Together in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  “Right,” Dale said, grabbing Remy’s attention. “Anyway, are you seeing anyone?”

  “Yes.” He wasn’t about to lie. He and Bobby had a thing. Bobby had introduced him to his kids. Maybe he wasn’t wild about children, but he liked Bobby and wanted to be around him. He stopped at the traffic light closest to the newspaper building and adjusted his jeans to relieve the pressure on his dick.

  “According to the gossip—I’ve got friends here in town—you and an accountant there in Cedarwood got together.” Dale chuckled. “Really? You settled for an accountant? He does taxes too, for God’s sake.”

  What does Bobby’s profession have to do with anything? “What’s your point? I’m late for work.”

  “Where? I thought you were out of the media biz.”

  Remy rolled his eyes and turned into the newspaper’s parking lot. For a guy who knew all about Remy’s love life, Dale knew nothing about Remy’s job situation. What a great news anchor… “I’m doing print media. Sports and lifestyle features at The Cedarwood Tribune .”

  “You’re kidding? You hate sports and detested writing for newspapers,” Dale replied. “You wouldn’t know a baseball from a football.”

  “One ball’s brown and one’s white. Now what is your point? I need to get to work.” He parked and turned off the car. He’d never said anything to Dale about his preferences for journalism. He liked having the flexibility to write for either medium if given the opportunity. Plus, he wanted to branch out into more electronic media. A podcast or maybe webisodes for the paper. He’d worry about those later, but they weren’t far from his mind.

  “You learned something out there in the sticks,” Dale said with a snort.

  “If you just wanted to catch up, then cool, but I have to get going.” He didn’t want to talk to Dale any longer was more like it.

  “I wanted to know if you were coming to Cleveland anytime soon. I miss you and wanted to club. Maybe we could rekindle the fire you know is still there.” Dale’s voice dropped to a murmur. “We never really ended things properly. How about we take up where we left off? My bed or yours?”

  “Dale.” Shit. This wasn’t what he’d expected would happen. What in the name of God was Dale’s vested interest in starting over?

  “I love it when you say my name. You were always my favorite fuck,” Dale said. “Such a sexy bottom. I want to tunnel that ass. I could get lost in your eyes.”

  He wasn’t turned on by Dale’s dirty talk, and he’d never sleep with Dale again. “You didn’t like me that much when we were together or whatever you called what we did. What are you doing? Slumming? Trying to get right with God, or maybe you’re with a counselor?”

  “Jesus. This is how you play everything. You don’t trust anyone. What if I’m actually interested and wanted to see you again? For old time’s sake? You liked what we had,” Dale said, venom in his voice.

  He rolled down his window and rested his arm on the doorframe. He needed some air and a whole lot less of Dale. “I’m not interested. I’ve got a great guy in my life, and I’m happy. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but it’s how it’s going to be.” He glanced at himself in the rearview mirror and grinned. Standing up for himself wasn’t his strong suit, but he’d done it. Halle-fucking-lujah. Maybe he had a backbone after all.

  “You’d really pass up another go-round with me for an accountant? One with kids? You hate kids,” Dale snapped. “Does he know that? Have you come clean with him?”

  “He knows how I feel.” Not that his feelings toward the kids were any of Dale’s business. “Look, I have to go. I’m late for work.” He disconnected the call and set the phone to vibrate. If Dale wanted to call back, he’d have to talk to Remy’s voicemail.

  Remy gathered his stuff and left his car. He locked the vehicle before heading into the building. Normally, he loved to talk and liked company. Right now he wanted to hide at his desk with his earbuds in as he worked on his outline for the next article in what he’d dubbed his Positively Cedarwood series. He navigated his way across the newsroom and did his best to ignore the world around him.

  He wouldn’t have this problem if Dale hadn’t called and emailed. For what? A booty call. Jesus. He gritted his teeth and plunked down at his desk. He set up his workstation and turned on his music. Screw the rest of the world. He’d tried to be positive and not let the crap around him bother him, but damn it. Between the nightmare and Dale’s call, his great mood had gone down the tubes.

