Meeting Chance Read online

Aaron made a face. “Not me. It’s gross. It has the weirdest texture.”

  “More for me then,” Finn teased. “Anyway, you’re lucky your parents get along, even if they are divorced. My house is like a battle zone.” He lowered his voice and glanced around before leaning in to Aaron. “To be honest, sometimes I wish my parents would get a divorce.”

  “Why would you want that?” Aaron stared at him in surprise. Everyone he knew with a broken family wished it had never happened and wanted life back to what it had been in their childhood.

  Finn shrugged and tapped the straw against the table. “Like I said, battle zone. I don’t have any siblings, so my parents use me to get at each other. If Dad’s mad at Mom, he complains to me about what a horrible, lazy person she is. When Mom’s mad at Dad, she threatens to divorce him and tells me how I better not turn into a jerk like him.” He sighed. “I don’t know why they don’t just get it over with. They’ve both threatened to serve each other with papers for years now.”

  Aaron didn’t know what to say. Even his face was frozen as he stared at his new friend. Finn looked miserable as he sat there, still tapping the end of his straw against the wood. It crumpled and Finn grabbed another one, tearing the paper wrapper from it. The waitress arrived with their Cokes and set them down, momentarily freeing Aaron from his obligation to speak. He took the opportunity to take a long sip of his drink as he searched for the right words to say.

  “It’s no wonder you work so much, then. You’re saving up for college, sure, but it also gets you out of the house,” he finally managed.

  Finn nodded. “Pretty much, yeah. It helps. When I’m working, I’m surrounded by books, and they don’t talk. Neither do the animals. Plus the animals are a real stress relief. Walking the dogs is great, it really is. It gets me out of my head when I focus on something else. The dogs don’t care what kind of day you’ve had or what you’ve had to put up with. They just want some love and affection. It’s unconditional love of the best kind.” Finn paused and then laughed awkwardly. “That probably sounds really cheesy. Sorry.”

  Aaron talked with him more about their families until dinner arrived, and then they took a few minutes to eat in silence. Should I just come out and tell him I’m gay? He took a large bite from his burger. He glanced up at Finn as he grabbed the ketchup, shook it, and nearly splattered it over both of them as the bottle erupted on his plate.

  A piece of his burger flew out of his mouth as he laughed and choked. Finn stared down in disgust at the red stain on his shirt. “Man, I just washed this shirt! You know, this happens every time I eat,” he complained, causing Aaron to laugh even harder.

  “I used to be the same way when I was a kid. Every time I ate ice cream, it ended up all over my face! My parents used to joke that if I ever went on a date, they’d be behind him holding up a napkin to remind me—” Aaron cut himself off as he realized his slip and immediately busied himself by noisily slurping his drink.

  Finn cursed as he wiped his shirt with the napkin, moistened with the condensation on his glass.

  Aaron continued to eat his burger and fries, his face warmed as he waited for a reaction from Finn. When a minute had passed, he wondered if Finn had even heard him. He certainly seemed busy wiping the red glob off his shirt. Could it be possible Finn hadn’t caught it?

  As one minute passed into two, sweat built up along his hairline just like before. He was tired of sweating. Before it could make its presence known and trickle down the side of his face, he reached up and brushed it away discreetly as if he was brushing his hair out of his eyes.

  “What did you say before? Sorry, I got distracted.”

  Aaron swallowed the bite of his burger. “Just that I made a mess of myself as a kid eating ice cream, so I feel your pain.”

  “Yeah, but what did you say about your parents? It sounded funny. I don’t know them, but I could picture parents doing that to embarrass the hell out of their kid.”

  “It happened before the divorce. They still mention it sometimes. Any time I eat ice cream, actually. It kind of gets old, you know?”

  Finn nodded. “I can imagine.” He took a bite of his burger, set it down as he chewed thoughtfully, and rested his chin on his hands as he gazed at Aaron. The look he gave Aaron made him fidget in his seat as if he was under the knife, about to be dissected. “You said something else.”

