Page 16 of Tumbling Hearts

They find another restaurant to stuff their bellies, and decide to cool off at one of the public beaches. The sun is high in the sky, warmth all around them—the perfect weather for a dip. Ray and Gene take turns in a wooden stall to put on their swim bottoms, and then it’s off into the water. There must be about a hundred people here, having the same vacation idea as them, but Ray doesn’t mind the crowd. None of them recognize him or Gene as members of the Dusty Brooms anyway, and they can simply splash in the water like a couple of normal schoolboys on summer break.

While he enjoys this freedom, he also itches for a time in the future when these people will recognize him. A time when one of the transistor radios on the sand will start playing the Dusty Brooms, and everyone will realize that the Brooms are right there in front of their eyes. Such a crowd reminds him of a show—the energy, the excitement, the fun they’re all having. He’s already wishing to go on tour again, even though they’d recently gotten home from their last.

But maybe he’s yearning for performing not only for the adrenaline rush of it. Playing music on stage is something precious he does with Gene. He already misses the rest of the band, too. He feels such a connection to music that some sort of tune is always on his mind. But as he forms a melody in his head, he doesn’t have his notebook on him to write it down, especially not in the water…

“Hey Gene,” he says, still waist-deep in the lake. “You wanna head back? We’ve been out for a while; I wanna fit in some more time for us to write.”

“Yeah, definitely.” Gene nods, standing next to Ray, his long hair soaked. “But let’s grab some dinner to take back, too.”

Back in their street clothes, the two grab some take-out dinner, bringing it back to their motel room, and they eat it on the bed while watching TV. As soon as they’re done, they head outside to the same spot behind the building they were at yesterday—in their lawn chairs, the arm rests touching, facing the lake. They’re out a bit earlier than they were yesterday, too, and Ray is glad of it. It gives him more time to write songs with Gene before any other motel guests decide to camp out here.

Across the lake is a great view of Mackinac Island—probably the best view from the entire city, unless they went to go stand on Castle Rock again. This works out good for them, as there’s going to be a fantastic fireworks show shooting off the island later tonight. We basically have front row seats. But such a nice seat will probably mean they won’t be the only ones out here once the sun sets, so they better get to writing songs now, while they’re still alone.

Ray hums the tune he was thinking of on the beach to Gene, and writes some new lyrics down in his little notebook. Gene matches the melody with chords on his acoustic guitar, and soon enough, a new song is born. It’s probably their most ‘Beach Boys-sounding’ song they’ve ever written, but there’s no harm in switching it up every now and then. It’s still very rock-’n’-roll, and Ray’s heart soars seeing Gene get a kick out of making up a Chuck Berry-style lick.

They write three more songs while they’re at it, singing new lyrics and having fun with just the two of them. Ray feels the same magnetic pull that he felt before—the same one he always feels—while playing music with Gene. His heart is telling him to lean in and give him a kiss, but he knows better. Anyone could walk around the side of the building and see them. He can’t risk that. He can be patient; he can wait until they go back inside. Gene seems to be thinking the same thing, as every time they make eye contact, Gene gives him the most tempting, alluring smile.

As the sun sets, a few people do come around, laying a blanket on the grass a couple dozen feet away from Ray and Gene, sitting down on it. Gene sets his guitar down, leaning it against the side of his chair.

“Y’know, I’ve been up north a lot with my family, but somehow we never actually came up here for Fourth of July,” Ray says, staring out at the lake. The water shimmers, reflecting the sky in colors of pink and gold. “It was usually later in July, or in August, I think.”

“Did you watch fireworks in Grand Rapids, then?” Gene asks.

“Yeah, growing up. And then you and I watched them the last few years, y’know, with my brother.”

Gene hums in affirmation. “I don’t think we’ve seen him this year. Since it’s summer, he’d be back in Grand Rapids for a break between semesters, right?”

“Yeah. He’s probably with my parents now, watching the fireworks like we’ve done every other year.” Ray pauses to think. “What’s funny is, now that we’ve moved to Lake Orion, Mick’s closer to us when he’s at school than when he’s out, since he goes to school in Ann Arbor. But we’ve been so busy this year, and I assume he’s been busy with his schoolwork too, that we just haven’t had a chance to hang out.”

“I know we’ll all see him again soon,” Gene reassures. “He’s your brother. So of course you’ll find each other again.”

“For sure.” However, thinking of his brother reminds Ray of something else. “It’s strange… I used to hang out with Mick all the time. He really was my only close friend I had growing up until… until I met you.”

He turns his head to look at Gene, making eye contact—and butterflies frizz in his chest at the sight of Gene’s gorgeous, hazel eyes.

“I didn’t have anyone like that growing up,” Gene says. “I’ve never had any siblings like you. And it’s not like I can call my parents my ‘friends’,” he chuckles. “Music was the only thing that ever was truly there for me. Then to find you, who loves music just as much as me…”

Ray has known this about Gene—they are best friends, after all. And Ray’s been so happy that with creating the Dusty Brooms, they’ve both been able to form lasting friendships with the members of the band and their entourage. But the way Gene says it to Ray in this moment, with the subtle breeze blowing his hair, and the sunset reflecting warm colors on his handsome face…

It almost feels like a confession of some sort. Confiding in Ray something deep, personal.

“I’m really glad we met that day at the bus stop,” Ray says. He can’t help but lean in a little closer, despite the other people sitting nearby. “For two young men like us to find each other like that… And here we are now. I’m so happy I met you, Gene.”

Gene’s smile melts Ray’s heart. The tender way he looks at him tugs at his emotions, and honestly, if they weren’t outside in public, Ray thinks he would cry. But he composes himself, enough to hear his best friend’s words. “I’m so happy too, Ray. I can’t even describe it. Just that I care about you so much. And I’m so glad we’re here together.”

Now he really does feel tears forming. God, I’m such a sap. But Gene makes him feel so whole and complete, that simply saying this to each other makes Ray the happiest he’s ever been. These words, combined with how now they’ve opened up to each other physically too, reinforces how much he loves being with Gene.

How much I love…

A roaring belly laugh catches him off guard, and he looks toward the other group of people, finding them all cackling and slapping their knees.

Thankfully, it appears like they’re not paying attention to Ray and Gene at all—instead laughing over some inside joke. The sky is fading even darker; the show should be starting soon. A few specks of light go off in the distance over on Mackinac Island, but nothing too big yet.

“Sounds like they’re having a good time,” Gene comments.

“Yeah.” Ray nods.

With the angle of how they’re in their chairs, how the group of people are sitting on the ground and slightly further away, and they’re not even looking at Ray and Gene to begin with…