Chapter 47
Jon stared at the screen. His grandfather typically wasn’t cryptic, but this email simply said, “I talked to your father. I am trying. I may be making progress.” He read it a third time before he gave up. Was he saying that Jon’s dad might actually accept him? He shook his head and responded with a curt “thank you”. He wasn’t trying to be rude, but he didn’t want to read too much into it and get his hopes up. That was a dangerous path, not only for himself but also for anyone left to pick up the pieces. He shut the computer off and stretched. Work had been stressful, and he considered heading to the park. He needed to clear his head.
He stepped out onto the porch. It was a beautiful evening, and if he timed things right, he could catch the sunset over the pond. His phone buzzed furiously in his pocket. Texts from James, Jeff, and Levi. They all seemed frantic, and from the three, he could only gather that he needed to get to the bar immediately. His heart sank, and he broke into a run, his mind racing with every terrible scenario. His imagination was getting better, and he cursed himself for expanding his creative mind.
He jumped into his car and peeled out of the driveway, speeding towards the Dragon. He thought about trying to call, but decided against it. Jerking his car into the nearest space, he ran through the door. He was expecting a bloody massacre.
Instead, everything looked relatively normal. The only thing that seemed off was Levi. He was staring at a man sitting at the bar. James was talking to him, but Levi was standing by the stage staring at the man with murder in his eyes. He started towards the stage. Levi nodded towards the back door and headed out. Jon followed, glancing back. There was something familiar about the man. The door closed behind them.
“That guy in there is asking a lot of questions about you. Said you guys used to be friends, and he heard you hung out here. It’s obvious knows your family because he said Alicia told him about this place. I wanted to kick his ass and tell him to get lost. James said you should probably talk to the guy. Jeff said we should talk to you first.”
That explained the confusing messages.
“Did you at least get a name? My family may be ignorant, but they’re not stupid. I don’t think they’d send someone here to ask questions and tip their hand.”
“I think he said his name was Robbie.”
Jon coughed. “Robbie? Are you sure?”
“I think so.”
Jon smiled. “If it’s who I think it is, it’s probably cool, but I’m glad I’ve got backup. Play nice. I want you there, but don’t let on who you are, even if we’re talking about you. Not at first, at least. I’ll figure out what he’s up to.”
“I don’t know if I like this.”
“Tell James to take a smoke break. I don’t want him messing this up. I trust him, but I know you’ve got my back if Robbie tries anything.”
“You’re sure about this?”
He put his arm around Levi. “What is there to be worried about when I’ve got a big sexy man like you protecting me? Am I sure it’s not more bullshit from my parents? No. But Robbie used to be a really good friend, and I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“Ok. I’m going to trust that you know what you’re doing.”
Jon watched him go back into the bar. His knees buckled under him. Time slowed to a crawl. Memories flooded his mind. Mostly good, but the bad were bad. He needed to trust his instincts.
“Jon? You ok? Levi said I needed to come out for a smoke. He was acting weird.”
“Yeah. I need to get in there before Levi gets any murderous ideas. Do you mind staying out here for a bit?”
“Not at all. Been chatting with that Robbie dude. And don’t worry too much. I unloaded the shotgun the first chance I got after he threatened to shoot me.”
Jon chuckled. He knew Levi would turn it into a club faster than Robbie would catch on. “Better safe than sorry.”
The air in the bar felt different. Ominous. He made his way past the stage. Jeff smiled at him. Levi was talking to Robbie. He had a smile on his face. It was good, but Jon saw through it. He cautiously approached the man at the bar.
He stood behind Robbie and inhaled, summoning the last bit of his courage.
“I hear you’re asking around about me.”
Robbie spun around. “Jon!” He was up in a flash. Jon felt a warm embrace. “I’ve missed you! Sit down. Let me buy you a drink.”
“What are you doing in Derecho?”
“Just passing through on my way to Galveston.”
Jon shook his head. “You may be on your way to Galveston, but you ain’t just passing through. If you were, you wouldn’t have known I was here, and sure as hell wouldn’t have been looking for me.”
Jon watched Robbie’s grin. It was just the way he remembered it. “You’re partly right. Damn, you always were the smart one.”
“How’d you know about this place? Why are you here?”
