Page 34 of Cedarwood Manny

“I don’t have another job for you, but what if you looked for another practice? I hear Springdale is looking for dentists.” She toyed with her purse. “You’re not welcome here. You’re encouraging others to be like you.”

“How so?” He wanted to hear this answer.

“They think it’s permissible.”

“What? Who are the they you’re referring to?” Adrien asked. “I’d never prohibit anyone from wanting to become a father, a dentist…a husband.”

“To be gay,” she snapped. “Consider closing your half of the practice and leaving town. We want Cedarwood to be family-friendly.”

“I see.” He nodded once. “I’ll take that into consideration, but I’ll let you know I’m declining.”

“You’re not listening.”

“I hear everything you say, but I’m not agreeing. That’s different.”

“Then things won’t be pleasant for you.”

He hooked his fingers in his belt loops. “I don’t know how. My patients know who I am and that I’m gay. If they care, they aren’t saying. If I were doing anything illegal, the police would be on this place in seconds, so that’s not an issue.” He shook his head. “No, I’m not afraid. You can’t throw any hate my way that’s not already been thrown. You can’t speak to my son because you have no right. You’re not welcome on my personal property, so that’s out of the question. If you’re going to scare patients away, then don’t bother. I’m transparent in my practices.”

“You haven’t heard the last of this.” She turned on her heel. “We’re not done.”

“Ma’am? Why don’t you expel this energy you’ve pent up on something to help all of society? Not just your corner, but everyone? Stop trying to get rid of people you don’t like and embrace everyone. We all bleed the same. We’re all trying to be the best parents and family we can. Hate can’t win. If you look into your heart, you’ll realize we’re not all that different.”

“Oh yes we are.” She slammed the office door and left.

“Wow,” Mary said. “What’s eating her?”

“She wants me to leave town. I won’t, but that’s what she wants.”

“I’m proud of you.” She stood at the receptionist window. “You held your own. Good job.”

“I’m tired of other people trying to tell me how to live my life.” Gerry had expected him to accept the cheating. His parents didn’t want him to be gay. The men he’d dated had preferred he be more flamboyant. Now this woman wanted him to leave town.What next?“This is my home.” He locked the office door, then headed through the office to the back of the building. “I’m ready to go. It’s been a long day.”

“Agreed.” She followed him to the back door. “You know what we need? A pride flag. I know Michael would agree to it.”

“Why?” He held up both hands after he locked the rear entrance. “I agree with you, but what’s your rationale? Everyone knows I’m gay.”

“Right, but if we have a flag, then it’s obvious we’re friendly to everyone.” She strode into the break-room and retrieved her purse. “Maybe it’d prevent the Coalition from stopping in again. They might see the flag and say, okay this is a lost cause. Then go away?”

“I’ll make sure Michael is okay with the decision, but I agree. I doubt it’ll deter them, but who knows.” He set the alarm. “You’re ready to go?”

“I am.”

He gathered up his things from his office. Once Mary was out of the building, he checked the back door, then headed to his car. Bone-deep weariness set in. He needed to see Kyle and Nathan. To taste Nathan’s kiss. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You bet.” Mary waved, then opened her driver’s side door. “What are you doing tonight?”

“I’m not sure. Supper with the boys, then a game, probably.” He placed his bag on the back seat. “You?”

“The boys?” She grinned. “You’re getting close to the manny?”

“Nathan.”

“Well?” She cocked her hip. “I hope you’re on more than a first-name basis.” She waggled her eyebrows. “You’re happier than I’ve seen you in a long time. You’re smiling more and there’s a spring in your step.”

“We’re sorting things out.” But the more he spent time with Nathan, the more he wanted to be closer.

“Good.” She waved. “I’m going to put my feet up, listen to Bruce chew out the kids for half an hour, then make supper and help the kids with homework. See you in the morning.”

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