I wasn’t certain why I’d said yes.
Maybe to prove I can handle it.More likely because part of me already knew Icouldn’thandle it and didn’t care anymore.
Whatever this was between us, it was moving, changing shape, breaking every rule I’d made.
It’s only a rehearsal.
It was harmless. Manageable.
But even as I thought it, I knew the truth was something different.
Whatever this is, it isn’t going to stay harmless for long.
Cameron
I walked at Theo’s side, struggling to keep up with him. If nervous energy counted as cardio, I wouldn’t have needed the gym.
Butwhyam I so nervous?My heart thumped, my palms were clammy.
I had an inkling about that. It was the thought of seeing Theo in a familiar situation. How many times as a teenager had I watched Theo work with the choir group, revealing a whole new side to him? I recalled how he’d lose himself in the music, the way he focused.
This will feel like old times.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to relive those days of being overwhelmed by my first crush.
For the first time, I knew I was gay.I’d also known who made my newbie gay heart beat faster.
I blinked as we turned onto a narrow street.
“The studio is here?” It was lined with dingy shops, most of them closed, their windows whitewashed out. A newsagent’s and a dry cleaners provided the only signs of life.
Theo chuckled. “I thinkstudiowould be pushing it a bit. It’s a room to rehearse in, that’s all. Having said that, I think we’re ready to move up in the world. Max has found us a proper studio.” Another chuckle. “Well,he’sfound it—I’mpaying for it.” He paused at a narrow door next to the dry cleaners. “This is it.”
I gazed at the peeling paint. “Tell me it’s better inside.”
Theo’s wry chuckle as we climbed the stairs didnotmake me feel optimistic.
As we approached the door, I caught the sound of laughter and chatter.
“I’m usually here first,” Theo said. “Good thing I gave Max a key too.”
I flushed. “That was my fault, wasn’t it?” I’d taken longer in the shower than I’d intended.
Theo pushed the door open, and I sniffed. “What do you do in here, mainline coffee?” We stepped inside.
Silence fell, and nine pairs of eyes turned toward me at once.
“Hey, look who the maestro brought!” Max was lounging against an upright piano. “Is he the guest star or your emotional support?”
“Neither,” Theo said in a crisp tone. “He’s observing.”
“Of course he is.” Milo said. “That’s what weallsay the first time.”
Laughter rippled through the group.
Theo rolled his eyes. “Can we cut the ‘Oh, look who you’ve brought with you’ performance. Itoldyou he was coming.”
I recalled most of their faces from the bar. Oliver—the firefighter?—came over to me, hand extended. “Welcome back. I’d have thought the leather bar would’ve been a harrowing enough experience.” He grinned. “A glutton for punishment, eh?” We shook, and my fingers were crushed in his strong grip.