The Growing Season

by Diana Copland

  Cal’s youth group came in and crowded around them, talking quietly. The kids were clearly alarmed, but he could hear Cal’s low voice reassuring them.

  Seven o’clock came and went. One of the seats up front was still empty, the one with the name plate reading Councilman Bernard Ignatius in front of it, and Danny saw the frowning and restive stirring among the other council members. Desmond Sommersby caught Danny’s eye and raised a brow, but all Danny could do was shrug uncomfortably. He hadn’t heard from Sam all afternoon, and that didn’t seem to bode well.

  Suddenly there was a stirring near the door up front, and Bernard Ignatius entered wearing a black suit and a cool, reserved expression. Danny’s heart leaped into his throat as he tried to divine something, anything from his demeanor. But he could sense nothing.

  Ignatius was apologizing to his fellow councilmembers for being late and Danny was watching him so intently it wasn’t until Devon stepped away and Sam slid into the space he’d vacated that Danny knew he was there.

  “What...?” he started.

  “This meeting of the Elk Ridge City Council is called to order.” A woman’s voice filled the room, magnified by a microphone. “Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.”

  Sam shook his head and put his finger in front of his lips, and Danny subsided, a frown between his brows when Sam wouldn’t look at him.

  Danny went back to gnawing his thumbnail.

  “The purpose of tonight’s meeting,” the female mayor said once everyone resettled after the pledge, “is what zoning changes, if any, should be made to residential parcels 647 thru 741, also known as 1892 Lantern Lane, Elk Ridge, Washington. The location is currently approved by the city and county to operate as the juvenile group home known as Neverwood. The former owner of the property and foster parent of record is Audrey Rasmussen, unfortunately now deceased. Current listed owners, supervising the repair and remodeling of the structure for future use, are Calvin Ware, Devon McCade and Daniel Redmond. We will open the floor to discussion.”

  It went about the way Danny expected. Three members of the stretch-pants set brought up how having a “halfway house for homosexuals” reflected poorly on the city. Others questioned Cal’s, Devon’s and Danny’s qualifications to supervise young charges. The inference, never said outright but insinuated, was that three young gay men couldn’t be trusted with gay boys. People in the crowd kept turning to glance at them as the testimony went on, and Danny used every bit of his control not to appear angry. It wasn’t easy.

  Finally, after what felt like an interminable amount of time but was in actuality only twenty minutes, Maureen Markovic stepped to the microphone after offering all the men a bolstering smile.

  “I think what this comes down to,” she said, her eyes roaming the crowd, “is what kind of community we want to live in, what we want Elk Ridge to be known as. Do we want it to be a closed enclave of antiquated beliefs and values, or do we want it to be a welcoming place where children in crisis can find a new home, and a new beginning. I know what I want. Calvin Ware and his brothers, as former foster children themselves, are uniquely qualified to reach the young people who will be in their care.

  “I am offended that anyone would take exception to Mr. Ware’s qualifications. The last time I looked, seeking treatment for depression was not a crime. And medications to treat depression are not illicit drugs bought on a street corner. I, myself, took Prozac for many years, and no one questioned my qualification to run the Help Center. I would wager that many of the people in this room have at one time or another taken meds for depression or anxiety, and I find this—” she held up the flyer with its accusations printed in bright red across the bottom, “—wherein the charge of drug abuse is listed in an attempt to smear Mr. Ware, both abhorrent and borderline libelous.

  “As to the other charge, that a convicted felon was going to be interacting with children, well that’s just absurd. Daniel Redmond was seventeen years old and living on the street when he was arrested for theft.” Danny shifted uncomfortably. He’d had no idea Maureen was going to talk about him, and he felt heat wash up his face. He also felt Sam’s hand on the small of his back, and that helped settle him. “He did time in a juvenile detention facility in Los Angeles, his record was expunged, and he is no more a convicted felon today than I am.”

