Andrew Grey's Blog, page 31
August 8, 2012
Strengthened by Fire is Available for Kindle
Lee Staunton and Dirk Krause have been seeing each other for a couple of months when they get the bad news: the firehouse they work at will be closed unless they can come up with the money to complete some maintenance and repairs. The union wants to stand and fight. There’s just one problem: the only suggestion for how to raise the money is Lee’s. And Dirk hates it.
Unfortunately, everyone else thinks Lee’s “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner—which they’ll attend in just their hats, boots, and fire pants—is a great idea, and Lee goes ahead with the organizing. But interference from the borough council and low ticket sales threaten to rain on Lee’s parade. If Dirk can’t put aside his pride and stubborn nature for one night, it could cost both him and Lee their jobs—never mind their relationship.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3149
Purchase from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Strengthened-By-Fire-Series-ebook/dp/B008UW93SU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1344472012&sr=1-1&keywords=strengthened+by+fire
Rainbow eBooks: http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8372
All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-strengthenedbyfire-906508-145.html
Excerpt:
“What happened, Cap?” Lee asked once he’d stepped away. One of the guys handed him a bottle of water, and he gratefully took it. The last portions of the house standing collapsed in a hiss of smoke and steam as the flames died down.
“They were storing gasoline in cans in the basement. If I’d known, I would never have sent you inside like that.” The usual lines on the captain’s forehead deepened. “We didn’t find out until we were able to get someone in here to translate.”
“There must have been quite a bit, judging by the size of that fireball.” Lee gulped from the bottle, watching as more water was poured onto the pile of wreckage that had been a house. A man rushed across the front yard and joined the family, the five of them all looking at what had once been the center of their lives. Lee sat down, his heart still racing as he finished his water. Then he threw the bottle in a trash can and helped the guys police the area and make sure the fire was completely out. The laborious task of cleaning up and moving out equipment began.
The entire time, Lee didn’t allow himself to think about what could have happened if he’d have been a little later getting out of that house. Sixty seconds had meant the difference between life and death. It took a while, but they eventually certified that the fire was out. The ambulances left—empty, thank God—and some of the fire trucks loaded up and headed back to their stations. The Red Cross arrived to help the family, and eventually Lee and his fellow firefighters headed back to the stationhouse.
When they arrived, Lee took care of his equipment, checking it over carefully before cleaning it and getting it ready for the next call. Once that was taken care of, he headed upstairs and into the showers. He heard other men doing the same thing, but just like before the call, no one was speaking, laughing, or recalling the fire the way they usually did. They’d had their respite, but the tension was back almost instantly, just like they’d never left. The water felt good, but Lee didn’t linger, mechanically washing himself before rinsing and drying off. Then he dressed, walked back out to the living area, and sat on the sofa.
“Stockton, you did real good,” Cap told him with a pat on the shoulder as he walked past and into the kitchen. Other men wandered in, all sitting around looking at each other and then at Cap, each asking the same question: how could that happen? “I don’t know,” Cap said with a shrug before heading to his office. Lee knew he’d have one hell of a report to write up after that fire.
Footsteps reverberated like a herd of elephants on the stairs, and everyone looked up at the same time as some of the men from the other shifts wandered in, taking chairs, each of them hanging their heads. Lee watched for Dirk Krause, his boyfriend, who was the last one up the stairs. Lee knew exactly how the borough council meeting had gone by the anger and resentment that shone in his lover’s eyes. “Okay,” Cap said as he joined them. “Let’s get this over with so we can get some work done.”
“Council decided to reduce the number of fire stations in town from three to two,” Dirk said from between gritted teeth. “All they talked about was the potential for saving money that some consultant came up with.” Dirk was fuming, and for once the man’s temper seemed to come in handy, because the others all echoed it. “It looks as though the one to close will either be Goodwill or us.”
Lee glanced at the others, who all nodded their agreement with Dirk’s assessment. “Did they make a decision?” Lee asked.
“No,” Carter, one of the other captains, answered. “They seemed to go back and forth between one and then the other. I think we have two or three council members on the side of keeping us open, and there are an equal number in favor of keeping Goodwill open. I think the only reason they didn’t decide to close us tonight is because we’re the oldest fire company in town, and there are enough historic preservationists on council and in town that we got a reprieve, but I don’t know if that will save us in the end or not. They kept saying that they weren’t talking about cutting personnel, and that all firefighters would have a job at one of the two remaining companies.” Lee knew Carter was trying to put the best face on it he could. “They did agree to decide in three months because of other issues that are before the board, so we can expect visits from council members.”
A groan came up from everyone in the crowd. “Is it okay to accidentally spray them with water?” one of the guys asked, and some of the others chuckled as Captain Carter rolled his eyes.
“Not if you want to keep this place open,” he answered with a bit of a smile. “We also need to figure out how much we have in the maintenance budget, because among the things cited were the age of the building and the need for renovations.”
