The Practice

by Grant C. Holland

  “Yeah, predictable I guess, but still fun.”

  Thomas said, “I know what you’re saying, and I have to admit, I didn’t know if I would like that when I came back to Catlett’s Cove.”

  “You liked an unpredictable life in the city?” asked Hadley.

  “Not so much unpredictable as more exciting. There’s more stimulation. There’s always something new around the next corner.”

  Hadley said, “I think that might make me nervous. I’ve liked traveling to cities, but I’m always really happy to come back home or go somewhere like the beach. There’s too many people and too much concrete for me in the city.”

  “Do you want this?” asked Thomas. He held out a piece of beef with the chopsticks. “It’s the last of the beef with the broccoli.”

  Hadley leaned toward Thomas and took the bite. “Thank you. That’s good.”

  Thomas said, “You know, Hadley, I really never thought I could find anyone like you back here in Catlett’s Cove. I always dreamed about taking over Dr. Benton’s practice. He saved my family’s dog when he got hit by a car just like I patched up Lucky.”

  “You never told me that,” said Hadley.

  With a nod, Thomas said, “And I never told you that when I came back, I was pretty sure this move was only temporary. I wanted a partner, too, and I assumed I would have to go back to the city to find that. I still have boxes in storage back up there.”

  “You’re not planning to go back, are you?” asked Hadley.

  Thomas turned his head and leaned in to kiss Hadley. “That’s not my plan now, no. You’ve changed everything. So many things I had in the city seem less important now, and it’s really not that far away if we can ever find time to go on a road trip.”

  Hadley set his Chinese food box on the nightstand and slid further beneath the sheets. “Can I ask you a question, Thomas?”

  “I certainly hope so.” Thomas followed Hadley’s lead and handed over his food box to be placed on the nightstand as well. Then he scooted close enough to Hadley that their bodies touched beneath the sheets.

  “How did you come out? Did that happen in high school?”

  Thomas said, “Yeah, my junior year in high school. Well, I guess a couple of my friends knew even a few years before that, but I didn’t really make it public until we formed the Purple Pack.”

  “Purple Pack?” asked Hadley.

  “Yeah, did you ever hear about us?”

  Hadley said, “No, I don’t think so.”

  “It’s just a group of my friends. We’re all gay, and so we decided there was more safety in numbers if we were all out together. I guess there was ten of us total, and five of them are still here in town. I haven’t gotten to hang out too much with them, but it’s great whenever it happens.”

  “What did your parents think about it? Or what do they think about it now?” asked Hadley.

  “You know, honestly, I don’t know if they ever really think about it or think about me. Maybe that’s their way of dealing with it. They sort of pretend that part of me doesn’t exist or even that I don’t exist. I’ve only been to my parents’ place for one dinner since I got back to town. They said hi and my sisters said, hi, but that was about it. They just went on talking about their lives and everybody they all know. It was like I wasn’t even there. They don’t seem to miss me.”

  Hadley sighed. “I miss my parents. I don’t have any idea what they would think about me with you. I like to think they would be okay with it, but I’ll never know. Maybe I’ll get the guts to go to the cemetery and tell them sometime. I still go and talk to them once in awhile.”

  Thomas reached out an arm and pulled Hadley close. “I would like to be introduced to them sometime.”

  Hadley reached up and wiped at his left eye. “I would like that, too. So tell me about the pack of friends. Who are they?”

  Thomas said, “Oh, you might know about one of them. Emma Reynolds said that her little sister was in your class in high school.”

  Hadley whispered, “Reynolds…” Then he asked, “Is that Gina Reynolds’ sister?”

  “Yes, that would be her.”

  “Uh oh,” said Hadley.

  “Uh oh?” asked Thomas.

  “I think I told Gina I thought a guy was cute one time. She was telling me that her sister had a crush on a girl, and I said I could understand that because I thought Bobby Stennis was cute.”

  “Skinny, stuck up Bobby Stennis?” asked Thomas.

  “You knew him, too?” asked Hadley.

  “Yeah, and I think he tried to make sure everyone knew who he was, but then he ignored half of the population of the school and the town. I wasn’t good enough for his type.”

