Release Me (The Music Within Book 2) (12 page)

“Wow,
she seems like a really good person. They all do. Have you talked to Cort about
this?” Cade asked. Knowing how close his father was to his best friend, it
would really surprise him if he hadn’t.

“Yes,
but I made him swear not to tell you. As you know, Cortland is a man of his
word. But I am going to have a little chat with him about keeping your news
from me.”

“Dad…”

“Oh,
I’m not going to bust his balls too hard. After all, it’s one of the things I
admire so about him. He is the most honest man I know.”

“So,
what now? Are you going to keep in touch with Esme now that you know about
her?” Cade couldn’t begin to know how his father felt. Or his mother. No wonder
she was pissed at everyone.

“In
a roundabout way. I want to be kept apprised of her medical condition, but I
won’t interfere in her life. If she wants to keep in touch with me, I’ll be
glad to, but it’s up to her at this point. As for her parents, I see them every
once in a while at fundraisers. That’s one of the hardest parts of all of this
for your mother. She knows Emma and Patrick. She serves on committees with
Emma.”

“Oh,
shit. That’s got to be tough. Damn, Dad. I’m sorry.” No wonder his parents
weren’t aware of 7’s Mistress breaking up. They were drowning in their own
troubles.

“Thanks,
Cade. It is what it is. Either your mother will find it in her heart to forgive
me, or she won’t,” he said, shrugging. “Now, tell me why you look happy instead
of like you lost your best friend.”

Cade
picked up his fork and shoved a bite of food in his mouth so he could take a
moment to decide what to tell his dad. He had always been able to talk to his
father about anything, even when he first knew he was gay. Living in California
helped, since it had always been a more progressive state, and his parents were
progressive people, even if they did come from old money. He swallowed and took
a sip of whiskey before beginning. “For three months I traveled around trying
to find any way to forget Tag and what I was losing. Not just him, but the
band. They all formed this bond around the baby, one that I didn’t allow myself
to get in on because of how badly I was hurting and how pissed I was. I did
some pretty shitty things trying to break them up, but it only made them
stronger. I regret my actions and have since apologized and tried to make
amends, but still…” Cade took another bite of food. He wasn’t really hungry,
but there was no way he would let Margaret’s amazing cooking go to waste.

“Earlier
this week, I checked into the Hilton in Nashville. I had an audition with a
band in town, but I wanted to go somewhere out of the way, so I hopped in a
taxi and ended up at a little bar in a Podunk town. I sat at the bar for hours
trying to drown my sorrows, and all the while, I turned away woman after
woman.” August knew of Cade’s reputation with women
and
men, but he
didn’t judge his son as long as Cade promised to practice safe sex. “At the
time, I thought it was because of Tag, but later I realized it was because of
the bartender.” Cade continued the story, telling his father about Mal,
Suzette, and their failing farm.

His
dad had remained quiet, eating while Cade talked. When Cade was finished,
August said, “Let me get this straight. You purchased a farm and a thousand
acres for a man you spent one night with? Must have been some good sex.”

Cade
barked out a laugh. “It was, for your information. But I started the process
before we spent the night together. There was just something about both Mal and
his mom that called to me. I didn’t know we would spend the night together, but
now that we have…”

“Are
you sure it’s not a rebound thing? That’s a lot of money to spend on someone
you just met.”

“I’m
sure. I took the job with Divining the Dark because music is my life. But I
also bought that farm because cattle is
Mal’s
life, and I couldn’t stand
to see it all taken away so some corporate fuckoff could put up a strip mall. I
look at it as an investment. Not only will he get the farm back to where it
will be profitable, he will eventually have enough money to possibly buy the
land back. He and Suzette shouldn’t have to continue to suffer for what his
father did.”

“And
when he finds out who the new owner is? How do you think he’ll feel about
that?”

“He
shouldn’t ever find out. Gerard is establishing a new holding company.”

“Of
course he is. He works fast, and if anyone can pull this off, it’s your uncle.
I swear, if he and Cortland ever got their heads together on something, the
world would be in deep trouble.”

Cade
and his father both laughed, but they had seen the two men talking business
together, and it was a beautiful, if scary, thing to behold. Even though Gerard
was his mother’s brother, he was closer to August than Audrey. He, Cortland,
and Cade’s dad had all been good friends growing up. Cade had no doubt that
friendship wouldn’t waver when Gerard found out about Esme.

