Chapter Thirteen
The night was warm and the patio was packed, which was unusual for a Thursday night at Lucky’s. Their large group took up half the outside space: Royce, Jesse, the Sentinel team, Matthew, Bear, Rick, Gabe, Johnny, Chief Graham, and his wife. They’d enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner and were now waiting for the band to start playing. They’d closed the diner early so that everyone all together could have an evening out. They were celebrating Jesse’s recent purchase of a plot of land inside Brighton. It was the first step of his plans; he intended to build a group home for homeless LGBTQ teenagers from across the state.
His dream was beginning to take shape, and life had finally calmed enough for him to breathe easy again. Jesse took another gulp of his beer; he would try to dance with Royce tonight. Jesse hoped he didn’t make a fool of himself or, more importantly, Royce. Again, no matter how scared he was, Jesse had dreamed of dancing at Lucky’s with his love for a long time and he wasn’t about to back out now.
It had been just over a month since his family had been arrested. They were being held in custody without bail in a Federal prison in Idaho. In that time, Mr. Foster had been working hard setting things to rights, organizing and retrieving all of Jesse’s inheritance. It would take several more months to sell the rest of the land, but according to his lawyer, the farmers in the area had already inquired as to purchasing several hundred acres. Jesse had made sure to set the prices at fair market value. He wasn’t about to gouge the hard-working people of his old town; he was sure his father had already overcharged them in rent for years.
Royce’s injuries were healing well, even though his arm was back in a sling. He’d spent three days in the hospital; an infection caused by Frank’s dirty belt had delayed his release. The stitches had been removed but the scars would be a permanent reminder of the cruelty of Jesse’s father. A few days after Royce had been released he’d told Jesse what had been said in that old, rundown house. He had a brother. Jerry was his brother, not his cousin as he’d been led to believe his entire life.
Jesse was unsure how he felt about that discovery. With everything Jerry had done to him, it was hard to comprehend that through every beating Jerry had handed out he knew that Jesse was his brother. Jerry had taken great joy in hurting others, especially Jesse, and brother or not, some things couldn’t be forgotten or forgiven.
Royce did the right thing by telling him the truth, although Jesse hadn’t been all that surprised by the affair between his father and aunt. They’d always been extremely “close.” Once when he was young, Jesse had caught them kissing. He’d been severely whipped for witnessing it.
“So when are you breaking ground on the new center?” Sam asked before taking a drink of his Coke; Sam was a designated driver tonight along with Royce, Chief Graham, and Gabe.
“Should be in the next couple weeks, once we finalize the rest of the estate. Over half has already been dealt with so Mr. Foster doesn’t believe it will take too much longer,” Jesse answered, his excitement evident in every word.
“It’s going to be amazing,” Matthew agreed. “It’s a brilliant idea.”
“I’m glad you think so because I have something important to ask you, Sam and Johnny,” Jesse said. He leaned his elbows on the table and Royce laid one hand on Jesse’s arm in support. The man was everything he’d ever wanted. “This may not be the best time to ask, but you know I need people I can trust to help me run the center, and I was hoping the three of you would…would want to take up positions within the center to help make it a safe and comforting place.”
“Jesse, I’d love to help. What were you thinking the three of us could do?” Johnny asked.
“I was thinking you could help make the place feel comfortable. You’re an amazing designer and I know you could make the rooms feel homey.” Though Johnny was a graphic designer, he also had an interest in interior design. “Matthew, I was hoping you could help with setting up security for the house; a lot of the teenagers might be running from something or someone. And Sam, I was thinking of setting up a medical center inside the building just in case anyone requires medical attention,” Jesse explained, all the while praying they would agree to help. He knew he was asking a lot of them, but he also knew these men were his friends and always open to helping others.
“Of course, Jesse, I’ll help out,” Sam said. “We’ll get a small medical bay set up and I’ll even come in to help out.”
“No one will get on the grounds without us knowing, they’ll be safe,” Matthew swore.
Johnny’s eyes sparkled and Jesse could see he was already designing the rooms in his mind. Jesse was blessed to have such great friends. “I’m in. It’ll be comfy and welcoming. Most of those kids will have been on the streets for a while and will need all the comfort we can give them.”
Royce wrapped his arms around Jesse. “I’m so proud of you, baby.” Sam and Johnny were getting the same accolades from their men.
Matthew sat stoically until Coop put one arm around him and gave him a side hug. “It’s a good thing you’re doing.” To anyone on the outside it was just a friendly hug but the smile on Matthew’s face could warm even the most hardened of heart.
