by Lynn Stark
Smiling when an idea came to him, Fallon set aside his morning coffee and reached for his phone. Seconds later, Hank’s voice filled his ear and teased him. “Hey, Hank, I’m venturing out today. Care to go with me? We could have lunch together to celebrate.”
There was a few seconds’ hesitation before Hank answered. It was long enough to give Fallon some doubt. He shouldn’t be doing this. He should just leave the man alone. But damn if he hadn’t fallen in love with Hank. What was he supposed to do about that? There were reasons why he shouldn’t pursue a relationship, but none of them seemed that important at the moment. They could be worked around or eliminated.
“Uh, yeah, sure. I’m in town. I was going over to look at cars.”
“Hey, that sounds like fun.”
It did. Hank had shared that he needed his own wheels, and that he was tired of inconveniencing everyone he lived with, although none of them complained. There was a houseful of people sharing four vehicles. Sharing them was necessary. Some of Hank’s housemates didn’t even have driver’s licenses. Hank had just gotten his new one, having completed the residency requirement.
“You’d go with me?”
Fallon chuckled. “Sure I would. I hope you consider me a friend.”
“I wouldn’t mind having someone go with me,” Hank admitted. “Not that I expect to get screwed over, but I might get distracted by shiny paint and wheels and forget to check under the hood or ask an important question.”
After agreeing on a time to meet, they ended the call. It didn’t escape Fallon’s notice that Hank hadn’t responded to his suggestion that they were now friends. He wouldn’t take the man’s silence on the subject too hard. Not yet. Hank was excited about getting a car. It wasn’t like he avoided declaring his undying love.
Laughing at that, Fallon was about to stand up when he realized that his attention had been so focused on the call that he hadn’t noticed that the visiting crow had landed on the table. It was dipping his beak in the warm coffee before lifting his head to drink it, guzzling it down.
“Oh, no you don’t! You don’t want to get hooked on coffee!”
Fallon grabbed the mug and ignored the protesting bird’s loud squawks as he got to his feet with the aid of a cane and walked into the apartment. He closed the French doors on the racket and headed to the kitchen, making a mental note to disinfect the mug before using it again. With his day only getting more interesting, Fallon headed as swiftly as he could manage to his bedroom for a quick shower.
It was finally a pleasure again to take a shower. Keeping the bandaged parts dry had been a pain in the ass. Because he didn’t want to be late, Fallon washed quickly. He took more time choosing what he would wear, as if it was his first date or something. The thought made him laugh. But he was nervous. His emotions were churning around inside him, leaving him wondering what he was supposed to do about his growing feelings for Hank.
Fallon knew what he should do. He should stop coming up with every excuse in the book to be with the man. Besides, Hank hadn’t given him any reason to believe he would be interested in a relationship with Fallon. Admitting that to himself was rather sobering. Hank hadn’t flirted with him, not even once. There was a chance Hank would never feel anything for Fallon, and he had to accept that.
However, it wouldn’t hurt for them to get to know each other better, Fallon thought, smiling at his reflection in the full-length mirror. Fallon still wasn’t sure about wanting to date an employee but decided to allow things to progress naturally. He was tired of being alone, and he could actually admit that he was lonely. It had been years since his last serious relationship. Fallon had believed that one would be permanent, but he had been wrong. The break-up had hurt like hell at the time. Accepting it felt like giving up. In the end, he had realized that they hadn’t been as right for each other as he had believed.
Although Fallon knew he shouldn’t compare one man to another, he did so. Hank and his former partner were nothing alike. For one thing, Hank was not nearly as uptight as Edward had been. The man had no sense of adventure. Going on a hike with Edward had been out of the question. For the two years they had been together, Fallon had given up his favorite past time. Actually, he had given up a lot of the things he enjoyed, not that he and Edward didn’t share some common interests. But Fallon had become all about what made Edward happy. In the end, neither of them was happy, and they decided to amicably part ways. Edward had taken a news anchor job in Atlanta and left with barely a good-bye.
Thoughts of Edward fled as Hank met him in the alley behind the store. He handed Hank the keys to his car as they walked through the open garage door. “You drive.”
Hank stopped to stare at the luxury sedan. “You want me to drive this?”
“Hank, it’s just a car.”
“But…”
Fallon laughed. “Okay, I’ll drive, but it will probably hurt my leg.” He was shameless, but he could live with it.
“I wouldn’t want you to do that. Do you need help getting in?”
“No, I think I can manage.” Fallon opened up the rear door and tossed the cane onto the back seat. Then he was getting into the front passenger seat, lowering himself gingerly in the process, and pulling his legs in. Hank was there to close the door. A glance at his face told Fallon that he was worried about him. He let out a breath and gave Hank a reassuring smile. “I’m good. Don’t worry so much.”
It shouldn’t please him that Hank worried, but it did.
When Hank drove the car out of the garage, barely creeping forward and making the turn down the alley, Fallon laughed out loud. He couldn’t help himself. Hank was leaning toward the steering wheel, his hands gripping it so hard his knuckles were white as he stared ahead through the windshield.
