Chapter Four

“OH MY GOSH, Greg, you’re awful.” Lisa sipped her iced tea while shaking her head.

Teddy loved coming to the diner and hanging out with Casey, Lisa, and Greg. It took quite a few years, but finally Greg had come around, and Teddy discovered he actually liked the guy. They could talk football, which was kind of nice, especially since Teddy knew way more than Greg. It amazed him that it had been five years since he moved back to town.

“If I’m so awful, then why does everyone cheer and get up and dance?” He took a bite of a chicken wing, getting some sauce on his stubble-covered chin, and grabbed his napkin to wipe it off.

“It’s because you’re so awful.” Casey flipped her hair over her shoulder. “It’s the only way to keep from having to hear your singing.”

“Or watching your dancing,” Lisa added as she adjusted her deputy’s shirt over her heavy bosom. “Especially after you drink.”

Teddy laughed and reached for a chicken wing.

“Come on, man, you might be a homo, but can’t you help me out here? We’re bros.” Greg went for another wing.

Lisa slugged Greg in the arm as Casey pulled the basket of wings away from him.

“Homo? Really?” Teddy dropped the wing on his plate. “Listen, Deputy Dipshit, I’ll come to your aid when you earn it.”

“Sorry,” Greg said as he tried to pull the basket back over, but Casey wouldn’t let go. He called over his shoulder, “Hey, Dee, can you be a love and get me a basket of wings and maybe some of your onion rings?”

“What did you do?” Dee called back. “You better not be letting your mouth place bets that your butt can’t cash.”

Teddy pointed and mock-laughed at Greg.

“Nothing. They’re being mean to me,” Greg whined.

“Of course they are, boo-boo. Hey, Bill, can you do me up wings and rings for the deputy? He ain’t playing nice again.”

Casey, Lisa, and Teddy all burst out laughing.

“Man, you guys suck,” Greg said, then shut his eyes and waved his hands in front of him. “Wait! Please, Teddy, don’t say it.”

Teddy waggled his eyebrows and blew Greg a kiss.

“Anyway, so did we want to check out the new movie at the theater tonight?” Casey kept a hand on the basket so that Greg couldn’t get to them.

“Deputy Anderson, come back,” Lisa’s radio squawked.

Everyone at the table froze.

Lisa sighed and picked up her shoulder mic. “This is Deputy Anderson. Over.”

“Lisa, it’s Tom. I need you to go over to Dr. Phuong’s greenhouse. She’s saying that some kids have broken in and messed with her plants again. Over.”

“10-4, I’ll be there in fifteen. Over and out.” Lisa finished off her iced tea. “Well, so much for my quiet night.”

“Oh man, I’m so glad Tom called you.” Greg shook his head. “That Dr. Phuong is freaky. I think she likes her plants way more than people.”

“Well, if it was a choice between you and her plants, I would pick her plants too.” Casey took her hand off the basket of wings and Greg snatched them back. “Hey!”

Greg laughed. He took a wing and bit into it.

“Erica’s not too bad.” Teddy sipped his diet pop. “She’s a little odd, but who isn’t? I love cutting her hair. It’s amazing. So soft. She says it’s some plant extract, but darn if I know what it is. Plus, it’s hard when you’re new to town. People make all kinds of judgments.” He glared at Greg.

“Oh, man, let it go. That ticket was like forever ago.” Greg sighed.

“Anyway, children, I think she has a thing for the sheriff.” Lisa stood and adjusted her utility belt. “She’s the only person I know in town who has someone breaking into her building at least once a week. I mean come on. Shit like that doesn’t happen here in this town.”

“Well, if she has a thing for the sheriff, then why are you going and not him?” Casey pushed Teddy over so she could get a little more room now that Lisa was leaving. “Plus, I think she has a thing for Dr. Hudson.”

Dee placed the fresh basket of wings on the table along with an order of onion rings. “Tom and Erica had lunch here the other day. And you all know better than to gossip. It’s rude.” Dee walked off with a laugh.