  Hadley reached over and traced his index finger around Thomas’ chest. “Don’t worry. I just said he was cute. I didn’t say I liked him.”

  Thomas said, “That would explain something though.”

  “Explain what?”

  With a sigh, Thomas said, “Well, here comes another confession. Emma is one of my closest friends, so when I told her about my little crush on you, she said her sister once said that she thought you were bisexual.”

  Hadley laughed. “I guess everybody knew but me.”

  Thomas said, “Sometimes we’re the last to know.”

  “And who else is in the group?” asked Hadley.

  “Well, there is Emma’s girlfriend Jane. They’ve been dating since their senior year in high school. I hope they get married some day.”

  Hadley said, “It’s amazing now that they could.”

  Thomas continued, “And there is Aaron. He’s tall, skinny, and handsome. Since you said you liked Bobby Stennis’ type, you don’t get to meet him until I’m sure that you’re mine.”

  “Are you worried?” asked Hadley.

  Thomas laughed. “Not really.”

  “And two more?” asked Hadley.

  “Yep, the other two are the good couple that don’t realize that they are a couple. Derek and Yale hang out all the time together, but they haven’t realized the best guy for a relationship is standing right at their side. I think they’ll figure it out someday.”

  Hadley asked, “Why don’t you just say, ‘Hey, you guys, you should date.’”

  “What? And spoil all the ongoing mystery and drama? I think Derek is just too busy to notice what’s right in front of his face. He’s a writer, and he’s also trying to run his family’s bookstore. Yale helps him out, but Derek is driving himself crazy.”

  “The bookstore downtown?” asked Hadley.

  “Yeah, that’s the one,” said Thomas. “It’s a good store, but he needs to figure out some sort of balance.” Then he added, “Tell me it’s none of my business if that’s how you feel right now, but do you have a plan for when you want to come out, Hadley?”

  Staring up at the ceiling, Hadley said, “I don’t know. I mean, how would I do it? Other than the guys at work, it’s not like there’s a bunch of people to announce it to.”

  Thomas said, “You don’t have to do that. It can be as easy as just stopping hiding it. It can be just as easy as walking down the street hand in hand with me.”

  “Here in Catlett’s Cove?” asked Hadley.

  “Well, I guess in some parts of town I might not do it, but downtown on Main Street, I wouldn’t worry about it there. It can also be as simple as telling your Aunt Mae about us.”

  Hadley said, “Yeah, I’ve thought about that. I’m not sure exactly how I would explain.”

  “You’re not responsible for explaining anything,” said Thomas. “You just say how things are. Then if they have questions, you can decide whether or not to answer them. It’s your life, Hadley, not theirs.”

  Hadley rolled over and rested his face on Thomas’ chest. “I’m not quite ready for that, but it will happen soon. I promise. Meanwhile, you’re meeting her tomorrow night. Did you remember?”

  “How could I forget?” said Thomas. “I’ve been eager to meet her since you mentioned her. I los
t my grandparents long ago. I love getting to talk to older people. They have so many interesting memories. Maybe she can even share some embarrassing stories about you as a little kid.”

  Hadley laughed and said, “Oh, I’m sure she has plenty of those.”

  17

  Hadley

  Nerves attacked just as Hadley entered the kitchen to begin to prepare dinner for Thomas’ visit. He didn’t exactly know how he was going to act in front of Aunt Mae with Thomas. He told Aunt Mae that Thomas was a good friend, but he was now so much more than that. Hadley wasn’t sure that he could convincingly dial things back to ordinary friend status.

  Then there was the dinner itself. Hadley wasn’t much of a cook on his best days. He could boil water successfully, and he knew how to do simple things like cook a grilled cheese and make macaroni and cheese from a box. Making a dinner fit for a boyfriend, no, a good friend, was another thing entirely.

  Aunt Mae asked, “Would you like some help, Hadley? Don’t forget to put your pork tenderloin in the oven before you do the vegetables on the stove.”

