Page 32 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“So don’t act gay with the group?” He fought the urge to roll his eyes.

“Well, yes.” Devin folded his hands. “We’ll gladly help you if you’d like to discuss conversion.”

“As in conversion therapy?” He laughed out loud. “I never thought you’d say that.” He so needed to add this to his notebook.

“We’re helpful.” Devin tensed. “He can’t remove me this time.” He turned back to Liam. “I’m allowed to be here. It’s a public place.”

“Huh?” He noticed Colt striding across the dining room. “Oh.”

“What are you doing?” Colt asked. “You’ll drive away my customers.”

“Those people shouldn’t eat here. Your gayness will rub off and taint them,” Devin said. “I’m welcoming this gentleman to town. No harm intended.”

“By offering conversion therapy? Jesus Christ,” Liam said. “How I conduct my life isn’t your business, but even if it was, I wouldn’t take you up on that kind of activity.”

Colt pointed to the door. “Go.” Once Devin left the table and exited the building, Colt returned to the table. “I’m so sorry.”

The waitress arrived with Liam’s breakfast. “I got this, boss. Take care of him.” She set the plates on the table. “Good gravy. I’m sorry. That guy comes in so often to recruit people to their group. He tried to get me to join until he found out I’m a lesbian.” She shrugged. “Want me to warm up your coffee?”

“In a bit.” His mouth watered as he gazed at his food. “This looks delicious.”

“It is. I love the crepes, but my hips don’t,” she said. “I’ll leave you to your breakfast. Don’t be surprised if Colt comes by again.”

He ignored his notebook and devoured the crepes. He’d never had anything so tasty in his life. Was the food really that great or was it the sense of belonging making him feel better about himself? He savored every bite, then dug into his fruit. While he let his breakfast settle, he returned to his notebook. The Coalition was so silly. If someone wanted to consider conversion therapy, that was their decision and not a public one. Besides, conversion therapy wasn’t a guarantee.

Devin had to be one of the people Stone had warned him about.

Colt arrived at the table. “Hi. I’m sorry again about the intrusion. He’s not supposed to be in the building. I called the police because he’s not leaving the property.”

“I’m okay. He offered awkward conversation, but I’ve dealt with worse, so no big deal.” He closed his notebook again. “How long have you owned the diner?”

“Me? Ten years.” Colt sank onto the bench seat Devin had abandoned. “Why?”

“I’m researching small towns and the people in them.” He sipped his lukewarm coffee. “Does Devin interrupt customers often?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I’ve thrown him out, but he comes back,” Colt said. “What did he offer besides therapy?”

“He welcomed me.”

“Ah and wanted you to join their group?”

“Yeah. I thought it was the LGBTQ one. Wrong.”

“Did he freak?”

“Sure did, but it was muted.”

Colt nodded. “I don’t know or care if you’re gay. We welcome everyone to Cedarwood and in my diner. My partner and I want people to come here because they want good food, not a sermon. If you’re interested in meeting people, then visit the inclusive group. We have our meetings every second and fourth Friday in the month.”

“I’ll come to the next one.”

“Very good,” Colt said. He knocked on the table. “When you get your bill, I’m taking twenty percent off.”

“Don’t sweat it.” He didn’t want special treatment.

“Huh? I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want a discount.”

“I pay my share. He interrupted me, but it’s all part of my research. I minded his pushiness and his intrusive questions.” He shook his head. The questions might not be intrusive to other people, but in his situation, he wanted to keep things quiet.

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