Chapter 6
Chapter Six
ROD
Imagine the scandalous headline in the local newspaper.
“LOCAL PROFESSOR IS GAY." I relocated here a decade ago.
After a decade, finding a man I wanted to be friends with, let alone a partner, proved impossible.
I enjoyed my college staff and faculty friends.
We hung out together sometimes. After some of those same college friends retired, I bought a retirement home in the Texas Hill Country.
But non-college friends? No. My new student, Wyl, flashed into my head. Okay, I met this one guy...
In the kitchen, I pulled a bottle of Zinfandel from the wine rack and uncorked it to let it breathe.
I thought of Wyl, and a wave of anticipation flowed through me.
He topped my short list of best-looking guys.
Despite my fear of breaking the student/faculty relationship rule, I imagined myself spending time with him, which reminded me that men like Wyl likely married at a young age.
He didn’t mention a wife or kids this morning, but it never came up.
Being around such an attractive man while interacting with his wife and kids didn’t work for me.
According to the movies, a woman can always tell. Nope. Too risky.
After changing clothes, I poured a glass of wine and settled in the living room.
I scanned the room. Many of the furnishings stayed with the house after my grandfather died, and my grandmother moved to Florida to be with her sister.
A few furnishings remain from when my great-grandfather first built the house in 1875.
I wondered what Blackfield life was like after the Civil War.
I wish I had asked more about our family history before my parents died.
I sipped wine as my thoughts again turned to Wyl.
I missed male companionship. Small and conservative, Blackfield boasted the total absence of gay nightlife.
I never enjoyed trolling the gay bars in Dallas, where an entire section of the city boasted many gay establishments and stores.
My ex and I used to go to parades and other events, but his betrayal made me shy away from getting involved.
Not only did Patrick disappear without a trace, but I got caught up in the backlash of his embezzlement.
We owned our home together. The bank wanted to take the house, but I was not responsible for his debts or actions.
However, I must either come up with half the appraised value to pay the bank or sell the house so the bank can take the money for its half.
I opted to sell the house, which prompted my move to Blackfield to start over.
As far as I know, Patrick avoided capture. I hope he fled the country.
I picked up the Blackfield newspaper and thumbed through all eight pages, including the one with the obituaries.
On the local events page, one photo of a group of women caught my attention.
The local bridge club played a tournament.
The name Mitzi Sterling popped out of the attendee list like a flashing marquee.
So that’s the Mitzi Wyl mentioned. Aside from Stella, I didn’t realize Mitzi kept her local connections.
I tossed the folded-up newspaper to the floor and picked up my laptop.
New messages flooded my email, including ones from my college address.
One email drew my attention. From marinerancher75 with a subject of Wednesday?
Curious, I opened it. Wyl sent it. My heart pounded.
Why did it pound when I thought of him? His striking features, deep voice, alluring smile, sexy braid, and the whole rancher thing.
That’s why. At forty-five, I passed my prime but kept in shape.
Not as toned and muscled as Wyl, but not flabby.
Rod, can I meet with you before class on Wednesday? I have a question about the reading assignment. Wyl Sterling
Wyl needed my help. Whatever he wanted, I would do.
My hands shook as I typed a reply. Hi Wyl.
Sure. I’m always in my office by 7:00. Come early, and we’ll have coffee.
I clicked send and took a deep breath. The friendly smile Wyl sported after class stayed with me.
He probably smiled at everyone. I lectured myself with my logical side, but my emotional side gnawed at me.
Aw g’wan! What could it hurt? You could at least find out if he’s married with children.
I shook my head to rid the thought and reached up to flick the imaginary devil from my left shoulder.