The following fictional story deals with sex among males. If you are offended by such material, are too young, or reside in a location where it is not allowed, please depart. Though not observed in this story, care enough about yourself and humankind to practice safe sex.
The author retains all rights. EvanBradley33@Yahoo.com
Chapter 28 False Starts
The Thomas Construction Site
Over the weekend, the construction trailer had been moved from the Haynes site. The landscaping company had been pushing to start laying sod and planting trees and shrubs, but it wanted the grounds free of obstructions. For all intents and purposes, Winston Construction Company had completed its work there. Charles and Deirdre Haynes were gushing about their new home, and Deirdre was already planning several housewarmings for their wide circle of friends and professional acquaintances. Charles had informed Hal that Russ Thomas and he were singing the praises of Winston Construction Company. He thought Hal would be hearing soon from other health professionals of their acquaintance interested in building or renovating.
Hal had been nervous about the move to the Thomas site. He dreaded encountering Gwen Thomas after he had happened upon her and Brett locked in passionate intercourse. When Brett himself had later disclosed to Hal that Gwen had dropped him for not holding himself exclusively for her, Hal was doubly certain he didn't want to place himself in her path. She might be on the prowl for a man. However, Gwen had yet to appear. Hal avoided contacting Russ Thomas any more than necessary for fear that Russ would be tipped off about Gwen's tete-a-tete with Brett at the building site.
It was a quiet morning in the office. Little Hal Robert was napping with his buddy Jimmy keeping watch by his side. Hal was quietly doing paperwork related to the Thomas home, basking in warm family feelings from sharing his office with his namesake and Jimmy. Occasionally, the latter would arise and, his paws ticky-tacking on the tile floor, trot over to Hal for a petting session. When Hal returned to work, Jimmy returned to lie beside his other buddy. Hal was perusing his initial estimate on the Thomas home. Since he'd fired Brett, he was a man short. So he was projecting that effect on his timetable when he heard the door to the trailer open.
Angie greeted someone who replied in a young male voice that was already deepening, "Hello, Ma'am." Then he heard footsteps moving to Angie's desk. 'Long-legs,' Hal thought.
"What may I do for you, sir?" Angie spoke, Hal hearing a smile in her voice.
"Lookin' for work, Ma'am. Someone said you might be hiring, so I thought I'd stop by. My name's Boyd Reynolds. I was in college, but I have to stop out for awhile to earn some money to finance the rest of my studies."
Hal smiled wryly, shaking his head. 'They always find their way here,' he mused, thinking of Tonio, Jamal, Kenji, and then frowning when he thought of Brett. 'Well, three good men out of four walk-ons can't be bad. I guess there really are that many lamed and maimed guys out there. They're beaten up, but they don't quit. The problem is they don't feel or enjoy or celebrate or connect.' Hal was glad to give them a chance to find something better.
"You're lucky," Angie responded. "Mr. Winston is in his office today. Let me introduce you. My baby's sleeping in his office, so I'll bring him back in here so you two can talk."
After introductions, Angie walked over and lifted Hal Robert's infant seat carefully, followed by Jimmy, who was looking over his shoulder at the stranger. Hal saw what might have been the slightest hint of a smile at the edges of Boyd's mouth when he spied Jimmy, but one couldn't be certain.
"Boyd Reynolds, sir," the tall, slim, handsome young man stated, leaning in and shoving his hand at Hal. 'Gotta be a farm boy,' Hal thought. 'Probably straight and true blue. Wonder what his major in college is. If he's out of money, he comes from a hard-up family, or maybe he has only a mother who's worked two jobs to raise him and some siblings. Could be one of a big brood who must earn their own money for their future. Could be another Kenji who was tossed out because he didn't fit the parents' values. This young man would be the sort to take it on the chin and go on his way. Sacrifice has been a constant companion ever since. He hasn't smiled once since I laid eyes on him. I guess he hates having to leave college and postpone his dreams, but he'll do it without a complaint.'