“I
like Mal; he’s a good man who was dealt a shit hand. I have more money than
I’ll ever be able to spend, so why not do something good with it? You give to
charities all the time. I don’t see Mal as a charity case, just someone who
could use a little good in his life. If he ever finds out where the money came
from, I have a feeling he would hate me for eternity. But it feels good to know
I’m helping him and his mom keep their home, even if it technically belongs to
me now.”

“I’m
proud of you, Cade. I think what you did to Tag was a real dick move, but at least
you made it right. If helping this family puts such a smile on your face, then
I’m glad you did it.”

“Thanks.
He made me feel something I never felt with Tag. There was a connection there.
One I feel could go somewhere, but I’m not ready for that just yet. It’s why I
took the gig with DTD. I want to get back into the music, go out on the road,
and see if the feelings I have are real, or if they really are a rebound thing.
Either way, I’m going to give the new band everything I have. If after a while
I still can’t get Mal off my mind, then I might revisit trying a relationship.”

“Well,
it sounds like you have things figured out. I hope it works out for you, I
really do.”

Cade
pushed his plate away from him and tossed his napkin on the table. “I’m here for
you, Dad, whatever happens with you and Mom. If she kicks you out, you can
always crash at my place.”

August’s
smile was a sad one. “Thanks. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I appreciate
the offer. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a few phone calls. Don’t be
such a stranger, okay?”

“I
won’t, I promise. I’m going to find Mom and tell her bye.” Cade and his dad
embraced before going their separate ways in the huge house. When Cade found
out his mother had left, he got a little miffed; but then again, she was a
woman scorned. The one woman who would never ignore him was waiting in the
kitchen as she always was.

Mal

The
next few days were a blur. Mal was busier than he’d been in a long time with
figuring out a business plan for the next few months, as well as the next year
or so. He had finalized the list of things the farm needed first. He considered
the cost of everything and did his best to keep the list to a reasonable
budget. Just because it wasn’t his money he was spending, he acted as if it
were. He had talked over everything with his momma, asking her advice when he
couldn’t make a decision. She had been in a farming family her whole life and
was a shrewd business woman before she met Mal’s father. Her eyesight wasn’t the
only thing Dwight took from her when he tried to kill her – he also took her
ambition. Now, Mal was hoping to get her more involved in the decision making
so she would feel useful again.

He
couldn’t convince Suzette to go shopping with him, but he did ask her size and
found a really pretty dress for her. She complained about having to shave her
legs, but he knew she was excited at the prospect of getting to wear something
besides blue jeans and a blouse for their guests. They had invited Walt to eat
with them, and he readily accepted. Mal got all his chores done and was getting
everything ready for when Cade arrived later. Even though he kept telling
himself they were nothing more than friends, his stomach was tied in knots.
Cooking breakfast had been nothing, because he wasn’t trying to impress Cade at
that point. Well, maybe a little, if he was being honest with himself. Tonight,
he wanted everything to be perfect. He’d even bought a new set of matching
dishes.

It
was only four o’clock when the dogs started barking and gravel crunched under
tires rolling up the driveway. Mal pulled back the curtain and couldn’t contain
the smile that spread across his face. Cade stepped out of a Chevy Camaro and
stopped to pet Moe and Curly. As if he knew Mal was watching him, Cade turned
his head toward the window where Mal was still grinning. The smile Cade beamed
Mal’s way had his heart racing and his stomach churning even faster.
It’s
not a date. We’re just friends.

He
opened the back door about the time Cade was coming up the steps. Mal was glad
he had already taken his shower and changed clothes. Something told him Cade
might be a little early, and he’d wanted to be ready. Mal was still standing in
the doorway, holding the storm door ajar when Cade closed the distance. He
looked nervous, unsure of how to proceed. “Mal,” he breathed.

Oh
god, that voice. He had forgotten how utterly sexy it was when Cade said his
name. Mal cocked his head to the side, studying Cade. Instead of faded jeans
and a t-shirt, he was wearing a pair of khakis and a button-up shirt with the
sleeves rolled up, showing off his toned, veiny forearms. The same arms that
had wrapped tightly around Mal as he slept.