Lee watched Carter look around, and they all did the same. It was funny how he seemed to see things he’d never noticed before: the old carpeting, the scratches in the walls, places where hundreds of hands had turned the areas around the light fixtures oily and dark, the furniture that was dated and rough from heavy use. Lee sighed softly, tired and a bit defeated. He moved over when Dirk sat next to him, and though he wanted to lean against him for a bit of comfort, he couldn’t do that here.
The guys knew they were a couple—that had been made plain last fall when Dirk had rescued him from the flooded spring run and kissed him in front of half the company. However, both of them had been circumspect about their behavior at work, conscientiously keeping their behavior professional. “You look beat,” Dirk told him quietly, and Lee nodded.
“My shift is over in half an hour,” Lee supplied, waiting to see how Dirk would react. Most nights they spent together either at his place or at Dirk’s, but sometimes Dirk needed his space. Lee was fine with that, usually; he just hoped tonight wasn’t one of those nights.
“I’m going to take off. There isn’t anything any of us can do tonight. I’ll see you at my place?” Dirk asked, and Lee nodded, trying to return his attention to what the captain was saying.
“The captains will compile a list of projects we believe we can get done to help spruce up the place and post it on the board in the private quarters. That way if we get a visit, it’ll be less conspicuous.”
“Cap, do you really think spruce-up projects are going to help?” Gerald, one of the younger firefighters, asked.
“I think the council’s on the bubble. We need to move them in our favor, and every little bit could help,” Captain Carter answered.
“If you say so, but this place needs new bathrooms, a new kitchen, roof, tuck-pointing of the brick. There are lots of things that haven’t been done in years because the borough never allocates enough money, and we’re paying for their cheapness now,” Gerald said in a huff, and most of the other men grumbled their agreement. Lee knew he was probably right but refrained from commenting. All he wanted to do was get to Dirk’s so he could forget about houses exploding and borough councils that might shut down the station. He needed some quiet time and a chance to get out of his head for a while.
“All we can do is what’s within our power,” Captain Carter explained, and the session broke up as the men who weren’t on shift began to head out. The others looked dazed, and most of them sat or stood alone with their thoughts, while others drifted away to get their assignments for the day completed. Lee gathered his things together, praying there wasn’t another call as he waited for the next shift to arrive. After turnover, he headed to his bike and rode through the lighted streets to Dirk’s house. He parked in front of the house and entered through the front door without knocking.
Dirk met him in the living room, and Lee dropped his bag, yanking Dirk to him without a word before crashing their mouths together. Lee took possession of Dirk’s mouth, devouring him as he tried to let work go, needing something intense to push away his day. Luckily, Dirk was up for it, and Lee got as good as he gave. “You need to eat?” Dirk asked once the kiss broke, and Lee shook his head, lifting Dirk into a fireman’s carry before turning to start climbing the stairs. “Okay then,” Dirk said, knowing that words weren’t needed.
August 6, 2012
Strengthened By Fire - Releasing Tomorrow Night at Midnight
Lee Staunton and Dirk Krause have been seeing each other for a couple of months when they get the bad news: the firehouse they work at will be closed unless they can come up with the money to complete some maintenance and repairs. The union wants to stand and fight. There’s just one problem: the only suggestion for how to raise the money is Lee’s. And Dirk hates it.
Unfortunately, everyone else thinks Lee’s “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner—which they’ll attend in just their hats, boots, and fire pants—is a great idea, and Lee goes ahead with the organizing. But interference from the borough council and low ticket sales threaten to rain on Lee’s parade. If Dirk can’t put aside his pride and stubborn nature for one night, it could cost both him and Lee their jobs—never mind their relationship.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3149
Excerpt:
“What happened, Cap?” Lee asked once he’d stepped away. One of the guys handed him a bottle of water, and he gratefully took it. The last portions of the house standing collapsed in a hiss of smoke and steam as the flames died down.
“They were storing gasoline in cans in the basement. If I’d known, I would never have sent you inside like that.” The usual lines on the captain’s forehead deepened. “We didn’t find out until we were able to get someone in here to translate.”
“There must have been quite a bit, judging by the size of that fireball.” Lee gulped from the bottle, watching as more water was poured onto the pile of wreckage that had been a house. A man rushed across the front yard and joined the family, the five of them all looking at what had once been the center of their lives. Lee sat down, his heart still racing as he finished his water. Then he threw the bottle in a trash can and helped the guys police the area and make sure the fire was completely out. The laborious task of cleaning up and moving out equipment began.
The entire time, Lee didn’t allow himself to think about what could have happened if he’d have been a little later getting out of that house. Sixty seconds had meant the difference between life and death. It took a while, but they eventually certified that the fire was out. The ambulances left—empty, thank God—and some of the fire trucks loaded up and headed back to their stations. The Red Cross arrived to help the family, and eventually Lee and his fellow firefighters headed back to the stationhouse.
When they arrived, Lee took care of his equipment, checking it over carefully before cleaning it and getting it ready for the next call. Once that was taken care of, he headed upstairs and into the showers. He heard other men doing the same thing, but just like before the call, no one was speaking, laughing, or recalling the fire the way they usually did. They’d had their respite, but the tension was back almost instantly, just like they’d never left. The water felt good, but Lee didn’t linger, mechanically washing himself before rinsing and drying off. Then he dressed, walked back out to the living area, and sat on the sofa.
