Blog Tour Stop: Andrew Grey's Past His Defenses/GIVEAWAY

 

Andrew Grey has long been a favorite author of mine ever since I discovered his books so many years ago. I am thrilled to spotlight his newest book, Past His Defenses, today on the Reading Nook Blog. Check out this wonderful cover and the book below.

Title: Past His Defenses

Author: Andrew Grey

Series: Standalone

Genre:  M/M Contemporary Romance

Publisher: DreamSpinner Press

Release Date: Jan 11, 2022

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Blurb/Synopsis:

When a case reopens old wounds from the kidnapping of his younger sister, police officer Robert Fenner is told in no uncertain terms that he needs a break. And maybe his superiors are right. He books a flight to visit an old friend, who happens to be the one who got away, and hopes for the best.

Electronic security consultant Dixie Halewood works from his home in Paris, where he lives with his adopted son, Henri. Dixie doesn’t expect a message from an old flame asking for a place to stay, but he agrees. Their past is just that—the past.

Things between them aren’t as settled as they thought—Henri, Paris, and proximity work their magic. The two men are drawn closer and old flames burst back to life, but Dixie’s work brings a new threat to their safety and the budding family they missed out on the first time around. Gerome never meant to open the door to trouble. His life and Tucker’s depend on keeping his past a mystery. But as his desire to protect develops into something deeper, he and Tucker will have to evaluate what family means—and hope that their growing feelings pass unimaginable tests.

Dawn’s Reading Nook Exclusive Except for the Past His Defenses by Andrew Grey Blog Tour

 

Wow. Dixie hadn’t known what to expect once Robert arrived, but it hadn’t been Henri telling Robert about his one other relationship, or the way his son had opened up to Robert right away. Henri was outgoing, there was no doubt about that, but he could be circumspect when it came to his feelings. And yet he’d told Robert about one of the most hurtful things ever said to him. At least, as far as Dixie was aware.

Robert looked pretty much the same as he had the last time Dixie had seen him. But that had been a while ago now. Still, Dixie could already sense that Robert was the same man he’d fallen for in the corps. But he also knew that life could send someone on a lot of detours—he and Robert had experienced that firsthand. “What have you been doing since you mustered out?”

“I went to the academy and joined the police force in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s a good fit, and my Marine training has come in handy. I really like it.”

“Until last week?” Dixie asked, and Robert nodded. “It was that bad?”

“It really wasn’t. I think I just wasn’t prepared for it. You remember Westerhouse?”

Dixie definitely did. The guy was a rock. Nothing seemed to faze him. Roadside bombs, random gunfire, whatever—nothing got to him. He was calm and cool, almost a machine… until he wasn’t. Then it had seemed as if he was broken and the pieces couldn’t be put together again. “That bad?”

“I don’t know. I think the whole situation brought everything—my little sister Holly’s kidnapping and death—back.” Robert leaned closer. “I actually called the girl Holly. She was about the same age Holly was. And once again, I felt helpless. Up until that moment, I thought I had everything under control, and then with a single word—my sister’s name—it was gone.” Robert seemed to pull in on himself. “At the scene, it was as if I was back there—once again consumed with worry, knowing that Holly had been taken. And then there was the nail-biting, waiting for some word, only to fall to pieces when we were told that she had been killed.” He stood a little straighter, but it was an act, and Dixie knew it.

“Don’t beat yourself up. There’s nothing wrong with showing your feelings. Henri taught me that. Every time I bottle things up and get grumpy, he calls me on it. I think in part, it’s because some piece of him worries that if I get mad enough, I’ll take him back. I would never, ever do that, no matter what, and I’ve told him that, but I know the notion is still in his head. He watches everything, and you can almost see him processing everything anyone does. So I have to be open and honest about how I feel and explain things. It’s incredibly liberating.”

Robert cleared his throat. “But it was drilled into us to not show any emotion. Bury it down deep and do your job. That’s the Marine way.”

Robert was right; that was what they’d been taught. When you’re shot at, run toward the shooter and take him out. “But this isn’t the corps. And Henri isn’t a fellow soldier. He’s my son and I love him, and I only want him to be happy. I don’t need to hide what I’m feeling. I get to show him. And it’s okay for you too. I already know you’re a big, strong guy. I also know that inside, deep down, there’s an ooey-gooey center that you keep buried.” He leaned forward, holding Robert’s gaze. “Henri knows it too. Kids have amazing instincts.”

