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Gary counted to three before answering. “That would be my squad.”
It was Dad’s turn to blink. “Oh.”
Gary’s ribs felt too tight, his stomach too heavy. That hollowed-out feeling was back with a vengeance.The first time he wants to talk about my job, and why? To tell me I’m not doing enough. I’m not good enough.
And just like that, he knew that when he left them, he wouldn’t go home. He had to do something to end the day on a better note.
I need Cory.
He’d stick it out for a couple of hours; then he’d make his excuses and leave.
Gary didn’t imagine for one minute they’d be begging him to stay longer.
HE SCANNEDCathedral Station’s patrons, those at the bar or seated at tables, but there was no sign of Cory. Music pulsed through the floor, and voices rose to be heard above it. The happy scene felt incongruous after the frostbitten hours he’d spent with his parents.
That’s why I’m here.He wanted to smile, laugh, chat….
He wanted to feel normal again.
Gary pulled his phone from his pocket and composed a quick text.I give up. Where are you?
Seconds later a reply pinged back.The patio. I’ve got you a drink.
Bless him. Gary pushed his way politely through the crowd and stepped out into the early evening air. Cory waved from a table next to the trellis festooned with a huge Pride flag, ivy curling its way upward and outward through the wooden structure. Black parasols covered the tables, and a railing separated them from the street. When Gary reached the table, Cory got to his feet and gave him an exuberant hug.
“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining,” Gary added as Cory released him. Gary feigned pain. “On second thought, I think you cracked one of my ribs.” He sank onto one of the metal patio chairs, and before he could stretch out a hand for the frosty glass of beer waiting for him, Cory placed it in his grasp.
“You look like you need that. The hug too.” Cory cocked his head. “I don’t have to ask how the parental visit went, do I?”
“No, you do not.” Cory knew the score. Gary took a long drink. He glanced at their surroundings. “Don’t look now, but I think you brought us to a gay bar.”
Cory snorted. “You bet your fur it’s a gay bar. And don’t give me that. You knew exactly what kind of bar it was. You’re a cop in this city—you knoweverybar. Besides, I didn’t get a text from you saying no, no, no when I suggested it.”
Of course he’d known.
“Why go to a dull and boring bar? The eye candy iswaysuperior here.” Cory gave a nod to someone over Gary’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming.
Gary speared him with a look. “Down boy. We arenothere to find you someone to go home with.”
Cory pouted. “Spoilsport. If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have worn this little ensemble.” He gestured to his tight jeans and even tighter tee. “This is my best hookup gear.”
“Do you spray those on?” Gary coughed. “You got your nipples pierced, I see.” The sight unfurled something deep in his belly, a sudden rush of heat he couldn’t explain. Then Cory’s words sank in. “I can’t believe you’re still saying that.”
“Saying what?”
“You bet your fur. You were coming out with that in tenth grade. Stephen King has a lot to answer for.” Cory’s obsession withIthad lasted beyond high school.
Cory glared. “Don’t you diss my hero. I treasure that book, especially after the movie came out.”
“Surely that paperback has died by now. The back cover was already hanging off by the time we graduated.”
“God bless stationery tape.” He sipped from the tall glass filled with greenery.
“Whatisthat you’re drinking? A mojito?”
Cory rolled his eyes. “You just sit there and drink your nice but boring heterosexual beer, and I’ll drink myfabulouscocktail.” His eyes twinkled. “Except we both know the beer is a smokescreen, and the only reason we’ve stayed friends for so long is because you’re a closeted gay man who has the hots for me, but who’s never found the nerve to come right out and reveal your true feelings.” He grinned. “Pun most definitely intended.”
Gary laughed. “Yeah, that must be it. You see right through me.” Cory’s laughter mingled with his.
