Ranch Hands II:
Jerry’s Season
S. L. Danielson
Dedication: To all the hard-working farmers of America and to those who have re-connected with their first love.
Ranch Hands 2: Jerry’s Season
By S.L. Danielson
Published by Romance First Publishing at Smashwords
Copyright 2012 S.L. Danielson
Cover Artist: Jade
Editor: Julie Lynn Hayes
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Chapter One
“Weeds and more weeds. Damn! Guess we need some weed control for this veggie garden after all,” Jerry grumbled as he extracted no fewer than nine small sprigs from the base of the tomato vines. He sat back on his haunches and cleared his sweaty forehead. His jeans were covered in mud, as were his work boots. The sleeves of his red checked shirt were rolled up, his tan forearms slick with sweat from his labors. His long, blond hair was cinched into a ponytail that insisted on falling forward at the worst possible moments, so it had been doubled up into a tighter arrangement. He let out a breath and glanced skyward; his eyes matched the cloudless beauty of the lovely early June day. He stood and stretched his short frame.
A voice interrupted his break. “Hey. You all done with the garden?”
It was Roger’s voice. That kind, gentle tone from the first man he actually considered to be his best friend. Roger wasn’t tall, but average in height. He had black, curly hair and a thick beard to match. His skin was still pale, despite all of his time outdoors. The thing that struck Jerry the most was his eyes—they were gray, like a silver wolf’s coat. This man, whom he’d met almost a year-and-a-half ago, had become quite dear to Jerry, as had Roger’s husband and partner, Sid. He’d saved Roger from an ex-boyfriend with a violent streak just in the nick of time. It was the best thing he’d ever done, as it had endeared Jerry to the couple.
Jerry shook his head and realized he hadn’t answered. “Oh, uh no. Not yet. I think my hunger’s slowing me down.” He reached down and brushed off what mud he could from his jeans and boots.
Roger laughed and put an arm around his shoulders. “Come on, let’s go fetch my hubby and go into town for some lunch. It’s past noon already.”
“Sounds great to me.”
A tall, strapping redhead appeared from around the corner of the barn and walked briskly towards them. Jerry grinned as he watched Sid approach. He looked so strong and masculine, yet his gruff appearance belied the tender emotions that Jerry knew were tucked away, belonging only to his husband, his dog Caesar, and, of course, his friends. He felt very fortunate to be among the last group.
“Come on boys, let’s go get some chow.”
“Sounds great to me,” Jerry replied, rubbing his stomach.
* * * *
They walked into the diner and said hello to all the regulars. It felt good to be accepted, to at last be on a friendly basis with everyone in this small Kansas town. The trio selected a booth right by the window, one that faced the street. Passers-by could look in, and they could look out. Some stopped and glanced through the window, then either waved or made a face. Once all three men were handed menus, they studied them carefully.
Roger shook his head at his husband. “How long have you been eating here?” He teased. “Has much ever changed on that menu?”
“Enough to keep me coming back here.” He glanced up at Jerry. “How about you, Junior? What’s looks good?”
Jerry stifled a laugh. He loved the new nickname Sid had given him. It beat the old one of “dickwad” hands down. He drummed his cheek with his fingertips. “Maybe… I dunno… one of them wraps?”
The couple nearly gasped. “A wrap? Good heavens, this place is going Fifth Avenue on us,” Sid said with a pretend snarl.
“Well, I like ‘em,” Jerry insisted. “They’re a lot easier to chew.”
“I bet.”
The waitress, Melba, walked up to the table. She was a portly older woman with gray hair, the strands twisted into a strange beehive hairdo. Her mint green uniform matched her eye shadow; they accented her dark hazel eyes. She had her order pad ready.
“What’ll it be, boys?” she asked in a smoky voice.
Sid glanced down at the menu once more. “I’ll have the pulled pork sandwich.”
She turned to Roger. “Sir?”
“I’ll have the Reuben.”
“And how about you?”
Jerry pointed to his selection. “I’ll have the turkey wrap.”
She quickly scribbled down their order. Roger caught her eye. “I’ve never tried the Reuben here before, is it good?”
Melba grinned, cracking her bright pink lipstick which was pasted on far too thick. “It’s terrific, honey. Got some fresh ‘kraut in today.” She paused. “Anything to drink?”
Sid picked up his empty water glass. “One more of these, please.”
Before she could ask, Roger uttered, “Iced tea.”
“Iced tea as well,” Jerry echoed.
She scribbled down the rest of the order and took the menus. “Be back in a jiff.”
As she walked away, Jerry noticed she stopped and looked back at them with not quite a sneer, but more of a ‘whatever’ look. He supposed she didn’t like coming to their table for some reason. He took a sip of his water and swished it in his mouth. “Some things never change.”