“And here I thought I had this reputation as a real tough guy.” Robert smiled back. “Dang, it’s good to be here.”

“Nice segue,” Dixie chuckled. Robert had always had a way of avoiding talking about his feelings if he could. Not that they weren’t communicated, but as Dixie remembered, you had to look for them a little more closely.

“Papa, it stopped working,” Henri said as he brought a tablet to Dixie. “Make it work again… please.” He flashed his big eyes and pooched out his lower lip. Damn, the cuteness almost worked. Almost.

“I’m sorry. You had an hour of games today, and that’s plenty. You get another hour tomorrow.” Dixie had to be firm, even though he wanted to give in. Henri thrived on structure, and Dixie didn’t want him disappearing into Minecraft for hours on end.

“Papa…,” Henri whined. Seeing he wasn’t going to get anywhere, he climbed onto the sofa near Robert and handed him the tablet. “Can you fix it?”

 

 

 

 

Book Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

DreamSpinner Press

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)  He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

 

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

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New Release Spotlight/Tour Wide Giveaway: Andrew Grey's New Leaf

An interview with Andrew Grey:

Thanks for stopping by to talk a little about your writing! 

 

Let's jump right in. When did you begin writing and why?  I started in 2007 because I got an idea and decided to try to tell the story.  To my surprise it actually worked. 

 

Fire off five words to describe your book.  Surprise, new life, unexpected, weird sense of humor, bookstore

 

Give us an out of context quote from your book to warm our hearts or tickle the funny bone.  I tried to tell her that picking a theme for a room did not involve the amalgamation of chickens and foxes. But your mom loved both, so here we are. I keep coming in here and expect bloody chicken carnage all over the walls.

 

Name one song or artist that gets you fired up.  Queen.  I keep returning to their music.

 

How do you find readers in today's market?  I do a number of things.  Social media, conferences, newsletter, signings.  Basically, whatever I’m able to do. 

 

Do you come up with the hook first, or do you create characters first and then dig through until you find a hook?  I usually create the characters first.  They tend to suggest and build the rest. 

 

How do you create your characters?  They tend to come to me.  Some part of them raises their hand and I begin to hear them.  From there, everything else builds. 

 

What are you currently reading?  Duet by Eden Winters.  I love that story.  It always makes me cry. 

 

Any advice for newly sparking writers in three sentences or less.  Follow your heart and your passion.  Don’t write what you think will sell, but what moves you.  If you do that, you’ll also move readers hearts. 

 

If you had to write your memoir in five words, what would you write?  I thought about this question, and I have to write the truth.  Dang it.  So how about…   Old man sitting on couch. 

 

How often does your muse distract you from day to day minutiae?  Quite a bit.  Mine tends to be demanding, so I tend to forget other things sometimes.  Thank goodness I have an understanding husband. 

 

Can you briefly describe your writing process for us?  I write between 3 And 4 thousand words a day.  So I get started early and get to work.  I always keep a list of things I need to do and I make sure that they get completed each day.  I write in the morning, take a break for lunch, and then write some in the afternoon. I also tend to edit and review in the afternoons.  Evenings I work some more while Dominic is busy and then spend the re4st of the time with him. 

 

What do readers have to look forward to in the future from you?  There are lots of things in the hopper.  Bad to be Noble releases November 23.  I have Nowhere to Run on October 12.  I’ve started the Carlisle Troopers series which will release next year.  Definitely be on the lookout. 

 

Title: New Leaf 

Author: Andrew Grey

Series: Currently a Standalone Title

Genre:  M/M Contemporary Romance 

Publisher: Self Published 

Release Date: Sept 14, 2021

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook

 

Blurb/Synopsis:

When Dex Grippon’s mother dies, he takes it as a sign—it’s time to give up acting and return to his hometown. If he can find a way to save his mother’s bookstore, he can preserve the one link he still has to his parents. But keeping an independent bookstore afloat turns out to be more difficult than he anticipated, and Dex isn’t the only one who wonders what else his mom might have been selling.

