Bernard pulled up to Sean’s house a few minutes before ten.
Who would have thought I’d find myself back here?
Bernard took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Sean answered, wearing a Giants jersey and shorts. The jersey hid his barrel chest and belly. Bernard remembered them well. Images of Sean on top of him sprung into his head. He pushed them away, reminding himself they were friends.
“Bernard, it’s great to see you.” Sean shook his hand.
Sean’s neighbors appeared interested in their interaction. They watched everything that happened.
“We’re heading to a ball game, Mr. Parker. If my package arrives, can you get it for me, please?” he asked his next-door neighbor, a man in his fifties.
“Of course, Sean.”
“You have some neighbors interested in what you do,” Bernard said.
“A few of my students live in the area,” Sean said. “I need to keep a low profile so they and their parents don’t get suspicious.”
“I get it,” Bernard said. He understood discretion. Being a gay teacher couldn’t be easy. “Where are we heading for lunch?”
“I was thinking we could hit up Pete’s Deli. It’s good, fast, and easy.”
“That sounds like a plan to me.”
At the deli, Bernard took in the scent of garlic bread, grilled onions, and sliced steak. The aroma made him smile.
The hostess found them a table and sat them. “Your server will be with you shortly.”
“How have I never been to Pete’s before?” Bernard asked himself.
“Wait. You’ve never been?”
“Nope.”
“Man, you’re gonna love it,” Sean said.
When the waitress arrived, Sean ordered a burger, fries, soda, and milkshake. Bernard settled on a cheesesteak sandwich, chips, soda, and a milkshake.
“I haven’t had a good milkshake in a while,” Bernard said.
“You’ll love theirs.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I’m glad you reached out,” Sean said. “I’ve thought about how we left things.”
“You have?” Bernard asked.
“I know things didn’t end as planned. I didn’t want to rush you into a friendship after that. I wanted to be friends, but when you didn’t answer my calls, I thought it best to let you contact me when you were ready.”
“Thanks for that. I’m fine with it all now. I took the time I needed.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
“When I reconnected with Rory, I realized how important friendships are.”
“I’m guessing that’s a friend of yours.”
“Yes. Rory and I were close when we were younger.” Bernard glanced upward and thought of their conversation at the barbecue. “I’m glad he came back into my life. He was my best friend.”
