by Jools Louise
Chapter Four:
Open for Business
Thomas used his wheelchair to negotiate the smooth walkway, liking the way that the ramps built at the end of each crosswalk made it so simple. He had only just been told that the ramps were put in specifically because of him, something he’d be thanking Cody for later.
He’d met Douglas, Cody’s son, two days ago, and was pleased for his lover. The guy had been married to a selfish money grabber, with a fantasy life all planned out since an early age. Marry a man with prospects, get pregnant to keep him on the hook but still play around, then keep playing the dolt of a husband to keep the money rolling in. Marissa would have been fine had she not played just a little too hard with one of Cody’s friends, who had told Thomas. That had led to Thomas cluing Cody in on things, and ultimately the loss of his friend to military life. Thomas didn’t regret informing his best friend, getting him away from the bitch’s clutches. He also knew that Cody had not been ready to admit to anyone back then his sexual orientation. Probably even to himself. That kiss before they parted all those years ago had given him an indication that Cody felt something for Thomas, but Thomas knew his friend had to get away, to find out what made him tick, away from the cloying influences of their old neighborhood, steeped in prejudice.
Thomas’s attention shifted, his nostrils quivering as the heady scent of freshly baked bread wafted on the early morning breeze. His mouth pooled with saliva, and he just caught himself from drooling. Fresh bread was the best—and John had just opened the bakery for business. Thomas bellowed out a laugh as he looked ahead. John might just need a hand right now. There was a line of construction workers right down the block from the bakery.
He hoped nobody was in need of a doctor, vet, or sheriff, because he spied Sheriff Pace’s distinctive hat near the front of the line, Lex and his husband Leo just behind. Lex was the shifter doctor, a former veterinarian who had studied human medicine as well. His husband Leo was a former pure-bred African lion, converted by mistake by Joe McKellar into a shifter. The man had studied intensively and become a nursing assistant, able to perform small operations and administer medication. Thomas shook his head at the long line. He’d never seen so many big, burly men waiting so patiently for baked goods.
Douglas, walking beside Thomas, sent the large group of men a wary glance and Thomas gave him a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry, Douglas,” he said. “They’re not out to hurt anyone, just make a sizeable dent in whatever John’s been creating today.” He grinned at Douglas wickedly. “John needs something to keep him busy, this is perfect for him. If there’s anything left to buy, we’ll grab it.” He saw Douglas relax slightly, stopping just a little bit behind the last person in line, having heard the kid’s tragic story and not wanting him scared. It would take a long time for him to feel comfortable around men, but in time he would learn to distinguish the bad seeds from the rest. Thomas figured it was a good idea to maybe open a gym, offering self-defense classes, boxing, martial arts, that kind of thing. It would give people confidence in themselves again and help dispel some of their demons. God knew there were enough people in the area who needed help. He gave a light gasp and slapped himself on the back of the head sharply. He was an idiot.
“Did you just hit yourself?” Douglas asked, sounding amused if still a little timid.
“Yes,” Thomas admitted, blowing out a breath of air. “I’m an idiot.”
There was a short pause, as Douglas waited for an explanation. With none forthcoming he asked, “Why?”
“I just thought that someone in town should open a gym, offering self-defense and other classes. Boxing and martial arts, as well as weight training. Then I realized me and Cody haven’t thought about what we’re going to do once our services are no longer required. We both have a lot of experience at all those things.” Thomas paused for breath, feeling a sense of purpose for the first time since he’d come to Sage. He’d felt like his life was off kilter, knowing he needed to do something useful but not knowing what.
“To help the kids from the facility?” Douglas asked, showing a gratifying intelligence. The kid was smart, that was for sure.
“Yes. And others.” Thomas looked up at Douglas, seeing the shadows that lurked in the boy’s eyes, hating what put them there. He decided to be blunt, ignoring the gap that widened as the line moved forward, not wanting others to hear what he had to say. “Douglas, your dad used to be this thin, scrawny kid who couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag,” Thomas said, smiling at Douglas’s quick grin. “He joined the military, and must have had a growth spurt or something, because—damn! That guy’s got some serious bulk now.”
