May in December Read Online Free Page B

her mouth in mock shock. “Oh, wait. Let me guess. It’s that blasted self-esteem issue again.”
    “Well, duh.” Jorry slapped his forehead with his index finger and thumb sticking out to form the letter L. “I’m a loser. Blue-ribbon, first-class, and pedigree-papered loser.” He slumped his shoulders forward and studied his holey shoes. “Hell, I have no GED, I’m homeless and working a job that’s not always on the up-and-up. What could he possibly see in me?”
    “Are you dense? What man wouldn’t want a young guy who’s full of life, hardworking, and totally devoted to whomever he gives his heart to? And I bet an older man would appreciate you.” Tabitha moved over to the calendar hanging on the wall and flipped a page. “If you play your cards right, he could be yours by New Year’s.”
    Jorry jerked his head up and glowered. “I’m not about to play childish games with Bruce. He’s too good for that.” He bowed his head. “He’s too good for me.”
    Smack!
    “Ow.” Jorry rubbed the top of his head while glaring at the spoon Tabitha had hit him with. “Whatcha do that for?”
    “Whaddya think? I’m not gonna stand here and let you put yourself down.” Tabitha dropped the spoon back in the empty bowl, skirted around the counter island, and firmly gripped Jorry’s elbows. “You’re special.”
    “Yeah. Special ed maybe.”
    “Jorry Nelson, listen to me.” Tabitha shook his elbows with each word. “With all the obstacles you have overcome, you deserve to treat yourself nice. Cut yourself some slack. You owe it to yourself to explore any avenues life offers you, and I think the gods have dropped a golden opportunity in your lap.”
    “Bruce Deirmann is so out of my league. I’m just happy to have him as a friend.”
    “But you want him,” Tabitha pressed. “I hear it in your voice.”
    “Wanting him and actually having a shot at him are two different things.” Jorry stood up and collected his duffel bag. “Besides, in his eyes, I’ll always be a kid.”
    “You don’t know that,” Tabitha challenged, her eyes ablaze. “Don’t underestimate him. Or yourself.”
    Too many things were swirling around in Jorry’s head. He appreciated the pep talk, yet part of him squelched the hope in his heart. After all, if he didn’t hope, he wouldn’t be disappointed. He glanced at his watch, relieved to see the time. “I gotta go. I’m due back at work.”
    Before Tabitha could respond, he was already out the door and headed for his car, ready to start another long day.

Chapter Three
    For the next week and a half, Bruce kept busy at the resort. Gail put him in charge of setting up the winter seasonal lighting displays, stating it would do him some good to get in the holiday spirit. Bruce doubted it would work, but he kept his mouth shut and got down to business. After punching out at the time clock, he would walk to the park and wait for Jorry at their favorite bench.
    He yearned for the short times they spent together. He enjoyed the banter they exchanged over trivial things, as Jorry always had something witty or profound to say in his shy, odd manner. Besides, watching the dog walker pulled by his herd of hounds made Bruce laugh, something he hadn’t done in a long time. It was obvious Jorry enjoyed his job and had a unique ability to reach out to each dog. It was also evident he had a special way of connecting with Bruce. He conversed with Jorry more than he had anyone for the past two years.
    Today, Bruce waited for Jorry at the park entrance. When he caught himself pacing with anticipation, he stopped. I am a grown man. This is ridiculous. Robert would be laughing until he pissed himself. This peculiar warm fuzziness filling my chest when I meet up with Jorry is nothing more than heartburn. But who am I fooling? I know what it is, and it’s been a long time since I’ve really connected with someone.
    When Jorry rounded the corner and spied Bruce, his tired face lit up. Knowing