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Alec thought back to his and Misty's conversation. The word he would have used to describe

their meeting wasintuitive, not necessarily sweet. But her intentions were transparent and upfront. He respected that. Coming from a city full of politicians, that was a rare commodity.

"Yes," he said. "She spoke highly of you two… and Tyler… and well, the town."

"She's clairvoyant, you know," Buddy added. "Shepredictsthings… like when my gout's coming… or if Tyler's going to have a filly or a colt."

Alec looked at Buddy, not sure what to say.

"Never mind him," Marge said. "She's a sweet girl. She and Al are salt of the earth. Tyler and he are like brothers."

"That's what she said."

"They've always been close, but after Brett died, that bond strengthened. It was a sad time."

"It was," Buddy added, nodding.

"But let's not dwell on that. You've probably had your fill of nosy neighbors for one day."

Alec grinned. "It is a small town. I'm not exactly used to it."

"Honey, we mean well… even if we are a little pushy."

Hector's last trick ended with a minor explosion of confetti bursting from his shirt cuffs, some

mingled applause, and a grand bow. He exited stage left and the lights didn't change at all. Evidently whoever had been in charge of those was at home awaiting the storm as well.

Buddy pointed toward the stage. "Go on, Alec. Stop hanging with us old fogies. Go up there and get your table. Connie and Peggy aren't coming either. They closed the diner early for the storm. He'll be right out."

Alec started to protest and then realized there was no point. He raised his beer to the couple,

smiled, and headed toward the stage.

He sat at the same table as the week before, a few back from the stage, but close enough that he

didn't have to see the people he was certain were watching him from behind. The Bear was a little

grungier in the harsh overhead lights… but weren't all bars? Wasn't that a requirement—never to let the patrons see the place by the light of day? Mac had always said that people cleared out fast with last-call at B.J.'s… avoiding the reminder that they were out too late, drinking too much, desperate for company, and cavorting in years of established filth.

But the Bear wasn'tthatbad, Alec could see that. Peggy, Marge, Misty, and God knew who else probably made semi-annual pilgrimages to the place with buckets and bleach, sending the men on

fishing trips to keep them out of the way while they had their fun.

For the millionth time, Alec asked himself:How did I get here?

Demarco wouldn't have lasted a day in Melody, of that he was sure. But, despite being a

stranger in a strange land, there was something—Alec couldn't quite put his finger on it—that he

found charming about the place, almost luring… like watching reruns ofThe Andy Griffith Show,but with gay characters too.

More likeThe Twilight Zone, Demarco quipped in his thoughts.

That too, Alec agreed.

Tyler came out on stage, guitar in hand, and Alec forgot everything he'd been thinking about.

Gooseflesh prickled, spreading up his arms and the back of his neck. It had been a week since Alec had seen the man and he was startled by the reflex, both physical and involuntary.