Building Us: A Gay Romantic Comedy and Adventure (Marketing Beef Gay Romance Book 2)
Rick Bettencourt
Praise for Building Us
Here’s what readers of an advance copy had to say…
“I don't have words to describe how much I loved this story… your best book to date.”
“…loved Building Us! You can read it as a standalone.”
“…like a huge hug.”
“…for any sexual orientation.”
“Characters engaging…very entertaining!”
“…definitely recommend this read to others.”
“I pushed off today's work until tomorrow because I could not put this book down. The story was that good.”
“I fell in love with Evan and Dillon in Marketing Beef and was hoping to see more of their story. You made me one very happy reader.”
“…well written…great characters.”
“Overall, I loved this book! Five stars!”
“Engaging and entertaining from beginning to end.”
“I didn’t want the story to end. It was absolutely captivating.”
“It had everything…kept you guessing.”
“I love seeing the old crowd from Tim on Broadway too.”
“It’s a compelling story that feels realistic. The focus on the two main characters gives the reader time to really get to know them.”
“The humor pops up unexpectedly and creates islands of lightness that are like palate cleansers.”
“I don’t think it necessary to have read MB first. I couldn’t put [Building Us] down from start to finish, although I had to, as it was husband’s birthday. We went to his folks for dinner, so dammit, I had to be polite and all, but it was, “leave mummy alone now” as soon as I stepped foot back inside home!”
“I generally have mixed feelings about sequels that focus on the same couple after they seem to have gotten their HEA (happily ever after). However, Building Us alleviated any concerns I may have had.”
“These people were real to me. The relationship between Dillon and Evan is so true to life.”
“…love the back and forth POV from chapter to chapter—brilliantly done with distinct voices each time. BRAVO!”
“I cried for ten minutes…the entire theme of this work is evidence of how far the LGBT community has come!”
“I’m surprised I didn’t pass out from holding my breath for several high drama chapters.”
“I loved them in the first book and I loved them even more in this one.”
“What can I say about Building Us that goes beyond wow? I really loved this story.”
“WOW! WOW! WOW! I absolutely loved it.”
“I liked the way you have structured the chapters, some very short and some long, it makes a good read.”
“The fact that there are many laughing-out-loud paragraphs, and that there are also some reach for tissues too, makes it a quite memorable and lasting book.”
“The entire book is a great adventure and it becomes one of those books you cannot put down…no matter what your watch says!”
“I [had] friends coming over for the weekend and I [wouldn’t] be able to finish reading until Sunday night. I am quite upset about that!”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the book—an easy read keeping my interest up.”
“…a fantastic book. I raced through it and loved the plot, the characters and the dialogue. I'd definitely give it a 5-star rating.”
“…your best book, and just loved how so everyday life it felt. So often stories can be excellent, but how often does life really be peaches and cream without the crap life throws at us. You nailed that very well.”
“I am missing my beauty sleep and I'm blaming you. I have forced myself to stop reading Building Us got to get some shut-eye!”
“I just finished reading Building Us (straight through) and couldn't put it down. Of all your books that I have read, this is the best.”
“This was kind of beautiful, Rick.”
Building Us
A Marketing Beef Gay Romantic Comedy and Adventure
Rick Bettencourt
Building Us
by
Rick Bettencourt
© 2017 Rick Bettencourt
Published 2017 by Bettencourt Concepts LLC
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. The moral right of the author has been asserted.
This novel is a work of fiction and the characters and events in it exist only in its pages and in the author’s imagination.
Contents
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Acknowledgments
I. Gaily Ever After
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
II. The Hot Dog
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
III. Marketing New England
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
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About the Author
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Sign up for the no-spam newsletter and get five of Rick’s books for free—including the prequel to the Marketing Beef series, only available to mailing-list subscribers.
Details can be found at the end of Building Us.
To the LGBT: We come a long way, baby! And for our straight allies, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Acknowledgments
With gratitude…
It’s with great privilege to belong to a group who loves what you do. I am fortunate to have a strong fan base that enjoys my writing. For this, I am eternally grateful. While this section could run for hundreds of page
s if I thanked everyone individual, I will limit my appreciation to the following:
First off, my mailing list is a thriving mix of people who not only love the LGBT community but are passionate about good writing. I am thankful for you. Some of you are on my ART (Advanced Reader Team)—a subgroup of great folks who give me honest feedback on my works prior to publication. Without you, Building Us wouldn’t be what it is today. Specifically, and in no particular order, I’d like to thank Paul I., Laura G., Scott M., Roy T., Jo G., Diane F., Andrew P., Mary S., David E., David D., Angelique S., Susan Anne K., Judi M., Lisa L., Kristine Z., Tapi, Amy F., Alison E., Gayle Y., Suzan B., Amy W., Cristy M., Janice E., Victoria S., Wil D., and many others. What an amazing team!
To the Florida Writers Association and my critique groups: You’re feedback is amazing. Hugs to each and every one of you.
Also to my husband, for doing without while I spend time writing, editing, writing more, and polishing more. Chris, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank you for building us—and making our life better and stronger.
Finally to my editors JoSelle and Faith: You make me shine! JoSelle, we made it through the hurricane alive…barely!
Part I
Gaily Ever After
Chapter 1
Evan
In the truest sense of the word gay, our marriage doesn’t smack of happily ever after. Life reaches forward and slaps you upside the head with what’s important—health, love, friends—and alters your course.
“Is a general sense of well-being too much to ask for?” I lay on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. “I want happiness. I’m not asking for millions of dollars. I don’t want much. I don’t need much…other than a sense of security and comfort in knowing the bills are paid…can be paid.” I gazed into my therapist’s chestnut eyes. “Also, contentment in my relationship with Dillon. I’m not asking for a lot.”
