by John Charles
Lance was beside himself with lust. He didn't want to talk about Forrest. He wanted what Dale was threatening and he didn't care if it was going to be rough. "No. Mom said I should do it in person, not on the phone." He tried, in vain, to free his arms, moaned as Dale continued to tease him, and thrust his hips up to meet every move Dale made.
Suddenly Dale jumped off Lance, stood next to the couch and extended his hand. The move startled Lance, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing and everything. For one, you are here not laying in Forrest's bed. Second, you are so in love with this man you can't see straight. Third, you're a fool. If he didn't want what you offered, he'd have dropped you like a three-day-old smelly fish. Get dressed and go see him, now!"
Lance lay there in awe. One second he was being lustfully teased and the next he was being ordered to get dressed. "I thought you wanted me here tonight?"
"I do, but not like this. You need to talk with him and let him know how you feel." He put his hand out, grabbed Lance's arm and pulled him up. "Go see him now, Lance"
"It's nearly midnight. What if he's sleeping?"
"Then wake him. Tell him what's bothering you. If he wants you, he'll invite you to his bed. If not, come back here and I'll bring you into mine."
The drive to Forrest's apartment was quiet. Even his mental arguments were silent. He parked, walked to the building, and pressed the button for Forrest's apartment. No answer on the third attempt, Lance turned and looked up and down the street. He didn't see Forrest's car. He sighed and walked back to where he parked. Before opening the door, he fished out his phone and texted You home? I'm in front of your building. Can we talk?
Not a minute later, his phone chirped. In Clarkesburgh. Will be home Thursday. Want to talk now - I'm up.
Yeah, if you want to. He barely finished clicking the send button when his phone rang.
"Hi. I hope I'm not keeping you from something important."
"Oh, that sounds like it could be interesting." Lance leaned against his door listening to Forrest tell him about the police station project. "You going to be able to work in that neighborhood? I've heard it's a tough area."
"Yeah I do need to talk to you, but not on the phone. Can we get together when you come back?"
"Yeah, well… it's important and I want to do it in person. That is if you still want me around." His eyes were closed as he listened. Forrest's voice was low and raspy. He sounded sexy and got Lance hot with desire.
"Forrest? I'm… I'm sorry."
"Not now…. When you get back…. In person."
"Okay, have a good meeting. Call me when you get home if it's not too late."
They ended the call with the promise they'd get together Thursday after work.
Chapter 14
Returning to his office after a business trip was always difficult. Forrest tried to stay abreast of the goings on while he was away, but the dynamics played out in his absence. His morning run felt great since the compressed schedule in Clarkesburgh only permitted a short morning workout in the hotel gym.
The office was buzzing with activity when he arrived. Everyone wanted to bring him up to date on their projects, wanted his time to discuss new ideas, and needed their boss' attention. Eyanna tried to keep things under control while he was away, but she also needed her him. Forrest knew the drill. His first day back from extended trips was chaotic at best.
The first order of business was the planning meeting for the new police headquarters. Now that he had the signed contract and knew the intended location, he had to appoint a team to handle the project. That team would spend countless days in Clarkesburgh over the next two years, so he needed people who could handle the stress. Unlike other projects that required extended trips, this one had a different requirement.
"That's a war zone, boss. Will we have security?" asked one of his planners.
"Never mind security, we need armed guards if you expect us to work there," said another. "Why the hell did they choose that location?"
Forrest expected some negative feedback. He, himself felt uncomfortable when he walked the site - and that was with cops all around him. "The goal is to revitalize the area by bringing the police station there. They hope to attract several other businesses by giving them tax breaks and low interest building loans."
"That's great but what about all of us? Who will keep us safe? I don't need a knife in my back while I walk down the street."
"I have been told that we will have all the security we need. The police chief assured me that we would be protected."
"What about the contractors and their men?" asked Eyanna as she looked over the aerial views of the intended building site. "I know this area. It's gang driven and is one of the heaviest drug trafficking areas in the state." Others in the conference room nodded as she spoke. "Do you really think you can get contractors to work on this project?"
Though Forrest knew the area was bad, he didn't expect the amount of negative feedback he was getting. "I was going to ask for team volunteers for the project, but now I'm not sure what to do. Would any of you want this?" At first, no one volunteered.
After a few long minutes of silence, Kacey Narayan, known to everyone as KC, spoke up. "I know that area is kinda bad, but I'd really like to lead this project." Every head in the room spun quickly to the little woman sitting near the end of the conference table. KC was small, shy, and seemed fragile to most who met her, but she was an amazing designer and project manager.
Forrest was stunned by her comment. "I'm not sure that is a good idea KC. This area is one of the worst locations I've ever seen and I can't let you do this." Everyone nodded their agreement except KC.
Standing barely made a difference in her height, but it sent a message to all who watched her. "You asked for volunteers. Are you suggesting that I can't do this or is it because I'm a woman? Forrest, I've won awards for this company and I'm volunteering for this project." She remained standing as silence fell over the room.
