“So, what did you say?”
“I told him I wasn’t gay, and that I was just experimenting.”
“Why would you say that?”
“He got hired at Gilroy High School a few years after me,” Sean said. “I didn’t want him to out me.” He turned on the car and blasted the air conditioning.
“That’s rough.”
“He doesn’t hide being gay like I do,” he said. “He doesn’t flaunt it, but most of the staff knows and his students have probably figured it out.”
“Have you tried talking to him about what happened?”
“Well, not really,” he said. “We don’t run in the same circles, and he’d shun me anyway.”
“He clearly knows you’re interested in men, or he wouldn’t have asked if we were on a date.”
“I know, and it’s hard. I liked him, but being out in my career isn’t easy.”
“Remember the advice you gave me about Rory?”
“Yes.”
“Same applies. Talk to him. Let him know you made a mistake and that you want him to know you’re gay, but not out.”
“But I’d have to admit I lied back then.”
“We all make mistakes.” Bernard looked at him. “I know from experience.”
“Thanks.” Sean smiled.
“Just giving you your own advice.”
They drove back to Sean’s house. He parked in his driveway and glanced over at Bernard.
“So, wanna come in?” Sean waggled his eyebrows and laughed.
“Funny.”
“I like my sense of humor,” Sean said.
“It was nice getting to hang out and have fun. It’s been a long time.”
“I’m glad we could spend time together and be friends.”
“Me too.”
*
ONCE HOME, BERNARDdressed in night clothes and sat on the couch. He put onMy Best Friend’s Weddingand ate some cookies with milk.
Bernard thought about Jules’s love for Michael as their relationship played out in the movie, and how it reminded him of his own life. He loved Rory, but deep down his love could only be a friendship. He couldn’t lose Rory again because of what he hoped might happen. Could he?
What if Rory is gay? He seemed like he was hinting at it at the barbecue. He placed his hand in mine at the movies and left it there for a few minutes. I want to ask him out so badly.
Chapter Fourteen
Rory
