Page 7 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

“This is why you wanted to have the festival? To combat this crap?” He balled up the letter. “This isn’t fair. Why would they do this?”

“Because some people are miserable and others aren’t. Those who are want everyone to be. It’s like when Colin and Farin have free book day down at the store. They get all those free comic books and paperbacks sorted out to give to those who don’t have any. You should see the lines. It’s fantastic because they do get books and so forth into the hands of those who love comics and books, but then there are those who have the notion that because there is something free, they damn well better get it. If they don’t? There’s hell to pay.”

“That’s crazy.” But he knew all too well how people could be.Everyone wants something for free.“So what do we do?”

“Well, Colin and Farin have the idea for the festival started. Farin went to the city about the permits today. Once he finds out what we need to do, we can move forward.” Jordan shrugged. “Would you mind working with Colt on the food and art?”

Would he mind?No.He wanted to do more than work with him. He wanted to run his hands all over Colt’s body, starting at his chest and working his way down. He yearned to taste Colt and hear Colt whisper in his ear. God, he had it bad for Colt. Would Colt want to work with him? Probably not. “Sure.”A guy can hope.

“Perfect. I talked to him yesterday. He’s got plans for food. Would you believe he was an artist?” Jordan widened his stance and folded his arms. “He used to work on displays in the museums at Kent. Got his degree in art, too.”

“He did?”Huh.He never would’ve pegged Colton as an artist. Now he really wanted to talk to the guy. “I’ll give him a call if you have his number.”

“I do.” Jordan whipped out his phone. “I texted it to you. Call him.” He tucked the phone away again then strode to the door. “They’re targeting us and trying to get us to change who we are. I don’t have any plans on switching teams. I finally got my life straightened out and I’m in a good place with Colin. We’re engaged.” He grinned. “Thought I’d be a bachelor for the rest of my life.”

“I’m glad and excited for you.”Kind of.He didn’t doubt Colin and Jordan were happy and completely right for each other, but he wished he had that sort of relationship. He wanted to be loved.

“I’m certain Farin and Steve aren’t going to switch sides either. So it would appear the coalition is trying to sway the wrong people.”

“We don’t want them to sway anyone. If you’re gay, you don’t choose to be gay. It’s what you are.” Ashley thought about Wyatt. Gay or straight, he’d love his son no matter what, but he also hoped the kid never had to worry about his sexuality and people wanting to change him.

“Very true, but some folks won’t change their collective minds.” Jordan shrugged. “Since there was nothing malicious about the letter, I’m keeping the image on file. They didn’t out you or send this because of your sexuality. They could’ve sent these to everyone, but I can’t be sure. Keep me in the loop if you have any other correspondence with them or if they do something beyond a letter.”

“I can do that.” Ashley escorted Jordan out of the apartment and watched as his friend left the parking lot.Well, shit.If the coalition knew about his sexuality enough to send him a letter, then he could run into issues with the school district. He’d never kept his sexuality hidden, butjeez. He’d seen how Steve was nudged out of his job. Sure, Steve was just a full-time substitute teacher, but still.

“Dad?” Wyatt tucked against Ashley’s side. “I heard you and Officer Hargrove talking. Who hates us?”

Wyatt was too smart for his own good. “Come on.” He led his son back into the apartment and closed the front door. “Sit.”

Wyatt plopped on the couch and kicked his feet. “So who hates us?”

“No one hates us. Hate’s a very strong word.” He debated how to explain the situation. Six-year-olds shouldn’t have to deal with the narrow-minded ideals of others, but Wyatt was in a unique situation. “Some people don’t like others who are gay.”

“Like you.”

“Yes, and those people want to say mean things.”

“That’s mean. Why?”

“Because they can. I don’t have any better explanation.” He wished he did.

Wyatt scrunched up his nose then groaned. “Bullies. So many bullies.”

“That’s about right.” At least he’d found a way for Wyatt to understand. Wyatt’s mother would’ve been proud. Heck, she probably was proud and looking down on them.

“Are you going to call the guy from the diner?” Wyatt scooted to the edge of the couch. “You should. He was nice.”

“And do what? Ask him out?”

“Yes.” Wyatt nodded. “I’ll call Grandma. She’ll drive.”

“I’m not calling Grandma in order to go on a date.” Besides, he had no idea if Colt would even agree. “How about I let you call Grandma once I make a phone call? We haven’t seen her in a week, so she’ll like a visit.”

“Cool.” Wyatt wandered out of the room, probably to find his tablet or to finish the movie.

Ashley stared at his cell phone and debated his options. What would one little call to Colt do? Would it really hurt anything? If he used the festival—whatever it was going to be—as the starting point, then no. If he called simply asking for a date, then yeah, he had a pretty good chance of being shot down. But he wasn’t asking for a date.

He retrieved the message with the cell number and dialed. He held his breath as the line connected and rang. Colt would probably be at the diner and busy. No way he’d actually answer.

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