“Maybe it would be easier if someone helped you.” She aimed a hopeful look in my direction, but I quickly shut her down. “No way. Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I know anything about hair, makeup, and nails. I can’t decorate worth a fuck either.”
Minnie let out a deep, disappointed sigh that her gay nephew wasn’t as exciting as some of my male counterparts in the rainbow community. Our community was full of labels, all of them demeaning in one way or another, as if we had to be shoved into one category or another. It was all bullshit really and I often felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. My label would’ve been the Boring Gay.
“Tell me about the damage to the house,” Minnie said, sobering. I went over the details, including the parts where Elijah scared the kids off before too much damage could be done and how lucky we were that Willis acted as fast as he did.
“Did you see Maverick?” Her question knocked me off balance and it was several seconds before I could speak.
“You knew he was back in town and you didn’t tell me?”
“It wasn’t my story to tell, love.” She reached over and ran her hand over the back of my head and neck like she always did when I was stressed. “He came back to town last year, rented the loft apartment over Roxie’s garage, and started his business. He’s been very successful too. His company does beautiful work restoring these old homes to their former glory. He’s going to cost you a fortune.” I feared the expense to my heart would be far more damaging than to my wallet.
“Fuck!” I shouted as a thought just occurred to me when she mentioned the cost. “I forgot to call the insurance agent and report the damage.”
“Honey, it’s a very small town and I guarantee she’s already heard it through the rumor mill. I’m willing to bet that she’ll be at your house this afternoon even if you hadn’t called her. She takes after her daddy and he was a mighty fine man.” I heard a little wistful tone in her voice and I wondered how well she knew the man before he passed away a few years ago. I had never known Minnie to date anyone in all the years I had been alive. Surely she had to have someone special in her life at one time or another. “Go on inside and give Sandy a call while it’s on your mind and I’ll try to salvage these fuckers.” She pointed to her toes.
Sandy had heard about the vandalism and told me she would be heading to the house in a few hours. I told her I’d meet her there and then poured a glass of lemonade for Minnie and me. By the time I had returned to the covered porch, Minnie had all traces of her nail polish mishap removed.
“You’re such a doll.” Minnie drank deeply from her glass before she set it down and pinned me down with her intense gaze. “You didn’t answer my question about seeing Maverick. Can I take your avoidance as a yes?”
“I saw him.”
“And?” I told her about the way he avoided me and the brief, awkward conversation we had. “You boys were so damn close when you were little boys and even closer as teenagers. I’m sure it hurt to see him again after being separated for so long.” I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes at her. “You think I didn’t know about the stolen kisses and more? The walls in that house were thick, but not that thick. I had to turn on my radio a few times to drown out the young love.”
“Oh my God.” I turned away as my face heated up with embarrassment.
“There’s no need to impersonate a tomato, Noah. It wasn’t like I didn’t know it was headed in that direction anyway. I knew you loved him the moment you two met.”
“You knew I was gay, but didn’t say anything?” It wasn’t like her to keep her opinion to herself.
“I wanted you to come out in your own way and at the time of your choosing. Maybe I should’ve told you what I suspected and let you confirm or deny, but I thought it might scare you or make you feel like I was accusing you. I hope I wasn’t wrong.”
I thought about what she said for a few minutes and I realized she was right. I might have been afraid that she would tell my dad if she confronted me. Maybe there are times when parents or relatives should be proactive, but for me it was best to come out on my own. Her wisdom never failed to amaze me. “You weren’t wrong, Aunt Minnie.”
She offered me a brilliant smile before changing the subject. “What’s going on with you these days?” I told her about Justin’s return in my life and the unexpected turn of events there. I told her how I dreaded going into my own practice or even checking emails or texts from him.
“You’re going to have to tell him straight up how you feel. That one doesn’t pick up on subtle innuendos, which amazes me that he could be a good psychiatrist. Aren’t you trained to pick up subtle details?” I nodded my head. “Then he’s being deliberately obtuse. He’s going to keep pushing and inching his way into your life until you either give in to him or tell him to take a hike.”
“I know, but it doesn’t feel right to do it over the phone or email. I will have a talk with him as soon as I get back to D.C.”
“When will that be?” She asked. My only answer was a shrug because I honestly didn’t know how long I’d be around.
Madge and I visited for a little longer and then headed to Tara’s diner to order some sandwiches and chips for the crew. I returned to my house a little past noon and noticed that Maverick either hadn’t arrived on the job or he had been there and left while I was gone. I was more disappointed than I should’ve been, especially after learning that Maverick was in a relationship. The crew’s appreciation of my gesture almost made up for the frustration I felt over the situation with Maverick.
That was until Alex gave me the bad news and informed me that the walnut floors couldn’t be salvaged and would have to be replaced. I had a big decision to make regarding how long I stayed in Beaufort and hell if I knew what I should do.
Do I stay or do I go?
