“Is there something you want to talk about?”
“Can we talk at your place?”
“Of course.”
*
THEY SAT ONthe couch at Bernard’s house, facing each other. Rory wrapped his arms around himself, shaking.
“Rory, you can talk to me.”
“I want you to know, if you decide to date Kelly, I’d support it. He seems like a genuine guy, and you deserve to be happy.”
This was not the reaction Bernard expected. Rory was upset when he thought something had happened, and now he was approving a relationship between him and Kelly.
“What’s the real reason you’re upset?”
“I’m just feeling a little lonely,” Rory said. “I think it’s because I’m seeing so many happy couples and I feel left out.”
Bernard reached over and hugged him. The only couple they’d interacted with was Sarah and John. Rory was hiding something but didn’t want to talk about it. It wasn’t his place to force anything.
“If you ever want to talk, know I’ll be here for you,” Bernard said.
“Thank you.”
They held the hug until Rory said he should head out.
*
BERNARD COLLAPSED ONhis bed after he showered and changed. It had been a busy day. He couldn’t get the look on Rory’s face out of his mind. Something bothered him. His friends were right. Sarah said Rory was checking him out and Kelly thought Rory was interested in him. Maybe he should ask Rory out. What if Rory rejected him? He didn’t know what to do. His feelings for Rory had grown strong over the last few months. They were even stronger than when he was twenty-five and wished Rory was gay. He needed to move forward; he just didn’t know how.
Chapter Sixteen
Bernard
Saturday, July 4/Sunday, July 5
IT WAS THEFourth of July, and Bernard dressed for a day at the lake. He, Sarah, and John had a tradition of going to Coyote Lake on the Fourth of July every year. This year, Kelly and Rory would join them. He looked forward to a day of great food and fun.
Bernard arrived early to get a good parking place and a great spot for the perfect view of the fireworks that night.
He looked out over the water. A few people drove their boats next to the docks. He breathed in the warm lake air.
Bernard was setting up the barbecue and blankets when John, Sarah, and Kelly arrived. John and Kelly carried a giant cooler between them.
“I take it you brought all the food we’ll need to cook for the next week.” Bernard pointed at the cooler and laughed.
“Well, I never know how much anyone’s going to eat, so we brought extra,” John said.
“There’s another one in my truck,” Kelly said.
“I’ll help.” Bernard followed John and Kelly to the truck.
Bernard helped them carry the cooler, a folding table, folding chairs, and camp chairs from Kelly’s truck to their site. Sarah brought a navy-blue cloth to cover the table. Bernard helped her put out chips, potato salad, coleslaw, and plates on the table while John and Kelly prepared the grill.
Rory arrived at half past ten. Bernard and Rory joined John and Kelly at the grill. John was the best griller of the group, so he took the reins while they watched.
Crowds of people filled in the space around their site as the group prepared lunch.
