Starting Over in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  “We will.”

  “You’re so positive.”

  Kevin shrugged. “What I mean is that we’re going to screw things up. Things are going along fine right now, but it’ll get bumpy. It’s life.”

  “True.”

  “It’s how we deal with the bumps—that’s the thing,” Kevin said. “Kyle didn’t get over anything. He didn’t do anything wrong—that was his mentality. He was always right and everyone else was wrong. I tended to be wrong the most and he called me on it.”

  Shaun frowned and said nothing.

  “We had issues. Jesus. He wanted me in designer stuff and I couldn’t afford it. I didn’t have the extra for fancy clothes and clubbing on my salary, plus labels mean nothing to me. To him, the brand name is everything. I hated the unwarranted expense. That drove him crazy. Then, when I didn’t follow his orders on how I dressed and acted, he’d get angry. You saw him when he’s upset. He’s mean. He lies. He starts trouble. After a while, I couldn’t take it.”

  “So you left?”

  “He moved out.” Kevin shorted. “He said I was a shitty person and I should die. He said I’d never be loved and I’d end up alone.” His voice cracked. He’d never wanted to discuss this or tell anyone how he’d been verbally abused. The embarrassment nearly killed him. “Sorry. I wasn’t the best boyfriend. I worked long hours and didn’t want to go out. Plus, I’d make him clean the apartment. I hated having to follow him to keep the apartment straight, but he left a hot mess everywhere he went.”

  “Kev, you’re more than he ever knew and you didn’t deserve that. It’s natural to want your partner to help around the apartment. Honey, he screwed up. I don’t know if he’ll ever be loved, but you will. You’ll be adored,” Shaun said. “I won’t have it any other way.”

  “You won’t?” He petted Leo faster. The pent-up frustration boiled to the surface. “Shaun?”

  “I won’t.” Shaun held him. “I’m sure this won’t be perfect, but we’ll do our best and I guarantee I won’t treat you like he did. Ever.”

  He nodded. Shaun couldn’t promise forever, but they had a chance.

  “Sleep. I want to hold you. The night’s been everything I ever wanted.” Shaun cuddled up to Kevin. “My guy.”

  Kevin allowed himself to rest. No worries, no concerns or cares. Just bliss.

  Chapter Seven

  The morning after Shaun stayed over the first time, he lingered for breakfast and kissed Kevin senseless. The heat from those kisses seared Kevin to his core, even three days later. He headed to the stadium for the Saturday game, but every cell in his body wanted to be with Shaun again. They’d have to wait until Sunday, but he’d do that. He’d live.

  He locked his car and strode into the building. Just let them win so we can catch up.

  Kevin plunked everything but his work phone into his locker. Nedra was waiting for him in the kitchen. She waved to him.

  “Sunny Vale is here,” she said. “I don’t know why, but I heard a rumor he bought the team. He wants to see you and won’t even let Kyle come down here—not that Kyle should be here, but he was kicked out.”

  “What was Kyle doing in the concessions area?” Kevin donned an apron. “He’s promo and rejected my requests for fresh signage.”

  “I don’t know, but the rumor about Kyle is that he wanted to discuss you and that handsome guy from the paper. I’m guessing he’s jealous.” She pointed to the office. “Vale’s in there. Good luck—whatever it’s for.”

  “Thanks.” He knocked on the office door. “Sir?”

  “Open.” Sunny Vale, car salesman extravaganza, C-grade celebrity and former mayor of Cedarwood, now owner of the Wildcats, sat behind Kevin’s desk. The man had more money than God and his celebrity status might help bring people into the park, if nothing else. Does he really own the team now? “I wasn’t sure what time you’d be in.”

  “I’m a bit early.” Kevin nodded. “You need to see me?”

  “I do. Is this your office or what?”

  “It’s the central office and break room. It started off as my office, but I was never in it and we needed a break room, so this is what it morphed into.” He gestured to the snack machine. “It’s not exciting, but it’s ours. We can eat from the concessions stands, but we have to wait until everyone else has left or bring our own food. Mr. Mulhenney wanted to pinch pennies.”

