Time Out of Mind (Suncoast Society #43)(65)

“Huh?” He finally looked up at her and realized she was half undressed.

“Mevi. Seriously?”

“You know what it’s like when I get an idea. I can’t let it go. If I do, it’s gone.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’m taking a shower.” She headed toward the bathroom. “You can join me if you want.”

He knew he couldn’t keep putting off this conversation with her. He was going to have to tell her the truth that he was gay, and that Doyle was…his.

Rather, he was Doyle’s.

Fully.

Completely.

The sad thing was, he didn’t know if he trusted her beyond revealing that much. He didn’t know how mad she’d be at him. For years, their pattern had been falling into bed together on tour. Sometimes even during long studio recording sessions.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t enjoyed her company, but he’d also seen it as a chance to not be alone, to help hide the truth about himself, and to boost the band’s image. He was actually glad when she dated others, because it took the pressure off him. Living away from her and the others had given him a ready excuse not to drop by, or vice-versa.

The drinking had also been part of that. Building a wall, a cocoon instead of letting Bonnie help distract him, which only filled him with more guilt. Doyle was absolutely right about that. He’d used the drinking to shield himself from Bonnie, especially. Allowing him to more easily lash out at her. When the financial mess was uncovered, he’d used it as a crutch to get him through.

One more excuse.

When was the boy from Cheyenne, Wyoming, going to finally cowboy up and own up to his truths?

A yawn escaped him and he leaned his head back against the headboard as he played back the chord progressions he’d just programmed into the software. No, nothing like a real guitar, but a good starting point.

He tweaked the lyrics a little, and did it again.

He was so freaking tired. He’d barely slept the night before, and no time for a nap today.

Closing his eyes again for a moment, he thought about the lyrics…





At some point in the night, Doyle startled awake and realized he was still alone in the room. An old monster movie played on the TV, but it wasn’t what had awakened him. Voices out in the hallway, possibly a door shutting.

Like someone trying to stay quiet.

Someones.

He got up and walked over to the viewfinder, removing the wad of tissue to see what looked like Troy and Garth walking down the hall, already past his room. Across the hallway, the door to Bonnie’s room was swinging shut, and he knew damn well that was Mevi he’d caught a glimpse of going inside.

They’re just friends. They work together.

Now wide awake, Doyle turned on one of the lamps and sat up in bed, unable to focus on the TV. He grabbed his phone and saw not only was it nearly two a.m., but he had no messages from Mevi.

After waiting nearly an hour, Doyle texted him.

You coming back to the room?

No response.

Five minutes later, he grabbed his room key and walked across the hall. He lightly knocked, a little startled when Bonnie opened it sooner than he’d expected.

“Shh! He’s asleep!” She stepped out, pulling the door nearly shut behind her. It was dark inside and he couldn’t see past her into the interior. She wore a satin bathrobe and it was obvious she’d showered.

Old anxieties roared to life with a vengeance inside him. “He didn’t come back to the room.”

“He’s fine. He’s sober, don’t worry. He didn’t drink anything. He was never alone. I stayed with him the whole time.”

At war within him, Doyle’s promise to Mevi to let him be the one who broke the news to the band about their relationship, versus the Dom who wanted to shove her out of the way and go get his boy.

Not to mention the man who still held himself responsible for Mevi’s sobriety, even though he knew only Mevi could truly do that.

“I should get him and put him to bed.” He started to step past her, but she shifted to the side, blocking his way.

“Just let him sleep. He’s worn out. It’s been a long day, and he’s exhausted.” She wore a defiant air, as if daring him to try to get past her.

It was her next words that hit like a punch in the balls. “I’ve got it from here. I’ll take care of him. We’re all grateful to you for keeping him sober and helping him get his feet back under him. I don’t know the full details of the deal Clark made with you, but we’ll tell him to pay you in full for whatever time was scheduled, including any bonuses he negotiated.

“I really had my doubts that Mevi would be able to get it together, but he did. Our old Mevi is back. We’ve known him twenty years, and this is the best we’ve seen him in a while. He even told me tonight he’s looking forward to getting back to what he does best. I know he couldn’t have done it without your help.”

“Not exactly done yet. What about the rest of the US tour?”

“I’m sure you want to get back to your life.” She touched his arm and it took everything he had not to yank away from her. “He really feels like a different person now. Like he’s more relaxed. Who knows? Maybe things will even be different between us this time around.” She laughed. “I’m sure the rest of the band would appreciate that. Us not getting into it halfway through the tour and ripping into each other like we usually do.”