Minni returns, complaining about the school board, but then we settle back to watch football. I focus on my friends, not their son, getting caught up in the game. Chicago wins, and I grump about it. And just like that, everything feels almost normal.
As I stand and stretch out the kinks in my back, the picture on the mantel catches my attention. I’ve seen this picture a million times. Charlie’s graduation. The one from college, not high school. I remember how proud Chuck and Minni were. Two pictures, one of Charlie with both of them and one with him alone, sit side-by-side. His hair barely reaches his shoulders, andhis face still has that adolescent padding to it. But he’s grinning, and I can’t help but grin in response.
“That’s one of my favorite pictures.” Minni picks it up. “I’m so glad he’s back home.”
“Why did he leave Kansas City?” I sound normal. Right?
“It was that stupid ex-boyfriend,” Chuck says, thrusting his finger in the air at some imaginary target. “I told Charlie to report him.”
“Oh?” I try to act interested but not too interested. Not a who-is-this-guy-and-how-can-I-find-him level of interested. Which is harder than it sounds. Charlie’s mentioned a boyfriend in Kansas City. But he hasn’t given me any details.
Minni gives Chuck “the look.” One I’ve seen her give many times. Basically,stay out of it. It’s none of our business. Then she shifts and says, “Chuck? Can you check the pie in the oven?”
“Of course.” He kisses her cheek and disappears into the kitchen.
“We only have a minute. I need a favor, Brad.”
Oh God. “What’s up?”
“Can you help with Charlie?”
Didn’t I already do this with Chuck? Are they tag-teaming me? “Does Charlie need help?”
I must have a tone because she looks at me. Really looks at me. “Unlike my husband, I know Charlie is an adult and more than capable of taking care of himself.” She stares at me until I nod. “But all his memories of Dundy County are tied up with that fair disaster. My fault. I pushed him too hard. I just want you to remind him of all the good things in this town. Just in a matter-of-fact way. You know?”
“I doubt Charlie will be hanging out with me.” I laugh like it’s ludicrous. And not like I sucked Charlie’s cock the night before. God. I’m a terrible friend.
“Well, of course not.” She slaps my arm as if I were joking. “He’s a young man. Needs to be hanging out with other young people.” Her eyes dart toward the kitchen again and back to me. “But you’ve been helping him move in. And you’re working with him on Homes for Hope, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities.” She gives me the look. The one that makes council members jump to do her bidding. “Right?”
“Right.”
She beams. “Thank you, Brad. You’re such a good friend.”
11
CHARLIE
Friday, February 6th
As I settlein at my new job, everything is perfect. Almost perfect. The job is going great. Brad and I have managed to keep our relationship a secret at work. Demo days are the hardest. Watching Brad swing a sledgehammer in a tank with sweat dripping everywhere. Well, it might not sound sexy, but it is.
There are still some hiccups at work. Not going over budget, but learning about home renovations so I don’t look clueless. And not reacting to Pete’s homophobic mutterings. I haven’t mentioned it to Raja. So far, it’s just been a few remarks here and there. And I’m not sure what worries me more: Pete getting out of hand, or Brad punching the guy.
Brad is amazing. He’s been opening up lately and talking about his past relationships. I was surprised to find he’s only had a few. But if we’re talking hookups, that’s a different story. I told him about Syd, but I didn’t give him any identifying information. I don’t need Brad taking care of things for me.
Our families still don’t know. It’s not easy to hide since we’re so close, and I know we can’t hide forever. I’ve avoided thetopic when Brad brings it up. I want to wait until after their anniversary party. Valentine’s Day. I don’t want to spoil their day. That’s the unselfish reason. The selfish reason is I want a Valentine. Not the card but the man. And if he has to choose between his best friend for the last twenty-five years or me? Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t blame him for choosing my dad.
Between work, getting my apartment unboxed, and planning the anniversary party, we’ve been very busy. And the nights with Brad have been amazing. He’s patient and kind, and sometimes I have to remind him I won’t break. That’s probably why we’ve done almost everything but anal. Brad is worried about hurting me. But I’m ready. More than ready.
We’ve also discovered we share a love of thrift stores. I save every penny I can. Unlike me, Brad isn’t particularly thrifty.
There are several stores in the area, from the usual ones to more offbeat shops filled with antiques and junk. School got out early today, so we’ve spent the afternoon wandering through a thrift store on the outskirts of Dundy County. Brad checks out an old sewing machine, but eventually decides he needs a couple of rusted saws.
“What are these for?”
His only answer is a smile as he tugs me into the next aisle. This one is filled with old vinyl records in milk crates.
He thumbs through several, pulling out albums and slipping them back in. He laughs and holds up The Slim Shady LP. “I loved this album. I listened to Eminem all through college, believe it or not, while my friends were into Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw.”
