Today he wore a graphic tee that read: Burr Shot First, referring to the infamous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Rebecca had taken him to see the Hamilton musical a couple of times, and he owned the soundtrack. It made me smile when he finally started playing it again about a year after she died. As if it’d been too painful to relive it before then. It offered me reassurance that we’d eventually be okay.
I raised my hand in a wave as he rode off down the driveway, thankful he hadn’t put on his felt top hat for the ride. It was sure to be distracting to some drivers, and I was always worried about close calls when he rode in the bike lane.
Or…that’s what I told myself. Deep down, it was about not wanting to lose him. And okay, I also never wanted my child to be ridiculed the way I was as a kid—which for me had been mostly by my own father. He was a hard man to live with and, obviously, the effects were long-reaching.
After finishing my coffee, I rinsed the mug, gave Ruby a new bone to chew, then locked the door behind me to start my day. Marcus’s date night hadn’t been far from my thoughts all week. He’d sounded so raw and vulnerable afterward, and had I been with him, I would’ve tried my best to make him laugh. Maybe told him one of my corny jokes. Because when he smiled, it was dazzling and lit up his whole face.
The part I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around was the sudden relief I felt once he’d told me his date hadn’t turned into anything more. Was it because I didn’t want him to move on and leave me behind? Ridiculous. We’d be friends regardless. At least, I hoped so.
So why hadn’t I told him yet about my history with guys? Truth be told, it still felt like a quiet part of myself that had only perked up when Marcus announced his date in group.
Of course, the dream only served to remind me of my past, and I felt like I was viewing the world around me through a different lens. Which didn’t make a ton of sense because being bisexual was a part of me, even if I’d never put a name to it back then or understood it better. But maybe that was no excuse.
Still, I wanted to think on it a bit longer.
Once I got to the office, changed into my work shirt, and slid into the truck with my roster for the day, the sky had turned gloomy. It sprinkled on and off all morning and afternoon, with rumbles of thunder in the distance.
My last appointment was canceled, and by the time I was back in the parking lot, the rain was hard and steady, accompanied by lightning. I planned to go inside and complete the paperwork from my appointments, but I was trapped in the truck for a long spell, waiting for a break in the weather. I used the time to check on Grant, who assured me he could get a ride home after club.
“Hope we don’t lose power,” the office manager grumbled, fiddling with the transistor radio she kept on her desk as I slipped inside.
“No kidding. It’s wicked out there.” It was rare that we lost power in our neighborhood, but a storm like this hadn’t come through in a few months, so anything was possible.
Once I changed back into my regular clothes and made sure the invoices were accurate, I scrolled to Marcus’s number, curious how he was fairing at his shop.
Has the storm blown through already?
Not yet, but already lost power. Sitting in the dark with a flashlight, finishing my sanding job.
That sucks. No generator?
No, but every time this happens, I wonder why I’ve never invested in one.
Well, I can help with that. I am an electrician, after all. My last appointment got canceled, so how about I stop by to see if there’s anything I can do to help?
I certainly couldn’t restore his electricity because that was up to the city and its power grid. But I knew a few linemen, and they were sure to already be working around the clock.
My heart was beating a little strangely as I waited for his response. I’d never met Marcus for lunch or even seen his place of employment, let alone where he lived. This seemed like the perfect excuse.
Sure. Come on by.
Once I plugged in the address, I got on the road and headed to his business. As I pulled into a space in front of the redbrick building, it dawned on me that I’d driven past this area at least a dozen times and it had never registered.
I’m here. It’s pouring, so I’m gonna make a run for it.