“Stockton, you did real good,” Cap told him with a pat on the shoulder as he walked past and into the kitchen. Other men wandered in, all sitting around looking at each other and then at Cap, each asking the same question: how could that happen? “I don’t know,” Cap said with a shrug before heading to his office. Lee knew he’d have one hell of a report to write up after that fire.
Footsteps reverberated like a herd of elephants on the stairs, and everyone looked up at the same time as some of the men from the other shifts wandered in, taking chairs, each of them hanging their heads. Lee watched for Dirk Krause, his boyfriend, who was the last one up the stairs. Lee knew exactly how the borough council meeting had gone by the anger and resentment that shone in his lover’s eyes. “Okay,” Cap said as he joined them. “Let’s get this over with so we can get some work done.”
“Council decided to reduce the number of fire stations in town from three to two,” Dirk said from between gritted teeth. “All they talked about was the potential for saving money that some consultant came up with.” Dirk was fuming, and for once the man’s temper seemed to come in handy, because the others all echoed it. “It looks as though the one to close will either be Goodwill or us.”
Lee glanced at the others, who all nodded their agreement with Dirk’s assessment. “Did they make a decision?” Lee asked.
“No,” Carter, one of the other captains, answered. “They seemed to go back and forth between one and then the other. I think we have two or three council members on the side of keeping us open, and there are an equal number in favor of keeping Goodwill open. I think the only reason they didn’t decide to close us tonight is because we’re the oldest fire company in town, and there are enough historic preservationists on council and in town that we got a reprieve, but I don’t know if that will save us in the end or not. They kept saying that they weren’t talking about cutting personnel, and that all firefighters would have a job at one of the two remaining companies.” Lee knew Carter was trying to put the best face on it he could. “They did agree to decide in three months because of other issues that are before the board, so we can expect visits from council members.”
A groan came up from everyone in the crowd. “Is it okay to accidentally spray them with water?” one of the guys asked, and some of the others chuckled as Captain Carter rolled his eyes.
“Not if you want to keep this place open,” he answered with a bit of a smile. “We also need to figure out how much we have in the maintenance budget, because among the things cited were the age of the building and the need for renovations.”
Lee watched Carter look around, and they all did the same. It was funny how he seemed to see things he’d never noticed before: the old carpeting, the scratches in the walls, places where hundreds of hands had turned the areas around the light fixtures oily and dark, the furniture that was dated and rough from heavy use. Lee sighed softly, tired and a bit defeated. He moved over when Dirk sat next to him, and though he wanted to lean against him for a bit of comfort, he couldn’t do that here.
The guys knew they were a couple—that had been made plain last fall when Dirk had rescued him from the flooded spring run and kissed him in front of half the company. However, both of them had been circumspect about their behavior at work, conscientiously keeping their behavior professional. “You look beat,” Dirk told him quietly, and Lee nodded.
“My shift is over in half an hour,” Lee supplied, waiting to see how Dirk would react. Most nights they spent together either at his place or at Dirk’s, but sometimes Dirk needed his space. Lee was fine with that, usually; he just hoped tonight wasn’t one of those nights.
“I’m going to take off. There isn’t anything any of us can do tonight. I’ll see you at my place?” Dirk asked, and Lee nodded, trying to return his attention to what the captain was saying.
“The captains will compile a list of projects we believe we can get done to help spruce up the place and post it on the board in the private quarters. That way if we get a visit, it’ll be less conspicuous.”
“Cap, do you really think spruce-up projects are going to help?” Gerald, one of the younger firefighters, asked.
“I think the council’s on the bubble. We need to move them in our favor, and every little bit could help,” Captain Carter answered.
“If you say so, but this place needs new bathrooms, a new kitchen, roof, tuck-pointing of the brick. There are lots of things that haven’t been done in years because the borough never allocates enough money, and we’re paying for their cheapness now,” Gerald said in a huff, and most of the other men grumbled their agreement. Lee knew he was probably right but refrained from commenting. All he wanted to do was get to Dirk’s so he could forget about houses exploding and borough councils that might shut down the station. He needed some quiet time and a chance to get out of his head for a while.
“All we can do is what’s within our power,” Captain Carter explained, and the session broke up as the men who weren’t on shift began to head out. The others looked dazed, and most of them sat or stood alone with their thoughts, while others drifted away to get their assignments for the day completed. Lee gathered his things together, praying there wasn’t another call as he waited for the next shift to arrive. After turnover, he headed to his bike and rode through the lighted streets to Dirk’s house. He parked in front of the house and entered through the front door without knocking.
Dirk met him in the living room, and Lee dropped his bag, yanking Dirk to him without a word before crashing their mouths together. Lee took possession of Dirk’s mouth, devouring him as he tried to let work go, needing something intense to push away his day. Luckily, Dirk was up for it, and Lee got as good as he gave. “You need to eat?” Dirk asked once the kiss broke, and Lee shook his head, lifting Dirk into a fireman’s carry before turning to start climbing the stairs. “Okay then,” Dirk said, knowing that words weren’t needed.
