Straight Boy by Jay Bell

Author:Jay Bell [Bell, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay fiction
Publisher: Jay Bell Books
Published: 2018-10-17T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The closer we get to Tucson, the more nervous I become. I didn’t have concerns before this trip began. I was looking forward to meeting hunky Renzo. I’ve stared at his photos plenty of times, but only when Carter wasn’t in the room, because no matter what the girls may think, Renzo simply can’t compare. Now I’m worried about how I’ll measure up. What if we get to Tucson and I’m on the sidelines as Renzo and Carter exchange inside jokes and go racing off to climb cliffs.

I wish I could afford a hotel for the entire time we’re there. Instead we’ll be staying with Renzo’s family, which is practical but it also means I’ll be the third wheel until we begin the drive home.

Carter is increasingly quiet as we near his home town. He peps up somewhat when pointing out familiar sights, or when we step outside the car to fuel up and bask in warm weather that we appreciate more now that we’ve experienced the infamous Chicago winter.

For the final ten minutes of the drive, the GPS is the only voice in the car. Turn left. Turn right. The destination is on your left. We pull into the driveway of a large ranch-style house. I put the car in park and look over at Carter, but he still has his seatbelt on. He’s in no hurry to leave the car. Despite my nerves, I’m eager to stretch my legs, so this really confuses me. Carter doesn’t seem excited. I would be, if I was about to reunite with one of my best friends.

“Ready?” I ask.

“Before we go inside,” Carter says, “we need to talk. I’ve been meaning to tell you about this the entire drive down. It’s just… hard.”

My stomach sinks. “Okay. I’m listening.”

Something catches his eye through the windshield. Then he swears under his breath. I look in the same direction and see a woman coming toward us. She has a total mom vibe as she smiles and waves. Someone is behind her.

“Don’t you dare laugh,” Carter mutters under his breath. He turns a glare on me that’s totally unexpected. “Swear you won’t!”

I don’t know what he’s talking about. We don’t have time to discuss it. All I manage is a nod before Carter undoes his seatbelt and opens the passenger-side door.

I get out too. I notice Renzo right away, mostly because he’s making a lot of noise. My first impression is how much he’s changed. His skin is paler than what I saw in the photos. Granted, it is winter. Sun is never in short supply down here, but people do tend to go outside less in cooler weather. His impressive physique, from what I can see from the light breeze blowing against his T-shirt, hasn’t remained so toned. In fact, he’s a little flabby. What really baffles me is the way he walks, like somebody took him apart but didn’t know how to put him back together correctly. His every step is awkward and lurching, like a zombie in fast-forward.

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