Cultivating Love

by Addison Albright

  She smiled wide. “Thanks. That sounds pretty good, and there are a few things I could use for some of the meals I want to make.”

  They ate quickly, wanting to accomplish as much as possible in the field before it became too hot. Joe grinned as Ed climbed onto the empty hay rack to silently assert he’d take the first shift stacking. Joe handed him the cooler and climbed onto the tractor to lead them to the hay field. With the remaining acreage to be baled split between two days, there really wasn’t any way Ed could overdo it anyway.

  Chapter 8: Festival!

  Joe stepped buoyantly as they approached the square. The morning was bright and sunny, and while still hot, it was an improvement on the recent sweltering days.

  Ed breathed in the smoky barbeque aroma. “Damn, that smells good.”

  Jenny laughed. “It’s only nine o’clock.”

  “When it comes to barbeque, my stomach doesn’t recognize time.”

  Joe snorted and patted Ed’s shoulder. “No rules at a festival. You can eat whatever, whenever.”

  This past week, they could have slapped down grilled rat in front of Ed and he would’ve devoured it. Their heavy workload had given him a voracious appetite. “I plan to.”

  They wandered toward the carnival rides, and Jenny stuck an elbow in Joe’s ribs. Damn, that thing was pointy. “Jesus, what?”

  “Two girls at two o’clock are giving me the evil eye. You know ’em?”

  Eliza and Joanne were indeed giving Jenny a hard look. “Yeah, we know ’em. Did you meet Ruby when you went to the grocery store?”

  “Lady about Mom’s age?”

  “Yeah.”

  “She was there eyeballin’ me, but I didn’t say anything to her.”

  “Well, the one on the left is her daughter Eliza, and the other is Joanne.”

  “So why are they giving me the stink eye?”

  “They’ve been kinda coming on to us.”

  “We don’t intend to live in a closet here or anything,” Ed added, “but we don’t go around making general announcements either. Guess we’re gonna have to break it to them before too long. I think they’re jealous of you. Must think you’re with one of us.”

  Jenny sniffed.

  “Well, shit.” Joe said. They couldn’t just ignore the girls. He cocked his head toward the frowning pair. “Come on. We need to go say ‘hi.’”

  The girls changed their expressions, becoming all smiles. Ed smiled back and nodded while Joe made the introductions. “Good morning, Eliza, Joanne. This is my sister, Jenny. She’s been staying with me and Ed this past week.”

  “Oh, your sister,” Eliza replied. “I guess you do look a bit alike, don’t you?”

  They did? He shrugged.

  “So do y’all think you’ll be coming to the hoedown tonight?”

  Jenny pounced on the question. “Yes. They promised me.” She cast Joe a look daring him to back down. He just rolled his eyes. “I even taught Ed how to two-step this week so they wouldn’t have any excuses. Can you believe he didn’t know how?”

  Joanne eyed Ed and flashed him a huge smile. “I’ll be looking for you, then. You’ll save a dance for me?”

  Ed looked like he’d rather be doing anything other than answering that question. He managed another smile. “Sure, if you don’t mind risking your feet. Jenny’s didn’t fare so well, I’m afraid.”

  She laughed. “I’ll risk it.”

  Jenny snorted.

  “Well, ladies, it was nice meeting up with you again.” Joe nodded to them. “We’ll see you tonight for sure, if we don’t run into you sooner.”

  * * * *

  “Didn’t I tell you to remind me not to get on a Scrambler again the last time we went to a carnival?” Ed groaned. He’d be lucky if he didn’t lose his barbeque.

  Joe just laughed. “But that shade of green becomes you.”

  Jenny was more sympathetic. “Want me to get you Sprite or something?”

  “Would you?”

  She ran off toward the row of concession stands, and Joe’s hand felt warm and comforting on Ed’s back, steering him toward a bench. He sat on the hard surface and placed his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands, trying to will away the churning in his gut.

