by Serena Yates
“How do you intend to do this and what sort of a facility do you envisage?” At least Mr. Cabbert seemed honestly interested.
“Given a lot, we would build a shelter. In line with our mission, services will be offered to all youths who seek help, with a priority for those for whom no other service is available. We will make every effort to reunite kids with their families and will collaborate with community agencies and associates.” Landon smiled. “What we do in Houston, where I have worked in different capacities for the past seven years, includes walk-in services, a residential programme that includes shelter, clothing and educational support, health and HIV case management, counselling and pastoral care, and the teaching of life skills via a mentoring programme.”
“Very impressive.” Mr. Cabbert nodded. “It fits nicely with our objective of cleaning up the streets and offering community services as well as commercial opportunities and jobs.”
“And the good news is that a shelter like this offers jobs as well.” Landon’s smile widened. “While the majority of our staff consists of volunteers, there are quite a few positions for qualified medical personnel, counsellors and administrative staff.”
“Very well. That was a very thorough introduction. Will you be available for further consultations over the next few weeks, as we progress the project?” Mr. Cabbert had asked the other attendees the same question, but since all of them were residents of Riverside, it had been pretty clear there wouldn’t be any issues.
“Of course.” Landon smiled and looked straight at Kendall. “I have temporarily relocated here and will be available as long as necessary.”
Kendall sank back in his chair. The shock had left him shaking all over. Landon had moved back here? It might be temporary, but even that was going to be hard to adjust to. Or maybe not. After all, Landon might not be interested in talking to him. Just like seven years ago after they’d parted ways.
The increasing noise level in the background alerted Kendall to the fact that the meeting was over and people were leaving. Mr. Ambrose was already gone, on his way back to the office for sure. Most likely he was expecting Kendall to be hot on his heels…
Except he was glued to his chair, trying to decide between outrage at Landon’s gall to just walk back into his life like that—as an official enemy, no less—and unmistakable joy at seeing him again. Damn, but the attraction was still there. Even though he’d had a few relationships, none of them had gone beyond casual. No other man had ever made him feel so much.
No other man was Landon.
He finally looked up when he realised the room had gone quiet. Landon was right there, still in his chair, still looking at him.
Shit, but Landon was gorgeous.
“So, would you like to go for a coffee?” Landon didn’t move a muscle, as if he was afraid Kendall would run.
He almost did. That question brought back so many memories it wasn’t funny.
“Why?” God, why hadn’t he just said no? There was no point in opening old wounds. The truth, however, was that he was curious. He wanted to know what had happened to Landon, how he was doing. It was totally pathetic, but deep down he still hoped they might get back together.
“I just… I’d like to talk to you.” Landon looked lost all of a sudden.
“About what?” Kendall wasn’t going to make it easy for the man. “We can’t exactly talk about the inner city project, since we’re on opposite sides.”
“Well, I don’t think that is the only thing we can talk about, is it?” Landon frowned and started putting his sparse paperwork into a messenger bag.
“I need to get back to the office first.” That wasn’t really an answer but Kendall was too confused to figure out what he wanted. And he always needed to get back to the office.
“Okay.” Landon’s shoulders slumped.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t meet later.” Kendall couldn’t bear to see Landon so sad, knowing he had done that. It made him stop and think. Was he really that important to Landon? “I just need to talk to my boss about our strategy for this.”
“Are you sure?” Landon closed his bag and got up. ”I don’t want to pressure you, but I haven’t seen you in so long and I’d like to catch up. I was hoping we could forget about the past and make a fresh start.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Even though that sounded more like an offer of friendship than what Kendall had been hoping for, it was a step in the right direction. At least they’d be talking again. Pathetic!
“Okay, great.” Landon beamed at him as he grabbed his coat. “Where do you want to meet? Is the Front Porch still around?”
“It sure is.” Kendall grinned. “That bar has more lives than the proverbial cat. It changes ownership on a regular basis, but the building and the customers seem to be constants.”
“Great.” Landon slipped on his coat and walked to the door. “Seven okay?”
“Seven is fine.” Kendall watched Landon leave.
What had he just agreed to? He’d have to wait and see.
Chapter Four
“Would you mind telling me why you’re late?” Mr. Ambrose stood in Kendall’s office door and glared at him as if he’d just admitted to killing someone, if not worse.
“Late?” Kendall shifted some papers on his desk, trying to look busy as he worked on getting his brain into gear.
“We have a meeting with the team from the Parker account—or did you forget?” Mr. Ambrose frowned as he checked his watch. “And you know they don’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Sorry.” Kendall had to bite his tongue to stop himself from commenting on the fact that Mr. Ambrose’s need to be punctual was very sensitive to the perceived importance of whom he was meeting. Apparently it was okay to be late where a whole group of people and the city council were concerned, but not when a medium-sized client was interested.
“Yeah, well, just make sure you’re there as fast as possible. I’ll go ahead and schmooze them while you do whatever it is you’re doing.” Mr. Ambrose turned on his heel and marched towards the elevators.