  “Oh, that’s right,” said Hadley. He began to bustle around the kitchen, and he was set to put the pork in the oven when Aunt Mae asked, “Did you preheat that?”

  Hadley tried to laugh to defuse his nervousness. “No, I didn’t. I guess that would be a good idea.” He punched the numbers into the oven’s digital display and then stood by the sink fidgeting.

  Aunt Mae said, “Why don’t you have a seat here at the table with me. It will take at least ten minutes for the oven to preheat.”

  Hadley seated himself and then drummed his fingers on the table. He said, “I really hope this turns out well.”

  “I’m sure it will be fine,” said Aunt Mae. “Friends are forgiving if it doesn’t work. If that happens, we’ll just order a pizza.”

  Hadley tried to smile in response. He was worried that Aunt Mae had figured things out. It sometimes felt like she could bore into his skull and read what was written on his mind. His guesses about what she might already know only made him more nervous.

  The oven chimed to indicate the preheating was finished, and Hadley slipped the pork tenderloin inside. He glanced at the clock and said, “Thomas should be here in about ten minutes, Aunt Mae.”

  She said, “I will go to the living room then. It wouldn’t be proper to meet him the first time in the kitchen. Just put those vegetable in pans on the stove when there’s about ten minutes left for the pork to cook. Add a little bit of salt and pepper, and then taste them when they are almost cooked. Always taste things before you serve them.”

  As Aunt Mae left the kitchen, Hadley remembered the rolls he bought that were in the refrigerator but needed to go in the oven. The temperature they needed was the same as the pork, so he added them to the oven. He brushed his hands together and breathed a sigh of relief. He was still nervous, but he sensed that everything was going well so far.

  Hadley checked on Aunt Mae and said, “Thomas just sent me a text. He says he just left the clinic.”

  She said, “Did you notice the pitcher of iced tea in the refrigerator? I made a pitcher of sweet tea for us. That would be more appropriate than bottles of beer for his first visit.”

  Fidgeting, Hadley said, “No, I didn’t notice, but thank you. I’ll be right back. I need to put the vegetables on the stove.”

  Aunt Mae called after him. “The pork smells good, Hadley.”

  Just as he set the pans of green beans and corn on the stovetop, the doorbell rang. Hadley raced to answer the door. It was Thomas. He offered a quick hug and a kiss and then said, “You smell good.”

  Thomas said, “I put on a little bit of cologne so I didn’t smell like animal hospital rubbing alcohol. I want to make a good first impression.” He held out a plate of brownies and said, “This is for dessert.”

  Hadley asked, “When did you bake those?” and then he said, “You always make a good first impression. Aunt Mae is in the living room. She thinks it’s most appropriate to greet a guest in the living room.”

  “I like people with old-fashioned manners. I think Aunt Mae and I will get along famously.”

  Hadley sighed heavily as he led the way to the living room. They entered the room and Hadley said, “Thomas, this is my Aunt Mae.”

  She began to rise, and Thomas waved her down. “No, please, don’t get up.” He bent down to offer a hug.

  She laughed and said, “We’re next-door neighbors, and now we’re finally meeting. Please, have a seat. We can talk while Hadley is finishing up dinner. And if he would be so kind, maybe he could bring us each a glass of iced tea.”

  Hadley smiled weakly at Thomas and said, “I’ll be right back.”

  Pulling open a cabinet door, Hadley stared at the options of glasses and wondered which ones Aunt Mae would think were the most appropriate. He finally settled on ones that he often saw her use in the midsummer when she said the tea was at its most refreshing.

  In an effort to be as proper and appropriate as possible, Hadley placed the glasses on a small tray to carry to the living room. He listened to the ice cubes clinking as his hands shook all the way to the living room.

  Aunt Mae and Thomas were already engaged in an animated conversation. She said, “I knew Dr. Benton when he was just a boy. He was almost ten years younger than me, but our families attended the same church in time. He was such a charming little boy…”

  Hadley spoke up and said, “I brought some iced tea.” He held the tray downward so that Aunt Mae could take a glass.

