Rory curled up to Bernard. Bernard wrapped his arm around him as they continued to watch the movie. If Rory was comfortable enough to show affection, he’d oblige and to hell with anyone who disagreed, it wasn’t about them.
“You two are such a cute couple.” A voice came from behind them.
They looked up to see a woman dressed as a go-go dancer. Bernard looked closer.
“Emily?”
“Hi, Bernard,” Emily said.
He stood and hugged her.
“I haven’t seen you since Sarah and John’s wedding,” he said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to yours.”
“It’s okay, I understand.”
It was a relief she understood. He missed her wedding because he was in the hospital. He’d drunk himself into unconsciousness after finding Tracy cheating on him. He was there overnight, but it took a week for him to find himself again. His stomach churned at the memory. He’d allowed Tracy to get under his skin and push him to drink his pain away.
“Hi, Rory, nice to see you again.” She smiled.
“You too, Emily.”
Rory hugged Emily.
“Is Chris here?” Bernard asked.
“No, he had a late shift at the hospital. They’re short-staffed, so they called him in.”
“That sucks,” Bernard said. “It’d be nice to see him again.”
“Maybe we can have you over for dinner sometime.”
“That’d be great.”
Emily said goodbye and continued to mingle with the other guests.
Bernard and Rory went back to the movie. Rory snuggled up close again and Bernard wrapped his arm around him. Rory curled his feet behind him.
“So, what would you say to a cruise?” Bernard said.
“A cruise?”
“Yeah, we get on a boat for seven to ten days and travel the ocean. Visit places and see the sights.”
“I think that’d be fun,” Rory said. “Where would we go?”
“I don’t know. Devon’s cousin is a travel agent. He might have a better idea. I just wanted to float it past you before I started looking into it.”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Great, I’ll talk to Devon and get more details.”
Bernard and Rory said their goodbyes when the clock hit nine. It was late and Rory had to get up for church.
They stood on the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow for our day at the park?” Bernard asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
They kissed. A hint of chocolate filled Bernard’s mouth as he explored Rory’s with his tongue. He wanted this to last. He wanted to spend the night with Rory. But long trips away from home would draw unwanted attention to Rory’s family. Bernard understood, but his heart ached to hold him.
