Page 4 of A Straight Line

“If he comes in here with a rainbow kerchief, just wear it, Russ.” He said. “Harry is so proud that we’ve reached this night.”

I twisted my jaw back and forth, mulling this over.

“Fine.” I sighed. “I can be his paper doll for one night.”

“That’s my boy.” Vic patted my hand once more before standing up straight again.

“Vic,” I asked, “what’s he going to do without the bar? I mean, retirement? I can’t imagine Harry not keeping busy all day.”

Uncle Victor chuckled to himself as he leaned back against the counter behind him.

“You as well,” I added. “A Straight Line was everything to you guys. To all the queer people in the area. What now?”

“Well,” Vic mulled this over, “the bar will still be there for all of the queer people around here. They’ll still have a home. And you’re here now. I guess we have a free house sitter for all of those trips we always said we’d take. Free house sitter? Free time? Maybe I’ll get Harry to France for a second time after all?”

“Really?”

“We’ll probably buy some recliners and watch Murder, She Wrote,” Vic admitted. “We have the whole box set on DVD.”

“I have no idea what that is, but I’m sure it’s something fascinating for—”

Uncle Vic gave me a stern look.

“For people of a certain age.” I smiled impishly.

“People of a certain age?” Vic glowered. “We can send you back to your parents, Russ.”

“I’m twenty-five years old.” I laughed. “You can’t send me back to my parents. You can’t send me anywhere.”

“We can make you sleep in the yard.” He quipped mirthfully.

“Fine.” I relented. “But you guys are people of a certain age. No offense intended.”

“I hope Harry returns with a rainbow ascot and leather chaps.” He replied.

I laughed loudly.

“Don’t forget to take your pills while you’re in there, Harry!” Uncle Vic turned his attention from me to scream towards the hallway. “If you don’t take your evening meds now, you’re going to forget once the party starts!”

Uncle Harry screamed back something that indicated he had heard. I smiled at Vic as he settled back into leaning against the kitchen counter. After nearly fifty years of togetherness, my two uncles still looked after each other. Vic gave me a smile.

“When you find the love of your life, Russ, make sure you take care of them.” He advised. “Someone has to remind the idiots to look after their health, after all.”

I shifted on the stool.

“Love.” I scoffed.

“Love,” Vic repeated. “You know? The thing that makes the world go ‘round?”

“Right. Fuck science. Let’s give philosophy the credit.”

“To be so young and jaded.” Vic pretended to swoon. “It’s a wonder the boys aren’t absolutely busting down your door.”

“Ow.” I laughed, though it wasn’t genuine.

“Listen,” Vic was moving to lean across the counter once again, “tonight is special. It means a lot to your Uncle Harry. And to me. Try not to be too much of a cynic.”

“Okay.” I agreed. “I mean, I’ll try.”