July 29, 2012
1/2 Sweet Peas for Unconditional Love from Mrs. Condit Reads Books
Mrs. Condit Reads Books gave Unconditional Love 4 1/2 Sweet Peas. Mrs. Condit said: Mr. Grey is right in his premise. You never know what the lifetime result of the incidents of one day, let alone a series of days will be. I loved the characters’ growth in this story from one timid teenager and one confident teenager to two strongly self-assured, successful men. The HEA is hard earned and pleasing. Mr. Grey can pull at my heart-strings anytime.
Read the entire wonderful review: http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.php/?p=7057
July 26, 2012
Releasing Tonight at Midnight - Three Fates
For time immemorial, the goddesses of fate have decided which human threads will shine and which will be cut short. But even the fates have off days.
Fate Delivers a Prince by Andrew Grey: Finding love shouldn’t be that difficult for a diplomat’s son, except Cheyenne is part of a grand tradition of werewolves, and a werewolf with a skin condition needs more help than most mortals. When Chay meets the prince of his dreams, it takes Clotho’s intervention to keep him from letting go.
Jump by Mary Calmes: When two lovers die, their threads of life are collected instead of scattered, as one of them was the brother of a god. Can the fates reunite two lovers whose threads should have twined together for eternity? Or will Cassidy allow Raza’s interest to pass his pale, mortal self by?
Believed You Were Lucky by Amy Lane: The gods’ meddling isn’t always welcome. It’s given Lief good luck but poor fortune, and Hacon a family curse he’s lived in fear of all his life. But when Lief’s good luck saves Hake’s life, Hake has to reevaluate everything he’s ever believed about luck, life, and love.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3106
July 17, 2012
Unconditional Love - The Follow Up to Seven Days
If you loved Seven Days give Uncionditional Love a try. I've already received notes from readers saying how much this story has touched them. Ken C. said in a note: I just finished reading your latest, and one of your best, stories to date. Unconditional Love is so touching. I think we all remember our first love and wish we could have it back.
I've received a number of comments like this, so take a look for yourself.
Purchase form Dreamspinner Press or read the beginning of the story: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3073&osCsid=n5acmp41o2qa2termpohv0tph0
July 14, 2012
5 Star Review and an Award of Excellence for Unconditional Love
Aine P Massey from House Millar reviewed Unconditional Love and gave it 5 stars and a Award of Excellence. Aine said: Unconditional Love is a beautiful, emotional yet sweet and endearing story of two boys who learn to love and the men they become learning how to live and love together. As always with Andrew’s books, I devoured it in one sitting – yes I was up ‘till 4 AM again, I can not praise Unconditional Love or Andrew Grey enough for this book! Simply wonderful!
Read the entire review: http://apmassie.com/release-day-5-drops-review-unconditional-love-a-seven-days-story-by-andrew-grey/[image error]
July 13, 2012
Unconditional Love - A Seven Days Story - Available for Kindle
Unconditional Love was released today and its now available everywhere including Amazon. Bekow are links if you need them.
Can a person’s life change in just one day? How about seven?
Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys’ time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind.
But Fate has more in store for Don and Jay than a summer of might-have-beens. Through eleven years of friendship, pain, love, loss, sickness, and misfortune, seven days stand out. Seven days define and shape the people they are and the relationship they share. Seven days of reunions and separations, accidents and serendipity, rejection and acceptance, disappointment and hope lay the foundation no romance can survive without: unconditional love.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unconditional-Love-Seven-Series-ebook/dp/B008KUV7HW/ref=zg_bs_172503011_46
Dreamspinner: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3073&osCsid=mecscnefneh8822ofo4mdd07n0
ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-unconditionallove-871016-145.html
Rainbow eBooks: http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7926
Excerpt:
Don watched her go and then looked around but didn’t see Jason. With a sigh, he turned away from the parking lot and began unlocking his bike.
“Well, if it isn’t Potty-a,” Harmon Krepke said from right behind him, close enough for Don to smell his bad breath. “We’re going swimming, and we thought you could cool off too.”
Don stiffened and whirled around but found himself held from behind. “Leave me alone!” Don cried, trying to squirm out of Krepke’s grip. But he was much bigger and stronger than Don, and he tightened his grip.
“I definitely think you need a swim. Grab his feet, Ly.” Don began to kick as much as he could, but Lymon got hold of his legs and held them tight. Don kept trying to squirm, but they were too strong for him. He began to squirm even more as they carried him toward the back of the lot to where the swamp mud began. They were going to throw him in, and Don knew from firsthand experience that this wasn’t just about getting dirty. There were places in the marsh that didn’t have a bottom. The mud was often just thick enough that you couldn’t swim in it, and yet there really wasn’t a bottom you could stand on.
“Leave me alone, you jerk!” Don cried and squirmed harder as they reached the break in the fence that Mr. Hollings kept saying he needed to repair. His heart raced and his mind began to cloud as sheer panic began to sink in.
