When Terry turned eighteen, he became homeless, abandoned by family and friends for being gay. Though it took him years, he has found his feet again. Then, a man from his past knocks him right back down, dredging up a memory of the time Terry stood by and did nothing as that same man was assaulted for being gay, driving home to Terry that he will never be worthy of friendship or family.<br><br>Ishmael is shocked, angry, and hurt at seeing Terry so many years after high school. After Terry’s apology, however, Ishmael realizes that Terry is hurting and scarred, too. He and Terry become cautious friends. Ishmael wants to help, but Terry is reluctant to trust anyone with his pain, let alone love.<br><br>Can Ishmael and Terry get over their past for a future together?

Remember Me Not, My Love

“You probably shouldn’t, and you certainly don’t owe me anything. But I’m asking—no, I’m begging you to give me a chance. Please.”


He looked at the floor for a moment and then raised his eyes to meet mine. “Okay, I guess I could hear you out.” He took a deep breath. “When does your shift end?”


“We shut the doors at six o’clock, and then I close out the register, do a final cleaning, and lock up. Want to meet over at Coffee or Bust?”


“I can do that,” he said. “How’s seven o’clock? My shift ends at six-thirty.”


“Sounds cool.” I noticed an older couple standing at the register. “Look, I gotta go ring up some customers. You don’t have any reason to trust me, but I’ll be there. Thanks for being willing to listen.” I put my hand out to shake his. He stared at it for a few seconds, then placed his hand in mine. One pump up and down, and he was gone.


Chapter 4