“I shouldn’t have to explain myself.”
“Fine, I’ll tell her.”
Bernard told Sarah about the series of events. Jeanine didn’t contradict or interrupt him. When he finished, Sarah glared at Jeanine.
“I only invited you because you overheard me inviting the other members,” Sarah said. “I don’t even like you. You hit on every man you see and won’t take no for an answer. Bernard is gay. Got it? He doesn’t want to be with a woman, and he especially doesn’t want to be with you. Now, I’m going to kindly ask you to leave my home and I’m talking to the others about having you removed from the book club.”
“You can’t do that.” Jeanine threw her arms into the air.
“I can and will. Now, leave.”
Jeanine stormed out of the backyard. Bernard watched as she slammed every door on her way.
“I’m sorry about that, Bernard,” Sarah said.
“I think it’s funny that someone thinks I’m straight,” he laughed.
Jeanine hit on him because she hit on all men. She didn’t care about his sexuality.
“Well, I don’t think it’s funny,” Sarah said. “You need more confidence in who you are. Who cares what other people think.”
“True.”
“Now, let’s get some of those burgers and hot dogs John’s cooking up.”
Sarah introduced Bernard to the rest of her book club. Edwina, Joan, and Betsy were all pleasant women. None of them hit on him.
Rory came out to greet Bernard. “Sorry, I’ve been stuck in the kitchen.”
“It’s okay,” Bernard said. “How does the cake look?”
“I think it looks great. It’s a cherry-chocolate cake with a cherry buttercream frosting.”
“That sounds delicious,” Bernard said.
“I hope Sarah likes it.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“Let’s go swimming.” Rory took off his shirt and pants. He wore swim trunks underneath.
“I’ll change and meet you back here.”
They jumped into the pool once Bernard returned.
The cool water was nice with the rising California summer temperature. While they wrestled in the water, Bernard’s hand brushed Rory’s semi-hard dick.
Is wrestling with me turning Rory on? Or did something else happen?
He couldn’t figure out why Rory had a semi, but he enjoyed touching it. It’d been over a year since he touched another man. Any man’s cock would have turned him on. This time it was Rory’s.
But what if it’s more? What if he wants more? Damn it, why can’t I find someone who makes me feel the way Rory does?
He shook the thought from his head. Rory might be gay, but he hadn’t said it. Bernard wasn’t going to pressure him. Rory would come out when he was ready.
I’m going to have to take care of this urge when I get home.
Sarah opened her gifts and gushed at all the books she’d received. She was an avid reader and Bernard bought her theChronicles of Narniaseries by C. S. Lewis. He knew she hadn’t read them all and wanted her to get the chance.
