Tyler's POV

One week later...

"You're a nice kid, but we need someone with more experience."

"We're looking for someone a little older, son. We can't take you on, I'm afraid. Thanks for applying."

"The position's been taken, young man. We prefer to keep things in the family."

"It's a bit too soon to hire you just yet. We're still recovering from the pandemic and we need to get back on our feet. Feel free to try again after a year."

Those were just some of the numerous variations of rejections that I received after many job interviews. It was now Jamal and I's first week in Solstice Hearts and I was feeling discouraged that no one wanted to take me on as an employee. I was willing to start somewhere, but I was faced with so many doors that were slammed in my face thanks to a pandemic that required many to practice social distancing or close up, much less work from home.

Even the ones that required me to work from home didn't want to bother with hiring me. And needless to say, I was feeling like I couldn't win.

Jamal's been such a help, even though he's already working part-time at the local grocery store as a cashier. I owed him to help keep the place clean and make sure that I helped out with the meals and all. But I knew that I needed to stop wasting time and continue to put myself out there for the job interviews. Which was why I was back on the streets with yet another round of attending job interviews after placing my applications in the week before.  So far, I was rejected at Mamie's Bakery (the owner was selling the place and retiring) and Ed's Hardware Store (he thought that I was too "citified" to be working with him). "Fine morning this turned out to be," I said bitterly as I drove down Clayborne Avenue with the local bistro as my next destination. "I hope that this next interview isn't another dead end."

I checked my watch as I reached a red light. Ten minutes until eleven. I had time to spare, but I needed to get there on time. "No need to lose hope now, Tyler. Like they say, if life knocks you down on your ass you gotta get back up and fight back."

And I intended to get back up and continue moving forward. Despite not having any family and staying with an exonerated criminal who's like an older brother to me, I knew that I needed to prove everyone back in Atlanta wrong. Hopefully things will be more receptive at Verano Bistro. And if not, at least I could treat myself to a little lunch.

*************

"Mr. Candler, I see that you're a talented student," the blonde-haired older womanwho introduced herself as Chelsea said as I sat down at one of the dining room tables of the elegant Italian-themed restaurant. "And you mainly got experience from working at your uncle's breakfast bar back in Georgia as a busboy."

I nodded. "It was something to help me save money for college," I explained. "I mainly worked on weekends since I had school and all, but I saved enough to help pay for my textbooks and all that."

Chelsea hummed. "And I take it that you're willing to start out somewhere?"

I nodded. "I'm hoping to maybe be given the position as the host or maybe a server, but anywhere is better than not working at all. All the other places that I applied to didn't think so, but it was mainly because of the pandemic and how they were still recovering or shutting down."

"Understandably so, given the situation and all. Now, I will warn you that we're still coming back in business after mainly doing carry-outs from last year, but I think that we can take you on as either a dishwasher or a server. The diners expect excellent service and satisfaction as Verano's has been one of the top restaurants in Rhode Island. And I will expect you to be on your A-game at all times. Think you can handle the pressure?"

"Ma'am, I'm willing to take the ultimate chance if you're willing to give me a chance," I vowed, sitting up in my chair. "I came here from Atlanta after being disowned for being gay and not finding enough job opportunities there. I told myself that when I arrived, I would finally hit the ground running and start working to gain my independence. And if I gotta start at the bottom, then that's the chance I'm willing to take."

Chelsea nodded, her almond eyes trained on me as they danced underneath the lighting. "Mr. Candler, welcome to Verano's Bistro," she said, shaking my hand. "Now, you'll be on the part-time shifts since you're still new in town, working eight to ten hours a day on the weekdays. It's mainly during the lunchtime hours, so you'll be home before the dinner rush."

"Thank you," I said gratefully, smiling widely. "I look forward to working here. I promise that I will be a great asset to this restaurant, ma'am."

"I'm sure you will," she replied. "Now, let's get you settled with getting your W-2 and other things."

Twenty minutes later, I left her office (she was the manager) with a skip in my step and with joy in my heart...as well as hunger in my stomach. I was debating whether or not I should eat here when...

"Tyler! Fancy running into you here!"

I whirled around to find Franklin and an older version of him walking towards me. "Hey," I greeted him. "Who's this?"

"I'm Andrew Romero, Franklin's father," the man said as he shook my hand. "And I take it that you've met my wife Chelsea?"

"Wait, your wife is the manager of this place?" I asked in disbelief. "I didn't know that."