“Sit down, Jon.” He turned to Levi. “Can I get a coke? And whatever my friend here wants is on me.”
Jon made sure he wasn’t being watched and smiled at Levi. “I’ll have a whiskey sour.” He sat on the stool. “You’re not drinking?”
“Nah. I’m driving on tonight. The people here seem off.” Levi nearly dropped a whiskey bottle. “No offense. I figure it’s just because I’m not from around here.”
Jon struggled to suppress laughter. He knew Levi was seething. “Ok, so you found me. Now tell me what this is about.” Levi placed their drinks on the bar.
“We used to be inseparable. Do you remember that shit? Good times. Can you remember that and hear me out? There’s no way I can say this without coming across like an asshole.”
“I’ll try.” He glanced at Levi. His expression was unreadable. Jon hoped he wouldn’t do anything rash.
“That’s all I can ask. Of all the times to be sober.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “Your mom came into my coffee shop the other day. She remembered me and talked about you, but it didn’t make a lot of sense. Something about a gay guy brainwashing you or something. She asked me to come down here and talk some sense into you. I agreed, partly to shut up her bullshit. You disappeared off the face of the earth after senior year. I tried to text and email you a few times, but you never responded. Is what she said true? Not the brainwashing part, but the gay part?”
Jon kept his voice even. “Yes.”
Robbie smiled. “ Dude ! Why didn’t you tell me back then? Did I say something that hurt you? Is that why you cut me out?”
Jon’s head dropped. “No. I just had to deal with it on my terms.”
“Did you have a crush on me? Was that it? You were afraid I’d freak out?”
He could feel Levi’s eyes watching them. He would give anything to have James there now instead. Blood rushed to his face.
“Yes.”
Robbie laughed. “I knew it! I just figured you’d tell me, not run away. For the record, I would’ve let you down gently. You should’ve known I wouldn’t have freaked out. I was expecting it. I even practiced some jokes to make it less awkward for you.”
Jon exhaled and let himself relax. “Thanks? I think?”
“So, do you have a boyfriend? If you do, I wish I could meet the guy and tell him how lucky he is and that if he doesn’t treat you right, I’ll kick his ass.”
Jon could see Levi scowling in his peripheral vision. He smiled. “I do. He’s amazing.” He turned toward Levi. “Aren’t you babe?”
The color fled from Robbie’s face. “This is your boyfriend?”
“Robbie, meet Levi.”
“That explains why everyone seemed off.”
“Levi thought you were coming to stir shit up. He wanted to kick your ass. The other guys were trying to buy you enough time to explain yourself first.”
“Remind me to thank them.”
Jon raised an eyebrow and followed Robbie’s gaze. Levi’s chest was puffed out, and every muscle in his upper body was tensed. Jon laughed. “Levi, you can stop flexing. He gets the point.”
Levi glared at Robbie. “He better.”
Robbie nodded. “Well, that’s not how I intended that to go, but it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Levi deflated and extended a hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Sorry about being an ass, but Jon means the world to me, and his family has tried to start so much shit.”
Robbie interrupted. “I know his family, so I get it. I don’t blame you a bit. When I thought he might come out to me back in high school, I was terrified of how they would take it.”
Jon forced a smile and fought back tears. He finished his drink. “Robbie, care to join me while I grab a smoke?” He turned to Levi. “James is still outside. I bet he’s trying to figure out if it’s safe to come in. We need to catch up. We’ll send him in to help you out.”
“Are you sure?”
Jon grinned. “Yeah. It sounds like we have a lot to catch up on. I think there’s too much pressure on him in here.”
He motioned for Robbie to follow and headed to the back.
“James, give us a few. Tell Levi I know and it’s cool.”
James looked as if he were going to object, but just nodded and walked inside.
Jon embraced Robbie. “I missed you, man. I’m sorry I just abandoned you when I left for school. Let’s clear the air. Everything. I know I was dealing with my secrets, but it sounds like you were fighting some demons. No more secrets.”
Robbie started crying. “I don’t know where to begin.”
Jon sat and motioned for Robbie to join him. “Well, the last time we talked was the day we graduated high school, so we should probably start there. But before we do, I know most of what you said in there was bullshit. Why don’t you start by telling me the real reason you’re here?”