Brian Newell is an average young man, working in a coffee shop. That is, until he learns he’s the sole heir to his grandfather Alistair's fortune. A grandfather he didn't even know he had. There is a proviso, however. He has to live in his grandfather's house for one year, and take care of his macaw, before he can inherit anything.<br><br>Conley Finnegan was close friends with Alistair, cataloguing his book collection and tending to his yard. He’s less than happy when he meets Brian, or so it seems. But that isn't quite the truth. Conley has a deep secret, and part of it requires Brian in his life -- but only as a friend. <br><br>However, his wishes to the contrary, Conley falls in love with Brian, and vice versa. That small problem, as Conley thinks of it, will impact their lives in ways neither can imagine.

A Secret to Die For

“That was a phoenix,” he whispered. “He was, he is, the Phoenix, exactly as I portrayed him in my painting. It’s impossible. It’s only a myth, and yet I saw it—him, rising from the flames.” His vision blurred as tears began to fall and he finally accepted what had happened. “Why, Conley? Why didn’t you tell me?” He knew the answer. If Conley had, he wouldn’t have believed him.I would have told him he was crazy. Such things don’t exist except in fairytales. He recalled one of them. The Phoenix had to be reborn every five hundred years. To die by fire and rise again, renewed.


Drying his tears, Brian stood, going into the house. It felt empty. He felt empty. As if his reason for living had vanished with Conley.


“Did he mean it? Will he return? If he does, can I handle it, now that I know the truth?”


Disconsolate, he wandered upstairs, going to the solarium. Sir K flew to his shoulder the second he entered the room, rubbing his head against Brian’s.


Chapter 34