“No way.” Greg turned his head to see if she was going to say any more.

“Shut up,” Casey remarked.

“I knew it.” Lisa peeked down at her watch. “Ugh. I need to go take care of this. Or the sheriff is gonna bust my butt, especially if Erica calls back and no one has come over yet.” She grabbed a fresh onion ring and stuffed it in her mouth. “But I leave it up to the three of you to pump Dee for information, and I want a full report when I get back.”

“Assuming we’re going to be here,” Teddy said. “I really want to see the new Disney movie.” He nabbed a couple of rings and put them on his small plate.

“Ugh, Of course you do.” Greg shook his head.

“How about we meet up for drinks at Jax’s after the movie?” Casey offered, dipping a wing in some blue cheese dressing.

“If I have to sit through a Disney flick, I’m gonna need a beer or ten.” Greg leaned back in his chair and stretched out his arms.

“Oh poor baby.” Teddy reached out and tweaked Greg’s nipple through his shirt.

Greg swatted Teddy’s hand. “Knock it off.”

“So, perky.” Teddy giggled and poked at Greg, then laughed even harder.

“Okay, I’m out of here. Jax’s after the movie. I’ll be waiting. Oh and, Teddy, he only wants you to stop ’cause it gives him a stiffy,” Lisa teased and her green-eyed gaze dropped to Greg’s crotch before she headed for the door with a wave over her shoulder.

“And how would you know?” Greg called, and then frowned. “Wait. I’m not saying that happens when he does that. I just—”

Teddy and Casey laughed.

 

THE SUN SHONE through the large plate-glass window as Teddy took another bite of his salad. As he started to chew, he made a face.

I want a milkshake and burger, but I’m having rabbit food. Ugh.

Teddy glanced around the diner. The lunch rush was over, and he could enjoy his meal in peace. That was the benefit of arranging his own schedule. He took another nibble of his salad as the bell above the door jingled.

Kasandra strutted in and glanced around. Her gaze narrowed on Teddy a second before she made a beeline straight for him.

“Oh thank Christ.” She slid into the chair in front of him, pulled off her scarf, and removed her oversized glasses.

“Hey there, Miss Thing.” Teddy put down his fork, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to eat until Kasandra said whatever she wanted to tell him or ordered her own meal, and even then, he wasn’t sure there would be a chance to finish.

She had a frown on her face. “Teddy, can we talk?” Her voice was different today, more serious and less fluttery like a butterfly.

Dee walked over. “What can I getcha?” She held out a menu to Kasandra and put down a glass of water with a ton of ice.

“I’ll just have what Teddy’s having—a salad, please,” Kasandra said, not taking the menu.

Dee nodded and headed back to the kitchen.

“We’re friends right?” Kasandra asked, her gaze focused on Teddy’s.

“Sure. What’s up?” He leaned forward to give her all his attention.

Everyone in the diner seemed to vanish until it was just the two of them. Kasandra didn’t have serious conversations. Everything about her was superficial. Her small house on the country club was the largest home the homeowner’s association would allow. Her clothes were the latest fashion, her car—in the year since she officially moved to town—had been turned in and exchanged for the newest model twice. Even her parties were the best, with only the right people. He managed to get an invite because he understood her hair and he could make Kasandra look amazing, for which she was grateful.

“Seriously, Teddy, are we friends? I don’t have any here. Sure, there are people I’m social with, but not friends.”

He thought a moment about their conversations when they were alone in the shop and he was doing her hair. Were they friends? He wasn’t so sure, but Kasandra needed a friend and he was going to be hers.

“Yes, Kas, we’re friends,” Teddy finally said and took a sip of water.

“As my friend, I need your help.” Kasandra pulled out a piece of paper. The seals showed it was some kind of legal document. She handed it over to him.

Teddy took the letter, opened it, and began to read.