Former cop Les Gable might be off the job, but he has to know what was going on at the bookstore, and he’ll do anything to satisfy his curiosity—including befriend the new owner with an offer to help sort out his new business. Something about the bookstore doesn’t smell right, and Les is going to find out what.

The problem is that his curiosity about Dex soon far outstrips his interest in what happened at the store. But as curiosity matures into love, the store’s past threatens their future. Can Les and Dex untangle the mystery of the bookshop and escape with their relationship—and their lives—intact, or will the whole thing go up in smoke?

Release Day Blitz- Pulling Strings by Andrew Grey

One of my author friends has a new release today and it's so good. Take a look at Andrew Grey's Pulling Strings.

Title: Pulling Strings

Author: Andrew Grey

Series: Standalone

Genre:  M/M Contemporary Romance/ Gay Romance/ LGTBQA  

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Release Date: Sept 10 2019

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print (1st Edition)

Blurb/Synopsis:

A high-stakes case of industrial espionage ties them together, but before they can pursue their attraction, they must find out who’s pulling the strings.

Devon Donaldson doesn’t know how a folio of stolen corporate secrets found its way into his bag, and certainly can’t think of anyone who’d want to frame him. The trouble is, he has to convince Powers McPherson.

Devon’s firm hired Powers to investigate the theft of a new banking system, and so far Devon is his only lead. While Powers’s gut tells him Devon is innocent, he has no intention of letting Devon out of his sight… for more than one reason. Working together to get Devon’s life back leads to feelings far beyond cooperation. But before they can act on them, they need to find the group of thieves’ intent on ruining Devon’s reputation.

Book Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt 2

Devon swallowed hard. This was getting to be a circular exercise. “Then call the police. Have them check out the envelope. If I put it in there, then I must have handled it and my prints and DNA would be all over it. They aren’t, because I’ve never seen that before and I never handled it. Why someone slipped it into my bag, I have no idea, but the person you’re after isn’t me.” He glared at Powers and then held out his phone. “Go ahead, call them.” He was getting tired of this little game and just wanted it to end. “How do I know you aren’t the one after this information for yourself and this isn’t all a ruse? Marie certainly didn’t like you, so maybe you’re trying to get even somehow.”

For the first time, the confidence in Powers’s eyes wavered slightly. “You really want me to do this?”

“Yes. Go ahead. Call the police. Tell them what you found in my bag, and I’ll ask them to fingerprint the envelope. Of course, I’ll also make sure they ask you all about your business and what you’re doing here. I’m sure the Philly PD will be most grateful for civilian help.” Devon’s smirk lasted a few moments, and then he sat back when Powers didn’t take his phone.

“Let’s say I believe you,” Powers said. “I’m not saying I do. But let’s just say. Why would someone drop this into your bag?”

Devon leaned forward slightly. “I don’t know. Maybe they made a mistake, or maybe they saw you and panicked. Or maybe whoever it is knows me from work and thought I was the courier, when there was someone else they were supposed to give it to. I’m in the dark just as much as you are.” He was calming down, and his mind clicked into gear. “What I don’t understand is why anyone would do this to me. What did I do?” He leaned close, trying to get a glance at the papers. “What are those?”

Powers hesitated and then slid the papers across the table. “Specifications.”

Devon didn’t touch the pages but looked them over. “They’re the cover pages for two program specs. That’s all.” He leaned closer. “I’m not familiar with this system, but that’s all they are. There are no details or any information that could be used by anyone. I presume the meat of whatever this is, is on the drive there.” He pointed but didn’t touch it either.

“Yes.”

Devon stood.

“Where are you going?” Powers snapped.

He glared and waved his hand toward the door. “To the bathroom. You can come with me if you want, but we’re on the second floor. I don’t think I’m going to shimmy out the window.” He was stuck until he could somehow convince Powers that he wasn’t involved in whatever was going on. Devon used the bathroom, then returned and sat back down.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)  He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

Book Review for Dumped in Oz by Andrew Grey

Finding yourself in the middle of nowhere Kansas has a way of working its magic on you...if you let yourself believe in it that is.

