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whatever you need to do. We’ll handle the club while you’re in Reno and San Fran. When you’re ready to get him to manage here, I’ll support you.” Avery refilled his soda.
    “I know you will. If anyone can help prod him, it’s you.” She grabbed a bottle of water and headed back to her office.

 
    Chapter Three
     
     
     
    One day at work and he was worn out. Ken had insisted on showering alone today, and now, carefully stepped out of the shower. With his left hand, he grabbed the towel and blotted over his body. When he tried to move his right arm, it ached. He had to take his pain pill, but he hated how tired it made him feel.
    Maybe, he should’ve stayed home and rested yesterday. Or maybe, he shouldn’t have screwed around with Avery. Either way, the day before had taken its toll, and his sleep had been restless. He hated lying flat on his back, but it was the only position that didn’t hurt.
    Finally mostly dry, Ken grabbed a pair of boxers and stepped into them. He tugged them up his legs, but his right arm bumped the shower door.
    “Fuck! Damn it,” Ken cursed.
    “You okay?” Avery called.
    “Yeah. I gotta do it myself.” Ken paused in the struggle and leaned on the sink. He wiped the steam from the mirror and looked at himself.
    He still saw the young, hot guy who planned to take the world by storm. A dancing star of Broadway or Hollywood. Men and women would adore him…
    His life was nothing like that. Not that he hated his life, but he was a perfectionist. It was all or nothing, and he’d never measure up now.
    Trying again, he managed to get the boxers all the way up and over his hips. There were more pieces of clothing, but did he really need them? He ran a comb through his hair and decided that was good enough. Avery didn’t care what he looked like. They’d seen each other naked enough times that it didn’t change things, but Avery’s body had held up well and the boxers wouldn’t hide any reaction Ken had to that smug smart ass.
    He jumped when there was a tap on the door. “Did you fall in?”
    “No, just takes longer to do stuff.” Ken grabbed the sling then opened the door.
    “Asking for help isn’t a crime.” Avery took the sling and helped Ken into it. “Casual day at home sounds good. I’m off.”
    “I’m supposed to work.” Ken had time before going to Big D’s. It wasn’t even noon yet.
    “You can’t dance with that thing on. The guys can rehearse on their own for a few days. Bev is still in town today.” Avery headed to the kitchen. “Breakfast? I’ve got fresh bagels.”
    “I don’t need a carb explosion when I’m not dancing.” Ken frowned.
    “It won’t kill you to take a day off. Eat junk and watch TV. You’re not a trophy husband.” Avery smirked as he dropped a bagel in the toaster. “Cream cheese?”
    Ken shrugged. “You’re loving this, aren’t you?”
    “You think I’m enjoying taking care of you? Working together, being friends and coworkers all these years is one thing. We’d found a balance. Trust with a bit of distance. Weird but it worked. Now, you’re nearly naked in my house. Apparently, the chemistry isn’t totally dead between us, yet you think you’re going to be on the next episode of Glee or something. No carbs.” Avery laughed.
    “Staying in shape isn’t a crime.” Ken poured himself coffee. It was getting easier using his left hand.
    “No, but you can be fit and not strut around like a prince. The truth is we’ll all need help at some point. You’re not getting younger, and you don’t have a rich boyfriend to pay for servants or nurses.” Avery smeared cream cheese on the bagels.
    “I can take care of myself. I’m getting better. A couple days and I’ll be back to normal.” Ken sat at the table. “Thank you for the help.”
    Avery set the bagels down and sat across from Ken. “That’s better. Now, try taking a day off to rest. You don’t need to drive to the club just to watch things. The bar is