Page 6 of Finding Ash
I sold almost everything we owned, including our home, save for a few precious memories and basic furnishings I would need. Twenty-five years Sammy and I were together, marrying in 2013, along with thousands of other same sex couples at the Sacramento County courthouse, when gay marriage was officially legalized. I’ll never forget that day, the smiles on our faces. So young and in love.
Then, ten years later, came the diagnosis no one wants to hear.
Cancer.
We tried every holistic means known to man, and while it prolonged his battle, in the end Sammy’s body was too tired to fight anymore. He looked me in the eye and said, “I’m ready, McClain,” and made me promise to live the dream I’d long since put on hold. Sammy was the best taste tester anyone could ever ask for, not to mention the perfect man for neurotic me.
Now who would be brave enough to sample my two a.m. concoctions and understand why my mind never stopped? ADHD was both a blessing and a curse.
What was I doing?
When theWelcome to Foggy Basinsign came into view, my heart raced, and my palms sweated in the death grip I had on the steering wheel.
Then came that familiar voice of reason to break up the internal battle my mind had waged.
You’ve got this, my love.
But did I?
The gentleman I was meeting, Merle, who leased me the space, I’m guessing was the man currently waving at me outside the back entrance to my new home and business.What furniture I’d kept awaited me inside, delivered by the movers yesterday.
Thankfully they’d been able to handle that while I crossed all the T’s and dotted the I’s and signed away the life Sammy and I had once shared. Needless to say, I’d not slept a wink last night in the hotel as I second-guessed literally every decision I’d made over the last six months. With no house and all the deposits paid on this new venture, there was no turning back now.
Why was starting over so hard?
You’re only forty-two, McClain, stop acting like you’re eighty.
Sammy’s sassiness was one of a million traits that made me fall in love with him when we were seniors in high school, inseparable from the start.
“You McClain?” Just as personable as he was on the phone.
“I am. You must be Merle.”
“I am. Come on inside, son. Let me show you around.”
Son. An endearment I hadn’t been called in far too long. Maybe Foggy wouldn’t be so bad after all. Found family and all of that. Was it too much to hope for?
He opened the back door, and we stepped inside the well-lit building. “I kept the paper over the windows tokeep the lookie loos out while you get situated. Foggy is a great town, but you gotta watch out for the gossips.”
“Understood, and thank you for the warning.” The space was clean, the stainless counters in the kitchen area were in good shape. I wondered if he had them recently replaced. “You said this used to be a candy shop?”
“Yep, way back when. Soda fountain too. Not sure what’s required for an ice cream place, but I’ll leave that to you. Permits approved and in the office,” he pointed around the corner. “Not a big room by any means, but there’s a desk and chair in there. Should suit your needs.”
“Thank you for taking care of that with the town council. I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me.” And the fact that the place was immaculate, given I’d stupidly agreed to take it without first visiting. Everything I knew about Foggy I read online and nothing more. Guess I was about to find out just how welcoming the townsfolk truly were.
Townsfolk, was that word even used anymore?
“Stairwell there leads up to your apartment. Movers were right nice and did their best to place things where they thought you’d want them. I got them to set up your bed for you too. Figured you’d be knackered after your drive. Let’s check out the lobby, then I’ll leave you to get settled in. Grocery, restaurants, and bars are all within walkingdistance down Main Street. Pints ‘n Pool is owned by a couple friends of mine, Nate and his husband, Kit.”
A gay couple? Huh, who knew? Merle was clearly sizing up my reaction to the bomb he’d just dropped.
“Excellent. My husband would’ve loved to knock one back with them.” His shoulders relaxed and I nearly patted myself on the back. “He um, he passed away a year ago.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, son. I think you’ll find Foggy’s a great fit for you. We’re diverse and protective. Folks around here may be nosy, but they’re good people who’d do damn near anything to help a friend in need.” Merle patted my shoulder. “Let’s go see your new home.”
The two-bedroom, one-bath apartment wasn’t huge, but it was freshly painted, which I appreciated. Having my things in place definitely made it feel a bit homier, though it would take a while for my heart to fully get on board.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Merle. You’ve gone above and beyond for me.”
