Dating Him: The Series

by Michelle MacQueen

  His jeans clung to his legs in the heat, but there was no helping that. Skylar didn’t lead him to the old stage. Instead, she took him to a pavilion out of view of it.

  “What are we doing?” He checked the time on his phone. There was half an hour until he had to be on stage; even if no one came, he refused to be late.

  Skylar dug through her purse, producing a granola bar. “You haven’t eaten all day.” She threw it to him. He knew by now not to argue with his cousin. If this was going to be his last performance in Nashville, he wouldn’t pass out up there.

  The label could drop him, using their morality clauses. That thought had been in the back of his mind, but it wasn’t his biggest worry. He still hadn’t heard from his friends. Nari. Avery. Quinn. Harrison. Not even Nicky.

  Three people crossed the lawn toward them. Becks sat on the end of a picnic table eating his granola bar as he eyed them. Two men stood on either side of a woman in a big hat and sunglasses. Becks almost laughed because he’d worn the same kind of getup many times. He slid from the table as the woman removed her sunglasses. All air left his lungs.

  Standing in front of him was Etta Morelli, one of country music’s biggest stars.

  Etta’s eyes shifted to Skylar, and she smiled. “Sky. Thanks for giving me a call.”

  Beckett gaped at his cousin. Etta stepped forward. “Beckett, we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, but I’m Etta.”

  “I know who you are.” He was impressed with himself when he got the words out.

  She smiled like he was an adorable child. “I saw your interview this morning and had to come check out your show.”

  “Well, there’ll be a few people here then.”

  Her laughter was genuine as she looked from Sky to Becks. “Do you know how long I’ve been doing this fame thing?”

  He swallowed. He did. He knew exactly, but how pathetic would it look for him to admit he knew the year her very first single came out? “Eight years.” Apparently, pathetic would be a natural state for him.

  She nodded. “And in those eight years, I have done a lot of embarrassing things.”

  “I don’t remember seeing them in the press.”

  “That’s because you’ve forgotten. As your fans will, I’m sure. Our tour will do a lot to speed that along.”

  “You still want me to come on tour with you?” The label hadn’t told him one way or another. Hell, he hadn’t even known if they still wanted to back him at all.

  Etta pursed her lips. “Beckett… I’m not going to ask you for any explanations. You don’t know me and don’t owe me anything. But I performed at that music festival in Cincinnati too. I was standing backstage when a rising country star stopped his own concert for a kiss. I know what the media says about you now, but there is no part of me that believes everything was a lie. And anyone who goes to that much trouble for someone they care about is a person I want on tour with me.” She glanced behind her. “Now, excuse me. I’m going to go find a spot to watch you perform.”

  As she walked away, Becks was too stuck in his own head wondering what just happened to realize Nari had arrived.

  She stepped in front of him and smoothed out the wrinkles in his shirt.

  “You’re here,” he whispered.

  She smiled up at him and pushed her glasses up her nose. “Of course, I am. Where else would I be when my best friend is about to get on stage?”

  He crushed her to him, resting his chin on the top of her head. When they first came to Nashville, it had been him and Nari against the world. They didn’t know if they’d make it, only that it would be together if they did.

  When he released her, she stepped back with a laugh.

  “Is Nicky here?” He scanned the park surrounding them, only seeing a few random people walking the paths.

  Nari’s smile fell. “I’m sorry, Becks. I don’t even know if he saw the interview. I haven’t been able to reach him today.”

  Becks knew he saw it. He’d told him to watch, hadn’t he? If Nicky hadn’t called Nari, it meant he wouldn’t be there.

  But he couldn’t let that disappointment keep him from walking up to the stage. Swinging one arm around Nari and the other around Sky, he started up the hill to the patch of trees separating them from the stage.

  Noise reached them before they broke to the other side. Becks sent a questioning look to Sky, but she only shrugged. As they caught sight of the stage and the fields surrounding it, Becks froze. A sea of people spread out before them, all clamoring in excitement.

  “What is this?” He could barely get the words out.