  When she picked the glass up, it unbalanced the weight on the tray, and Hadley barely caught the second glass before it tumbled to the floor. Thomas jumped up from his seat to catch the glass and nearly stumbled into Hadley.

  Hadley’s faced blushed beet red, but he was relieved that he didn’t spill the iced tea that Aunt Mae made all over the living room carpet. Thomas took his glass and said, “Thank you.”

  Hadley made the mistake of looking him in the eye. Those dark brown eyes seemed to smolder as always. Hadley self-consciously held the tray just below his waist to hide any consequences of his close proximity to Thomas.

  Aunt Mae said, “Something smells like it might be burning, Hadley.”

  “Oh!” he gasped. “My vegetables.” He turned and raced back to the kitchen. The green beans were already scorched beyond use. Hadley frowned and pulled the pan off the flame. He pushed the corn around with a spoon and decided that it could still be served.

  Hadley opened the refrigerator door to rummage around for something to replace his green beans when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Thomas whispered in his ear, “Let me help.”

  The hairs on Hadley’s forearms stood on end hearing the familiar deep voice. He whispered, “Please.”

  Thomas asked, “Did you check what’s in the oven? It smells really good.”

  Hadley shook his head no. “Will you check it for me? And where is Aunt Mae.”

  Thomas said, “She asked me to come and help out. She said you’re too proud to let her help.”

  Hadley growled. “I told you how well she knows me.”

  Thomas reached out to grip Hadley’s chin and gave him a quick kiss.

  Hadley batted his hand away whispering, “She’s just in the next room. Be careful…”

  With a quick rub of Hadley’s back, Thomas said, “Just relax. It’s all going to be fine.” Thomas pulled open the oven door. He said, “It looks like these are both ready to come out. Do you have an oven mitt, please?”

  Hadley handed him two puffy oven mitts. His mood perked up when Thomas pulled out a delicious looking tenderloin and perfectly browned rolls. Hadley said, “Wow, those do look good.”

  Thomas said, “The pork needs to rest for a few minutes before we slice it. Go ahead and put the corn in a serving dish and find a large bowl or a basket for the rolls. Is the table set?”

  “Yes, Aunt Mae already had it set when I got here.”

  “Excellent,” said Thomas. “Now ju
st take those dishes in there. Do you have raw carrots or celery or something like that in the fridge?”

  Hadley disappeared, and Thomas opened the refrigerator door. He found a bag of baby carrots in the crisper drawer. When Hadley returned, Thomas said, “Put some of these in a bowl and add that to the table. Now you’ll have two vegetables, bread, meat, and a dessert. It’s a perfect meal Hadley!”

  “With your help it is. Are you going to slice the pork now? I hope it’s cooked all the way through.”

  Thomas pulled a slicing knife from the knife block on the counter. He made the first cut right through the center. When he pronounced it perfect, Hadley exhaled with relief.

  “Don’t ask me to do this again anytime soon, Thomas. It’s way too nerve-wracking. I don’t know how people do this every day.”

  Thomas said, “It’s practice, Hadley. It’s the practice that makes it perfect.”

  With all the food on the table and Thomas pouring more glasses of iced tea, Hadley returned to the living room to let Aunt Mae know the meal was ready. He helped her climb to her feet. She rose as best she could on her toes and whispered into Hadley’s ear. “It’s perfect. Don’t you worry.”

  Hadley slowly relaxed throughout the meal. Aunt Mae began to tell stories about Colleen. She said, “She was such a beautiful dog. You would have loved her, Thomas.”

  “What breed was she again?” he asked.

  Aunt Mae said, “An Irish Setter. Her coat was the deepest red and silky and long.” Aunt Mae closed her eyes for a moment, and Hadley could imagine her stroking Colleen’s coat.

  Thomas said, “If you wish. I could save one of Lucky’s puppies for you. I’m sure Hadley would be happy to help care for it.”

  Aunt Mae smiled and said, “Oh, I don’t know. I’m an old woman. A rambunctious puppy is just a ball full of energy. Are you planning to keep any of the puppies for yourself, Thomas?”

  He nodded and said, “I’m thinking just one, and I’m considering keeping Lucky, too.”