  “Hey there.” Maureen dragged a chair over to his desk. “Your article won’t be on the front page. It’s getting buried by the editorials.”

  “That’s pretty much what it is—an op-ed piece.” He shrugged. “Could be worse. Could be blocked completely.” He’d forgotten her true position at the paper. She practically ran the whole thing and owned a forty percent share of the company. She might take on some of the odd jobs around the building, but she had her finger in everything and knew exactly what went on.

  “It’s not subversive, so they won’t.” She folded her arms. “So? How are things with Bobby?”

  He shrugged again. “Good. I met his kids—they’re good kids, by the way. We talked and went to dinner after the swim meet yesterday. I acted like a dick because I wasn’t expecting so many people to be there.”

  “How did you not expect them? You knew he had kids.” Maureen sat opposite of him. “Come on.”

  “Oh, the kids were fine. It was the group of parents.” He slumped in his seat. “The parents were great, actually. Nice people who all have kids in the swim program or who run with Chris. I would’ve been fine if I hadn’t had the run-in with the woman at the metro park.”

  “Coalition?” Maureen shook her head and clicked her tongue. “They’re tricky.”

  “She never specifically said she was with the group, but it was pretty clear what side she was on. She didn’t like me being there and made it her point to tell me. She was probably pissed because her kid didn’t score well in the meet, but I can’t be sure.”

  “Not everyone is part of the Coalition. Some people are just…dyed-in-the-wool. The rest of us have to work harder to keep everything level.”

  “You’re right.” He rested his arm on his desk. “The parents at the restaurant were really cool. According to Bobby, they’ve been tight since he moved here. I’m glad. I can’t imagine having kids and having to deal with the crap from people with negative attitudes.”

  “Oh, honey, it’s everywhere. If you’re a woman, a minority, gay, whatever… We’re all dealing with someone who doesn’t like us, but it’s up to us to show the rest of the world that those people can’t keep us down.” She toyed with the papers on his desk. “So?”

  “So what?” He hated being clueless.

  “You like him?”

  “Yeah.” Despite the pride in admitting what he wanted and how he felt, a tinge of irritation showed. He liked Maureen, but something hadn’t sat right with him from the start. “Please tell me you’re not trying to get us together in order to make us an example of a stable relationship. Try someone and somewhere else. A hookup and dinner with a group doesn’t constitute much.”

  “Wow.” She put both hands up. “You’re negative today.”

  Her wide-eyed expression and the way she’d scooted her chair away from him spoke volumes. He’d been too harsh, and she hadn’t done anything wrong.

  “I’m sorry. I had a lot happen in the last twenty-four hours.” He scrubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. “It’s—I’m not used to dealing with this kind of thing. People who don’t like gays are one thing, but people who don’t like gays with kids? That’s another level of hell.”

  “You’re right. It’s not cool.” She stood.

  “Maureen.” He had to make this right. “Wait.” Although she’d walked away from him, he caught up to her. “I’m scared. He’s got kids, and with this Coalition crap, I don’t want them to get hurt. Then there’s me and relationships. I go way too fast and have a
lways been the ‘get in, get what I want, then get out’ kind of guy. Now there are kids involved. I don’t want to rush and fuck with their lives, but I also don’t want to miss out on Bobby. Does that make sense? The odds are so against us. I’m not a kid person, for God’s sake.”

  She faced him and met his gaze. “You’re smart, despite being a prick sometimes. So what’s the issue?”

  He had to be honest with her. She deserved that much. “Well, there are a lot of reasons. One, I’m worried. Relationships and I don’t tend to work out. I’m not a trusting soul, and that’s what’s needed in a stable relationship. Two, kids have always been a sticking point. Yes, I like Chris and Darcy, but I don’t see myself as dad material. I’m not exactly the most grown-up man I know. Three, I’m worried the shit with the Coalition will affect them.”

  “Sounds like you’re already dad material.” She threaded her arms around his biceps and directed him to one of the vacant offices. She didn’t close the door, but lowered the sound of her voice. “The Coalition is already affecting them. It’s affecting everyone.”