Kasandra sat there, clicking her nails and glancing around the diner. During the time it took Teddy to read the letter, Dee arrived, put down the salad, and walked over to a group of men who had just finished their shift at CAGE.

Teddy folded up the letter and handed it back to Kasandra. She slipped it back into her purse, watching him. His face grew cool and he felt his heart beating faster. He reached for his own glass of water and sipped it.

“Well?” she asked.

Teddy nodded. “I don’t know. Why didn’t you take care of this in California?”

“I thought I had. All the documents were changed, but now they are hung up with the birth certificate. And I don’t know what to do. I swear I thought it was all sorted out.” Tears pooled in her eyes, and she quickly grabbed the napkin and dabbed them.

Teddy reached out and took her hand. “We’ll take care of this. I know a lawyer in Kansas City. I’m pretty sure he can help.”

“Teddy, if anyone finds out here in town, they’ll lynch me. I moved here because I knew that I needed the break and I had the money to live the life I wanted. To live my life as the real me. The life I could have never had out there.”

“Then why all the pretense? Miss Thing, you are way too much, even for me, and this town doesn’t look fondly on different. Why draw any more attention to yourself?”

The tears had finally stopped, and she took a deep breath. “I knew it would be difficult anywhere, but I figured if I came here and acted this way, people wouldn’t notice the other smaller things.”

“Like the broad shoulders and scars on the neck?” Teddy asked.

She nodded.

“Well, honestly, you look amazing. So, maybe, you know, just be yourself a little more. You don’t have to be some caricature for anyone. It’ll be better for you to just be who you are instead of some over-the-top diva.”

She started to speak, and Teddy patted her hand. “Be like this more often. Be real with people. You’re beautiful, and no one will ever be able to tell that you”—he lowered his voice even more—“transitioned. Now, what about your meds and checkups and stuff like that? You got a doctor in Kansas City?”

“No. Dr. Hudson knows. He does my checkups and keeps everything very confidential. It saves me from having to go to KC. That man is a dream.”

Teddy chuckled.

Well, he can certainly keep a secret.

“Look, I’ll call my friend and set up an appointment for next week. We can make a day of it and go shopping and hang out. It’ll be fun.”

“You’ll do that for me? And you’ll keep my secret?” Kasandra took a shaky breath, reached for her water, and sipped it.

“Your secret isn’t mine to tell. Plus, Lakeview has a way of holding onto secrets and never letting them go.” Teddy made a face down at their salads. He glanced over his shoulder to the counter. “Hey, Dee, can we get some chicken tenders and fries. These salads need a pick-me-up.”

“You got it, Teddy.”

“And two chocolate shakes,” Kasandra called. “Teddy and I are having a real lunch.”

Teddy laughed. “Oh, I love your style, Miss Thing.”

 

TEDDY PICKED AT his salad. The diner really did have the best food, but considering all he tried to eat was salad these days, it didn’t matter. Ugh! Trying to lose weight sucks. This year’s goal was to lose twenty pounds.

“Men.” Casey shook her head. “Why do we even bother?”

“Because some of them are sexy as hell,” Kasandra said.

“And it’s better than sleeping alone,” Teddy said.

“And I think I need to head back to the hospital.” Doc made to grab for his hat and jacket.

Teddy pointed to where the doctor sat. “Don’t even try it, Doc. I told Sally I would make sure you ate and took some time away from work.”

“What? I ate and I took a break,” Doc said.

“You started your day at six thirty this morning and it’s now almost seven forty in the evening, and I know for a fact you didn’t take lunch.” Teddy continued to point at the seat and the doctor.

“How do you—”

“Never underestimate the power of the Teddy.” Teddy waved his hands in front of him. “I know and see all.”

“Fine.” Doc leaned back in the chair. “You know it’s been proven we have a biological need to make connections with other people. The more connected we become, the harder it is to lose those relationships.”

