Shy, soft-spoken clarinet player Thad Archer tours Europe over spring break with his college marching band. He's lonely so far from home and everything he's ever known, but at least he has his friends -- Mark, Peter, Seth, and Jamie. Thad has had a secret crush on sexy drummer Jamie McIntosh since they met but has never managed to pluck up the courage to confess his feelings. Could Jamie be as lonely and homesick as Thad? Confident and cocky, Jamie is Thad's opposite in every way, but something about his quiet friend sets his heart aflutter. Unfortunately, Thad's deep in the closet, while Jamie is much more secure in his sexuality. Jamie doesn't want to rush Thad into anything he isn't ready for, but hopefully at some point in their friendship, they can move toward something more. But any romantic hopes the pair have are frustrated by Mark, the band's drum major, who has his sights set on bedding trombonist Seth, or flutist Peter, or anyone, really. He isn't too picky. If he can't get into the pants of his straight friends, he'll settle for whoever he can get. Thad? Jamie? The band will be flying back to the States in a couple of days. Thad knows once they're home, he'll have missed his chance with Jamie. Can he be satisfied just being friends? Or has Mark conducted his way between them?

Playing for Keeps

Thad tries to retreat to his room, but the sounds out in the hallway easily come right through the walls. Every few moments, someone knocks or kicks his door, either by mistake or on purpose, he doesn’t know. He can’t turn up the TV loud enough to drown out the noise. There isn’t anything he really wants to do or see this afternoon, so he isn’t going out with the rest of the crowd. He’d love nothing more than a little peace and quiet.


And, admit it, quality time alone with Jamie,he tells himself.


True. When Jamie said he didn’t want to go on any of the trips Mrs. Canada had organized, Thad agreed they should stay at the hotel. Doing what? He doesn’t care. As long as it’s just the two of them, he’ll be happy. And with any luck, maybe if they’re uninterrupted, Thad might be able to tell Jamie how he reallyfeels.


Chapter 34