Best Man

When they were a few steps away from the others he spoke again. “Did you notice the look on your mother’s face?” “Yeah, but who cares?” Jeff stumbled a little. “I can’t do this backwards.” “I’m leading.” “Fine, but if I step on your feet it’s your fault.” He glanced at his mother and shot her a brilliant smile. “Man, she’s pissed. That smile could freeze water.” “Well, I’ve never been her favorite.” Alex smiled at Vera Howard as he and Jeff turned.

Alex looked up as a shadow fell across him. Vera Howard stood over him, Jackie O sunglasses hiding most of her face. What was visible looked decidedly sour. “I spoke to my son last night.” After the conversation he had had with Michael the night before, Alex knew what was coming. “Would you like to sit?” Alex motioned to the empty chair next to him, damn Leanne for running late, he thought. “No. That won’t be necessary. I just came to tell you that you will not be welcome in my home. Stay away from my son. I won’t have you contaminating him with your disgusting ways.” “What’s disgusting?” Leanne arrived with perfect timing. “Him.” Vera Howard pointed dramatically. “And I am going to warn your parents to keep you away from him as well.” Leanne looked at Alex, then at Vera. “I guess Mikey told you Alex is gay?” Vera pursed her lips and nodded. “Well, disgusting isn’t the word I would chose, you harpie, but good luck with my parents.” Leanne flopped into her beach chair. “You watch your mouth, missy. You’re parents are going to hear about this.” Vera shook her finger at Leanne. “OK, but you should know both my parents have gay brothers.” Leanne smiled sweetly. “So make sure you stay out of arms reach when you start your shit.” Vera sputtered for a few moments then stalked up the beach, angling for the Mill’s house. Leanne turned to watch her go then turned back to Alex. “We should go with her, she’s going to…” The words died on her lips. Alex sat rigidly in his chair, tears pouring from beneath his sunglasses. “Oh honey.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Did Mikey take it like that?” Alex sniffed. “No, (sniff) he just hugged me (sniff) and said he already knew (sniff).” “Well, he is smarter than he looks,” Leanne said. She smiled at Alex, who managed a small smile back. “She said I can’t see Michael any more.” Alex squeezed Leanne’s hand. “Yeah, right. No way Mikey will listen to that.” “You think?” “You’re kidding, right? You’re his best friend!” “She could find a way.” He gestured to the distant speck of Vera Howard. Leanne looked up over Alex’s shoulder. “Umm, Avery Howard is next.” The pair watched as Michael’s dad made his way to them. When he arrived he sat in the sand in front of Alex. He took in Alex and Leanne’s clenched hands and Alex’s wet face. “Looks like Vera beat me here.” Alex nodded. “I’m sorry, kiddo.” He reached out and patted Alex’s leg. “She’s a bit wound up.” Alex just nodded again, still tense. “Alex, relax. Vera and I have very different opinions on this, like everything else. Frankly, I am disappointed Mikey told me and not you.” Alex sniffed again and his tears started to pick up pace. “Don’t cry, kiddo. I just meant I would have liked to hear it from you. You are a very brave young man to do this at fifteen. How are your parents?” “My dad said he just wants me to be happy and my mom thinks it’s a phase and suggested I date Leanne.” “Ewwww.” Leanne drew the syllable out. “Yeah, that’s what I said.” Alex managed a small smile that Avery joined in on. “And what about your parents, Leanne?” “Avery, both my parents have a gay brother they adore. My dad cheered while my mom went to get twenty bucks out of her purse.” “What? Alex asked. “Well, sorry to tell you, but it turns out they had a bet.” “They made a bet about me?” “Yup, Dad bet you would come out in high school and Mom said it would be college.” Avery laughed. “That sounds like your parents.” After a moment, Alex joined him. “Yeah it does.” All three smiled at each other. Alex turned to face Avery Howard again. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Avery.” “That’s ok.” He patted Alex’s leg again. “Mikey had a fit when he woke up and found out Vera was already out. I asked him to give me an hour head start to find you.” Avery shook his head. “I thought I was going to have to tie him up to keep him in the house.” “Is he ok?” Alex asked. “Well, he’s had a rough night. He came home all excited to tell us about you and you know how that went.” Avery took a deep breath while the teens nodded. “Then I told him Vera and I are separating.” “What!” The friends said in unison. “Avery, I’m sorry,” Leanne said. “Me too,” Alex added. “Thank you, guys, but don’t be.” He looked at the sand in front of him for a moment. “I know Mikey has told you guys we’ve been having problems.” The two nodded. “And I just couldn’t fight any more. We decided last night. That is why Mikey found us both still up when he got home.” “Avery, I have a thousand questions that are none of my business,” Leanne said. “I’m sure you do,” he agreed. “Looks like it was a stressful night all around,” Alex added. “And it looks like your hour is up,” Leanne pointed to Michael running across the beach. As he neared, Alex stood and pushed his sunglasses into his hair. Michael took in Alex’s tear stained face and grabbed him in a fierce hug barely holding onto his own composure. “Are you ok?” both asked as they stepped back from the other. “I don’t know,” Michael said as Alex just shrugged. Avery Howard got to his feet. “You three have a lot to talk about.” “No shit.” Leanne grimaced “I’m going to go find Vera and see what other damage control I need to do.” “She went to warn my parents to keep me away from the deviant.” “Oh, Christ. I need a drink.” “I’m sure my parents will pour if you ask,” Leanne said. Avery laughed a little. “You ok, Daddy?” Michael asked. “Yeah. You guys worry about each other. I’ll be fine.” He hugged his son, smiled at the other two, and headed towards the Mill’s house.