Another perk of having his own room was the privacy. He met Laura senior year and the two hit it off right away. Serious about her studies as well, she didn’t interfere with Carey’s. Eventually, she spent every weekend in his room with him. By the time graduation came, they were talking about a future.
They both moved back into their parents’ homes, which, thankfully were only about an hour and a half apart. The Reids liked her instantly, especially Malcolm. Even Michelle gave her approval.
Laura took a job with a large investment firm in Philadelphia, while Carey worked as a substitute teacher to three local districts while he applied for a full-time position. He also took a job at a large appliance and electronics store at night and on weekends to supplement his less than steady income.
Though they continued to keep in touch, Brian never came home after graduation. He immediately found work as a singing waiter while he auditioned for just about everything imaginable. He shared a tiny apartment with two other people. But he was trying to live his dream, and Carey was happy for him.
Eventually, they spoke only about every few months and saw each other even less. A year and a half after graduating from college, Brian had come home for Christmas, bringing his boyfriend Xander with him. It was the first time Carey had met one of Brian’s boyfriends. He also introduced Brian to Laura.
“I thought you were going to tell me you were engaged,” Brian said. “How long have you been going out?”
“About two years. A little longer.”
“Do you think you’ll get married?”
Carey shrugged. “I haven’t even gotten a real job yet. I’m still substituting. I can’t think about getting married until I’m somewhat stable. But I am getting my own apartment,” he said excitedly.
“With Laura?” Brian asked.
“No. Why are you trying to marry me off so badly?”
“I’m not. I’m happy for you. It seemed like you never went out with anybody. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am. We are. We’re not ready to move in though.” Carey paused. “She took a job in New Jersey. So, she’s moving in with a friend of hers.”
“Oh.”
“What about you and Xander? Is that his name?”
“Yeah. We haven’t been together very long. He and I were in a very, very off-Broadway production together. He’s fun.”
“That’s cool. You’re performing,” Carey smiled.
“Here and there. I have a few auditions coming up. Heavy dancing, so I have a pretty good shot. It’s still not on Broadway, but it’s closer.”
Carey began to get a little choked up. “I’m so proud of you. It was all worth it.”
Brian cocked his head in question. Before he could ask what Carey meant, Xander came up behind him whining. “When can we go? You said we could go dancing in Philly.”
“Okay.” Brian rolled his eyes so only Carey could see. “Hey, do you and Laura want to go?”
Carey laughed. “Dancing in a gay bar? I don’t think it’s Laura’s scene.”
“She won’t know until she tries it,” Xander giggled.
“It’s not just a gay bar,” Brian said. “It’s a pretty mixed crowd.”
“Nah, we’re going to hang out here with my family.”
“All right.” Brian moved to hug Carey but Xander was still hanging on him. “Xan, I can’t freaking breathe.”
“Sorry.”
“Bye Carey. It was great to see you.” Brian pulled him close. “Don’t be a stranger,” he spoke gently into his ear.
“Yeah, bye. It was nice to meet you,” Xander said. He gave Carey a hug too, then kissed him square on the lips.
“Uh, yeah. You too,” Carey replied, a little shocked.
Brian shook his head and rolled his eyes again. “Sorry. He’s a little too friendly sometimes. I’ll stop and say goodbye to your parents on our way out.” He tugged Xander’s sleeve. “Let’s go. And you’d better not kiss Mr. Reid, or he’ll cut your balls off.”
Xander instinctively cupped himself and followed Brian out.
Carey sighed, watching them walk away. Hearing that Brian was getting closer and closer to his dreams thrilled Carey. Though it still hurt to see him with another man, he knew he had made the right decision five years prior. Both of their lives were turning out the way they had planned.
That’s what Carey told himself, at any rate.
Chapter 25
Carey, along with Jeannie and Malcolm Reid, were on their way to see Michelle receive her diploma from Penn State University. It had been many years since Carey traveled with his parents. Sitting in the back seat, he felt somewhat like a child again, despite the fact that he was nearly twenty-five. The fact that he didn’t have a significant other at the moment made him feel like a third wheel.
Jeannie kept the conversation going for much of the trip, asking Carey about his new position as director of the middle school band at his alma mater. He had been subbing whenever he could and working nights and weekends at Good Buys since graduating college to afford an apartment near his parents’ home. But the high school band director retired early, in January, and the former middle school director moved into the position, leaving the middle school band in need of a director. Carey was lucky to have landed the job, as he was younger than most of the other applicants.
“You’re not still working at Good Buys, are you?” his mom asked.
“No, Mom. I don’t have time. We’re gearing up for the new marching season. And I’ve got Saturday practices for the Memorial Day performance.”
“Good. It was a waste of your talents.”
Carey laughed. “Yeah, well, I had to pay my dues subbing. And besides, I wouldn’t be able to afford my television or stereo system without my discount. Actually, I was thinking about working there part time in the summer, just to keep the discount. I need a new computer.”
“Do you need some help honey?” Jeannie asked.
“No, Mom, I’m fine. I don’t make a lot of money, but I knew that going into teaching. I get by all right.”
