Page 62 of See My Words

Dawn came over to drop off Rylan’s second mimosa. “What’s he talking to them about?” he asked her curiously, and she gave a little chuckle.

“He’s giving them a mini spiritual counseling session. He’s asking their intentions for their relationship and having them envision a very positive future for their marriage. Uncle does that for all the couples he plays the flute for.”

“I take it flute music can be very symbolic,” Chris observed, and Rylan noticed with a small smile that his and Minh’s linked hands were resting on Chris’s knee.

“Oh, most definitely,” Dawn said. “Flutes are instruments of courtship and love, as well as ceremony and entertainment.” She winked at Scott. “It’s said that when a boy plays the flute for a girl, she will find him irresistible.”

He returned the wink. “Well, I’d better learn how to play ASAP. I need all the help I can get.”

She flushed, and as she bent down to clear Rylan’s empty plate, she muttered in his ear, “Shit, if he were any more irresistible, I’d die.”

Rylan smiled. “Scott definitely has that effect on people. The struggle is real.”

“Is he single?” Dawn busied herself with wiping down the table in front of Rylan, her back to Scott so he wouldn’t hear.

Rylan’s jaw tightened, and suddenly he wanted to shout No, he’s mine! but he summoned up another grin and answered, “Very single. As far as I know, no commitments anywhere.” Nope. None.

“Perfect,” Dawn breathed. “Not like I have a shot, but it won’t be for lack of trying. Excuse me, I think my shift just ended early. My boss owes me a favor.”

She collected the rest of the empty plates and bustled off, returning shortly sans apron with her makeup refreshed. Rylan scooted over closer to Chris so she could wedge a chair in next to Scott, and his senses were soon filled with the scent of her light, sweet perfume and the sound of her sultry laugh.

Rylan clenched his fists, memories of Scott and Lisa together so long ago washing over him. Dawn was just as stunning as Lisa had been, with her long, glossy dark hair caught back in a simple clip, her skin tanned and flawless, her Native American heritage evident in her exquisite bone structure and liquid brown eyes. Slim and graceful, Dawn had an air of innate kindness about her that Lisa had lacked, but other than that, for sheer aesthetic appeal, she and Scott would make a gorgeous couple.

It didn’t help that Scott seemed to be responding to her overtures, his voice low and intimate as he spoke to her, his laugh husky. He even slung his arm around the back of Dawn’s chair, his leg close to hers. Unaccustomed and unwelcome jealousy punched Rylan square in the gut, and in that moment, he felt like he’d start screaming if he didn’t get out of there.

He shoved his chair back with an abrupt motion and muttered “Excuse me” to the table at large before striding out of the restaurant and into the bright sunshine. It was hot, so Rylan found a patch of shade next to a wall and slumped against it, closing his eyes. Shit. He’d just made a colossal fool of himself, but it was too late now. Everyone would wonder what the hell his problem was, but no one would come after him. No one ever came after him; they always walked away. His mom and Scott and Felipe and—

A warm hand settled on his shoulder, and Rylan opened his eyes to meet Scott’s concerned ones. A rush of emotion brought burning tears springing to the surface, so Rylan quickly turned his head away. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Just needed—”

His voice trailed off as Scott slid a hand to the back of his neck and stroked the nape with his thumb. “What’s the matter, Ry? Are you sick?” His voice was worried, and when Rylan shook his head mutely, unable to speak, Scott pulled him close. “Then what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Rylan gave a snort of disgust. He’d never been one for dissembling and game-playing, and hell if he’d start now. “I’m jealous. Okay? I know I acted like an ass, but—”

Scott looked incredulous. “Jealous of whom? Dawn?” When Rylan nodded miserably, Scott went on, his voice a combination of amused and tender, “Don’t be. I’m not interested in her at all.”

“Really? Why not?” Rylan hated himself for asking, but he still waited with bated breath for Scott’s reply.

Scott’s thumb continued its soothing circles. “Because the only one I’m interested in is you.”

Rylan gave a pleasurable shiver, both at the words and the touch. “You were flirting with her,” he mumbled, twisting his fists in the front of Scott’s shirt. “Like really hard.”

Scott chuckled. “I flirt with everybody, Rylan.” He took Rylan’s shoulders in his hands and pushed him back slightly so he could look at him. “It’s been my job for so long, it’s become kind of automatic, an ingrained response to somebody’s interest.” He suddenly looked worried, and when he spoke, his voice was tentative. “Is it because she’s a woman, Ry? Is it a problem for you that I’m—”

“That you’re bi?”

Scott nodded, his eyes watchful.

Rylan opened and closed his mouth a few times. “No,” he finally said. “It’s just—Dawn reminds me of Lisa, your high school girlfriend, and God, you two were so beautiful together.” He pulled away from Scott and fell back against the wall again. “Seeing Dawn flirt with you, it took me back. I don’t know, Scott. Maybe it is because Dawn’s a woman.” He ran his hand through his hair in agitation. “Maybe I’m just a jerk.”

“You realize,” Scott said carefully, “that my job at Spectrum means a lot more of the same type of thing, right? Flirting, dancing—VIP stuff. Once I start hosting again…”

“Yeah, I realize that. I swear I’m not normally a jealous little bitch. It all hit me the wrong way for some reason.”

“And since you were so honest, let me be honest too. Even a month ago, I’d be doing my best to get into Dawn’s pants tonight. She’s my type, and she pushes every one of my buttons. I probably let that show more than I should have. I’m sorry.” Scott leaned over to kiss him. “C’mon, let’s go back in.”

He started to move toward the entrance of the restaurant, stopping when Rylan whispered his name and said, “Thanks for coming after me. It—it means a lot, more than you know.”

“I want to make better choices from now on, Ry. I’m trying.”