“It’s hardly a job, but yeah, sounds good. Cheers.”
As he drinks his cold beer, he feels Owen watching him intently. He doesn’t mind, but maybe he should.
“Do people know about you?” Owen asks quietly.
“It’s safe to say that everyone in town knows about me.”
“Well, maybe this whole small-town-homophobia stereotype is an exaggeration.”
Will shakes his head, a bitter taste in his mouth. Owen’s naivety is endearing yet potentially dangerous. “These people have known me for thirty years. Those who are not outright hostile still keep their distance, despite being polite. Don’t assume being gay is not a big deal around here—it is. I won’t tell you how to live your life, just please don’t confuse politeness with open-mindedness.”
Owen’s shoulders slump as he watches the water. He has a delicate profile and a long neck, but all Will canfocus on is the sadness in his eyes.I really know how to liven up a party.But he’s not going to apologize and try to downplay the truth. If Owen wants to be safe, he needs to be careful and not trust easily.
“Your food, boys,” the waitress says.
At least the food brightens Owen’s mood. “That’s some serious burger,” he says and takes a big bite, dripping ketchup and pickles onto his plate. “Hmm, s’good!”
Will takes a bite as well, but he takes it carefully since he likes what’s between the buns to stay there.
After a few more bites, Owen narrows his eyes, looking thoughtful as if he remembered something.
“You okay?” Will asks.
Owen puts his burger down and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “I just remembered something.”
“What?”
He shakes his head. “Never mind. It’s dumb.”
“Yet you still seem bothered.”
Owen sighs. “When you and I first met, it felt like you were trying to keep your distance. Was it because of my aunt?”
Will isn’t sure how to respond without stepping in a minefield, and he can’t flat out call Sheryl an evil bitch in Owen’s face.
“Forget it,” Owen says. “She doesn’t like most people. I’m not even sure she likes me much.” His smile seems forced.
“We have a history. Out of respect to you, I’ll leave itat that.”
“I appreciate it, but you can call her a bitch if you want to. I think that’s her middle name.”
Will chuckles. “Finish your burger so we can go wet our feet.”
Owen glances at the water. “Is it cold?”
“Not too bad.”
They finish eating and walk to the water’s edge. Once they remove their shoes and socks, they sit down and slip their feet into the water.
“Not very cold,” Owen says. He’s sitting close to Will, their shoulders almost touching. Earlier today in the library, he kept his distance, but it seems that whatever bothered him no longer floats between them.
The songJeremyby Pearl Jam is playing in the background. Will loves that band and how low Eddie Vedder’s voice can get. Without noticing, he starts to quietly sing along, only stopping when the song ends.
Owen turns to look at him. “You have a beautiful voice.”
Despite the cold around his feet, his face warms. “It’s all right.”
“No, it’s beautiful. Do you play an instrument?”