Kasandra’s brows furrowed. “Oh trust me, I can cut ties like no body’s business. Once you cross me, you are dead to me.” She snapped her fingers to emphasize her point.

“Maybe, so, but I bet it’s not easy.” Doc sipped his coffee.

“Well, I think I’m going to have to dump Sam. He’s just…ugh… annoying.” Casey frowned. “Why can’t I meet a guy like you, Teddy?”

“For one, I’m gay and that would do you no good. For two, could you imagine the world with two Teddies? I don’t think we could survive.”

“I agree. I think one of you is enough.” Doc picked at the remains of his mashed potatoes and meatloaf.

“Hey, that’s not nice.” Teddy puffed out his bottom lip.

Doc shook his head. “You know what I mean.”

The door jingled, and Tom walked in and took off his hat, revealing a bald head. He scanned the room and crossed over to the counter. If the scanning of the room didn’t give it away, then his stance did. He was 100 percent former Marine.

“You have my order ready, Dee?” He rested his hat on the counter and reached down to adjust his utility belt, then rested his hand on his gun.

“Hey, Sheriff, come join us.” Teddy waved. It was amazing that his utility belt fit him at all with as thin as he was, plus he had no butt whatsoever to help hold it up. Still, he wasn’t an awful-looking man, just tall and thin.

And we all know what that means.

He smirked at the evil thought and quickly glanced to the front of the sheriff’s pants.

“Should I be worried that I see the four of you together?” Tom pointed at them. His face barely changed expressions from its typical stoic nature.

“Who us? Cause trouble? Never.” Kasandra beamed with a flourish of her hand.

“Indeed,” Tom said.

“Here’s your order, Sheriff.” Dee passed everything over in various bags.

“Thanks, Dee.” Tom took the parcels.

Dee headed over to check on her other customers.

“I’m gonna have to pass on the offer to join you,” Tom said. “We have work down at the station.”

“Well, poo.” Teddy frowned.

“Everything okay, Sheriff?” Casey asked. “Do we need to get a message out or something?”

“No, everything’s fine, but I would like to check in about the emergency procedures you have. Anything can happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.”

“Sure thing, Sheriff,” Casey said.

“Have a good night.” Tom put on his hat and headed out the diner door.

“You know even when he comes to the salon for a head shave, he hardly says anything.” Teddy sipped his diet pop.

“Some people are just private.” Kasandra eyed Teddy.

“True, but I don’t know.” Teddy played with his straw. “It just seems like it’s something else. It’s kind of the same thing with Erica.”

“Teddy, not everyone can be like you,” Doc said. “Is that all you three do is gossip about people here in town?”

“Yep, and you should hear what we say about you, Doc.” Casey laughed.

The bell on the diner door jingled again as it opened. A teenager in a hoodie walked in. The breeze from the door caused a chill to run down Teddy’s back as he turned to Casey, Kasandra, and Doc.

“You know, what about having a Halloween Party this year?”

“Oh I love parties.” Kasandra clapped. “We can have it at my house.”

“Of course we can.” Casey laughed. “Any excuse for a party.”

“Excuse me,” the kid in the hoodie said. He couldn’t be more than fifteen.

“What’s up, cutie? You get lost?” Teddy scanned the young man up and down.

“Are you Ted—Teddy Granger?” the kid said.

Doc, Kasandra, and Casey all glanced at Teddy.

Teddy’s eyes narrowed. “I am.”

The boy pulled off his hoodie. He had a black eye and a dimpled chin, his hair was long and wavy and in desperate need of a cut. But that didn’t matter to Teddy. The chair he had been sitting on was shoved back and hit the wall as he rushed over and grabbed the boy, hugging him with all his heart.

“Oh God. Nicky.”

“Pappabear.” The boy wrapped his arms around Teddy and hugged him back. “Why did you leave me with him? Why didn’t you take me? You left me trapped.” Nicky’s words muffled against Teddy’s shoulder.