Convincing Landon (13 page)

Kendall couldn’t resist that much warmth and walked straight into the hug. Elliot didn’t have that big a family—was no longer in touch with his parents or his sister—so maybe Elliot would come to think of Kendall as a replacement brother or something. He didn’t have a problem with that, since he was an only child himself and had always wished he’d had a sibling…or even two.

“Leave some of the man for me as well, honey.” The deep voice from behind Elliot was probably David’s.

Elliot laughed and let go of him. Kendall held his hand out for David to shake. He had deep brown eyes set in a rugged face with a square jaw, spiky blond hair and very broad shoulders. He looked to be in excellent shape, still exuded that quarterback vibe he’d had going for him in high school, and all but had the word ‘coach’ tattooed on his forehead.

“None of that. We believe in giving hugs in this household, especially for family members.” David pulled Kendall into a bear hug. Even though the man was only about an inch taller than Elliot, his muscles were well developed and his embrace was strong.

“Come on in, please. David has made us some of his famous spaghetti Bolognese and the sauce should be finished in a few minutes. I hope that’s okay?” Elliot grinned as he closed the apartment door then led the way through the small hallway into a comfortable looking living room.

An overstuffed sofa was to the right, facing a state-of-the-art TV and sound system. A ton of DVDs was stacked to one side of it, an overflowing bookshelf sat on the other. Large windows in one wall looked out onto the back gardens and more apartments behind some leafy trees, and a door in the wall to their left led to the kitchen. Delicious smells wafted from that direction and made Kendall’s stomach growl.

“I guess that answers that question.” Elliot winked.

Kendall blushed as he took the offered seat on the sofa, watching David vanish into the kitchen with a big grin on his face. “I didn’t realise I was this hungry.”

“No problem. We’ll have you fed in a minute. Would you like a drink while we wait?” Elliot walked over to a small cabinet hidden behind the armrest of the sofa.

“Could I just have some orange juice, please?” Kendall sat back and tried to relax. “I still have to drive back.”

“No problem and no need to apologise. I won’t force anyone to have alcohol if they don’t want it.” Elliot walked into the kitchen and brought back two tall glasses with lots of ice and juice that looked to be freshly squeezed.

They spent the next few minutes exchanging small talk, after which David let them know that dinner was served. Kendall followed Elliot into the kitchen and took a seat at the small table set with simple white plates and spotlessly clean silverware. Without losing much time, they dived into the food, and the first few minutes passed in silence.

“Wow, this is really good!” Kendall looked up into David’s smiling face. “Thank you for going to all this trouble for me.”

“It wasn’t any trouble at all, but you’re welcome.” David offered second helpings and Kendall was still hungry enough to accept. He’d missed lunch, and for the first time he was glad he had. This was far better food.

“Right, now that we’ve got the first hunger satisfied, we can start working on solving your and Landon’s problem.” Elliot had declined a second helping and now leant back in his chair to watch Kendall and David eating. “Ever since you told me what’s been going on, I’ve been thinking about ways to help you guys.”

“Wow, I appreciate it. But all I really wanted was to pick your brain about finding an architecture firm with better morals—and maybe a better social conscience—than Ambrose & Quinley turned out to have. I realise you’ve only just started working in the field, but as far as I can see you’re light years ahead of me in terms of understanding the more ethical side of this business.”

“I don’t know about ideas, but I did look at several firms before I committed myself to working for AFTE, or Architects For The Environment.” Elliot shrugged. “Maybe it’s because I had a pretty bad experience with my father’s advertising company and already knew what I wasn’t willing to put up with.”

“That makes sense.” Kendall pushed his empty plate away, rubbing his now rather full stomach. “So, what have you come up with?”

“Well, I have this idea…” Elliot grinned. “I think we should have some coffee, and I can explain it to you, see what you think.”

“Sure, if I don’t die of curiosity first.” Kendall laughed, helped rinse the dishes so Elliot could put them into the dishwasher, despite his cousin’s protests.

Meanwhile, David took care of the coffee and carried them to the living room when they were prepared. Once they were all settled, Kendall turned his full attention to Elliot.

“Right, now, here’s the thing.” Elliot took a sip of his coffee and his face became serious for the first time in the last hour or so. The man was remarkably happy and let it show.

“From what you told me, it’s clear that you don’t approve of Ambrose & Quinley’s business philosophy. That got me to thinking about you working for AFTE, which would be an easy solution to your immediate need for a job. Luckily, they have an opening, and I’ve put in a good word for you, so they’re willing to see you for an interview on Friday.” Elliot made a ta-da movement with his arms.

Kendall’s jaw dropped and it took a few seconds for him to get himself under control again. That was so much more than he’d hoped for; he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“Wow.” Kendall put a hand on his heart to try and calm it down. “Thank you so much! I don’t know what to say.”

“A simple thank you is enough.” Elliott smiled. “After all, we are family, right?”

“Right. But still…” Kendall smiled right back. Even though he didn’t have a job yet, it was a great opening much sooner than he’d expected it and he’d certainly do his best. “That is such a relief.”

“But that’s not all.” David put down his cup, having finished his coffee. “My clever lover doesn’t believe in doing things halfway. So he’s been pestering me about ideas of what else we can do to help you guys.”

“Well, actually, it’s the disadvantaged people of Riverside that got me thinking. I was just so angry that the city council would consider building a supermarket over a homeless shelter.” Elliott shook his head. “These guys certainly won’t get my vote at the next local elections.”

“Nor mine.” David scowled.

“Anyway, the real problem seems to be that the city council wants money, which, like you said, Promises Kept is doubtful to have at the moment, if ever.” Elliot paused, looking at Kendall as if for confirmation.

