Cattle Valley Mistletoe CV2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

What was wrong with him? How could he have lost his way in one night?

    25

    “Liar,” Nate said with a half-grin. “You’ve lost weight, you don’t call, and from the bags under your eyes, I’d say you haven’t slept.” Nate suddenly looked over Casey’s shoulder to Hal. “Did he do something to you?” Nate whispered.
    Casey watched as Nate’s jaw clenched. Unwilling to tell even a partial lie, Casey just shook his head. “It’s nothing, really.”
    “Hal, I’m kidnapping your help for an hour or so, you’ll have to suffer without him.” Picking up Casey’s coat, Nate helped him into it before steering him out the door. “I want you to see The Gym.”
    “It’s done?” Casey asked, climbing into Nate’s SUV.
    “Not completely, but it’s getting there.” Nate pulled out of the parking lot and drove down Joshua Boulevard. “Feel like talking?”
    Casey continued to look out the passenger window, giving Nate a slight shake of his head. They rode in silence for a few minutes before Nate pulled in front of The Gym.
    “Here we are,” Nate said, getting out and walking toward the door.
    Following Nate, Casey felt like he needed to throw up. As soon as they got inside, he excused himself and went immediately to the restroom. Barely making it to the toilet, Casey fell to his knees. He knew it was going to be a bad one, because he didn’t have much to throw up. Sure enough, nothing but stomach acid and what looked like coffee grounds.
    Casey was just wiping his mouth when Nate stepped into the room. “You okay?” Flushing the toilet, Casey stood. “I think I might have a touch of the flu or something. I’ll be okay in a couple minutes. Just let me get my face washed, and I’ll be right out.”
    “Okay, man. Call out if you need anything.” Nate left, and Casey scooped water into his hand to rinse his mouth. He didn’t have time to get sick. There were still a million and one things to get done. Drying his face, he noticed how gaunt he looked and shook his head. “No wonder Hal doesn’t want you.” He straightened his clothes and attempted to put a smile on his face as he turned toward the door. Maybe if he acted like nothing was wrong, no one would guess his heart was broken.
    “Sorry about that,” Casey said, joining Nate and Rio. He looked around at the new equipment and freshly painted blue walls. “The place looks great. When do you open?”
    “January second, but I don’t want to talk about that. What’s going on with you?” Nate asked, putting a hand to Casey’s shoulder.
    The simple friendly touch tipped Casey’s already fragile emotional state over the edge.
    He felt tears well and shook his head. Nate pulled him into an embrace, and all Casey’s 26

    fears came spilling out. “I’m in love with Hal, but he doesn’t want me because of the church.” Casey shook his head and gripped Nate’s back, trying to hold on to reality.
    “I thought about giving up the church for him.” Casey leaned back and looked into Nate’s eyes. “What kind of reverend does that make me, when I’m ready to toss away my faith for a man? I swore at God, in the sanctuary no less. I’ve been praying to be forgiven, but so far, nothing seems any clearer. I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried getting over Hal, but it’s not working. He works beside me, but I’m not sure he even sees me anymore.
    Why would I compromise my beliefs for someone like that?” Nate ushered Casey over to a stool beside the new juice bar. He didn’t say anything for a few minutes. Instead, Nate rocked Casey back and forth, letting him get it all out. Once the worst of the tears had subsided, Nate released his hold. “I wish I could tell you what to do. It’s obvious the stress is making you sick, but unfortunately it sounds like the real problem is between you and God.”
    “Yeah,” Casey sighed. “Hal’s testing my relationship with my faith.”
    “Maybe or maybe you’re using Hal as an excuse.” Rio said,