Page 116 of Ancient History

“Let’s never tell anyone this happened,” Everett shot back.

Raleigh and Svetlana left. Everett watched them go, lingering on the door for an extra moment after they were long gone.

* * *

Although it wasn’tmy graduation, I got surprisingly emotional watching my students step onto the podium to receive their diplomas. Even my gym students, who could barely take golfing seriously, made me get a lump in my throat. They’d made gym class fun, and I was probably never going to see most of them again after tonight.

Man, that got bleak fast.

Summer got off to a fantastic start. Amos took on a job at For Goodness Cakes, a bakery in downtown Sourwood. It added money to his travel fund. He brought home a cupcake or brownie for us to share on his patio while we watched the sun set over the river and mountains.

I picked up extra cash teaching soccer camps and being a ref for summer leagues. The rest of my time was spent studying, going to Remix and Musical Mondays with friends, grabbing beers with Raleigh, and taking care of Pop. I had more of a social life six months after moving back home than I had through my entire professional soccer career.

“You and Amos should move in together.”

Pop grilled out for the Fourth of July, and his suggestion landed like the fireworks we’d be watching later tonight.

Amos looked up from his corn on the cob. A few seconds ago, we’d been talking about the best walking trails in town now that Pop had regained some of his strength. He was not one for segues.

“Pop, you really want me gone, huh?”

“You spend enough time over there. Have you guys talked about it?”

The truth was…we hadn’t. Which was crazy now that he mentioned it. I’d been spending three or four nights a week over at Amos’s place. His bed could fit both of us, and we didn’t have to be worried about being quiet. Aside from sex, though, it was nice to have a place that wasn’t decked out in my old high school glory.

His condo felt like a home to me. But it wasn’t mine.

I waited for Amos to say something. What if I was spending too much time over there and he felt awkward saying something?

“Pop, I don’t want to leave you alone. You’re still recovering.”

“I’m doing great. I’m going back to work in mid-July. Finally!”

I leapt out of my lawn chair. “You are?”

News to me.

“I just got it cleared with the MacArthur Center and Sarita. I finished all ofThe Golden Girls,The Golden Palace, and the spinoffEmpty Nest. The timing is perfect!”

“Pop, are you sure? I mean, I can stay here, make sure you’re okay.”

“Hutch, I’ll be fine. Have a hot dog.” He literally handed me a hot dog in a bun. “And speaking of hot dogs, you haven’t answered my question about co-habitating.”

Amos choked on his corn. I went Hawaiian Punch red. I prayed Pop never tried to tell anyone a gay joke. I’d never be able to look at a hot dog the same way again.

“We’ll think about it,” I said and gave Amos a grateful grin for putting up with my probably senile father.

“I don’t need to think about it. I’m for it.” Amos shrugged his shoulders as if it were clear as day. “You’re over at my place a lot already. Might as well pay some rent and use the extra closet.”

For a guy who could be neurotic and opposed to making a clear decision, his confidence unnerved me.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked.

“Are you?”

Living with Amos sounded like the dream. And not gonna lie, so did the extra closet.

“Hell yeah.” I bit into my hot dog.

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