“What’re you talking about, kiddo?” Roger asked.
“Eh. The look she was giving us, or maybe just me. I’m not exactly liked in this burg.”
Sid scowled at him. “Now how can you say that? It was big news you saving Rog’s life. You’d think people would come around after that.”
“I guess.” He picked at a blister on his finger until Roger grabbed his hand and stopped him.
“Don’t do that, you’ll make it worse,” he chided.
“Damn, you’re like a mother hen, both of you are,” he joked. “I like it though, makes me feel looked after.”
Sid and Roger smiled at each other and then back at their friend.
“Isn’t that what you asked us to do? To help you revamp your image?” Sid asked matter-of-factly.
Melba brought their drinks and set them down in front of the proper owners, then walked away again. Jerry took a large sip of his tea and ran his fingers through the condensation on the glass.
“I want folks to think I’m a good guy, but I think some people will always remember how I was, and that won’t change, no matter what.”
Roger patted his hand. “You ever stop and think that maybe it’s not you at all? Maybe it’s Sid and me? We’ve turned this hickville upside down being the first gay couple, much less being married. Don’t turn it into something sinister, Jerry.”
“I’m not… at least I’m trying not to.” He took a long sip off his water. “Hope that wrap’s easy to chew. These new teeth take some adjusting to.”
“How are they?” Sid asked.
Jerry shrugged. “Not sure. I’m eating, but not a whole lot. Eggs are easy, but this is the first sandwich I’ve tried in a couple of weeks.”
Roger cocked his head thoughtfully. “You’ll be fine. My parents both have them. They take getting used to, but you’ll be fine.” He glanced at his husband. “Hey, can I scoot out for a second? Need to run down the hall.”
Sid stood up and helped Roger out. “Come back soon, baby.” He accented his last sentence with a wink.
“You know it, partner.” Roger walked down the hallway to the restrooms.
Sid turned back to his friend. “I’m such a lucky guy. So, about you… you got a long time left to heal?”
Jerry nodded. “Yup, see this?” He held out the waistband on his blue jeans nearly a full inch. “Lost some weight because I couldn’t eat. As for healing time, he said about six months. He’s such a good dentist. He tried to be all nice and not gag when I opened my mouth. I was really nervous about all of this, but I’m happy as hell I did it. I really owe you guys a lot of money by now.”
Sid smiled. “Don’t you worry about that at all. You saved Roger’s life! It was absolute fate the way you were there in the nick of time when that bastard Quinn was about to kill him! That’s worth a lot more to us than a few bucks to get your teeth worked on.”
“A few bucks?” Jerry squawked. “That surgery was a thousand, and another grand for the teeth.”
Sid laughed. He reached out and tousled the young man’s hair. “Don’t worry about it. We have the funds now! Quit it and just accept the gift.”
Jerry smiled. “Thanks. It wasn’t too long ago you wanted to take my teeth out for me—with your fist!”
Sid shook his head. “Was more than happy to do that too, but you straightened yourself out. The day you saved my man, I knew we’d both always remember that. You showed your true character.”
Jerry smiled and felt his tanned cheeks blush. He fanned his face. “Aw shit, Sid. You’re making me all red. I’m just glad I was there at the right time and that I saw Caesar run out to the road. I knew something was wrong. That dog never leaves the property unless there’s real trouble.” The two exchanged a stiff hug and pulled back from each other.
Roger returned, smiling at both men. He approached Sid and hugged him briefly, but firmly. “Mmm, how’s my favorite husband?”
“Just missin’ you, and talking with Jerry.” Sid held Roger close, brushed his black, curly hair away from his face, and whispered something into his ear.
Jerry blushed as he watched the two together. They seemed to move in sync with every motion and word. He looked away and whipped out a fresh cigarette and lit it. His blue eyes scanned the counter for something to capture his attention while the newlyweds occupied themselves. His hair would do. It was matted and dirty, but he liked it that way; it made him feel like a farmer. Finally, the duo broke away from each other and turned their attention back to their friend.
“Sorry about that, just…”Roger began.
Jerry held up his hand. “It’s alright, no need to explain yourselves. You two are in love and happy. It shows plain as day on your faces. Sid, I think your red hair hides your blushing even better now.”
Roger looked at his husband and winked at him. “He’s a shy one, this one. Hey, after we eat we’re heading over to the feed store. We set aside that back thirty acres for you to plant whatever you want. Wanna come with?”
Jerry felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. A year ago, both of these men would’ve been more than happy to send him into a wall. Now they’d do anything to keep him happy and thriving. It was quite the switch for him. He finally nodded. “Wow, I haven’t had my own crop in a long time. I’m really happy being on the farm with you guys.”
