Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

images were playing through Jet's head, and he suddenly had a burst of feelings for the quiet man sitting next to him. Sympathy and pride and respect all rolled together along with a healthy amount of previously suppressed but newly aroused attraction. This was a man who had witnessed the profound loss of comrades in arms, and had come back to face the mundane world of regular society, only with a different worldview than his own. Jackson felt humbled, and resolved to help his new friend adjust to his latest circumstances.
    "And so you came here…" Jackson urged, carefully changing the subject.
    "My sister's practice needed another doctor, and I needed a job. I had no ties anywhere, so it was an easy decision." He turned on that brilliant smile for Jackson. "How about you? Lived here long?"
    Jackson's breath caught at Jet's sudden interest, and hope churned in his belly. "I grew up here, moved away, and only recently returned after my father died. I don't have ties, either." Well then, thought Jackson. We're both single with no ties. Now, does he prefer men in his bed?
    Jackson and Jet watched the stroller parade form into a line as a waiter stopped by and took their food order. Nope, nope, mustn't order the messy ribs on a date even though they are to die for, thought Jackson. Date? When did he start thinking of this chance meeting as a date? He wondered. They both ordered pulled pork sandwich plates for themselves and an extra-large order of beef brisket to split between the two dogs. A woman came by selling 50-50 raffle tickets. Jet handed her a hundred dollars.
    "It's for a good cause," Jet commented with a shrug when he noticed Jackson's startled expression. Proceeds from the evening went to several local breed rescue groups. "I don't think I've ever seen that," remarked Jet as he watched with open curiosity as the owners of tiny dogs paraded by the tables, pushing their dogs in a line of gaily-decorated baby strollers. Evan blew him a kiss as he strutted past their table. Jackson shut his eyes, mortified. Evan wheeled a gaudy pink, sparkly spangle-draped stroller with a shrilly barking, toothless, balding miniature something enthroned on the seat.
    "Why is that dog shouting?" wondered Ingo.
    "That's Miss Pretty and Asswipe. You'd be irritable too if he was your Papa," explained Burtie.
    "My Papa died. Now Jet takes care of me." Ingo laid his chin on his paws.
    "My Papa died, too. Jackson takes care of me."
    "Jet misses my Papa. He was sad for a long time."
    Burtie snuffled in understanding.
    "Friend of yours?" asked Jet, barely hiding a grin as he watched Evan wheel Miss Pretty past their seats.
    "Sort of." Was Jet watching Evan's ass? Jackson jealously and fervently hoped so. He had to admit Evan's ass was fine and spankable.
    The food arrived, and the dogs dug into their brisket as Jet and Jackson focused on their own meal.
    "What do you do for fun?" asked Ingo conversationally.
    "I cause misery for cats whenever possible," replied Burtie.
    "A worthy endeavor," said Ingo agreeably.
    The two men traded small talk with Jackson explaining the town's history and what it was like to grow up in a college town. Jet had lived on Army bases and had followed his father into the service with his education provided by the Army.
    "It was a good deal. Otherwise, I could never afford to go to Veterinary School. They just owned me for a long time," he grinned.
    "I never thought I'd be back in this town." Jackson looked into the trees surrounding The Commons. "When I left, I cut all ties with my father. He wanted different things for me and he was somewhat unmovable. The funny thing is that I'm doing what he wanted me to do after all, in a small way."
    "What would that be?"
    "Dad wanted me to be an academic… a college professor. Now I'm an adjunct at the college. I teach Drama a few days a week." He shrugged. "It keeps me in the game, and the students seem to appreciate that I've earned my acting chops on the New York stage rather than just from a book."
    "I should have known. Your features are… striking," blurted Jet. Jackson had not known Jet for very long, but the unexpected declaration seemed out of character for the calm man.
    "Thanks." Jackson bent his head to hide his smile. He'd noticed his looks!
    "Do you have plans to go back to New York?" Jet asked, sounding hesitant.
    "No. I'm… re-evaluating things. I've committed to care for Burtie, so that will keep me here for the time being."
    Jackson didn't explain the