Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

only nephew he had—really more like a son to Scott—plus the kid still didn't mind hanging out in public with him, unlike other so-called grown-ups Scott was definitely not thinking about.
    "Oh, yeah, I do the taxes for the security firm that does the shows. And most of the security guys, too. Saved them a boatload of money over the years. They always say just give them a call if I need tickets for anything."
    Way to go Scott. Good job, babe . Oh fuck, he missed Devon so much.
    Two weeks had passed since their break-up, and according to Scott's loving sister, he was just being a big old bitch about the whole thing. But how was it possible to not be a bitch about a fight that hadn't even been a fight at all, just a stupid misunderstanding. And could telling someone they were selfish and maybe they should leave even be called a misunderstanding? Oh hell, the whole thing had been Scott's fault, him and his damn insecurities and questions. If he had just accepted that Devon had nothing to hide and actually liked spending time alone with him, he wouldn't have driven him away on what could have been another perfect Sunday in their relationship.
    His mother would say no use crying over spilled milk or some other stupid saying she found applicable to the situation, but fuck it, Devon wasn't just spilled milk or any other toppled-over beverage. And it certainly wasn't a sign from God that Scott should find a nice girl and settle down. Those ideas and many others were the reasons Scott hadn't told his holier-than-thou mother a thing about Devon or their break-up. He'd also sworn his sister to secrecy by threat of death, which in turn was the main reason he'd agreed to take Eddie to the concert when he'd rather be home sulking and rearranging his sock drawer.
    After being physically violated—searched by rough heathens—Scott grabbed Eddie by the shoulder of his black leather jacket (and why on earth did a fourteen year old need a leather jacket?) before dragging him through the crowd. The atmosphere was like a rowdy high school party and the show hadn't even started yet. It reminded Scott of the metal heads he'd gone to school with, the ones who teased and tormented him ruthlessly because he didn't share their hobby of fist-pumping, ripped jeans and t-shirts, and loud obnoxious music. Oh dear God, what had he gotten himself into?
    "S-man." Eddie had been calling Scott by that nickname since he was little. There had never been any rhyme or reason to it, but Eddie still used it and Scott still liked it. "The pit is this way."
    The pit? No way in hell were they going into a sweaty, dangerous pit of sweaty, dangerous men—no way, no how. Scott groaned when Eddie shot him his best sad puppy look complete with sad puppy eyes and a sad puppy drooping mouth.
    "I'm sorry, Eddie. I just can't go in there. It's too much for me. Can't we find some seats instead?"
    Eddie's sweet demeanor deflated even more. Scott wanted to crawl into the ground, but since that wasn't an option, he searched his brain for a solution.
    "Just stay here for a second," he said. "Don't. Move."
    Scott was gone no more than three minutes, a bigger-than-life man following behind him when he returned. "Eddie, this is Marshall. He works security for the band."
    His nephew shook the big man's hand and Scott noticed the look of awe as Eddie took in Marshall's long hair, leather vest, and tattooed arms. "Hey," Eddie said. "Cool tats."
    "Thanks."
    Scott smirked and turned his attention to Eddie again. "Marshall has a way for you to stand in the back of the pit while I sit and still keep my eye on you."
    "The back…" Eddie whined.
    Scott shrugged, amazed at his ability to keep his cool and negotiate with a teenager when all he wanted to do was get the fuck out. "Take it or leave it. That's my final offer."
    "I can take him closer on my break," Marshall offered.
    "Um…"
    "No one's gonna mess with me, Scott. Besides, I owe you for getting me that awesome refund last year. I'll take him around to the side of the stage then bring him back again. Everyone's happy."
    Scott wasn't happy at all, but it was a compromise he could live with. Plus Eddie looked like he was going to jump out of his skin with excitement.
    "Please, S-man."
    "Maybe I can even get him in to meet the band after the show."
    Scott moaned while Eddie did a strange little dance.
    ****
    Eddie was over-the-top excited when the band took the stage. Scott looked at his watch, surprised the show had actually