  “I hate that.”

  “A lot of people do.” She stayed beside him and continued to hang on to his arm. “Stop being so wishy-washy. You keep talking yourself out of the relationship. You like him, and I know because I see it in your eyes and the way you light up when you mention Bobby’s name. You’ve got issues, but don’t we all? Stop giving up so easily. You’re coming around on the topic of kids—you might not believe it, but you are. You’ll be surprised how fast it happens once you’re willing to see it.” She paused. “As for the Coalition, let them do their worst. If you and Bobby are meant to be, you’ll find a way. If you’re the man I think you are, you won’t let a few overzealous people do something that’ll harm Darcy or Chris.”

  He draped his arm around her shoulders. She’d given him so many pearls of wisdom. Good thing he had her in his life. Still, she’d figured him out way too fast. “How’d you come to that conclusion?”

  She laughed and rested her head on his shoulder. “I never introduced you to my husband, Ivan.” She slid her phone from wherever she kept it and swiped the screen. The image of a man in a white button-down shirt, black trousers and suspenders filled the screen. His silver hair stood in tight but wild curls around his head. “I might know a thing or two about being ostracized.”

  She’d married a black man. He wasn’t shocked. Instead, his respect for her soared. “Maureen, I had no clue.” He felt silly. If he’d have known about her husband, he would’ve confided in her a long time ago. “How’d you overcome it?”

  “The insults? I ignored those. Being denied entry into places because we were a mixed-race couple? We went to better, more exciting ones. We didn’t let society win and that’s what you’ve got to do. Stand up or shut up.” She swiped the screen to an image of her standing with Ivan. She barely came up to Ivan’s shoulders, and she clung to his arm the same way she’d clung to Remy’s. “We’ve been together for almost forty-two years. Married for forty-one.”

  “That’s sweet.” He wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “So, sweetness…what are you going to do?”

  He bowed his head and took a moment to think about what she’d said. He’d been fired from the news channels because of downsizing and because he was gay. The Coalition didn’t want him around kids because of his sexuality. He wasn’t a bad man or out to do anyone harm. He simply wanted to live his life and have a relationship with Bobby.

  “Well?” she asked.

  He knew what he wanted to do. “I’m busting out the ’80s power ballads on my phone, then outlining the next Positively Cedarwood article before I call Bobby when I’m done for the day.”

  “And?”

  “I’m working on an apology to deliver to Bobby’s friends the next time I see them.” Yes, he needed to let them know in words and actions that he wasn’t a dick.

  “I knew you were a smart guy.” She hugged him, then stepped back. “How about you talk to Bobby right now?”

  He bobbed his head. “Sure. I could call him right now. Might be nice to hear his voice.”

  “No.” She pointed to the foyer. “He’s at the counter right now.” She nudged him out of the office. “Get your man.”

  He swatted at Maureen but kept moving forward. “Bobby? Hey.” He swished through the swinging half-doors and stepped behind the half-circle reception desk. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

  Bobby grinned. “I figured you’d be out chasing your next big lead.”

  “Or a softball game. Was there something you needed help with?” he murmured. “Or did you come to see me?”

  “Both.” Bobby grinned again and flattened his hands on the desk. “I wanted to take out an advertisement for my accounting firm.”

  “Oh. Maureen should’ve done that.” He fumbled for the correct piece of paper in the top drawer. “Usually she handles ad sales.” He turned the page around. “I can help with some. I don’t know the pricing, but I do know you fill this out with the pertinent info.”

  “I’ve got the file in my email. I thought maybe I could forward it to you or whoever handles the ads.” He placed his phone on the counter.

  The digital version of the paper needed more hits and an upgrade, really. He’d been told that if he was willing to put in the hours on the website, he could place ads there for free—not that he had anything to advertise. But Bobby did. “Well, I’ll still have you fill this out so we have that for the print paper. I can’t guarantee the graphics you’ve got will work with the printer, but I know it will on the digital version.” He pulled one of his business cards from the rack. “Send it here.”