Sid poked him lightly in the shoulder. “Wish you could live with us too, but we’d have to build another house. The one we’re in’s too small even for just the two of us! We know the three of us’ll work damn hard on it to make us a big success. Especially if we all work as hard as you do. You’re a damn good farmer, Jerry Evans.”
The fresh smile made another appearance and he hid his blush. “You guys have really been a help—turning a nothing joke like me with a drug and smoking problem into someone actually respectable. Damn, I got a smoke out again, didn’t I? Damn bad habit!” He looked down at the lit cigarette in his hand before he extinguished it in the ashtray; his friends grinned at him. He looked back up at them and sighed. “I thought things were done for after I got my truck repossessed. Rog, I can’t thank you enough for taxiing me around town.”
“Anytime, Jerry.”
Jerry sat back and let out a breath. “Now, I just need to find me a worthwhile guy, a decent place to live, and get me another truck, and I’ll be all set.”
Roger reached over and hugged him. “One thing at a time. I owe you my life for saving me from my ex. That’s all that matters.”
Jerry’s express grew serious. “I just hope I don’t let you two down.”
Sid clapped his hand down on Jerry’s hand. “Don’t worry—you won’t have time to let us down. Come on, after lunch we’ll head over.” Just as he spoke, Melba arrived with their meals.
“Thank you.” Jerry sighed as he looked at his selection. “No more protein shakes. Bleah! At least this place’s cookin’ is good!”
After they finished eating, they all piled into Roger’s pickup truck and headed down the street to the farming goods store.
Chapter Two
Worthington Farm Supply. The name on the huge wooden sign that’d hung there for close to a century. The once bright hues of crimson and gold had faded to shades that were a mere suggestion of their former glory. It’d always sat on the same corner for its entire existence, at Third and Pine. The store wasn’t too crowded this day; the parking lot was about half-full. The three men pulled up in the truck and exited. Jerry first, then Sid helped Roger out. They held hands for a brief moment, but let go when they saw others in the lot. Jerry fell in beside his friends.
He twisted his lip. “Tsk, it’s a shame you guys have to hide how happy you are. You can’t hold hands or anything.”
Roger bowed his head. “Yeah, but we respect that not everyone wants to see that. Hell, I know they don’t wanna see a boy and girl holdin’ hands sometimes.”
“True enough.” Sid nodded.
The trio walked into the store and were greeted by the smells and sounds of the farm life. The well-worn wooden floor creaked to announce the men’s arrival. The loud cow bell on the glass door clanged its alarm to the employees that someone new had entered. The three stood with their arms crossed, taking in the sights. The pungent scents would overwhelm any city slicker; but for these three, it was like aromatherapy. The chemicals, the seeds, even the metal tools—all were a visual and olfactory delight.
Sid and Roger nodded to each other and headed right for the pre-treat herbicides.
“We’ll be over there, Jerry,” Roger informed him.
“Cool, I’ll be over this way.”
They headed in opposite directions. Jerry wandered off by himself and looked at large skids of seed bags of every description. Would it be soy? Corn? Wheat? Maybe something exotic, like peanuts? His focus was interrupted by the shadow of a large man hovering over him. Jerry turned his head quickly. He had to look up at the man who’d broken his concentration and blocked the light.
“Excuse me, can I help you with anything, sir?” The voice boomed.
Jerry found himself rendered speechless for a moment as he drank in the sight of the giant before him. At his low vantage point, a six foot man was tall, but this man was even taller than that. His shoulders were broad enough to belong to a football player, his arms were bigger around than his head, and his very handsome face sported a light beard along a chiseled jaw line. His eyes were dark brown, as was his short hair. The red apron he wore strained to reach around his muscles and his jeans—a fact which Jerry took silent note of. He squinted to see the man’s name tag. “Derek”. It was almost too short to define this gorgeous giant. Yet he looked familiar.
“Do I know you?” Jerry stammered.
Derek smiled down at his customer. Their eyes met for a moment. “Maybe,” he answered cryptically. “Can I help you select some seeds for your farm?”
Seeds? Oh yeah! Forgot all about those for a moment. “Uh, yes, actually,” Jerry said happily, now that he’d found his vocal chords again. “I wanna plant something new that’ll get me and my partners a good price.”
Derek raised a brow. “Partners? You mean business partners?” the clerk asked with genuine interest.
Jerry nodded. “Yeah, purely business. It’s them two over yonder.” He looked around and spotted Sid and Roger loading up a shopping cart. “Guys!” he bellowed. “Get on over here for a sec.”
Sid and Roger pushed their cart over to where their friend was and seemed taken aback by the tall, handsome man themselves. Sid looked down at Jerry and put his arm on his shoulder. “What is it, Jerry?”
