Chapter 1

The sun hung low over the sprawling fields of St. Anne’s County, casting a golden hue over the quaint, rural town of Maple Creek. It was a place where everyone knew everyone, and secrets had a way of unraveling like yarn in the hands of a curious cat. At the heart of this tight-knit community was Kathy Joy Schmitz, a woman whose presence was as commanding as her title: chairwoman of the local Catholic women’s club. At 39, Kathy Joy was a vision of midwestern allure—her golden-tanned skin glowed under the afternoon light, her wavy brown hair cascading in loose curls down her shoulders. Her curvy figure was accentuated by tight daisy duke jean shorts, a tank top that hugged her ample breasts, and sandals that revealed her toned, sexy feet with their freshly painted white soles. She was a woman who thrived on attention, her heavy makeup and bold demeanor ensuring she never went unnoticed.

Kathy Joy’s life revolved around her son, Eric Jay, the star quarterback of Maple Creek High. At 18, Eric was the pride of the town—tall, broad-shouldered, and with a charm that made him a favorite among his peers. But there was something about Eric that Kathy Joy couldn’t quite put her finger on. He was quiet, reserved, and spent most of his time focused on football or holed up in his room. The whispers had started months ago, subtle at first, but growing louder with each passing week. Is Eric ... you know...? The thought gnawed at Kathy Joy like a persistent itch. She couldn’t bear the idea of her son being anything less than the perfect image she’d always envisioned for him.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kathy Joy stood in her kitchen, her glowing blue eyes fixed on Eric as he sat at the table, his broad shoulders hunched over a plate of spaghetti. “You’re not eating much,” she remarked, her voice laced with concern. Eric looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers briefly before returning to his food. “I’m not hungry, Mom,” he mumbled. Kathy Joy sighed, her mind racing. She had to do something. She couldn’t let this ... this uncertainty fester any longer.

The next morning, Kathy Joy convened an emergency meeting of the Catholic women’s club. The group gathered in her living room, a mix of middle-aged women in sundresses and cardigans, their faces alight with curiosity. “Ladies,” Kathy Joy began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency, “I need your help. My son ... Eric ... I think he might be ... you know.” She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly as she struggled to say the word. “Gay.”