Page 31 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Chapter Seven

Liam headed home long enough to shower, shave and change his clothes. He’d come to Cedarwood to write and observe. It was high time he did some observing. He’d learned a few things during his time at the gym and watched many of the people at the Metropark, but he wanted a better feel for the folks in town. His thoughts turned to the role and Stone. He wondered if Champ was okay.

He also wanted another of Stone’s kisses.

He drove across Cedarwood to the diner and parked. He grabbed his messenger bag. When he went inside the building, he stopped at the hostess stand. A man stood behind the podium.

“Hi,” Liam said. “A table for one?”

“Very good,” the man said. “Welcome to the Cedarwood diner. I’m Colt, the proprietor. Let me get you a table. This way.” He pulled a menu from the holder and directed Liam to a booth by the window. “We’re featuring crepes today. Blueberry and strawberry. Would you like a water? Coffee?”

“Coffee and water would be great. Thanks.” He accepted the menu. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks.” Colt’s grin widened. “I’ll be right back.”

Liam settled on the bench seat and opened his bag. He moved the script aside and withdrew his notebook. He’d wondered if he’d find local color at the diner and he’d been right. He wanted to incorporate a character like Colt into the movie. A sweet, chatty guy who would be peripheral, but very much there. He snorted.Someone like Colt should be Ned’s love interest.

No…Stone should be.

He looked over the menu. Crepes did sound good. Was he still supposed to be on a diet? He hadn’t worked out in four days and needed to get back to the gym. He wouldn’t gain that much if he indulged in crepes one day and if he ran later, he’d be fine.

A red-haired woman with a snake tattoo peeking out from under her T-shirt sleeve approached the table. “What would you like? Colt let me know you’re having coffee.” She placed the cup on the table. “I’ll bring your water once you place your order.” She tapped her pad. “We have the breakfast special—two eggs, taters, toast and meat of your choice.”

Meat of his choice?Stone.He bit back a chuckle. He couldn’t say that. “I’d like two blueberry crepes, please. Oh, and a cup of fruit. Thank you.” He handed her the menu.

“Sure.” She jotted notes on the pad. “Regular coffee, right? I wanted to top you off with the right octane.”

He laughed. “Regular, yeah.” If nothing else, she amused him.

“Sugar and creamers are on the table. I’ll be right back with your water.” She left him alone again.

He returned to his notebook and added notes about Colt and the diner. He had no business suggesting changes to the movie or wanting to make it an LGBTQ film. Ned wasn’t meant to have a gay relationship. The studio had wanted a sweet heterosexual romance and probably weren’t ready for a gay romance.Too bad.The story would be just as sweet if Ned were gay.

The waitress returned with the water. “Your order will be out soon. Do you need anything else?”

“I’m good. Thanks.” He sipped his coffee. His thoughts filled with his interactions with Donnie, Amy, Jake…and Stone. He focused on the man who fascinated him. He wanted to get to know Stone. Things were still touchy, but they were going in the right direction.

“Excuse me.” A man sat opposite him in the booth. “Hi. I hear you’re new in town.”

“Do I know you?” He closed his notebook. Unless Arthur had started telling everyone who he was, no one should care if he was new in town. What if he were just passing through and had decided to stop at the diner for breakfast?

“I heard you’re new and I wanted to say hi. I’m part of the welcoming committee. My name is Devin. Welcome to Cedarwood,” Devin said. He stuck out his hand. “You’re writing? Are you a writer?”

He stared at Devin, but shook his hand. Was he being watched, had Arthur spilled more beans or was this guy that pushy?

“Are you published?” Devin asked.

“No.” He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He’d dealt with the paparazzi, but this guy was a new form of intrusive. “Does it matter if I’m published or not?”

Devin grinned. “I’ve always wanted to write a book,” he said. “Where do you work?”

“I’m sorry. Did someone send you to my table? This is strange,” Liam said. “I’m just here for breakfast.”

“Well, I am here to welcome you and invite you to our group meetings.” Devin slid a piece of paper over to Liam. “Here’s the information.”

“Oh, the LGBTQ support group, thanks.” He looked down at the sheet. The description wasn’t for the LGBTQ group. “Oh.” The Coalition. “Sorry.”

“We’re notthatgroup.” Devin pointed to the paper. “We’re friendly neighbors encouraging interaction in town. We welcome everyone, but ask you keep your affections to yourself.”

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