He averted his eyes. He couldn’t meet Rory’s gaze. His stomach churned at the memory of Jason.
“I’m so sorry. I only knew the end. I didn’t know it’d gone on so long.”
“You gave me the courage to leave him.”
“Me?”
“Yes, knowing you were back in my life helped me realize I could do so much better.”
“Then, there was Tracy. I remember him.”
“He only lasted a year. I learned he was the same as Jason when he cheated. I left the first time I found him with another man.”
He blocked the memory of what happened afterwards. He couldn’t relive those events.
“I wish I’d have told you I was gay sooner,” Bernard said.
“You do?”
“Of course I do. You were my best friend, Rory. I knew you’d accept me.”
“I’m glad you told me,” Rory said. “I know it was hard, but we’re friends again and that’s all that matters. And I’ll always be here for you.”
Bernard wrapped his arms around Rory. “Thank you, my friend.”
Rory squeezed back.
“What the hell are you two doing?” An angry voice pulled them out of their reverie.
A red-faced man stormed over to them.
“This is a public park. There are kids around. Who do you think you are, showing this disgusting display?”
The park had more than a dozen couples, all straight.
“What are you talking about?” Bernard broke their embrace and stood in front of Rory, shielding him from the man. Heat swelled in his cheeks as he calmed his breathing.
“This.” He waved over them. “Hugging in public. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you going to go to that couple and tell them to stop kissing?” He pointed to a young straight couple on a blanket. “Or that couple holding hands?” He indicated a straight couple walking around the lake.
“That’s different,” he yelled.
“How?” Bernard’s voice was calm.
“They’re normal. You two freaks are out here flaunting your…whatever you call it.”
“First off,sir.” Bernard emphasized the last word. “I was comforting my friend who has had a rough time. Second, your judgmental attitude needs to come down a bit. We’re not doing anything illegal or indecent. So, I suggest you go back to your family.”
“Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?” the man shouted.
“If you look around, you seem to be the only one who has a problem with us.”
“Fucking queers. Think they own everything,” he mumbled as he walked away.
Bernard moved forward, but Rory grabbed his elbow and wrapped his other arm around him.
“He’s not worth it. Let him go.”