  Joe slowly rubbed circles on his back. Ed concentrated on that sensation, both soothing and uncharacteristic. His skin tingled from the light touch, spreading delicious warmth through his body. The atypical behavior didn’t surprise him as it once would have, though. Joe’d been extraordinarily open this past week, sharing tidbits from his past, and the intimacy they’d shared each night melted him to the core. Closeness, snuggling, and light talk about the farm—not sex. They didn’t feel comfortable actually screwing with Jenny right overhead, not knowing what she’d be able to hear.

  Guilty disappointment frustrated him when Jenny returned eagerly with his Sprite, because the hand movement stopped and the touch disappeared from his back.

  “Here you go,” she said. “This should help.”

  He sat up and forced a smile. “Thanks, Jen.”

  He sipped slowly, and it did help settle the queasiness. Jenny chattered on about which rides she still wanted to go on, and Joe encouragingly answered her comments. Joe always wanted to go on more rides than Ed, so it was nice when they were with other people.

  “Let’s do the Octopus next,” Joe suggested. “That’s one of my favorites.”

  “Yeah, that’s a good one.”

  “I’m ready to walk over there,” Ed told them. “I’ll stay off and watch, though.”

  Joe’s cockeyed grin proclaimed he’d been expecting that. “Sure you don’t mind?”

  “Trust me, I have more fun as a spectator on the spinning rides.”

  Jenny rolled her eyes. “Yeah, no kidding.”

  Joe gave her a playful bop upside the head, and she whapped him back before jumping out of reach. “Come on, then,” he said.

  The ear-to-ear smiles on both their faces as the Octopus spun them up, down, and around made the wait worthwhile for Ed. A tap on his shoulder took him by surprise.

  “Not riding?” Eliza asked. Joanne, a couple more girls, and two guys stood with her.

  “Uh, no. The spinning rides and I don’t get along very well.”

  “Yeah, you didn’t look too well coming off the Scrambler.”

  “That’s one of the worst for me. I shouldn’t have tried it.”

  Joe and Jenny rejoined them, and Eliza made introductions all around. The new folks were actually couples; Ray was with Robin, and Scott was with Penny.

  Scott got right to the point. “Ben Ingalls at the hardware store mentioned you’d expressed interest in the softball games. We wanted to let y’all know that folks are heading to the field now for a game.”

  “That’s great,” Joe said. “Is there space on the teams for us?”

  “Sure is. Y’all bring your gear?”

  “It’s in our car. We’ll fetch it and see you at the field.”

  “Cool.”

  Joanne smiled at Jenny. “Hon, you want to walk over with us while the boys go fetch their gear?”

  Jenny seemed eager for fresh company and jumped all over the offer. “That’s okay, isn’t it, Joe?”

  Joe shrugged. “See ya there.”

  As he and Joe started walking back to the car, Eliza’s voice drifted across the lot. “How long’s your brother going to be staying to help Ed at the farm?”

  Jenny’s voice carried back. “Well, forever, duh. Just ’cause they aren’t married yet doesn’t mean they won’t stay together.”

  The last voice Ed heard before the group moved too far away was Joanne’s. “Told you, Eliza.”

  Joe’s eyes widened, and he cocked an eyebrow. “Guess that’s out now.”

  “I should think so. Unless I miss my guess, Eliza is pretty highly situated in the Mayfield grapevine.”

  “Well, that’s a good thing, right? We didn’t want to spend our lives evading questions and hiding in a closet.”r />
  “Not to mention deflecting come-ons.”

  Joe laughed. “Remind me to thank Jenny later.”

  “No shit. Guess she saved us having to make an awkward announcement.” God, she’d not only announced they were gay, but also a stable couple. Hell, she’d even implied they’d be married someday, of all things. And Joe had just taken it in stride. Ed opened the trunk of his Escort and pulled out their equipment bag. He hiked the strap over his shoulder and turned to Joe with a comfortable smile. “Ready to face ’em down?”

  “It’s not going to travel that fast. Nobody outside that little group is going to know any more than they already did.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  They approached the field where a group of men waited to divide into teams. People gathered in the stands, including Jenny, who sat with Eliza, Joanne, Robin, and Penny. She flashed them a big shit-eating grin. Among the men, Ben, Ray, and Scott stood together, so Ed and Joe walked toward them.

