“It was. But I needed time, and it turned into seven years.”
Bernard swallowed a lump at the memory of Tracy. He pushed it aside, refusing to allow his ex to occupy his mind again.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you,” Bernard said. “What about you? Do you have a special lady?”
“No one in my life. I don’t have many friends either. It’s been hard.”
“I’ll always be your friend.”
“Thank you, and remember, you will always have me by your side.” Rory patted Bernard on the back.
“So, did my dad say anything to you when he invited you here?”
“He just told me he was having a barbecue. He’s invited me a few times, but I couldn’t make it. Why?”
“Well, he thinks you and I would make a handsome couple.”
“Wait, your dad thinks…”
“That you’re gay, yes.” Bernard finished the sentence.
“I mean, why would he think I’m gay? Is there something…” Rory sputtered.
“I don’t think you’re gay,” Bernard said. “I’m sure as much as we hung out, you would’ve told me.”
“You didn’t tell me at first.” Rory’s face fell. He muttered under his breath.
Can he be? Is this his way of seeing how I’ll react? If he is gay, could I be his type?
“Rory, I–”
“We were close, Bernard. Real close. But you didn’t tell me.” Rory wrapped his arms around himself.
“I’m sorry, Rory. Because of your family’s connection to the Church, I didn’t know how you’d take it.” Bernard reached over and wrapped his arms around him.
“I understand. You told me as soon as you felt comfortable,” he said. “But then you didn’t want to hang out anymore.”
“The Church excommunicated me. Being around you reminded me of what it cost me to come out. But not having you in my life was worse than anything I could have imagined.”
When the Church excommunicated him, his father, brother, and sister-in-law refused to attend anymore. They stood by him.
“I’m sorry you went through that. I’d never hurt you. You know I’ll be by your side, no matter what.”
Bernard pulled away. “I know, and that’s why I reached back out to you, and you helped me at my worst. I’ll never let you go again.”
Rory stared off into the distance. Tears formed in his eyes as he turned to face Bernard. Bernard didn’t take his eyes off him. Rory wiped away the tears.
“I’d like to think if I was gay, you’d support me the most,” he said.
“Of course I would.”
“My parents wouldn’t,” he said under his breath.
“I would accept you if you were gay, bi, or anything in between, Rory. No doubt.”
“I…I’m happy to hear that.” Rory smiled.
