Page 30 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

He had plans with Jack, but why not visit the community center? It might do them good. Jack could wear one of his hot dog shop shirts and do a bit of advertising. “I’ll let you know,” Henry said and stood. “Thanks.”

“I appreciate it. You’ll enjoy yourself.” Remy stood, then walked him out of the room to the front of the newspaper building. “I do hope you consider the column. You’ll be great.”

“I’ll consider it.” After he talked to Jack. “Thanks, Remy.”

“Welcome. See you tonight.” Remy waved.

Henry nodded. “See you.” He checked his watch, then headed to the shop. Jack had closed for the day by now, but he should still be there. When he reached Jack’s block, he noticed the lights were out and the sign turned around. Still, he marched up to the door.

Jack appeared before he could knock. He opened the door. “Hey you. I didn’t think you’d get back here so fast. How’d the meeting go?”

“Hi,” Henry said. “It was good.” He ducked into the shop. “Need help cleaning up?”

“I’m doing the books. Everything else is done.” Jack gestured to the table. “Sit. I want to hear about the meeting.”

“Did you call Remy?” He had to know.

Jack sank onto the chair. “I did. I overstepped I’m sure, but I couldn’t stand by while the paper wrote hit pieces.”

“I understand.” At least Jack was being honest—now.

“Did it get you into trouble?” Jack asked. “It wasn’t my intention.”

“It wasn’t the best thing you could do, but we all know what you meant.” Henry sat across from him. “The paper shouldn’t write hit pieces, as you called them.”

“Exactly. Charlie’s presentation was awful.”

“I addressed that with Remy.”

“Good.” Jack closed the ledger. “So?”

“The meeting went well. I’m debating taking the job. It’s good money and as steady as I want,” Henry said. “Not writing about people, but doing more of a feature and something with my thoughts.”

“Oh.” Jack leaned back in his chair.

“It’s not as bad as it seems,” Henry said. He appreciated Jack’s enthusiastic need to protect him. He wanted to do the same for Jack. “Remy invited us to the support group. It’d be good for us.”

“Henry.” Jack crooked his eyebrow. “Really?”

“We either love or argue and we don’t get out beyond the shop. Our friends will be there.” Henry shrugged. “Don’t you want to go? It might be nice to see other couples in the wild.”

“You don’t…” Jack stopped. “Sorry. I’m getting defensive.” He paused. “Because I’m afraid.”

“Of what?” He held Jack’s hand. “It’s just people we know getting together to support one another.”

“I’m afraid you’ll realize there are better choices out there than me.” Jack shook his head. “Sorry.”

“I’m not the other guys you’ve known.”

“I know and that’s why I’m afraid. We’re good together. You respect me and you treat me like a partner. It’s…you’re everything I wanted in a man,” Jack said.

“You’re scared we’ll crash and burn.”

“The others didn’t last.”

“I’m not the others and just because we’re with other couples doesn’t mean I’m on the prowl. I’m not. Trust me. Even if we get split up—I have no idea how they do these things—I’m coming back to you. Always. I know it’s hard to trust me, but please try.”

Jack stared at him a moment, then narrowed his eyes and sighed. “It would be nice to see other people outside of the shop.”

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