The start of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire means Wes can finally get back to his seasonal job and distract himself from his recent messy break-up. There’s plenty for him to think about at the Faire, such as his role as a wandering flower merchant, the overwhelming August heat, and Carlo, who plays a handsome knight.<br><br>Carlo is the exact opposite of Wes’s ex, Phillip, who won’t let their relationship die easily. The young knight is sweet and caring and chivalrous, but Wes has sworn to himself he’s not ready to jump back into dating yet.<br><br>When Carlo collapses off his horse during a joust, Wes has to confront his own feelings for his new friend, as well as Phillip’s constant attempts to win him back.

Heat Wave: Manheim

The thought of Carlo being injured—or worse, being unable to return to the Faire at all—was devastating. Wes didn’t know what he would do if he could never see Carlo again. He had been looking forward to having the whole season to hang out with him, maybe even ask him out towards the end, if Carlo put out any signals. His chest ached and his mouth was dry. Not even the remnants of his water could make him feel better though, because all he could think about was what would have happened if they hadn’t been able to revive Carlo.


When it was time for his break, Wes immediately went to the Commons, a secluded area tucked behind the high walls on one side of the Faire where the actors lived in cabins, which all reminded Wes of a camp he once volunteered to clean up for charity. However, this place was more obviously inhabited by adults, littered with wine and beer bottles around the little make-shift fire pit.


Chapter 13