Hide Your Heart

Starbucks, Secrets and Surprises

Once the two were seated in Starbucks, Paul ordered for himself and waited for Tommy to place his order. He reached over and squeezed Tommy's hand as they waited for their coffee. "Tom, I'm gonna just come out and tell you that I hope you don't get back together with Jaime."

"Yeah, just like Eric and Gene. Bruce too." "If I do though, that's my choice."

"I don't want you too but it is your choice. You're not happy without him but you seem scared when you're with him." "That's just what I see."

Paul saw the look in his guitarist's eyes and stopped. He didn't want a fight. "Look, I'm just being honest because it's what you want." "I'd be happy if you would stay for me as long as you want or need, but if not then I'll deal with that too." "Are you scared of Jaime?"

Tommy didn't say anything for awhile. Finally finishing his muffin and taking a last sip of coffee, he swallowed hard and rolled up his sleeves. The cuts and bruises were visible which caused Paul to suck in a breath. "Any more?" asked the front man finally.

A nod from the lead guitarist was the answer. "I won't show you here but I promise I will. Maybe not today but I will."

That was a surprise to Paul who had started to think he'd never know the extent of Tommy's abuse. "When you're comfortable enough to show me, I won't tell Eric or Gene. Bruce or Doc either." Tommy's hand slid into Paul's who held it tightly but not too tight. 

"Could we--um---go somewhere and I'll tell you what happened? I don't feel comfortable enough to tell you here." He  had rolled down his sleeves again.

"Yeah, I know a place." 

Paul paid as they left. They were still holding hands as they walked to Paul's car.