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

They exchanged a long look, then Calvin shrugged. “I’ll go if you come with me.”


Raynetta nodded briskly, and as they neared the door, I slid to the side.


“You want me too, baby?” Justine murmured.


Raynetta nodded again, and we formed a parade to the front stairway. Wincing with each step, I followed them down two floors to where Calvin’s mother and Vic waited.


As reunions went, theirs was the most subdued I think I’ve ever seen. Mother and son stared at each other while Raynetta kept hold of Calvin’s shoulders. When his mother reached for him, Calvin pushed farther into Raynetta, as if he were evading his mother’s slap.


Tears fell down Faith’s cheeks as she snatched her hand back.


“I’m not going to hurt you,” she whispered, but her son wasn’t looking at her anymore. He was staring at Vic now. Calvin’s eyes radiated uncertainty.


“I’d give her the benefit of the doubt,” Vic advised softly. “We’re all here to help you, so we’ve got your back. I’d give her a chance.”


Chapter 27