  “It’s smart to be frugal, but there should be a proper dining space and better means for the workers to eat. I’m changing the procedures. You can order one lunch from the concessions and sit in any available seats in the stadium while on breaks.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Kevin couldn’t wait to tell everyone. “That’ll be in writing?”

  “Of course.” Mr. Vale folded his arms. “I’m told you have some suggestions for promotions. What did you want and what are those plans?”

  He’d been shot down before and expected it again, but tried anyway. “I’d like to do specials. Monday is fifty-cent popcorn, Tuesday would be buy a hot dog and soda and get the cotton candy cone for free, Wednesday would be sweet tooth day with all candies half price, Thursday would be dollar beer—not the huge beers, but a smaller version—for a buck, with Friday being dollar dog and soda night, and Saturday would feature two-dollar fries.”

  “Sunday?”

  “Bag of peanuts for a buck. It gets people in even when we’re losing. People love deals,” Kevin said. “I asked for new signage for each day, some banners to publicize all the deals and the ability to change out the signs for each game. We still have a third of the season left. We might not be great, but it’d help draw crowds in.” He sucked in a ragged breath and waited for the owner’s answer.

  “I like it.”

  “You do?” Kevin blurted.

  “I do. The ideas are stout and we should’ve been doing them before now. Do we have family packs?” Mr. Vale asked. “I’ve seen them, haven’t I?”

  “We did. You got four dogs, four sodas, two orders of fries and two cotton candy cones for twenty dollars. It was extremely popular. In conjunction with the family four pack of tickets, we’d sell out the family section. Mr. Mulhenney wanted to sell the tickets separately because we made more money on single tickets. The thing is, when the people buy the pack, they don’t tend to just purchase those four hot dogs and such. They go back and get a second soda or a bag of peanuts. We did make some profit on the deal.”

  “Then we’re bringing it back.” Mr. Vale nodded. “I can’t afford to get you more staff just yet, but let’s invest in your ideas—the promotion each day and the signage will draw people in. We’ll keep the concession stands that are open that way and work towards reopening the closed ones. Think you can helm it? I’ll get the signs done and you rally the workers. Yes?”

  “Deal.” Kevin paused. “Then you really did buy the club?”

  “As soon as I heard Mulhenney wanted out, I lobbied everyone I could think of and a few I didn’t think could help me to get the club. It worked, and here I am.” Mr. Vale stood. “I don’t know what the hell we were doing for promotions, but that’s my next stop. I’m assuming you know the guy. Mr. Beglin? Real piece of work. I don’t know what he’s spending the promotions money on, but it’s not butts in seats.”

  “I’m not sure.” He couldn’t lie and had no clue what Kyle might have spent the money on. “And yes, I do know him.”

  “I see.” Mr. Vale rounded the desk. “You should have an office, but we’ll sort out a better break room, too.” He clapped Kevin on the shoulder. “You’re an asset to the team. You’re smart and not too quick to agree to stuff. I like that you’re honest with me.”

  “I try, sir.” Kevin smiled. “We have a double-header today, so there will be a run on everything. I need to get out there to help. By the second inning of the first game, we’ll be hopping.”

  “Good. I like to see busy workers.” Mr. Vale walked out of the office. “I’ll be giving everyone a copy of the new handbook and outlining exactly what I expect f
rom them. I’ll also be giving a speech tomorrow to let them know I did buy the team. I see how rampant gossip is around here.” He grinned. “No different than being the mayor. Everyone wants your attention and they all want to kiss your ass to get what they want.”

  “I’ve never run for office.” And have no desire to do so.

  “Good. It’ll wear you down,” Mr. Vale said. “I’ll see you later to check on things.”

  “Sure. Thank you.” He couldn’t wrap his mind around what had just happened. He’d been listened to and had managed to improve the situation. Holy shit. He couldn’t wait to tell Shaun. “Thank you.”

  “Welcome.” Mr. Vale walked out of the office and turned to Kevin. “I checked up on all my workers. I’m not making huge changes here, but I need to know the people I have are going to do their job. You know? I need to be sure I can count on you.”

  “You can, sir.” He just wanted to do a good job and help the concessions run smoothly.

