standing him up but never completely severing ties. It was cruel. He wanted them both. But Pru wasn’t having it. I’m pretty sure she gave him an ultimatum. That’s why they don’t live here anymore.”
“Five years is a long time to be celibate.”
“He tried dating again, with Chuck.” She looked toward the tavern door and lowered her voice. “But they’re too much alike. And Chuck was in a similar situation with another guy, hung up and strung along.”
“Sounds a lot like the town I come from.”
“It’s a syndrome. Gay men pining for straight guys that use them for sex only.”
“Small-town BS is what’s it’s called.” Evan scoffed. “Lack of options. Another reason Atlanta is appealing.”
“Don’t hurt him, Evan. Please?”
“I won’t. I promise.”
* * *
On the drive home, Evan was quiet.
“Shelly telling you all my secrets?” Tucker asked. “You two were outside for a while.”
“She was just congratulating me on my first night.”
“You were great. I can’t tell you how good it was having you there.”