BERNARD PULLED INTOSarah’s driveway on Monday morning. She wasn’t waiting for him on her porch. It wasn’t like her to be late. He walked up and knocked on the door.
John answered the door. Bernard hadn’t seen him in a few months, and he appeared more muscular than the last time he’d seen him. His tight shirt showed off his pecs, while his belly still protruded outward.
“Hey, John. Is everything okay?”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry, Sarah tried to call, but you’d already left the house. She’s running a little late. Do you want to come in and sit?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Bernard sat on their couch and waited. Sarah and John had eccentric taste. They filled their house with the most colorful pieces of artwork and mismatched furniture. A rug adorned the center. It appeared to be made with every color of thread known to man. Every open outlet had a plug-in air freshener.
They lived in a two-story house with four bedrooms. Sarah and John wanted kids someday, so this house was perfect for them.
A bulldog charged in and jumped into Bernard’s lap. The dog attempted to lick his face. Bernard avoided the tongue.
“Gross, don’t lick my face,” he said.
“Chester, down,” John said. “He’s excited.”
“When did you get a dog?”
“He’s not ours,” John said.
As if on cue, a man walked in. The resemblance to John was apparent. The man had auburn hair and beard, which contrasted John’s black hair and beardless face. This had to be Kelly.
“Hey, John. I’m heading to the store to buy groceries today. Is there anything specific you need?” He stopped. “Oh, I didn’t know you had company.” He turned to go.
“Oh, sorry,” John said. “Kelly, this is our friend, Bernard. Bernard, this is my cousin Kelly.”
“Nice to meet you.” Kelly smiled and extended a hand. He had a warm smile. His voice was soft and low. It didn’t match his large build.
Bernard stood and took his hand. His hazel eyes scanned Bernard, but never made eye contact. Kelly’s strong, calloused hands trembled ever so slightly. Kelly stood level with Bernard. His T-shirt and tight jeans accentuated his thick body.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Bernard said.
Sarah chose this moment to come downstairs. “I’m so sorry I’m late. We’ll get out of your hair, Kelly.” She kissed John. “Thank you, babe. I’ll see you tonight.”
*
BERNARD AND SARAHgot on the road. They sat in silence for five minutes.
“What was that about?” Bernard asked.
“What was what about?”
“Oh, please.” Bernard rolled his eyes. “I’ve known you since high school. You’ve never been late for anything in your life. You ‘happen’ to be late the one day John’s cousin is there?”
“He’s staying with us while John helps him find a house.”
“Okay, fine,” Bernard said. “But you promised no setups.”
“Whatever are you talking about?”
“Sarah, what’s going on?”
“Fine, I just wanted you to meet him. Naturally. He didn’t know you were going to be there either.”
“I wish you would have warned me.”