“You should get yourself a roommate,” Malcolm suggested. “Split the rent so you’ll be able to save.”
“I only have one bedroom.”
“Then get yourself a wife,” said Malcolm. “Whatever happened to Laura?”
“Laura and I broke up almost a year ago, Dad. You know that.”
“Shame. I liked her.”
“Yeah, I liked her too. But she moved to Boston,” Carey said.
It wasn’t the only reason they broke up, but it was a well-timed one. The long distance took its toll when she moved to New Jersey, leaving them to see one another only on weekends. And not even every weekend. When she got the job offer in Boston, Carey knew it was time to let go.
The thing was, he wasn’t all that upset. Laura was a great woman. In some ways, she reminded him of Robin. But there was something missing in their relationship. Something he hadn’t felt since high school.
“You could have moved to Boston too,” Malcolm said.
Carey didn’t think it was his imagination that his father was much happier with the prospect of his son marrying a girl, rather than another man. Because of that, Carey never even mentioned the boy with whom he’d had an on/off relationship in college. After Laura, he hadn’t met anyone he’d been interested in enough to make a go of it.
“I’m fine on my own, Dad. My job keeps me busy. And by the way, I am saving some money.”
“Good for you. Leave him alone Malcolm. He’s too young to get married anyway. People don’t settle down until they’re practically thirty nowadays.”
In the back seat because his father insisted on driving his own car, Carey chuckled to himself. He always thought it would be his mother who badgered him to get married.
During a lull in the conversation, he took out his phone to check e-mails and texts. He had given his sub his personal cell number in case she had any questions throughout the day. There were no texts from her, just a co
uple of e-mail store ads, one from Aunt Dina, who kept in touch regularly, and one from Brian.
He hadn’t heard from Brian in a few months. They’d last traded e-mails shortly after Carey got the contract job in January. Though they hadn’t seen each other in person since the Christmas before last, they made sure to keep in touch via e-mail or texts.
Carey glanced up at his parents to see if they were paying attention, as if they would know he was reading an e-mail from Brian just by the look on his face. He looked back down at his phone and read.
Hey Carey! I just got back from Grace’s graduation yesterday. It occurred to me that Michelle is probably getting ready to graduate too. I can’t believe our little sisters are so grown up. I got an ensemble part in a little Broadway production. It’s at one of the smaller theaters, but it’s still Broadway! I start performing soon and I would love for you to come see it. My apartment is pretty small but I’m sure my roommates won’t mind if you stayed here. Let me know if you can make it. We have a lot of catching up to do. Brian
Carey glanced up at his parents again. This time, he thought they really would know just by the look on his face.
He began to get nervous at the prospect of seeing Brian again. The last time they got together, Carey was still seeing Laura, and Brian had a clingy boyfriend named something or other. Carey chose not to commit the name to memory.
He e-mailed a message back telling him he’d be able to come up, as he could make his own schedule during the summer. He suggested the second week in July, so he’d have time to wind down once school was over. When it was time to close the message, Carey was unsure how to sign it. They’d always signed them love, then their name. But Brian didn’t do that, he’d simply signed his name. Carey felt too vulnerable and did the same.
◆◆◆
The Reids stayed at a hotel near the university and walked to the campus to watch the graduation ceremony. After taking dozens of photos, many of them on the Nittany Lion statue, the family of four went out for an early dinner.
“What do you mean, you’re not coming home with us?” Jeannie asked in disbelief. “We arranged for a moving truck. Carey’s going to drive you and your stuff.”
“I’ve got the apartment for the summer,” Michelle said. “I thought I’d stay. You know, have some fun before I have to get a real job.”
“This is Penn State. You’ve been having fun the whole time,” Malcolm snorted.
“Dad, I got almost all A’s,” she pointed out. “My roommates are staying too. We need time to get our resumes together anyway. I’d be doing the same thing at home, but we’d be paying for an empty apartment. And I already have a job here. I’d have to find one at home.”
“That’s actually a good idea,” Carey said. “In the meantime, you can start to get rid of things you don’t need so you’ll have less to move.”
Michelle raised her eyebrows. “You’re on my side?”
“As long as you’re really working and not goofing off,” he smirked.
Reluctantly, Malcolm and Jeannie agreed, postponing her graduation party until the end of the summer. Carey promised that he would come back in August to help her move. He planned to drive a U-Haul out to get her.
While they ate and chatted, Carey’s phone buzzed. He surreptitiously took it out and saw that Brian had already e-mailed him back. He smiled as he read the note.
“What’s that?” Michelle asked.
He glanced up. “Nothing. Just junk.”
Later on, Carey and Michelle hung out in her apartment while their parents went to the local warehouse store to pick up some basic necessities for Michelle.
“So, what was that message really about?” Michelle asked.
“What message?”
“The one you got at the restaurant. Do you have a new girlfriend or something?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend?”
“No,” he answered, irritated.
“Well, it must have been some sort of good news. You were grinning and blushing like you used to do when you were younger.”
“No, I wasn’t,” he pouted.
After a bit of silence, she said, “Fine, don’t tell me.”
He sighed. “It was just Brian.”
“Wow, when was the last time you saw him?”