My Rating for Dumped in Oz: 4 Stars

For Lyle Powers, being transferred to the middle of nowhere Kansas is like the kiss of death to his thinking. But for Lyle who has no ties or boyfriend to stay in Harrisburg, PA, going to Kansas is an eye opening event that may just bring him something much more than he anticipates.

Roger Kypers is part owner of a small restaurant in Wamego, or Oz as the locals call it, and finding Lyle who is new to town makes his heart hope again for a love ever after. Except Roger has a wicked ex-wife determined that he act like a normal straight man if he wants any time with his daughter. But you can’t stop the heart once it is engaged and as Roger and Lyle find out, sometimes love is the biggest surprise of all. Can Lyle and Roger let go of the past in order to have a future together?


What can I say but poor, poor Lyle. I have to admit when we first meet Lyle I wanted to know what the heck was wrong with him. He was so alone even if he didn't admit it to himself. I loved the way his friends took charge and talked him into taking the transfer, saying that a change of scenery would be good for him and you know what, it is! This is a charmingly sweet tale of a two lonely men finding their way to one another by a quirk of fate. I just love this author’s work and his stories are my go to reads when I need a pick me up after a rough day or just a chance to smile a bit when the world is all gray and ugly. His stories have heart which makes mine melt whenever I pick up one of Andrew Grey’s books.It's full of angst, drama, comedy and more that charmed me right from the begining and I have to admit, now I want some of Roger's food. 
 

I just love Lyle and Roger together. You could see these both needed the friendship the other offered and soon, both men find their hearts engaged even if they are scared to the bone about it. The author does a great job in capturing Roger’s battle with Alcoholism & sobriety perfectly. He doesn’t preach about it and puts it in such a way that the reader is rooting for Roger to not take a drink and instead embraces a new friend. What I loved even more was how Lyle found himself slowly becoming part of the community, meeting the townsfolk, getting on in life and embracing all it offered in baby steps.

Roger on the other hand has been scared to rock the boat with his ex on his case for being gay, not sticking up for himself and his daughter being his whole world. But when Roger meets Lyle, Roger finds the strength to stick up for himself and that made me sit up and cheer as I rooted for Roger to finally tell his evil witch of an ex to back off and to show his daughter that being gay means not being different. The secondary characters are perfectly written and I loved how Lyle’s friends came to town to visit him, bringing lightheartedness to the story that had me giggling at times over their quips and remarks. 

Dumped in Oz is a perfect summer time beach read or rainy afternoon read that picks your spirits up and delivers a smile on your face at the end. Mr. Grey is my go to author whenever I need that smile after a particular rough day or even when I need just a heartfelt story to enjoy again. His writing just delivers something tot he heart of the reader that once it takes hold, never lets go. With his emotional yet tender story of two lonely people finding their way to one another, he gives us a story that has its lighter moments and then some really nasty moments that had me growling under my breath as I flipped the page of the e-reader.

If you are looking for a perfect introduction to this author's writing then I highly recommend Dumped in Oz and I can honestly say you will fall in love with his writing and his books. Now I need to get the second book to see what happens next in Wamego, Kansas, which by the way is a real place. :-)

Find Dumped in Oz at Amazon / Publsiher / ARe

Book Two is called Stuck in Oz and is available now! 

When Jeremy and Petey’s mother died, their house was taken to pay the debts she left behind, leaving them homeless. Afraid Petey will be put in foster care, they have no one to turn to but their Uncle Milt, so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas.

They arrive in the middle of a snowstorm and stop at the local diner to contact their uncle, where they meet Nate. Nate and his aunt help them contact Uncle Milt, and he agrees to help.

Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly, but Jeremy runs when he’s made to believe their new home isn’t permanent. Nate goes after him, finds him, and convinces him that he’s wanted. However, just as Jeremy and Nate begin to trust each other, Petey’s estranged father appears and threatens to tear Jeremy’s new life and fledgling family apart.

Sunday Series Spotlight~ The Good Fight Series by Andrew Grey

Book One: The Good Fight
Contemporary M/M
Dreamspinner Press
Available at Publisher / ARe

Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.

John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can’t even see his niece and nephew.

As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn’t have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren’t without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one.

