Page 43 of Blue Umbrella Sky
Milt peered more closely, squinting. Someone was out there, but because of the way the light hit him, he was little more than a silhouette. A big silhouette, one that looked vaguely familiar.
Could it be?
Milt threw on a T-shirt and some flip-flops and hurried to the back door, which Ruby was pawing. He opened it and Ruby dashed out. He didn’t worry about her running away any longer. She knew how good she had it here, and after the flood, Milt had taken considerable care in training her (with lots of cut-up hot dogs) into coming when she was called.
“Ruby! Sit.”
Good girl that she was, she dropped down only a foot or so from the visitor. Milt grinned as he realized who it was. Grinned bigger with delight at this nighttime surprise from completely out of the blue.
“My God. You ever hear of phoning first?” Milt picked up the pace and launched himself into the big and bearish arms of his very best friend from Summitville, Ohio, Dane Bernard. The two of them had been chief confidantes and consolers to the other throughout some of their most joyous and most trying life experiences. They’d taught, side by side, for years at Summitville High School.
“And spoil the surprise?” Dane’s laugh, like Dane himself, was big and warm. “I needed a break, and I guessed my buddy out here could use a nice surprise. Hope I’m not wrong.” He laughed again, booming.
Milt lost himself in Dane’s hug. It was very much like being surrounded by a favorite quilt—absolute comfort and security.
After holding each other for a few moments, Milt found the fortitude to break away.
“And who’s this?” Dane asked. Ruby was going nuts, whining and circling them, her tail a blur that rivaled hummingbird wings.
“That’s Ruby. And I’m not even going to try to, um, curb her enthusiasm.” As if she’d heard him, Ruby jumped up on Dane’s sizable chest, bouncing off it. Dane laughed and finally squatted down beside her to show her some love.
“She thinks she’s who you came to see,” Milt said. Ruby had always had an unerring sense when it came to people—who to cozy up to and who to lean away from. Milt trusted her instincts as much, if not more, than his own.
“Who says she isn’t?” Dane finished petting and scratching Ruby, stood, and picked up his leather duffel bag. “Seriously. I hope it’s okay, me showing up like this. The weather’s so shitty back home, in the teens, with snow and sleet that feels like needles. Seth’s busy with the school play, and I….” His voice trailed off for a moment, and it was obvious he was caught up in emotion. “And I just missed you so damn much, I thought I needed to get out here and see you. There was a cheap last-minute flight deal. I snatched it up without even questioning.”
Milt cocked his head, feeling a little choked up himself. “That’s so sweet. I’ve missed you too, brother.”
“And listen, I know this is a surprise, so please feel free to go on about your business while I’m here. No special concessions. Soaking up some sun will be consolation enough for when you’re not around. I passed the pool on the way in.” Dane took a deep breath of what Milt had come to view as the “chilly” nighttime air and exhaled with a big, pleasure-filled “Ah.”
“The good news is my schedule is wide open.” Milt did feel a twinge of disappointment that he’d have to include Dane on the hike tomorrow. But Dane was such a lovable man, he was certain Billy would be utterly charmed by him, and the three of them would have a great time. He had plenty of time, he supposed, to be alone with Billy.
“And I don’t mind couch-surfing.”
“Good thing, because my closet of a guest room is my office.” Milt put a guiding hand on Dane’s shoulder. “Come on inside. Let’s get you a drink and a comfortable place to land.”
“I just need to hit the john and set down my bag. Hey! Can we sit out here for a bit?”
“Grab a couple of beers out of the fridge while you’re in there.” Milt realized he was already getting acclimated to desert heat, because it didn’t even cross his mind to sit outside tonight. In the low sixties? Too damn cold! But he’d endure for his Midwestern buddy.
“Will do. Back in a flash.”
Milt plopped down in one of the aluminum chairs to wait. Ruby curled up at his feet. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Life really was often full of the most unexpected surprises. His heart was filled with gladness. This was a gift he’d never expected, but now, Dane being here just felt so right.
He glanced over at Billy’s trailer and thoughtI’ve got so much to tell Dane. Dane had loved Corky too, though, and Milt wondered how he’d take the news of his interest in Billy. Would he see it as a betrayal?Oh, come on! I’m quite sure you’re the only one who sees it that way!
Dane returned in short order with the beers. He’d even snooped in Milt’s cupboards and found a box of Cheez-Its. It was a party!
They sat for a long time, through a couple more beers and lots of catching up. Dane told him all the Summitville news, particularly the gossip that revolved around the high school, and Milt brought Dane up to date on his life here in Palm Springs. He’d gestured toward Billy’s trailer with his beer bottle and said, “And that’s where Billy lives.”
“Oh? And who’s Billy?” Dane raised his eyebrows, a grin lifting the corner of his mouth.
And Milt described him in glowing terms—not only his handsome blond looks but his warm heart and caring personality.
“So, you like this guy?” Dane leaned forward a little.
And Milt found himself enduring a stab of guilt. He hated that he was, but hell, there was no denying what he felt. He wished, for the briefest of moments, that he hadn’t mentioned Billy at all. It made him a little sad to see the look of anticipation and happiness on Dane’s face at the mention of a new man. He could practically read what Dane was thinking—how it was good Milt was finally moving on, how great it would be for him to find someone to replace Corky, to put some salve on the wounds of his loss and grief. Why did that make him feel sad?
“He’s nice,” Milt said, hiding elaborating behind a couple more swigs of beer and a handful of Cheez-Its. He stretched after swallowing, arms over his head, big yawn. “I don’t know about you, but I’m pooped.” He reached down to rub the top of Ruby’s head. “This one here, she has me up at the crack of dawn.”