  Nari grinned. “I think these people want to see Beckett Anderson.”

  A cheer rose from the crowd as people caught sight of him walking toward the side of the stage. Up ahead, Quinn and Harrison sat on the steps with Sofie standing in front of him. This was his team, the people who always showed up for him.

  No matter what happened to his career, he should have known they’d still be here.

  Becks looked down at his drummer and his bassist as he stopped in front of them. They needed no words to explain anything. Instead, Becks only asked, “Are you guys ready?”

  They shared a look with Nari.

  “Oh, no.” Quinn pushed a hand through his hair. “There’s nowhere to plug anything in. Harrison doesn’t have his drums. It’s just you and your guitar, bro.”

  “Don’t forget his pretty voice,” Harrison added.

  “I can’t go up there by myself. We’re a band.”

  Harrison crossed his arms. “Should have thought of that before choosing a place with no electricity, douchebag.” He paused. “I say that with the greatest affection.”

  Becks couldn’t help but laugh as he considered the crumbling stone stage. They were right. It wasn’t meant for musical performances.

  “It’s an acoustic show.” Nari shrugged. “So, ya know, you’re all good. I’ll go on stage to announce you.” She winked as she turned toward the stage.

  Becks couldn’t remember the last time he’d performed solo or acoustically for that matter. Sofie lifted his guitar and handed it to him. He swung the strap over his head, and the instrument fit him like nothing ever had.

  He ran a hand over the smooth curve as he eyed the stairs. He took one step forward knowing this concert wouldn’t be his last. Another step and he thought about how soon he’d be playing in arenas as he opened for Etta Morelli. A third step and he glanced back at the people who’d come to support him. As he climbed the stairs, he caught sight of Avery, his best friend, his brother, standing near the front of the stage.

  Avery lifted his chin, one corner of his mouth tipping up. That was all Becks needed to know they were okay.

  Because families fought, and they loved each other anyway. He thought of his mom, dying with no family surrounding her. Becks never wanted to hurt the people he loved.

  But he had.

  Nicky hadn’t come. After Becks’ confession on TV, he knew they could no longer be friends. But it would have been nice to pretend a while longer.

  Even though that was what got them into this mess. Pretending. Faking. From now on, Becks wanted to be real.

  As his fans chanted his name, he realized this was real. Their love. Their forgiveness.

  “The music is real,” he said.

  Nari lifted one eyebrow. “Of course, it is, Becks. The music has always been real.”

  19

  Nicky

  Nicky sat impatiently in the back of an Uber, afraid he might miss the most important concert of his life.

  “What’s taking so long?” Wylder asked the driver. Nicky reached for her hand, glad she insisted on coming with him.

  “Traffic is crazy on a normal day in this part of town, but some idiot singer is having an unscheduled concert in the park so traffic’s gridlocked.” The driver muttered about inconsiderate entitled assholes.

  “Wylds, look.” Nicky pointed at the crowd making their way to the park a few blocks away. Some carried s
igns with supportive messages.

  We love you #SexyBecksy

  We don’t care who you love

  Kiss Nicky again!

  One huge cowboy-looking dude carried a sign that read “I just like your music. You do you.”

  “See, no one can resist that lovable doofus.” Wylder shook her head.

  Nicky smiled, relieved the fans were still with Becks. He’d watched the interview at least a dozen times, and it still didn’t feel real.

  “It’s a journey that belongs to me and me alone.” Nicky winced at the memory of Becks’ face. The fire in his eyes when he looked at Charlotte Keaning after her intrusive questions.

  Nicky’s journey to coming out was an easier one than most. He’d always known he was gay, but all his life, people just assumed he was straight like everyone else—like it was a default setting. Breaking free of that life-long label took guts, but his family and friends adjusted, and everything was right with his world. For Nicky, he’d never questioned his sexuality, but when had he forgotten about all of those who were uncertain? What was it like to come to terms with your own sexuality when it wasn’t such a clear answer?