“Right here is good, now swing his legs and we’ll toss him in,” Krepke growled with a sinister laugh, and Don tried to see what was happening, but his head was spinning, and all he could do was try to keep struggling as both his tormenters laughed. He kept struggling and cried out as his upper body began to fall. He was caught by one arm and then the other. Opening his eyes, he realized Krepke had his arms, and he continued trying to struggle as the two bigger boys really began to swing him.
Don braced for them to let go, but then he felt his legs fall and heard shouting. “Pick on someone your own size,” someone growled, and someone else cursed in pain. Lifting his head, Don saw Ly grabbing his nose, blood streaming out between his fingers. Then he was dropped, his arms released, and he fell unceremoniously onto his butt as he saw Jason turn to Krepke, fists up. Don scrambled to get out of the way as he saw Krepke brace for a punch, but Jason swept his foot in a wide arc, knocking Krepke’s feet from under him. Krepke stumbled and couldn’t get his balance before tumbling over the shallow bank and into the black mud. “Quit your bawling and help him out, or I’ll give you some more,” Jason told Ly, and the bully’s eyes widened as he held his nose, blood still running down his face.
Meanwhile, Don saw Krepke begin to climb out of the marsh, covered almost to his neck in foul-smelling mud, sticks, and bits of half-decayed plants. He looked almost like some sort of marsh monster. Don stepped back and grabbed his bike. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, and Jason nodded. Don hopped on his bike and waited for Jason before they took off, putting as much distance as they could between them and the bullies.
Once they were on the road, Jason began to laugh.
“Aren’t you afraid of getting in trouble?” Don asked Jason once they turned off the main street and they could ride side by side.
“No. Those two pick on everyone, and once word gets around that they’ve been whipped, someone else will do it too.” Jason put on his brakes to slow down, and Don followed suit. “How often have they done stuff like that?”
“Couple of years, I guess. Usually it’s just taunting and calling names,” Don confessed, looking away as his face colored. He hated being afraid of them, and if he were truthful with himself, he was ashamed that he couldn’t take care of himself. Every time those two got the better of him, it tore at him. What if someone tried to hurt his mother? He was the man of the family and all she had. What if he couldn’t protect her when she needed it?
“So where are we going?” Jason asked, and Don smiled, grateful he’d changed the subject.
“We need to go to the grocery store and get the bait for the crabs,” Don explained as he signaled and turned the corner. “Chicken necks are the best bait there is. The store stocks them cheap.” Thank goodness, because Don only had a few dollars in his pocket, and he didn’t want to ask Jason for money—that would hurt almost as much as being thrown in the mud. They rode into the grocery store parking lot and locked up their bikes before walking into Meatland Market.
July 11, 2012
Get Some Unconditional Love - Tomorrow at Midnight
Can a person’s life change in just one day? How about seven?
Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys’ time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind.
But Fate has more in store for Don and Jay than a summer of might-have-beens. Through eleven years of friendship, pain, love, loss, sickness, and misfortune, seven days stand out. Seven days define and shape the people they are and the relationship they share. Seven days of reunions and separations, accidents and serendipity, rejection and acceptance, disappointment and hope lay the foundation no romance can survive without: unconditional love.
Add to your Dreamspinner Press Wish List: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3073
Excerpt:
Don watched her go and then looked around but didn’t see Jason. With a sigh, he turned away from the parking lot and began unlocking his bike.
“Well, if it isn’t Potty-a,” Harmon Krepke said from right behind him, close enough for Don to smell his bad breath. “We’re going swimming, and we thought you could cool off too.”
Don stiffened and whirled around but found himself held from behind. “Leave me alone!” Don cried, trying to squirm out of Krepke’s grip. But he was much bigger and stronger than Don, and he tightened his grip.
“I definitely think you need a swim. Grab his feet, Ly.” Don began to kick as much as he could, but Lymon got hold of his legs and held them tight. Don kept trying to squirm, but they were too strong for him. He began to squirm even more as they carried him toward the back of the lot to where the swamp mud began. They were going to throw him in, and Don knew from firsthand experience that this wasn’t just about getting dirty. There were places in the marsh that didn’t have a bottom. The mud was often just thick enough that you couldn’t swim in it, and yet there really wasn’t a bottom you could stand on.
“Leave me alone, you jerk!” Don cried and squirmed harder as they reached the break in the fence that Mr. Hollings kept saying he needed to repair. His heart raced and his mind began to cloud as sheer panic began to sink in.
“Right here is good, now swing his legs and we’ll toss him in,” Krepke growled with a sinister laugh, and Don tried to see what was happening, but his head was spinning, and all he could do was try to keep struggling as both his tormenters laughed. He kept struggling and cried out as his upper body began to fall. He was caught by one arm and then the other. Opening his eyes, he realized Krepke had his arms, and he continued trying to struggle as the two bigger boys really began to swing him.
Don braced for them to let go, but then he felt his legs fall and heard shouting. “Pick on someone your own size,” someone growled, and someone else cursed in pain. Lifting his head, Don saw Ly grabbing his nose, blood streaming out between his fingers. Then he was dropped, his arms released, and he fell unceremoniously onto his butt as he saw Jason turn to Krepke, fists up. Don scrambled to get out of the way as he saw Krepke brace for a punch, but Jason swept his foot in a wide arc, knocking Krepke’s feet from under him. Krepke stumbled and couldn’t get his balance before tumbling over the shallow bank and into the black mud. “Quit your bawling and help him out, or I’ll give you some more,” Jason told Ly, and the bully’s eyes widened as he held his nose, blood still running down his face.