"I'm looking for work, sir. Do you have any openings?" Boyd asked, shifting nervously from one foot to the other as Hal studied his potential employee. Boyd was tall, rangy. He had a full head of dark brown hair with dark brows framing far-from-happy brown eyes. In fact, his eyes seemed squinted as though in constant pain. Nice nose. Nearly square jaws that sloped cutely into a square chin featuring a slight cleft. And a mouth drawn into a straight line. It wasn't a frown, but added to the eyes, square chin, and the humorless mien, it seemed disapproving. Boyd had a swimmer's body. His hands were those of a workman. Shapely legs, probably a nice butt, good but not broad shoulders. Flat stomach with a waist going toward thin.
"First, Boyd, just call me 'Hal.' No more 'sir' stuff. Makes me feel old before my time," Hal said, smiling broadly to let Boyd know everything was okay. Boyd didn't return the smile. "Second, I'm one man short on my crew. Have a seat and tell me about yourself."
After Boyd sat on the edge of one of the chairs in front of Hal's desk, he started: "Not much to tell. I've been attending college, but my money's run out, so I have to take some time off to earn money to continue. That's what brought me here."
"Where are you living?"
"In a rooming house a couple of miles away." Hal was relieved. He wouldn't have to be taking anybody in. The appearance of that would interfere with his attempt to win Drew back. Besides, Hal wanted only Drew now, not other distractions."
"How do you get around?"
"I have a small, used Toyota pickup." Boyd colored. "It was all I could afford as a college student," he said somewhat apologetically. Hal just nodded his head in understanding.
"Where's home?" Hal asked.
Boyd looked startled, then uncomfortable. "Here."
"Oh, your family lives here."
Boyd colored. "I have no family."
"Oh, I'm an orphan myself."
Boyd started squirming in his chair. "No, I'm not an orphan. . . . My parents and I parted company a couple of years ago. There's no contact there. . . .As far as I'm concerned, I have no family."
'Hm-m-m-m,' Hal thought. 'there's a story there.' "Any construction experience?"
"I grew up on a farm. I've helped roof sheds, build a storage shed, renovate a farmhouse, and I've done a lot of the fix-it stuff that occurs constantly on a farm where most of the buildings are old." Both men sat looking at each other, assessing. "But I can hold my own here, I promise you . . . if you'll give me a chance.
Angie had been listening, of course. 'Oh, Hal, give the kid a break, please?' she thought, crossing her fingers.
Hal's failure to answer with any dispatch set Boyd to squirming in his chair again. "Maybe you could try me out, you know, like a probationary employee. See if I measured up," Boyd said flatly. Hal knew he was hoping desperately for a job offer from him.
"O-k-a-y," Hal answered slowly, thinking. "There are some conditions."
"Name them," Boyd fired back. Hal liked the way Boyd handled himself.
"We're like a family here. We work and we play together. You come on the crew, you'll be expected to do the same."
"Play?"
"One of the benefits of this job is a membership in Murphy's Gym. We all go there together and workout together. As a member of the crew, you'd be expected to join in." Hal noticed a flicker of interest momentarily flash in Boyd's eyes only to be dampened fairly quickly. "We also have potluck dinners sometimes. You'd be expected to join in." Angie smiled, for she knew that Hal was ensuring that Boyd wouldn't be allowed to be standoffish.
Boyd frowned. "I'm not much in the kitchen."
Hal grinned. "That's okay. We have a few bachelors who don't cook. We always need someone to bring beer and the like."
Boyd didn't smile. Just shook his head. "When do I start to work?"
"You tell me."
"How about I get the paperwork out of the way today and start tomorrow?"
"Fine."
"How long is my probation?"
"A month."
"Fair enough."
"Let's go introduce you around, and then I'll turn you over to Angie who'll get you set up with the paperwork."
Both men arose. When they entered Angie's office, Hal shared the plans with Angie - softly so as not to awaken Hal Robert - and they left the office, shutting the door quietly. Boyd said nothing as they strode to the site. 'Damned long legs on that kid,' Hal thought as he lengthened his stride to keep up.
