“John, should we tell them?” Sarah asked as they sat around the table to eat.
“I think we can,” John said.
“The agency approved our application to adopt,” Sarah said, squealing with joy.
“That’s amazing,” Bernard said.
“Congratulations,” Rory said.
“You’ve been on that list for over three years,” Kelly said. “I’m so glad they approved you.”
“We received the letter a few months ago,” John said. “But we didn’t want to say anything until they completed it. We’ll get to meet our new child soon.”
“That’s great,” Bernard said. “You two are going to make wonderful parents.”
A pang of jealousy hit him. He was happy for them, but he had wanted a child for years. He wouldn’t get the chance. Adoption was nearly impossible for a gay couple, and a single gay man wouldn’t get a second look. He hated the sting of resentment. It wasn’t their fault the government passed biased laws. He hoped one day to have a child. He’d thought about in vitro and finding a surrogate. But in vitro was expensive, and he’d have to save for years.
He resolved to be supportive. Sarah and John found out five years ago they couldn’t have children. They never said why, and Bernard never pushed the issue. Sarah had taken a week off work when they found out. She wasn’t herself for months after. He gave her the space she needed and was there when she wanted to talk. She wanted children, but never mentioned adoption.
John and Sarah talked about everything from how old the child would be to what they’d like to do for fun. They didn’t care if they got a boy or girl, just that they would give a loving home to a child.
They played poker after lunch and Bernard was astonished by how good Rory was.
“How’d you get so good at this?” Bernard asked.
“Oh, we played a lot of poker games when we were waiting on codes to process during grad school. I grabbed a book on how to play and studied it.”
“Impressive,” Kelly said.
They played as the sun descended. Sweat beat down Bernard’s face.
“I’m sorry, it’s too hot. I’m taking this polo off,” Bernard said.
He pulled the polo shirt over his head to reveal his tank top.
“Good idea.” John removed his shirt, revealing his bare skin.
“Sure.” Rory took off his shirt. He didn’t wear an undershirt either.
Bernard stared at his hairy body. The hair covered him like a light sweater. Bernard had the urge to run his fingers through it. To feel the soft fur. Rory was everything he looked for in a man. He was considerate and honest, but straight. That’s what he had to tell himself. Rory was straight. He couldn’t have these feelings.
Kelly didn’t take off his shirt, but Bernard was the only one to notice. His heart ached for Kelly. He hid his scars, and he hadn’t mentioned it since Bernard walked in on him.
Bernard stole glances at Rory as they continued playing.
“Oh, I forgot to mention,” Rory said. “I took the job at the college. I start in August.”
“That’s wonderful,” Bernard said.
“That’s great, Rory,” Sarah said.
John and Kelly both congratulated him and toasted him with their beers.
“I’m heading to the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” Rory said.
Once Rory was out of earshot, the others turned on Bernard.
“What’s wrong with you?” Sarah asked.
