Sequel to Loving Edits
Basque Trilogy: Book Two
In the aftermath of Mick Henley’s death, his two lovers, Paul Alcott and Tono Garat, find themselves at odds. Tono has rejected Paul on the pretext that the public will find out about their love affair, thus tarnishing Mick’s memory; the reality is that Tono fears Paul will lose interest in him because they’re not intellectual equals. Tono’s fear is compounded when Mick’s final novel, Momentos, is presented to Paul posthumously with a request to start a trust from the proceeds to aid artists and writers suffering from ALS. Mick’s only stipulation is that Tono spearhead the organization.
Paul is energized by Mick’s request, but Tono is angry and conflicted about the challenge. After a five-month separation, they reunite, rekindling their strong physical attraction—and illuminating their many differences. As always, Mick’s presence lingers, intruding at unexpected times. Are their memories preventing Paul and Tono from finding true happiness as a couple? Can there be a life for two vibrant alphas without the gentle Mick to buffer the discord?
Cover Artist: Ronaldo Gutierrez, Photographer; Cover design by Paul Richmond
New York City, 2010
PAUL ALCOTT sat at his desk ruminating over the surprise package delivered an hour ago by Mick’s attorney. Alcott Press hadn’t heard from the man since Mick’s passing, other than a few cryptic messages saying that everything was still tied up in legalese and would be for several months. Now, Paul’s meticulously scheduled life was upended with the appearance of what appeared to be a manuscript, marked FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Along with the three hundred fifty-page manuscript entitled Momentos, there were two letters, one for him and one for Tono.
He’d been steeling himself for the past hour, afraid to open the letter, knowing it would undoubtedly peel off the scab that had been forming over the gaping wound created by Mick’s untimely death, yet he was overjoyed to be receiving this final note from the man who’d been his everything for as long as he could remember.
Paul opened the envelope and pulled out a white sheet of paper filled with Mick’s familiar handwriting and began to read.
Dearest Pauly,
If you’re reading this, I must be dead. I’m terribly sorry for keeping this last novel from you, but I was afraid you would dissuade me from writing it. I remember how you scoffed at Tono’s idea of writing our story years ago, but despite your doubts, I took that same idea and ran with it. Momentos is our story, and my best way of showing you and Tono how much your love has meant to me. It’s your choice to publish or not, but if you decide to go ahead and send it to print, I will be smiling from whichever karmic plane I’ve crossed into.
My only stipulation is that whatever profit is realized should be used to start my foundation?Mick Henley’s Trust?to aid writers, and any other artist, suffering from ALS. The very idea of going through this disease with little or no financial help is mind-boggling. I’d like to see my legacy put to good use, and it is my desire that Tono spearhead the foundation. I’d like it based out of New York City as well. I’m counting on you, Pauly, to convince him that it’s the best place to house this sort of thing.
He will balk and give you a hundred reasons why he won’t do this, but I have faith in your powers of persuasion. You brought him home to me, sweetheart, a formidable task I never thought you could accomplish, so there is no doubt in my mind that you will triumph in this, my last wish.
I love you, Paul, always and forever.
Mick