  Dammit. He heard what I said.

  “No, just that.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  Finn frowned. “I swear, I thought I heard you say something else.”

  “What did I supposedly say?” Aaron asked, pushing some fries around his plate. Guilty conscience? Me? Never. He mentally cursed himself for not being able to hide his emotions well. He blamed his fire-red hair and pale skin.

  “I could have sworn—not that it matters—that you said him. Like your parents would sit behind him as in your date, him.”

  “Not that it matters, you said.”

  “Right,” Finn agreed. “It wouldn’t matter one way or the other. Him, her.” He waved a hand vaguely. “Who am I to judge? Look at my family.”

  Aaron relaxed immediately and smiled across the table at Finn, who returned it with one of his own.

  “So, it’s true?”

  “That I’m gay? Yes.”

  “I thought so.”

  “You did? Why?”

  “It’s no problem, Aaron. Not at all.”

  “Any reason you’re so…okay with it?” Like, maybe you’re gay, too, and I have a chance with you?

  “Like I said, look at my family. I see nothing wrong with it. You are who you are. And as far as I’m concerned, love is love. I’d much rather see that than war, you know? Two guys who love each other and are happy with life are worse than a senseless war where thousands of soldiers are killed because of their leader’s beliefs? I don’t see it.” Finn shrugged. “Having a family like mine…it makes you look at things differently.”

  Aaron felt foolish for being nervous about telling Finn. “Did you know there used to be this army made up entirely of gay men? They’re called the Sacred Band of Thebes,” Aaron babbled and nearly gushed as he told him about it.

  “I didn’t know that,” Finn said as he scooped up a fry. “That’s pretty neat. And just think, a few years ago our own military banned gays and lesbians from serving openly.” He snorted. “Looks like government should read the history books!”

  The two of them laughed and Aaron felt the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. Having a friend like Finn would be great for him. He could be himself and not worry about what he talked about, like with everyone else. And if Finn does turn out to be gay…He stopped himself. No way could he be that lucky. “I’ve done a lot of research. It’s a subject that fascinates me. Maybe it’s just because I am. I don’t know. But there’s more out there. So much of it doesn’t make it into the history books.”

  “There is a lot that doesn’t make it,” Finn agreed. “History books are biased. Plus there’s so much history, they have to cut some stuff out. I don’t agree with all of what they cut, but I will admit they have to draw the line somewhere. Then again, some of the junk they keep in there is so pointless. I think more people would be interested in history if they knew about the other side of it, like what you said.”

  Aaron agreed with him and they finished off their burgers. “There are other gay theories and stuff about some Egyptian pharaohs, and then there’s Hadrian and Antinous.”

  “I think it’s cool you know so much. Ever think about being a teacher?”

  “A teacher of what?” Aaron made a face. “Gay history? Maybe a college course, but even then, is there even a college that would offer that?”

  “You never know. You could always slip the information into high school history courses. I’m sure it would keep the students awake.”

  “And get me fired. No, I don’t really know what I want to do yet. I’ve got some time before college. You’re lucky you already know. I kind of envy that.”

  Finn threw a fry at him, hitting Aaron square in the chest. It left behind a small grease stain. “Hey, like you said, you’ve got time. You’ll figure everything out. So, are you dating anyone?”

  “Nope,” Aaron said, holding his breath.

  “Have you ever?”

  “Negative.”

  “Don’t tell me you don’t know anyone else who’s gay,” Finn said, sounding skeptical.

  “Sure I do,” Aaron replied with a frown. “My school is huge. There’s a Gay Straight Alliance there. But no one interests me. Besides, it’s not like the GSA is for hooking up. It’s to talk about issues and history, making changes in the world.” He paused. “So, do you, uh, have a girlfriend?”

  Finn laughed. “Are you kidding? Of course not. I don’t have time, remember? I did have a girlfriend. But she wasn’t happy that my schedule was so tight, so she broke it off. I got over it, though. It would’ve been nice, but I know what I need to focus on right now.”