  “You’re the head of concessions. I want briefings and stats every day after a game.” Mr. Vale shook hands with Kevin. “I’ll send out a breakdown of jobs, but we’re hitting the ground running right now and the briefings start on Monday.”

  “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

  “I know you won’t.” Mr. Vale winked, then clapped him on the shoulder before he walked away.

  Kevin stared at Mr. Vale’s retreating form. Well, shit. He knew what he’d heard and what he’d been told, but everything hadn’t sunk in yet. The miracle he’d wanted had happened.

  Nedra touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.” Kevin chuckled. “We’ve been bought by Mr. Sunny Vale and he respects us. We’re getting new signs and so forth, we’re allowed and encouraged to run specials and we’ve got his backing.” He sighed and met her gaze. “We got what we want.”

  “No kidding?”

  “No kidding.” Kevin turned to her. “So, first things first. Saturdays will be two-dollar fries for the special. Both games. Make a note for the cashiers. If anyone questions, send them to me.”

  “Will do.” Nedra grinned, then turned on her heel. She left him to his prep work.

  Kevin washed his hands and donned gloves. Once done, he focused on getting supplies out, then running onions through the chopper. His heart lightened. Things were finally going his way.

  Half an hour later, Kevin took a break long enough to text Shaun from his personal phone.

  Not a promotion per se, but got a lot more respect from the new team owner. Who knew? He listened to me and put promos in place.

  He hit Send, then added a second text.

  Will call you after the second game. Miss you.

  He almost added a heart, but changed his mind. Too soon. Besides, Shaun had to know he was falling for him. God, it was so obvious.

  His phone pinged with a text from Shaun.

  So proud of you. Didn’t know about new owner until today. Think you could get a break and see me if I come up to watch part of the game?

  He hadn’t thought about it. Kevin checked his watch. If Shaun came up and sat in the lower tier, he could sneak away for a few minutes to see him.

  He sent a reply.

  Try to get a seat in the lower tier, west end and I’ll bust tail to see you.

  Seconds after he sent the message, another one showed up.

  Deal. Miss you, too.

  Kevin tucked his phone back into his locker and grinned at his reflection. He looked like a man in love. Was he? Possibly. He cared about Shaun and could see him as his partner, but also as his lover. He missed being in Shaun’s arms, craved his kiss, the way he sighed in his sleep and how he liked Leo.

  This just might be love.

  For the next forty-five minutes, Kevin completed his work and manned the central concessions counter. His thoughts never wandered far from Shaun. He was lucky to have Shaun in his life. He wasn’t destined to be alone or treated like dirt. Shaun was his equal.

  Kevin switched out the money drawer for a fresh one. He’d count the full drawer between games and after he locked it up in the safe. Part of him wanted Shaun to show up, but the rest of him was glad he hadn’t arrived yet, because he had no time to stop and visit.

  “Kev?” Nedra elbowed him as he came back from the office and safe. “You have a customer.”

  “I do?” When he rounded the corner, he spotted Shaun at the counter. “Hi.”

  “May I get some food?” Shaun asked. “I’m starving.”

  Nedra grinned. “I’ll handle him. You wash your hands and take a break. If I need you, I’ll holler, but I doubt that’ll happen.”

  “Yeah.” Kevin had to piece through what she’d said. Right. Wash hands. He shook his head, then washed his hands and left the counter. He walked out to the concourse and spotted Shaun. “Hey you.” He settled in the seat beside Shaun. “Is anyone sitting here?”

  “You are.” Shaun tucked his cup into the built-in holder, then rested his carton of nachos on his lap and palmed Kevin’s thigh. “I got tired of typing up advertisements and wanted to see you. You’re right—you’re not so busy when they’re on a winning streak.”

  “You people-watched?” He hadn’t had a chance to watch for Shaun. “I guess it’s not that hard, though.”

  “It’s something to do. You, though, are electric.” Shaun shifted in his seat. “I miss holding you.”

  He couldn’t stay out for too long, but didn’t want to interrupt their moment. “I miss being held.”

  “I’m going to start looking for a house,” Shaun said. “It’s time.”