Jesse curled into Royce, enjoying the freedom to show his affection so openly. Since meeting Royce, and for the first time in his life, Jesse was looking forward to his future. Hell, he finally had a future to look forward to. He and Bear had discussed bringing on another cook to help Travis in the diner so that they could decrease the workload on all of them. Interviews began next week. They’d already brought on two high school students to waitress part time and help out Sarah.
Just then Travis walked in the door with Bo Mason on his heels, snapping Jesse out of his thoughts. They’d invited them both, but Travis was still walking on eggshells around Bo. Even after all the time Bo had spent at the hospital with Travis when he’d been hurt. No one knew for sure if they’d come alone or together. It seemed to Jesse that Bo wasn’t giving up as he held the chair out for Travis to sit down before seating himself.
“Hey, Travis, Bo, we’re happy you two could come tonight. Did you have a chance to eat?” Jesse asked. They could order more food, he was just glad that they could make it. Jesse really liked the both of them and Travis had become his friend.
“Yes, we ate at my house before we came,” Bo answered, shocking everyone at the table and causing Travis to blush.
“Jesse, I’ve been thinking about the menu for the youth center. I’ve set up a list of healthy meals that would still be tasty to the teenagers. I worked for a health foods catering business for a while. I was hoping you’d have a look at it,” Travis said, effectively changing the subject and steering it away from their dinner to a safer area of conversation.
“I’d love help with the menu and stocking the center, Travis, thank you.” Jesse was overwhelmed with the support he’d received since revealing his plans to the people of Brighton.
They’d held a town hall meeting with the residents of Brighton where they had proposed the youth center project. With the help of Royce, Jesse had laid out their plans and answered everyone’s questions. Several individuals had stepped forward to volunteer to help with construction. Jesse had hired one of the local family-owned construction companies, on the recommendation of numerous townspeople, to oversee the construction. The White Hair Crew were already on board, having decided they would cook for the center and help teach the kids how to cook for themselves along with other necessary life skills such as laundry. Teachers of various grades offered their time to help out as well.
There had been such a positive response that Jesse and Royce had filled quite a few of the volunteer positions that same evening. By the end of it Jesse had been so emotionally overwhelmed by their generosity that he’d shed tears in front of everyone at the meeting and for the first time he wasn’t embarrassed. He felt their love and acceptance in return.
Conversations carried on around them inside the bar, but Jesse was now completely entranced by the handsome man at his side. Royce had kept his word and stood by Jesse through everything. They made decisions together and dealt with all the new legal issues as a team. Jesse would have to testify at his family’s hearings, which he feared, but he knew it had to be done. He had to face each and every one of them. Without a doubt, Royce would be by his side providing him with comfort and strength. With each day that passed, Jesse’s own strength grew, and for the first time he felt like his life was under his control.
“Love you, baby,” Royce whispered in Jesse’s ear before kissing him softly. Jesse no longer felt unsure; he was more confident and free with shows of affection toward Royce.
“Love you too,” Jesse replied.
The band was tuning up on stage and Jesse’s leg bounced even harder with nerves. He’d dreamt about this moment, the first time he’d ever danced with anyone, especially the man he intended to spend the rest of his life with. The band looked ready to start when a member who had to be the lead singer came up to the mic.
“This first song is dedicated to all those lovers out there.” The first few notes of “Amazed” by Lonestar began to play and Royce stood, holding out his hand for Jesse. He immediately took the offered hand and stood, excitement coursing through his veins. Considering Royce’s left arm was still in a sling, they had modified their positions so that they could still dance closely together.
Jesse took a quick glance around and saw Gabe and Johnny, Dante, Spider, and Sam, and even Bo and Travis as well as Coop holding Matthew in his arms, and all were on the dance floor. More couples joined their group and suddenly the dance floor was full, calming Jesse further; he wouldn’t be the center of attention.
Royce’s handsome smile seemed to glow in the stage lights; Jesse carefully wrapped his arm around Royce’s shoulder and placed his left hand in Royce’s right. Royce couldn’t place his left arm around Jesse’s waist due to his injury, but they managed. They found their rhythm as their bodies moved in sync and the world around Jesse slipped away. I’m dancing…I’m dancing with Royce! The words of the song ringing true in his heart, he was amazed by Royce. Jesse’s new life was full and finally complete.
“And just what are you thinking about with that big smile on your face?” Royce asked as he brought Jesse’s hand to his mouth and lovingly kissed Jesse’s palm.
“About our life together,” Jesse answered.
“And what about it?” Royce asked.
“One lifetime may not be long enough.”
“Sweetheart, an eternity wouldn’t be long enough, but as long as I get to spend every day with you I’m happy,” Royce explained.
“Forever?” Jesse asked.
“Always and forever, love.”