The New Normal Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The New Normal

  Copyright © L.J. Hayward

  Epub Edition

  Cover Art: L.C. Chase, lcchase.com

  Editor: May Peterson, maypetersonbooks.com/editorial

  Layout: L.C. Chase, lcchase.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact the author at ljhayward.com/contact.html

  ISBN: 978-0-6487846-5-4

  First Edition

  May 2020

  Also available in paperback, ISBN: 978-0-6487846-6-1

  Also available in ebook, ISBN: 978-0-6487846-4-7

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Where Death Meets the Devil

  Where Death Meets the Devil is a stunning debut. It hits all the right marks as a well-plotted, well-paced and well-written romantic suspense novel.

  ~ RT Book Reviews

  Hayward ratches up the suspense in this action-packed piece, with constant twists and betrayals on all sides to keep things unpredictable. . . . Fans of tense action and smouldering romance will appreciate the emotional connection between Jack and Ethan; there’s plenty of chemistry

  ~ Publishers Weekly

  The masterfully plotted dual-timeline and a swoonworthy assassin with a soft side hooked me from the start.

  ~ Cordelia Kingsbridge, author of Kill Game

  An addictive, page-turning mix of high-stakes intrigue, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and slow burn romance. I couldn’t put it down!

  ~ Layla Reyne, author of the Agents Irish and Whiskey, and Changing Lanes series

  Why the Devil Stalks Death

  Hayward is just masterful and these characters are so fascinating, this series is not to be missed.

  ~ Joyfully Jay

  This series gets better with each book!

  The pacing is great and shifting from one point in time to another is exquisitely done. I was literally hanging on every word and enjoyed each moment!

  ~ Gay Book Reviews

  L.J. Hayward keeps you on your toes in this fast-paced, danger filled novel; it’s a roller coaster ride of a sequel to Where Death Meets the Devil.

  ~ The Novel Approach

  When Death Frees the Devil

  While the suspense is what keeps these books so breathless, the heart of them is really Jack and Ethan. I have loved watching these men grow, both individually and together as a couple.

  ~ Joyfully Jay

  Ms. Hayward has really put us through the ringer with twists and turns that kept us guessing at many things throughout this story. Needless to say, this was the perfect ending to an emotional and exciting suspenseful rollercoaster ride that I have never regretted picking up.

  ~ Love Bytes Reviews

  I couldn’t tear myself from the story. It was brimming with twists and turns causing adrenaline rush. It’s ultimate thrill ride!

  ~ MM Good Book Reviews

  About The New Normal

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  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

  Acknowledgements

  Also by L.J. Hayward

  About the Author

  Brian Stagliano’s life should be pretty sweet right now. Two of his closest friends are getting married, and he’s taking a new, exciting step in his career as a doctor. Most amazing though, his best mate has been given the all clear from cancer. But Brian’s normal has just been tipped A over T and the friendship he’s relied on for years is in danger. All because of five little words.

  Andrew Fitzroy should be on top of the world. The cancer that’s haunted him is gone. He can finally get on with his life—except he doesn’t know what that life is anymore. Is he brave enough to come out as bisexual? Should he pursue architecture or stay in construction? Either way, Andrew knows happiness won’t be his until he has what his engaged friends have—love, joy, passion. So, he says those five little words to Brian—I’m in love with you.

  Friends since childhood, Brian and Andrew have always been closer than brothers. Best mates. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Except for those five little words. Now, Brian’s not sure about so many things—their friendship, his own desires—and the foundation Andrew’s built his world on feels like its crumbling. But if they manage not to destroy everything they have together, Andrew and Brian might just find a new normal with each other.

  Brian Stagliano leaned on the bar in Tots—Top of Tedder Bar and Grill, to the uninitiated—and watched the bartender pull the last of his beers. The guy tilted the frosted glass just right, forming a perfect foam head, then set it down on the tray holding the rest of Brian’s order.

  “That’ll be forty-two dollars.”

  Wincing, Brian tapped his card on the wireless EFTPOS machine. Carly and her expensive cocktails. He might be a doctor now but interns didn’t get paid a whole heap.

  However, tonight was all about celebration and that wouldn’t happen until everyone had their drinks. Tray in hand, Brian wove his way through the crowded tables to where his friends had set up for the evening. Tots, a rooftop bar on the north end of Tedder Ave, looked out over the trendy street of boutiques and restaurants, with its paved road, twinkling lights and footpath greenery. Tall apartment buildings blocked the view of the ocean, but Brian could smell it when the breeze came in from the east or north.

  “What is taking so long?” a loud voice called, catching his attention. “Dying of dehydration here.”

  Smirking at James, Brian set the tray down on the table with his friends around it. “Blame Carly. She’s the one who made the bartender google the recipe for her cocktail.”

