Love and Bravery by Suanne Laqueur

Author:Suanne Laqueur [Laqueur, Suanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 37663031
Publisher: Suanne Laqueur, Author
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Their first meal together consisted of microwaved cheeseburgers, soggy fries and three beers apiece. They loitered quite a while in the smoky club car, and when they returned to their seats, the train was winding its way in and out of Syracuse. They sat down in their original seats, opposite one another.

Later, looking back, Sam couldn’t remember all the words. There were too many. He and Ned talked and talked. Snark, innuendo and jokes bantered between them, enough to feel flirtatious. But no obvious come-ons or physical overtures. Sam’s gaydar gave up trying to figure out what the hell was going on. He was beyond looking to score by now. He was enjoying the ride and the company at face value. He and Ned had read a ton of the same books. The concert resumes aligned and they could quote the same movies. Ned was better traveled. He told some tales about his youth hostel circuit in Europe. And a horrific excursion to Japan where absolutely everything that could go wrong did.

Sam listened and laughed, liking the way Ned told stories, describing people and rehashing dialogue. He was bright, and had a glib, sarcastic edge to his humor that would’ve been somewhat obnoxious if he hadn’t included himself in the barbs.

Where you been all my life? Sam thought in the comfortable silences.

It was around the time the train reached Albany when Ned got up to use the bathroom, and when he came back, he sat down in the seat beside Sam.

“Can I?” he asked.

Sam thought he meant taking the seat. Then he saw Ned pointing to the coloring book and markers.

“Help yourself,” Sam said, passing them over.

Watching Ned color in the Hulk, with the rumble of the tracks beneath them, Sam grew sleepy. Finally he dozed off in the car’s rocking embrace, his head against the window. The edges of his mind unraveled, his chest open and his stomach calm. Then the train gave a hard lurch and he woke with a surprised grunt. Ned reached, caught Sam’s cheek gently in the palm of his hand, and drew Sam’s head down to his shoulder.

“Come here,” he said softly.

Sam went limp and allowed his body to lean against Ned. Eyes closed, he sensed Ned capping markers, closing the metal box and placing it and the book on the opposite seat. Then Sam’s hand was suddenly enveloped in warmth, pressed between both of Ned’s.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” Ned said.

“Thanks,” Sam whispered, eyes still closed. Ned was rubbing the ragged edges of Sam’s fingernails. His mouth brushed Sam’s fingers and his exhaled breath was a warm sigh on Sam’s knuckles.

They held hands all the way to Penn Station.

The rest happened with wonderful spontaneity and an astonishing mutual clarity of what they wanted. It was 10:00 and Sam’s train to Philadelphia did not leave until 11:30.

“Want to go for a drink?” Sam asked.

“Sure.”

They found a T.G.I. Friday’s and shared some potato skins. Back at Penn Station, they exchanged business cards.

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