  Ben would probably continue to be a friendly face. This coming week, his wife would be doing their canning, a venture he wouldn’t want to risk losing. He was also a business owner in town, so he’d tend to walk the fence to avoid alienating any of his customers. Ray and Scott were an unknown entity, however, but they’d hopefully avoid the subject of their orientation and keep their opinions to themselves.

  Ben saw them approach first. His smile seemed sincere. “Glad you joined us.” He looked at Joe. “Ed mentioned you guys were in a league back in Omaha?”

  “That’s right. Got anything like that around here?”

  “Nothing formal. A bunch of us get together and play now and then, though. We can keep you in the loop, if you want.”

  “That’s cool, yeah.”

  Ray spoke up. “You guys play any position?”

  “Pretty much,” Ed replied. “Joe’s usually outfield, but can do anything but pitch. I’m not much of a pitcher, either. Usually first base or infield, but I can do outfield or catcher, if that’s what’s needed.”

  A snort somewhere behind him was followed by a low comment obviously meant to be overheard. “How does a pair of fairies manage when neither of them knows how to pitch?”

  Ed stiffened. He wasn’t about to turn around, but recognized the voice as Stan’s, the stockman from the farm and feed store. At least whomever he was with didn’t react with a laugh. With a clenched jaw, Joe caught his gaze and slightly shook his head. Scott blushed, and Ray looked at the ground.

  Ben ignored the comment and continued their conversation. “We can use a couple good utility players.”

  Ed rolled his shoulders and blew out a breath. Ben was a good guy, and he appreciated the support. “Thanks. We’ve got a few bats and a couple extra gloves if they’re needed, too.”

  “Cool,” Ray said. “Can’t hurt.”

  A movement off to the side apparently caught Joe’s attention, and he hollered, “Hey, Bill. You playin’?”

  Bill Golden walked toward their group. “Usually do.”

  Ben scanned the area. “Looks like everyone we’re expectin’ is here.”

  Apparently, others had noticed the same thing, and a call was given to sort out into two teams. Ed, Joe, Bill, Ben, Ray, and Scott stayed put, joined by a handful of others. Ed relaxed when it became apparent Stan would remain with the other group. Someone tossed a coin, and Ed’s group was designated the home team and took the field first. After sorting out who could play which position, Joe was sent to left field and Ed to first base.

  Ben made his way to the pitching rubber and threw a few practice pitches to the catcher, while the rest of them tossed around a few balls. After a short warm-up, the extra balls were thrown in and the other team’s first batter approached the plate.

  With Ben’s first pitch, the man swung and missed. He connected with Ben’s second pitch, though, a fly ball to center field where Ray easily caught it. Ed didn’t know the second batter, either. He managed a hit through the hole between second and third. Joe ran in to field the ball and threw it to second, which held the man at first.

  Stan was up next. Ed tensed and hoped he wouldn’t end up with a single. The less time he spent in that guy’s vicinity, the better.

  Stan connected with the second pitch for a long fly ball to left field. It was unlikely an average recreational softball player would catch up with a hit like that, but Joe wasn’t an average player. The runner on first didn’t know that, though, and neither did Stan. They both took off running like bats out of hell.

  Joe caught up with the ball for a spectacular catch as the base runner rounded second. Ed steered clear of Stan, then got into position with an eye toward catching the runner for not tagging up. Joe threw the ball to Scott at shortstop, and he relayed the ball to Ed at first for the double play and third out.

  They trotted in to sort out their batting order while Stan’s team took the field. Joe and Ed were assigned second and third spots. Stan had positioned himself at third base.

  Scott had first at bat and popped out to the second baseman. Joe managed a single, then advanced to second on what turned out to be a sacrifice fly ball by Ed. He was left stranded when their fourth batter grounded out to the shortstop.

  The game stayed closely matched until the bottom of the fifth when their team tied Stan’s with a score of five to five. With only one out, the crowd in the stands grew noisy, their support divided equally between the teams.

  Joe came up to bat with Scott on first base. A fly ball to right field was good for a single and advanced Scott to third.