When the Haynes crew had moved to the Thomas site, Hal kept the two work crews separate, each with Max or Ted as its foremen, for they needed to double their speed on the Thomas build. The two crews had earlier become teams, working together well, so Hal wasn't going to mess with success. Max, Ted, and he met for a few minutes about every morning, coordinating what needed to occur according to the timetable. Hal took Boyd to meet Max first since he was the senior foreman. While introductions were occurring, Hal watched as Max sized Boyd up, then looked at Hal with arched eyebrows. Hal just grinned, laughing inwardly that Max couldn't politely say what he was thinking and Hal wouldn't have to answer any sassy questions.
Hal told Max he was assigning Boyd to Ted's group. Hal's strategy was that, besides Ted's team being a man short, Boyd would catch on quicker with some big brother types on his team. When they reached Ted and Hal monitored the foreman's and new worker's initial reactions, he knew he'd been right. Boyd seemed to relax a little in favor of Ted, his senior, giving a few simple answers to questions he was asked. What surprised Hal most was Boyd's fascination with Kenji, apparent the moment he laid eyes on his Asian good looks. Boyd didn't seem to be attending to Ted and Hal's discussion so much as he was watching Kenji's every move. Early on, Max and Kenji had come to Hal, asking that Kenji work on Ted's team, thinking it would be better for their relationship that way. Hal had concurred.
After receiving a reply from Boyd about when he would be starting work, Ted introduced Boyd to all the workers on his team: Kenji and Bobby. Hal noted the immediate smile when Boyd grasped Kenji's hand and started pumping it - and pumping it and pumping it. Even Kenji looked surprised. Reluctantly Boyd let Kenji's hand go. Boyd had already met Jamal, Tonio, and Levi when he'd met Max. Hal excused them from Ted's team so that Boyd could tackle the paper work in the construction trailer.
When Hal returned to the construction trailer later that morning, he was surprised to find Boyd still there, holding Hal Robert. Hal could see the Boyd was nearly done with the various employment forms, which were spread out on a round table in the corner of the room. Angie was uncharacteristically nattering on the phone to Rich, while Boyd stood stiffly holding little Hal Robert, who was doing his arm-waving thing when he saw - Hal suddenly realized - not just his father but any strong man. Boyd looked like a deer caught in headlights, holding Hal Robert as though he was glass that would shatter at any moment. Hal could tell that Angie was drawing out her conversation with her soul mate Rich in order that Hal Robert might work some magic on Boyd.
Hal had to work hard to suppress a giggle. He walked over to Boyd, who immediately held the little fella out to Hal, who deftly sidestepped taking possession of his namesake, instead sliding his arm around Boyd's waist. "Great, isn't it, Boyd?"
Boyd couldn't manage more than a stricken look. "Look at how he waves his arms," Hal suggested. Boyd watched Hal Robert's gyrations. "He only did that at first when he was excited to be in contact with his daddy, Bobby - on your construction team, as a matter of fact. Look! He's doing that with you!" Boyd looked down, disbelieving. Then Hal watched the revelation of interpretation that Boyd had created from the information Hal had adroitly supplied. As a smile grew on Boyd's face, little Hal started wiggling in his custodian's hands and trying to kick his feet. Boyd had to readjust his hold to make sure his precious cargo was secure. Hal noticed he did so as though he were holding the Holy Grail.
"Really? He can't think I'm his dad."
"No, Boyd, he senses a strong man, a protector, one on whom he can depend and one worthy of his love." Boyd looked at Hall wide-eyed. "It's what I recognized in my office - you are a strong warrior, Boyd Reynolds. We need you. I'm glad you're joining us." Boyd blushed, looking ill at ease.
'He's reduced his contact with people, not used to interacting. Certainly not with babies.' Hal deduced. 'We'll be good for him.
