Page 31 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
That same evening, Tri-County High School
Even though they were early, the parking lot was nearly full when the couple arrived.
Dustin hadn’t been able to sit still on the way into town, excited about the much-hyped concert.
From what he’d told Gruff, Levi McCoy had transformed the seasonal concerts into something no one wanted to miss.
They were so popular that tickets were required, and those who couldn’t attend in person were able to watch live on the school’s website.
Gruff remained uncomfortable about facing the noisy crowd, but Dustin’s energy gave him something else to focus on as they made their way inside.
At the auditorium doors, oddly dressed teens were handing out programs, and they waited in the short line while exchanging polite greetings with those nearby.
Gruff had never been in the building, having no reason to visit the high school before tonight.
Thankfully, no one seemed to be staring at him, and he let go of the breath he’d been holding.
Once they cleared the doors, Dustin suddenly waved the program in front of Gruff’s face.
“Look, look, look! They’re doing pop tunes from the seventies tonight. This is great!”
That explained the odd clothing choices he’d seen in the lobby, but Gruff was clueless about seventies pop tunes.
He gave his mate a rumbly smile and grasped his hand as they began searching for a place to sit.
About halfway down, they heard someone calling their names.
Eden Shaw, Levi McCoy’s good friend and an art teacher at the school, waved them over, pointing to two empty seats in her family’s row.
“It’s good to see you! We have two places left if you’d like to join us.”
Dustin went first to sit next to Eden, leaving Gruff in the aisle seat.
Looking around, he recognized some of these people, by sight if not by name, and several waved at him.
Jillian and her family were seated close by, along with the Tillmans, Aiden and Dash, and of course, Knox McCoy—who always attended his mate’s concerts.
Gruff received a few curious glances, but no one stared or pointed at him.
He found it interesting that people seemed to be having a good time, though the music hadn’t even started.
He felt Dustin squeeze his hand as he leaned closer to say something.
“You okay, love? Is anyone being rude?”
It meant a lot to know Dustin wanted him to be comfortable and have a good time.
“No problems. You’re all lit up.”
Dustin didn’t bother denying it and pointed at the program.
“I like all of these songs, and there are a couple of fun ones listed here! I think you’re going to enjoy this.”
When the lights dimmed, conversation faded away and people settled in their seats.
As the first choir group began filling the risers, Levi McCoy walked in to pick up a microphone.
The handsome blond was dressed in classic seventies garb—flared polyester pants, big belt, and a bright button-down shirt.
Some of the crowd whistled while others laughed nervously, wondering what he would say.
“Good evening. Welcome to Tri-County High School’s fall concert. Tonight we celebrate some groovy pop tunes from the seventies, so sit back and chill, people. Later, we’ll give some of you closet disco queens a chance to get your groove on. Can you dig it?”
Though some didn’t understand the slang, the crowd applauded and whistled.
“I feel some good vibes coming my way. This is gonna be fab!”
With that, Levi turned to the assembled choir and led them in Can’t Smile Without You .
Other favorites followed, including Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head , and Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree .
Midway through the concert, Levi turned once again to address the audience while his ninth-grade choir filled the risers.
Four of the group came down front where everyone could see them.
“All right music lovers, are you down with a little action in the house? Groovy, cause this next tune should get you stoked!”
When the music started, half the auditorium knew the song and started smiling.
Seconds later they were singing YMCA , led by the small group who formed the letters with their arms as the song went on.
Gruff, among others, had no idea what they were doing, though he tried to copy Dustin.
The place fairly burst with energy, laughter, and uncoordinated flailing—but it was a lot of fun!
When the song ended, the audience hollered for an encore, and they ended up doing the whole thing over again.
Wide-eyed and sweaty, Dustin grabbed Gruff for a happy smooch before they sat down with the rest of the crowd.
What followed was a mix of love songs including I Think I Love You , Evergreen , and Love Grows .
For some, the concert brought back memories of decades past, while the younger group discovered music they’d never heard before.
It was all new to Gruff, and he fed off Dustin’s energy and scent—both changing with each new song.
He’d never experienced anything quite like it, and even his bear got caught up in the charged atmosphere.
The audience went ballistic after the final notes with thunderous applause, hollering, and stomping their feet.
Gruff had seen people act this way at sporting events and never understood why.
Maybe it was a human thing, but there was no doubt the people were excited and happy.
When he and Dustin reached the foyer, Levi and Knox were shaking hands and talking to appreciative audience members.
Since Dustin wanted to say a word, they waited in line to reach the pair, hand in hand.
“Hey guys! That was a fantastic concert, Levi. Your students were ten times better than my high school choirs. You must be proud.”
Levi beamed.
“I am. They worked hard and learned a lot besides the music itself. I’m glad the two of you could make it tonight.”
Gruff whispered something in Dustin’s ear and he made a final request before heading out the door.
“The Red Barn would welcome any of your caroling groups at Christmastime, if they aren’t already booked. Just let me know!”
Dustin was still floating on endorphins as they walked to the truck, and Gruff couldn’t help but be affected by it.
“I’m glad we came. This was fun, Dusty.”
Dustin stopped, pulling him in for a scorching kiss right there in the middle of the parking lot. They heard a few sniggers and a suggestion to get a room , but neither man cared.
“Thanks for coming with me. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”
Each man was lost in his own thoughts for the short drive home, even as Gruff’s nose picked up an amorous turn to Dustin’s scent.
“What are you thinking over there?”
Dustin reached over to squeeze Gruff’s meaty thigh, and then left his warm hand there.
“Would you make love to me with music playing? I have some great tunes in mind we could use as a soundtrack.”
Gruff’s long, low growl vibrated the inside of the cab, making Dustin shiver. When they arrived home, it didn’t take long to get their horizontal groove on.
############
Late October
The red maple trees lining Shady Lane’s drive were ablaze with fall color, giving visitors a magical entryway to the property.
There were still plenty of apples to harvest before the season ended in a couple of weeks, though his customers had also been asking for organic pumpkins.
He’d never grown them before, but he and Dustin thought it would make a logical addition to their harvest season beginning next year.
The Red Barn’s business grew steadily, including increased online sales and party room rentals.
The community loved having a new place to gather for parties and meetings, surrounded by the scent of fresh baked goods.
Dustin had started a Bake afraid his question would upset the man.
“I’ll only ask this once, but I’m curious if you’re going to change your last name—now that you know for sure what it was supposed to be.”
Gruff didn’t need time to come up with an answer.
“Nope. The Cunninghams were my real parents and took care of me. Kennedy doesn’t have any meaning for me, except that it belonged to my boar. I’m happy with my name as it is.”
Gruff could tell there was another question coming from his mate, and gave him the space to ask it.
“And what about your first name? I’ve never met anyone named Gruff before.”
They laughed together and Gruff’s hands began to wander over Dustin’s slick, soft body.
“The Cunninghams didn’t know what name to use, and after a while, the other orphans in the house started to call me names like grouch, grump, or grunt.
I was, too, for a long time, and didn’t know how to talk to others without being rude.
Esther and Jay decided to call me Gruff, figuring I could choose my own name when I got older.
It only took a few weeks before it stuck and eventually became my legal name. ”
By this time, Dustin was a moaning mess, thrashing in the water as Gruff’s big hands probed, pulled, and squeezed.
With the help of some body wash, Dustin not only got clean, but added a load of spunk to the water.
Gruff soon made his own contribution, and they ended up rinsing off in the shower before tumbling into bed.