Bridges Barfield is a man of rigid standards and stern demeanor. He finds it hard to relax and accept new things, though he gives it his best. He’s still recovering from the end of a bad relationship, but he’s not letting it stop him from searching for love. Then he meets Trenton LeDoux and they hit it off, despite their differences. Meaning, Trenton’s magenta hair, lip ring, and free spirit.<br><br>Trenton is forthright, refreshing, and not afraid to go after what he wants. But the fact that he can’t seem to get past his grief and possible guilt over his husband’s death makes it difficult to move forward. It doesn’t help that Bridges suffers from foot-in-mouth syndrome, which earns him a slap across the face when he says the wrong thing to Trenton. Which is often.<br><br>When they finally get beyond the angry words, will their union be truly heartfelt?

Heavy Metal Heartfelt Blues

“Thanks for stopping by,” he greeted me, smile as bright as it was when we first met, but now I could see the lingering sadness in the tilt of his mouth. His hair was tucked under a baseball cap with the company logo on the front. A nametag on his shirt said he was the manager on duty.


“No problem. Are you going off-shift or taking a break?” I asked.


“A break. Lipton?” He remembered what I’d drunk at his house.


“It’s on me. I’ll bring it over when it’s ready.”


I wound my way around the tables and clusters of people to find a fairly quiet spot near the restrooms. I removed my tie and unbuttoned the top of my shirt so I would appear less…severe.


It didn’t take long for Trenton to arrive at my table with the tea and what appeared to be a coffee for himself. I thanked him with a nod.


“Don’t you look snazzy,” he stated after sipping his drink.


“Hazard of working in a corporate environment,” I replied.


Chapter 4