  She turned and looked pointedly at Angus. “What I do find interesting is how someone came into possession of that information. Because delving into sealed court documents and distributing them is a crime.” Angus looked away, supremely unaffected. “Although leaking that to the public, in the long run, might have done the men of Neverwood a favor. There can be few who understand the juvenile legal system and life on the street better than someone who has been at their mercy. And there can be few who would understand the foster system better than those who grew up within it.

  “In short, the men who are attempting to continue their mother’s work are all uniquely qualified to do so.”

  Danny couldn’t help but think of what Audrey had written in her letter; Maureen had just said the same thing, nearly word for word.

  Maureen’s testimony ended soon after, but no one listening could doubt her support for Cal, and by extension the rest of them. Danny vowed to find her and give her a kiss when the meeting ended. She sent him a jaunty wink as she went back to her seat.

  The boys had nominated Cal to speak for them, and when he walked up to the microphone stand, he looked a little nervous but in control. He answered every question put to him calmly and concisely. Yes, they would be hiring more staff. They wanted a three- or four-to-one ratio of child to adult. Yes, they intended to hire a cook. No, he didn’t think having the kids attend the local high school would somehow expose the local children to “undue persuasion.”

  “The Neverwood kids have always gone to Elk Ridge Middle and High Schools, and as far as I know, there hasn’t been a sudden epidemic of homosexuality in the community. Being gay, contrary to what some religious leaders might like you to believe, is something that’s hardwired in the DNA. You can’t catch it, like a virus, or be persuaded to it. You’re born that way. Yes, those who say my brothers and I don’t have the same level of experience as our mother are absolutely right.”

  Cal paused to glance back at Devon and Danny. “But our level of commitment is equal to hers. And we know what the place can mean in the life of a young person. It can mean having a roof over your head or living in a cardboard box under a freeway. It can mean having a home-cooked meal or shoplifting food—” he sent Danny a small smile, “—and ending up in jail, which is a horror no child should have to experience. It can mean deciding your life is actually worth living or slicing your wrists. We want to convince as many as we can that while their lives will no doubt be different than what their parents might have hoped, they can still be something special. In short, we want the opportunity to save as many of them as we can. Thank you.”

  Cal walked back to them, and Danny had never been prouder of anyone in his life.

  The applause that followed in his wake surprised them all.

  When it came time for the council to vote, Danny began to fidget nervously. Sam hadn’t said a word or given any sort of indication, which wasn’t encouraging. He just kept shaking his head to Danny’s increasingly anxious looks, and it began to look more and more like it was a no. They had to have three votes for a majority, or they were screwed.

  The mayor was back at her microphone. “Regarding extending the exceptions for the property known as Neverwood, I move the question. Will anyone second?”

  “Seconded.” The council member who spoke up to her left was gray haired and had looked bored all evening, but he roused himself enough for that.

  “The secretary will now call the roll.” The mayor deferred to a woman who’d been busily taking notes.

  She called their names, one council member at a time. The boys had known they were going to lose the first two, so Danny wasn’t surprised. The mayor voted to extend
the exceptions and let the zoning remain unchanged, a vote in their favor, and a bit of the anxiety lifted. Then Sommersby voted in support of them, too, and he could feel a restive stirring begin to move through the room. Danny looked over at Angus, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, a self-assured smile pulling at his lips. He was just waiting for Ignatius to cast his vote. As they all were.

  The secretary called Councilman Bernard Ignatius’s name, and the room seemed to hold its collective breath.

  Sam’s father cleared his throat and spoke clearly into his microphone. “I vote in favor of extending the zoning exceptions for the property known as Neverwood.”

  Danny felt his knees go weak as the significance of what he heard sank home. Ignatius had voted in their favor. They were going to be able to continue Mom’s work. He turned and looked up at Sam, who was trying, without much success, to swallow a smile.

  He must have seen the angry storm clouds brewing in Danny’s eyes, because he leaned in close and whispered quickly.