Douglas laughed, hazel eyes sparkling with flecks of gold, his shaggy hair glinting in the morning sunshine. “Dad’s built like a bull,” he said.
Thomas chuckled, thinking the description fit his buddy to perfection. Big, thick shoulders, and his rump was a thing of beauty, nicely rounded and hard enough to bounce quarters off. The rest of his physique was hard muscle, a furry body just made for cuddling up against in bed. He knew it intimately by now, having spent the past two nights exploring it with his tongue, lips, and fingers. His lover was sexy as fuck.
“You’re in love with him,” Douglas said, grinning at Thomas’s suddenly dreamy look.
“Yes,” Thomas replied, thanking his dark skin for hiding the blush he knew was heating his cheeks. “I’ve been in love with him since we were ten years old.”
“That’s a loooong time,” Douglas breathed, shooting Thomas a teasing glance. “You’re pretty old now, right?”
Thomas snorted and rolled forward smoothly, closing the ten-foot gap in the bakery line. “I’m only forty-three, pipsqueak,” he said, wrinkling his nose. “That’s not old. Me and Cody are prime specimens of male beauty.”
Douglas began giggling when Thomas puffed out his chest and began preening, fluttering his lashes like crazy. “Yes, Dad,” he said, patting Thomas on the arm patronizingly.
Thomas blinked. He wasn’t sure that Douglas even knew what he’d said. Dad?
“I can call you dad, can’t I?” Douglas asked worriedly.
Thomas’s heart melted, and he dragged Douglas into an awkward hug. “Of course, pipsqueak. If that’s what you want.”
Douglas hugged him back, and they settled into some lighthearted banter as they waited patiently for their turn, the line shortening slowly. A half hour later, they were over the threshold and watching John and the five young shifters who now lived in the apartment complex scurrying around like crazy, making coffees, teas, loading paper sacks with bread and other goods. The place was larger than it looked from the outside, with about thirty small tables dotted about, all full of people enjoying breakfast rolls loaded with eggs, sausage and bacon, croissants and hot buttered toast with lashings of fruit preserves, as well as the requisite hot beverages. There was a dining area upstairs as well, a mezzanine level with a balcony over the street and also looked over the ground floor level. That area was full, too.
John looked frazzled to say the least, his usually impeccable image a little bit ruffled. The black hair he normally kept in a ponytail had strayed its bounds, and long strands hung beside his handsome face. His eyes reflected controlled panic, his back to the room as he rapidly took tray after tray of sticky buns, croissants, and sweet delicacies from the massive industrial-size ovens.
“This place is popping,” Thomas remarked, seeing John’s manic grin and head shake as he turned his head slightly, one hand sliding baked goods onto a wire rack.
“I had to corral the Young Guns here, or it would have been disastrous,” John replied. “They’ve been remarkable. I may need to hire them all, it’s been so busy.”
“I guess it’ll quiet down a little once the workers leave town,” Thomas said, but John shook his head.
“These guys all live at the ranch,” he answered with a grin. “Some are already looking at getting digs in Sage. Once Jack and Jamie get their restaurant up and run
ning, it’ll ease off a little. They’ll be doing full breakfasts and plan to open early to feed this lot of greedy fuckers.” There was a round of laughing protests from the construction crew who sat around at this remark, delivered in a loud voice.
“I hope I get a raise since I worked so hard this morning—I sooo deserve it,” Kevin said cheekily from his position at the super-duper coffee machine, which was spewing out all kinds of wonderful beverages.
“I told you, we’ll negotiate terms,” John retorted, curling his lip at the young man.
“He keeps saying that,” Kevin’s twin Kieran said, ringing up purchases at the checkout. “It’d better be worth it. He woke us from our beauty sleep.”
John sneered, rolling his eyes. Thomas laughed at him, not feeling sorry that the kids were ganging up. The man gave as good as he got, often instigating the teasing in the first place.
“Where’s Alfie?” Thomas asked, only seeing David and Chaz in addition to the twins.