"Well, Tyler, my parents were the ones who started this business," Franklin replied. "But I didn't know that you were applying for a job here. So I guess that means that you're going to be part of the business after all."

"That I am. Anyway, I had just gotten my work schedule and all. I'll be starting tomorrow since I'm doing part-time as a server. Right now, I could go for a bite to eat since I only ate an apple for breakfast."

Andrew frowned, staring at my athletic frame. "That just won't do at all," he said. "A healthy young man like you needs to add soome meat to his bones. I insist that my son and I treat you to lunch here."

I shook my head no. "I'd hate to impose," I began.

"Tyler, the least Dad and I could do is make sure that you get something to eat," Franklin rebutted. "We'd be offended if you didn't get a good meal here. Besides, you can consider this as a gift to welcome you to our fair town."

I took a deep breath. "Well, I guess I can stick around," I conceded. "But after today, I'll be seen as your mom's employee."

"Fair enough," I heard Chelsea- Mrs. Romero- comment as she left her office. "Now, what would you like?"

**************

Franklin's POV

"This was so lovely," Tyler exhaled after we all finished our food and were waiting for a midday dessert. "I never had linguine with red clam sauce before. It hit the spot and then some."

"It's one of the house specialties here at Verano's," Mom told him as one of the waiters came over to clear our tables. "And it's one of the recipes that I created when Andrew and I first opened here in 2002."

Sure enough, my family and I were treating Tyler with a five-star luncheon after his success of getting a job here as a server. I really didn't expect to see him here after our last conversation. I knew that he was having trouble with finding a job and all, but I knew that he wanted to gain a job by his own status. So it was surprising to see him here with him now working at one of my parents' jobs (They also owned an investment firm which my brother was taking over).

"So, Tyler," Dad said as he wiped his face with a napkin, "I do believe that your friend Mr. Oglethorpe is also working at the town supermarket."

"Yes, sir," Tyler replied, pausing to sip on his glass of lemon water. "He was afraid that no one would hire him given his past despite him being exonerated with no criminal history, but the folks at Walmart gave him a spot as a stocker. He's liking it, even though he has enough money to keep him at home. He said that he wanted to keep busy and not rely on his trust funds that Derrick Booker left him."

Mom nodded. "I've heard about his story," she remarked. "I'm actually surprised he managed to survive it all. Is he doing okay?"

"In all honesty, he's holding up. But I can tell that he's still haunted by the memories of what happened and all that he did out of pressure from...well, you know."

"Well, I hope he seeks healing soon. Maybe he can talk to Naomi's uncle, the therapist."

"Jamal did get his business card from her," I piped up just as another waiter arrived with slices of cheesecake on hand. "He says he plans on making an appointment, but he's been busy with job-hunting and then finally getting the job at Walmart that he must've forgotten about it. I'll make a note to talk about it today."

"See that you do," Dad said. "People of Mr. Oglethorpe's caliber need to regain their lives, but also be able to heal from the scars that still linger in their minds and souls. It's fortunate that he took up Cameron's offer to move here, even after losing his mother and grandparents to the pandemic. The same can be said for you after all that you went through. Everyone believes that the two of you can find what you're searching for if you allow yourselves to. Just learn to let yourselves be found and take things one day at a time."

I nodded, giving me a knowing look. "We're going to be by your side as well as Jamal's," I promised. "Just let us in and we can help in any way possible."

Tyler nodded. "Just promise me and Jamal that you won't let anyone else make a fool out of us," he intoned. "We've been through so much and-"

"You will grow and you will thrive," Dad cut him off. "You have a new life to look forward to in Solstice Hearts. Live it and be who you're meant to be."

I believed him as much as I believed in knowing that Tyler and I were meant to be together. I knew that he was still hurting from being betrayed by the Ukrainian model who was part of the plot to kill Derrick Booker. But I would be there as much as possible to help him come out of his shell. And I intend to show him that love can be beautiful, especially in Solstice Hearts.

Child, you don't know the half of it! Franklin's ready to play the game of love and Tyler's his prize.

Coming up next, our Jamal wakes up from a nightmare of a nap before he and Tyler get real on mental health and talk about his plan to finally talk to the therapist! And as we're close to the end of act one, the stage will be set for more flashbacks, family drama, romantic gestures, planning for Fashion Week in New York City, and so much more! Oh, you're going to love this! I guarantee it!

Dedicating this chapter to DerrickRhodes.

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