“Hank, relax. You can’t hurt this car by driving it. I’m sure you’re a competent driver.”
Hank shook his head. “I would feel guilty as hell if I wrecked your car.”
“It’s insured. Now, come on, relax and enjoy yourself. Drive around the square a few times to get used to it.”
Five minutes later there was a siren blast behind them. Hank swore, jammed on the brakes, and turned as white as a sheet as he looked in the rearview mirror. “It’s the cops.”
Laughing, Fallon nodded. “Yeah, I kind of figured that when I heard the siren.”
Hank steered carefully toward the curb, swearing when he bumped it with the tire. “What did I do wrong?”
“You were only going about three miles an hour. That might have something to do with it. Just think of this as an opportunity to show off your new driver’s license.”
By the time they were able to move on, Fallon was torn between laughter, guilt, and feeling sorry for Hank. The guy had been lectured by Sheriff Grayson Evans on driving too slow and creating a traffic hazard. That in itself was a punishment of sorts. The citizens of Silver were very law-abiding, mostly due to the high standards of their beloved sheriff. He was a stickler for following laws and wasn’t shy about giving a lecture, as he had just done, or writing out a ticket when it was warranted.
Hank sagged in the seat as Grayson walked back to his vehicle. “That man scares the shit out of me,” he admitted.
“You and everybody else. But Grayson is a great guy. He just really cares about the people and the town. He wants it to be a place everyone can be safe and happy.”
“Then I guess I can live with that. Okay, let’s see if I can get some speed on.” Hank shifted the car into gear and signaled to leave the curb. He then pulled out carefully and headed around the square at the posted speed because conditions allowed him to do so. “Now, let’s go car shopping before something else happens.”
They weren’t at the dealership ten minutes before Fallon knew Hank’s fears of being lured by shiny things were well-founded. Fallon knew the owner of the dealership and knew, too, that the man ran an honest business. The salesman showed Hank several cars. He had tagged Hank as young and eager to have that sporty car. Fallon
gently pointed out that his insurance might be higher if Hank chose one of those particular models. Hank nodded, appeared disappointed, but smiled up at Fallon as he asked to see something less likely to incur extra costs, adding he had a budget to keep.
With his heart beating a little harder in response to that beautiful smile, Fallon followed Hank around like a puppy as the man began looking at his other choices. Hank finally settled on a small, Italian-made car Hank declared he would name Zippy if he was lucky enough to get it.
Zippy. Fallon laughed, giving Hank’s shoulder a squeeze as the man grinned up at him. “It’s a good name,” he confirmed.
They took it out for a test drive, the salesman in the back going over the details of the car. When they returned, the salesman shook Hank’s hand and led him inside to the finance office, introducing them to a woman named Linda Carver. She would be the one to process Hank’s financing application. That’s when Hank encountered his first obstacle, and it was a major one. After submitting the application Linda gently told Hank that his credit rating wasn’t high enough to be able to buy the car on his own through a bank. He would need a co-signer. Fallon watched Hank’s shoulders sag and the disappointment cross his face.
“I guess it will take more time to build up my credit.”
“If you had a credit card and used it, making small purchases and paying them off each month, that would go a long way to build it up,” she told him, giving him an encouraging smile.
Hank shook his head. “I don’t really want a credit card.” He looked at Fallon, who was trying very hard not to interfere. “What do you think?”
Okay, Hank had asked him, basically giving him permission. “It’s true. It would help. Hank, I know how responsible you are. You have never missed work. You work hard every minute you’re at the store, and I both appreciate and admire your work ethics. With that said, I would like for you to consider allowing me to be your co-signer on the loan.”
Hank’s face turned beet red. “Oh, no! I couldn’t let you do that. No, I’ll work on improving my credit. It won’t hurt to do without a car for a few more months. I’ll see about getting a credit card. As long as I use it wisely, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Fallon didn’t know if his feelings should be hurt or not. What he did know was that they were. It was a rejection of sorts. He wanted to help Hank get a car, but there was a line he couldn’t cross. Fallon forced a smile to his lips and nodded. “Well, the offer is there, if you change your mind. You’re an excellent employee and person. I know I wouldn’t be risking anything by helping you out.”
“Thanks, Fallon. It’s nice to hear. And I’m grateful for the offer. I really am. It’s just that I want to do all this for myself, you know? I have certain things I have to prove to myself. I guess this is one of them.”
How could he disagree with that reasoning? Fallon couldn’t, of course. His admiration for Hank grew significantly. The man was determined to improve his life on all levels and do it on his own.
“Excuse me, Mr. Wells,” the woman across the desk said, “but I believe we will be able to help you after all. Having heard Mr. Connolly’s opinion of you, the dealership will approve your application. We will finance it here, instead of through the bank. It’s not unusual for first-time buyers to do so. We will also keep the interest rate at what is currently being offered by the banks and credit union.”
“Why?” Hank asked bluntly, obviously stunned.
“Because you have obviously proven yourself to be a responsible person. That’s what matters. Do you still want the car?”
Hank nodded. “Yes, I do. Thank you very much.”