“He’s helping at the inn,” John said, smiling widely. “That kid is smitten, and Mason…well, that kitty is toast.”
“So were you, the first time you saw Cameron,” David said, moving swiftly to a large double sink unit with a pile of dirty cups and plates from the upstairs level. “It was pitiful really.” He expertly avoided a floury hand aimed at the back of his head, laughing at John and poking his tongue out. “Douglas, my friend, this guy here teases everyone when they fall in love, and he was the worst of all of us for dragging his heels.” He shook his head sadly, loading a large dishwasher with the dishware, shutting the lid, then flipping it onto a fast wash.
“I was not pitiful,” John retorted with dignity. “Cameron and I just didn’t want to rush into things, that’s all.” He sniffed disdainfully, smirking at the ensuing laughter. “Douglas, don’t listen to these guys. David here has spent nearly four years playing one step forward and two steps back with Chaz here.” He shook his head sadly. “Now that is a pitiful attempt at romance.”
Chaz passed David, returning from bussing tables, a large load of crockery piled onto a big tray. David began gathering more dishes from the tables, which were just starting to clear out, while Chaz filled a second dishwashing rack from his tray.
“Dude,” Chaz said. “You really need to stop fretting about our love lives,” he said, smacking John’s ass with a wet hand. “You’ll give yourself gray hair and ulcers.” He grinned at John’s outraged look.
“Dude,” John retorted. “I’m in my prime. My concern is merely as a result of a deep-seated yearning to see romance blossom between you two.” Even Thomas saw the flash of pain in Chaz’s eyes, swiftly hidden behind an eye roll as Chaz turned away.
Thomas caught John’s concerned look at David, who shook his head slightly, warning John to change the subject.
“You know, John, I was just speaking to young Douglas here about opening a gym in town. What do you think?” Thomas stepped into the conversational void, nodding at John’s grateful look. He explained what he had in mind, and all the kids were interested at the idea, looking excited.
“Kevin and I wouldn’t mind joining martial arts classes,” Kieran said, looking excited. “I love Bruce Lee movies.” He was practically bouncing as he rang up another sale.
One of the workers who was at the till joined the discussion. He was a lean man of average height, his arms roped with sinewy muscle. Dark gray eyes were framed by long lashes, his copper-hued skin and high cheekbones hinting at Native American heritage somewhere in his genealogy. “I’ve done some martial arts,” he said. “I’m qualified to teach, if you need any instructors.” He paid for his breakfast and turned to Thomas. “I have some other friends, too, who are helping at the ranch. We all have fitness instructor qualifications in various disciplines. We’re allowed to teach people up to instructors’ level. Let me know when you want us,” he said, pushing a lock of dark hair behind one ear.
“I’ll do that,” Thomas replied, shaking the man’s hand. “I’m Thomas, and you probably know my boyfriend Cody, who I’ve yet to discuss this with.” He sent John a sheepish look that had the big shifter laughing at his discomfiture.
“I’m Ellis. Ellison Hawkwing. Aaron knows where to find me,” the man said, tipping two fingers to his forehead in a salute, then striding out of the café.
Thomas glanced at Douglas, who was staring after the guy and looking a little star struck. “Are you okay?” he asked, arching one brow.
Douglas flushed and shrugged one shoulder diffidently. “Sure,” he replied breezily, then stepped forward as they finally reached the counter. “What are you having?” he asked Thomas, who decided not to embarrass the kid further, and placed his order.
Thomas placed their order, removing his wallet to pay, but John waved him off casually. “On the house,” John said with a wink. “It’s not every day I get to serve Cody’s boyfriend and son. I thought he’d end up an old maid with a tabby cat for company, a pair of old-maid slippers, and smoking a pipe. Oh, and he would learn to knit, probably.”
Thomas smiled at John’s teasing, letting Douglas grab their order, then wheeling over to find a vacant table. He was relieved to find one nearby and positioned his chair, watching Douglas set their drinks down, along with a couple of warm croissants, freshly baked.
They tucked into the croissants, exchanging pleased smiles at the melt-in-the-mouth pastries. “These are great,” Douglas said, humming his pleasure as he went for a second bite, demolishing the thing in about ten seconds flat.
