Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

when he first signed with the man. If he knew, Xavier would have run the other way.
    All that changed earlier this morning when he signed a contract with a new managing company with the express request he could finally 'come out' to the public and his fans. His former manager insisted on the damn secrecy, which he hated the entire time. Especially after he met the one man he could find himself loving and living with for the rest of his life.
    Taking this monumental step without discussing the repercussions with Ryan was not the best decision, but he needed to make a choice today and either re-sign with the bastard manager or accept the new company's offer. When they guaranteed he could 'come out' and they would stand next to him, cover him against any harsh press, and work with his website and forum IT gurus to get the news out. He wouldn't say anything yet, but would at his upcoming concert.
    "Shit, thinking of the concert. Need to get this song down on paper, doofus," he told himself, used Ryan's affectionate nickname for him since he was often stupid when it came to relationship things when he was lost in his music, and stared at the guitar. His gaze moved to the fresh music sheets where he jotted down the notes for the new song. A song about him, Ryan and their love. This one different than the earlier ones by being a little more explicit about who he loved.
    Strumming and finger picking the six-string guitar, Xavier hummed along with the powerful dreadnought tones with deep lows and crisp highs. Overall, the Taylor provided the power and articulation across the entire tonal spectrum which he loved. It allowed for clear lines and crisp driving rhythms which he loved for his powerful, driving attacks on the strings. As his humming changed to words, his voice on perfect pitch and tone to match with the guitar.
    Soft applause interrupted the silence when he stopped picking, and he heard, "Going to become yet another fan favorite."
    He knew the voice. It belonged to Ryan.
    CHAPTER 2
    Turning his head, Xavier smiled at the sight of his lover standing in the doorway. He braced his forearms on the guitar and leaned forward. A honey blond lock fell across his forehead and twitched across his eyes until he pushed it away. "Hey there, didn't hear you come in. How long were you standing there?"
    "Long enough to remain in awe of your talent," Ryan said as he entered the music room they created to house the eight guitars and baby grand piano. On the walls and shelves were all of the awards and presentations Xavier received throughout his career.
    "You can do the same with your watercolor paintings. I still say you should do more with them. It's your gift and passion," Xavier said.
    Ryan kicked a bare foot lightly against one of the piano's legs and shoved hands in his jeans. "Nah, those are for me to work through the past and emotions. None of them are good enough for a gallery."
    "Something you always insist on telling me, though I don't believe it."
    "Please don't turn this into anything more than a simple hobby, X. I'm a little tired. I've had a long day and would like to relax."
    Tapping his thumb a few times on the side of the guitar, Xavier listened to his lover's request and nodded. "I thought you didn't have a shift today."
    "I didn't, but since I changed positions from room service to waiter for the restaurant and bar/lounge, I accepted the extra shift at the hotel. I didn't want to sit around this empty place today, waiting while you were gone."
    "Wait... Two positions?"
    "I shift between the restaurant and the lounge where I'm needed. I worked the lunch and mid-day rush at the restaurant and then moved to cover the bar during happy hour and early bird gatherings. It's great for the tips. I make more at this than I did with room service."
    "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner? I had no idea you accepted these new positions, though you were talking about leaving the room service area for something else. Even if it is the reason why we're here, together. Congratulations, baby." Setting the guitar aside, Xavier rose to his feet and rushed to Ryan. Wrapping his arms around his lover, Xavier lifted the slightly smaller man off his feet in a large hug. He captured Ryan's lips in an enthusiastic kiss.
    Throwing his arms around Xavier's neck, Ryan hugged and held him back. He rested his face against Xavier's shoulder. "It only happened last week, but you've been preoccupied with the new CD, the upcoming concert and