  Carly took her tall glass of cloudy apple juice doctored with spirits Brian had never heard of before and stuck her pierced tongue out at him.

  “Cosmo for Elle.” Brian handed out the rest of the drinks. “Cider for Troy, beers for me and James. And finally, a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, no added sugar, for Mr. My Body is a Temple.”

  Across the table, Andrew took the glass in one hand, flipping him the finger with the other.

  “Love you, too, mate,” Brian said sweetly as he sat.

  “Sneer all you want, Bri Bri.” Carly winked as she used the pet name
Brian hated. “You just wish you looked as good as Andrew.” She squeezed the firm biceps prominently displayed beside her as Andrew rested his elbow on the table. “I think this is the best arm here.”

  James and Troy scoffed at her claim, getting into a bulging biceps battle, and Andrew, blushing to the roots of his dark-blond hair, put his arm down. Brian couldn’t help but smile at his best friend as he dodged out of the way of the other guys thrusting flexed muscles at each other. Troy and James worked as stunt jet-skiers at the H2GO water park so they were incredibly fit—and competitive.

  Carly had a point though. Andrew did look good, from the fresh crop of blond curls on his head, to the new bulk of muscles on his arms and chest. The smile that had disappeared for so long was starting to make semi-regular appearances. One flashed over his mate’s mouth now as he caught Brian’s gaze, brown eyes sparkling in the lights of the bar. Yeah, he looked worlds better than he had six months ago, when chemo and depression had waged joint wars on his body. Brian had seriously worried at times that he was going to lose him. But he hadn’t and here they were, with everything in the world to celebrate.

  On that thought, Brian raised his glass. “Okay, let’s toast.”

  His friends all groaned but hoisted their drinks. James slopped some of his beer over the side of the glass and Elle shoved a couple of napkins at him to clean up the mess.

  “Can’t take you anywhere,” she muttered.

  James leered comically at her. “Any excuse to keep me at home and all to yourself.”

  Elle snorted, but her lips turned up in a little smile.

  Troy pretended to throw up in his mouth. “It’s disgusting to watch. Who invited them?”

  Carly rolled her eyes at her twin brother. “Who invited you, Debbie Downer?”

  “As current favourite for Best Man, my presence is mandatory.”

  As the twins bickered, Brian shook his head and checked on Andrew. The smile was gone and his glass had lowered nearly back to the table. Time to do this thing.

  “Everyone, shut up!” When the twins had closed their mouths, he continued. “Tonight’s toast is a very important one. One I’ve been waiting to make for a long, looooong time.”

  “You lost your virginity?” Troy had clearly just shaved his undercut and then spiked up the longer strands of hair on top of his head for the evening. With his exaggeratedly wide eyes and gaping mouth he looked more like a cartoon character who’d had the fright of their life than a twenty-six-year-old responsible for his own life. “Our little boy, finally a man.”

  James and Carly snickered. Brian threw a withering glare at Troy, who grinned back, then yelped and jerked back in his chair.

  “Who kicked me?” Troy automatically turned to James, who protested his innocence.

  Andrew’s wink was swift but Brian caught it. He grinned his thanks, then resumed his toast.

  “Okay, kids, it’s adulting time.” When everyone had settled again and raised their glasses, Brian got serious. “We’ve all known each other for a long time now, with the exception of our problem child here.” He patted Troy on the head.

  Troy shrugged off his hand and gave an overly indignant, “Hey!”

  “Well you are the problem child,” Brian said sweetly. “You only agreed to meet us, your twin’s bestest ever friends, after you got kicked out of that ski show in Sydney. For reasons you’ve never revealed, I might add.”

  Troy scowled at Brian. “For your information, Mr. Doctor Sir, I was protesting the touching of the ’do.” He made sure his hair still had some height while the others, including his sister, laughed.

  “Anyway,” Brian said firmly to draw back everyone’s attention. “We’ve all been through the big moments together, but none of them get bigger than the Big C.”

  All laughter faded away and there were solemn nods and deep breaths around the table. Carly slid her arm through Andrew’s and leaned against him lightly, which didn’t alter the sudden look of oh-shit-exit-time that had appeared on Andrew’s face.

  Brian grinned unmercifully at him. “Andrew Fitzroy. My mate since the day he knocked over Zack Green on the sports field for calling me a sissy for missing the ball in T-Ball. Andrew, the bravest seven year old ever. Dude, you’ve been the bro of my heart for nearly twenty years.”

  A chorus of “awws” and a wave of battering eyelashes went around the table. Andrew’s ears were bright pink but his gaze bored into Brian with equal parts “right back atcha” and “I’m begging you don’t.” But this was Brian’s role in their friendship, to make sure Andrew got the recognition he deserved, because he would never go looking for it himself.

