Page 14 of Buddy System

“Oh! Interesting,” Brooke says with a smile. “I’m happy for you, and it must be an exciting project to build a house.”

“It is! Please, sit down and join us,” Juni tells us. “I’ll bring you all a coffee, if that’s what you’re here for.” We all nod our thanks. “And I’ll get you all your pastries. I know how hungry Skyler can be when he shows up here in the morning. Any preferences? I have a new blueberry muffin recipe I’m trying out, so I won’t even charge you if you try one of those. I’ve addeda new secret ingredient, and I want to see how folks like them.” She looks pointedly at me and adds, “Don’t worry, Skyler. You’ll get your regular.”

“I’m game for the blueberry surprise,” Levi answers with a big grin, and I wink at Juni. She knows my passion for a good cinnamon roll.

The pastries are amazing, and the coffee is robust. We all sit around and chat for about an hour. As the shop fills with customers, Juni has to hop up and take care of business a few times. From the way they interact, it’s clear that she has a deep affection for her two men and they for her. And I must say, Levi can’t take his eyes off of them. He looks like he’s taking mental notes.

As Jack and Asher make noises about needing to leave, Jack says, “If you’re not in a rush, you all ought to pop over to my gallery. I have a new exhibit by a young Kentucky artist I’m trying to promote. She’s quite talented, and I’d love to show her off to you. I’m just around the corner on Third Street; the gallery’s called Imagine.”

Now, I love art as much as most folks love music, movies, or books. But I’m feeling pretty crappy about it lately since I can barely hold a paintbrush well enough to even sign my name, so I speak up and say, “I hope you don’t mind, but we have a ton of groceries to buy today, Jack. I don’t want to wear out Levi’s hip, so can we take a raincheck?”

“Oh, I’m okay,” Levi tells us. “If it starts to hurt when we get to the Piggly Wiggly, you can put me in the cart and push me around like a toddler.” He gives me a playful shove and a dumb look like he’s about to suck his thumb. “Let’s go look at Jack’s art gallery, and maybe it’ll inspire you to do more hand exercises so you can paint again.”

Jack looks mildly surprised. “You’re an artist? Why didn’t I know this?”

“Uh…” I splutter.

“He’s awonderfulartist,” Brooke says. She sounds like my mother.

“I’d love to see some of your work,” Jack tells me. “You know I’m always on the hunt for Kentucky talent, and if I had someone from Honeybee Hollow, just imagine what the turnout might be for your art opening.” He studies the expression on my face and adds kindly, “No pressure, Skyler. Let me know when you’re ready.” Jack is a perceptive guy.

I can’t back out now, so I answer, “Sure, let’s all go take a look.” I turn and say, “Asher, it was nice seeing you. I hope we can all get together again soon.” Then I get a great idea. “Maybe we can all meet up at the Fourth of July celebration.”

Everyone looks enthusiastic about that and agrees, so we all have a “date.”

We hug Juni and tell her to keep the secret-ingredient blueberry muffins on her menu, even though not one of us could identify why they seemed so different and special— they just were. Juni kisses her men goodbye, and then they kiss each other before heading in opposite directions.

I feel Levi’s eyes on me after the guys kiss, and I don’t return his stare. I can’t deny I have a bit of a reaction to them. I feel warm. I’m also aware that appearances mean nothing. I’d never in a million years have guessed either of those guys were queer when I first met them. But their chemistry with each other as well as with Juni is undeniable. They’re so happy and natural with one another; they’re fun to be around.

Before we leave, Juni asks Brooke, “I’m planning to do a little bit of retail therapy one afternoon this week, and if you’re interested, I could show you around to the various boutiques in town. It’s always more fun shopping with a friend.”

Brooke laughs and answers, “Thanks, Juni. I agree, and I always want to shop with someone honest enough to tell me if my butt looks too big in whatever outfit I’m trying on.”

“Impossible,” I mutter under my breath, and Brooke gives me a funny look. I can’t resist winking at her.

“I promise complete honesty,” Juni says with a laugh. “How about tomorrow then?” she asks. “Meet me here around two, and we’ll hit the shops.”

And just like that, Brooke says, “Perfect!” and has a new friend in town. She looks quite pleased about it.

I look at Levi and tell him, “While the ladies are shopping, you and I can go fishing.” Levi’s eyes light up, and he readily agrees. I tuck that happy expression away in my mind. It looks so good on him. He’s losing that haunted appearance bit by bit. I just knew he could be happy here.

The next thing I know, I’m heading to look at art in Jack’s gallery with my friends.

Chapter

Fourteen

Brooke

Overall,the art gallery is terrific, but the special exhibit pales in comparison to what we’ve seen of Skyler’s work. I can tell immediately that he’s aware of it and way too polite to say so. I can also detect a bit of longing in his eyes as he wanders around the gallery.

“Where did you learn to paint?” Jack asks him as they stand in front of a colorful still life.

“Oh, um…I had an art teacher here at the high school who added an after-school class for people who were interested. Fortunately, she waited until football season was over. At first, it seemed like a good way to get to know some of the girls better, but the teacher was so great, I pretty much gave up flirting and focused on my work. I’d always loved to draw, and this class helped me look at things in my own individual way. When I went to college, I majored in business, but I minored in art. I had some wonderful professors, and eventually I was sorry I hadn’t gone for the major in art. But I was afraid I needed more of a serious education, so I went with the more practical route. ThenI joined the Army and…well…I guess I’m glad I didn’t put all my eggs in one basket.”

Skyler stretches out his hand at his side and then squeezes it into a fist. I wonder if he even realizes he’s doing it.

With a thoughtful look, Jack asks, “I’m no doctor or physical therapist, Skyler, but have you ever considered trying to paint again? There are several ways to go about it. I doubt you’ve lost your vision for how you want to convey your ideas on canvas, but perhaps some strengthening exercises or a special paint brush grip might help. I hate the idea of you giving up on it.”

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