Page 56 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Oh?” This time, Mr. Vale looked at him. “How so?”

“Mr. Mulhenney expected forty-hour weeks even when we didn’t have games. Cleaning, sanitizing, paperwork, whatever. He wanted us here no matter what and I’d like to enjoy my break. It’s up to your rules, but that’s my thought.”

“You went above and beyond today, like everyone else. The facility is closed tomorrow, save for the custodial staff, so enjoy your day off,” Mr. Vale said. “You don’t need to be here.”

“Thank you.” He sighed with relief.A day off without strings. Nice.

“Oh, I’ve heard you’re friends with Kyle Beglin,” Mr. Vale said. “Are you?”

“I was.”

“Were you close?”

“We were for a time, but not any longer.”

“Ah.” Mr. Vale placed the paperwork aside on his desk. “So you know, since it’ll be going around the building in the gossip, I fired him. He wasn’t spending the promotional money on the team, but rather on himself. We ran the numbers and they weren’t adding up—turns out he’d claimed his clothing and food expenses as team promotion. That’s not how I work here.” He shook his head. “When questioned, he had the audacity to say you’d encouraged him to mishandle the funds. You’d sullied his reputation.”

Oh God.“I did? How?” He’d barely talked to Kyle once they split.

“That doesn’t matter. I asked everyone I could think of to give me their thought on the situation and no one had an unkind word to say about you. No one mentioned a thing to back up Mr. Beglin’s story.”

“Good?” He wasn’t sure what to say.

“I’m told you have a degree in advertising. Have you thought about applying for the promotional job?” Mr. Vale asked. “Would you be happier in promotion?”

“I like working in the concessions and food services aspect here at the stadium. My thoughts on promotions would be better there, than at a desk.” Kevin laced his fingers together. “I’m not good at talking to the public unless I’m selling food. Sorry.”

“Fair enough and understood. How about Mr. Shaun Fallows?” Mr. Vale asked. “I’m told he might be good in that position. Is he looking for a new job?”

“I don’t think so. He’s working for theTribuneand we’ve worked with him on special sections for the paper. We’ve got one of their four-page inserts free at all the entrances,” Kevin said. “I doubt he’s looking for a new job.”

“Think you could convince him to try us?”

“I can’t speak for him and you’d have to ask, but I know he’s happy at theTribune.”

“Fair enough.” Mr. Vale stood. “Enjoy your evening and tomorrow off. You deserve it. I’ve sent a plan for the rest of the season to you and we’ll have a meeting Friday about off-season promotions. I’m thinking about doing something with movie nights or a holiday lights family walk-through. We’ve got the tarps to cover the field, so nothing will get ruined, but we’ve got to use the park for something outside the games.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something, but the lights thing sounds good.” Kevin nodded. “Maybe work it with the town to have a big festival of lights and a tour around town? They haven’t done that in years. Remember?”

“I do.” Mr. Vale’s eyes lit up. “That is a great idea. Thank you.”

“Welcome. See you Friday.” Kevin left the office. He had nothing to do for a whole day. No surprise demands for him to come in, no last-minute clean-ups…he could veg out or get a long run in. Could spend time with Shaun, too.Holy shit.They could look at houses together, too.

The thought warmed his heart.

If someone had asked him a year ago if he’d be this happy, he would’ve laughed.

He left the facility and climbed behind the wheel of his car, then drove home. He wasn’t sure what to make for Shaun. He wasn’t the greatest cook—hot dogs and nachos weren’t exactly grand fare. Did he have much in the fridge?Cat food…He parked in his spot at the apartment and left the vehicle.

“Hi, stranger.” Shaun walked up to him. “Good game?”

“Very.” He locked his car. “You’re here. Rough meeting?”

“Very.”

“What happened?” He wanted to kiss Shaun, but was unsure if it was the right move.

“I’ll tell you upstairs while we wait for the pizza to arrive.” Shaun threaded his arm around Kevin’s and started walking. “I know you said you’d cook, but we’re both tired and pizza is faster, plus, there’s no clean-up. Well, not much,” he said. “I ordered when I saw your car pull in.”

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