Page 33 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“Like?”

“My job. He told me not to act gay if I went to their meetings. Thought I was a published author because I have a notebook.” Liam sighed. “I’m just writing notes and passing the time.”

“He’s being nosy,” Colt said. “Look, don’t let the Coalition bother you. They like to intrude and I can’t say they’re harmless. I was attacked, but the best I can tell you is to keep your head up. If you cower, they win.”

“Stone mentioned the group did violent things.”Christ.He’d hoped Stone had exaggerated.

“Stone McCarthy?”

“The same.”

“I love him. He convinced Ash and me to adopt Louie. It was the best decision ever. We only had him for a few months, but it was worth every second. We gave him a loving home for his senior months. I wish he’d have been around longer—when we brought him home, he was like a pup again.”

“Aw.” He needed to add this story to his notebook, too. Something Colt said stuck with him. He loved Stone.Doesn’t everyone?But Colt had a partner, so there was that. His jealousy could take a hike.

“Yeah, we’re talking about getting another dog. I guess we should.” Colt grinned. “You’ve convinced me. How do you know Stone?”

“Arthur helped me get the rental house.” He nodded. “He also said I should stay away from his brother.”

“Which meant you ran right into him.” Colt winked. “I know how that goes. The one you’re supposed to stay away from is the one you end up with.”

“Something like that,” Liam said. “Arthur meant well and if you need a property, he’s the guy.”

“Agreed,” Colt said. “Did you need anything else?”

“I’m good. I wanted to write a bit, then I’ll give up my table.”

“Nope, enjoy.” Colt left him to his writing.

He’d never be able to add characters to the movie, but what if he wrote his own? He’d written plenty of other things. Maybe, with the right guidance, he could pen his own screenplay. It was possible.

Two hours passed as he added his ideas to his notebook. He noticed the lunch crowd filtering in.Shit.He should go. He’d promised Big Orange he’d buy supplies to bring the cat home. He left a twenty on the table for the tip, then packed up his notebook. He checked to be sure his script was still with him, then headed to the register to pay his bill. “Thank you. I’m sorry I used the table for so long.”

“No problem.” Colt handed over his change. “We’re glad to have you. Come back.”

“I will and I’ll bring Stone.” He pocketed the change.

“Do that. Come to one of the group meetings, too. You’ll be glad you did.” Colt waved.

“I will.” He waved, then left. When he strode out to his SUV, he stopped short in the parking lot. Someone had scrawled the words FAG, GAY, FAKE, ACTOR and GET OUT on his windows.What the hell? Why my car?He wasn’t in school any longer, but the whole incident felt very high-schoolish.

“Well, shit.” He headed back into the diner.

Colt was still at the stand. “Back so soon?” He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to call the police and I wanted to do it from in here. My SUV was vandalized. Do you have security footage?” Liam asked.

“We do and Officer Hargrove will be back for lunch. He should be here any second.” Colt nodded. “Right on time. Hey, Jordan?”

Officer Hargrove approached and waved. Liam recognized him. “Jordan,” Liam said. “I forgot you’re a cop.”

“Mr. Black.” Jordan shook hands with him, then Colt. “What’s wrong?”

“I need the police,” Liam said. “My SUV was defaced.”

Jordan nodded and grabbed his radio. “Let’s look. I don’t doubt you, but I want to gauge the situation.”

“I’ll get the security footage,” Colt said.

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