25. Waylon

Chapter Twenty-Five

WAYLON

" Y ou did a damn good job taking care of things while I was away, Dalton," I say, smiling at my friend across from the table of one of my favorite restaurants in Kansas City. We just got back into town last night and are staying at my house.

I smile, thinking about leaving a very sleepy Justin in my bed to go meet Dalton for lunch. I asked him if he wanted to come along, but he just brushed me off. Needing his sleep, I suppose.

We stayed in that cabin together for almost a week, making love and talking about all our future hopes and dreams. All aligning because we want each other so damn badly, so not much else really matters.

Still, we're both going to have our careers. It's important to both of us that the other does, and I think that's important. He cares about my career as much as I care about his. It's the perfect balance, and I can't believe I almost messed it all up.

"Thank you," he says, blushing slightly, and I fight the urge to tease him. He's a little on the shy side, but his instincts are good. He'll make a great music manager, if that's what he really wants to do.

"So do you think you're ready to take on more responsibilities? I might need to hire someone full-time to help me out soon. I'm not quitting, but I think delegating responsibilities isn't a bad idea." Even though it's hard to let go.

"Um..." He looks nervous as hell now, and I'm curious.

"What is it?"

He clears his throat and takes a sip of water. "Well, I loved helping you out while you were gone, but I've also been shadowing Jenny for a bit too..."

I grin, fighting the urge to laugh. "Sports? You're going the sports route instead, aren't you?" I can see it on his face, he's hooked.

He looks a little sheepish, though, shrugging his shoulders. But then an indignant little wave crosses over his face as he lifts his chin. "What? I can't like sports?"

I laugh now and shake my head. "Calm down. If you like sports, you like sports. I think you'll be great." I smile gently at that because I do think he'll be amazing at whatever he does. He's a go-getter, this one.

He seems to visibly relax now. "Thank you. Sorry. I just... sometimes I'm that insecure, totally gay kid in school with a crush on the jocks."

"You and me both," I say truthfully. "But you can do whatever the hell you want, stereotypes be damned, and the sports world is lucky to have you."

"Thank you, Waylon. I can definitely help you out still too. I love music too, but there was just something about being on the track..." Oh yeah, he's smitten. "I can't explain it."

"You've found your passion, I see." I'm beaming now, happy as hell for him.

He nods shyly. "I think I have."

"Good. Go with it," I tell him, and then we switch to other topics, munching on our lunch before I make it back to my house, finding it pretty damn full.

Way fuller than I expected. When I walk inside, the sound of laughter carries from the kitchen. I recognize Jenny's and Grady's voices.

When I round the corner, I see my kitchen and dining room are in fact full of friends. I instantly zero in on Justin, who's standing by Jenny, preparing some sort of cheese and meat plate.

"Uncle Waylon!" I barely turn in time for Kiera to leap into my arms, and I catch her. "You're home!" She's way too damn cute and very excited.

"I am," I say, hugging her to me. I see Soren and Royal are here, along with some other racers. Ryan is here too. "What is everyone doing here?" Not that I care. I'm happy to see every single one of them.

"It's your welcome home party!" Kiera says, stretching her arms out wide as I hold onto her while she acts like she's flying.

"Is that so?" I ask her, hugging her little body to me.

"Yup. Welcome home." Jenny walks over to me, handing me a glass of champagne. "Where is Dalton? He's supposed to be here."

"He's..." I look behind me and see him lingering back a little. "Right there."

Jenny grins over at him. "Get in here."

Dalton obeys, walking further into the kitchen. I look around as someone turns on music, and my house buzzes with excitement and chatter. Kids running around. Kiera runs off to join her brother and sister. Justin walks to my side, kissing my cheek before I wrap an arm around him and just look around at my—our—family.

"Is this your doing?"

He shakes his head. "You think I'm capable of planning a party?" I chuckle in response. "It was Jenny. They're all so damn happy you're home."

" We're home," I correct quickly, and he just grins with a quick nod. He looks more at peace than I've ever seen him.

I was wrong when I thought all he needed was the perfect venue to play in. He needed this too.

And so did I.

We made it work. This is what love feels like when there aren't any conditions. And we still managed to keep that veil of privacy for him. We bent our perfect ideals of love and life until we made it into this perfect thing.

And it's goddamn beautiful.