Summer Sweat (Spruce Texas)

That news has my eyes growing double. “Wait, what?”

“Rent split two ways? Good. Three ways? Even better.”

“You want me to go to Austin with you guys?”

“Why the hell not, man? Wouldn’t it be awesome? You could get a job around campus. Get to know professors and people there. Figure out what you gotta do to get in. Maybe you’d start in the spring semester! Once you’ve got the money and jump through whatever hoops, I’m sure they’ll accept you.”

“You really think so?”

“Or hell, if you’re still feeling burned by UT, you can go to a community college out there instead. Not Fairview. Far away from this town, out in the real world. And, uh, now that I think about it, Austin’s gay scene is kinda big, too.”

This is still weird, to talk so openly about it with Julio. “That’s, uh … awesome, I guess.”

“Anyway, just think it over.” He slaps my back again. “I’ll give you a call later. Benji and Lee are gonna be stoked to see you.”

I’m in a daze. “Yeah, awesome. I’ll … I’ll see you guys tonight.”

“See you tonight.” He slaps my shoulder one last time. “Proud of you. Fuckin’ proud of you.” Then he heads back to the workout machines, grin still pasted across his face.

I didn’t expect to have that kind of an interaction with Julio. It leaves me feeling far happier than I thought I could feel today, for a moment penetrating the dark cloud that has hung over my head and poured its heavy raindrops relentlessly since I left the farm, drenching me in its melancholy.

Now, I almost feel fucking great.

A totally new me.

A totally new Hoyt.

“Well …” murmurs Rhea finally, staring down at the counter. “Don’t I feel like an idiot.”

I’m about to respond when I spot Jimmy Strong approaching down the aisle. He’s a slightly shorter, slimmer version of his big brother Tanner, with a far cuter face (sorry, Coach) and a stylish sweep of hair that for some reason gives me major boy-band vibes. “Mr. Nowak!” he says in a chipper, happy voice, extending a hand that I quickly shake. “Welcome to the Strong Fitness Zone! You’re right on time for the interview, and I’m four and a half minutes late. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not a problem,” I assure him, then hand off my application. “Sorry about the wrinkles.”

“Dog got to it? Just kiddin’, no biggie. Follow me to the back where I can ask you all of the boring questions. Got your ID and social handy like I asked? When can you start, by the way?”

I leave a sullen Rhea at the front desk, following Jimmy Strong down the aisle between the workout machines. The luster of this place seems lacking. Maybe it’s because last time I was here, it was with a certain someone else, someone who filled my heart with so much joy, it could have burst on those fun trampolines.

But all of that is behind me now.

Isn’t it?

“Immediately,” I answer.

Chapter 23

Harrison

It’s been a week since Hoyt left.

A whole damned week.

I’ve come to Gary’s office looking for Gary, but instead, I find Hoyt’s paperwork still lying out on the desk for some reason. Next to it, a pen, a sticky pad, and a half-empty coffee mug.

And no Gary.

He left his lamp on. The night is still young. He’ll probably be back soon, so I just have to wait a little longer.

While staring at Hoyt’s paperwork.

And his signature.

Which even a week later still looks fresh.

“Oh, there you are,” comes a voice.

I turn to find Lance at the glass double doors to the office. He is wearing a simple off-white shirt and grayish pants with boots, yet somehow makes it all look like a very intended fashion choice. Maybe it’s the hair.

“Lance?” I murmur.

“Me.” He smiles. “Hi, Harrison.”

“Hey there.” I step away from the desk. “If you’re looking for Gary, I think he stepped out.”

“Nope. You’re the man of the hour. Actually, I do have a thing to drop off to Gary from Chad, but that’s not why I’m looking for you. I … wanted to ask you a little something, and figured a drop-in was more personal than a lame phone call. Checked your cute little cabin first, but the fellows and lovely lady at the bunkhouse said you might be here talking with Gary. Did you talk to Gary yet, by the way? Should I come back?”

“No, no, it’s fine. I’m sure he’ll show up when he’s meant to. Come on in,” I say, gesturing at one of the chairs in front of Gary’s desk. “Take a seat, if you like.”

“Oh, I won’t be long. I should head back before it gets dark. I can just leave the thing for Gary on the porch.”

“No problem.” I fold my arms and lean against the desk. “So what brings you to me?”