An hour later, Hank was standing beside Zippy, admiring his new car. It had been washed and was shining in the sunlight. Fallon watched as Hank opened the door and inhaled deeply.
“Ah, new car smell. There’s nothing like it.” Hank straightened, nearly catching Fallon admiring his tight, little ass under the worn jeans. He was frowning and appeared concerned. “How are you going to get home? I better take you. I can walk back. It’s not far.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Fallon didn’t feel guilty at all about having had Hank drive when he could have managed. He wouldn’t have missed Hank driving his car. The guy was hilarious. Fallon wondered how Hank and Zippy would manage. “But I won’t follow you back. I want to go faster than three miles an hour,” he teased, grinning.
In the end, Fallon did follow Hank and Zippy into town. Fallon had invited the man for a celebratory lunch at the diner. Anything to extend the time he would have with Hank. It would come to an end soon. His leg was definitely on the mend, and he didn’t need as much help as he had before.
Hank, however, seemed to have other ideas. As they ate their sandwiches, Hank paused to say, “I think I should still clean your apartment a couple of times a week. Sweeping the floor won’t be too easy for you yet. And I can dust and vacuum the higher spots. That will leave the middle for you.”
Surprised, pleased, Fallon nodded. “That would be great. I probably clean the place more than necessary, but I guess it’s turned into an activity. I should get out more.” He laughed and reached for his glass of iced tea.
Hank snickered. “How did that work for you last time?”
“You’re rotten,” Fallon shot back, not in the least offended or hurt by the snarky comment. “My hike was just fine until the idiots ran from the bear.”
He had reluctantly watched the video his sport camera had captured, reliving the terror he had felt, as if the attack was happening all over again. Dale had asked permission to use it as an educational video, and Fallon had agreed. He had not shared the video with Hank and didn’t know if he would ever do so. It was a subject he might broach later, if they developed a relationship beyond friendship.
“I don’t know if I would be able to hold my ground. Bears are big and scary.”
“You haven’t seen any bears out where you live?” Fallon asked curiously.
Hank nodded. “Once. It was a small black bear. Reagan made a call, and a guy came out with these black and white dogs. He let them chase the bear off after he shot it in the butt with a bean bag.”
“Yeah, it’s a technique to let the bear know that he’s not welcome. He’s less likely to return. The bear doesn’t get hurt, just scared. Do you know what brought him around in the first place?”
“The bird feeder. But we didn’t want to get rid of it, because we all like watching the birds, so we built a big pen around it with a door and a top. It’s made out of heavy-gauge wire, like they use for large livestock. Hopefully it will keep the bears out, if they come around.”
“Time will tell.” Fallon had his doubts. Bears were clever, determined animals.
Lunch came to an end far too soon for Fallon. They lingered for a while after they finished eating, Hank seeming in no rush to leave, until their conversation faded and they sat there for a few moments in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it signaled Fallon that he really needed to get up and go.
“Thanks for what you said about me,” Hank said as they stood out on the sidewalk. Fallon leaned on the cane. He was ready for a soak and a nap. “It made all the difference.”
“I only spoke the truth. I hope you and Zippy have fun.”
Fallon suddenly thought of what he could do instead of resting, and it didn’t involve Zippy. He wanted to invite Hank up to his apartment for an afternoon of hot sex, but doubted the man would appreciate the invitation. There had only been a couple of times when Fallon thought he saw interest in Hank’s eyes, but then believed he was mistaken. Guys Hank’s age, about ten years younger than Fallon, weren’t looking for relationships with older men. At least, he didn’t think so. It was disappointing. At that moment, he thought he would give up who he was so he could have a chance with Hank. But he couldn’t change that he was older, or the fact that he was the man’s employer.
Hank chuckled and nodded. “We will. I think I’ll go for a drive and then stop to pick up groceries.
It should be interesting, seeing how much I can get in it.”
“I think you’ll be surprised by how much you can fit in it. Why don’t you come over to clean on Thursday?”
“Sure thing. See you later, Fallon. Thanks again.”
Fallon stood there and watched as Hank’s long legs carried him along the sidewalk and around the corner where he had parked Zippy. He believed his heart, traitor that it was, went with Hank.
“Hey, Son, was that Hank?”
Turning, Fallon saw his father approaching. He smiled and nodded. “It was. He and I just had lunch together. I went with him when he bought a car.”
“Things getting serious between you two?” Mathew Connolly asked hopefully.
“No, I’m afraid not.” That was as close to Fallon was willing to get to admitting that he was falling in love with Hank. He had suspected it before, but now he was almost certain. “He and I are just friends.”
“That’s too bad. The two of you would make a good couple. And I wouldn’t mind having more grandchildren to spoil.”
Fallon let that pass without comment, although it made him feel good that his parent approved. “Where’s Gramps?” The two men were like peas in a pod. One was rarely without the other. Both were widowers and enjoyed each other’s company.
“Bart Noolly is getting a poker game going this evening. Your grandfather is home taking a nap. He’s planning on winning back the money Bart won last week. I’m going grocery shopping. Want to come along?”