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

“Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.” His lazy voice made me turn. “Together.”


Now this was how every day should start.


Justine and Raynetta ambushed us much later as we stepped out my back door on our way to the kitchen.


“Oh, there you are.” Raynetta rushed up to me, then stopped so suddenly, she teetered, and Justine nearly ran into her. She turned slightly to Vic. “And there you are too, naughty boy.” She giggled.


“Oh my!” Justine’s hand couldn’t stop her tiny squeak as she stared at me and Vic.


I guess we looked as well fucked as we were, and my face now felt like a ripe tomato about to burst. Vic seemed to have added more red to his beautiful adobe skin, and his eyes twinkled as if he had a secret he couldn’t hide. We were a pair, we were.


“Zeke, we wanted to thank you.” Although Vic is tall, Raynetta and Justine are taller. Raynetta moved forward, crowding me and Vic.


Chapter 16