Meanwhile, Don saw Krepke begin to climb out of the marsh, covered almost to his neck in foul-smelling mud, sticks, and bits of half-decayed plants. He looked almost like some sort of marsh monster. Don stepped back and grabbed his bike. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, and Jason nodded. Don hopped on his bike and waited for Jason before they took off, putting as much distance as they could between them and the bullies.
Once they were on the road, Jason began to laugh.
“Aren’t you afraid of getting in trouble?” Don asked Jason once they turned off the main street and they could ride side by side.
“No. Those two pick on everyone, and once word gets around that they’ve been whipped, someone else will do it too.” Jason put on his brakes to slow down, and Don followed suit. “How often have they done stuff like that?”
“Couple of years, I guess. Usually it’s just taunting and calling names,” Don confessed, looking away as his face colored. He hated being afraid of them, and if he were truthful with himself, he was ashamed that he couldn’t take care of himself. Every time those two got the better of him, it tore at him. What if someone tried to hurt his mother? He was the man of the family and all she had. What if he couldn’t protect her when she needed it?
“So where are we going?” Jason asked, and Don smiled, grateful he’d changed the subject.
“We need to go to the grocery store and get the bait for the crabs,” Don explained as he signaled and turned the corner. “Chicken necks are the best bait there is. The store stocks them cheap.” Thank goodness, because Don only had a few dollars in his pocket, and he didn’t want to ask Jason for money—that would hurt almost as much as being thrown in the mud. They rode into the grocery store parking lot and locked up their bikes before walking into Meatland Market.
June 30, 2012
In Honor of Love Means... Renewal....
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Love Means... Joy
“Geoff,” Eli called as he walked through the barn, the horses sticking their heads out of their stalls probably to see why he was yelling at such an ungodly hour of the morning.
“What is it, Tiger?” Geoff asked as he closed the stall door, smiling at him as he turned. Normally that smile would light up his heart the way it had every day for the past twenty-plus years.
“Don’t Tiger me,” he said stepping closer, holding up the crumpled piece of paper. “When were you going to tell me the doctor wants you to have some additional tests? After your checkup you told me everything was just fine, and now I find this when I was cleaning up your office.” Eli knew his anger and fear resonated in his voice, but he couldn’t help it. “I bugged you for months to make that appointment,” Eli blazed. “Now do I have to make another one and go along with you so you’ll tell me the truth?”
“I’m fine, and I had those tests last week. The doctor hasn’t phoned with the results, but I’m fine. You can stop worrying.” Geoff soothed the way he usually did, reaching out for Eli and folding him into his arms. “I’m going to be around for a very long time.”
“I’m sure that’s what your father said, and you know you’re the same age he was when he died,” Eli said against Geoff’s chest. “I’m not allowing that to happen to you.” Eli lifted his head so he could see Geoff’s eyes. “Because if you up and die on me, so help me, I’ll… smack you silly.” Eli knew he was being ridiculous, but the thought of going through what had happened to Len all those years ago scared the hell out of him.
“I’m fine, love, and you have nothing to worry about. If you want, once the doctor’s office opens, you can call them. I added you to the HIPAA forms, so they’ll give you any information you want,” Geoff told him with a smile, and Eli felt some of the anger and worry dissipate. “Like I said, I’m going to be around for a long time, and when we go, we’re going together.” Geoff smirked, and Eli smacked him lightly on the shoulder before moving back into his arms.
“Sorry,” Eli said. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad.”
“Hey, it’s okay. I forgive you. But next time just ask. I’ll tell you what you want to know. I’ve never kept things from you, and I don’t intend to start now.” Geoff squeezed him lightly before resting his head Eli’s shoulder.
“Is this the calm before the storm?” Eli whispered, and he felt Geoff nod his head. “I suppose I better help get the chores done, because we’ve got a big day.”
“Yes, we do,” Geoff agreed, but he didn’t move away.
“Morning, Geoff,” Joey called as he entered the barn, completely unfazed at the sight of the two of them together. Joey and his partner, Robbie, had worked at the farm for twenty years and were like family. A number of years ago, they’d bought into the farm as junior partners, and with their help, Laughton Farms had continued to grow so that now they were the largest landowners in the county, maybe that part of the state. They had thousands of head of cattle and thousands of acres under cultivation. They’d even started an orchard a number of years ago, and after some initial troubles, that had turned into a success as well.
“Morning, Joey, is Robbie with you?”
“No. He’s teaching a class this morning, and then I need to pick him up. We won’t be late, don’t you worry,” Joey said as he wandered out of the barn, and Geoff heard one of the tractors start. Regardless of the festivities happening later, there were still chores to do.
