He spent all day at home watching TV in an attempt to distract his brain, but it didn’t work, so he decided to go see Julie and grab dinner at Rodie’s instead. He won’t be able to work for at least a day, unless he sticks to office work, which he doesn’t like.
“Will, what accident did you have?” Julie asks again, pulling him out of his thoughts.
“I stumbled over a log and took a nasty fall. I’ll be as good as new in a couple of days.”
“You better keep yourself safe, baby brother. I’m in no position to take care of you.”
“Me being thirty should stop you from calling me baby brother.”
“I must have missed that memo.” She reaches for his hand and holds it. Her skin is cold and dry, but he welcomes the touch. “Is there anyone who is taking care ofyou?”
He takes a deep breath, hating the concern in her voice. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”
“I know there isn’t a gay scene around here, but maybe if you drive to—”
“Julie, I’m good. Promise.” The last thing he needs is to complicate his life further with anything related to a gay scene while he’s living in Van Buren.
His dying sister watches him with pity, which says a lot. He changes the subject and asks her about the book she’s been reading. She can talk about books till the cows come home, but it doesn’t take her long to grow tired. Will kisses her head and tells her to go to sleep.
He leaves the hospice and makes his way toward Rodie’s. It should be a ten-minute walk, but it takes him more than twenty. By the time he reaches the place, his breath is heavy and his skin is damp. He waits until the pain eases up before stepping into the upbeat sound of country music, the thick smell of cigarettes, and a whole lot of loud chatter.
Bradley waves him over from what has become their regular table. It’s far enough from the speakers and close enough to the pool area. He makes an effort to walk normally, but the pain in his ribs makes him grimace. He slumps into his seat and exhales.
“Shit, what happened to you?”
“Slipped when I stepped out of the shower. Hurt my back.”
“Did you try to shower right after you got home? Man, you were so wasted. I didn’t even notice you drank so much.”
Neither did I.“Yeah, it was after I got home. I should’ve been more careful.” He signals Becky to bring him a beer.
“Here you go, handsome.” She places the tall glass in front of him.
“Thanks.” He takes a long sip, telling himself he isn’t going to drink more than one. He usually goes for two or three, but he clearly needs to reevaluate his limit. “I won’t come to work tomorrow. Can you guys handle it on your own for a bit?”
“It will be hard without your sixth sense, but we’ll manage.” Bradley frowns at the entrance. “You know this guy?”
Will turns to look, grimacing at the stiffness in his back. It’s rare to see anyone new in Van Buren since tourists don’t have a reason to stop by. The young man who just walked in is tall, even taller than Will. He’s on the skinny side; his hair as dark as a crow and reaching past his shoulders. There’s a bruise on the side of his handsome face—no, not handsome—pretty. He seems uncomfortable as he stands with his hands in the pockets of his denim jacket.
“Hey, over here!”
Will turns to see Bradley waving the stranger over. “What are you doing?”
“He obviously doesn’t know anyone. My mama raised me to be hospitable.”
Looking suspicious, the stranger comes over. “Um, hello.”
“You visiting town?” Bradley asks.
“Sort of. I’ll be living here for a while, staying at my aunt’s house.”
“Oh, sweet. You look like a city boy.”
Will sighs. He never met anyone who is as fond of talking as Bradley.
“I’m from Kansas City, so I guess that makes me a city boy. I’m Owen. Nice to meet you guys.”
“I’m Bradley, and this here is Will. He’s a bit bruised, so don’t ask him to dance.”
