Page 41 of Missile Tow
“I was passing through,” Van interjected. “The storm hit without much notice for me, ma’am.”
She appeared unimpressed. “You don’t watch the weather reports when traveling cross country in the dead of winter,young man?” she accused. “Hardly seems like an intelligent move on your part.”
“I didn’t think about the weather, to tell you the truth,” Van answered.
“I can see that. And then Calvin here just invites you to stay at his home?” she asked. “A total stranger? He just up and extends an invitation?”
“I’m assuming Calvin is Chip?” he asked, gesturing to me. “And yes, he did. After Bertie suggested he do so.”
She glared at Van. Her open hostility shocked me. “Of course she did,” she stated. “Always trying to spoil my plans.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” Van began. “I’m at a slight disadvantage not being from around here, but have I done something to offend you?”
Mrs. Hatfield waved him off. “Not your fault,” she explained, finally softening her attitude toward the stranger. “Bertie Baxley just doesn’t want my grandson to get his hooks into young Calvin here. But I have other plans.”
“Alrighty then,” I interrupted, needing this conversation to cease. “Enough about you and Bertie.”
Mrs. Hatfield wasn’t finished quite yet. “Youarestill coming for Christmas Eve dinner, correct, Calvin?” she inquired. “James is so counting on seeing you again.”
I glanced toward Van, who was watching me intently. His face was expressionless, yet I sensed something in his demeanor, and the reveal wasn’t one of pleasure. Like Mrs. Hatfield, he also seemed to be waiting for an answer to her question.
“Of course, ma’am. I said I’d be here, and I intend to be,” I replied. “I look forward to reconnecting with an old friend,” I added, hoping my answer would placate her as well as shift any romantic ideas away from the dinner.
“My grandson, James, is expecting to rekindle a spark,” she announced, turning toward Van, making sure he’d heardher clearly. “He’s constantly talking aboutreconnectingwith Calvin.”
The emphasis she placed on the word ‘reconnecting’ didn’t get past Van. Now he’d crossed his arms. I wondered whether I liked his stance. He hadn’t struck me as the jealous type, but did I really know him that well?
Why was I trying to defend myself against the implication that I had any connection to James besides a childhood friendship once a summer for several years until we were thirteen? And why was my desire to minimize a dinner with an elderly woman and her grandson suddenly paramount?
Van had become my focus in less than two days. That in itself was ridiculous. I didn’t know him from Adam. The excited feelings and emotional connection I was forming had to be too soon.
“James and I are friends, ma’am,” I reminded her. “And I look forward to saying hello when he visits.”
“On the contrary, Calvin. My grandson is a soon-to-be doctor who, like you, is homosexual. James has his heart set on rekindling a childhood crush,” she clarified. “And I intend to see that happen.”
“With me?” I asked, knowing damn well what her agenda was, but hating the spectacle she’d created on day two of my expected two-week sex-fest.
“With you!” she exclaimed. “Who else is worthy of my grandson? You are caring, loving, honest, hardworking, and very handsome, Calvin. You are absolutely the perfect man for my grandson.”
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Van had uncrossed his arms. A pleasant smile formed, and he glanced toward me before stepping forward.
“Your grandson sounds like a catch,” Van stated, turning to Mrs. Hatfield and smiling. “Lucky for Calvin that you care enough to reconnect them,” he added.
She gazed at Van suspiciously, but his words must’ve soothed her worries. I imagined his words made him seem less of an enemy to her goals. “So what’s your story, young man?” she asked, politeness oozing from her.
“Well, ma’am. I am gay as well,and single, I might add. You know, just in case you have another grandson,” he quipped. “And I was on my way to Denver for a job interview and a change of scenery from Seattle. Unfortunately, I had the bad luck of a storm hitting town right when I was driving through.”
“So Calvin is simply helping you during the storm?” she asked. “A warm and safe place for a day or so?”
Van turned his attention toward me before answering her. I’m positive he had questions. I know I did. But I discovered he was far too gracious and mature to piss off an old lady. Any concerns I’d had about jealousy or petty behavior evaporated.
Then why was I hurting inside after his explanation to her of why he was here? Just passing through? Going for a job interview in Denver? Wishing she had another grandson? All the same things he’d told me, other than the grandson part, but the disclosure sounded threatening now that I liked him so much. He confirmed to Mrs. Hatfield exactly what my fears were.
“Calvin is a lifesaver, ma’am,” he added. “He offered the spare bed in the loft of his cabin and has been a kind host to me. I’ll be out of his hair as soon as the storm passes.”
“Very well indeed,” she said, cheering up instantly. “How about you boys come inside for some cocoa before checking the generator?”
Van pulled his gloves off and stepped closer with a hand extended. Mrs. Hatfield graciously accepted the warmth, her free hand moving to her neck as she half giggled at his chivalry.
