Page 53 of The Road Home
Tyler watched Orson. "I hear you were on the streets."
Orson nodded.
"I was for a while too. Richard helped me. In fact, I hear you'll be taking over the job I had at the gym. You'll enjoy it. It's not hard work and you'll meet some great people. Reese works the early shift. He still lives on the streets, maybe you know him?"
Orson shook his head. "I've only been in Utah a short time. I stayed with the guys by the storage units before going with Jared."
"Ah, I've been by the units a couple of times, but never stayed. I was lucky and wasn't on the streets for too long. I'm glad you met Jared and he can help you, and I'm glad we had a job opening for you." Tyler smiled at Richard.
"Thank you for the job. I was trying to get in a program, but the list was a mile long. This will help make everything go so much faster. I promise I won't let you down. I've never even set foot in a gym, but I'm a fast learner." Orson bit his lip, looking nervous.
"You'll do fine. I'm going to have Reese work with you a few hours to show you what to do. Come in one day this week and we'll figure out your schedule and get all the paperwork done."
"I'll be in tomorrow. I planned on today, but a friend of mine is in the hospital and we had to go up there." Orson glanced at Jared. "But I did get my bus pass, so I'll be down mid-morning to talk to you."
"The later you are the better. The more caffeine Richard gets in him in the mornings, the easier it is to understand his growling," Tyler teased.
Richard playfully smacked Tyler. "I'm in any time after nine. Just drop in whenever. I'll be gone by four tomorrow, so if you come in, do it by three so we have time."
"I'll be there way before that," Orson promised as he sat back allowing their food to be placed on the table.
"I thought I might walk Orson over after we eat and show him around the place. Let him see what it's like there." Jared glanced down, glad to see a large steak on Orson's plate.
"Sure, that's a good idea. I'll get him a membership when he comes in, but you can just tell the front desk he's your guest. That will get him in for tonight." Richard reached for his drink.
"I don't need a membership." Orson's eyes went wide
"All my employees have them. It's part of the package. It's up to you if you use it or not, but I'll be happy to show you how the equipment works if you decide to," Richard offered.
"Thanks, but I'd probably hurt myself." Orson gestured to his body.
"You might want to enjoy the hot tub or pool. Never say never." Tyler took a bite of his chicken.
"Thanks." Orson smiled.
"So, tell me about the wedding." Jared changed the topic, sensing Orson's unease.
"It was amazing." Tyler's eyes lit up as he started to talk about the small ceremony the two of them had in Las Vegas.
As he listened, Jared wondered if he would ever find love like these two had. It would mean he'd have to quit hiding, and that was something he wasn't sure he could do. It meant risking too much.
He'd have to be happy watching others find their happiness, because chances were, he never would. Seeing others experience it would have to be enough.
