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I watched as a flashy Mercedes sedan pulled into the gas station. I saw Lucas lean over and kiss the handsome driver and then step out of the car. Lucas normally drove an old truck like I did but today he was dropped off by his husband Perry. Perry Jackson was loaded but that hadn’t changed Lucas’s approach to life one bit. Lucas was country and Perry was city, but despite their differences they still managed to make their relationship work.
I moseyed over to the Howard’s Gas station. Lucas had been especially close to Mr. Howard and wanted the name of the station to remain the same after he purchased it from Mrs. Howard.
Lucas saw me crossing and came out to the pumps. “Kinda early ain’t ya, Bo?” he asked, bumping fists with me. “When did ya get back in town?”
“Coupla weeks ago,” I answered.
“Your ears must’ve been ringing because all anyone in town can talk about is you and Hayes Crawford,” he said. “Must’ve been a shock when you discovered who he was.”
I nodded in agreement. Shock was an understatement after learning he was a bonafide billionaire.
“How was Charleston?” he asked.
“It wasn’t good,” I admitted, turning away to hide my disappointment at another failed attempt at finding a mate, and instead stared down Main Street. “Things didn’t work out for us.”
“I’m sorry,” Lucas said, patting my shoulder. “I take it he didn’t come back with you?”
“Nah, he didn’t,” I said, feeling even more alone as I updated him. “He has too much going on in his life for me to fit into it.”
Lucas’s brow furrowed. “Come on, buddy. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“His life was way more than I’d bargained for, Lucas,” I confessed. “Hayes hadn’t prepared me for just how much money he had.”
Lucas smiled. “I’ve been there, dude. Private jets, butlers, chefs, and mansions in the Hamptons. Perry has it all and it was way beyond my reality for sure.”
“But you made it work, Lucas,” I reminded him.
“Not at first we didn’t. I was a fish out of water and the entire lifestyle caught me off guard.”
“Yeah, I felt the same way,” I admitted. “How’d you manage to fit in?”
“I didn’t,” he stated. “And I still don’t to be honest with ya, but Perry understood that about me and chose to live here. I probably could’ve been fair and met him halfway but I do my part by going to New York a few times a year with him and we make it work somehow.”
“But seriously, man, how do you deal with all of that money?” I asked.
“I don’t,” he quickly stated. “I don’t have a relationship with Perry’s money. I have a relationship with the man I love, and finding balance can work if you want to be together. Are you sure you two can’t make it work?”
“The issues weren’t about his money or my lack of it. He’s too busy for love right now and by all appearances after meeting his family, that’ll most likely be an ongoing problem for him.”
“Do you love him?” he asked. “I know the question doesn’t solve any problems, but there must’ve been something about the guy if you followed him to Charleston.”
“I do, but I think I need a sign he feels the same way and might be able to adjust his life for me,” I declared. “And just so you hear the whole story, I walked out three weeks ago and haven’t responded to his messages.”
“That sucks, dude, but if it’s any consolation, I’m glad you’re back in town.”
“I appreciate that, Lucas,” I said, gesturing toward the side of the building. “I need my truck. Can you unlock the gate?”
We walked silently to the large gate that secured his tow truck and the assorted vehicles he was servicing. I didn’t want to ruin his morning with my sorrows but I appreciated his friendship. I felt guilty that he seemed sad for me.
“Perry and I can use a regular delivery of lobsters if it helps.”
“I’m gonna be fine, buddy. I ain’t broke, but thank you anyway.”
“You sure, Bo? I can help if you need money.”
I teared up at his offer but what I needed was more valuable than money. “You’re a good friend, Lucas. I’ve been here before and I’ll get through this as well.”
“And Jamie?” he inquired. “No chance for the two of you? I heard through the grapevine that he’s staying in town.”