Book Two: The Fight Within
Contemporary M/M
Dreamspinner Press
Available at Publisher / ARe

Bryce Morton needs a change of scenery. Since his partner’s death a year ago, he’s become withdrawn and quiet, so his friends, Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven, convince him to go camping with them on a Sioux reservation. Though he’s not immediately sure he’s done the right thing, Bryce becomes more interested when he meets Paytah, the man who owns the reservation’s trading post.

Paytah Stillwater’s life is filled with hurt, and sometimes the only thing he has left is pride. After being abused as a child and disbelieved when he spoke up, he has withdrawn into himself—but he can never truly put his past behind him, because the source of his pain still lives on the reservation. Paytah is proud of his heritage and careful with his heart, but when Bryce commits a selfless act of kindness for one of the reservation’s children, the walls around Paytah’s heart begin to melt.

Bryce and Paytah each fight the pain within them. When Paytah’s abuser sets his sights on one of the reservation youngsters, Bryce and Paytah must set their individual fights aside. Finding a way to stop the abuser unites them to fight their way forward—together.

Book Three: The Fight for Identity
Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary/Western M/M
Available at Publisher

Will Martin’s racist father, Kevin, hates Native Americans and wants to keep them off his property, never mind that part of the ranch land is sacred ground for the Sioux. When they request access for prayer, Kevin refuses—but Will doesn’t share his father’s views. Ever since he first saw Takoda Red Bird during one of the Sioux sacred ceremonies, Will has been fascinated. He grants the tribe access.

Takoda defies Kevin on a regular basis. He often sneaks to the sacred site on the rancher’s land for prayer and knows Will has seen him there. When, out of spite, Kevin places the land up for auction, Takoda knows it is time for action and bands together with Will to stop the sale.

In the fight that follows, Will gets more than he expected. He starts out helping the tribe preserve their identity… and ends up finding his own.

FREE READ~ Takoda and Horse
Dreamspinner Press
Available at Publisher

Ever wonder how Horse got his name?
A FREE bonus story in The Good Fight Series!













About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)  He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Welcome Andrew Grey and Luca

Please give a warm welcome to Luka from One Good Deed by Andrew Grey today as we sit down and see what makes him tick.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not saving (the world, clients, your mate)?  I’m a genetic researcher and I love my work.  I immigrated to this country in order to be free to pursue my work.  

What is it about your love interest that makes you crazy in a good way?  He is the best man I’ve ever met.  When I first came to his country, he helped me with my English.  That was how we met and he’s been there for me ever since. 

Do you sometimes want to strangle your writer? Thrash her/him to within an inch of their life?  Goodness yes.  I could kill him for the way he wrote Peter’s family.  They’re all a piece of work, especially Peter’s mother.  I watched the Wizard of Oz recently and  saw a character I definitely recognized.  (I’ve decided I don’t like green)

Favorite food?  A burrek.  It’s a Serbian meat pie with filo dough.  Best thing in the world.

Tell me a little bit about your world. What are your greatest challenges in that world?  Improving my English so I can fully contribute to my colleagues.  I took some in school, but actual practice is so different.  Thank goodness I met Peter.  He really saved me and in the end I helped save him.

 

Describe yourself in four words.  Loyal, hard working, tenacious, and sexy.  (Grin)

What do you do for a living?  I’m a genetic researcher at a university.

What do you fear the most?  Having to go back to my old country.  I love my adopted country and the people I’ve met here.  They are wonderful.  (With some exceptions)  

 One Good Deed by Andrew Grey

Dreamspinner Press

Heat Rating: 3 out of 5

Contemporary M/M

Available at Publisher

 

Luka Krachec immigrates to the United States to find his cousin dead and his cousin’s wife hospitalized after a terrible accident. He meets Peter Montgomery at the funeral. The American seems nice and captures Luka’s attention when he offers to help him with his English.

 Peter has spent most of his life believing he shot his father at age six, and his family uses his regret and overwhelming guilt to keep him under their proverbial thumbs. Peter does his best to make up for what he did by helping others, and agreeing to help Luka with his English yields something amazing when they hit it off.