The Hamada Home
When Yuki had arrived home and deposited his lunch kit in the kitchen, he was thinking only of the e-mail from one of his sex buddies that he hoped was awaiting him. He didn't remember that his lunch kit sheltered his newest secret. That day he'd been called to the main office and handed a letter from Kenji. He'd stopped off in the restroom on his way back to his classroom to read the letter. He'd opened it carefully, reading it three times, the first time rapidly devouring the contents. The second time was a reflective reading, marked by his wiping away a few tears. The final time he kept breaking out into a smile. Then he replaced it in the envelope, folded it in half, and slid it in the back pocket of his jeans. At every opportunity during the morning, he'd taken the letter out and read it. Eventually, his friends sitting with him in the cafeteria, anxious to see what was claiming so much of Yuki's attention, tried grabbing the letter, so he'd placed it in his lunch kit to keep it safe. When he arrived home, he'd grabbed a snack and moved to his bedroom to check his e-mail and clap on his headphones to listen to his favorite music. His error was made clear as soon as his father reached home and his mother handed him Kenji's letter. His father came storming into Yuki's room. He'd walked over to Yuki, snatching off his earphones and hurting his ears. "Ow-w-w-w-w! Yuki responded, rubbing his stinging ears.
"What are you doing with this letter from your brother?" his father demanded.
"Reading it. What else?"
"You are not to have any contact with that person," his father stormed, throwing the letter on the bed. Yuki snatched it up, sliding in the back pocket of his cut-offs. "Do you hear me?"
"NO!" Yuki stormed. "I'm going to be a legal adult soon. I'll communicate with whomever I please. Free speech - you know? One of the fundamental rights of living in this nation."
"You are to honor your father's wishes," his father fumed. Yuki saw his mother in her customary posture, wringing her hands when life threw her more than she expected or wanted.
"Then be a father worth honoring!" Yuki threw back in his face. "When I'm 18, you'll still be my father, but I'll be my own man. You will then honor and respect me - unless you throw me out the way you did Kenji. That what you've got in mind? Because I warn you now, I'll go. You'll have brought two sons into the world and lost both of them because of your stubborn nature and closed mind." Yuki's mother grabbed her husband's arm and attempted to pull him out of the room.
"You may as well know," Yuki continued, "I asked Kenji to do what you saw us doing in the garage. Yes, I asked for it. You frightened me so much that day that I took the coward's role and acted like Kenji was the cause of everything. You proud of that? Causing a son to be so afraid of you that he'll betray his brother?" Yuki had arisen and was stalking toward his father, who was being pulled out of the room by his wife. "That's where your instincts take you, Dad. I think no father is much of a man if the first thing he expects from his children is fear. I'll never do that with my children."
"You wouldn't leave. You'd have to live under a bridge like your brother," Yuki's father retorted scornfully.
"HA! That's what you know," Yuki shot back heatedly. "Kenji has a boyfriend, Max, a grown man."
"He's just a whore then."
"No he's not. They're in love. Max gave Kenji half a share in his home. They work together for the same construction family. Kenji earns his own money. Everybody who works there is like a family. They all love Kenji." A glance at his mother's face revealed a flash of joy as quickly suppressed as it had bloomed. She had worried about Kenji. "One of them, Angie, is like a big sister. He told me that if I ever needed a place to stay, I can live with Max and him. So go ahead and kick ME out. I'll just go to Kenji. I may go visit him anyway since school's out this week."
"I won't pay for your college."
"Dad, you're pathetic. What are you going to do when you take away everything and then you don't have anything to threaten anyone with anymore? You don't connect with children by taking things away from them. You connect by accepting and loving them. How can you be so old and not know that?" Yuki's father looked dumbfounded. "Some how or other, I'll get to college when I can afford it. Meanwhile, I'll bet I can get a job working with Kenji and Max. I'll earn my own money. I won't need yours. You can eat it for all I care." At this point Mrs. Hamada had pulled her husband into the hall, so Kenji walked over to his door and slammed it shut, locking it.