  “You really are a unique guy, Finn,” Aaron said, masking his disappointment though his shoulders did slump. Of course he’s not gay. That would be too perfect.

  Finn didn’t seem to notice. “I try.”

  Chapter Five

  Aaron wasn’t scheduled to volunteer on Sunday. Part of him wanted to go in just to play with the cats, but he needed to get homework done, too. Compared to Finn, he felt inferior. He had so much free time compared to his friend, and yet his grades weren’t as high as they could be.

  His mother found him at noon, lounging on his bed with his copy of The Grapes of Wrath and papers from class spread around him.

  “Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise,” she exclaimed as she knocked on his door frame. “You’re willingl
y doing your English homework? What brought that about?”

  “My grades are pathetic compared to Finn’s, and he works and volunteers at the shelter.”

  “Two days and this kid has already become my new favorite person. When is he coming over for dinner?”

  Aaron rolled his eyes. “Mom, please.”

  “No, really. I’m glad you’ve made a new friend, Aaron. Especially one who’s going to be such a good influence on you.”

  “Mom.” His face heated with embarrassment and he ducked his head into the book. “Did you come up here for something?”

  She frowned. “Actually, yes. Tyler and Caleb stopped by last night. I forgot to tell you.”

  He sat up straighter in his bed. “Really? What did they want?”

  “They said they were stopping by to see if you wanted to hang out, but I told them you were out. I didn’t tell them where, though. I thought that might not be any of their business. I haven’t seen them around much.” She studied his expression. “They aren’t giving you trouble, are they?”

  With a sigh, Aaron shrugged and put the book down. His mother looked concerned. “Not trouble, no. But we’ve kind of lost touch, so I’m surprised they stopped by.”

  “Your father mentioned something about that. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It’s not that big of a deal, Mom. People grow apart all the time. They do their thing, I do mine.” When she didn’t move from the doorway, Aaron gave her a reassuring smile. “Dad just asked how they were doing, that’s all. And I’m fine, really. It’s not like I’m a social pariah. I talk to people at school.”

  “Okay. If you say so. I trust your judgment.” She turned to leave and then hesitated. “I really do want you to invite Finn for dinner the next time you see him.”

  “Okay, Mom. Whatever you say.”

  When she finally left, Aaron picked up his cell and sent a quick text to Finn, inviting him to dinner, per his mother, at his convenience. The response came back almost instantly and made him smile: LOL! Tell your mother I would be honored to partake in a meal. I have Thursday night free, if that’s good for her.

  Aaron responded that it was good and put his book away. He’d been reading for an hour and deserved a break before his brain melted out of his ears. He smoothed Midnight’s fur as he passed him and proceeded downstairs, where his mother was sitting on the couch watching a show she had recorded on the DVR.

  “Finn said Thursday is good if it’s good for you.”

  “Thursday is fine. I’ll make sure to take out a pot roast. Oh! Or is he vegetarian?”

  “We had a burger last night at Gracie’s, so I’m gonna go with no. But you don’t have to go through all the trouble, Mom. Anything would be fine. I can make pasta before you come home. It will be quick, easy, and cheap.”

  “Well look at you, aren’t you suddenly the thrifty one.” She smiled. “No, I’ll make a pot roast. I can put it in the Crock-Pot before I go to work in the morning, and by the time we’re ready to eat, it’ll be finished. It will give us leftovers, too. Do you think we should do dessert?”

  “Mom, no. This isn’t supposed to be some huge deal. No dessert.”

  “Fine, fine. Whatever you say. You run the show.” She sounded serious, but she said it with the smile still on her face.

  Despite the rift in his friendship with Caleb and Tyler, Aaron did want to see what they were up to, so he grabbed his phone from where it was charging. “I’ll be back in a bit. Just going out for a walk.” If she heard him she didn’t say anything, so he strolled out the front door and shut it behind him.