Jerry felt on display suddenly and his shyness came back. He shifted his feet and cleared his throat. He caught his hair and began to twirl it to alleviate his nerves. “Uh, this is Derek, he works here. He’s helping me decide what to plant so we can all turn a profit this year. He wanted to meet my partners.”
Roger smirked. “Quit playin’ with your hair, Jer,” he commented.
Jerry quickly dropped his hand. “Meet Sid Rosen, and Roger Laramie.”
Derek outstretched his large hand and shook each man’s open palm. He had a strong grip, as was evident by their reactions. “Nice to meet you both.” He turned to Jerry and gave him a smile. “Wow, I’m surprised you don’t remember me. 'Course, you blacked out a lot in those days.”
Jerry knitted his brows in confusion until reality dawned on him. His eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open. “Derek? From high school? Dude! How’s it going, man? Didn’t recognize you all grown up.” He swatted the clerk’s arm, though he doubted he even felt it.
“I’m good, thanks! Just got this gig here a couple of weeks ago, after I found out how much the fast food business sucks. I’d rather be around farm stuff, something I know.”
“I hear that one,” Jerry agreed. “We need to catch up sometime. You can tell me what’s been going on since what… six years, is it?”
Derek nodded. “Yup. Back to those glory days of high school. Football, girls, the good life.”
Roger cleared his throat and nudged Jerry. “Hey, did you want to brainstorm over what you what to plant? We’ve kept those last ten acres open just for you. We already did those sunflowers you suggested, and they’re turning out great.”
Sid rubbed his pointy chin and interjected his suggestion. “Hmm, how about something different, like rye? We could do some home brewin’ and sell it as S & R home mix.”
Jerry shook his head. “I was thinking something a little less… boozey. You guys mind a pumpkin patch? We could sell them or make tons of pies. Or both.”
“Well, sure, I don’t see why not. ”
“Really? Thanks, guys!”
Derek never missed a beat. “We’ve got pumpkin seeds right back here. Let me show you.” He steered Jerry by the shoulder with his sizeable hand and the two walked together to the back wall. He pulled down a 10-lb bag of seed and held it out to him. ”
“Gotcha.” He looked curiously at the bag. “This enough for ten acres?”
Derek laughed. “Oh, that’s just the first bag. You’ll need two more.”
Jerry laughed. “I guess you think I’m a lil stronger than I look. You got a cart?”
Sid and Roger walked their cart back, but it was almost full. Derek shook his head and groaned. “Always bailing you out, Evans,” he said half-jokingly. “It’s no problem at all. I can carry them for you. Are you done shopping?”
Jerry glanced at his friends, who nodded. “Yup, all finished. I think they had more than I did though.”
Derek checked the chemical label on the back of the sacks. “You’ll need a ph of 6.5 at least. You’ll need to pick up some nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate too.” Derek piled the bags up on the counter. Jerry enjoyed the view; he loved watching Derek’s muscles bulge as he handled the merchandise. “All set?”
Jerry nodded. “You still look like you’re playing football, haven’t lost those muscles yet. Guess working here gives you a work-out, huh?”
“Oh yeah. That’s one more thing I prefer to fast food so far.” Sid and Roger walked towards the front of the store, their cart straining under the weight of several canisters of herbicide.
“We need to schedule a delivery too, Derek,” Roger informed him.
Sid agreed. “What we need will take a lot more than one strapping young lad like you to carry for us,” he quipped. “Derek, we need to order enough of this for a hundred fifty acres. Or a hundred eighty if his pumpkins need something special.”
Derek rubbed his wooly chin. “Hmm, I’d have to ask the owner on that. I’m not sure about the pumpkins.” He looked over his shoulder and into the open office. “I see my boss at his desk now. Mr. Baker?” he asked in a raised voice.
“Yes, Derek, what is it?”
“Sir, these gentlemen are buying herbicide for their corn, soy, and wheat, but I’m not sure if the same chemicals can be used on pumpkins .”
Jerry heard the scrape of wood on wood, and moments later, a kindly looking older man appeared. He took off his ancient spectacles and shuffled over to his reference books, near where they stood. “Pumpkins, you say? Let’s see. What brand do you have?”
Derek flipped over a bag for him and held it closer so the old man could see. “Growrite, 6.5 ph strength.”
Derek’s boss put a finger to his non-existent lips and shut one eye deep in thought. He ran his fingers along the book spines before pulling out a large manual. He flipped through the pages and held out his glasses to see. “Let’s see, Growrite, Growrite, ah, here it is. No, you can’t use it on those… You need potassium, nitrogen, and phosphate.”
“Thanks, sir!” Derek back to his customers. “Looks like you’re set.”
Sid opened his wallet and unearthed his debit card. “It feels so good to pay for things without a credit line or adding to a debt anymore,” he commented to his companions.
Derek closed out the transaction and pulled out the delivery roster. “When’s a good time to come by?”