The Cooper Home
It was a somber group that dined quietly in the Cooper home. Tee, Randy, and Esteban had surprised Angie and Bobby by preparing the evening meal. The three had enjoyed their time in the kitchen together, an opportunity for bonding. They had prepared quite a feast. Randy had been the quietest member at the table. When appetites had been satisfied and compliments passed back and forth, Randy looked at his mother. "Mom, should I try to go home to talk to Dad or just give it up?"
Tee took a few moments to frame an answer. "Son, this is probably the toughest thing I've ever had to say to you, and I hate doing it. You won't like what I'm about to say, but I believe you'll understand that I'm telling you because I love you and I don't want you to suffer needlessly. You need to move on with your life, celebrating the blessings you've been given and collecting as few regrets as possible. You must let go of your need for your father's approval, Randy. It's not something that you are going to be granted." Upon hearing his mother's words, tears sprang to Randy's eyes. They were mirrored in Angie's eyes. Bobby was looking at Randy sympathetically. Esteban slid his arm over his lover's shoulders.
"Are you certain?" Randy asked, a slight quiver in his voice.
"It's his friends in whom he places his hope and trust, not his family. He hasn't lived with you for several years now, but he has chosen to live with them every day of his life. You understand, of course, that he's actually relegated me to this same role with you. Why would he have a mistress otherwise? I hadn't fully realized it until you came back to tell us about your life. I would have realized it eventually; there just wasn't an issue pushing it."
"I thought I meant more to him. That he felt about me the way I feel about him," Randy stated in a muted voice.
"It's a common mistake that people of all ages make, Randy. The more powerfully they love and like, the more they believe it's matched in the object of their affection. Actually, there's no reason for believing that it is at all. If I thought there were a reasonable degree of hope, I'd have you return with me. But I won't place you in a position that leaves you with memories you can't forget. I love you too much to do that. And who knows? Your father may come to his senses. He may want to see you in the future. But trying to force him to that point now will only make the breach more impassable. However, you can still live and be happy, Randy. You love a good man," Tee stated with vigor, beaming at Esteban. "You have your mother's love and Angie's and Bobby's love. You have a father in Esteban's family and all of his brothers and sisters and their families too. My point is that you can survive. Just as I shall." Tee arose and walked to her son, who arose and leaned down to hug her, tears running down his face.
The Renegades Ballpark
With some trepidation, Hal had asked Drew for a date, an evening at the ballpark. Since they were in only the initial stages of reestablishing a relationship, Hal didn't include their customary dinner before the game, reasoning that it was better to ease into old routines that were worth maintaining. Drew wasted no time accepting. Since he had avoided Renegades' games for fear of running into Hal and Brett, Drew was happy to catch up with Wes and Carl on the field. During the game warm up, when Carl saw Hal and Drew just starting to climb the bleacher steps to their seats, he yelled at Wes, pointing his glove toward the two new arrivals, and they trotted over to the stadium to greet their friends. Exchanging handshakes and hugs, they pointed out Rich to Hal and Drew, who, after wishing Wes and Carl a good game, walked over to keep Rich company.
Rich was grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat when they climbed the bleachers. "This is a welcome sight! I'm glad you two joined me. But you're not going to embarrass me by gushing, cooing, and pawing at each other, are you?" Hal flipped him the bird, and Drew blushed, frowning, stepping back, causing Rich to stand and pull him into a hug and a chaste kiss. "You know we love you guys and want only the best for you." Hal shook his head in agreement. Drew didn't react except to fix Rich in a stare. 'He's frightened to death that this evening is going to blow up in his face again,' Rich thought. He threw his arms around Drew, pulling him against his chest as he again whispered, "Drew, Bro, lighten up, man. Take a breath. Have some fun." Then he gave Drew one of his winning smiles, causing Drew to move his head slowly back and forth as though to say, "Well, maybe."
Rich caught Drew up on some of Wes and Carl's recent plays and stats, punctuated by additions from Hal and questions from Drew. It finally became an easy, free-flowing conversation that seemed so natural, reminding the men of the special bonds that had connected them. Each independently breathed a sigh of relief, welcoming feelings and vibes that had once been so natural but had been sorely missed.
