“Any kitchen is fine,” Shawn replied, his cheeks red. “But this new one is infinitely better than what used to be here. And don’t they say that kitchens sell houses? So if we decide to move in the future, we’ll have a great selling point.”
“You just bought the house and you’re thinking about moving?” George asked.
“No, not anytime soon. But we both know that the future is malleable, and we probably won’t work at the ghost town forever. I could get a kitchen job offer, Robin could get some other sort of offer. This is our home for now, though, and we’re going to take life one day at a time.”
“Best way to take it,” Levi said. “One day at a time. One issue at a time.” He caught and held George’s gaze. “One promise at a time.”
George smiled.
Being driven back to the apartment—home no longer felt like the right word without Levi there—sucked but it was a necessary evil. Since Orry was working until eleven, they spent some quality time in George’s bedroom before Levi had to leave. He’d enjoyed the last few days helping Shawn and Robin fix up their house, and he hoped to spend a few days next week if possible. But George needed to work, and the ghost town opened for the new season a week from tomorrow, which meant Levi, Shawn and Robin would all be busy preparing.
He worried a bit about Levi going back to work full time after getting used to him being available at the drop of a hat. That was part of being in an adult relationship, though. Managing their schedules with their personal time.
Part of being an adult was also facing his past and, that night, alone in his room, George searched for a video of his last big skate. The footage wasn’t the best, and his stomach ached as he pressed play. Then the music filled his room the same way it had once filled his soul and his muscles, and it eased that ache. He recalled the joy of gliding across the ice. Of performing perfect jump combinations to thunderous applause. Of spinning so fast on one skate he thought he’d fly away into the heavens.
And he smiled. Truly, genuinely smiled. He’d been talented. He’d had potential. But skating hadn’t been his future. Maybe one day he’d have the courage to find a rink and put on skates again. To remember what he’d loved for so many years—until he lost that love.
Not yet, but at least now he could look at his past self and see beyond the shame. See the joy he’d once possessed for the sport. Maybe he could even teach Levi to ice skate the way Levi had taught him to ride a horse.
I think I’d like that.
Orry impressed the hell out of him by taking off all his varied jobs for opening day of the ghost town. He, George and Zoey drove out to Garrett for the event. Even though Robin and Levi did trick riding demos every day, they had a more elaborate demonstration planned for opening day, and George was pleasantly surprised when Levi led their trio into the town before the official opening time of ten o’clock.
At the corral where Levi and Robin performed, Levi introduced George to Doug Peletier. His father. Doug had flown out to support his sons, just like he’d been there last year, and George was absolutely floored by the kindness of the older man.
“Never thought I’d see the day Levi settled down with someone worthy of him,” Doug said as he shook George’s hand. “I never heard him talk about that Grant fellow the way he talks about you, George. You must be a special person.”
George’s face blazed. “Levi is amazing, sir. He’s talented and kind and I’m honored to be in his life. He gives me so much.”
“Don’t sir me, son. Doug is fine.” Something in his tender expression suggested that maybe one day, George would have the honor of calling him Dad.
His heart turned over in a weird way at that thought. George hadn’t spoken to his own father in years. Not on holidays or birthdays. And as much as part of him missed his biological parents, George was content with the separation. It was healthier for all of them. George wasn’t going to reach out to people who’d always treated him like a prize instead of a son. He had more pride than that. And a hell of a lot more self-worth.
They hung around the corral until the first demo at eleven, and George was elated when Slater and Derrick joined their group. Levi and Robin were amazing, performing all kinds of roping and riding tricks, a few of which required volunteers from the audience for simple tasks. As much as George wanted to volunteer and interact with his boyfriend, he’d long ago lost the desire for others to stare at him. The show received loud applause, and George hung around long enough to give Levi a kiss.
Afterward, Orry and Zoey wanted to wander the ghost town, and George ended up with Doug. They walked up and down Main Street, visiting the shops and tables of locals who were selling their arts and crafts, similar to the big July 4th celebration. The weather was sunny and crisp, and George basked in the joy of parental pride, even if the pride wasn’t directed at him. Doug told him new stories of the rodeo and George soaked in every single word.
They had lunch at the saloon, and Shawn served them personally so he could chat with Doug for a few minutes. George didn’t know Shawn’s entire backstory, but he soaked in the very father-son dynamic between the pair, their connection through their shared love of Robin. So much love existed between the people who worked at both Bentley and Clean Slate, and George had somehow found himself caught up in it. All because he’d stupidly allowed Adrian into the apartment.
While that encounter had been terrifying, it had set George on the path he now walked, and he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Or with anyone except Levi.
George cheered his boyfriend on during the second big demonstration, which was similar to the first, but just different enough that he didn’t get bored. After the applause died down, Levi came over and planted a long kiss on George that left his face hot and his libido up. Levi was practically glowing and George soaked in his positive energy.
“You did an amazing job, son,” Doug said. “I think you’re even better than you were last year.”
“I’ve had a lot more practice since then,” Levi replied with a bark of laughter. “Muscle memory woke up a lot this past year. Plus, Zodiac has been a dream to train and work with. You’ve gotta trust your animal and have them trust you for this stuff to work.”
“True words, my boy. You’d be an asset to the rodeo, but I also see the passion you have for the work you do here.”
Levi’s eyebrows furrowed briefly, and George wasn’t sure why. Doug had simply paid him a compliment about his performance today. It wasn’t as if Doug was trying to lure Levi back to Lucky’s.
Was he?
Nah, that was George being paranoid. He couldn’t spend time thinking of ways in which his relationship would fall apart. He had to do exactly what Shawn and Levi had both said: take it one day at a time. One promise at a time. And right now, the biggest promise he’d made was to take care with Levi’s heart. George wasn’t sure if he was in love with Levi or not, but he had incredibly strong feelings. Strong enough that losing the man would hurt. Immensely. But he didn’t want to think about that possibility on such a gorgeous, fun-filled day.