Bernard closed his eyes. Rory’s touch stirred a warmth inside him.
“I just…I can’t stand people like him,” Bernard said.
“Thank you. I think you made your point clear to him.” Rory spun him around and smiled.
“What does he think? You’re not even interested in men. So, he just made an assumption.”
“There are judgmental people who will jump to conclusions to ease their own biases.”
“Thank you for calming me down. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
Once Bernard cleaned up after Ginger, they made their way back to the blanket.
“We still have time for a walk around the lake if you’d like,” Bernard said.
“That sounds nice.”
They walked along the lake trail. Joggers, families, couples, and dog walkers passed as they conversed about recent movies.U.S. Marshalswas in theaters.
“I’d like to see it,” Rory said.
“Well, maybe we can see it together.”
“That’d be fun.”
Bernard felt Rory’s hand brush up against his. A chill ran up his spine.Stop thinking about him that way. Rory is your friend, and he’s straight. At least, he told me he’s straight.
Rory didn’t appear to notice, or at least didn’t react to the touch.
They finished their walk and made it back to the blanket.
“Oh, I brought some snack cakes and milk if you’d like some. I have plenty.”
Rory cocked an eyebrow. “Snack cakes and milk?”
“Look, I can cook basic food, but baking is not my forte. So, we get snack cakes and milk.”
“Okay.” Rory giggled. “If it’s what you have.”
They ate and discussed the books they were reading.
“I’m readingThe Hobbit,” Rory said.
“Wait, you haven’t read it yet?”
“No, give me time. I’ve had a busy life,” he joked.
“Okay, no judgment,” he said, “but it has been out for over fifty years.”
“I feel like you’re judging me a little.”
“Okay, a little. Not much though.”
“So, what are you reading?”
“Sole Survivorby Dean Koontz.”
