Page 28 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Henry stretched out beside him. “Sleeping? Already?”

“No.” He tangled up with Henry. He wanted more than anything to ask about the call, but tried to forget he wanted to know. God, he was too nosy for his own good. “We sold out of chili today. I’ll have to get the next batch out of the cooler and make more this weekend. I should restock the foil wraps and the wax paper while I’m at it. We had a rush of to-go orders today, and I’ll bet we have a bunch more tomorrow.”

“Jack.” Henry flattened his palm on Jack’s chest.

“I need to refill the condiment bottles, too.” God. He’d say anything right now to keep his mouth engaged.

“Jack, you’re rambling.” Henry pressed his index finger to Jack’s mouth. “What do you really want to ask? About why I stepped out?”

He kept his mouth shut but tensed. Yes, he wanted to know, but he couldn’t be so blunt.

“Remy emailed, and I called him back.”

“Oh.”Shit.He’d given Remy Nicholas an earful about Charlie. “And?”

“He wants to interview me about that column-writing thing Charlie mentioned.” Henry shrugged. “It’ll be a quick meeting. I’ll let him tell me about the column he wants and let him offer it to me, then I’ll turn him down.”

“You will?” He thought for sure Henry would end up taking the job.

“I’m not writing gossip.” Henry dragged the sheet over them. “I write travel pieces. He can have his offer and his lurid tales—if that’s what he really wants. I’m not that kind of guy.”

Jack nodded to hide his relief. He really needed to stop tensing up over things he couldn’t control and stop jumping to conclusions over things he could.

“I’ll handle the situation with Remy and the paper. Don’t worry about it.” Henry snuggled up to him. “I’m not easily bullied.”

“I know.” He closed his eyes. He couldn’t sleep, but he’d bask in his time with Henry. He understood now why some of his other boyfriends had left him. He got too emotional and impulsive. The guys were probably tired of his rollercoaster emotions. But Henry balanced him more than anyone else. He managed to allay his fears while making him worry more. He cared the most about Henry, too. So much it scared him to his core.

He had to get a hold of himself or he’d ruin things with the best guy to ever happen to him.Just breathe. Everything is fine. You’ve got the one and it’s time you proved it to him and yourself.

Chapter Eight

The next afternoon, Henry closed his notebook and checked his watch. He should leave shortly. He wasn’t looking forward to the meeting with Remy, but he wanted to get the situation with the job offer at the paper settled.

“You’re done?” Jack stood at the end of the counter and removed his plastic gloves. “So soon?”

“Well, I have that appointment to talk to Remy Nicholas today. We’re going to clear up the confusion about that offer to write for the paper. Remember?” He draped his bag across his body, then tossed his cup into the recycling bin. “I’ll be back. Promise. Unless you’re closed by the time I’m done, then I’ll see you at your place.”

“I look forward to what you find out.” Jack tugged him close for a kiss. “Good luck.”

“Don’t need luck. I’ve got you.” He grinned, then waved to Anna. Henry left the shop and strode across the center of town toward the newspaper office. He’d only been there once before to place an ad to sell his bicycle. He stepped into the building and snorted. The cavernous space wasn’t what he remembered.

Remy Nicholas strode across the row of short cubicles and thrust out his hand. “Henry Lord. I’m Remy Nicholas. It’s nice to put a face to the name. I’ve seen your name and photo on the articles you’ve written for other publications.”

“You knew my face and name.” He shook hands with Remy. “But thank you.”

“Welcome.” Remy gestured to the back of the room. “A little different than the last time you were here.”

“You opened the space up.” He waited for Remy to direct him where they were to go to have this meeting.

“It was too closed in.” Remy shrugged. “I liked the openness when we had to knock down walls to downsize, so when I took over the paper, I kept it open. It’s easier for the handful of reporters to contact each other across the room, gives us space for the toy drive at Christmas and the food drive in the summer, so I’m happy.”

“Good deal.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “About that offer…”

“Yes. Let’s go to the conference room.” Remy directed him to the back of the room to another area. “In here. It’s quiet.”

“Sure.” He joined Remy in the conference space. Remy gestured to one of the seats and Henry sat across from him.

“So, the deal with the column. Let me first apologize for Charlie. His zeal gets him into trouble. Second, what I meant for the column was this. We have a celebrity in town, and it would be a boost for the paper to have you write for us. What would you write? Say there’s a happening in town—a gallery opening or an author is visiting the local writers’ group…or a luncheon or something. That’s what you’d cover. Chatter about Cedarwood with its interesting places and things to do. I want your take on this town.”

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