  The air was warm and he enjoyed the walk down the block. Tyler lived a few streets over, but Caleb was just around the corner. There had been many days when the three of them rode their bikes back and forth between the houses in all kinds of weather. It was a shame things had shifted, but if they had stopped by…maybe there was a chance they were coming around. Stranger things have happened.

  Caleb’s front door was wide open, and Aaron could hear his dog barking from the back of the house. He breathed a sigh of relief as he knocked on the door, knowing the hyperactive boxer would not come charging at the door to get to him.

  The door opened and Caleb’s mother smiled warmly at him. “Aaron, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Come on in.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Hendricks. Is Caleb around?”

  “Yes, he’s up in his room. Go on up.”

  “Sure,” he said, waving as he took the stairs two at a time.

  Caleb’s bedroom was the last one in the hallway on the left and looked over the backyard. The door was partially cracked open with band posters covering the outside of it. He knocked before pushing it in.

  “Mom! I told you to—Oh. Hey, Aaron. I didn’t know you were coming over.” Caleb sat up quickly on his bed and shoved a magazine down the side against the wall and the mattress. Aaron bit back a laugh.

  “You stopped by my house last night. I figured I’d see what you were up to. And really, your door was open, man. You want to hide that stuff from your mom at least shut the door and give yourself more time to hide the evidence.”

  Caleb narrowed his eyes. “What would you know about it?”

  Aaron rolled his. “Come on, it’s obvious. But whatever. Just stopping by to see what you were doing. Mom said you wanted to hang out.”

  His friend shrugged and swung his feet off the side of the bed. “Tyler and I were bored and in the area. We didn’t have anything in mind. Just thought we’d say hello. Didn’t think you’d really be home anyway.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be home?”

  Caleb shrugged again and pushed himself off the bed before crossing his arms. “Don’t know. You’re weird now. Who knows what you’re up to these days.”

  The sigh slipped past Aaron’s lips before he could stop it from escaping. “What is that supposed to mean? I’m weird now? I’m the same person, Caleb. You didn’t have a problem with me last year.”

  “Yeah, that was before you were gay.”

  Throwing up his hands in exasperation, he backed to the doorway and leaned against it. “I’ve always been gay! It didn’t happen overnight, you know.”

  “Whatever. You were straight to us one day, gay the next. How else are we supposed to take it? It’s weird, man.”

  “We? You mean you and Tyler?”

  “Yeah. Of course.”

  Aaron had been through this before. How could he keep explaining himself to them? It was like they didn’t get it, and maybe they didn’t understand. But it was hard for him, too. “Well, how am I supposed to take my best friends changing on me? I didn’t change, did I? Did I start to talk differently?”

  “No,” Caleb admitted.

  “Do I act differently?”

  “Not really, no.”

  “Do I talk about it?”

  Caleb frowned. “No?”

  “And I know for a fact that I have never mentioned liking any guy to you or interrupted you two when you’re talking about girls.”

  “Okay, fine, I guess I get your point. But…I don’t know. I’m just not comfortable with it. Tyler’s not either.”

  “You two never said anything to me about being uncomfortable. We could have talked about this before now, you know. Did you think I didn’t notice you two backing off? We were good friends, Caleb. The three of us.”

  “Yeah, I know…” Caleb had the grace to look at the ground and awkwardly shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “When that dog attacked me, you guys were cool with it. You put your own dogs outside so I can—could—hang out with you two.”

  “That’s different. The thing with the dog wasn’t your fault. I mean, you didn’t choose that.”

  “I didn’t choose that? I didn’t choose to be gay! It’s who I am, Caleb. Do you really think I woke up one morning and decided, hey, I want my friends to ostracize me? That sounds like fun. No! I’m fine with who I am, but I didn’t choose this.”

  Caleb shifted from one foot to the other. “Maybe you should go, Aaron. It’s been cool and all, but we’re just different people now.”

  Aaron snorted. “I’m not different. You’re the one who is. You and Tyler both.” Before Caleb could respond, Aaron turned and marched down the steps. Caleb’s mother was in the kitchen, and he gave her a short good-bye before letting himself out the front door.