“So, how long have you been volunteering at A Helping Hand?” Ash asked.
“Just about a year now.” Ker debated whether or not to say more.Ah, well, better to get it out in the open now.“Look, I’ll be honest with you. I, um … well, I had some personal problems and did some things I’m not proud of. I narrowly escaped being terminated from my job only because I chickened out of doing something extremely stupid at the last minute. That’s when I decided to do better with my life. I started volunteering and seeing a counselor to help me with my issues; I love being able to give back to the community, and it helps to keep me busy and out of trouble.” Ker smiled shyly.
“Wow, that’s great.” Ash said. “Well, not that you had some problems, but that you got some help and figured out someoptions to turn things around. Not everyone can admit when they need help.”
“Yeah. I’m so grateful I’ve been given another chance.”
“Hey, it’s none of my business what you did, so I’m not gonna ask. But if you ever want to talk, I’m a really good listener.” Ash’s tone was sincere.
“Thanks, I appreciate that.” Ker smiled, relieved that he didn’t have to say more at this point. “So, tell me more about you. You’re a cop, um … I mean detective, and you live in Hawthorne Bluff. Since we’re gonna be volunteering together, what else should I know?”
“Let’s see … I’ve lived in Hawthorne Bluff all my life. My parents were killed in a car accident in Europe when I was eight, so I was raised by my aunt and uncle. My three cousins are more like brothers to me, and we love to give each other a hard time about pretty much anything. Finn works at Hawthorne Bluff Bank and Trust, Court’s a lieutenant in the fire department, and Mitch owns a gourmet wine and food shop in town.”
“I’m so sorry about your folks.” Ker couldn’t keep the emotion out of his voice. As difficult as his relationship with his own family was, he couldn’t imagine losing them at such an early age.
“Thanks. As tough as it was, my aunt and uncle raised me in a very loving home. I was so lucky to have them.” Ash paused, sipping his coffee. “And what about you?”
“As I said, I moved here about a decade ago from Fitchburg, where I grew up. My folks still live there along with a younger sister, Sharon. She and I get along great, but there’s some tension between my folks and me. I came out to them when I was in college, and we had some heated discussions about that, but after many conversations with both my sister and me, they understand that I’m the same person I always was, so my sexuality isn’t a problem for them now.” Ker smiled wistfully.“But they’re still not happy that I moved away. They expected me to take over my dad’s business. He owns a small chain of grocery stores, and my folks couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to take over running them. Honestly, I could never see myself working retail for the rest of my life. And while I didn’t get into it for the money, I earn a good living in construction, and I love what I do. But my parents, especially my dad, never could understand that.” Ker didn’t mention that his folks also wanted to be able to keep a closer eye on him. Admitting he had a drug problem had been so much scarier than telling them he was gay.
“I’m sorry, Ker. That’s really too bad about the job situation. But at least your folks got over the fact that you’re gay.”
“Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t feel too bad. Although still being single and over forty isn’t really anything to brag about,” Ker admitted.
“I know what you mean. Finn tells me all the time that since I date both women and men, I should have found someone a long time ago. He can be such an ass!”
Ker cackled. “He’s right, though.”Well, well. Ash is bi. This just got so much more interesting.
“Jeez, don’t tellhimthat,” Ash chuckled.
CHAPTER
THREE
Ash
The week flew by. Ash and Hank were working a new case involving a string of robberies along Route Three that had them checking out leads from Plymouth down past The Pinehills, almost to Sagamore. They were working with other law enforcement in the area, but Ash and Hank were the lead investigators on this one since it had started in Hawthorne Bluff. That meant life was hectic right now.
Hank agreed to follow up on a couple of things over the weekend, giving Ash a much-needed break. “Call me if you need me, but please don’t need me,” Ash said into his phone on Saturday morning. “I’m heading up to A Helping Hand.”
“Don’t worry,” Hank told him, “I’m just coordinating a few things with a couple of the officers from Ellisville. It’ll be fine.”
Ending the call, Ash got into his SUV for the ride up to Plymouth. He was actually looking forward to working at the shelter that day. Hopefully, he’d see Ker again. Ash couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something intriguing about the man.
Things seemed a bit chaotic when Ash entered A Helping Hand’s kitchen, but he quickly donned an apron and pitched in with the lunch preparations. Macaroni and cheese with a tossed green salad were on today’s menu, and soon everything was ready for them to begin serving the line of waiting people.
Ker had already been there when Ash arrived, but they hadn’t had much time to chat until they stood together at their serving stations. “How’s it going, Ker?” Ash asked when they had a free moment.
“Good. Busy week, but I’m doing okay. How about you?”
“Tell me about it. Crazy week for me too. Thank God it’s Saturday.”
“Right?” Ker replied.
By the time everything was cleaned up after lunch, Dean and Mack had both begged off going for coffee, as they had other plans for the rest of the day. “What about you?” Ker asked Ash.
“Sure. I could go for a cup before I head back. All I’ve got to do is stop for some groceries and then maybe throw a load of clothes in the washer.”
They walked to the coffee shop in companionable silence, then placed their order at the counter. The place was fairly busy, but they found a small table along one wall and sat. “It’s nice to know that your life is about as exciting as mine,” Ker remarked, smiling. “Laundry and food shopping. And we wonder why we can’t meet anyone.” Sadness coated his words.
