He yearned to kiss Bernard and feel his warm, soft lips pressed against his own.
They headed to Casey’s Mini Golf Extravaganza. Neither of them was good at mini golf. They kept hitting the side of objects or past the hole.
Rory stumbled along the path, and Bernard caught him, laughing.
“Hey, move along and make out somewhere else.” A husky voice came from behind them.
They both looked over to see a man with two children by his side.
Rory turned to Bernard. He had the same look he had when the guy told them to stop hugging in the park back in April.
“Bernard,” he whispered. “Leave it. He didn’t say anything offensive. He has children with him.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.”
Bernard didn’t confront the man, which Rory appreciated. He’d only ever seen Bernard angry a few times, and each time it was because someone directed hate toward him. He kept Bernard calm, which brought a smile to his face. Bernard respected him enough to not cause a scene, and it was endearing.
Rory won the game by two points.
“That last shot was lucky,” Bernard said as they sat down for lunch.
“Maybe I’m just really good,” Rory laughed.
Rory chose a cozy diner for lunch. He got a club sandwich with chips and soda, and Bernard ordered a burger, fries, and a root beer.
“I’m having a wonderful time,” Bernard said.
“I’m so happy to hear that. I was pretty nervous.”
Rory bowed his head. He couldn’t look Bernard in the eyes.
Bernard reached across the table and placed his hand over his. Bernard’s touch warmed his heart.
“It’s okay to be nervous,” Bernard said. “I’m still nervous. It’s been so long since I’ve had a date.”
“I’ve never had an actual date.”
“I know, and I know you’re scared of what might happen. That’s okay. I’m here with you. I like being with you.”
Rory smiled. “I like being with you too.”
They ate and discussed what they wanted for their futures. While they’d been friends for years, they never discussed what the other looked for in someone they wanted to date.
“I looked for someone like you,” Bernard said. “I think I always wanted to be with someone who cared about me as much as you do.”
“You did?”
“Yes. You’ve always been sweet, caring, compassionate, and a wonderful friend. What more could I ask for in a partner?”
The answer took him aback. Bernard wanted someone like him as a partner. He’d never imagined he’d be someone’s type, and here his best friend told him he was worthy of being his partner.
“I never truly understood my feelings,” Rory said. “The church made me reject my feelings. Now that I’m here with you, I don’t feel that it’s wrong. You are the one I’ve wanted to be with, always.”
“We are here now, and I’ll never let you go again.”
Rory searched Bernard’s eyes as they held hands. He was honest, protective, and a kind and patient man. This was what he’d waited for.
They finished lunch and headed to the theater. They shuffled in for the two o’clock matinee.
