It was a framed movie poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1944Lifeboatstarring Tallulah Bankhead!
“It’s even autographed,” Molly said, “by old ‘ambisextrous’ herself.”
William gazed reverently at the poster.
“I’ve never known him to be speechless,” Matt said.
William wiped his eyes, smiled at Molly. “Thank you, dahling. I’ll treasure this. I’d hug you, but, frankly, I don’t want to smell like German sausage the rest of the night.”
Molly laughed. “That’s okay, William. I’d hug you, too, but I don’t want to smell like Estee Lauder! Now, c’mon everyone. Let’s go inside and take some party pics!”
Chapter 44: Happy Ending
Friday, April 26, 1996
Matt let himself into Nicholas’s and Bradley’s house. The place seemed eerily quiet, so much so that he could hear the soft ticking of the grandfather clock.
Outside, a squirrel chattered, probably warning its buddies about a prowling cat.
It was 4:00 p.m. Adam would be there soon!
Matt had splurged on a bouquet of roses. He carried them to the dining room, set the vase on the table, and fussed with the arrangement.
He retrieved his travel bag from his car, intending to carry it upstairs, but then noticed a splash of color on the living room mantle.
He stepped closer. The wood floor creaked under his weight.
There were two bright, greeting-card sized envelopes propped on the mantle. One bore his name. The other Adam’s.
Matt opened his, unfolded a handwritten note from Bradley. A $20 bill fluttered to the floor.
Matt:
Nicholas and I won’t be back until early Sunday evening, so make yourselves at home. I’ve prepped some meals for you. They’re in the ‘fridge. Instructions are on the countertop by the toaster.
Give Adam my best. I hope to meet him soon.
I feel like he and I are kindred spirits. Many years ago, when I was about his age, I went through a dark patch. Death seemed like the least-worst option. Long story short: I tried to kill myself.
There was a time, afterwards, for at least a year, when I was so conflicted. Part of me wanted to race ahead with life, to catch up with everyone else, you know, the people whose lives hadn’t been put on hold while they “recovered.”
Another part of me was afraid I was going too fast and would get in over my head and end up in that dark place again.
It was like driving down the road with one foot on the gas, one on the brake.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that Adam might feel the same way.
If so, your job is to remember that he’s the one behind the wheel. You’re just the passenger for this journey.
Buckle up. Expect some whiplash. No one likes a backseat driver.
Love him through this!
P.S.: I’m enclosing some money for pizza delivery, in case you want a break from my cooking.
Matt returned the note and cash to its envelope. Smiled at the thought of Bradley’s planning a trip to Eureka Springs just so a couple of lovesick college kids could enjoy a romantic weekend in his home.
Matt went to the kitchen to see what was on the menu for dinner, wondering, if by chance it included those panko and pecorino stuffed mushrooms Bradley had served at Robert’s birthday party, worried whether Bradley had remembered that Adam was a vegetarian.