"Why? Why would you put yourself into a dangerous situation? What will your boyfriend say when he finds out? I really can't allow you to do this KC."
"My boyfriend will be furious. He'll yell and scream, and then he'll understand. You get me the security I need and I'll do the job. If those wimpy contractors see a woman working on the site, they'll have no choice but to commit. I want this project boss and I deserve to have it." She remained standing as Forrest sat in the silent room.
"On one condition. You agree to full police protection and I mean full protection. I have been assured that all the workers on the site will have security, but I will insist you have a bodyguard with you at all times. Say you're okay with that and the project is yours."
KC smiled, knowing she had won. She wanted a chance to take on a controversial project since joining Dentren designs. Though she designed two buildings that won awards, she had never been in charge of a full project. This was her chance to shine, albeit in a dangerous location, but that might prove beneficial, too. "I agree," she said as she sat. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I'll make Dentren Designs proud."
The balance of the meeting was dedicated to project particulars. "Obviously the building will need to be quite secure and since we are not in the jail business, a consultant has been hired to assist us. He is one of the nation's top designers of secure facilities. Let's get the drawings going and create a list of contractors who are willing to work over there. KC, since this is your first full project, I want you to offload all your other projects and just concentrate on this one. Oh, I'll be hiring a new architect and we'll be entertaining three new interns." Forrest walked from the conference room as the remaining staff continued discussing the police station.
"You sure about this?" Eyanna followed him into his office. "She's a prime target for the gangs."
"No, I'm not sure at all, but she will have a bodyguard and police protection, so how can I object." He looked at the piles of folders on his desk, then back to Eyanna. "I've only been gone three days."<
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"A lot can happen in three days, especially when your face is plastered on the front pages of the newspapers and architect magazines." She stood next to his desk as he sat. "It's not that bad. Most of these are small projects or additions to existing ones. I'll help you sort out the important stuff."
By six that night, Forrest felt as if he had worked for three days straight. His phone chimed an incoming text. When he swiped the screen, he realized he had missed several calls and texts while away from his desk. This one from Lance read, Can you find time for dinner?
He didn't need any more drama in his life. Though Lance was one of the most insecure people he had ever met, he enjoyed the man's company. Not tonight. My day is barely half over and I have too much on my plate.
A few minutes later his phone chirped OK.
He felt bad, but was not in the mood for more drama. Maybe the idea of a life partner was just not in the cards. He worked until ten, closed the office and drove home. Dinner had been left over pizza at his desk, which was giving him heartburn. Sleeping in his own bed felt extremely good, even if it was alone, especially since it was alone.
Friday should have been an easier day considering the hectic one he had the day before, but Forrest found himself embroiled in city politics, the kind of politics that had no good end. So many people wrote to the mayor's office complaining about Phila-Design getting the contract for the city center that the mayor was up against a wall. He called a press conference to try to clear up the discontent his office was receiving.
"The mayor is on the phone." Eyanna leaned against the doorframe, smiling, at Forrest's discomfort. "He wants to know if you'll come to another press conference regarding the City Center award."
"Why should I do that - I lost."
"Ask him." Eyanna turned from the door and walked away.
"Mr. Mayor. Nice to hear from you," said Forrest in a most non-committal voice.
"I'm flattered that so many people have written in, but how can my presence at the press conference help?"
"You want me to do what?" Forrest was appalled at the request. He sat in silence for a minute and then said, "No, I don't think I can do that, sir. You chose my competitor even though my design was better for the city." Forrest rested his head in his hand as he listened.
"Sir, with all due respect, threats are not becoming of you. I lost the contest, you awarded the contract to an outsider and now you want me to support that award? As I said a minute ago, the answer is still no. Have a good day sir." He didn't wait for a response before he hung up the phone.
"Fuck, is my life turning to shit or what?" he said to the empty room. He grabbed his cell and texted Rachell. Lunch?
"He wanted you to stand in front of the cameras and tell the people of Monroe that you are okay with losing the contest? That's lousy damage control. I'm glad you told him no." Forrest always felt good when Rachell agreed with his decisions, even if they weren't great ones. They ate in silence for a few minutes, clearly enjoying the lunch special. "So how's it going with Lance? Have you gotten together since you came back?"
Forrest put his fork down, looked at his best friend and shook his head. "I don't want to see him anymore. He walked out on me and frankly I don't need his insecurity in my life." He waited for the response that he knew would come.
"So you drop him on the side of the road because he felt out of place? He's not used to having someone like you in his life." Rachell sat with her hands crossed in her lap waiting for Forrest to defend himself, but he didn't.
"No, I didn't dump him anywhere. He dumped me. Listen, I invited you to lunch so I could get away from the shit in my life, so please drop the Lance thing. Okay?" Forrest picked up his fork and picked at his lunch, which until a few minutes ago was perfect. Now it seemed boring and dull.
