Does he know my feelings for Bernard? Would he approve? Or am I reading into this too much?
They returned to the house. Rory’s mother insisted he take leftovers.
“It’s still early. Maybe you need another walk to clear your head.” His father winked. His mother appeared oblivious to their exchange.
Chapter Six
Bernard
Sunday, April 19
BERNARD WOKE UPearly Sunday morning. He gathered his things and packed a lunch for one.
“Okay, Ginger,” Bernard said, “it’s just you and me.”
He got dressed in a polo and shorts. After packing up his backpack and the cooler, he got Ginger into the truck.
Bernard drove to Edgewater Park, a popular spot for small gatherings, quiet afternoons, and lunch on the grass. The park, adorned with trails, flower beds, trees, and lush grass, covered a square mile around a manmade duck pond. A chain-link fence divided the parking area from the park, to preserve the natural environment. The sun glistened off the pond as ducks bobbed on the water, dipping down to eat.
He filled his lungs with warm air. The fragrance of blooming flowers titillated his nose. Bees buzzed around the flowers, while squirrels ran up and down trees.
Bernard pulled a large blanket out of his backpack and settled it on the ground after he checked for unwanted messes. He placed the cooler next to the blanket and set rocks at the corners to keep it still. He pulled out a few sandwiches, soda, and chips.
“It’s going to be a wonderful afternoon, Ginger.”
After lunch, Bernard sat against the tree to read. Ginger curled up beside him.
The sun moved across the sky as people wandered through the park. Couples relaxed in the grass, kids played on the swings, and a few people sat on the benches at the lakeside.
“Is there room for one more?” It was Rory. He walked toward him.
Bernard jumped to his feet and embraced Rory. “I thought you couldn’t make it?”
“Well, after lunch with my family, I thought I’d surprise you.”
“It’s a pleasant surprise. Thank you.”
Ginger sniffed at Rory.
“Hello, Ginger.” He rubbed her ears.
She barked and rolled onto her back for belly rubs.
They sat on the blanket and enjoyed the sounds of nature. Ducks swam through the lake while blue jays called to each other in the trees above. Bernard took in the aroma of fresh-cut grass.
“It looks like Ginger needs to potty.” Rory pointed at her sniffing the grass.
Bernard grabbed her leash and doggie bags to take her to the designated area. Rory followed behind.
“I wanted to ask you something personal,” Rory said.
“What is it?”
“I knew Tracy, but I really didn’t know Jason. What happened?”
Bile built up in his throat. Jason was his first boyfriend. They’d started dating when he was twenty-two, right when he’d come out. They’d lasted three years, but Rory didn’t get to know him. The real him. Bernard left him when he was twenty-five, when he and Rory rekindled their friendship.
“He…” A lump formed in his throat. “He was similar to Tracy. Tracy never verbally abused me, but Jason did. Often. I felt like I was worthless, and I didn’t deserve love. I found him a few times with some thin or athletic guy. He apologized each time and said it wouldn’t happen again.”
