Page 13 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

Ashley made his way back to the front. The faster he paid for the milk, the faster he could go home.

Colt rounded the corner and strolled up to him. “Hi again.”

“Hi.” He clenched his jaw. He wasn’t sure what to say. Did Colt really want to discuss food options? Did it matter? He didn’t need Colt to stand up for him. He could handle himself. He liked having Colt as a friend, but still.

“Hey.” Colt clapped Ashley on the shoulder. “She was out of line. Don’t let her get to you.”

“She’s got the right to be nosy.” He clutched the jug. The milk chilled his skin. “I don’t have to like how she spoke to me, but I can’t tell her to hush.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean she can encourage you to leave town. You and your son are safe. This is supposed to be a place where anyone can raise their family. Not straight families only—everyone.” Colt massaged Ashley’s shoulder. “Keep your head up.”

“I will.” Right now, he wanted to collapse. He hated having to be strong all the time.

“Want to sound more enthusiastic?”

“No.” Ashley sighed. “You know how it feels to work with negativity in the air. It’s crazy. We’re being ourselves and being punished for it. Because we don’t love who they—whoevertheyhappen to be—say we should. That’s garbage and the world we live in.” His voice cracked. “I don’t want to raise my son in that environment, but I have no choice.”

“We can change it. No, we will change it.” Colt let go. “I’ve got your back and we all look out for one another.”

He massaged his forehead. “I know.” He didn’t doubt he had a good group of people around him. The gay community in Cedarwood wasn’t gigantic, but they were loyal.

“You’ve been insulted and you’ve got the right to feel that way, but try not to let it bother you.” Colt stepped in close. “I care about you. You and Wyatt are important to me.”

He didn’t know Colt well, but the attraction seemed bigger than a passing flirtation. He liked knowing Colt appreciated him. It didn’t hurt Colt was so easy on the eyes, either. “Thanks.”

“You’d better get your milk home.” Colt grinned. “Bella won’t bother you any longer.”

“Appreciated.” He relaxed, despite being tired of the hatred in town.

“You’re my people. You, Colin, Farin, Steve, Jordan…all of us…you’re part of our tribe.” Colt winked. “Don’t forget it.”

He chuckled. “Well, okay. Thanks. I’ll see you and we can actually talk about food options for that festival.”

“I’ll text you.” Colt waved.

Ashley headed up to the counter. He wished the trip had been uneventful, but then he wouldn’t have seen Colt. He liked the diner owner. They could be tight—as friends. As anything else…time would have to tell.

Colt waited for Ashley to leave the store and head to his car. Once happy Ashley was safe, Colt turned his attention to Bella. The nosy priss. Who’d put her in charge and why did she feel the need to center her venom on Ashley? He’d done nothing wrong.

“Don’t start with me.” Bella held tight to her cart. “You can’t bully me.”

“Who said anything about me bullying? You did a good job of running Ashley Willis out of here.” Colt stood in her path. “Leave him alone. You’re the PTO leader. Act like it. Every parent is welcome. He’s a parent.”

“He’s gay,” she hissed. “So are you.” She paused. “Let me guess. You’re with him?”

“Whether I’m with him or not is none of your concern. You’re a public figure, just like you told him he is. You should start acting like you’re being watched by the public.” He stayed in front of her cart. “Understood? People are paying attention.”

“Or what? You’ll chew me out? You gays stick together,” Bella snapped.

“We’re humans. We should look out for one another, no matter what,” Colt said. “But no, I won’t yell at you again.”

“Good. It’s poor form for a businessman to act the way you are.” She notched her chin in the air. “See if we have any further officer meetings at the diner.”

“Do what you feel is necessary.” Normally he’d argue more for her to reconsider her decision, but why? She had her mind made up. Him trying to correct the situation wasn’t going to happen, especially now that he’d stood up for Ashely and made a spectacle. Bella should’ve known better, though. She’d picked a public space to argue with Ashley. If Colt had seen them, then others must’ve, too. No doubt.

He left her in the aisle and made his way to the frozen food section. Buying a few microwave dinners wasn’t the healthiest thing he could do, but he needed a break from diner food and didn’t want the hassle of preparing something fancy. He snagged a few different plated items, then headed to the registers. His thoughts turned to Ashley. The innocence in Ashley’s eyes got to Colt. Yes, the guy was a father and tonight he’d appeared a tad worn down, but he was still young and sweet.

“Colt.” Farin joined him in the line. “Fancy meeting you here so late. Don’t you eat at the diner?”

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