Bernard wrapped his arms around Rory again. This was what a relationship is. Love, understanding, and compassion. This was the relationship Bernard never had with Tracy.
Bernard pulled away and looked into Rory’s eyes. His beautiful green eyes.
“We’re going to hang out more, Rory.”
“Thanks.” Rory smiled.
The sun set behind the field, producing an orange shimmer on the lawn. Ginger and Bonnie had curled up in a patch of grass.
Bernard and Rory stood in silence until the sun disappeared over the horizon.
Bernard got a pen and wrote his number on his business card and had Rory do the same.
“I’ll call you soon to hang out,” Rory said.
“I look forward to it.” Bernard hugged Rory.
Bernard squeezed hard against Rory’s chest. The heat of Rory’s body warmed him inside.
Bernard said his farewells to his family and headed home with Ginger.
“Ginger. It’s been a great day,” he said as he undressed. “Tomorrow, I’ll sleep in and we’ll go for a walk in the park.”
Ginger barked.
“Do you think we should invite Rory? He might enjoy a walk in the park with us. Although he said he’d call me. What should I do?”
Will he want to walk in the park with us? Or was he just being nice when he said he wanted to hang out more?
Feelings flooded back. He’d fallen in love with Rory when he discovered he was gay at nineteen. He told Rory he was gay in hopes Rory was too. His stomach churned at what he’d done when Rory never admitted he was gay. Bernard pushed him away, unable to see him. A man he was in love with who’d never love him back. That’s when he chose to date Jason. A man no better than Tracy. Bile boiled up in his throat at the thought of the two men who ruined him.
Chapter Five
Rory
Saturday, April 18/Sunday, April 19
RORY ARRIVED AThis apartment the evening after a day at João’s barbecue.
“Mina, I’m home,” he called out.
The little cat rushed in and leaped to his shoulder. He scratched her under the chin.
Rory walked into his kitchen and filled Mina’s self-watering and food bowls. He placed the leftovers João gave him in the fridge. There was enough to last him a week.
As he put the food away, the phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Rory, it’s Bernard.”
“Hey, Bernard. What’s up?”
“Well, I’m taking Ginger to Edgewater Park tomorrow and was wondering if you’d like to join us. We could make a day of it. Take a nice walk around the park and have lunch. It’ll be great.”
“Oh, I can’t do it all day. I can meet you there for lunch though. I have mass at eight in the morning, and then I have lunch with my family, but I might be able to leave lunch early.”
“I understand.” There was a hint of disappointment in Bernard’s voice. “Maybe another time?”