  “I couldn’t tell you,” he said, his lips brushing Danny’s ear. “You were being watched too closely, and I didn’t want anything to give it away.”

  Danny could understand, but they were still going to talk about this later.

  The secretary announced that the motion had carried, and there was applause and even some happy cheers, mostly from Cal’s group. Danny turned and watched Eric Angus.

  For a moment he didn’t seem to understand what had happened. He stared at Sam’s dad, incredulous. Then his face flushed an angry red. His nostrils flared and a twitch started in his jaw, and Danny couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face.

  The meeting adjourned shortly after that, and the crowd surging to their feet blocked Angus from Danny’s view. Devon pulled Danny into a quick, hard hug, then shook Sam’s hand. Cal was there for a hug as well, along with Will. Tag and Glenna came back to them, exhilarated, and Maureen hugged Cal, giving him the congratulations he deserved for representing them so well, along with a promise to help with the remaining grants.

  “I think this calls for a celebratory beer!” Devon called above the din, and relieved laughter followed the announcement. There was also a very quick endorsement of the idea as they headed for the side door. Danny was the first to step out into the night, and he came face-to-face with Eric Angus.

  His eyes were filled with so much rage Danny took a step back, but Sam was right behind him and there was no retreating. Sam’s hands curved around his upper arms, and his initial uneasiness faded. He straightened and looked into Angus’s eyes. “You’re blocking the door.”

  Angus’s lip curled in a sneer. “This isn’t over.” His voice was quiet but trembling with fury.

  Danny didn’t flinch. “We didn’t for one second think it was.”

  He didn’t know when Cal came up behind him, but Danny was grateful to have him step up to his side.

  “I’ve traced the deeds all the way back to the beginning, Angus. Your grandfather’s name never appeared on any of the paperwork. He didn’t own any of the land the house sits on.”

  Clearly shocked that Cal knew of the family connection between himself and Audrey, Angus still recovered with admirable speed. “That’s because he was a cheat who employed people who knew their way around the laws.”

  “That may or may not be the case—legally, there don’t appear to be any irregularities. Of course you could employ a lawyer to do a search for you.” Cal’s control was impressive. “But I’m guessing you already have, and that’s why you’re resorting to trying to bribe public officials.”

  Angus snarled and took a step toward Cal, his hands clenched into fists.

  “That would be unbelievably stupid.” Will was there at Cal’s elbow, his eyes hard, and Devon was right behind him.

  “Five pissed-off queers against one scumbag is lousy odds, Angus,” Devon said so softly no one but those immediately around him could hear. “I think it would probably be a good idea if you got in your car and left.”

  Angus’s impotent rage made him shake, and with a final exasperated, powerless growl he stalked away into the darkness.

  “Well, that was fun.” Tag Sommersby grinned as he joined them. “But you’re blocking the door.”

  Cal laughed, and the tension around them dissipated. They stepped out into the parking lot. Moments later they watched the white Mercedes race out of the driveway, tires squealing as it pulled onto Main Street and sped away.

  “I hope he gets a ticket.” Glenna, tonight wearing skinny jeans and an androgynous shirt and jacket, watched his exit with a grimace.

  Sam slipped his arm around Danny’s shoulders and pulled him against his side as they moved toward their cars. “I hope he just goes away.”

  “Me, too.” Danny leaned into his solid strength. “But somehow, I doubt it’s going to be that easy.”

  Danny had ridden to City Hall with his brothers and Will, but by unspoken agreement he walked across the gravel parking lot with Sam. He was relieved and happy that Sam was there, but they still had things they needed to discuss. When Sam unlocked and opened his door, Danny stepped into the space by the driver’s seat ahead of him. He looked up into Sam’s dark eyes even as Sam held up his hands.

  “I know you’re pissed because I didn’t call you,” he said quickly. “But there’s a reason.”