  “Great.” Bobby twiddled with his phone. “How much extra for the digital ad?”

  “On the house.” He folded his arms. “I believe the print ads run upward of two hundred a month, but because you’re a new client and I’m the one putting the ad on the website, you’ll only have to pay for the print ad.”

  “Nice. Email sent.” Bobby met Remy’s gaze. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll work on getting that placed later this morning.”

  “It’s already after one,” Bobby replied.

  “Well, shoot. I’ll get to it after lunch.” He paused. “Have you eaten?”

  “Nope.” Hunger in Bobby’s eyes. “Can’t say I have.”

  “Are you available for a lunch date?” He focused on Bobby. “Even a half an hour?”

  “I’ve got nothing to do until four. Chris and his friends went to Kingsville to see a movie, and Darcy went shopping with my mother.”

  Score! “I’m due for a break. How about a walk to the food trucks?” Not exactly romantic, but he didn’t have too many options.

  “Better yet, how about I drive, and we go over to the diner?” Bobby stuck his phone in his back pocket. “I finished up at the office and could use adult time.”

  “Sure. Uh…” He needed his stuff. “Let me give this to Maureen and I’ll meet you…” He stopped short. “Want a quick tour of the paper?” He opened the swinging doors leading to the back of the building. “I’ll be your guide.”

  “Sounds kinky.” Bobby rounded the desk and met him at the door. “I’d love to.”

  “Great.” He hurried through the room to Maureen’s space and stuck the paper in her filing tray. “So this is the main work room. It’s not that exciting. A few desks and some reporters. We do our work pretty much everywhere, so yeah.” He grasped Bobby’s hand. “This is my desk.”

  Remy shoved his tablet, keyboard and phone into his messenger bag. He checked the pocket on the side for his keys, then tucked the papers behind the keyboard. “I’m ready when you are.”

  “This was the worst tour I’ve ever been on,” Bobby muttered.

  “It wasn’t supposed to be great,” he said and fiddled with his bag. “Sorry.”

  “No need. I’m amused, if nothing else.”

  “We can leave this way.” Remy opened the door f
or Bobby. “It’s a nice day out after the rain this morning. The ball fields will be muddy but playable.” He adjusted his sunglasses. “I’m ready when you are.”

  Bobby headed across the lot to his car and opened the passenger door. “You’re sexy when you’re flustered.”

  Remy blushed and slid onto the seat. Sexy. Wow. He was not going to let Bobby go without a fight.

  Once Bobby rounded the hood and settled beside him, Remy grabbed Bobby’s hand. “Lunch dates rock,” Remy said. “Oh, and you’re not too bad yourself in that suit.” He whistled. “I’ll have to beat the others off with a stick.”

  “I’d rather you do that to me.” Bobby kissed Remy’s knuckles. “Or let me have my way with you.”

  “I suck at topping, so yeah, you can do whatever you want. I’m yours.” He stole a glance over at Bobby, then grinned. Admitting what he wanted and being himself were so much better than being alone.

  Chapter Seven

  “I haven’t been to the diner in forever,” Remy said. “I can’t remember the last time.” He watched the scenery and basked in the togetherness he shared with Bobby. As Bobby drove past the diner, Remy sat up a little straighter. “You passed the restaurant.”

  “I know.” Bobby continued across town to his street and pulled into his driveway. “Why have lunch when we can have each other?”

  “Nice.” Remy shut down the tablet and tucked it into his bag. “I said I’m yours.” Like I’d actually turn Bobby down? Not today and probably not ever.

  “I know.” Bobby parked, then clicked the button to put the garage door down. “I want you to prove it.” He grasped the back of Remy’s head and mashed his mouth down on Remy’s. He stole Remy’s breath and Remy didn’t care. Remy scooted across the car until the console got in the way. He ran his hand along Bobby’s torso and under his sport coat. God, the man was hot as hell in business attire. Remy shivered and sucked on Bobby’s tongue. He’d never considered himself a fool for a guy in a suit, but the more he looked at Bobby… Yeah, guys in businesswear were awesome. Especially Bobby.