  Shame filled Nicky as he thought about all the reasons he didn’t want to love Beckett Anderson. And it all came down to one issue. Becks wasn’t gay. The fear that Becks might leave him just like Kenny had time and again kept Nicky from seeing what was right in front of him. Becks was in love with him. It didn’t matter what label Becks ultimately identified with. He loved Nicky for Nicky. How could he possibly ask for more than that? Becks didn’t owe anyone an explanation of his sexuality. Not even Nicky.

  Whoever Nicky decided to be with could eventually break his heart and leave. That was the gamble with love. A gamble he was ready to take.

  “Thanks for the ride.” Nicky reached for the door. “But I’m going to run the rest of the way.” He didn’t wait for Wylder before he shot out of the car. “Come find me up by the stage,” he shouted over his shoulder as he left Wylder with the Uber. Running down the sidewalk, he could hear the crowd cheering for Becks, and he only hoped he’d make it in time.

  Nicky was sweating in the hot August heat by the time he reached the crowd in the park. Becks’ sexy-smooth voice washed over the audience like soft velvet. Nicky stopped to catch his breath and stared at him on the crumbling old stage, just the man and his guitar. The lyrics of “Love Me” hit Nicky hard. The single would be a huge hit, and most fans would think it was about Nicky. But Nicky knew Becks well enough to know what he sang about with his heart bared for the world to see. It broke his own heart to hear how much Becks loved the mother who’d abandoned him. The mother he never got a chance to know. But deep down inside, he wanted the song to be about him—even just a little bit.

  Hushed whispers followed Nicky through the crowd as his feet moved toward the stage. He had no idea what would happen, but he needed Becks to know he was there. That no matter what, they were still friends.

  “It about time you showed up.” Nicky turned to find his brother standing with Wylder.

  “What? How did you get here before me?”

  “Traffic cleared up after you left.” She shrugged. “I’ve been here for ages.”

  “Of course.” Nicky swept a hand through his sweaty hair. He was a mess in this heat, and his nerves didn’t make it any better.

  “Well, what now?” Avery bumped Nicky’s shoulder. “We just going to stand here enjoying the music, or what?”

  “I… I’m not sure.” Nicky glanced around at all the staring faces. Becks stood on the other side of the stage, facing his screaming fans. News vans swarmed the nearby parking lot, and a sea of cameras floated through the crowd toward the stage. It was only a matter of time before they reached him, and he didn’t want a camera in his face. This wasn’t about proving anything to anyone other than Becks, but Nicky was paralyzed with fear.

  “Little man, you’ve got this,” Avery said. “I’m not going to lie. The thought of you and Becks together is…weird. But it turns out my best friend is in love with you. If he’s your Nari...” Avery’s eyes shone bright in the late afternoon light. “Go get your man, and don’t let anyone stop you.”

  Nicky nodded, trying to remember how to breathe. There was a reason he didn’t like crowds and being the center of attention.

  “Hey, look at me,” Wylder said, pulling his face down to her level. “Don’t think about the fans, the cameras, or whatever crap they’re going to write about you later. This isn’t about them. This moment is about you, and it’s make or break right now. My brother is in love with you. What are you going to do about it?”

  Nicky took a deep breath and looked up toward the stage. His hands were shaking, and the thought of making some kind of grand gesture in front of all these people made him want to hide. But when a pair of sky-blue eyes landed on him, everything else faded. The noise was there, thundering in his ears, but Nicky didn’t pay it any mind. The park full of strangers didn’t matter. Nicky took one step toward the stage and then another. His feet moved faster than his mind could come up with a reason to stop him. Becks had to know. And he had to know now.

  Nicky charged up to the stage, the fans standing aside to clear the way for him. Becks’ voice trailed off, and a hush fell over the crowd as the music faded. The setting sun glinted off Becks’ hair, casting him in shades of gold. Nicky hauled himself up on the stage, his eyes glued to Becks and no one else.

  “I was scared,” he blurted. “And I was wrong. I’m sorry.” Nicky stopped just inches from Becks, the only thing between them was his guitar.

