Page 46 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“He doesn’t want you,” said Flip.
Reg lit a cigarette so he wouldn’t have to reply.They headed back to the house.
“If that kid is gay, I’ll eat my racquet bag,” said Flip.
“If he’s straight, what’s the problem?”
“You.Making an ass of yourself.”
“I could say the same of Caroline.How is your beard, by the way?”
“Pregnant,” said Flip.
Reg stopped walking.“What?”
“Kidding,” said Flip, straight-faced.
“That isn’t funny.”
They walked in silence.
“What’s he doing here anyway?”said Flip.
“Recuperating, like you.”
“Why does he have to do it here?”
“He wants to be here.”
“I’m surprised, Smithy.I thought you’d go for someone more upmarket, like Martin.”
“Joel’s my friend,” said Reg.
“With benefits?”
“I’ve never had one of those,” said Reg.“Unless you qualify.”
The day was tense.Despite spending so much time apart, Flip and Reg were still as close and uncomfortable with each other as two people sharing a secret could be.The present circumstances didn’t change that.They went for a swim in the pool while Joel sunbathed nearby.Flip outswam Reg and continued doing laps while Reg pulled himself out of the water and sat in a chair beside Joel.Flip lunged out of the pool, and while he was towelling off, he said to Joel.“What grade are you in, kid?”
“He’s just finished his first year of pre-med,” said Reg.
“Then he should be able to answer for himself, shouldn’t he?Let’s play tennis.”
“I thought you weren’t supposed to play,” said Reg.
“I can play with my left hand.”
Reg and Flip went upstairs to put clothes and shoes on and get their rackets and balls.They left Joel behind at the pool, which suited Reg.He didn’t want Joel involved in this.
However, about half an hour later, Joel came down to the tennis court from the house with a pitcher of water and three glasses.Despite playing with his left hand, Flip was mopping the court with Reg.Reg couldn’t help feeling like he was letting Joel down.
“You’ve gone soft, Smithy,” said Flip.
Reg went to the side of the court, and Joel handed him a glass of water.
“Thanks,” said Reg.
While Reg was taking a drink, Flip said, “Why don’t you and the kid play against me?Maybe then you’d stand a chance.”
