“That’s great. I’m so happy to hear it.”
“So, it’s still early. Do you want to see a movie?” Rory asked.
He wanted to spend time with Bernard.
“Yeah, what did you have in mind?”
“Well, I remember you like romantic movies, and I saw thatHope Floatswas playing at the theater. I looked at movie times and there’s a showing in twenty minutes.”
“You’re not big on romantic movies though,” Bernard said.
“True, but I know you like them. Since you spent the evening with me and my friends, I wanted to do something you’d enjoy,” Rory said.
He was flirting with his childhood best friend. Someone who occupied his mind, even when they were apart. Six years didn’t change his feelings. Feelings he was discovering were more than he’d once thought. He wanted to know where this could go, but doubt crept in. His family and his church disapproved of these feelings.
“Okay, let’s go.”
*
THEY GOT POPCORN, soda, and nachos and walked into the theater. Only two couples occupied the seats. They sat in the back for a better view.
As Birdee, played by Sandra Bullock, tried to get her life together back home, Rory noticed how often he touched Bernard’s hand on the shared armrest. Each touch sent chills up his arm. The urge to hold his hand overwhelmed him. He placed his hand over Bernard’s. Bernard didn’t move his hand. Rory’s heart thumped against his chest. The warmth of Bernard’s hand soothed him. It felt right.
What am I doing? I can’t.He moved his hand off to grab a handful of popcorn.
*
THEY WALKED OUTof the theater. “That was pretty good,” Rory said.
“Yeah, I enjoyed it.”
Rory thought about the warmth of Bernard’s hand. Bernard didn’t mention it. Did he make a mistake? Should he have left it there? Not put it on the armrest in the first place? He didn’t know what he should do. He’d never flirted before and wasn’t sure what to do.
They stood next to Rory’s car after the movie.
“Thanks for the movie.” Bernard smiled.
Rory wanted to kiss him. His soft lips called to him.
“It was nice.” Rory moved in for a hug.
He squeezed. He held back the urge to pull away and kiss his friend. His mind raced, conflicted between what the church taught was right and what felt right. His stomach ached at being this close to him and unable to be with him. The church had conditioned him, and he couldn’t escape their grasp.
“So, do you want to meet at the park tomorrow?” Rory asked.
“I can’t,” Bernard said. “I’m going to a ball game with Sean.”
“Who’s Sean?”
“He’s…” Bernard paused. “I’m going to be honest. He’s someone I had a date with a year ago. I reconnected with him after I ran into you because I thought I needed more friends.”
“That’s wonderful.” Rory’s heart ached. He feared this. Bernard didn’t want him. This Sean guy had to be Bernard’s type. It wasn’t Rory. There was no reason to mention Eddie to him now, he’d found someone.
I should be happy he’s found someone. Why does it hurt so much? Why can’t I get it together?
“I haven’t been to a game in over a year,” Bernard said. “Oh, and I wanted to ask a favor. John’s cousin Kelly is moving next weekend. Would you be able to help?”
“Sure, I’d love to help,” he said. “I have to attend mass and lunch with my parents, but I’m free the rest of the time.”