“Mal?”
Cade was now in his space. When he raised his head to look at Cade, they were
too close. Cade’s scent invaded his senses, inviting him closer still. So
instead of backing away, Mal leaned into him and placed a chaste kiss on his
lips.

“Hi,”
he said softly when he pulled away.

Cade
was grinning, but his smile turned serious. “Is your mother here?”

“Yeah,
she’s gettin’ dressed. Our friend Walt is comin’ over. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Am
I gonna have to fight Walt for your attention?” Cade asked, a little jealousy
coming through his tone.

Mal
grabbed Cade’s arm and pulled him into the kitchen. “Uh, no. You might have to
fight him for Ma’s, though.”

Cade
blushed, and Mal wanted to take a picture. He had bought a new cell phone,
upgrading to a model with a camera. He was going to make sure he had a picture
of the two of them together before Cade went back to LA, back to his life. Mal
would at least have a memento to remember him by. Cade backed Mal up against
the counter and placed his arms on either side of Mal’s hips, boxing him in. He
leaned in and kissed Mal softly. He didn’t use his tongue, but the little bit
of pressure was just as intense. “I’ve missed you,” he breathed against Mal’s
lips. Mal wanted to deepen the kiss, but Suzette was coming down the hall
toward them.

“Ma’s
comin’,” he whispered. Cade stole another quick taste of his lips before
stepping away. Mal’s head was spinning. It was obvious Cade didn’t get the
just
friends
memo, but Mal had been the one to kiss the other man first, so it
was completely his fault.

As
soon as Suzette was in the room, Cade was complimenting her, “Wow, don’t you
look beautiful, Suzette?”

“Well,
hello there, handsome.” Suzette blushed as she smoothed out the front of her
dress. She had her hair twisted up in a pretty, if messy, knot on top of her head.
Mal couldn’t remember the last time she had done anything with her hair besides
braid it. And was that makeup?

“Oh,
I have something for you. Hold on.” Cade hurried out the back door and returned
with a huge bouquet of pink roses, already in a vase. “I wanted you to have
something as lovely as yourself,” he told Mal’s momma. Mal had to choke back
his tears as she put her hand over her mouth. He hadn’t ever brought her
flowers just because, and now he was ashamed. The arrangement Cade was holding
probably cost a hundred bucks, but he’d seen small bundles at the grocery store
that even he could afford every once in a while.

“Thank
you, Cade. They’re beautiful,” she whispered as she leaned in, smelling them.
Cade placed them in the middle of the kitchen table, immediately brightening up
the room. “I’m gonna leave you boys to it, if you don’t mind.” She turned her
body and headed toward the den without reaching for the table. It was something
Mal didn’t even pay attention to any more, but Cade watched her until she was
out of sight.

“That
was nice of you,” Mal told him when Cade came around the table. Mal rolled his
sleeves up and washed his hands so he could get started on the chicken.

Cade
shrugged. “I like her. She’s so different from my own mother.”

“In
what way?” Mal asked as he retrieved the cast iron skillet out from under the
cabinet. He set it on the large eye and added oil. While it was heating up, Mal
turned and leaned against the counter so he could focus on his guest. “Hang on
before you answer that. Can I get you somethin’ to drink? We have beer, juice,
Pepsi, and sweet tea.”

“Oh
my god, sweet tea. I love that shit.”

Mal
poured them both a glass, and when Cade took the first sip, Mal thought he
might have an orgasm the way he was carrying on. Mal laughed at him as he
downed the whole glass and held it out for more. Mal gladly refilled the glass
and set the jug on the table. “Help yourself.” Cade’s face lit up like a child
who’d been handed the key to  toy store.

Cade
offered, “Do you need any help?” as he sat down at the table. It was obvious he
was just being polite.

Mal
grinned at him. “No, I got this. I just want you to talk to me. Your momma?”

“Both
of my parents came from money. My mother was raised to be the wife of someone
of her station, not a fun-loving mom who gets on the floor and colors with her
kid. That’s what the nannies were for. My father was raised pretty much the
same way, but lucky for me, it didn’t stick. When I was growing up, they spent
all their time at charity events and fundraisers while I was at home with the
housekeeper or the cook. My mother loves me, I have no doubt of that, but it’s
not the warm kind of love where she lets it show all the time. I went to visit
my folks this week, and they dropped a bombshell on me.”

