Page 60 of Rhymes with Metaphor
Joel looked embarrassed.“I still need to wash the rest of my clothes.”
“Let Bethan wash them.”
“No,” said Joel, scandalized.
“I’ll wash them for you.”
“I can do it myself,” said Joel.
“I know, but let me.”
Joel surrendered the rest of his clothes.
Later, as they were eating breakfast, Reg said, “What was that nonsense you were talking last night?About calcium.”
Joel finished chewing his cereal and swallowed.“I was listing the elements in the periodic table.”
“Ah.And calcium is...?”
“The twentieth element.”
“You held on for twenty elements.Well done.”
“I’m not used to trying to stop it from happening,” said Joel.“I’m not used to it happening at all.”
“You’ll find you last longer with practice, and as you get older.What’s the fiftieth element?Isthere a fiftieth element?”
“Tin.”
“Next time, aim for tin.”
As Joel washed his cereal bowl, spoon, and coffee mug, Reg watched him, glad there was no need to take covert glances or feel guilty for his admiration.He got up and stood close behind Joel, crowding him without touching him.Joel shut off the tap and set his bowl in the draining board.He stayed where he was, looking out of the window.Everything was held in suspension, like the tiny soap bubbles floating in the air.
“I’m still not sure I’m gay,” said Joel.
“You don’t have to label yourself.Not on my account.”Though his heart dropped, Reg kept his tone circumspect.
“Good.”Joel sounded relieved.
“All you need to decide is what you want to do and who you want to do it with.For example...would you like to continue what we’ve started and see where it goes?”
“Yes,” said Joel.“I’d like that.”
“Good,” said Reg, relieved.
Joel stepped back, closing the space between them so that his back was pressed against Reg.Reg gently put his arms around Joel.Joel’s soft hair brushed his lips, its scent bittersweet.Through the kitchen window, a rabbit hopped across the lawn.
“All right?”Reg murmured.
“Yes.”
Reg moved his hand down, feeling Joel’s body.Joel gripped the edge of the sink with both hands.Reg moved his hand lower, found him.
Joel stiffened and ever so slightly, arched back against Reg, which Reg interpreted as a sign to proceed.
“If you feel you’re getting close—you know that feeling now?”
Joel nodded.