  “Yeah?” Danny put one hand on the doorframe and the other on his hip.

  “Yeah. I knew Angus would be watching you and your brothers, and I didn’t want us to tip our hand. Mostly, I didn’t want him to know something was up and then try to get to my dad. I wasn’t sure until right before we left for City Hall that he’d actually decided to vote in your favor. He was getting into the Lincoln with Dana when he told me. It’s why we were late.”

  Danny’s stance softened. “How did you convince him?”

  “I didn’t. You did.”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah.” Sam stepped closer, until the two of them were inside the open truck door. It gave them a modicum of privacy in the quickly emptying parking lot. “‘He just lost his mom. Don’t make him lose you, too.’ Sound familiar?”

  Danny felt his face heat. “It’s the truth.”

  “It is. And, as difficult as my relationship with my dad has been—” Sam inhaled deeply, then let the breath out with a slow-blooming smile, “—come to find out he didn’t want to lose me, either. I think Mom dying has really shaken him, and he...” Sam stopped for a moment, and cleared his throat before he went on. “He told me he loved me today, for the first time in so long I can’t remember.”

  Danny’s throat felt thick as he saw the obvious emotion in Sam’s eyes. “I glad, Sam. I really am.”

  “I thought he’d never say those words to me again.” Sam lifted his hand and cupped Danny’s cheek in his palm. “And the only reason he did was you.”

  “You’re giving me too much credit,” Danny said roughly, uncomfortable. “I didn’t really—”

  “Jeez.” Sam put his hands under Danny’s arms and lifted him, depositing him in the driver’s seat. Danny gasped, his hands curling in Sam’s jacket. “Can’t you just take a compliment?”

  “Not when it isn’t—”

  “Jesus, Danny. Shut up!”

  Danny stared up at him, startled. Sam released him, only to cup his face between his palms and force him to look at him. “Thank you, okay? Just...thank you.”

  Several beats of silence passed before Danny whispered, “You’re welcome.”

  Sam moved closer, until he was standing at Danny’s knees and the only way to allow him closer was to spread them. One of Sam’s arms slipped around his waist, and he was pulled in flush against Sam’s chest, against his groin. A thrill raced through his body.

  Sam kissed him, his hand lifting to Danny’s nape, his arm tightening around his waist. His tongue slid along the seam of Danny’s lips, and Danny opened them on a grateful moan. He reached his arms around Sam’s neck and clutched, his kn
ees lifting and tightening, gripping Sam’s hips. Sam grunted and pushed forward.

  “If you get arrested for lewd behavior, it’s hardly going to help our case with the good people of Elk Ridge.”

  Sam jerked away and Danny had to catch himself on the console between the seats so he didn’t topple over backward. Devon sat astride his bike and Danny couldn’t believe they hadn’t heard him, until he realized the bike wasn’t running. Which meant he’d snuck up on them.

  “Fuck off, Devon.” Danny struggled to sit up,

  Devon grinned, his white teeth flashing in his handsome face. “You two joining us at the bar?”

  “We’ll be there,” Sam promised.

  “Sometime in the next oh, say...hour or so?”

  “Christ,” Danny exploded, leaning forward, his arms braced on the door frame. “Will you piss off?”

  Devon’s grin widened as he stood and opened the throttle before kick-starting the engine. The bike roared to life and Devon revved it a couple of times before he sat on the leather seat. He strapped on his helmet and gave them another rakish smile.

  “Don’t make me come looking for you,” he called over the bike motor’s steady idle.

  Danny flipped him off, and Devon laughed before turning the bike and riding away.

  “Asshole,” Danny grumbled.

  “Nah. Just a big brother.” Sam chuckled as he gestured Danny into the passenger seat then climbed into the truck.

  Danny looked at Sam’s profile, smiling slightly.

  It seemed that when he’d inherited his part of Neverwood, he’d inherited brothers, too. And for the first time that didn’t seem weird at all.