  “Wrong?” Becks frowned at him. “I got us in this mess. What do you have to be sorry about, Nick-Nick?” Becks shoved the guitar behind him and took a step forward, narrowing the distance between them.

  Nicky shut his eyes, and goose bumps shivered down his spine. It nearly undid him whenever Becks said his name like that. “I judged you, and I didn’t believe you could ever want me,” he whispered. “I thought it was just a phase for you, and I swore I wouldn’t go down that road again—”

  “I don’t have all the answers you need, but I’m not him, Nicky. I won’t hurt you.”

  “I don’t need answers.” Nicky grabbed the sweaty front of his shirt and tugged him closer. “I just need you.” He stepped into Becks’ arms, and their lips met in a searing-hot kiss. For a moment, it was just them. Then tension between them melted as Nicky’s hands explored Becks’ chest through his fitted T-shirt.

  Becks’ thumb swiped at the tears escaping Nicky’s eyes. “Don’t cry, Nick-Nick.” Becks wrapped his arms around Nicky’s waist. “I don’t have the words to explain how I can feel the way I do about you. All I can say is I love you.” He smiled down at Nicky, reaching to cup his face.

  The thunderous screaming and applause hit Nicky, reminding him they were not alone.

  “Gay, straight, bi, pan, however you want to define yourself doesn’t matter to me, Beckett Anderson.” Nicky reluctantly pulled away. “But I think you have a concert to finish.” He turned toward the audience cheering them on. Red crept up his neck to his face, his ears burning under the scrutiny of so much attention.

  “Oh my God, you’re adorable.” Becks laughed, taking his hand with a gentle squeeze. “Don’t go too far.” Becks leaned in to whisper in his ear. “I haven’t kissed you nearly enough yet.”

  Nicky wasn’t sure he could handle what Becks did to him with just his words, but he managed to wave to the crowd and made his way off stage without tripping over his own feet.

  “My boyfriend, ladies and gentleman,” Becks shouted, sliding his guitar back in front of him, his eyes alight with a fire Nicky hadn’t seen in a long time. “And would you look at that.” Becks pointed to the roadies arriving with speakers and equipment behind the stage. “Looks like my label sent over some backup with a generator. Narisaurus, where’s the rest of our band? It’s time to turn this one-man show into a real concert!” Becks turned toward the crowd while Quinn and Harrison joined hi
m on stage with their instruments.

  “You know this all started out with a kiss I couldn’t explain.” Becks spoke to the hushed crowd hanging on his every word. “But it means the world to me you’ve all stuck with me through one of the most confusing times of my life. I still have lots to figure out, but right now, let’s make some music!”

  Nicky wanted to rush the stage with the rest of the fans by the time the concert was over, but he restrained himself. His boyfriend was enjoying his impromptu concert, and Nicky was content to just watch him.

  My boyfriend, the country star. Nicky smiled, ignoring the cameras eager to get his picture. He’d never get used to that, but for Becks, he would find a way to deal with the attention.

  “I’m so excited I could die!” Wylder slammed into his side. The label sent security to the park to help get Becks and the band out safely. They’d roped off an area behind the stage where Wylder and Avery joined him. “My best friend’s dating my brother. I can’t wait to hear all the juicy details!”

  Nicky’s brow raised in surprise. “You sure you want to hear about how your brother makes my toes curl when he kisses me? Or how ungodly sexy he is when he takes his sweaty shirt off and plays his guitar?” Nicky couldn’t help himself; he couldn’t take his eyes off shirtless SexyBecksy on stage.

  “Ew, no, la-la-la-la-la, I need to unhear that. I want to know the cute adorable stuff, like when he brings you flowers the first time, your first response should be to text me immediately.”

  “Yeah, sure, Wylder.” Nicky laughed, throwing his arm around her.

  “Look at us, bro.” Avery shook his head. “How did we get here?” A deep frown creased his forehead.

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Nicky waited for Avery to say something ridiculous. He’d been best friends with Becks for too long.

  “You realize what we are, right?” Avery scratched the back of his head.