Laurie Parkinson, who’s lived in Laurel Hills all his life, is a gay sheet metal worker who’d rather be a gay hairdresser. Wheat Dupuis, who’s also gay, is the scion of one of Laurel Hill’s wealthiest families. He’d rather grow grapes than become CFO of Dupuis International. Laurie wakes one morning to discover his family gone and his town decimated by a bacteria that has lain dormant for millennia, incased in ice. With the melting of the ice caps, the bacteria is released, and mankind faces a pandemic that could surpass the Black Plague. Wheat and his family are on their way to safety when the unthinkable happens and he’s left behind. Laurie knows of a bunker in the woods outside Laurel Hill, where he intends to take refuge. On the way there, Laurie finds and rescues Wheat. Can two such dissimilar men work together through a pandemic to find their families ... and possibly find love, as well?

Pandemic

The collie bounded up to Laurie and Jo and nudged Laurie’s arm. He reached down and ruffled the dog’s ears. “Hi, Vic.”


Vic gave him a doggie grin and licked his wrist.


Laurie smiled down at his sister. “How are you? I thought you’d be with Mom and Pop and the sibs. Why aren’t you?”


“We’re fine, we’re fine.” She laughed and stepped back, brushing tears off her cheeks. “I couldn’t go. Thea was here, and she couldn’t leave yet.”


The driver’s side door had opened, and the statuesque brunette who’d stepped out approached them, her hand extended. “I’m Althea McAvoy.”


“Wow.” He let his sister go and extended his hand to the woman. “Ms. McAvoy, I’m a huge fan.”


“Geez, Laurie.” Jo rolled her eyes. “Embarrassing much?”


Chapter 43