Mal
was pulling the chicken out of the fridge when Cade stopped talking. He set the
bowl on the counter and asked, “Wanna tell me what it was?” He wanted to learn
all about Cade. Not just about him being rich or how his family made their
money. He was interested in the little boy coloring with the hired help, the
one who left home at a young age to pursue a music career. He grinned again at
Cade refilling his glass. After he put some of the chicken in the skillet, he
was going to have to boil some more tea.

“I
actually do. I like talking to you, Mal. I haven’t had this in a long time. It
feels good.” Cade took a swallow of the sweet liquid before continuing. “Like I
said, I dropped in for a visit, but I didn’t call before I went. It probably
would have been a good idea. Anyway, my parents were just sitting down to eat
dinner, and since I love my Margaret’s cooking, I timed it just right.”

“Your
Margaret?” Mal interrupted.

“Yes,
when I was little I began calling the cook
my Margaret
for some reason
and she called me
my Cade
. Even now, it’s how we address each other.”

“That’s
cute.” Mal smiled at the thought of a little blond-haired Cade hanging out in
the kitchen with the cook, but at the same time it made him sad. He appreciated
his momma standing by him all these years. Even if they didn’t have a lot of
material things or a lot of money, they had each other.

“Anyway,
I got there, and I could tell something was going on. When I asked what it was,
my mother excused herself from the table and left. My father informed me that I
have a half-sister.”

“Oh
my god, he had an affair?”

“Seems
that way. He said it was just one time, and it was right after he and my mother
were married. Theirs was practically an arranged marriage, and they were really
young. They didn’t grow to love each other until later. That was a shocker,
too, since I always thought they were such a strong couple. My mother is
talking divorce. I feel really bad for my dad, though. He made a mistake a long
time ago, and now she’s ready to walk out because of it.”

“So,
you don’t feel sorry for your momma? She’s the one who was cheated on.” Mal
didn’t mean to sound so offensive, but he couldn’t help it. He was a sucker for
those who weren’t treated the way they should be.

“Of
course I do. I know first-hand how bad a lie can hurt a person. But Emma, the
girl he had the kid with, kept the baby from him all these years. The only
reason she contacted him now is because Esme, my sister, needed a bone marrow
transplant. Her stepdad adopted her a long time ago, and they were happy as
they were without my dad being involved. The kicker to all this for my mother
is that she sees these people quite often and feels like she’s been made a fool
of all these years.”

Mal
wiped the flour from his hands before turning toward the table. The sight of
Cade sitting there all kicked back and comfortable, sipping a glass of iced
tea, made him wish for things that couldn’t be. What he wouldn’t give for this
to be a nightly scene in the Wilson kitchen – Mal cooking while his man relaxed
and talked to him. Mal remembered the new phone and dug it out of his pocket.
He snapped a picture of Cade before he could protest.

“What
are you doing?” Cade held up his hand in front of his face.

“Takin’
your picture. Here, I bought a new phone. Please program your number in it.”
Mal handed his phone over to Cade and hoped he would drop the subject of the
picture.

“What
are you planning on doing with my picture?” he asked, grinning. “Is it for
later, when you’re alone in bed?” he whispered.

Mal
didn’t have to look in the mirror to know his cheeks were as pink as the roses
on the table. Mal waited until Cade handed the phone back over before
answering. “You’ll be goin’ back to your life after this weekend, and I wanted
to have somethin’ to remember you by. It’s stupid, I know, but I haven’t had a
friend in a long time.”

Cade
stood and walked around the table. He stopped directly in front of Mal, almost
touching, but not quite. “Hey, there’s this thing called a telephone. We can
talk whenever we want. There’s also this thing called the internet. Do you have
a computer?”

“No,
but now that things are changin’ around here, I need to get one to help with
the business.”

Cade
placed his hands on Mal’s hips but didn’t bring their bodies closer. “Is that
part of the good news you were going to tell me about?”

“Yeah.
Instead of some big corporation buyin’ the land to put a strip mall on it, some
other big corporation bought it to keep it as farmland. It won’t be mine
anymore, but they’re gonna keep me on as foreman, and me and Ma don’t have to
move.”