Not for You to Keep #2
“I guess not. They’ll do anything to show up Merryville’s Flannel Festival.”
He turned, head cocked to the side. “You’re kidding?”
“Nope. Not even a little. Two small towns determined to be the most cheerful. It’s the nicest rivalry you’ve ever seen.”
“I could get used to this.”
I turned away, as if I were trying to make out the third man playing chess with Walter and Harvey.
I didn’t want the excitement to show. It’d be foolish to think he’d sacrifice all he had built and hide away in a town in northern Maine.
Foolish, and yet, I’d add it to the fantasy as I drifted off to sleep.
We followed the path as it cut between tents. Giant white and blue canopies lined the walkway, ready to be filled with vendor wares. I kept scanning the crowd, making sure Gladys didn’t get the drop on me. The last thing I needed was explaining Mabel to her and Sammy at the same time.
I paused at a log that had been carved into a roaring bear. I wondered if the chainsaw artist realized his works would take on a different meaning during a gay Pride? Wait. Narrowing my eyes, I was almost certain I spotted a carved harness on the statue.
“Are you doing okay?” I didn’t need to specify.
“Yeah.” His eyes remained fixed on the pavers as we walked. “I’m glad it’s out in the open now. That part is freeing.”
“But…”
“You might have noticed my relationship with my father is—” He chuckled. “—strained.” The entire town of Firefly knew it. “To be honest, I expected it. I’m surprised he didn’t try to guilt me. Then I have this fantasy that he’ll come around and say he’s proud of me.”
“I’m proud.” I bumped his arm. “Serious. You took a bad situation and turned it around. Instead of wallowing, you acted. It wasn’t enough to help yourself. You’re helping people who need it. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”
I envied his conviction. Sammy had found his way in the world. Even as a bigger opportunity presented itself, he held fast. I wanted to be that certain of the future.
“That means a lot,” he said.
I wanted to give him a bear hug and spin him around.
Would it be too much? The line between us had blurred.
I had been promoted from a one-night stand to two.
Our interactions had remained private, shared moments just for us.
If only I could climb inside his mind and figure out how he defined this friendship.
“Two strapping young lads,” came a gentle voice, pulling me from my thoughts.
I had been focused on Sammy and stopped scouring for Gladys.
I turned around and found a tent filled with lush greenery.
Greek pillars held potted plants while vines dangled from the tent’s frame.
A smiling face popped out from behind a rack covered in ribbon and materials to create picture-perfect bouquets.
“Marigold?” I remembered the name because it was the only flower I hadn’t seen in her shop.
She stepped into the middle of her tent and gave a slight curtsey. “Can you help me? Peter’s at the shop and there’s no way I can lift this darned thing.”
While most of the tents had tables across the front of them, Marigold left hers open, inviting customers inside. It was almost as if she were recreating a garden, and with a few more plants, she’d achieve it.
“What are you—” I stared at the cement trough in the wheelbarrow. Not big, but it looked heavy. My back ached as I tried imagining how I’d hold on to it.
“Get that end.” Sammy gave me a pat on the chest and scooped up the end inside the wheelbarrow. With a heave and a grunt, he lifted it. “Hurry.”
I rushed to the other end and pulled up. I had underestimated the weight. My back threatened to get its revenge. We took tiny steps, scooting along.
“Right here,” Marigold said. She gestured to three tree stumps she had spaced out near the front of her tent. While I grunted, Sammy made it look effortless. I’d need to ask about his workout regimen.
“Here you go,” he said.
We set the trough down, and Marigold quickly dropped flowerpots inside. Through the pain, I couldn’t help but snort when I saw the rainbow assortment. I wanted to ask if there’d be matching flowers, but stopped short. Foolish. Of course, she’d have matching arrangements.
I pushed off my knees and stood upright. It could be my imagination, but something cracked. I was already sweaty, and Sammy looked as if he were fresh from the shower. My mind quickly raced to the showers after a wrestling match.
I forced my brain to detour. “Anything else you need?”
I prayed she said no.
“Just one thing.” She almost giggled as she vanished behind a flowery display. She hummed to herself. I didn’t know her well, but I suspected she might be part elf. She had a woodsy elegance about her that left me grinning.
Marigold emerged, holding a single rose. “For you.”
Thrusting it toward me, the crimson petals brushed my nose. It had a sweet smell with a brief hint of earth. I took it, waiting for her to produce another for Sammy. She clasped her hands over her chest, swaying back and forth.
When I didn’t move, she rolled her eyes in disbelief. She leaned in close and whispered. “It’s not for you to keep.”
She rocked back on her heels, and I spotted Sammy waiting for me to fill him in. Before my cheeks could turn red, I gave her a nod and spun around. Walking out of the tent, I continued sniffing the rose. This would be one of those cheesy ’80s movies.
“What’s going on?” Sammy followed behind. “What did she say?”
I didn’t answer as I moved from one row of tents to another. For such a small town, dozens of vendors had already set up shop. I found an empty tent away from prying eyes and spun about. He stopped short, his eyes narrowing as suspicion set in.
I ignored the anxiety building in my stomach.
“This is for you.” I held it out between us.
His expression softened as he glanced between me and the rose. I had given plenty of men flowers, but only when in heels. This was my first time as Mike, and I felt like a toddler showing off his favorite rock.
Sammy smiled.
“Don’t make it more awkward,” I begged.
“Nothing awkward about it.”
There was no glancing back and forth as he pushed my hand to the side.
He rushed in, and before I realized what was happening, his lips pressed against mine.
I reached for his sides, pulling him closer.
There was nothing chaste about his tongue tangled with mine.
If I had my way, I would have thrown him on the grass and straddled him.
“Wow,” I breathed.
His forehead pressed against mine. His cheeks filled as he smirked. Whatever developed between us stopped being confusing. The heat of his breath along my chin kept me grounded in the here and now. Here. I was a man falling for this beautiful bear with a heart of gold.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
I could have stayed like this forever.
“Any plans tonight?” he asked.
“I’m hoping this handsome man I know will text.”
“I’m sure he will.”
“I hope my calendar is free then.”
He laughed. If Sammy wanted to see what Firefly had to offer, I knew exactly what he needed. If this didn’t scare him away, he’d officially be an honorary member of the community.
“Ready for another adventure?”
He still hadn’t pulled away. Even at the risk of being seen by people in town, our foreheads still touched.
“With you?” He gave me a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll make time.”
“Hopefully, you won’t regret it.”
“What?”
I backed up and shrugged. “Nothing.” With a smirk, I left him hanging. For now, we needed to get back to Jason and see what other horrific tasks he had roped us into. At least I wouldn’t be tortured alone.