The Player's Protégé by CJane Elliott

Author:CJane Elliott [Elliott, CJane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-64405-263-1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2019-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

JERRY LAY on Arlo’s sofa and watched him putter around in his small kitchen. They’d decamped to Arlo’s the day after Jerry’s flu was diagnosed, and he had to admit the quiet apartment was much better for recuperating than his was with his messy roommates clattering about. Three days on Tamiflu and Jerry was almost beginning to feel human again.

“What are you making? It smells wonderful. I must be recovering my appetite, because suddenly I’m famished.”

“It’s my super-special homemade enchiladas. I’m making ’em mild to not overtax your stomach.”

“‘Overtax,’ eh? You’re too cute. Did your mom teach you to cook enchiladas?”

“Yep.”

Jerry sat up on his elbows before dizziness forced him flat again. “And what’s she like, your mother?”

Arlo laughed. “She’s kind of like a whirlwind when she gets started on something. She and my sister have that in common. They’ll run right over you if you make the mistake of standing in their way.”

“Is your sister older or younger?”

“Older. Her name is Bonnie, short for Bonita.”

“Any other siblings?” It felt comfy hanging out and quizzing Arlo about his life. Arlo didn’t seem to mind.

“No. Just us two.”

“Where’d Arlo come from?”

“My parents loved that record by Arlo Guthrie, Alice’s Restaurant.”

“That’s funny.” More spicy aromas wafted by. “Mmm, it’s smelling better and better.” He smiled. He could get used to lying on Arlo’s sofa and letting Arlo cook good food for him. “I have an older sister too—Denise. She’s a powerhouse business exec in New York City. And no, I never make the mistake of standing in her way.”

“She must be a powerhouse if she can bowl you over.”

“Why do you say that?” Jerry tensed, ready to defend himself.

“You’re—you don’t put up with any shit. Right?”

“True.”

“And that’s cool.”

He relaxed and perched on his elbows again to watch Arlo. “Really? I know I can be a real bitch at times.”

Arlo poured water into a glass and brought it over. “Here. Keep hydrating.” He helped him sit up and then sat on the coffee table to watch him drink. “I don’t see it as bitchiness. I see it as you knowing what you want. Or, um… having certain standards and not settling for less. And not caring who you piss off for insisting that things be excellent.”

Jerry’s throat tightened at the unexpected praise, and he had to force down his last sip of water. “Yes, well, it’s earned me a few enemies, but I don’t know any other way to be.”

“Hey, don’t knock it. I bet you needed lots of strength growing up gay in Texas.”

“You can say that again.” Jerry uttered a mirthless chuckle.

“When did you come out?”

“My dear, I’ve never not been out.”

Arlo laughed.

“Believe me, I’ve been staring down homophobes since I was in grade school. I was a flaming queen straight out of the womb.” He gave Arlo his glass to set on the coffee table. “Although I officially came out—as in said ‘I’m gay, motherfuckers’—in sixth grade.”

“And your family? How were they?”

“Predictable. After trying to toughen me up, Dad decided I was a lost cause and basically ignored the whole thing.

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