“When he came over during Christmas that last time. We still keep in touch, though.” Carey paused, deciding if he really wanted to talk about Brian with her. “He wants me to visit and see him in a show. It’s a real Broadway show. I said I would.”
Michelle regarded him for a moment, then slowly smiled. “You’re still hung up on him, aren’t you?”
“Shut up.”
“No, I’m not making fun. I liked you with Brian.”
“We live worlds apart. He’s finally doing what he’s always wanted to do. Me too, I guess. But he’s there and I’m here, er, at home. You know what I mean. Besides, he’s got a new boyfriend every time I talk to him. We’re just too different now.”
Michelle pursed her lips. “That sucks.” Her phone rang and she picked it up from the coffee table. “Hey babe.”
Carey raised his eyebrows, causing her to make a shooing motion with her hands.
“Yeah, I’m staying the summer.” She giggled. “Me too.”
She covered the phone with her hand. “When are you guys leaving, Carey?”
“Tomorrow morning, I guess,” he shrugged.
“Not until tomorrow,” she said into the phone. “Okay. Love you too. Bye.”
“Love you too?”
“Shut up,” she said, but she was smiling.
“Was that that guy Jason?” he asked, suddenly feeling protective of his little sister.
“No.” She wrinkled her nose. “I haven’t gone out with him in almost two years. That was Luke. We’ve only been going out a few months but . . .” She sighed heavily.
“And he says he loves you already?”
“Not everyone takes years to tell somebody how they feel,” she teased.
“He’d better be treating you right. Not like Jason.”
“Luke is nothing like Jason. He’s a Political Science major. He’s staying here to get his Masters. Luke is smart and sweet. And he even cooks with me sometimes. Carey, I think he’s the one.”
“How can you know that after only a few months?” Carey questioned.
“I just know,” she shrugged. “I guess you haven’t really had that yet.”
Except that Carey had. It just hadn’t worked out the way he hoped. He was envious of Michelle. She and Luke probably wanted to lead similar lives. They’d find jobs in the same city, get a place together and eventually raise a family. He wondered if he’d ever find that again.
“Or maybe you have?” she asked.
Before Carey could respond, their parents walked through the door carrying a thirty-six pack of toilet paper and a five-pound bag of rice.
“You kids go out and get the rest of the stuff out of the car,” Malcolm ordered. “Your mother bought out the whole freaking store.”
Carey was more than happy to get out of his conversation with Michelle. When they got to the car, Michelle stopped and faced Carey.
“Don’t tell Mom and Dad about Luke. I don’t want them to think he’s the only reason I’m staying.”
“I won’t tell. Believe me, I understand.”
Chapter 26
As July drew nearer, Carey grew more and more excited about his trip to New York. He hadn’t been there since their junior year of college. At that time, he and Brian walked all over the city, going to all of Brian’s must-see places. Unfortunately, Brian’s boyfriend had called constantly, asking what they were doing. Brian spent half the time on the phone reassuring him that nothing funny was going on. He wondered what the newest boy toy was like.
He kept mum about his trip until the day before he left. He didn’t want his mother to make a fuss about it. And she would. Even though he was twenty-five and had been living on his own the past year a
nd a half, his mother still worried about him.
Rather than talk to her in person, he texted his mom letting her know he was taking a train the next day to see Brian. He hoped it sounded casual, regardless that he was anxious. Of course, his mother texted back telling him to be careful, and to text when he got there, and not to walk in the city alone.
◆◆◆
Carey stepped off the train in Penn Station the second Friday in July and took the stairs up to street level. He spotted Brian right away, in a tight black t-shirt and skinny jeans, despite the warm weather. His hair was cropped shorter than it used to be, leaving soft waves, rather than full curls. He had put on a little muscle weight and was looking fine.
Carey self-consciously looked down at his own abdomen. He certainly wasn’t fat, but he hadn’t maintained his high school weight.
“Carey!” Brian called out and waved.
He waved back and walked toward Brian. He was met with a surprisingly tight hug.
“I’m so glad you came,” Brian grinned. “This is going to be great.”
“Yeah. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Is that heavy?” Brian asked, pointing to Carey’s backpack. “It’s about a half hour walk to my place. Or we could take a cab.”
“No. I’d rather walk. It’s great people watching,” he answered as two girls with bright purple hair and several facial piercings walked by.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, kind of,” Carey replied. His nerves caused him to skip breakfast that morning.
“Let’s drop your bag off then go up to Central Park. Ballplayers’ House has pretty good food, and there are places to sit outside. Then afterward, we can walk through the park. I don’t think I took you to Strawberry Field last time. The best part is all the musicians that hang around and play.” Brian frowned. “You didn’t bring your guitar.”
“It was too much for the train. I still play a lot, though.”
The pair walked down to Twenty-Fourth Street to drop off Carey’s bag. While there, Brian changed into shorts. The apartment was indeed tiny, with only two bedrooms. Brian’s room was actually a curtained off portion of the small living room. He had a bed, a dresser, a small desk, and a set of shelves on the wall to hold all of his worldly belongings.
Brian and Carey Page 27