Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

climbed out. "We'll have to walk from here."
    TJ smiled. "It's a beautiful evening for it. I can't believe it's so warm." As Cory rounded the car, TJ was laughing and pointing. "The Hearty Boys Bakery Shoppe?"
    Cory chuckled. "Yep. I hear they'll be making the pancakes tonight." He took TJ's hand as they made their way down the sidewalk toward the big building at the end of the street with the rainbow flag flying out front.
    As the Broussard Center came closer, Cory's chest ached. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his raw emotions. He deliberately avoided looking across the grass towards the newly planted Hawthorne trees and the large, beautiful home behind them that had once belonged to his friends.
    Cory noticed TJ was looking around in awe. "It's lovely here," he said. "What's that?"
    Following the direction TJ was pointing, Cory smiled. "Oh, that's The Aviary." He loved that place.
    "They have an aviary, too?" TJ sounded excited.
    "No, it used to be an aviary, but now it's the local branch library."
    "Oh. Too bad. I was hoping for birds." TJ smiled down at him, squeezing his hand companionably.
    Cory let go of his hand reluctantly and pulled out his wallet to find their two tickets as they walked up to the front of the building. An older woman Cory didn't know held the door for them. "Tickets?" she asked. Cory handed her theirs. Then, he pulled out a crisp hundred. "And a little extra," he said, dropping his donation into the box she held. He started to walk on.
    "Wait." TJ pulled his wallet out and shoved a wad of twenties into the box.
    "Thanks." Cory grinned at him, feeling his heart skip again. He took in big, brown eyes smiling back at him from behind those sexy glasses and felt suddenly breathless.
    ****
    The multi-purpose room was packed with people. TJ was surprised at the number. It seemed like such a small neighborhood.
    "People come from all over the city for this," Cory said. TJ marveled at how perceptive Cory was. It was a little unnerving at times, he thought, as they walked into the room.
    Stopping suddenly, Cory sucked in a strained breath. He stood rigid beside an easel with a large, black and white photo. TJ realized it was Ben and Pierre with three women, all in floppy, white chef's hats with silly grins on their faces.
    Cory reached out a hand as if to gently trace the outline of his friend's face without actually touching the glass. "This was the very first Breakfast for Dinner event back in 1975," he explained. His voice sounded thick and raspy.
    The pain in Cory's face was difficult to watch. TJ took his hand and wound their fingers together. "They look very happy."
    Cory swallowed. "They were always happiest when they were doing something for others."
    "I really wish I could have met them." TJ knew people often only remembered the good after a loved one was gone, but these men had done so much for the Iowa community, it was staggering. It was obvious that people were not just talking them up.
    Cory squeezed his hand hard. "Thanks. You would have liked them."
    They made their way through the line. All of the servers took time to speak with them and thank them for coming. They carried their loaded plates to a table and set them down.
    "Come with me. There's someone you have to meet."
    TJ followed Cory to the drink table where two lovely, older women were talking and laughing as they poured. One had long, curling red hair. The other's was blond and artfully coiffed. Both were strikingly beautiful in their own way. When the redhead saw them, she leaned across the table and grabbed Cory's hand, hauling him into an awkward hug.
    "Cory, dear! I'm so glad you came. Ben and Pierre would want you here," she whispered into Cory's ear. Cory made a strangled sound and clung to her across the table for a moment.
    Then, he stepped back and took a deep breath. "Hazel, I'd like you to meet Dr. TJ Dylan. TJ this is Hazel Brennan."
    TJ held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
    Hazel gave him a staggering smile. "It's lovely to meet you, dear." She held his hand for a moment, and TJ could swear he felt a pleasant humming sensation travel up his arm. She looked deeply into his eyes. Then she smiled at Cory and said, "He's quite a looker, Mr. Stephens." She winked, and Cory burst into laughter.
    TJ pushed up his glasses and stuffed his hands into his pockets. His face was hot again, and he had no idea what to say.
    Cory leaned over and said conspiratorially, "Yes he is, but we won't tell him. He