The conversation continued, ebbing and flowing around events on the field through the first three innings. Suddenly, Hal's cell phone sounded off. "Damn. I thought I turned that thing off," Hal apologized to his buddies. He punched a button, placing the phone to his ear as he greeted the caller. "Hi, Ted. What's up?" Hal listened for only a bit before his brow creased and he frowned "Boyd?" he asked, clearly surprised. He continued to listen. "Where is he now?" At this point both Rich and Drew were looking at each other for answers neither possessed. Then they looked at Hal questioningly. "Okay, I'll get down there and check out what's going on. If you don't hear from me, everything's okay. I'll bring you up to date tomorrow at the site. If I need your help, I'll call. What? Yeah, we're here at the game with Rich." He listened more. "Okay, tomorrow."
Hal shut down the phone and returned it to his belt clip. "Who's Boyd?" Rich asked. Hal quickly filled them in on the newest employee at Winston Construction Company. "He must be really new. I haven't seen mention of him in your financials. So what's the problem?"
"Boyd is in jail." Both Drew and Wes registered dismay. "Believe me - I couldn't be more surprised. This kid is prairie bred and corn fed. Solid and square. I need to get down there and bail him out and see if he needs a lawyer. Drew, I don't want to take you away from the game. Maybe Rich can give you a ride home."
"Of course," Rich assured Drew.
"If you are giving me a choice, I'd rather go with you," Drew said, looking hopefully at Hal.
"Well!" Rich said, mocking offense. "I guess I don't have the stuff anymore," he said, needling Drew.
"No, you don't," Drew replied archly. "You're always shooting it into Wes and Carl."
"Ah, now I see," Rich exclaimed, not one to be outdone. "Watch it, Hal. This boy is sex starved. He wants to put you through your paces later tonight. That's why he's not going to let you out of his sight. Or gun sites, perhaps I should say. You see how easily he turns your role of Good Samaritan into Butch Stud."
Drew slugged Rich in the arm, making Rich laugh gleefully because he'd gotten a rise out of Drew. "Put a sock in it, you one-dimensional accountant. You couldn't possibly divine the higher reaches of our intellects when we're together."
"The only words you spoke that have any meaning are 'reach' and 'higher.' Do you want my interpretation of their meaning in your plans for Hal? It would start with you on your knees in front of him," Rich teased.
"Hal, are we going?" Drew asked as though impatient to leave, turning away from Rich and standing.
"He is eager, isn't he?" Hal asked Rich, making Drew blush and frown. "Okay, okay, we'll go. Rich, you are going to get me in trouble if you keep this up."
Hal and Drew took their leave from Rich, walking to Hal's pickup in the parking lot. Neither spoke, but not for the same reasons. Occasionally Drew had to suppress a smile as he thought about Rich and Hal's teasing. Hal was wondering what in the world Boyd had gotten himself into. Once in the pickup and headed toward downtown, Hal filled Drew in on Boyd. As he drove, he placed his hand on Drew's thigh, squeezing lightly. Drew placed his hand over Hal's, caressing it lightly, picking it up and carrying it to his lips for a kiss and a lick of his tongue. They parked the pickup across the street from the police station and walked through the glass doors together, wishing that they could hold hands.
Once inside the station, Hal walked over to the desk sergeant and inquired after Boyd. "What's happened with Boyd Reynolds?" Hal inquired.
"Who's asking?" the sergeant inquired.
"Hal Winston, his boss. I'm here to arrange for bail if that's possible. But I don't know the charges, so I can't even estimate what the bail might be."
"Soliciting and indecent exposure. He tried to pick up one of our patrolmen," the officer said, raising his eyebrows to communicate a message.
Hal's jaw muscles flexed at the policeman's words; then he and Drew exchanged glances. "May I see him?"
"Yeah, I'll have him brought up - if you are arranging for bail, that is."
"Yes, I am. Where do I go to make those arrangements?"