“I’m going to make breakfast, and then we can all get ready,” Eli said, finally moving out of Eli’s embrace. “And don’t think for a second I’m going to forget to call the doctor,” Eli warned as he walked toward the barn door and out into the crisp, late spring air. The first rays of sunshine bounced off the dew-covered grass as he walked toward the house, his home for over two decades. Inside, he found Adelle making breakfast. She’d retired about eight years ago, but she’d become family. They’d told her that she had a place with them for as long as she wanted, and she’d never left. As she’d gotten older, she’d slowed down, but she still insisted on making breakfast each and every morning.
“I haven’t seen Jake yet,” Adelle told Eli.
“He stayed at a friend’s last night, but he’ll be home in time to eat,” Eli said, and Adelle chuckled.
“That boy never missed a meal yet,” she teased, and continued cooking. Sure enough, the back door opened and Jake hurried in, setting down his bag before hurrying back to the door.
“Hey,” Eli said, and Jake returned, hugging the stuffing out of him.
“Got chores to do or dad will be pissed,” Jake said as an explanation before kissing Adelle on the cheek and then rushing out the door. Eli shook his head, walking into the living room and then up the stairs, deciding to take advantage of the availability of the bathroom.
After his shower, Eli dressed and headed downstairs to a house full of people. Geoff and Jake came in from their chores, and everyone sat down at the table for one of Adelle’s famous farm breakfasts. The meal promised to be last quiet moment of the day, and sure enough once the meal was over, the house turned into a hive of activity as the last people got ready to go.
“Are you ready?” Jake said from behind them.
“Yes,” Eli answered. “Have you got all your things? We won’t be able to come back in time if you forget anything.”
“I have it all.” Jake lifted the garment bag in response, and Eli released Geoff. Most everyone had already headed out, so Eli, Geoff, Jake, and Adelle got into Geoff’s car for the trip to town.
They pulled up to the high school, and Geoff found a place to park. Jake grabbed his things and hurried inside while Eli, Geoff, and Adelle followed the people into the courtyard, which was filled with chairs on the sunny day. Looking around, Eli saw Joey stand up, and they made their way toward their contingent. Len and Chris hugged both him and Geoff. Both men were in their seventies and still active—definitely slower, but still vital. Jonah and Raine hugged them as well as their son Benji threw himself at his Uncle Eli. Stone and Preston were there too. The surprise was who stepped out from behind them. Arie was supposed to be playing concerts with the Chicago Symphony, but here he was with Duane, now the sheriff, both of them beaming.
“What are you doing here?” Geoff asked happily, ‘“I thought you were booked in Chicago.”
“I have to be back in Chicago tonight, but there was no way I was going to miss this,” Arie beamed before hugging both of them.
The music began to play, and they all found their seat as the orchestra serenaded them. After a while, the music shifted to Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates filed down the center aisle in their blue caps and gowns. Eli watched for Jake, smiling as he saw his son walk down the aisle, but instead of taking a place with the other graduates, he climbed the steps onto the stage, joining the instructors, principal, and superintendent. Once all the graduates were in and seated, the music wrapped up and a warm spring breeze wafted through the courtyard.
The speeches and ceremony began, but Eli heard very little of it. All he kept seeing was his son on the stage. The boy he and Geoff had adopted together. The boy whose diapers he’d changed and who he’d walked around the yard a million times on his first pony. The little boy who’d taken off across the yard wearing nothing but a smile as he made a break for the barn, looking for daddy because he wanted a pony ride, and it didn’t matter if he was still wet from his bath. This was also the same little boy that he and Geoff had taken together on his very first day of school, and the same one that they’d had to pick up from school a few years later because the teacher had told him his daddies weren’t married, and he’d told her she was “full of shit.”
Eli felt Geoff’s hand touch his and he realized there was a tissue in it for him. He could still see Jakey when he’d come home from school with his prize from the science fair, and he could see each and every blue ribbon he’d won at the 4H fairs. He also remembered teaching Jakey to ride and having to explain that he couldn’t sleep in the barn with his first horse, even if it was cold out there. It was only the speaker’s closing remarks that pulled Eli out of his memories.
The principal took the podium once again. “It’s my pleasure to introduce this year’s class valedictorian. He’s graduating with a near-perfect academic record and a full scholarship to Michigan State University, where he will begin his work toward a degree in veterinary medicine, Jacob Henninger-Laughton.”
Eli felt a tingle run all up and down his spine. He’d of course known that Jake was valedictorian and that he’d be giving a speech, but not how he had asked to be introduced, and even after getting offers to help with the speech, Jake hadn’t told anyone what he was going to say.
“Good morning. These speeches are usually about the same thing each year—looking ahead to our future—and as most of you know, I rarely do what’s expected and I don’t intend to today. Instead, I want to speak about the people who got us here. I’d like to ask all the graduates to please stand up and look at the person or people in the audience who raised, supported, and loved you.” Jake paused a few seconds. “Now please give them a hand.” All the graduates clapped, and Eli couldn’t help grinning as his own son looked at him and the rest of their group. The applause died down, and they took their seats again. “Because without these people who took us to little league, helped us with our homework, chaperoned class trips, and the million other things we did over the last eighteen years, we wouldn’t be here.” Eli swore he wasn’t going to cry.