“Uh, day after tomorrow? We’re almost ready. Jerry, you coming home with us or headin’ back to your place?”
Jerry looked Derek up and down again and twisted his rosy lips in thought. “I might hang out in town tonight, not sure.”
Roger grinned at him. “You give us a call and we’ll pick you up, how’s that?”
“That works for me. See you two later.”
“Bye. Thanks, Derek.”
“Anytime.” The two pushed their cart out to the truck and loaded up their cargo. They pulled away and drove back down the road.
Jerry turned his attention back to the clerk, but was interrupted by Mr. Baker, who’d shuffled out of his office again.
“Derek, I’m goin’ over to the bank. I’ll be back in a while. Mind the store for me, will ya, lad?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Baker.”
The old man hobbled out the door and slowly made his way across the quiet street and out of sight. Jerry smiled and looked up at the handsome man again.
Derek leaned back on the counter. “Your friends seem like good guys.”
Jerry nodded. “Yeah, they are. I didn’t used to think so, but there’s a long tale behind that. Hell, a year ago you wouldn’t have caught me dead with them. But of course, you know how I was a year ago. Hell, six years ago.”
Derek nodded and inched closer. “I’ve watched it all happen. Still can’t believe you’re the same kid I knew back then. I’m glad to see you’re off the drugs and everything, but it seems kinda sudden to me. Dude, what happened to change their minds about you? If you don’t mind me askin’.”
Jerry sighed. “Well, things were real rough, and I told them I was sick of being the town joke. They only talked to me because I saved Roger’s life.”
“That’s right!” Derek snapped his fingers. “I remember reading about that in the paper.” He slapped Jerry on the shoulder. “Damn good job with that. Didn’t think you had it in you to be a genuine hero.” He retracted his hand, but put it right back. “Err… well…. I mean… in high school you could’ve, but then everything changed.”
“Yeah, for the worse,” Jerry lamented. “We haven’t talked in ages, Derek. At least where I’d remember any of the conversation, that is.”
The clerk straightened his posture and looked into Jerry’s eyes. “Time to change that. You’re a good guy again, or at least you’re on that path. Could you stand one more friend in your life again?”
Jerry’s mouth gaped open momentarily. “A-Are you sure? You know a lot about me from back in the day… when things got really fucked up.”
“I also know you now, and I’ve watched you over the years. You seem a lot stronger now. How long you been sober?”
“Damn near three months already. They have me working on their ranch. I don’t get any time to really drink or wallow in my misery anymore. Withdrawal was damn hard, but they made me bale hay to get over it.” They laughed together.
Derek plucked at his apron. “Hey, speaking of those two you were with, are they… ya know… together? I know Sid, and the other guy looks familiar too.”
Jerry nodded. “Sid and Roger? Uh, yeah, they are. In fact they’re married. Is that a problem? I don’t think most people in town are real keen on the idea. You know I’m gay, right? At least mostly.”
He slapped his friend’s arm. “I know it. I never really had a problem with it. You seemed really happy with your guy and I had my girl. Oh!” He snapped his fingers. “I’m getting married next year. How cool is that?”
Jerry patted his arm. “That’s great, Derek! Is it the same girl you dated back then?”
“The very same. Miss Emily Dawson will become Mrs. Derek Munson.”
“That’s great!” He side-hugged his old friend in congratulations. “I doubt I’ll ever do that kind of walk down the aisle.”
“Oh, come on now. You never know. I thought for sure you and that guy of yours were gonna shack up together and live happily ever after.”
Jerry shook his head sadly. “Nope. I guess that wasn’t meant to be.”
“What happened with that? One day you guys were happy and the next you were passed out behind the liquor store. I remember, I found you in the alley. The cops took you away and I never saw Patrick again after that night.”
Jerry shook his head. “Whatever went wrong with Pat and me was my fault. I wish I could find him and apologize…”
Derek laughed. “Dude, come on. How hard can that be? You can find anyone nowadays, what with the Internet. Plus, you know his parents still live around here. Maybe you could…”
“No,” Jerry answered quickly.
Derek scowled. “Why not? You just said….”
“Because I hurt him enough for one lifetime,” Jerry snapped back. “He’s better off if I don’t seek him out.” He shut his eyes briefly and let out a sigh. “Look, let’s talk about something else.”
After a moment of observing his friend, Derek nodded. “Well, how about this? I get off work in a few hours. How about we head back over to the diner and catch up over some dinner? I’ll buy if you’re short on cash.”
“Uh, let me check.” He pulled out his wallet and peeked into it. He saw a solitary $20 bill inside. “I’m good with buying my own. But thanks anyway.”
Derek laughed. “Anytime, ‘ol buddy. It’s good to see you again, standing up and sober this time. Clean as a whistle too, I hope.”
