“Well, that sounds like something I’m not sure I’d read, but I hope you enjoy it.”
“Thank you.”
Rory helped Bernard pack up the blanket and food.
They walked back to the parking lot. Rory unlocked his Toyota Camry.
“This has been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time,” Bernard said. “I’m so glad you made it today.”
“I’m glad I made it too. It’s been wonderful hanging out.”
“I have to thank you as well,” Bernard said. “Sarah said I needed to get out more and away from the club scene. You helped.”
“I’m glad.” Rory went in for a hug. Bernard squeezed back. Rory’s cologne lingered in his nose. Rory squeezed harder.
“We need to do this again,” Rory said. “I never want to lose you.”
Bernard broke their hug. “You won’t lose me. You can’t lose me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m happy to be your friend.”
“So, can we do something next weekend?”
“Yes, I’d love that. What if we take a day trip to Santa Cruz? Then we can watchU.S. Marshals.”
“That sounds fun.”
They parted ways after one last hug.
*
BERNARD MADE IThome and took in the disorganization his living space came to. He’d not cleaned in two weeks, and he needed to get something done.
“I better clean while I still have the energy.”
Bernard took two hours to clean his house from top to bottom.
“There, it looks much better, right, Ginger?” Ginger had curled up on the sofa and fell asleep. “Such a carefree life. Well, all that’s left is to vacuum.”
Bernard opened the closet. Above the vacuum was a box.
“I think this is my old gaming console?”
He opened the box to find his game system and a dozen games.
“Vacuuming can wait,” he said.
Bernard set up the system and playedResident Evil.
The next two hours flew by as he explored the mansion as Chris Redfield. Fighting zombies and discovering the mysteries hidden within. He saved the game and shut off the system.
“I need to play more often,” he said.
He vacuumed the house.
After cleaning, Bernard shambled to his bedroom and collapsed on his bed. Ginger made herself comfortable at his feet.