“To illustrate how vital the support of our families was, I intend to use my own as an example. I’d like to ask my family to stand up.” Eli looked at Geoff, and they slowly stood up and then sat back down again. “Actually, I mean all of you,” Jake’s gaze swept the entire group of people, “because, yes, there’s my dad, Geoff, who brought home my first puppy, and my dad, Eli, who taught me how to ride a horse, and between the two of them, they also taught me about laughter, love, and what it means to be a man. There’s also my Uncle Robbie, who taught me to play the violin, and my Uncle Joey, who first let me drive the tractor when I was seven. Dad, if you’re wondering why it was so easy for me to learn to drive, I started early.” The crowd laughed, and Eli peered at Geoff, who was smiling. “There’s also my Uncles Raine and Jonah, who when I visited them in Chicago when I was twelve, took me to the Field museum and showed me my very first dinosaur. Uncle Arie, who took me to Windsor, outside Natchez, Mississippi, and showed me where the columns play music in the wind. Uncle Duane, who as sheriff taught me the importance of putting others before yourself. And my Grandpa Len and Grandpa Chris, who taught me that love is open to everyone, regardless of age.” Jake paused, and Eli wiped his eyes, trying to swallow around the lump in his throat. “And to my Grandma Adelle, who taught me the value of the wonderfully simple things in life, like being able to lick the spoon. She also taught me that love doesn’t know color or ethnicity. Hilary Clinton wrote that it takes a village. Well, I had a village in the form of an extended family that, while extremely unconventional by most standards, made me the person I am today. So, I ask all of the graduates to think about your own families and what they taught you. Those lessons will stay with all of us and carry us out into the world. Don’t lose sight of them, because they’re the best and most important lessons we’ll ever learn.” Jake paused, and with tears running down his face, Eli applauded along with everyone else in attendance.
There was no way Eli could look around him, so he held Geoff’s hand and concentrated as the diplomas were handed out. The graduates threw their caps into the air, and then with more music from the orchestra, filed out and inside the school. Then the rest of the parents and guests filed out, and Eli blew his nose and tried to wipe away the last of his tears. They found Jake inside the school, and Len took pictures like he had through a lot of the ceremony. Then they all rode back to the farm, where Adelle and Eli got things together for Jake’s graduation party.
Once everyone else arrived, Eli got a few minutes, so he snuck into Geoff’s office and made a phone call. “Good morning, Dr. Woltanski’s office, this is Kathy,” the receptionist said in her usual friendly tone.
Good afternoon, this is Eli Henninger, and I’m calling because Geoff Laughton had some tests run. I’m calling for the results—sorry it’s so late, but we just got back from graduation at the high school.”
“Oh, hey, Eli, sure. Today was Jake’s big day, huh?” He heard her moving around. “We got those results, I think. Hold on, let me check the files.” The line went quiet, and Eli waited nervously. He’d read that they were running prostate and liver function tests and he knew what those meant: cancer, just like Geoff’s father had had. Those few words on that piece of crumpled paper had scared him half to death.
“Eli, yes, the results came back and the doctor said there was nothing to be concerned about. He was being cautious because of some minor anomalies in the bloodwork, but everything came back normal and there’s no sign of any issues,” Kathy told him pleasantly. “So you can stop worrying,” she teased. He was about to protest, but gave it up. He’d known Kathy since she took her first riding lesson at eight years old, so it stood to reason that she’d know him pretty well too. “I’ll see you next week when I bring Sarah for her riding lesson, and give that handsome husband of yours a hug for me.” They said goodbye, and Eli hung up the phone with a gigantic sigh as he heard the office door open behind him.
“Everything okay?” Geoff asked from behind him, and Eli nodded. “Did the doctor say I was fine?” Geoff asked with a knowing smile.
“Yes,” Eli admitted. “Everything’s normal, but don’t scare me like that again. I want you around to see our grandchildren and to help me teach them to ride a horse and drive a tractor.”
Geoff held up his hand. “I promise,” Geoff said softly, leaning close, hugging him tightly before kissing Eli with a hint of passion and a lot of love. “Now, we have a party to attend, and then once everyone’s in bed, I’ll show you just how healthy I am.” Eli chuckled before kissing Geoff once again. Then, together, hand in hand, they left the office and joined their family and friends in celebration.
June 27, 2012
Love Means Renewal Available Everywhere
Eli Henninger is stretched a little thin. He teaches riding classes, conducts therapy sessions, takes care of his son, and helps manage the family farm. He’s tired and overworked, especially because lately, no one else seems to do anything right. He and his partner, Geoff, haven’t have time together in so long, he’s beginning to forget what his longtime love feels like.
Geoff is just as busy with the farm, the business, and working through a complicated land purchase. He and Eli labor from sunup to sundown and then some. He knows taking care of their responsibilities is preventing them from taking care of each other, but he doesn’t see anything he can do about it. To make matters worse, they’re accused of behaving improperly toward some of the children in their riding programs.
Then Eli becomes ill and the investigators suspect foul play, forcing Geoff to reevaluate his priorities and hope fate will give them another chance.
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