“Yes, I’m in.”
Bernard had not visited since Christmas. It’d be good to see his dad, brother, and the family again.
“Perfect grilling weather,” his dad said.
“Sounds great.”
“So, anything new in your life?”
“Same ol’, same ol’.”
“So, you won’t be bringing anyone to the barbecue?”
“I could ask Sarah and John to come along,” Bernard said.
“No, I mean, a boyfriend.” Bernard couldn’t help but catch the coyness in his father’s voice.
His father was being his father. He asked every chance he got if Bernard was dating. He meant well, but Bernard didn’t have the heart to tell his father that his last boyfriend, Tracy, had hurt him. He wanted to find love again, but the memory of Tracy loomed in the back of his mind.
“Probably not. I’m not seeing anyone.”
“That’s a shame. Well, I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.”
“Thanks, Dad. Love you, and I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Love you too, son.” They both hung up.
What is with everyone’s sudden obsession with my dating life?
Bernard grabbed his dinner and walked into the living room. He pulled out a tape and showed it to Ginger.
“Let’s watchIn & Outstarring Kevin Kline, playing the part of a lifetime. A straight actor playing a gay man struggling with his sexuality.” Bernard laughed at his joke.
Still, the public finds men like Kevin Kline attractive. He’s not fat like me. So, he’s what both straight and gay audiences want.
Bernard ate dinner while Howard Brackett’s former student outed him on national television.
“Ginger, do you think I need to find a man like everyone says?” He placed his empty plate on the coffee table.
Ginger barked and jumped into his lap to curl up.
“I didn’t think so.”
They finished the movie and watched the end credits. “Well, even the newly gay teacher can find love,” he sighed. “First man he meets, and bam. Ah, the magic of a rom-com.”
He put the tape away and took the dishes into the kitchen. He cleaned the dishes, then headed to his bedroom.
After a hot shower, Bernard dressed in his nightclothes and moved to his bedroom window. He looked out at the backyard. Rain fell into the yard.
“Maybe this is a sign,” Bernard told Ginger. “The rain is washing away the past, and my future is bright.” He smiled. “You know what? I need a snack.”
He walked to the kitchen to grab cookies and poured a glass of milk.
“You know, Sarah’s right,” he said through a mouthful of cookie. “That place is not good for me. I was fine until I saw all those men. I’ve been happy with myself before, and I can be happy again.”
The dog pawed at his leg. “Aww, do you want a doggie biscuit?”
Bernard gave Ginger a biscuit while he finished off his cookies.
