Right Move (Clean Slate Ranch #6) - A.M. Arthur Page 0,9
back. No real reason for it because they were entering a house full of friends. Still, Levi listened to his instincts.
Except for the new, unexpected urge to take George’s hand. That was a quick way to end this newfound quasi friendship they were forming. The younger man gave off zero vibes on his gaydar, so he’d protect from a distance. Maybe even be the guy’s friend.
George’s hand trembled once as he reached for the screen door but he clasped the handle and pulled. Stepped back inside the full house teaming with both people and pleasant food smells. Orry stood close to the door with Robin and Shawn, and George went directly to his twin’s side. He seemed to be following Levi’s advice, keeping his attention on the three people in front of him, rather than the house at large, as Robin made introductions. George impressed Levi by shaking their hands.
Orry met Levi’s gaze and offered a friendly smile. A nod. Levi nodded back.
Shawn chatted a bit about working at the saloon before asking, “What do you do, George?”
Levi was curious about that, as well, with as bad as his anxiety seemed, but he hadn’t wanted to pry too much. He preferred when people offered up personal information.
“I do closed-captioning for online videos,” George replied. “It’s really flexible hours and lets me work from home.”
“That sounds pretty cool. Any particular type of videos?”
George’s shoulders stiffened slightly. “All kinds. I like the work.”
“At least you have a single, steady paying job,” Orry said in a joking tone. “I work, like, four at once.”
“Hey, our generation didn’t create this economy,” Shawn replied. “We’re just trying to survive in it. Trust me, I know. I was homeless for two years while still working full time.”
Levi blinked, surprised by the blunt admission. But Shawn possessed a strong inner spirit and had a survivor’s aura to him. He could believe Shawn would make it through such an ordeal and still be able to smile at the world.
“Dude, it sucks you were homeless,” Orry said.
“It did suck, but it’s what eventually brought me here.” Shawn leaned his shoulder into Robin’s and smiled at his boyfriend.
A pang of loneliness struck Levi in the chest. He was beyond happy for Robin’s good fortune and newfound love; Robin more than deserved it after losing Xander the way he had. But Levi had needs too. Needs not being met stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, instead of on the road traveling to the next exciting location. Needs frequently met by rodeo fans or casual gawkers. His only serious adult relationship had ended in disaster.
Their group chatted amiably for a while, until Levi said, “George, you wanted to meet today’s hosts, right? Should I introduce you?”
George flashed him a wide-eyed stare an instant before the expression gentled. Went more carefully neutral. “Sure, okay. Let’s do that.”
“One face at a time.”
Levi led the way, keenly aware of George sticking close to his back as Levi threaded their way through the packed living room to the kitchen. He introduced George to Mack, Wes and Wes’s mother. Levi introduced George to Miles Arlington, who was also helping in the kitchen, but George remembered Miles from his visit to the ghost town. Slater had apparently gotten his friends kitchen access.
So far so good.
George’s fingertips were starting to twitch. Not a good sign. Levi steered him back toward Orry, who was chatting with Slater and some other ranch hands. Orry was definitely the more sociable of the pair, and he was heavily engaged in the conversation. George stood there mutely, and Levi stuck close, unsure why he felt the need to when his twin was right there.
Eventually, Wes stood on one of the two long benches on either side of the dining table to thank everyone for coming, thank the other cooks, and announce that it was time to eat. A line began to form for food but George stayed put. Levi stayed too, and Orry did the same. Folks with full plates began to settle at both the dining table, and at spots all around the living space. A card table with folding chairs. The sofa with TV tray tables. Others migrated outside.
Once the majority of people had their food, Orry headed for the line and George followed. George always seemed to follow and that sort of bothered Levi. The guy had strength for sure, and he needed to find that strength again. Learn how to lead himself forward.