Page 11 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Henry had finished eating by the time Jack returned to the table. With his belly full, his heart light and the stress evaporated, he couldn’t wait to get out of the diner. He left a tip and walked away from the table.

Jack held his hand out to Henry. “Let’s stroll.”

“Sure.” He fell into step with Jack. “The diner isn’t so bad, but the ambience isn’t the same as at your shop. I like the frenetic feeling.”

“I’m glad you do.” Jack chuckled. “I know Cedarwood and my shop aren’t that exciting, but they’re good places. This is my home… Would you believe I’m afraid to fly? I’m claustrophobic, too.”

“I’d never have guessed, but I’m not wild about flying either,” Henry said. “Isn’t that funny? A traveler who doesn’t like to fly?” The cooler early evening air swirled around them. The leaves rustled on the trees and birds sang. Music played on speakers strategically placed in the awnings of the shops.

“Do you love living here?” Henry asked. “You sort of alluded to it.”

“I do. It’s quiet and now that the Coalition slowed down, it’s nicer,” Jack said. “For a while, it seemed like the anti-gay group was out to kick anyone they didn’t like out of town. Colt was assaulted. Colin had his business defaced. A couple other businesses were messed with. A guy on the baseball team was outted in the media, if I remember. I could be wrong how it happened, but he was outted.” He shook his head. “I wish people understood we’re all people.”

“I know. It’s hard when there’s fear. We fear what we don’t know and instead of learning about stuff, people hold on to that panic.” He walked with Jack. “Was there any reason you decided against kids?” he asked. “I’m not a kid person. I don’t like traveling with kids and I keep such a strange schedule that having a small person isn’t conducive.”

“Having a kid never really appealed to me,” Jack said. “The shop is enough of a spouse, child and angry lover. I don’t need the extra complication.”

Makes sense.

“I see the people with kids and know that works for them. It doesn’t for me and that’s okay,” Jack said. “My sister had kids, but she didn’t like that I came out, so I never got to meet them. I tried, but she wasn’t open to letting me talk to them. They’re older now—sixteen and eighteen—but I’m scared to reach out to them on social media. I doubt my sister refers to me ever.”

“They’re all missing out.” Henry leaned into Jack. “You’re a good man, too. I’m glad I know you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He noticed their surroundings. They’d returned to the diner. “I had a good time tonight. I’m glad you met with me…again.”

“I enjoyed myself. I’m glad you asked me.” Jack held Henry’s hand and paused. “Are you available next week? Like Thursday through Saturday again?”

“You need me to work.” He really hoped Jack wasn’t being nice to him because he needed a body at the shop.

“Please?”

“Sure.” He lingered and hoped Jack would say something about liking the night and not coming just to ask for labor. “Text me?”

“Or I’ll see you Tuesday when I open.” Jack stayed with him, but said nothing.

“I might be there.” He couldn’t gauge Jack’s expression. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

“No.” Jack squeezed Henry’s fingers. “I didn’t go out with you tonight just because I wanted you to come to the shop.” He hesitated. “Are you available for another date? I’d like to see you again without the shop involved.”

“Not at the shop?” He hadn’t been dreaming. Jack wanted another date with him.

“In the wild.” Jack’s eyes flashed.

“I would like to go out with you again, yes. I’m willing to work for you, too.” He wanted to kiss Jack, but he wasn’t sure if Jack wanted that, as well. Why was he wondering when he could be taking the lead? He kissed Jack. The moment his lips touched Jack’s, his entire body tingled. The kiss, though short, was everything he’d imagined and more. The slight scruff on Jack’s cheeks abraded his skin and the softness of his lips imprinted on Henry’s memory. There was a tenderness and sweetness to the kiss, but a raw need, too.

Jack broke the kiss first. “Henry.”

“Good?” Was he being too forward?

“Very good.” Jack held tighter to Henry’s hand. “Want to barbecue at my place? Not hot dogs but real barbecue?”

“Sure.”

“How about tomorrow at seven? I’ll text you the address.” Jack brushed his fingers across Henry’s chest, then lingered on his pecs. “Yes?”

“Yes.” He looked forward to the text.

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