Page 20 of Embracing James

“I’d love that.”

“Good.” Paul kissed him again. “Until tomorrow.”

“Until tomorrow.” He watched Paul leave. He and Paul needed to slow things down, but he liked their pacing and wanted more. He’d seen Paul in a new light and wasn’t ready to stop.

He could fall hard for this man.

Maybe he already had.

Chapter Six

Paul texted James the next day and apologized for not being able to visit him at the salon. He hated letting James down, but some disasters required handling in person.

Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, he helped to serve two eviction notices and met up with a couple who were six months behind in their rent. He appreciated their honesty and opted to give them another chance. He also helped set the wife up with a job in his office as a secretary.

He assessed a building for potential purchase as a set of apartments, then met with his bookkeeper to discuss James’ suggestion for the LGBTQ center. He knew nothing about running such a place, but the current facility in Norville was a ranch house on First Avenue. Once he talked with his bookkeeper about his ability to buy such a building, he met with the director of the current one, Tad Cummins, about upgrading.

“You really want to help?” Tad scrubbed his face with his hand. “How much community service do you have to complete? Or who are you trying to impress? We never get help simply from the kindness of someone’s heart. There’s always a catch.”

“Come again?” He sat at the table with Tad and couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

“No one volunteers to help me without wanting something in return or to help their own situation,” Tad said. “My kids are seen as trouble. They get kicked out of their own homes, abandoned by their parents and belittled. They’re brittle, fragile and tough, but a lot of them are one push away from going off. If you’re not for real, then don’t waste my time.”

“I’m not trying to impress anyone or looking for a tax write-off,” Paul said. “I was one of those kids and I’d like to help them.”

“You’re part of the community?” Tad narrowed his eyes. “I never would’ve guessed. Not that it’s mine to question. I’m sorry. That was uncalled for to say anything.”

“It’s all right. I expected you to be suspicious,” Paul said. “Most are. The truth is, I came out in college, but my mother caught me wearing her makeup when I was fourteen. She said she needed me to not be gay and to not touch her things. It hurt because she’d tell me I wasn’t the son she’d expected. She still isn’t happy with me. Doesn’t matter.”

“Yeah, it does.” Tad grasped Paul’s hand. “That’s not fair, but you’re here, so that helps.”

“It does.” He liked being able to talk about his past with someone who understood. Then again, James would understand. He just hadn’t told him yet. “When I was seventeen, I started my own business buying and selling property. I bought two houses at an auction and with a credit card. Sad, really, but I maintained them and when I rented one out, I used the other as a refuge until I rented it, too. I still own them and I like helping people, so it’s a good fit. As for the center and helping you, that was my boyfriend’s idea, but it’s a great one. Do you know James Mason?”

“I do.” Tad chuckled. “He gives the kids free haircuts and teaches them how to use product. He’s a good man and helps me a lot. Does he still have the dog?”

“Doob?”

“That’s the one.” Tad brightened. “So you’re serious?”

“If I can help one kid have a safe place to go, then I’ll be happy.”

“Do you have building suggestions?” Tad asked.

“I thought I’d discuss that with you first. You know your needs and probably have a list of places you’d like to try to go,” Paul said. “I’m more in tune with finances, but if you give me a few suggestions, we can see what fits. This is your shelter to run.”

Tad rapped his knuckles on the table. “Youareserious.”

“I am.” He wouldn’t have gone to this much trouble if he weren’t.

“We looked at properties two years ago. We’d been in the basement of the old St. Mark’s church, but the owner didn’t want riff-raff hanging around.” Tad sighed. “He turned it into an apartment building.”

“I know. I tried to buy it for that reason, too. I got beat out, but I ended up buying the theater instead, so it worked out.” Paul smiled and laced his fingers together. “I got James in the deal.”

“Sounds like.” Tad picked at his ring. “So, after we got kicked out, we moved the shelter here because I own this house. It’s way too small, but it works.”

“Then what would be better?”

“I’ve looked at one of the old Victorians on Nesper Street. Those houses have plenty of rooms, some yard space for cars and access to the main road. A couple have been for sale for a while so they might be reduced in price. The kids can do the simple painting and refurb stuff if that’s needed. They’re willing to work. The last time we looked, one of the ones that already sold was too expensive and the other was cheaper, but falling apart.” Tad shook his head. “If you can get us into 1400 Nesper, that would be great. It’s still a bit expensive, but it’s in the best condition of what’s available.”

---