“So when she left, even though I kind of missed her, I hate to say it, but I was happy. No more criticism and making me feel stupid. And it was she who left and not you. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me if you’d left.”
Everything around them faded away, leaving only the bare, ugly truth between them.
“The truth can be freeing, right?” Carter squeezed his hand, a knowing smile curving his lips.
“In a way, yeah. My dad, he’s like no one else.” He reached across the table with his free hand to grasp his father’s. And like he had been all his life, his father was right there for him.
“This man stepped in and took over. He became my champion and best friend and got me to a psychiatrist I could relate to.”
“I love you, Reed. Never doubt it.”
“I never have. I may not have loved myself, but I knew I always had you.”
To his surprise, his father let go of his hand and stood. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “You guys have a lot to talk about. Make sure you don’t leave until you work it all out. I have a feeling Carter has some important things you need to hear.”
Carter saluted Walter with two fingers. “On the money, Walter. Right on the money.”
Baffled, Reed waited until his father disappeared through the front doors to turn back to Carter. “What is it? Where is Jacks, by the way?”
“He’s with our neighbor, Helen. She’s a retired special ed teacher and has been with us since the beginning. But you know I wouldn’t leave him alone, so don’t deflect. I came here to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“About us. You, me, and Jacks. And why you think it wouldn’t work. And why didn’t you tell me about your mother?”
“It doesn’t matter; she doesn’t matter in my life anymore.”
Grim-faced, Carter stared at him. “How can you say that? Of course she does. Your childhood was shaped by how she treated you. You’re the man you are partly because of her. And I have to say, you came out the winner, not her.”
No winner if he lost the ultimate prize of having Carter. Exhaustion rolled through Reed. “I can’t do this. Certainly not here, in a crowded bar.”
“Then let’s go.” In one swift move, Carter extricated himself from the booth and stood. “Come with me.”
“Where to?” Reed watched Carter’s reaction with trepidation. “I’m not going to the hotel.”
For the first time that evening, Carter flashed a full-blown smile. “We don’t need that any longer. Besides, it’s a working day tomorrow. I have an idea to make this night special.”
Still wary, Reed gave in to his curiosity and followed Carter out of the bar and into a taxi they found disgorging its passengers right outside.
***
“A horse-drawn carriageride? Are you serious?”
They walked along the outskirts of Central Park and surveyed the line of carriages. Some horses had roses woven in their manes and others had bells. Carter ignored the waves of the carriage men and came upon a beautiful jet-black horse with a white star and dainty white fetlocks. The freshly painted red carriage gleamed, and there were red and white roses in the back seat.
“How are you this fine evening? I’m Patrick, and would you be likin’ a ride tonight?”
Reed couldn’t help but smile back at the man’s strong brogue and engaging grin.
“Yes. We’d like a ride, please.”
“Sure you would. Hop on, and Tommy and I will be givin’ you a perfect evening ride through the park.”
Carter extended his hand. “After you.”
Resistance proved futile against Carter, so Reed stepped up, and a moment later Carter joined him.
“Feel free to partake of any of the items in the back seat; the water and blankets are complimentary.”
