Sunday, July 5/Monday, July 6
BERNARD LOADED LEAVES, broken pots, and old soil into a garbage bin. He started cleaning out the greenhouse in his yard. He needed to make sure it was fit for plants. It would take a while to get it ready, and summer was as good a time as any.
His watch alarm went off at noon. He put the bin inside the greenhouse and went inside to shower and change.
He packed up some snacks, leashed Ginger, and headed to the park to meet Rory.
The park was filled with families. Summer brought locals outdoors to get some sun and allow their children to play. The hot air was muggy, but he loved it. Living his whole life in Gilroy, he got used to the weather. It was funny when the Garlic Festival hit. Tourists came from far and wide to taste the garlic ice cream. The festival was a few weeks away. He’d decided years ago not to attend anymore. It was hot, crowded, and expensive, and he didn’t have his mother to go with.
Bernard waited in his truck with Ginger and the AC.
Rory arrived around one. He walked over to Bernard’s truck carrying a basket.
“Hi there,” Rory said, smiling.
“Hey, Rory.” Bernard hugged him. “What have you got there?”
“Look, you’re great and all, but I couldn’t eat more of those snacks you bring. I made some cupcakes.” Rory punched him lightly.
Chills ran up his spine. He wanted this to last. He wanted Rory’s touch.
Damn it, Rory. Tell me you want me already.
“I’ll take those over these store-bought snacks any day.”
They walked into the park, Ginger right beside Bernard in her harness.
“It’s pretty packed today,” Bernard said. “I hope we can find a spot.”
They moved through the park. A light breeze eased the heat of the blazing sun. July was always hot.
They searched for thirty minutes before they found a shaded area to set up.
“I still brought milk.” Bernard pulled out a bottle. “I can’t have snacks without milk.”
“That sounds fine to me.”
They ate cupcakes and watched the surrounding families enjoy the lake. Children ran to the playground while their parents sat on benches nearby.
Bernard noticed couples everywhere. They held hands, kissed, and made eyes at each other. The memory of the man who confronted them when they walked the trail a few months ago assaulted his mind. Did these people prevent him from dating again? Did the fear of always defending his relationships hold him hostage? He couldn’t let them hold him back.
“What’s on your mind?” Rory asked.
Bernard shook his head. “Oh, nothing.”
“That was not a ‘nothing’ look,” Rory said. “That was a deep in thought look.”
“I’m just…” He searched for the right words. “I’m upset that I’m sabotaging my own happiness.”
“What do you mean?”
“See all the couples nearby.” Bernard pointed out each couple along the path and on the benches.
“Yeah, so?”
“I keep thinking about that man who thought we were a couple and how he reacted,” Bernard said. “We’re not even a couple. I hate how he treated us. That wasn’t the first time and I know it won’t be the last. I think I give up on dates because I don’t want to face that.”
“I’m sorry you have to go through that.” Rory put his arm around him. “I know it can’t be easy. What if you found someone you had a strong connection with? Someone who you could face that with and know nothing would break you apart?”