“We’ll take half a dozen more, when you’re ready,” Thomas called over to the twins, who grinned and plated up six more croissants, David bringing them over.
“Are you legal to work, age wise?” David asked Douglas, who nodded.
“I’m twenty-two now, for about a week,” Douglas replied, looking curiously up at the blond-haired young man.
David looked surprised. “You look younger,” he said, and Douglas shrugged. “Well, like John said, he needs people to work here permanently. I’m sure if you wanted he’d hire you. I’m looking to start the build on my mechanics’ shop this week, so I won’t be able to help out for much longer. As you see, John needs all the help he can get.” David sent a wicked grin at John, who flipped him off with a smirk.
“I’d love a job,” Douglas said eagerly, smiling widely. Then he frowned. “I’ve never worked before, though.”
“No problem, neither had any of us. It’s pretty straightforward. Kieran and Kevin man the coffee machine and cashier station, John is in charge of the baking, you’d be helping clear tables and the dishwasher. Chaz wants to stay here, so you wouldn’t be alone.”
Thomas looked at Chaz, who seemed to flinch at the edge in David’s voice. Thomas wondered what was up with the pair, who had been best friends for a long time. He sent John a concerned look.
“Douglas, why don’t you help Chaz for a little bit, get a taste for the place,” John called over, smiling kindly. “If you really hate it, no problem, I’ll get someone who lives at the ranch. If you fancy the job, then we can fill in a form and get you on the payroll.” He gave David a slightly chiding glance, the young man flushing a little before heading behind the counter to check on the dishwasher, ducking his head.
John gave the twins instructions after he’d finished taking the pastries and tart cases from the trays and transferring them onto cooling racks, then grabbed a cup of tea and came to sit at Thomas’s table, sighing wearily.
“Tougher than you expected?” Thomas asked, grabbing another French pastry, then slurping his coffee.
“I had to make extra just to keep up with demand. Some of these fuckers came back twice,” John said, smirking at a couple of workers behind them who flipped him off. “Of course, they know an expert baker when they see one, so I can’t say I blame them.” People laughed at this sally, insulting him and teasing him at the same time, to which he simply smiled wickedly, taking all the ripostes on the chin.
Gradually the place cleared ou
t as the workers returned to building the town, and John closed the door but kept it unlocked. It was already after ten o’clock…the place had been open since six thirty a.m., which meant John must have worked through the night to get everything ready for opening.
“I’ll open it again in a little while, after I get the toasted sandwich fixings ready and fire up the grill. With the diner still not quite ready, we’ll be busy for lunch as well. I’ll just grill burgers and do salads and sandwiches, as well as get the sweet pastries finished. I would have done more, but damn it got busy fast.” John, rubbed a hand across the back of his head and sighed again.
“When do they open the old diner?” Thomas asked, already on his third pastry.
“Later this week,” came the reply, as Mick, Jamie, and Jack entered the café. John rolled his eyes, jerking his thumb toward the counter. “Don’t start any trouble, Mick,” he warned his big, red-haired friend.
Jack smirked at John and laughed. “You mean like the kind of trouble you usually start, throwing flour and food everywhere?” He laughed louder when John flushed and tried to protest his innocence.
“Thomas, my man, don’t listen to a word of it. It’s lies, all lies I tell you,” John retorted melodramatically.
Mick snorted, then went behind the counter to help himself to pastries and a standard filter coffee, bringing the plate back and dragging a second table over. The twins made fresh coffees for the newcomers and a second drink for Pace, Lex, and Leo, who had just finished their breakfast rolls and coffees and came over as well.
“We were thinking we should coordinate with you, check out the competition here, and then get our menus in sync,” Jack said, sitting in a wheelchair of his own, looking at ease and in control. He didn’t seem fazed that he had to use the thing, and Thomas eyed him with new respect. He may end up using his chair more himself. He’d been too proud to do so before, thinking he had to show how tough he was, but the chair certainly made things easier, or at least less painful. Crutches were irritating.