 When Peter opens up to Luka about what happened when he was a child, Luka senses some holes in the story and suspects Peter needs some help, so he approaches the head of the psychology department at the college where he works. Neither expects to open a long-barricaded door to secrets, denial, and family manipulation.

Teaser Excerpt

“Excuse me,” he mumbled when he bumped into someone.

“It’s all right.” It was Peter, and he turned to smile at him. “Are you going to the luncheon?”

Luka nodded. He guessed he was. He saw Steven, who seemed to be following the crowd, so Luka did the same.

“Was the service similar to those back home?”

“Yes,” Luka said. “It was very comforting and nice. I’m glad my cousin was so well liked.”

“Your cousin was loved,” Peter told him. “He was always willing to help others. People relied on Josif, and he’ll be missed.” Peter motioned him forward, and they went into a large hall where tables and chairs had been set up. Everyone gathered and talked, taking places at the tables. Luka sat next to Steven, and Peter sat on the other side of him. More than once while they waited for the others to gather, Luka caught himself glancing at Peter, wondering what was behind the sadness he saw in those huge blue eyes. Something in Luka’s heart told him it wasn’t from the funeral today. It was much deeper than the loss of a friend. Whatever had happened to Peter had touched and maybe even scarred his soul. Luka shivered and looked away.

“You should see if Peter can help you learn English,” Steven said from the other side of him. “I was told you already have a job, and that’s great, but learning English will help you get along outside of the Serbian community.”

“Of course,” Peter said, and Luka turned toward him in time to catch his smile. “I’ll be happy to help you if you want.”

It was probably too soon for Luka to be making decisions, but he found himself nodding anyway.

“What did you do for a living in Serbia?” Peter asked.

The room quieted before Luka could answer, and the priest stood up at one end of the room. Everyone bowed their heads, and the priest said a blessing. Then people began getting up. Luka followed the others, and when the time came, he filled his plate and returned to his seat. Some of the dishes were familiar, but many were strange. He took a little of everything, even the green stuff with white things suspended in it.

“You’re brave,” Peter told him, indicating the green, wiggly stuff.

Luka didn’t know what Peter meant until he tried the green stuff. It was sweet, chewy, and terrible. He swallowed and pushed it to the side. His mother had always taught him never to waste food, but in this case he was most definitely going to make an exception. If this was an example of American food, then Americans were certainly strange.

“That’s Jell-O salad,” Peter told him in a combination of English and Serbian. “Beware,” he added with a warm smile.

Luka wanted to laugh, but wasn’t sure it was appropriate, so he returned the smile and began eating again. As soon as he took the first bite of real food, his appetite kicked in and he began to eat quickly, his empty stomach demanding attention. The food was better than the green stuff, some of it familiar, like the sausages, called cevaps, similar to what his mother made.

“You didn’t tell me what you did,” Peter said from next to him.

“I worked in scientific research for the government,” Luka explained, but he gave no further details. His previous employer had not been particularly pleased with his decision to leave, and with the way he’d felt he had to leave, he knew he wouldn’t be readily allowed to return. “I really can’t talk about it.” Secrecy had become a habit he couldn’t easily break.

“Is that the kind of work you’ll be doing here?” Peter asked.

“I work for university here,” Luka said in English. “Josif help me,” he added. He hoped he still had the job and remembered the papers safely tucked in the bottom of the bag he’d carried with him. “I have papers.”

“Excellent. It sounds like you had some excitement getting out of Serbia.”

Luka nodded. “It is free except when the government no want it to be.” He wasn’t sure if he made sense, but Peter nodded, and Luka smiled.

“Your English is pretty good.”

“I learn in school, but not use much. I know is bad.” It sounded bad to his ears, but he forced himself to continue. He needed to get used to the language. Everything was, of course, much easier for him to say in Serbian.

“No, it’s not. You just need practice,” Peter said in Serbian. “First you need to begin to understand, and then you’ll feel more comfortable speaking. It’s very natural and something I’ve helped a lot of people with. I can help you too.”

“Okay,” Luka agreed. He’d been in America just a few hours and he’d already met someone who might be a friend. Maybe two someones, if Steven turned out to be as nice as Luka hoped. It would be nice to have a friend who was like him, though here it didn’t seem to be a big deal.