Doors of Time

Calvin Lawson arrived in Clear River to rebuild bridges with his ailing father, not hook up with Emory Fleming, although being an honest man, he has to admit Emory's on his mind. But first things first, and before he goes looking for his boyhood friend, he needs to find a restoration project to generate personal income so he's not sponging off his father. Gutted by an arsonist, the Clocktower Theatre, affectionately called the Time by everyone in town, is in dire need of his special skills.

As an on-the-air journalist, Emory Fleming is making a name for himself and getting noticed. He's back in Clear River at the local network affiliate, preparing for the move up to a major market in a few years. When Calvin Lawson rolls back into town, Emory's stunned. The old pal he worked with at the Time kept a big secret - he's gay. All the fantasies Emory had as a teenager about Calvin suddenly become real as he and Calvin reconnect and quickly become lovers.

Calvin's planned restoration of the Clocktower Theatre may not be a practical possibility. He has to secure a lot of funding to do the job properly, and money is tight everywhere. When Emory's big break comes faster than anticipated, Calvin sees only one option - step aside so Emory will accept the job he's always wanted. It doesn't take for Emory long to figure out why Calvin walked out and put in action a plan to win him back before the doors of time close between them permanently.

* * *

Emory leaned forward. "Okay, Calvin. Spill it. Just what do you plan on doing with the Clocktower Theatre once it's been restored to its former glory?"

Calvin laughed softly and sipped his coffee. With slow deliberation, he set the cup down. "That would be getting the cart way before the horse, wouldn't it?"

Emory grinned and teased his friend. "You always did play hard to get."

Instead of laughing again, the smile faded from Calvin's face. Emory backpedaled. "I was teasing you, Calvin, so don't take that too seriously."

Calvin licked his lips, his eyes dark and serious as he leaned forward. "You don't know me the way you think you do, Emory."

They'd not seen each other in years. Calvin didn't know the older version of him, either. It would take some time for them to catch up on everything, but Emory knew him well enough to know there was a hidden meaning in his words.

"So why don't you tell me what it is I don't know, and what is I should know?"

"Not tonight. It's been a long day and I'm still a little tired from driving in from Kansas. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early."

Emery had no choice but to agree. He and Calvin were friends, and sometimes that meant not pursuing a subject. Besides Calvin was right, they would see each other in the morning.

"Okay, you win. I'll rein in my curiosity until morning."