Page 4 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“The Coalition. If you weren’t yourself, I wouldn’t mention it, but they’ll figure it out. They aren’t wild about gays in town. Even if you’re not out, they’ll be watching. They have the best gaydar I’ve ever seen.”

“What do they do?” He’d dealt with paparazzi and could handle the Coalition. No sweat.

“They’ll leave threatening letters, write nasty things in the letters to the editor section of the paper, they’ve been known to attack…they’ve tried to run at least four people out of town.” Arthur paused. “If you want company, there’s a support group.”

“Oh? Is it code for something?”Like an underground gay bar?

“It’s for single gay people with and without children. They talk, commiserate and support each other. It might be a good place for you to go if you want to research.”

Huh.He’d sworn Arthur was going to talk about a gay bar. “You’d tell me about that, even though I shouldn’t get attached? Won’t I forge relationships if I’m going to a support group?”

“You know where you stand with me. They’re my friends. Hands off, but be polite. Be a friend. Just don’t think they’ll want to hang around you if you’re an asshole from Hollywood.”

“Well, okay.” He wandered through the ground floor of the home. He’d rather have the whole house, but he’d take what he could get. He nodded at a door in the middle of the hallway. “Does this go to the other side?”

“It did. The former owners had this as one dwelling for a few months, but opted to return it to a duplex. You can go through the door, but I’d ask the neighbors first.”

“I will.” He left the door alone. “I’m going to take a look upstairs.”

“By all means.” Arthur remained in the living room. He fiddled with his phone.

Liam ascended the stairs to the second level of the home. An odd feeling washed over him. He could see himself living there. Not just living, but having a life and future there. What was he thinking? He wasn’t a small-town guy. He needed action and noise. But he did like the house. The smaller bedroom featured blue walls and a white bookshelf built into the corner.Must’ve been a kid’s room, he figured. A mirror was still on the ceiling in the master bedroom. He’d bet that mirror had witnessed more than a few fun times.

“Well?” Arthur stood in the doorway. “What do you think?”

“I’ll take it.” He grinned. “My journey starts here.”

“For the agreed price?”

“Yes.” He didn’t bother to hesitate or haggle. Why? He wanted to live here. He offered his hand. “Do we go to your place to sign or what?”

“We can.” Arthur switched the lights off and followed Liam to the ground floor. “You’ll find Cedarwood is a nice place. We have the swim complex, trails for running, fitness centers in the community center and the Metropark…there are ballfields and a concert series each spring and summer in the park. The schools are fantastic.” He locked up the house. “Since you’re deciding to stay and you’re playing the role of small-town guy, don’t play us.”

Liam nodded. He appreciated Arthur’s forthright approach. “I understand.” Some movies played small-town folks as simpletons. Cedarwood might run at a slower pace, but that didn’t mean they were any less sophisticated. He walked with Arthur to the purple Victorian. Upon second viewing, the house wasn’t so gaudy. More like unique. He strolled past his rental car. “Do you get many strangers to town?”

“Seems like we grow a little each day.” Arthur waved. “Come in. People like Cedarwood.”

Liam gasped as he stepped into the foyer of the home. He hadn’t expected such a plush interior. Whoever had decorated the place—Cary Grant, as Arthur had mentioned—had done a good job. Money had been invested and the pieces were cohesive in the space. He stood at the farmhouse table with Arthur. “Don’t you need the seller to come by?” He’d like to meet the person he was renting from anyway.

“I do. Colin and Jordan will be here in ten minutes.” Arthur pulled papers from the manila folder. “Are you planning on having any pets?”

“I hadn’t thought about it.” Until an hour ago, he hadn’t been sure he wanted tobein Cedarwood, let alone have a pet. “Maybe, why?”

“There’s an extra deposit.” Arthur met Liam’s gaze. “Want it thrown in?”

“Yes.” He wasn’t sure why he’d said that. He wasn’t committed to having a dog or cat. “Throw it in.” The character might have a dog and it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. For all he knew, the character would have multiple pets.

“Will do.” Arthur paused, then shook his head. “Okay. When they get here, we’ll sign the papers. Are you thirsty? Want a water? Brandy? Beer?”

“Water. Thank you.” He sat on the bench and folded his hands on his lap. He’d do this. He’d see this through. Dogs, rental homes, futures…Christ.He didn’t belong in Cedarwood. No role was good enough for this. He wasn’t cut out for quiet.

Arthur returned to the room with two glasses of water. His phone beeped. “Shoot. Sorry. It’s my brother.”

“You’re fine.” He sipped the water. It was odd how something as simple as water could be fancy—he was used to the overpriced purified triple-filtered stuff in a bottle. This wasn’t the same and he liked the taste. He smacked his lips. If he stayed, he’d have to get used to the unique water.

“Stone…wait. I’m conducting business. Give me an hour and I’ll be over. Yes.” Arthur put the phone down and blushed. “My half-brother. He dumps his cash into the shelter and when he gets overwhelmed, he stops over here.”

“Shelter?”

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