  Ed approached the plate and leaned into his batting stance. The pitcher, whose name he’d learned was George, threw the ball, a little high and inside, but within the strike zone. Ed connected, sending a bouncing grounder toward Stan at third. Ed raced for first, hoping Joe would be able to beat the throw to second.

  As he approached first base, the crowd let out a collective gasp immediately after the thump of the ball reached its target at second. Ed crossed first base safely before turning to see if Joe had made it or not.

  He saw Joe on the ground, pulling up onto his knees from a diving slide position. His left hand covered a spot on the left side of his back, while his right hand moved first to his stomach, then back to the ground to support himself as he vomited.

  The ball was not in the second baseman’s glove, but loose in the infield. No one chased it down, but several fielders started converging on Joe.

  Ed’s heart leapt into his throat as he left his base and realized what had happened. Fucking Stan. He’d nailed Joe with his throw instead of aiming the ball at the second baseman.

  When Ed reached Joe’s side, he dropped to one knee and placed a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “You all right? You want some ice for that?”

  Joe shook his head, his eyes closed. Which question was he answering? He looked pale. He wasn’t just in pain, but injured.

  A scuffle and a shout caught Ed’s attention. He saw Jenny shoving Stan. “You big bully! That’s my brother!” Her face turned livid as she gave him more shoves.

  “Get her, Ed,” Joe whispered, and didn’t open his eyes. Ed’s head pivoted back and forth between Jenny and Joe. He sure as hell didn’t want to leave Joe’s side, but he couldn’t let Jenny carry on like that either.

  Eliza and Joanne had already raced to her side when Ed got to her. Their efforts to calm her down and get her to pull back proved futile. Ed completely ignored Stan, knowing he couldn’t stand to look at the man without brawling. He didn’t bother with niceties regarding Jenny, either. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and hauled her back and around without preamble.

  “Stop it, Jenny! Come on.”

  He settled her on her feet. She apparently managed to refocus her priorities and took off running toward Joe with Ed hot on her heels.

  Some of the fielders looked helpless, hovering over Joe. Bill had come from the bench and knelt next to him, talking softly. Joe nodded in reply to whatever Bill had said.r />
  Jenny fell to her knees on Joe’s other side and put a hand on his shoulder. Bill caught Ed’s attention. “Looks like the ball hit him in the left kidney. He says his initial wave of pain is receding, but you should take him in to get checked out.”

  “You think he’s gonna be okay? Joe? You okay?”

  “Yeah.” They both answered. Joe looked up at him. “I’m fine. We don’t need to go anywhere. It hurt a lot at first, but I’m fine now.”

  “That’s crap,” Jenny replied. “You need to get checked out. This guy says you got hit in the kidney, and I saw you throw up.”

  “It’s not up for debate,” Ed said. “We’re going. Are you okay to get up and walk?” He turned to Bill. “Where should we take him?”

  “Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. It’s on Thirty-First Street. Get over to I-80 and head north when you get to the Kearney exit.”

  “Damn it, I said I’m fine.” Joe’s assertion would have been more effective if it hadn’t been accompanied by a wince.

  “And I said we’re going. Now, are you okay to get up and walk or not?”

  “Goddammit, Ed.”

  “Goddammit yourself, Joe. We’re going!”

  “Do you have any idea what the deductible is on my insurance? Huge, that’s what. I don’t want to make a frivolous trip to the ER just so you can feel like you did the right thing.”

  Bill stepped back in to the conversation. “Joe, I’m a pretty unbiased opinion here, and I don’t think it would be a frivolous trip. I don’t like that you vomited, and I don’t like that you’re looking pale. This is a potentially serious injury, and Ed’s right to insist that you go.”

  “We can cover it,” Ed said. “We won’t compromise health for finances. Now get the hell up. Bill, can you help me get him to the car?”

  “Sure.”

  Joe’s eyes displayed an admission of defeat. “Crap. Just help me up. I don’t need two people to haul me to the car.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Jenny chimed in. “Well, I’m strong enough to take his other side if he needs help. And I am going with you.”