Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 187(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 187(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
“Do you still have the Magners?” Todd asked.
“Yes, it’s here until the end of the month. In October, I’ll transition to something for fall.”
“I’ll have that please.”
“Coming right up. Lucas, what’ll you have?”
“Martini. Vodka this time.”
“Grey Goose with a lemon twist?” Seamus confirmed.
“Do you know all of your customers’ preferences this well or am I special to you?” Lucas asked, batting his eyelashes.
“Oh, you’re definitely special,” Seamus replied in an exaggerated tone. “I think the town took a vote and everyone agrees on that. You’re Hope’s most special citizen.”
Todd giggled while Lucas rolled his eyes.
“You’re in an awfully good mood. I take it that means my brilliant plan is still working?” Lucas asked.
When he had suggested Seamus tell his parents he was gay during his July visit, he had brushed the idea off as absurd. No way would he be able to fool the people who had raised him, their extended family, and their many friends. But after two days of relentless harassment about their latest marriage candidate and the promise of an actual engagement party that had been planned without his knowledge, he had been willing to try literally anything.
At first, his parents were shocked and dismayed by his news, but before long, they came to terms with it. Seamus was actually surprised at how well they took it until he realized they were grateful for an explanation for his unnaturally lengthy singledom. Believing their straight son was only interested in men struck them as more believable than the possibility that he wasn’t interested in marriage.
“It sure is,” he said while he made Lucas’s martini. “No matter how hard they try, they’re not going to find me a husband in the community, and to them, marrying an outsider isn’t an option, so that means I can live my life in peace, free from harassment.” He set their drinks in front of them. “You really are a genius, Lucas.”
“It’s good to be recognized.”
“Did you text DJ?” Todd asked Lucas.
“I sure did.”
“Is he working?”
“Believe it or not, he’s coming to meet us. He said he’d be done at Slice of Life in time.”
“That’s great!” Todd said happily. “I’m glad he’s actually taking some time to have fun.”
The door swung open and a short, slight body was shadowed in the entrance before he stepped inside.
“Deej!” Todd got up from his chair. “I can’t believe you actually came!” He hugged his friend and then patted the empty stool beside him. “Sit. Sit.”
“Hi, guys. Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries. You didn’t miss much. Seamus was just singing my praises.”
DJ glanced at him and then quickly looked away. “What’d you do this time?” he asked Lucas.
“Got his parents off his back. Something he has apparently been trying and failing to do for his entire adult life, and I handled it in one conversation.” Lucas blew on his fingertips and rubbed them against his shirt. “It’s all in a day’s work.”
“What can I get you to drink?” Seamus asked his newest customer as he set a coaster in front of him.
Clear blue eyes landed on him, DJ’s look appraising. “Are you having issues with your family?” he eventually said.
“Not any more. Lucas helped—” The bar phone started ringing. “Give me a sec.” He held up his finger and stepped toward the landline. “Seamus’s Basement,” he said.
“Seamus. We’ve been trying to reach you. You haven’t answered your cell phone.”
Completely taken off guard by hearing his father’s voice on the bar phone, it took him a few moments to respond.
“Seamus?”
“Sorry, I’m here.” He blinked. “Is everything okay, Dad? Why are you calling this number?”
“I already told you. You weren’t answering your cell.”
“I didn’t hear it. I’m at work.” He glanced at the clock above the bar. Massachusetts was three hours ahead that time of year. “It’s after midnight there. Why are you up? Is Mom okay? What happened?”
“We found you a husband,” his father said joyfully.
“You...what?” he said, shocked.
“We found you a husband,” his father repeated. “He’s perfect for you, Seamus. So much so that your mother’s sure it was fated all along.”
“A husband?” Dizzy, he clutched the bar for support. “You found a gay man? In the community?” he confirmed.
“Yes! He’s a little younger than you, but well past marrying age. He’s been single all his life, just like you. We even knew his parents in passing, may they rest in peace.”
His family trouble had just gone from bad to disastrous. He dragged his hand over his beard and turned around to lean his back against the bar so he wouldn’t collapse. Apparently hearing his end of the conversation, Lucas was staring at him, openmouthed. His friend DJ was leaning against the bar, arms crossed in front of him. And the spot Todd had previously occupied was now empty.
“And he’s, uh, he’s willing to move to Hope?” he said, desperately wishing the answer was no. “Because I’m not leaving here. I have my business and my home. I’ve lived here for half my life and—”