“Oh yeah, gave up the drugs too. They did my teeth in for sure, so I’m done with those forever.”
A few customers walked into the store and Derek stepped away and manned his station again. “Tell me all about it over dinner.” He turned to the new people in the store and greeted them. Jerry caught his friend’s attention once more.
“I’ll call them up to come get me. I’ll see you tonight, at what, 5 o’clock?”
“Sounds good. See you there, Jerry.”
“See ya.” He walked out the door and crossed the street to the main part of town. After a quick stop to the drugstore, he called Sid and waited to be picked up.
Chapter Three
The two men met up at the diner later that night. Jerry had tried out his new powdered adhesive for his teeth, and so far it was working fine. He dressed up a bit for his old friend—newer jeans, a fresh shirt in a hue of emerald green, shined-up cowboy boots, and he tied his hair in a long braid that trailed down his back. He nixed the cowboy hat for the evening.
Derek walked in right on time and they looked for a booth where they could face each other and talk.
“Long time no see,” Jerry quipped.
“Yeah, it’s been ages, hasn’t it?” Derek laughed. They sat down in a booth they found near the back of the diner.
The waitress, Wilma, walked over and handed them menus and glasses of water.
Jerry looked over the dinner menu. “Let’s see, how adventurous do I feel with these things?” he mused.
Derek shot him a look. “What things?”
“Oh! Shit, didn’t tell you. The drugs ravaged my teeth so bad they had to be replaced. End of story on that one. I can eat alright, no worries there. Gaining weight from eating and growing muscles.” He eyed his friend’s arms. “Nothing like yours though. You started in what, junior high?”
“Thereabouts. Spent hours and hours on it. The girls sure loved it, and of course, that was my ultimate goal too. Then I met Emily and it all fell into place.”
Wilma came back, her pencil ready. “What can I get you boys?”
Derek pointed to his selection in the menu. “I’ll have the roast beef sandwich.”
“Alright, and you?” She looked over at Jerry.
“I’ll have… the spaghetti.”
The waitress wrote down the orders. “Anything to drink?”
“Just the water for me. Derek?”
“Same here. Thanks.”
Wilma nodded and walked away.
Derek took a sip of his water and cocked his head. “So, tell me how the party boy Jerry Evans changed his image at last.”
Jerry chuckled. “I think party boy is way too light to describe me. More like heavy duty drug addict and booze hound. Got into fist fights all the time at the tavern. No reason for it, just liked to fight.”
“Geez. So how did you turn this all around? I read the story, but I’d like to know what made you human again.”
“I don’t know what it was, to be honest, but something about them two guys made me want to change. I liked Roger, he seemed like a good guy. Sid’s gruff, but he’s decent too.” He took a sip of water. “It sucked to be their enemy when there was no reason for it anymore. The bottom line is, I saved Roger’s life and they were grateful and I was damn happy I did it. They made me their best man at their wedding. I asked them to help me not be the laughing stock of the town anymore. I told them I wanted to find what they have. Real love. Well… find it again.” He took a large gulp of water and his memory spun back to the momentous occasion. “Damn, that was a nice day. They had the wedding in their barn, and I gave a speech and everything! Roger’s momma even thanked me for saving his life.”
“Really?” Derek grinned. “How cool was that! Now Jerry, I know you’re not the dress up kind, don’t tell me they actually got you into a tux.”
Jerry laughed and shook his head. “Close to it. I was in a suit. I didn’t buy it, they did. I don’t usually have that kind of garb, but they got me to wear one. I tied my hair back and looked all respectable and everything. Even gave the toast.”
Derek raised a glass to his friend. “Sounds like you did just fine, buddy.” He shook his head. “Wow, married. I never would’ve guessed. I figured they were together with the matching rings, but not like that.”
“Yeah… those are nice rings they chose.” He took a sip of water as the waitress walked up with their orders.
“Thanks,” Derek uttered as the plate was set before him—a huge roast beef sandwich, cut into two triangles, complete with frilled toothpicks. “Damn. Good thing I have an appetite.”
Jerry eyed his spaghetti. It was a large mound of looped pasta smothered in red sauce. Wilma set down a shaker of Parmesan cheese next to his plate.
“Enjoy your dinner.”
“Thanks, Wilma,.” Jerry called after her. She didn’t respond.
“Damn, that was rude.” Derek scowled. “What’s her beef?”
“Oh, same one as everyone else around here,” Jerry groused. “They still think of me as the druggie, not the guy who saved a life. Or at least it seems that way. Maybe they’re just grossed out at me being bi. I think even you were at one time.”
Derek set down his sandwich and shook his head. “That’s not true. I never said a word about you and Pat being together, did I?”
Jerry picked at his dinner. “You didn’t have to. Everyone else said it for you with the glares, the gawks, and the threats we had every day.”
