Page 46 of Misconduct Zone

“I vote both,” Lars says, leaning on the stainless-steel industrial countertop. “Bribe them with cookies and teach them about hard work and being a team player.”

“Good man.” Alec claps him on the shoulder.

“Once they finish the bags, we’ll stack them in boxes to distribute to the homeless tomorrow. Show them where they’re supposed to be,” Alec addresses a teen the center employs. “Dylon and Caleb, you’ll assist with the tours and speak in the room for career options. Lars, Patrik, and Jamal, you’re the muscle in the dining room when we serve dinner. Roam around, talk to the kids, and make sure no one gets into a fight. And the rest of you can come with me.”

“I was hoping for something more behind the scenes,” Lars confesses.

“Don’t you worry. Von volunteers here so they’re used to a grumpy Swede.” He flashes his million-watt smile and puts Lars at ease.

The Girl Scout comment lights a fire under us, and we pack the lunch bags in record time.

The Q Solutions is comprehensive in their approach to helping kids. After-school programs provide a safe place to go, while continuing education classes are taught by volunteers. They also have counseling sessions and a homeless outreach program.

Alec leads all of us to the cross section of the main hallway for some last instructions before we break off into our groups.

Jayce McKenna, his wife, and his boyfriend are waiting there to lead tours.

“Lucky, my man.” Jayce’s boyfriend, Emmet, slaps my hand and bro-hugs me.

“Hey, Emmet. Good to see you.” It’s still wild to me that Jayce is in a polyamorous relationship. Our organization has supported them, and Mr. Dimon has chosen LBGTQ+ issues for our charity work.

“It’s about time you got here,” Alec teases.

“We are right on time,” Jayce’s wife, Madyson, says to Alec, then greets everyone else.

Lars taps my arm, and with a crook of his head, he signals he and Jamal are going into the dining room area. I’m surprised Patrik doesn’t follow them.

Joanne, the director, walks toward us, her heels clacking rapidly, with several people in her wake. “Thank you all for being here. Have you all met?” She plows ahead with introductions.

“This is a small world.” Caleb waves and sees Patrik’s fiancé entering the building down the hall. “Trevy,” he calls. “Come join us.” Patrik growls, making Caleb smile wider.

“So you have met?” Joanne asks.

“Trevy says this is the world’s largest small town.” Caleb motions to the group.

“He’s my fiancé.” Patrik holds out a hand to Trevor,

“You got that right, it’s amazing who you’ll run into.” Emmet smacks Jayce’s ass. Jayce hauls him in for a kiss by the throat, and my eyes almost pop out of my head. Jayce is the consummate professional, and any PDA more than hand-holding is shocking.

A strangled sound leaves Madyson, and they each reach for her.

“Well then.” Joanne clears her throat, and Trevor, who’s greeting everyone, gives her his full attention. “Most of the kids and parents are eating but will soon trickle out to explore. Alec and I have lists of where everyone should be if anyone is lost or confused. The only rules are respect and having fun. If you’re enjoying yourself, the kids will have a good experience.” She stalks away, and the sound of her heels fades.

“I’m heading to my assignment.” Trevor sidesteps us.

“Are you forgetting something?” Patrik growls.

“Aww, you need your snuggles.” Trevor launches himself at Patrik, who catches and kisses him.

“J-Bear, gimme a ride to where we’re meeting the kids.” Emmet hops on Jayce’s back.

“It’s a goddamn lovefest!” I mean to be snarky, but in truth, I’m in awe. I wouldn’t say I’ve led a sheltered life, but it’s fantastic to see men openly affectionate with each other and not worried about prejudice or judgment. It gives me hope for a better world.

Emmet unofficially assigns himself as my tour guide partner. “This way, I can do the talking while you learn more about the center. They host these a few times a year, and the kids bring skeptical parents. Our job is to show off the facility and explain it’s a safe place.”

My head bobbles, soaking in his words. “Do kids come in who aren’t sure of how they identify?”

“Oh yeah, it’s super common. Straight kids can hang out here, but the focus is identifying and uplifting queer kids because they are more likely to be subjected to bullying, violence, and mental health issues.” His handsome face becomes serious. Surprisingly, it’s much easier to identify attraction now, even though I’m not interested.

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