“Oh, tell us about them,” Nicolas said.
“Well, he runs the X-ray machines at work, his name is Victor Masters, and he is so cute.”
Rory couldn’t help but giggle. Sophia always played the prim and proper grad student in public. She went out for drinks, but always kept it light. It was great to see another side of her. A side she could let loose and be herself, not what the world expected of her.
“That’s great,” Rory said. “When’s your date?”
“We’re going out tomorrow night. I can’t wait.”
“That’s so exciting,” Davi said. “I’m sure you’ll have a fun time.”
“Did he say where he’s taking you?” Nicolas asked.
“No,” Sophia said. “It’s a surprise.”
“Well, I hope you have a wonderful time,” Nicolas said.
Rory glanced at Nicolas. He wasn’t his usual confident, suave self. There was something different. If he wasn’t mistaken, Rory could swear Nicolas had feelings for Sophia. Was Nicolas upset that Sophia had a date? He’d never asked Sophia out, as far as he knew. So, what might have changed?
“So, what about your love life?” Sophia asked Rory.
“What love life?”
“You’re telling me you still haven’t asked Bernard out on a date?”
“No, we’re friends.”
“Friends who are in love,” Jeff said.
“We’re not in love.”
“Why can’t you admit it?” Nicolas said.
Why couldn’t he admit he was in love with his best friend? They’d been friends for over twenty years, and still he couldn’t confess his feelings for him.
“I’m going to tell you guys the truth. Please don’t judge me.”
“Rory, we’re your friends. We wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.” Sophia placed a hand on his shoulder. “You can tell us.”
Rory took a deep breath. It was now or never; he needed to be truthful with his friends.
“Because if I act on my desires for Bernard, I’m going to go to hell.”
They stared at him, open-mouthed.
“What?” Davi asked.
“I’m a devout Catholic. If I do anything with Bernard, then I’ll go to hell. I’d rather live a life alone than face my mother and the church.”
Rory gazed into his drink. The bubbles drifted to the top and popped. They were having a great time, and now he’d ruined it. He brought everyone down.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Jeff said.
“It’s what the Catholic Church taught.”
“Why would God make you this way, to love a man, if He was going to punish you for it?” Nicolas said.
“It’s just His way of testing me, and I have to resist the temptation.”
