Page 32 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“He does,” Jack said. “Did he pull something?”

“He told a huge lie to cause trouble. Said Jordan had been thrown off the force.” Colin shook his head. “Jordan can be stubborn, but he’s not that bad.”

“We’re all that way.” He had his moments. “Why’d Charlie do it?”

“It never came out. His lies aren’t that elaborate,” Colin said. “But enough to get tongues wagging. He said something about you?”

“Told Henry I’d been involved with someone at the shop. It was an ex and the visit went pear-shaped fast.”

“Ouch.”

Jack shrugged. “Henry and I are working on things. We’re both set in our ways, a little mistrusting and cautious, but in over our heads, too. I really like him.”

“I heard he works with you at the shop now.”

“He’s my cashier,” Jack said. Pride swelled in his chest. “It brought us together.”

“Great. How about that job offer with the paper? I heard Remy’s really into it.”

“That’s all between him and Henry,” Jack said. “But I hope Henry does it. He’s a gifted writer.”

Colin bowed his head. “I’m glad you’re here. You’re a great member of the community and addition to the group—both of you.”

“Thanks. I though you all didn’t need me down here. You don’t, but it’s nice to have a place to belong.” Why did admitting all that seem so monumental?

“We’re a stronger community when we work together,” Colin said. “And we always need one another.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Why would you think we wouldn’t want you in the group?”

“I’m old compared to some here. I don’t have kids and I don’t want them…I’m always busy.” He shrugged to hide his nervousness. “And Tab was part. I figured he did to this group what he’s done to others we ran with—cut me out and talked shit.”

“Tab?” Colin laughed. “I’m sorry, but really? He’s a terrible reason to stay away. You do know he showed up, tried to get in Farin’s pants, came on to Ashley and threw himself at a couple other guys? He also thought it was a dating pool. When he struck out, he left.”

He’d been afraid of nothing.Jesus.He’d kept another secret from Henry, too.

“Don’t sweat it. We’ve all made mistakes and we’re all a little scared.” Colin clapped him on the back. “Besides, Henry must really like you. He keeps looking over at us.”

He tensed. Was it a good look? Why was he worried?

“I haven’t seen such hunger in my life—except when Jordan looks at me.” Colin laughed again. “Go get him.”

“Thanks.” Relief washed over him. He feared too much. Henry was right—they needed to forget the past and move on. He joined Henry in another group of people. Henry introduced him and he felt like part of a real couple. This thing he’d started with Henry was meant to last.

After an hour, Henry tapped Jack on the shoulder. “Are you ready to go?”

“It’s been a long day.” He held Henry’s hand. “Thanks for suggesting tonight.”

“Welcome.”

“Why don’t you drive?” Once they were in the car, Jack stared straight ahead. He had to tell Henry why he’d been hesitant. “I was afraid to come.” He had to lay his soul bare. “My ex-boyfriend was a member, and I was afraid he’d ruined my reputation to all those people.”

“And?” Henry backed out of the parking spot. “You blew it all up in your mind, making it more than it was, didn’t you?”

“How’d you guess?” He palmed Henry’s thigh.

“I know you. When you’re extra nervous or scared, you tend to worry yourself into a frenzy.” Henry drove across town to Jack’s house. “I sort of expected something like this when I suggested the group, and you put up a fight.”

“You still pushed.” He stayed in his seat although Henry had parked. “You knew—maybe not the truth, but you knew something.”

“Because I know you. We’re scared but we’re good together.” Henry reached across the console. “No one told me about anything from your past or what happened, but I had a feeling.”

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