  “Andrew, you scared the ever-living shit out of me,” Brian said, no longer talking to them all, but to the man directly across from him. “I seriously thought I’d lost you a couple of times there and, mate, I do not want to ever experience that again, okay?”

  Their circle of friends had gone quiet and it felt like a cone of silence had descended over their table. The noise of the bar around them faded away and it was just Brian and Andrew and the people who’d stuck by them through shit times.

  “Okay?” Brian repeated firmly, wanting his best friend to acknowledge the seriousness of his words.

  Andrew nodded, never looking away. “Okay.”

  “Good.” Taking a deep breath, Brian conjured up the smile he’d put aside so everyone knew how serious he was. As he spoke, though, the smile became natural again. “I know you didn’t want me to make a fuss about this, but these are our friends, you big dork. They’ve been with you through this, just as much as I have and tonight, they have every right to celebrate this with you, too.”

  Carly gasped and tears brimmed in her eyes, though her smile grew into a wide grin. Elle was trembling as she looked from Andrew to Brian and back again, as if the urge to jump on Andrew was barely contained. James was nodding, his shoulders relaxing from the tension that had been building in them since Brian started his toast. Troy was staring at the tabletop intently, rolling his glass through the gathered condensation, but his lower lip was pulled tightly between his teeth, a sure sign he was holding something momentous back.

  This was what Andrew needed to see, his friends showing just how much they loved him.

  “This morning,” Brian said quietly, “Andrew got the official all clear. No more cancer.”

  Elle squealed loudly and threw herself at Andrew. He grunted as she landed half on him, then laughed as she peppered his face with kisses. Carly wiped furiously at her eyes with one hand and clutched Andrew’s with the other, grinning. Troy hesitated, then shot up and around the table, throwing his tattooed arms around Andrew from behind. James’s nod had turned into that stoic Aussie bloke head bob of manly repressed emotion.

  “All right, okay,” Andrew managed to get out around Elle’s exuberance. “I didn’t do much more than let the doctors do their job.”

  Elle, now sitting sideways on his lap, leaned back and smacked his chest. “Don’t be like that. They did their job, but you fought the hardest battle of your life. And won. Yeah, the doctors did their bit and we all played a part, but the most important thing was you and how hard you worked to get through it. Okay?”

  Andrew’s gaze met Brian’s and for a heart stopping moment, Brian saw the doubt and despair in his best friend again. The others had rallied around Andrew unconditionally during his diagnosis and treatment, their support unfailing the entire time. But only Brian had been with Andrew through every moment, had been to every appointment, driven him to and from the hospital for the surgery and then to each and every chemo session. Only Brian had seen just how difficult it had been, how deep into depression Andrew had gone.

  Elle was right. Andrew had fought hard, but she didn’t know just how hard. None of them did, and Andrew didn’t want them to. He’d barely let Brian know at the start.

  But they were through the worst of it now. Andrew was healthy again and bouncing back amazingly well, which was all that mattered. Well, except f
or this right now.

  Silently, Brian raised his glass and saluted Andrew with it. Andrew reached around Elle and returned the gesture, then they drank together.

  James pulled Elle off Andrew, joking that he needed some lap time himself. Andrew brushed off James’s attempts to sit on him and stood instead, letting James give him a tight hug. Troy, still half clinging to Andrew, joined in. Then Carly commandeered him for herself, holding him and whispering in his ear. Andrew nodded and buried his face in her shoulder for a long time.

  Finally, everyone was back in their seats, eyes mostly dry, and Brian lead a proper toast for Andrew. After they’d drunk, conversation resumed, most of it still focused on Andrew.

  “How’s the new job?” Carly asked him.

  “Good.” Andrew never wasted words.

  “It’s obviously agreeing with you,” Troy said. “Fresh air, sunshine, playing with big tools.”

  “You’re a big tool,” James said to Troy.

  “Are you enjoying it?” Elle asked while her fiancé and Troy devolved into their usual name-calling.

  “Yeah.” Probably realising he should elaborate without being prompted, Andrew said, “It’s really good. Remember how I used to work with my uncle’s crew back in high school and uni? There’s this sense of accomplishment when you see a real house at the end of a job. This thing that started out as just some lines on a piece of paper is suddenly a tangible structure, all because of these hands.” He held them up, showing off the new crop of calluses and bruises he’d earned.

  Elle’s smile turned a little sad. “But those hands could also create those lines on paper, too. You’ve got the all clear now. Are you thinking about finishing your qualifications so you can be an architect? Like you always wanted?”

  Just like that, Andrew’s word flow dried up again. He shrugged and drank most of his juice in one go.

  Elle watched, sighed, then turned to Brian. “He listens to you. Are you telling him he needs to actually follow his dream? No more excuses?”