“Obviously I don’t know for sure, but with them basically being a charity, I just can’t imagine they’re flush with the kind of money Mr. Easley has put on the table.” Kendall hoped he wasn’t treading on Landon’s feet, but his lover’s first reaction had been so stricken that he couldn’t imagine there to be an easy solution.

“Okay, so that got me thinking about finding a way to get them the money they need. And I think I’ve come up with a solution.” Elliot finished his coffee and put his cup on the low coffee table next to David’s.

“You’re not going to suggest we rob a bank, are you?” It was pretty much the only way Kendall could think of to get their hands on two million dollars practically overnight.

“No, nothing illegal, I promise.” Elliott laughed.

“What then? I’m dying of curiosity here, man.” Kendall was ready to explode from it.

“Right, here’s the thing.” Elliot leant forwards. “If I told you that I know this guy who is looking for something useful to do, possibly in the area of protecting the disadvantaged, and has more money than he knows what to do with, would you be interested in talking to him?”

“Would I ever!” Kendall almost jumped up from his seat.

“I take it that was a yes.” Elliot laughed.

“You can take that as a double yes.” Kendall took a deep breath, this time trying to control his excitement. “So, who is this guy? If you’re right, we need to talk to him pretty quickly. The city council gave us only until tomorrow afternoon. Do you think he’ll even agree to a meeting on such short notice?”

“To answer your first question first, the guy in question is called Zeke Fortin. He’s my friend Rick’s older brother’s partner.” Elliot grinned. “And if you followed that one, you’re cleverer than I am. Basically, David and I went to the same class in high school with Rick. His older brother, Ben, recently got together with Zeke after they figured out they were much more than best friends.”

“You’re right, that is complicated.” Kendall scratched his head. “I was never very good at family and relationships, so you might have to draw me a chart.”

David laughed, a loud booming sound that made Kendall chuckle.

“Never mind how we know him. The fact is that he not only has a huge trust fund—and I mean
huge
—but he’s also looking for a way to make a difference.” Elliot shrugged. “Apparently, he’s been working in real estate but wants to do something worthwhile now that he’s back in Riverside. He’s been working with and donating to a variety of charities, but hadn’t made up his mind to pick only one of them last time I talked to him. That was earlier this afternoon. ”

“And he’s interested?” Kendall couldn’t believe his luck.

“Very interested. He suggested a meeting later this evening, if both you and Landon can make it.” Elliot smiled.

“I need to call him, of course, but I can’t imagine he’s got anything better to do.” Kendall couldn’t wait to tell Landon. At least now there was hope.

* * * *

Landon was nervous. And excited. He wasn’t sure which was the dominant emotion, but either was better than the beginning of a depression he’d felt earlier. Greg had managed to cheer him up, but once they’d made it home and he still hadn’t heard from Kendall, he’d started to worry.

When Kendall had finally returned his calls, Landon had been so relieved to hear his lover’s voice that he’d forgotten to ask all the questions on his mind. Kendall had been very secretive, only saying that their problems were about to be solved. Landon had no clue how he could pull that off, but was curious enough to jump into his car and drive to the Front Porch in record time. He’d never known that they had a private function room, but apparently that was where Kendall wanted to meet him.

Why in the world did they need a whole room to themselves
?

After walking into the function room, which had been pointed out by a helpful member of the wait staff, Landon stopped dead in his tracks when he saw not only Kendall, but eight other men sitting around one of the two large, round tables in the room. The second table seemed to serve as a sort of buffet—offering drinks and snacks, as well as plates, bowls and various drinking glasses.

“Kendall?” Landon stared at his lover, who seemed to be in an animated discussion with three men at once. One of them looked vaguely familiar—the blond quarterback-like guy looked a lot like David, Greg’s assistant coach. What was he doing here?

“Landon!” Kendall jumped up from his chair and ran to him, throwing himself into his arms and hugging him tightly enough to make breathing difficult. “I’m so sorry about the shit Mr. Easeley pulled this afternoon. I swear, I didn’t know what was going to happen. But now that I’ve realised what a horribly greedy firm Ambrose & Quinley is, I stood up to my boss and guess what?”

Landon shook his head, focused on holding Kendall as close to him as possible for as long as he’d let him. It was the best feeling in the world and he never wanted to go without it again. He’d do whatever was necessary to stay in Riverside and build a life with Kendall.

“He fired me!” Kendall looked triumphant.

“And that made you happy?” Landon needed to sit down. Now they were both without a job. Kendall because he’d been fired—quite happily so. Landon because there was no longer a job with Promises Kept in Riverside, and the job they had for him in Houston wasn’t one he was willing to go back to. What the hell were they going to do for money? He couldn’t live off Greg forever and he wasn’t even sure if Kendall had any family—at least he’d never mentioned anyone.

“Extremely!” Kendall stepped back and took Landon’s hand, pulling him towards the table where the other men sat, chatting and drinking as if they were friends or at least knew each other really well.

“That must be the strangest reaction to someone being fired I ever heard of.” Landon shook his head but dutifully sat where Kendall pointed.

“The reason I’m so happy is that I really couldn’t stand to work for them any longer. I’d had my doubts about their business practices for a while, but today everything came to a head and I decided I was no longer willing to follow their guidelines, if you can call them that.” Kendall moved one of the available chairs closer to Landon’s and sat down.

“Good for you.” Landon was always happy if someone followed their principles. Even if, in this case, it was going to make their lives considerably more difficult.

“No, I think it’s going to be good for us.” Kendall smiled. “Let me introduce these guys to you, since they are all here to help us. Well, not all of them—some of them are just going to be part of the support team.”

“I don’t have to be able to make sense of this right now, do I?” Landon wanted a drink in the worst way, but he knew he needed to stay away from alcohol if he wanted to wrap his head around this situation. Not to mention remember everyone’s name. “Can I get some water first?”