Page 21 of Cedarwood Manny

Chapter Four

Nathan stood in the kitchen and gathered his wits. For the last three weeks, he’d strategically avoided Adrien. The attraction was too strong to deny, but they had to be careful. Jesus, they weren’t even together. They were attracted to each other, but that didn’t mean much. He had a job to do. So he’d masturbated twice since the kisses in the kitchen. He could fantasize over his boss. Every time he played with himself, he wondered what it would be like to fuck Adrien. He massaged his forehead. He’d gotten ahead of himself again and was only three weeks into the job.

Although he wanted to focus on his feelings for Adrien, he didn’t have time to worry about him. He had manny-ing to do. Yes, Kyle was at preschool and wouldn’t be done for another hour, but Nathan hadn’t decided what to make for supper and still had to gas up his car. He should run to the store, too.

The doorbell rang and jarred him from his thoughts. Nathan nodded. He needed to answer the door. He strode through the house to the breezeway. When he opened the door, a man and woman stood there together.

“Hello,” Nathan said. He kept the door open a crack and left the screen door locked. “Can I help you?”

“Hi,” the man said. “May we speak to Dr. Ellet?”

“He’s not available.” Nathan swept his gaze over the couple. Bland clothing, she wore no makeup and he held a sheaf of papers.Religious folk going door-to-door?

“Are you the man of the house?” the woman asked. “Do you have a moment?”

“I am and Dr. Ellet is busy. I’ll take a message—if you have one,” Nathan said. He held firm. Something seemed odd about the two people on the porch.

The man slid a brochure into the gap between the screen door and the frame. “We’re from the Coalition. There are some folks in town that aren’t wanted. While we don’t have the power to remove those folks, we are still interested in keeping like-minded neighbors abreast of the situation.”

“I see.” His stomach lurched. “What situation are you worried about?” He had an idea, but why not see what they’d say?

The woman kept smiling, but without warmth. Neither she nor the man answered.

“I’m new to town,” Nathan lied. “So I’m not up on the rumors and goings on.” He accepted the paper and scanned through the information. “The Coalition? Are you a civic group?” Damn, he was lousy at playing dumb.

“We’re like-minded neighbors trying to keep our town family-friendly,” she said. “I’m Martha and this is Claude, my partner. If you’re interested in keeping Cedarwood family-friendly, then join us at a meeting. The information on the next meeting is listed on the pamphlet.”

Partner, eh? Like in the sack or just wandering around and spreading hate?“I see.” He knew their scheme, but loved to ensnare them. “I do want my community to be safe for my family and everyone.” He paused. “I have a question.”

“Sure,” Claude said. He grinned. “We’re happy to help.”

“Are gays allowed?” Nathan asked. “Polyamorous couples? Unmarried couples? I’d love to know Cedarwood is safe for my family.”

Claude narrowed his eyes. “Are you part of the LGBTQ community? Living in sin?”

“Does that matter?” Nathan folded his arms and braced his foot against the back of the door. “Anyone can have a family. Whether they’re married or straight isn’t important.”

“It’s not right,” Martha snapped. “It’s immoral.”

“Is it?” He nodded. “But you’re partners. You’re on the level, right?”

She sneered. “We’re friends. Nothing more.”

“I see.” Nathan paused. “It’s your group, so your labels and your rules, right?”

“Can we expect to see you at the next meeting, or are you one of the LGBTQ cretins?” Claude asked. “We’ll have a seat for you waiting—if you’re straight. Is your family going to accompany you?”

“My family doesn’t live in Cedarwood.”

“Then why are you in Dr. Ellet’s home? Are you related?” Martha asked. “Cousins?”

“I’m his manny,” Nathan said.

“Manny?” they asked in unison.

“Like a nanny, but male.” He could do this all day. If they’d allow themselves to be baited, he’d keep tossing them into the deep.

“Ah, but you’re not his lover?” Claude asked.

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