The bearded man shut his eyes before opening them a second later. “Jerry, look at me. I’m your friend now, just as I was then. Alright? I was never disgusted by you being in love with another man. It didn’t make sense to me, to be honest, but it ain’t my life or my body. It’s yours. It’s your heart. I’m glad you guys were happy for as long as you were.”
“Until I fucked it all up. That’s when I lost you too. I had my new friends while you backed away from me and Pat went off to college. I had to choose that path instead of the one I should’ve picked.”
“It’s over now. You’re back. You’re the decent kid I knew in high school. Look at you, you’re working and have real friends again, and you’re clean and sober. You’re being too hard on yourself, Jerry.”
“I suppose.” He twirled some of the pasta onto his fork and ate it carefully. “Old habits die hard, but ways of thinking die harder. Especially around here.”
Derek patted his friend’s shoulder. “Give it time. It’ll be alright, you’ll see. Anyone messes with you, they’ll have to answer to me. Not to mention Sid and Roger too.”
Jerry genuinely smiled for the first time that night. “Thanks, Derek.”
After a two-hour-long chat at dinner, Jerry and Derek arrived back at Jerry’s house. It was a tiny hut, all wood construction, but the porch slanted, and the yard was overgrown. Jerry noticed Derek’s expression and shrugged.
“I know what you’re thinkin’, but I got it pretty cheap. It’s just a little hunting cabin. It was good enough at the time, but the weather ravaged it and I couldn’t keep up with it. It’s a shithole of a place now, barely a bed and a bath, but it’s a roof over my head. I do what I can.”
Derek rubbed his bearded jaw. “I don’t think it can even be fixed up. To be honest, it probably ought to be condemned.” He stepped onto a board; it creaked and whined under his weight. “I’d bet you all these boards are dry-rotted through. Same with the roof and the walls. Like you said, it was cheap.”
“I hate this place, but I just started making some money again. At least legal money, where I’m working for someone.”
Derek raised a brow. “I remember when you were selling drugs for a livin’.”
“Yup. I almost went to jail too, when I got caught selling, but I pleaded with the arresting officer and gave him a quick blow job, told him I’d get rid of the plants. He accepted my offer. After I did him, we went to my farm and destroyed all the plants. I never saw him again after that. Not like that, I mean.” He looked back and saw the look of disapproval on his friend’s face. “We all make mistakes. I just made way more of ‘em.”
“I know, Jerry. I know,” Derek said quietly.
Jerry bowed his head. “You sure about being my friend again and dealing with all this baggage of mine?”
“I’m sure. Come on, let’s go inside.”
“Alright, just look out for rats and bugs.” He reached for the door knob, twisted it, and pushed his shoulder against it, jarring it open.
Jerry ushered his friend inside before shutting the door. A few dirty dishes sat in the sink. An ancient-looking telephone hung on the wall near the kitchen. A sofa that dated back to the seventies sat in the center of the room, with numerous stains on it. In front of that was a coffee table made from barn wood, and in front of that was a TV so old it still had rabbit ears, but no digital box, so it was virtually unusable.
Jerry looked back into his friend’s face. Did he see absolute disapproval there, or was it pity? “Yeah, I know. Trust me. I hate living like this. I spend most of my time over at the ranch.”
“You’ll change it around. I can help you out.”
“I don’t think this place can be saved. All of this crap was from dumpster diving or donations from someone I’d sold drugs to or slept with.”
Derek shook his head. “Damn, Jerry. Step two of this needs to be a new place. Have this bulldozed. Start over.”
“I’m seriously considering it. Thanks for the offer to help, Derek. Bet you could knock this place down with one swing of a sledgehammer.” They laughed together.
“I bet I could.” He glanced at his watch. “I gotta get home and see my girl. We’re living together, you know. I think she’d remember you.”
“How could you not remember me?” Jerry mused. “Thanks for hanging out with me, it was fun.”
“Next time we’ll shoot pool or something. Bring Sid and Roger along.”
“I’ll ask ‘em. Night, Derek. Have a good one.”
Derek side-hugged him. “You too, Jerry.”
Chapter Four
“Mornin’, Goldilocks.”
Jerry chortled as he approached the barn. “Hey, Sid. How’s it going this morning?”
“Going well. How’d things go last night?”
“Good. We talked about some old times and how much I’m trying to change, or rather have changed. He saw the house too… thinks it should be razed.”
Sid raised a brow. “I agree there. If the inspector saw it, he’d throw you right out. Derek must be a good influence on ya. You need more of that in your life.”
Jerry nodded. “Oh yeah.”
Roger came out from the house and hugged him warmly. “How are you this morning?”
“I’m good, Rog. Derek knew me when I wasn’t a dirtbag. He’s a good guy who’s got his head screwed on straight.”