The officer pointed to an office, the opaque glass in the door hiding what lay within. Hal turned to Drew, excusing himself and promising to move as quickly as possible. Drew decided to go sit on a bench by the main door of the building while Hal was making bail arrangements. When Hal reemerged from the office, he was jamming his checkbook into his back pocket. At just that moment, another officer emerged through a door, escorting Boyd to the desk officer.
Drew immediately appreciated the features that would attract men and women to Boyd. In less that a minute he observed most of Hal's report verified in Boyd's behavior. He was stiff, tense, embarrassed, looking at the floor or occasionally the ceiling but never in another person's eyes. Drew arose and walked over to the desk as Hal strode there from the bail office. The desk sergeant had handed Boyd a manila envelope containing his personal belongings, which he was asked to check and then to sign a release form.
"Boyd, are you okay?" Hal asked.
Boyd seemed to be trying to avoid shuffling his feet, but he couldn't. "As good as one can be who's been tricked into an arrest."
Hal hummed in apparent interest. "Before we discuss that, Boyd, allow me to introduce someone very special to me, Drew Nichols," he said, gesturing toward Drew. Boyd turned and shook Drew's hand, his eyes clearly asking who Drew was. "Drew is a former lover," Hal said. "I'm trying to get him to ditch the 'former' part."
Boyd colored, looking back at Drew but really studying him this time. The desk sergeant looked at Drew, frowning. When Drew noticed it, he wouldn't allow it to pass. He pulled himself up in his best corporate official stance, addressing the officer: "You want to mutter something at me?" Drew asked sassily, pitching attitude, spearing the officer with a steely gaze. The latter turned away without answering. Drew continued to stare at him, knowing he'd turn back. He did, only to see Drew's glare intensifying. The officer turned away rapidly.
Drew finally turned to Boyd, the lines of his visage softening. "It's a pleasure," Drew said, smiling and shaking Boyd's hand. Hal placed a hand on each man's back, directing them to the entrance.
"Drew . . ." Hal began.
Drew swallowed. "Oh . . . uh . . . you and Boyd need some privacy to sort things out," Drew said, smiling at Boyd. "I need to call a cab."
"I was thinking Boyd might allow you to drive his pickup to your home until we finish our talk. You can leave it in your driveway and put the keys in your mailbox. When we finish, I'll drive Boyd there, and then he can drive home. How about it, Boyd? Where's your pick-up?"
"They let me drive it back here," Boyd said. "I guess they thought I'd make bail easy enough, and I sort of got the idea they didn't want to go to extra effort to handle logistics."
"Oh really?" Hal asked, studying Boyd. Boyd's answer had clearly resonated in some way with Hal.
Boyd dug in his pocket for the keys he'd just recovered from the envelope, pulling them forth and dropping them in Drew's hand. "It's a little red, used Toyota pickup," Boyd replied in a subdued manner. "Parked down at the north end of this block on this side of the street."
"Anything I should know before I drive it?" Drew asked.
"Naw, not really."
Drew turned and walked away from the two men. Belatedly, Boyd said, "Thank you, sir." Drew never looked around, continuing to walk away.
"Drew . . . ," Hal called, hoping to momentarily arrest Drew's movement away from him. Drew just raised his right hand in a backward wave, never turning to look at the two men behind him. Hal's stomach lurched and he silently cursed. The evening wasn't supposed to go this way. He had hoped that this was THE evening when Drew and he took a giant step toward reestablishing their earlier relationship. Now, from his current perspective, dynamics between Drew and him seemed worse, not better. He knew something wasn't sitting well with Drew. And Hal was ashamed that he felt himself resenting Boyd's interruption of their evening. Boyd was surreptitiously studying Hal, sensing that much more than he understood was happening. But he felt so miserable he checked an impulse to apologize. He thought he was going to have a lot of apologizing to do - if Hal would allow him to keep his job, that is.
(To be continued.)
Sorry to be so long posting this chapter. A Monster Summer Cold making the rounds in my office laid me low for a couple of weeks.