Chapter 5 #2
Ray hums the tune he was thinking of on the beach to Gene, and writes some new lyrics down in his little notebook.
Gene matches the melody with chords on his acoustic guitar, and soon enough, a new song is born.
It’s probably their most ‘Beach Boys-sounding’ song they’ve ever written, but there’s no harm in switching it up every now and then.
It’s still very rock-’n’-roll, and Ray’s heart soars seeing Gene get a kick out of making up a Chuck Berry-style lick.
They write three more songs while they’re at it, singing new lyrics and having fun with just the two of them.
Ray feels the same magnetic pull that he felt before—the same one he always feels—while playing music with Gene.
His heart is telling him to lean in and give him a kiss, but he knows better.
Anyone could walk around the side of the building and see them.
He can’t risk that. He can be patient; he can wait until they go back inside.
Gene seems to be thinking the same thing, as every time they make eye contact, Gene gives him the most tempting, alluring smile.
As the sun sets, a few people do come around, laying a blanket on the grass a couple dozen feet away from Ray and Gene, sitting down on it. Gene sets his guitar down, leaning it against the side of his chair.
“Y’know, I’ve been up north a lot with my family, but somehow we never actually came up here for Fourth of July,” Ray says, staring out at the lake. The water shimmers, reflecting the sky in colors of pink and gold. “It was usually later in July, or in August, I think.”
“Did you watch fireworks in Grand Rapids, then?” Gene asks.
“Yeah, growing up. And then you and I watched them the last few years, y’know, with my brother.”
Gene hums in affirmation. “I don’t think we’ve seen him this year. Since it’s summer, he’d be back in Grand Rapids for a break between semesters, right?”
“Yeah. He’s probably with my parents now, watching the fireworks like we’ve done every other year.
” Ray pauses to think. “What’s funny is, now that we’ve moved to Lake Orion, Mick’s closer to us when he’s at school than when he’s out, since he goes to school in Ann Arbor.
But we’ve been so busy this year, and I assume he’s been busy with his schoolwork too, that we just haven’t had a chance to hang out. ”
“I know we’ll all see him again soon,” Gene reassures. “He’s your brother. So of course you’ll find each other again.”
“For sure.” However, thinking of his brother reminds Ray of something else. “It’s strange… I used to hang out with Mick all the time. He really was my only close friend I had growing up until… until I met you.”
He turns his head to look at Gene, making eye contact—and butterflies frizz in his chest at the sight of Gene’s gorgeous, hazel eyes.
“I didn’t have anyone like that growing up,” Gene says. “I’ve never had any siblings like you. And it’s not like I can call my parents my ‘friends’,” he chuckles. “Music was the only thing that ever was truly there for me. Then to find you, who loves music just as much as me…”
Ray has known this about Gene—they are best friends, after all.
And Ray’s been so happy that with creating the Dusty Brooms, they’ve both been able to form lasting friendships with the members of the band and their entourage.
But the way Gene says it to Ray in this moment, with the subtle breeze blowing his hair, and the sunset reflecting warm colors on his handsome face…
It almost feels like a confession of some sort. Confiding in Ray something deep, personal.
“I’m really glad we met that day at the bus stop,” Ray says. He can’t help but lean in a little closer, despite the other people sitting nearby. “For two young men like us to find each other like that… And here we are now. I’m so happy I met you, Gene.”
Gene’s smile melts Ray’s heart. The tender way he looks at him tugs at his emotions, and honestly, if they weren’t outside in public, Ray thinks he would cry.
But he composes himself, enough to hear his best friend’s words.
“I’m so happy too, Ray. I can’t even describe it.
Just that I care about you so much. And I’m so glad we’re here together. ”
Now he really does feel tears forming. God, I’m such a sap.
But Gene makes him feel so whole and complete, that simply saying this to each other makes Ray the happiest he’s ever been.
These words, combined with how now they’ve opened up to each other physically too, reinforces how much he loves being with Gene.
How much I love…
A roaring belly laugh catches him off guard, and he looks toward the other group of people, finding them all cackling and slapping their knees.
Thankfully, it appears like they’re not paying attention to Ray and Gene at all—instead laughing over some inside joke. The sky is fading even darker; the show should be starting soon. A few specks of light go off in the distance over on Mackinac Island, but nothing too big yet.
“Sounds like they’re having a good time,” Gene comments.
“Yeah.” Ray nods.
With the angle of how they’re in their chairs, how the group of people are sitting on the ground and slightly further away, and they’re not even looking at Ray and Gene to begin with…
What’s the harm?
Ray reaches over and sets his hand atop Gene’s on the armrests.
Gene gasps, yet smiles sweetly. It would definitely be too risky stealing a kiss, but they can get away with just this.
Ray’s emotions feel overwhelming, his heart so full, so happy he feels like he could burst. Yet he’s afraid that saying too much more aloud really would make him explode—a vulnerability he’s not sure he’s ready for.
He’s already bared his heart enough, right?
The last thing he wants to do is worry about if he’s doing something wrong.
So he relaxes, sitting back in his chair, Gene’s hand in his, and they wait for the show to start.
It’s not long before colorful sparkles erupt in the night sky.
Even being shot off so far away on the island, there’s so many of them all around—so loud, so big, a beautiful phenomenon that you could only see right from this spot.
That’s not to mention the fireworks being shot from boats in the lake that are closer to them, adding to it all.
It’s nothing like Ray’s ever experienced before.
He’s glad he’s seeing it here with none other than Gene.
The crackle and booms are like a song of their own.
The rhythm is unpredictable, and so are the colors, flashing red, white, green, and blue, some in stars, others in circles, and many in falling lines.
The way they reflect on Gene’s face reminds him of being at a show—how the stage lights would change, highlighting his features.
It might be still a while before they perform on stage again, still being on a break, yet Ray is more than ready for it to happen.
But for now, Ray will cherish this time alone with Gene, savoring the warmth of his hand.