Bishop: A True Lover's Story

“Bishop!” Edison barked, shoving him in his shoulder.

“You don’t remember that movie?” Bishop laughed.

“No, thank goodness. Just shut up and get in the darn truck. Ugh, I’m never giving Mila another afternoon off again.”

Bishop winked at him then started the loud engine. He’d done a better job keeping his work truck neater, so Edison didn’t have to drive them everywhere they went. He’d even sprayed a little Febreze to combat the cut grass smell.

“We’re going to Norfolk?” Edison asked when Bishop drove onto the interstate ramp.

“Yes. To my place.”

Edison’s head whipped around. “What… now?”

“Yes, Eddie. I told you someone wants to meet you.”

Edison released a long breath. “Your father?”

“Well, I only have three people in my life and you. Trent, you already see regularly, the other one is on his way home soon. So, yep, that leaves my dad, and he’s getting on my nerves so I’m gonna bring you over for just a quick second to say hi and bye, then we’re going to dinner.”

“Bishop, we can stay a bit longer than that. I don’t want him to think I’m rude. People take offense if you act like you can’t stay in their house for more than ten minutes. We have to stay at least an hour.”

“An hour! Where do you get these rules, Eddie?” Bishop asked. He’d never heard that before. He’d heard of overstaying your welcome.

Edison grinned. “Old men sayings.”

Bishop laughed. “Babe, I’m more worried about him offending you. His filter needs work. Me and him have a different kind of relationship than most dads have with their kids.”

Edison massaged Bishop’s thigh. “Why don’t you talk about your dad more? I think you know just about everything about my pop by now.”

“I don’t mind you talking about your dad. I can tell it makes you feel good and also the stories are pretty funny. He sounded like an awesome guy.” Bishop kept his eyes on the road when he reached over and stroked Edison’s cheek. “He had to be if he raised you.”

Edison ducked his head, squeezing Bishop’s thigh even tighter, making him bear down on the gas. “Do you think your dad will like me?”

Bishop gripped Edison’s hand, catching his worried eyes for a moment before he had to turn them back to the road. “Yes,” he said confidently.

He only lived about twenty minutes from Edison, and since there’d been hardly any traffic, they’d gotten there sooner. Edison tapped his fingers on his knee, his big eyes roaming all over the small court before settling on their trailer. While it wasn’t luxurious, it’d been more than Bishop had been used to.

Bishop took Edison’s shaky hand and kissed each of his knuckles. “Calm down. You’ll see when you meet him that you’re getting worked up for nothing.”

“Nothing?” Edison scoffed. “I’ve never met my boyfriend’s parents.”

“One parent.”

“Okay.” Edison shrugged. “That’s even more pressure.”

Bishop got out and went around the side to open Edison’s door. He tugged until he was out, again trying to reassure him. “You look hot.”

“Thank you.” Edison smiled.

“Feel better?”

Edison nodded.

Bishop kissed him once more, then led him up the three rickety steps and used his key to open the front door.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Edison

Edison squeezed Bishop’s hand as if it was his only lifeline. He could do this, all he had to do was be himself, just like his pop used to always say. Edison straightened his back and held his head high, proud to be on Bishop’s arm.

“Mike, what the fuck man!” Bishop yelled, his deep voice making Edison jump. He only had one foot in the door when Bishop wouldn’t let him go any farther, his huge frame blocking Edison from seeing what was happening. “Put some goddamn clothes on!”

Edison’s eyes widened. Who’s he talking to? Bishop didn’t mention having a roommate.

“Fuck you. It’s hot,” a rumbly voice filtered outside, sounding exactly like Bishop’s.

“Eddie’s with me, you ass,” Bishop growled.

“Right now?” Edison heard the surprise in the man’s voice, then scuffling and the sound of heavy footsteps. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would’ve had drawers on. I’m not trying to have your boyfriend dump you for me.”

Edison laughed abruptly but quickly tried to cover it with a cough when his boyfriend glared at him.

Bishop turned back around and threatened, “Real funny smart ass. Just go put something on before we change our mind.”

“No, no, no. I’ll be right back. Let ’em in, B.”

Edison was confused. Who in the heck was Bishop talking to like that? After a few seconds, he opened the door wider and let Edison inside. The interior was dark with most of the drapes drawn together to keep out the setting sun. The trailer was all open space. There was a living area with a worn sofa and recliner positioned in front of a large television. Some kind of fishing show was blasting on it before Bishop grabbed the remote and turned it off. The room was silent except for the bustling and slamming of dresser drawers in the back room. Edison blinked, wondering who else he might be meeting. That naked guy sounded like a real character.