Dr. Deet cocked his head.
“I love Dill. You, more than anyone, knows that. Since my cancer and the financial troubles, we’ve grown…distant.” I shifted and sat up with my feet under my legs. “It’s not the seven-year itch. Is it?” Dill and I married five years ago, and were together over a year before. The conventional phrase about irritants in a long-term relationship rang a proverbial buzzer, beckoning to enter our home. Not us. “I’m not interested in other men. Well, Vilhelm Strom’s rather hot.” I laughed. The Hollywood actor, in town to shoot his latest film, caused a stir throughout Massachusetts’s North Shore.
“Do you think Dill’s cheating on me? God knows I hardly give the guy the satisfaction a husband deserves. He’s a good man. He’s patient. I trust him. Right?”
Deet exhaled loudly.
“I’ll be back to normal, I hope, in no time. The doctor cleared me of cancer…six months now. My bladder’s cancer-free. Woo-hoo. I should be thrilled.” The emotional impact and side effects from the medication had rendered me listless. The all clear should have had me skipping down the street for joy, yet I couldn’t shake the funk. “What do you think?”
As usual, he didn’t reply. Like a good therapist, he volleyed the ball into my side of the court with those self-assured, all-knowing, warm eyes.
“I can’t get it up.” Tired of my impotence, I swatted the air. My libido, about as strong as the drip from our coffeemaker, frustrated me. Dillon soldiered on, unfazed. At least I hoped. “I fear I’m a failure.” I sniffled. I didn’t want to cry, not again. Deet had seen more of my tears than anyone. “Deet, I caused us to lose everything.”
He’d heard it all before and budged his head.
“I almost lost our house, now the business.” The moisture in my eyes clouded my vision. Our former financial prowess was now reduced to a debt-ridden lifestyle I eschewed only a year ago. It reeled against my beliefs.
Deet scratched a paw to the floor, circled as if bored of my harangue, and nested.
“I know, Deet. I keep harping on the same thing. Over and over. I’m sick of me too.” I gathered my mug and commuted the five feet to the office. “You coming to work? Today’s a big day.”
Deet raised an eyebrow and licked his chops.
“Fine. Be late. See if I care.”
We received Detritus—Deet for short—from my neighbor who passed away. She’d found the lab mix abandoned at the town dump, hence his name. The dog quickly became our trusted confidant. We pampered him better than some did their children. After all, he was our child.
Outside, a car approached. Madeline’s SUV?
Deet hastened into the hall to greet whoever it was.
“Shit.” I grew nauseous, dreading what we need to do, but we had no other choice if we didn’t want to lose the business. I set my mug down as Detritus sauntered back without the tail wags and yelps that accompanied his announcement of Madeline’s arrival. I scratched his head. “Just the neighbor, buddy?”
He’d communicated the false alarm and returned to his post in the hall.
“I know. She’ll be here soon.” I launched a spreadsheet riddled with red font and negative numbers—the company books. “She’s probably stuck in movie traffic.” The roads were frequently congested due to the Vilhelm Strom film being shot on location. The former teen idol turned serious actor, and a big Hollywood production fueled the talk of the town.
The phone rang its annoying pulse. A new client? Doubtful.
“Conant Marketing—”
A low voice asked for Dillon. The tone freaked me out—an eerie grate, like one of those voice-distorting machines. But it could have been my imagination, spurred on from Dillon watching CrimeLine the night before. We’d had a series of crank phone calls from unknown numbers.
The raspy breather waited.
“Can I ask who’s—”
The phone clicked. I held out the receiver and turned to Detritus now panting with his tongue out beside me. “It’s probably the competitor,” I said. “Another Rocket Marketing guy spying on us…or something.” I returned the cordless to its cradle.
Rocket stretched the boundaries of business ethics when competing in a new territory.
“We’re on an express train to bankruptcy.” I closed out the company books, leaned back, and grabbed my black coffee. I swallowed an urge to scream curbed by the fear of walking half the town of Conant. “If only Dillon hadn’t…it’s not just him.”
Marriage—gay, straight, or otherwise—requires a great deal of compromise, as I’m discovering in my midthirties. Even though our honeymoon is long over, we muddle through to keep our relationship fresh. Yet financial issues drove a wedge between us that was about as pleasing as having your underwear yanked up through the back of your pants in middle school.
While Dillon jogged his hot body around the lake in his three-hundred-dollar sneakers and an outfit that cost more than a small family’s weekly grocery bill, I remained behind preparing to lay off our last employee, Madeline Alvarez.
Rocket Marketing, the large New York-based firm with its satellite office in Salem, orbited Greater Boston and blasted away our customers like an alien spaceship from one of those B movies I used to watch as a kid. Our company, Conant Marketing, “a small firm with a big appetite,” stood little chance of surviving the invasion. Yet this alien advertising agency and my husband’s expensive tastes shared only part of the blame.
Funny how much a tumor no larger than a pea costs—financially and otherwise.
Added to that, a risky move—on Dillon’s behalf—to reignite our firm’s previously successful sexy-man Yankee Neighborhood Beef ad campaign failed. Yankee’s new owners, a conservative private equity in the Midwest, dropped us before the internet campaigns even left the gate. Yankee was our bread and butter, and we now owed tens of thousands to the web developer.
Finally, my streak for picking winning stocks came to a crash when I tapped into the equity line on the house and sank $200,000 into a sure thing. I blamed my clouded chemo brain for the silly mistake. The value of Dillon’s jogging apparel now rivals t
he total worth of the FinTech IPO I invested in—and on a good trading day, it might include Dill’s sneakers.
In the hall, Detritus screeched. Startled, I spilled coffee on my lap. “Deet!” I wiped at the spot.
