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“That’s a useful thing to know.And we have various free classes here, including website design, basic audiovisual skills, business writing…you name it.And if we don’t have anything that interests you, but you can think of something else, just let me know.Gaynor Beach is full of people who want to share their knowledge with their neighbors.There’s a career fair next month?—”

I held my hands up.“I don’t know where I’ll be next month.”

He cocked his head.“You’re thinking about leaving Gaynor Beach?”

“I…uh…”

Curiosity moved to concern with a knit brow.

“No, not like that.”I had no idea what his husband, my social worker, had told him.Likely nothing, but I couldn’t be certain.“I just…a month is a long time, you know?”

“I do.”His eyes softened.“And life can be overwhelming.I remember when Anthony showed up on my doorstep with two infants and told me I was a dad.”

“What?”Okay, this I couldn’t fathom.

“Right?I’d donated sperm and, very long story short, I was the biological father to two children, and I’d been named their guardian.Tons of legal stuff that doesn’t matter—they were now my responsibility.My world changed forever that day.No regrets, but wow, did I ever move into taking things one day at a time.Sometimes one hour at a time.And Anthony was there to help me—through all of it.I couldn’t have done it without him.

“Lots of people do make it on their own, but I always say that having a village on your side makes life easier.”

My mind flashed to Jeremy.How he was slowly becoming a member of my village.And Anthony.And maybe Scott?

“Career fair?”

“Yes.And since you’ll have a résumé, you’ll be good to go.If we don’t find you something sooner.Now, let me give you a tour of the library, and I’ll show you how to log into our digital collection.You’ve got a phone, right?”

I nodded.

“Perfect.We can set that up so you can read e-books or listen to audiobooks on the thing.Isn’t that the coolest?I mean, you probably do all kinds of things?—”

I shook my head as I took my phone out of my pocket.“I’ve never had a smart phone like this.Before…” I gulped, thinking about how I’d spilled my guts to Dr.Martin.“Well, moving forward, right?”

Scott beamed.“My motto in life.And love.”His cheeks pinkened a little.“I’m the luckiest guy around.”

And Anthony is as well.To have found you.

I could only hope I might be that lucky.

And as I walked back to my house, listening to an audiobook, I tried to find all the positives from today.

New psychiatrist who would write a script for my meds and who knew about my crappy past?Check.

New friend in the form of a librarian who could talk someone’s ear off and yet make them feel at home in a building where they’d never been?Double check.

New neighbor willing to watch my dog while I did all that stuff that took bravery I hadn’t been convinced I had?Triple check.

As I neared Jeremy’s house, I caught sight of a note taped to his door.Oh God.What if he had to take Wally to the vet?What if he had to go out, and he left Wally alone?What if…?I couldn’t conjure another panic scenario at that moment, but given enough time, I could likely come up with another twenty.

We’re at the park.

At least I knew which park.Remove the note?What if he wants someone else to meet him as well?What if I’m going to be a third wheel?Then, like, I’ll take Wally and?—

Jesus Fucking Christ.Just walk to the goddamn park.

I was already sweating and for a brief moment, I considered going home to shower and change.For what?It’s not like he’ll notice you.

Except maybe the sweat stains.

If you change, he’ll know you changed, and he might think you’ve been up to something.Like maybe sex with someone, and?—