Sid and Roger linked arms; both looked impressed. “Looks like that boy is changing you for the better, Jer,” Roger commented.
“I hope so.”
“Have you eaten yet? Come on inside, I made an extra omelet for you. Come on, skin ‘n’ bones.” Afterward a quick breakfast, they headed back outside to feed the cattle.
* * * *
A while later, a truck horn interrupted the busy trio as a delivery vehicle pulled up into the driveway. A tall, gangly man hopped out of the cab. “’Scuse me, I’m lookin' fer a Sid Rosen?”
Sid approached the man. “I’m him.” He looked over the cargo. “Ah good, all the rest of our order. My compliments to the boys at the warehouse.”
The driver spat on the grass. “Yup, they’s fast alright. You gonna unload this y’self or you need hep?”
Jerry and his friends shared an amused look, as they took in the driver’s appearance and lack of linguistic skill. He looked a mess, as if he’d slept in the cab all night with nothing but a bottle of whiskey for company. His beard was overgrown and mangy, his clothes were rumpled, and he emanated a smell similar to the fertilizer he delivered.
“Come on, Jerry. Let’s go help him out,” Roger suggested.
“Right. Back to work.”
* * * *
The three men labored until well past noon, when Jerry’s stomach rumbled so loudly he felt it through his shirt. He approached Roger and tugged on his sleeve. “Can we go eat? I’m starved!”
Roger put his arm around his friend. “I am too. You want to eat here or in town?”
“In town’s alright. We can do dinner here later.”
“Sounds good to me. Lemme call my darling husband.” He put his fingers into his mouth and with a shrill whistle caught Sid’s attention. “Hey! We gonna eat or what?”
Sid shook his head at the two as he stepped aside from filling the dogs’ food dishes. He put his arms around Roger’s neck and messed with his hair. “You callin’ me like you call our dogs, baby?” he asked playfully.
“You came runnin’, didn’t you?” Roger replied and stuck out his tongue. Sid covered his husband’s mouth with his own and kissed him deeply.
“Damn right I did.” He took Roger’s hand and retrieved his truck keys from his pocket. He slung his other arm around Jerry’s shoulders. “Ready to go, kiddo?”
“Oh yeah.”
* * * *
The diner was crowded at that hour, with most of the ranchers and farmers taking their lunch breaks. Sid spotted three stools at the counter and they snatched them up. Three glasses of water quickly appeared in front of them, as did Melba. “What’ll it be, boys?”
Sid patted his stomach. “I’m dying for some pancakes. Rog?”
“Mmm, I think I’ll try something new. Jerry, that turkey wrap you had yesterday sure looked good. I’ll try that.”
She shot a look at Jerry. “And what can I get for you?”
He tapped his fingers on the menu with indecision, finally making a selection a moment later. “Um… I’ll go with the grilled chicken sandwich.”
“Alright.” She turned to give the orders to the cook, then walked back over just as quickly, stopping in front of Jerry. “Oh, good thing you stopped in, boys. Some folks were looking for you. Well, looking for Jerry in particular.”
Jerry scowled as he felt his mouth run dry and he swallowed back a good deal of his water to get the power of speech restored. “Asking about me? Well, who were they? Did you get a name? Did they look dangerous?”
Melba laughed, an unattractive sound. “It was that O’Leary family. Hadn’t seen the boy in a while, guess he just got back into town. .” She shot a look at Sid. “He could’ve been your kid brother if you had one. Fire red hair like you.”
“Melba!” The cook grumbled at her. “Get back to work, we got customers waitin’.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Just passin’ along some news.” She disappeared out into the main dining room.
Jerry felt his stomach drop and his face flush. It couldn’t be… why the hell would he be here? He left here years ago because of what I did. Why would he come back?
Roger put his arm around his friend. “Jerry? You alright?”
Jerry shook his head. “Not really. No big mystery on who’s looking for me. That could only be one person on earth. Pat.”
“Who’s Pat?” Roger asked innocently.
Sid held up a finger to stop him. “I know who he is. Hold that thought, we’ll talk about this at home. Melba!”
The waitress waddled over again. “Yeah?”
“Can we get our orders to go? Change of plans.”
“Sure, hon. They’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
“Thanks.” He put an arm around Jerry. “You need to go outside.”
“Why?” Jerry mumbled.
“Because you’re so damn pale a ghost has more color than you. Rog, take him outside, maybe walk him around.”
Roger nodded. “You got it.” He took his friend’s hand and with some effort, he walked him outdoors.
* * * *
The three arrived back at the ranch and opened their lunches. Jerry picked at his sandwich.
“Come on, try to eat a little, won’t you?” Roger pleaded. “Just a bite or two, unless your stomach’s upset?”