Page 20 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

“That’s dining and dashing. That’s against the law.” He snapped his fingers and pointed to the girl behind the counter. She picked up the phone, ready to press the buttons.

“The Coalition for Order in Cedarwood sees your lack of transparency as a threat to the order in town. How do we know you won’t do something crazy? You’re gay. You might turn our young people gay.” She smiled and narrowed her eyes then dropped her voice to a whisper. “What do you have to say about that?”

“Call the cops,” he said to the girl at the register. He flattened his hands on the glass counter. He had to be careful how he answered the protesting woman. Something told him he’d be eating the cost of ten meals because he doubted any of the women would pay.

“Ma’am, I’m thrilled to be associated with the single fathers group. They are a wonderful group of men concerned with keeping Cedarwood a place for families to be. If that’s something you’ve got a problem with, then I’m sorry.” He spread his fingers out and forced himself to keep calm.

“An associate.” The woman held up both hands. “Then we’re no longer going to be patrons of this filthy establishment. There are rats and vermin here.” She stomped out the door and the other ladies at the table followed. They left half-eaten plates of food and half-full glasses of water, soda and juice. He’d be able to cover the cost of the food. That didn’t bother him. What did was how they’d stiffed the waitress. The girl had nothing to do with his situation other than by being employed by him.

He signaled to two of the other waitresses and stepped up, helping to clear the table. A couple of other patrons placed money on their tables then left. He bit back a groan. If the coalition had the plan to run gay people out of town by scaring off their customers, then they were temporarily winning the fight. He wasn’t going to leave. Cedarwood, save for the few irritating people wanting to get rid of the gays, was his home. He’d been bullied in school and college and refused to submit to another bully. Let them try to close him down by keeping people from the diner. Screw them.

Within an hour, half the diner was empty. The patrons who remained stayed in their seats. Were they afraid to leave? He glanced out of the main window and realized why people weren’t going anywhere. The coalition ladies had banded together outside the diner. No signs yet, but now he heard the shouting.Goddamn it.

“Hey, gay, go away,” one screamed.

“Clean up our town and get out,” another shouted.

He forked his fingers into his hair and gritted his teeth. If they wanted to protest, then fine, but did they have to scare the hell out of his customers?

Colt stood in the middle of the dining room and held up both hands. “May I have your attention? The diner isn’t going to close because a few people aren’t happy with my friends. If you’re a fan of the diner and want to continue eating here, then you’re in luck. We’re staying open. If you’re given trouble when you leave, please let me know. Thank you.” He strode over to the counter and picked up the phone.

Colt dialed Jordan’s work number. After two rings, Jordan answered.

“Officer Hargrove. How may I help you?” Jordan asked.

“Hi, Jordan, it’s Colton. I’ve got a question,” Colt said. “I’ve just had an issue with the coalition. A bunch of the group just left without paying. We called the cops and supposedly they’re on their way. I’m not seeing anyone. Help?”

“You called the main line? Jesus.” Jordan groaned. “They should be there shortly. It’s a crime to dine and dash.”

“It is,” Colt said. “But the thing is, they’re outside the diner and picketing. No signs yet, but plenty of shouting. I’ve got patrons afraid to leave. Can you help?”

“Are they on your property or the sidewalks?” Jordan asked.

He peered out of the window again. “Sidewalks, but some are on the walkway leading to the parking lot.”

“According to the info I have, a squad car is on the way. Until they show up, do you have an alternative exit? Like a fire exit? It won’t help those wanting to enter but will for those wanting to leave safely.”

“I can use the fire exit, yes.” Colt motioned to the waitresses. “I’ll take care of everything.”

“Good deal. Hopefully this ends with little issue. Good luck.” Jordan clicked off the line, leaving Colt in silence.

He placed the phone back on the charger. “Okay, folks, this is what we’re going to do. We’ll use the fire exit. I’ll turn off the alarm until the patrons are safely out. I’m going to try to get police presence so this doesn’t get out of hand. I’m sorry things went to hell. I didn’t expect this to happen. I thought the coalition was harmless. I guess not.” He picked up the phone again. “If you’re worried about your job or your safety, then speak up. I’ll personally escort you to your vehicles. If you feel you need to leave until this blows over, I understand.”

A couple of the girls cashed out and one of the cooks left with them. All three promised to come back on the next open day. Colt thanked them, but he knew none would return—not until the shit blew over.

Fifteen minutes later, a squad car pulled up in front of the restaurant. Jordan and another officer climbed out and helped the patrons to their vehicles. Once the building was cleared of patrons, Jordan made his way to Colt. “We can keep watch tonight while on patrol. Other than that, we can’t do much. They’re peacefully demonstrating. That’s not against the law.”

“They’re on my property,” Colt said.

“Actually, they’re on the sidewalks away from the building and aren’t blocking the entry any longer. There’s nothing stating they can’t be there. Where they aren’t permitted is on the diner property. I suggest you clean up and head home. Find a friend you trust and stay with him or her.” Jordan wriggled his brows. “How about with Ashley? He seems hot for you. He also is hot.”

“I know.” Colt surveyed the damage in the dining room. Four servers and two cooks remained. Cleaning up would take an hour, tops. “Girls, I’ll jump in after a bit. The faster we get this mess taken care of, the faster you can go home. I’ll pay you for your full shifts. Yes? Let’s go.”

While the servers scattered and bussed the tables, Colt tugged Jordan aside. “You mentioned Ashley. It’s kind of because of him that this all happened. Kind of.” He couldn’t throw all the blame on Ashley. With his luck, the coalition had been simply waiting on a chance to strike. They’d gotten lucky when Ashley happened into the diner.

“Look, I don’t think it was him. He’s hot and you’re attracted to him. Go for it. Forget these people. Some want to cause trouble no matter where they are—Cedarwood, Cleveland, you name it.” Jordan shrugged. “The best you can do is show them gay people, those in the LGBTQ community, aren’t any different than they are and we won’t be pushed around.” He chuckled and elbowed Colt. “If you happen to find comfort in the arms of a certain handsome art teacher, then even better.”

“You’re really wanting us to get together.” Colt cleared a table and scraped the food into the refuse bucket. “Why?”

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