Page 9 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“I’ll be there.” Henry held on to the soda cup. “I’ve been there a couple times. You’re right—Colt is good people. I like his work with the LGBTQ support group.”

“Then there we go.” Jack stood. “Why don’t we leave together? I’ve got to take that money out and I’d rather have another person there just in case.”

He’d forgotten all about the support group. He’d been invited to join and never found the time. “Sure.” Henry collected his phone and wallet from the office, then waited for Jack.

Once he’d locked up the front door and tucked the bags in his briefcase bag, Jack switched off the lights and tapped the pad to engage the security system. He locked the back door, then nodded toward the parking lot. He walked with Henry in silence to the car.

“Good?” Henry asked. “I’ll wait for you to drive off, then I will.”

“Thanks.”Courteous and concerned?He couldn’t wait for their meet-up that night. “See you later?”

“See you.” Henry dipped his head and stood by his car.

Jack settled behind the wheel and locked the doors. He hated carrying out so much money, but he had someone with him this time. He waved, then drove off. Henry’s smile warmed him to his core. He had a date tonight. A real one. And he hadn’t said no.

Crazy.

* * * *

Late that afternoon, Henry arrived at the diner at half-past five. He wanted to be early. Colt, the owner of the diner, met him at the door.

“Henry, nice to see you.” Colt withdrew a menu. “One? Or are you with someone?”

“I’m meeting someone.” He rocked on his heels. He liked being able to say he wasn’t there alone.

“Nice. A date?” Colt gestured to one of the empty booths. “How about here? It’s quiet.” He directed him to the table. “I’m glad you’re seeing someone. You need a partner.”

“I’d like to think so, but that doesn’t mean anyone is interested.” Henry settled on the bench seat. “Are you going to be our waiter tonight?”

“I am, since it’s slow. What’ll you have?” Colt asked.

“How about some waters? We’ll have a beer, but I want to wait until he gets here.” Henry nodded. “Thanks. Were you slow today?”

“A little more than normal, but it’s nice out and people want to eat in the fresh air. Kind of hard when I don’t open the windows.” Colt left long enough to bring back waters. “We were rocking yesterday, so it was kind of nice to have a slower day. Gave everyone the chance to regroup.”

“I’ll bet.” He waited for Jack and his excitement grew. It’d been so long since he’d dated last—five years. God, he was out of the loop. Was he old? He was lonely.

“Hey, I’ll be right back.” Colt left again. When he returned, he ushered Jack to the table. “I’m going to assume this is your guy. I’ve heard you two have been chatting a lot lately. Gossip.” He shrugged. “It’s not my place.”

“Thanks and don’t sweat it.” Jack sat across from Henry. “How about two beers?”

“Very good.” Colt walked away.

Jack folded his hands around the water glass. “You’re early.”

“I like being early.” The tips of his ears burned. He wasn’t sure what to say. He’d been at the restaurant with Jack all day.Shit.He’d screw this up.

“Don’t apologize.” Jack reached across the table and held Henry’s hand. “Don’t be scared.”

“You can tell?” He sighed to settle his nerves. “I haven’t dated in a while.”

“It’s hard, but I haven’t either.” Jack nodded to him. “Where all have you traveled to? Have you seen Europe?”

“Every country.” This he could discuss. He toyed with the condensation on his glass. “Britain was my favorite. I could travel all over eating fish and chips and not get tired of it.” He chuckled. “London was fun. Lots of nightclubs and shopping. But I enjoyed Scotland, too. Ireland was good. Green like everyone says. Portugal was colorful, too. I could’ve eaten my way across Italy and Spain. France…what can you say? It’s a romantic country.” He caught himself.Romantic? What the hell?He’d broken up with Paul right before he’d gone to Paris. “I liked France, but it’s not as much fun to visit Paris when you’ve just been dumped.”

“I bet not.” Jack rubbed the top of Henry’s hand. “Right before?”

“A week before.” He shouldn’t talk about his ex-boyfriends with the man he’d like to be his current.

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