  Kevin froze. What a hell of a topic change. “What prompted that?”

  “The roots thing we talked about. I want to put them down, and it’s time. I want you to help me,” Shaun said. “I looked at a couple of houses listed online and I want your input.”

  “Shaun?” Seemed a bit fast to be choosing houses, but whatever.

  “I’m thinking about my future and the one I want to share with you.” Shaun nodded and squeezed Kevin’s thigh. “Kev, I’m falling for you. Why not make some moves that’ll help with that future?”

  He opened and closed his mouth without answering because the words evaporated. His breath clogged in his throat.

  “How about you say you’ll help me?” Shaun rubbed Kevin’s thigh. “I know I’m going fast, but I also know this is the move I need to make. I can’t keep living in an apartment because it’s too easy. I’m the kind of guy that when I hit a snag, I want to run. If I have a house and admit what I want—you—I won’t have a reason to run. I’ll have something that’s mine. I’m too old to be goofing around. Things will be easy with us, but hard too, and I’m okay with that. I want the rough, the smooth, the whole thing with you.”

  “You’re asking me to move in with you, aren’t you?” He wanted to follow Shaun’s way of thinking, but Jesus, he couldn’t keep it all straight. He wasn’t sure he wanted to move in with anyone—if that was what he was being asked. It might be nice to live together. They’d have nights together and could see each other at the end of the day, but they’d have nowhere to run if they had an argument.

  “Not yet. I move at warp speed, but not all the time.” Shaun sipped his drink, then grinned. “I want us to have a chance to feel this all out, but I want a house. I’m tired of living in a tiny box apartment. This is something I want, and the more places I look at, the more it feels right.”

  “Okay.” He respected Shaun’s decision.

  “But enough about houses. You’ve got mad respect here. Your co-worker couldn’t say enough about you.” Shaun massaged Kevin’s inner thigh. “It’s great.”

  “Yeah.” He stared at Shaun for another minute, then remembered what he’d wanted to tell Shaun in the first place. “I guess I do. Nedra likes me, though. She’s always had my back.” He laughed. “But this new owner, Mr. Vale, is suitable, I suppose. He was a decent enough mayor and an okay celebrity, but he’s got a good head for business—better than Mulh
enney, the former team owner. I know Vale’s letting me try out my ideas to sell food at better prices and hopefully move more of it. If we can get people in and sell our concessions at a decent, affordable price, then fine by me.”

  “You will. He’s got an asset in you.” Shaun bumped shoulders with him. “I’m impressed with your job and your ability to do it. You’re really someone special.”

  “You are, too.” He kissed Shaun. “The ninth inning is about to start. Our relief pitcher seems to be a better closer than starting player. It’s good because he’s getting the opposing team’s players out faster, but it means the game goes faster and cuts down my time to clean up before the next game. The two-hour break isn’t always enough.”

  “Then go. I’m looking forward to your texts tonight. Dirty is good,” Shaun said. “I love a dirty text.”

  The tips of Kevin’s ears burned. He’d never sent a dirty text. Ever. Then again, he might have to try. “I will.”

  “Good.” Kevin left his seat. “Until later.”

  “Until later.” Shaun winked. “I’ve got to finish these nachos and watch the rest of the game. I’ll probably let the crowd thin out before I go, too. I hate traffic.”

  “Sounds good.” He waved, then leaned in to kiss Shaun again. “Bye.” He wanted to say more, but held back instead. He waved before he made his way to the concession stands. When he entered the staff portion of the stand, Nedra groaned.

  “Good. We need you,” she said. “You’ve got a good guy. Has to be, because this is the first time you’ve returned to the stand with a smile on your face. I like it.”

  “I do, too.” Kevin jumped into the swing of things and tried to keep his mind off Shaun. The house thing bothered him, but all-in-all, his heart was lighter and his spirits soared. Nedra was right. He was in a positive mood—partially because of the job changes, but mostly because of Shaun.

  The house idea was a huge thing and scary, but could be what they both needed. He saw a future with Shaun, too, and a little house—one with a yard—might be the piece they needed to make their relationship complete.