“That works,” Kelly said.
Bernard hugged everyone, except Kelly who insisted on handshakes, and followed Rory out to his truck.
They made it to his house and Bernard went in for a hug. Rory didn’t squeeze back with his usual vigor.
“What’s wrong?” Bernard asked.
“Kelly seems really nice,” Rory said.
“Yeah, he seems like a great guy.”
“So,” Rory looked at him. “Are you going to ask him out?”
Bernard couldn’t tell where this was coming from. It wasn’t like Rory to be upset when Bernard dated. He’d had two boyfriends that Rory knew of. He’d helped him through both breakups. Did he think Kelly would hurt him?
“No,” Bernard said. “We’re not interested in dating.”
“Oh,” Rory said. “He doesn’t want to date you?”
“He doesn’t want to date anyone.”
“If he was interested, would you date him?”
This was an odd line of questioning. Kelly was attractive, burly, and a sweet man. Bernard didn’t know if dating was the right move for him. He couldn’t say he’d say no if Kelly asked him out. Bernard was someone Kelly found attractive, according to Sarah. He didn’t know what to do. He wanted Rory but had to settle for someone who wasn’t him.
“I’m not sure,” Bernard said. “He seems like a sweet guy. I might go on a date.”
“So, if you and he were both ready, would you date him?”
“Rory,” Bernard said. “What’s going on?”
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt like you did with Jason and Tracy.”
Bernard pulled Rory into a hug. Rory cared about him, and this proved it. He wanted the best for him. Bernard couldn’t ask for a better friend.
“Rory, I know you won’t let that happen. I won’t make the mistakes I did with Jason and Tracy. Thank you for being my friend.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“I know.”
Bernard held the embrace for a few moments longer than he normally would. He didn’t want to let go. He never wanted to let Rory go again.
“I have to go change for church,” Rory said. “I’ll be here tomorrow to help finish up with Kelly’s move.”
Bernard watched him go.
*
WHEN HE ARRIVEDat Kelly’s house the next day, Kelly already had pizza and soda ready for everyone.
“Thought we could eat before we unpack.”
“I won’t say no to pizza and soda,” Bernard said.
After they finished eating Kelly gave them directions on what to unpack and everyone moved to their respective rooms. Mai couldn’t make it, so it was just the four of them until Rory arrived.
Bernard found box after box of books, which he wasn’t sure what to do with, so he stacked them to the side.