Ouch. It wasn’t good to annoy the boss. Kendall picked up the file and drawings he needed and raced after Mr. Ambrose, trying to catch him before the elevator got there. Having made it, he focused on slowing down his breathing and remembering the pertinent details for this meeting. He needed to be sharp and prove he was worthy of being a junior partner. Not to mention starting to show that he was good enough to become a senior partner one of these days. Perhaps not strangely, based on his observations of who got promoted and who didn’t, that seemed to require more talent in the area of office and client politics than ability.
They walked into the meeting room—Kendall one step behind so Mr. Ambrose was visibly in charge—and greeted the clients. A father and son team, they seemed to be having a great time flirting with Amy, Mr. Ambrose’s very young and very blonde secretary. Kendall tried not to be prejudiced, but Amy was just so stereotypically empty-headed, it was a wonder she managed to hold on to her position.
“Mr. Parker, sorry to keep you waiting.” Mr. Ambrose shook hands with the older Parker then the son.
“Oh, no problem at all. We’ve been taken real good care of by your beautiful Amy here.” Mr. Ambrose winked at the woman before turning back to Mr. Parker. “But I must admit to being awful curious about your design for my new family residence. So let’s kick off this meeting, happy hour isn’t going to wait on us.”
Kendall almost groaned. The man was an insufferable alcoholic, which he only barely concealed. Always scheduling meetings around the next opportunity to drink, be that a long lunch or an early evening drink to ‘celebrate the end of the work day’, it was a wonder he remained sober enough to run his meat processing business. Or maybe it was actually his son who did the real work? Not that the younger Parker got any credit for it if he did.
Kendall sighed as he spread his drawings on the big meeting room table for Mr. Parker to inspect. He knew what would happen, after all. Mr. Ambr
ose was going to pretend it was his work they were discussing…unless Mr. Parker didn’t like it. In that case, it would all of a sudden be Kendall’s fault.
“Oh, I like this.” Mr. Parker bent over the papers, peering at the intricate art deco designs. “Very nice.”
Yep, it was going to be Mr. Ambrose who took credit for the design. Kendall’s presence was now a mere formality and he could take notes on autopilot. Kendall switched off his work brain, going back to wondering whether meeting up with Landon tonight was such a good idea.
He was in no doubt that he was going. After all, he’d promised that he would. But the expectations he had, or didn’t have, would decide how he’d approach the situation. He almost chuckled. He was already in way over his head. Landon had always had this effect on him, making him stupid and giddy like a teenager. It was both exhilarating and frustrating to find out that hadn’t changed.
Setting himself up for failure wasn’t what he wanted, but it seemed he had no choice. Not going wasn’t an option. And once he was there, he was pretty sure he’d fall under Landon’s spell again.
Sensing a change in the flow of conversation, he returned his full attention to the meeting, taking notes of the changes Mr. Parker wanted. There weren’t many and the meeting was soon finished.
“Ready for that drink?” Mr. Parker leant back in his chair and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
Kendall was horrified. The man seemed to forget there was a no-smoking law in effect.
“Sure.” Mr. Ambrose rose. “If you’ll follow me, we can leave the boys to deal with the details.”
Thank God he wouldn’t be required to attend this evening’s session. Meeting up with Landon was far more important.
“Unless you want to join us, Kendall?” Mr. Ambrose turned around at the last minute and looked at him.
“No, that’s okay.” Nonchalant was the way to go. “I have a prior commitment.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mr. Ambrose left with Mr. Parker in tow.
Kendall breathed a sigh of relief, sent Parker Junior on his way and quickly tidied up. He had a date tonight, the first one of any importance in years.
He couldn’t wait.
* * * *
The Front Porch bar, what Kendall remembered of it, still looked the same as it had however many months ago when he’d last been here. Comfortable booths lined two walls, and a big bar plus a large area for more tables took up the remaining space. Apparently, the simple snacks and finger foods they’d begun serving a while ago had become popular.
Landon sat at a table in the back, nursing a beer and looking slightly lost. Kendall walked up to him quietly, taking in the sight of the man who still made his heart beat faster so many years later.
“Hi.” Kendall stood next to the table, suddenly unsure of what to do.
Landon looked up, a smile spreading across his face that made him look years younger. Then he seemed to rein himself in and became serious again.
“Hey.” Landon waved at the seat across from him.
Kendall didn’t want a confrontational feeling to this, so he sat kitty corner instead. Landon raised an eyebrow, but his expression morphed into a smile. The waiter, some college kid trying very hard to keep up with orders, raced past their table, nodding when Landon waved. Kendall hoped they could get their drinks orders in quickly. His throat was suddenly too dry for comfort. If sitting close to Landon did that, what was going to happen once they started talking?
“So, we’re not going to discuss our work?” Landon leant back and folded his hands on the table.
“I don’t see what would be the point.” Kendall crossed his arms. “We’re on opposite sides and only one of us can win. Let’s leave it at that.”
“Is that how you honestly see the situation?” Landon’s eyebrows rose.
