Page 2

Chapter two

Clayton

Before Clayton could say anything, an older man, probably Sawyer’s boss, stormed out of the back room.

“That’s it, Sawyer,” the man snapped, his face red with anger. “I can’t have this kind of drama in my shop. You’re fired.”

Clayton’s jaw dropped. “What? Are you serious? He did nothing wrong!”

“I don’t care,” the boss shot back. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. I can’t risk it.”

Sawyer looked like he’d been punched all over again. “Please,” he said, his voice breaking. “I need this job.”

“I’m sorry,” his boss said, though he didn’t sound sorry at all. “Clean out your stuff and go.”

Clayton stepped forward, his fists clenched again, but Sawyer grabbed his arm. “Don’t,” Sawyer whispered. “It’s not worth it.”

Clayton wanted to argue, but the look in Sawyer’s eyes stopped him. Instead, he put an arm around Sawyer’s shoulders.

“Come on,” Clayton said. “Let’s get your stuff.” Clayton’s chest tightened as he let Sawyer guide him toward the back room, his arm still wrapped protectively around the younger man. Sawyer was trembling, his face pale and his forehead bleeding from where the biker had slammed him into the counter. Clayton’s jaw clenched at the sight, anger simmering beneath the surface, but he pushed it down. Right now, Sawyer needed him to be calm.

Sawyer’s movements were slow and shaky as he grabbed a backpack from a hook on the wall in the break room. Clayton watched him for a moment, then gently took the bag from his hands. “Sit down,” he said, guiding Sawyer to a stool. “Let me take care of that cut first.”

Sawyer didn’t argue, his shoulders slumping as he sat. Clayton rummaged through the first aid kit he found on a shelf, pulling out antiseptic wipes and a clean cloth. He kneeled in front of Sawyer.

“This might sting a little,” Clayton warned, his voice gentle and his touch careful as he dabbed at the cut on his forehead.

Sawyer winced but didn’t pull away. “Thanks,” he mumbled, his eyes downcast.

Clayton worked in silence cleaning the wound and then he found a cloth on the counter and used it to wrap some ice. He pressed the ice pack against Sawyer’s forehead. “Hold this here,” he said, guiding Sawyer’s hand to the ice pack. “It’ll help with the swelling.”

As he packed up the first aid kit, Clayton couldn’t hold back the question any longer. “Why did your boss fire you so fast? He said this wasn’t the first time something like this happened.”

Sawyer sighed, his shoulders slumping even further. “It’s not. A lot of customers…they come in and mock me. Call me names. Sometimes they get physical. My boss says it’s bad for business.”

Clayton’s hands clenched into fists, but he forced himself to stay calm. “That’s bullshit,” he said, his voice low. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that shit from anyone. No one should.”

Sawyer bit his lower lip, but Clayton could see the pain in his eyes. “I just…I needed the job.”

Clayton’s heart ached for him. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to Sawyer. “Here. Drink this. You’re probably in shock.”

Sawyer took the water, his hands still trembling as he unscrewed the cap. Clayton watched him for a moment, then decided.

“Where do you live?”

“I rent a room around the block from here.”

“You’re not staying here,” Clayton said firmly. “You’re coming with me. I’ve got an extra room, and you can stay as long as you need. No arguments.”

Sawyer looked up at him, his eyes wide with surprise. “I…I can’t just—”

“You can,” Clayton interrupted, his tone leaving no room for debate. “And you will. You need a safe place to figure things out. Let me help you.”

Sawyer hesitated. “I don’t know.”

“I used to be you, so I know exactly what kind of shit you’re going through. You can leave this place and heal. In two weeks, we’re having Lodi Pride Camp for seven days in the woods. You’ll love it. Only gays are allowed.”

“Sounds fun, but I don’t want to be a bother.”

“You won’t be. Listen, if you like Lodi, I can find you a job. Please let me help you.”

“Okay. But promise to tell me if you want me gone.”

“I wouldn’t have asked you if it was to hurt you further. I want to help.”

Sawyer nodded.

Once Sawyer had packed a few essentials into his backpack, Clayton slung it over his own shoulder and led him out of the coffee shop. They walked in silence for a while, the weight of what had happened hanging heavy between them. They stopped in a local motorcycle shop and Clayton picked up another helmet for Sawyer.

When they reached Sawyer’s home, they were greeted by his landlord. She was sitting on the porch with her phone. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Sawyer’s bruised forehead and the backpack Clayton was carrying.

“What happened?” she demanded, her voice sharp with concern. Sawyer introduced them immediately.

Clayton explained the situation quickly, his tone calm but firm.

“He doesn’t have to leave,” Mrs. Hartley said, her eyes softening as she looked at Sawyer. “You can stay here with me. Don’t worry about the rent. You’ll find another job soon enough.”

Clayton shook his head. “Thank you, Mrs. Hartley, for your kindness. He needs a chance to heal and find himself in a new environment. I want to take him with me to Lodi. We’re all going to Lodi Pride Camp 2025. It’s a safe space where he can meet others in the community who’ll treat him right.”

She studied Clayton for a long moment, then said, “You don’t even know Sawyer, do you?”

“No, ma’am. I just know when a person needs help. I promise you he’ll be safe with me.”

“Alright. But you call me when you get there, Sawyer. I want to know you’re safe.”

Sawyer smiled. “I will. Promise.”

Clayton put a hand on Sawyer’s shoulder, guiding him toward his motorcycle. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “You’ve got a fresh start waiting for you and tons of guys who want to be your friend.”

As they rode off, Clayton stopped at the emergency room to have Sawyer checked. The doctor said it was nothing serious, just a minor cut and a bruise. Clayton didn’t know what the future would hold, but he knew one thing for sure: no one was going to hurt Sawyer again. Not on his watch.