Rachel knew her friend better than he did sometimes. She put her hand onto his, and said, "Give him a chance to explain. Tell him that you are who you are and if he wants you in his life, he'll have to get control over his emotions. If he still seems insecure to you, then move on, but at least give him a chance." Nothing more was said about politics or Lance. They skirted around several topics and finally agreed to meet on Monday.
When he returned to work, Forrest was surprised and furious to see the mayor sitting in his office. "I already gave you my decision, sir. Groveling won't change it," he said as he sat behind his desk, not giving the mayor a chance to speak first.
"I'm sorry for the veiled threats, Forrest. You've been good to the people of Monroe and don't deserve that. I just don't know what to do. We've received over a thousand letters, almost all complaints that your firm did not win the award."
"So you want me to defend your decision and get you off the hook? Is that right?"
"Not really. I would hope that you could tell the people of Amity and Monroe that you are okay with Phila-Designs winning the project."
Forrest slammed his hand on the desk, startling the mayor as well as Eyanna who sat at her desk outside Forrest's door. "I'm not okay with it, sir. That company is an outsider that puts in design bids all over the world just for the money. They don't give a shit about Monroe, Amity, or anyone who lives here." Standing to signal the end of the meeting, Forrest said, "I might be biting my nose to spite my face, but this time you're on your own sir." He walked to the door waiting for the mayor to realize the meeting was finished. Eyanna stood, too, to escort the mayor from the offices.
As soon as the mayor was on the other side of the door, everyone in the bullpen cheered. "Thanks boss" came from every direction. "We'll do better next time, He doesn't deserve your support," and several other comments flew by his ears. Forrest was overwhelmed by the response and support he was receiving, nodded his appreciation and walked back into his office.
Not a minute after sitting down, his phone chimed a text. Meet me for breakfast, please! Lance was persistent if nothing else.
Chapter 15
The Amity Diner was always busy, but weekends were especially so. It seemed as if everyone in Amity and Monroe wanted to let someone else cook breakfast for them. Lance felt nervous and jittery as he waited for Forrest. He wasn't sure what to say, or how Forrest would react. Both Dale and his mother had said the same thing - "Talk to him. Let him know how you feel." The only saving-grace was that Dale wanted him back and wouldn't think he was a second choice.
Dale and Lance had hit it off when they dated over a year ago. Their relationship had grown to the point they wanted to move in together. Lance enjoyed the company of Dale's friends. He knew they all worked with their hands and felt at ease around them. When Dale's father had a major heart attack, he encouraged Dale to take a leave of absence from his job and go home. "He needs you and you don't know how long he'll be around. Go home and help him get better."
Now, almost a year later, Dale was back in his life and wanted to pick up where they had left off, but Dale had more ethics than most. He knew Lance was seeing someone and wouldn't get in the middle. Only when he heard that Lance and Forrest split, did he re-enter the picture. And even then, he encouraged Lance to talk with Forrest. "If it doesn't work out, come back to me. I'll be here for you."
Forrest arrived a few minutes after their agreed time. "Sorry about that. I forgot that traffic on Saturday's could be intense." He looked at Lance and realized the man was nervous. He saw the look of fear in his eyes and knew what the man was thinking. Hand on Lance's shoulder, he said, "I'm not going to chew you out. I understand, so let's just talk this through. Okay?"
Lance nodded, and was about to say something when they heard his name being called for a table. "I'm sorry about the contest. I think you had the better design." Lance put the menu down and waited.
"Well it appears you are not alone. The mayor said they've received over a thousand complaints that Dentren Designs didn't win the award. He even wanted me to speak at a press conference on Monday to appease the public, but I refused."
Lance was appalled at the mayor's request. "He fucked up an
d wants you to kiss his ass? That is rotten man, completely rotten." The server took their orders and poured more coffee. "Listen, I'm sorry for walking out on you." He looked down, not making eye contact with Forrest. "I'm not used to being in the limelight, or having anyone I know in it either."
"It scares you, doesn't it?" Lance jerked his head up at Forrest's comment. "Lance you need to know that I am who I am. This will not change anytime soon. In fact, I suspect it will get worse."
Just then, a couple with two kids in tow, stopped at their table. "We wrote the mayor telling him that we were not going to vote for him next election. Thought you should know," said the father as he stopped his daughter from touching everything on their table. "You should run for mayor. I bet you'd be elected, too. That would teach that guy about loyalty." Before Forrest could reply with anything more than thank you, the couple walked away, dragging their kids with them.
He turned to Lance expecting to see the same annoyed expression he saw the previous time they went out. Instead, he saw Lance laughing. "What's so funny?"
"You! They want you to run for mayor and you looked as if they were going to shoot you or something. Isn't running for mayor on your life to-do list?" Lance laughed at his own comments, reached for the fork next to his breakfast plate, and stabbed a piece of sausage.
"No, mayor is not on my to-do list," scoffed Forrest as he began to eat. "But city council is," he said waiting for Lance to run away again. What he saw was a mixture of fear and amusement. Lance didn't over react and didn't stop eating either. "You'd be okay with that?"