“What other way is there? We both have a job to do, and I’m sure we’ll both do our best. If you want to use this opportunity to find out what I’m planning, I’ll leave.” Kendall couldn’t bear the thought of Landon trying to use him like that. But what the hell did he know? The man was as good as a stranger after all this time apart.
“I can’t believe you’d think I’d do that.” Landon shook his head. “This is about so much more than our jobs, but if you can’t see that, there’s no point in talking about it. And anyway, you’re right—it’s not what we agreed.”
The waiter chose that moment to approach their table, hand them their menus and pull out a dog-eared notepad that had seen better days.
Kendall made a quick mental note to get back to this idea of the bid being about more than their jobs. He had no idea what Landon was getting at, but he had a feeling it was really important for him to understand. If they were still talking to each other after tonight.
“What can I get you gentlemen?” The kid wiped his brow and tried very hard to smile.
“I’ll have another Bud, please.” Landon focused on the menu.
“Just water is fine for me.” Kendall wanted a clear head for this.
The kid took notes.
“Would you like to order your food as well? The kitchen is already quite busy, so if you’re hungry, it’s probably better to order sooner rather than later.” The kid shrugged. “Just thought I’d warn you. It can get pretty hectic, even on a weekday.”
“Sure, if you know what you want?” Landon looked at Kendall.
“I’m not fussy.” Kendall checked the menu while Landon gave an order for nachos followed by a cheeseburger. There were a lot more choices than snacks and finger foods on there now. They even had some healthy options.
“And you, sir?” The kid turned his attention to Kendall.
“I’ll have the mixed garden salad and the shrimp stir fry, please.” Even though he really wanted the burger, he didn’t have much time to work out and wasn’t going to risk gaining weight.
“Very healthy.” Landon grinned as he returned the menu.
The kid took Kendall’s as well and hurried towards the kitchen.
“Yeah, well, I try.” Kendall didn’t want to talk about his health concerns. He forced himself to relax so he could focus on their conversation. He couldn’t wait to find out what Landon had been up to. “Let’s get back to why we’re here. Tell me what you’ve been up to and why you’re here in Riverside. You said this afternoon it was temporary?”
“You’re still not one to beat around the bush. I must admit I always liked that about you.” Landon grinned. “Nothing much has changed for me professionally. After getting my degree in sociology, I took a few extra courses and got licensed as a social worker. Promises Kept had always been good to me while I was a student, and I liked their way of working, so I applied for a full-time job once I had my qualifications. Not much else to tell, really. I’ve been working hard to make Houston a safer place for homeless youth and never really thought of returning to Riverside until last week.”
“What changed?” Kendall watched the waiter bring their drinks and downed half his water in one go.
“My father died in a car accident, so I came back for the funeral.” Landon looked lost for a moment.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kendall was embarrassed, not knowing what to say.
“It wasn’t as if we were close.” Landon shrugged and took another sip of his beer. “In fact, we haven’t spoken since my mother died.”
“But he was still your father.” Kendall couldn’t imagine losing his parents. He’d always got along with them, although he suspected that might change if he ever told them he was gay. Not that this would stop him, but it was a consideration. The point was moot until he had a boyfriend to bring home, anyway.
“Yes, he was.” Landon nodded. “And it did hit me harder than I expected, but, luckily, my brother Greg was there to help me through it. We pretty much supported each other.”
“What about Ray? Did he finally come around?” Kendall vaguely remembered Ray not being a very nice brother, but things could have changed over t
he years. He was also curious about Greg, his one-time high school sports coach.
“Ray is still the same old asshole he used to be when we grew up.” Landon laughed, but it was a strained sound. “He ended up inheriting the ranch, just like he wanted. Dad left Greg and I nothing. Not that we wanted anything, but it’s still a strange feeling to be so obviously excluded.”
“I bet it was!” Kendall shook his head. “It’s not really fair, either. You stuck around for so long, you should have got something.”
“The point is that I didn’t want anything. Neither did Greg. Our father ignored us while he was alive, there’s no reason why we should expect this to change now that he’s dead. Ray is welcome to the ranch. Neither Greg nor I want anything to do with it.” Landon finished his first beer and put the bottle aside for the waiter to pick up.
“So you just made a clean break?” Kendall liked that. It took courage to stick with your convictions, especially when money was involved. He frowned. Shit, he wanted to be like that, but he wasn’t sure he’d be able to let go of his well-paying job if it meant doing what was right. And didn’t that make him feel like he’d sold out to the establishment?
“Yep, sure did. And it feels right.” Landon breathed a sigh of relief when the waiter walked up to their table and deposited their starters in front of them.
The next few minutes were spent quietly eating. Kendall munched his salad, almost regretting he hadn’t ordered something more substantial.
“You want some of these?” Landon pointed at his cheese-covered nachos. “I can’t imagine that salad to be very filling.”
“It isn’t, you’re right. I didn’t order it to be filling, though. I am trying not to gain weight.” And why had he blurted that out? His cheeks heated with embarrassment when Landon grinned.
“Aren’t we all? But you look too hungry to stick with your principles. And I promise not to tell anyone.” Landon winked and shoved the half-full plate towards Kendall. “Come on, live a little.”
