Chapter Text
Hen wasn’t really one to come into work early. She really couldn’t afford to be, not with a wife and a toddler. And Denny was in the stage where bedtime was akin to being ritually sacrificed. Couple it with the nightmares he had been having because of a movie she and Karen watched thinking he was sleeping… Point being, Henrietta Wilson usually showed up to work with a few minutes to spare.
When Tommy Kinard texted her, asking her to meet him at a bakery on his day off? Well, that was unusual, and something Hen couldn’t pass up. Tommy and she were friendly, but not exactly friends. The guy didn’t really give anyone the chance to be his friend. When Sal was there, they were definitely friends. Hen had seen them leaving together more than once. But since Sal left? Well, Tommy had more or less isolated himself away from the rest of them.
Pulling up to the little bakery that Tommy had suggested, she couldn’t say she was surprised to see him already sitting at a little table at the patio outside. His large framed dwarfed the painted metal of the table, ruining the coquette aesthetic it was obviously going for. He always was the earliest on shift, making them coffee and quietly checking the rigs for the day.
“Nice day to sit outside.” She called as she approached him, pulling out her equally tiny chair. She could squeeze in but might need some help getting her back end out.
“It is.” Tommy smiled gently as she sat across from him, handing her a menu.
She skimmed it for a few moments before she heard another person approach their table. She looked up, half expecting Bobby or Chimney, but was surprised to see a young man in an apron and tight black t-shirt instead.
“I was beginning to think that Tommy was lying about meeting a friend here.” The young man grinned, laying wrapped silverware in front of them, “I thought he might just be here to see me.”
“You wish, kid.” Tommy snorted, pushing at the kid’s hip. He let his hand linger for just a minute too long, something Hen immediately picked up on. It probably didn’t help that the kid had a pretty flush on his cheeks. Hen studied the kid’s face, the slight freckling and birthmark over his eye. He was cute. Pretty young, but not so much so to be scandalous.
“What can I get you, ma’am?” The kid asked, his nametag proclaiming him as Evan.
“Nothing for me?” Tommy interrupted quickly as Hen opened her mouth.
“I already know what you want.” Evan shrugged, showing his notepad to Tommy who nodded approvingly. “You’re here often enough.”
“You like my business.” Tommy told him, rolling his eyes.
“I like your tips.” Evan told him.
“I bet you do.” Hen muttered under her breath.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.” Evan told her, facing her once again.
“I said I’d have a cold brew.” Hen gave him a tight lipped smile, “And a chocolate chip muffin if you have any left.”
“You’re in luck,” Evan told her, giving her a blinding smile, “I have one left.”
“He seems sweet.” Hen commented as he walked away. Tommy stared after him, watching his hips sway. He startled out of his reprieve when Hen kicked him.
“Huh? Oh yeah, he is.” Tommy finally answered, blushing at her raised eyebrow, “I come here most mornings before work.”
“I can see why.” Hen smirked, stealing his coffee and taking a long sip as he sputtered. “Was there anything you wanted to tell me.”
Tommy gulped, staring down at his hands. Sweat beaded at his temple as he did so, gaze bashful when it met hers again.
“I’m gay.” He broke the silence, “Hen, I’m gay, and I have a boyfriend.”
“A cute little twunk named Evan?” She asked, reaching across the table to hold his hand.
“A cute little twunk named Evan.” Tommy confirmed squeezing her hand.
“Thank you for trusting me with this.” She told him, “Tell me more about the twink!”
“I don’t know what to say,” He was unexpectedly bashful, tilting his chin down into his chest with a twinkle in his eye. “We just click.”
“Was he why you and Abby broke up?” Hen couldn’t help but let her curiosity peak through.
“No, uh, I met him after that.” Tommy shrugged, grinning as Evan silently brought them their drinks before disappearing into the morning rush, “I met him and it was like everything finally made sense.”
Hen nodded knowingly, “Karen took everything that was scrambled up in me and straightened it out into a line I could follow.”
“I’ve never felt this way before, and it terrifies me.” Tommy revealed, darting a look over his shoulder to make sure Evan wouldn’t overhear him.
“Being in love isn’t always easy.” Hen told him.
“I never said-”
“You didn’t have to. I can see it in the way you’re holding yourself.” She smiled at the blush overtaking his strong features. He really did fit in with Gerrard’s good ol’ boy club, but there was always a hesitation there. Hen had thought it was an insecurity at first. But really, it was more of a self preservation to hide himself in the ones who wouldn’t hesitate to turn on him.
“Hen,” Tommy said, laying his hand on hers, “I think I’m happy. I think I’m really happy for the first time in my life.”
“You deserve this.” She promised, giving him a comforting squeeze, “You deserve to be happy, Tommy Kinard.”