A New Normal by Carol Lynne

Author:Carol Lynne [Lynne, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2012-11-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Charlie entered the convention hall and was immediately drawn to the room at the end. A few people were standing in groups outside the open door, but the party seemed to be happening inside, without him.

The sound of someone playing a bad rendition of Forget You by Cee Lo Green caught his attention. The singing crowd didn’t seem to mind the lack of skill coming from the fingers of the woman behind the piano. What the hell do they need me for?

A smiling man wrapped his arm around Charlie’s neck. “I love this song, especially when I’m free to sing the R-rated version,” he shouted.

Charlie nodded and tried to slide out of the man’s reach. “I guess I’d better get up there and earn my money.”

The man thumped him on the shoulder. “You’re the piano guy they flew in from New York?”

“That’s me.” Charlie hoped the admission would get him out of the man’s reach without permanent injury.

“We’ve been waiting for you. I hope you don’t mind, but C.L. decided to warm up the crowd. Who knew she could play as well as she could write man on man sex.”

Charlie did a double take at the woman behind the piano. She looked like a soccer mom. “She writes gay sex? But she’s a woman.”

“Yep.” The stranger waved his arms around. “Hell, most of the women here either write or read gay erotic romance.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?” Charlie asked.

“Just the opposite, actually. The first year I came to one of these, I thought it would be weird to be around so many straight women, but it took all of five minutes to realise I was surrounded by people who accepted me. I’ve been coming ever since.”

Charlie scanned the room, his gaze landing on Jake. Singing right along with the others, Jake looked happier than he’d seen him in years. “I’d better get up there. Thanks for the talk.”

“Sure. Play Friends in Low Places and I’ll buy you a drink.”

Charlie laughed. “I may just take you up on that offer. What’s your name?”

“Toby.”

“I’ll dedicate it to you, Toby.” Charlie caught Jake’s attention and gestured to the stage.

Jake nodded and went to stand beside the piano, allowing C.L. to finish her song before taking the microphone from the stand. “That was fun. Thanks, C.L.”

The author stood and took a dramatic bow, prompting another round of applause from the crowd. “Anytime, Cole.”

Cole. Charlie needed to remember to address Jake as his pseudonym. He stepped up on the small riser and waited to be introduced.

“I’d like to introduce a very talented man who, despite everything, also happens to be my best friend. Please help me welcome Charlie Foster, the most talented piano man in New York City, to our group.”

The room erupted in whistles and applause as Charlie took the microphone from Jake. “Wow, what a warm welcome. Thanks, everyone.” He smiled at Jake before moving to sit behind the grand piano. “Before I get started, I’d like to thank the organisers for introducing me to this wonderful event.

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