Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

doesn't like me? Because she can't see me and Aiden together thirty years down the line?"
    "I wouldn't say she doesn't like you, Cade. But she's a mother. She worries, and she tries to protect her baby. She thinks maybe your backgrounds are too different, your goals, your values, your personalities." He shrugged. "She doesn't know you that well, Cade, and neither do I. This week is supposed to help us get past that. I'm hoping it will."
    "So, it's like an audition?" Because Cade had really needed a little extra stress.
    But Mr. St. John just laughed. "The director has already made it pretty damned clear that you've got the part. At this point Allison and I are just playing supporting roles, I think. You're the star." He was playing with a piece of bark, twisting it thoughtfully in his hands. "I'm not sure Allison realizes that, yet," he said. "I'm not sure she understands her role. And I'm not sure she knows that if the supporting actors don't get along with the star, it's not the star who gets kicked out of the production."
    Cade wanted to ask what happened if the star turned out to be less shiny than he'd originally seemed, but he couldn't think of any way to make it sound casual. "You guys are really important to Aiden," he said instead. "And this place. He's been going on and on about how much he loves it."
    "It's a special spot," the man agreed. "A lot of history here, for all of us. There are people who live half an hour away in the city that we only ever find time to see when we all travel up here and get together. It's like a separate world, or something."
    Maybe that was how Cade could deal with this. He could wall it off, Warren and the past left up in the wilderness, forgotten, while Cade and Aiden went on with their lives at home. Maybe that would work. If he could just get through the week.
    They were quiet together for a little longer, then Mr. St. John clapped Cade on the knee and pushed himself up the wall. "I'd better get back to work. I just wanted to say how glad we are to have you here, son."
    "Thank you. Do you need any help with whatever you're doing?"
    "I'm cleaning up after last night." The man smile down at Cade. "But it won't be too pleasant for someone who overindulged. Lots of bending over, lots of stale beer to pour out."
    "No, I can help," Cade said quickly, and he stood up quickly. "I feel fine."
    Aiden's father raised a doubtful eyebrow, but he didn't object, and Cade liked feeling useful. He'd done this after his parents' parties, too, although those had been much more low-brow affairs. But it felt right, putting things back in order, being part of the solution rather than the problem. He was feeling much calmer by the time they were done, and when Aiden stumbled up onto the porch, a crease from his pillow still visible on his face, Cade was able to give him a genuine smile. Their kiss was quick before Aiden pulled away with a mumbled, "Morning breath. I need to brush my teeth, or eat something." But Cade didn't care, and allowed himself the luxury of holding onto Aiden's hand as he turned and walked inside.
    Cade's happiness skidded to a halt when he saw Warren and Aiden's mother sitting at the breakfast table, sipping coffee and chatting. Aiden squeezed Cade's fingers in encouragement; he thought Cade's reluctance came from the woman at the table, not the man.
    "Boys," Mrs. St. John said. "Come in, eat something. Warren was just suggesting a golf game; seems like we've got a foursome right here in this house, and getting the men out of the way would give me a chance to really relax."
    "Is the new course open?" Aiden asked with interest.
    "It is," his mother confirmed. "I played it last week, and I'd love to hear your opinion on it."
    "Yeah, sounds great," Aiden agreed, then turned to Cade. "You don't golf, though, right?"
    "Uh, no. But… you need four people? Maybe Todd could go instead of me. I've got a book." He smiled. "I don't need to be entertained." And he had no intention of spending more time with Warren than he had to.
    But Aiden shrugged. "No, it's fine. I mean, if you want, I can teach you the game; and you can use my clubs. But if you don't want to, we can just hang out here."
    "It seems like a good idea to broaden your horizons a little, Cade," Mrs. St. John said. "Golf's a great sport. Very popular. You could at least give it a try before rejecting it." Her smile seemed forced, as usual. "Aiden was junior champion at the club at home, three years in a row. He'd be an