Hotel owner and part-time musician Zeke Bandy is too busy for love. His plate is full running the historic Bandy Hotel and upholding his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways. For fun two nights a week, Zeke also plays and sings traditional folk music with his rewritten gay lyrics at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then at a gay wedding, Zeke meets Victor Longbow, who just might be the man of his dreams. However, Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He also hopes to track down a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor. After their paths cross, they become friends. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic wonder if their future could possibly hold love and family or if they are destined only to be lifelong friends.

Relative Best

I closed the second encore with “Goodnight Eugene,” my gayified rendition of the classic “Goodnight Irene.” I liked it at the end of the set because it put everyone in a mellow mood and left those who didn’t leave immediately reminiscing over their last few drinks. As I basked in the hum of a satisfied crowd, having put away my instruments backstage, Vic’s voice caught me between my legs, breaking the mellowness of my night.


“That was amazing, Zeke.” Vic’s voice poured over me. He sounded delighted and moved, like I was a different person now than I’d been at lunch and dinner. “We’ve got time for a drink, right?”


I nodded and followed him as he walked away from our group of friends to a tiny table in the shadows. I knew what he was asking and where we were heading tonight. But I’d really like to do it as friends and potential lovers, not as a fan and his favorite entertainer.


Chapter 14