Page 25 of Rust and Stardust

“Here you go, boys,” Marge said, handing over our food. “Enjoy!”

Beau paid, waving off my attempt to chip in, and we moved away from the truck to make room for the next customers. We found a relatively quiet spot near a cluster of picnic tables behind the ferris wheel, settling down to eat.

I took a bite of my taco and nearly moaned out loud. The brisket was tender and flavorful, the homemade salsa adding just the right amount of heat. There was something creamy in there too, like feta cheese that just made the entire thing perfect top to bottom.

“Good god!” I gasped, taking another bite. “This is delicious!”

Beau chuckled, a deep, rich sound that made my heart skip a beat. “Told ya,” he said, taking a bite of his own taco. “Marge's cookin' is legendary 'round these parts.”

“If her food is this good and you’re the one winning competitions, I can’t wait to taste what you make.”

“It’s nothin’ special…” he said, shaking his head.

“I seriously doubt that.”

Beau didn’t reply. He just glanced up at me, a small shy grin on his lips. We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, savoring the decadent mixture of flavors. I couldn't help but steal glances at Beau, admiring the way the lights of the ferris wheel danced in his eyes. He seemed more relaxed now, away from the crowds and the constant attention.

“So,” I said, wiping my mouth with a napkin, “you gonna tell me what's really bothering you? And don't say it's nothing, because I can tell something's on your mind.”

Beau sighed, setting down his half-eaten taco. He lifted his hat and ran a hand through his blonde hair, messing it up in a way that somehow made him even more handsome. But when he opened his mouth to speak, no words came out.

“Is it the gay thing?” I asked, glancing around to make sure nobody was close enough to overhear us.

Beau's jaw clenched, his eyes darting around nervously before settling back on me. He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. “It ain't just that. It's... everything. The competition, the expectations, this whole dang town watchin' my every move.”

I nodded, encouraging him to continue.

“I love ranchin', don't get me wrong,” Beau said, his accent thickening with emotion. “It's in my blood. But sometimes I feel like I'm livin' someone else's life, you know? Like I'm playin' a part.”

His willingness to be vulnerable struck a chord in me. I reached out, placing my hand over his on the table. “I get it,” I said softly. “It's not easy living up to other people's expectations.”

Beau's eyes widened at the contact, but he didn’t pull away. “Yeah… and now everyone expects me to win and finally accept a proposal from this girl that I don’t even like.”

“Oh?” I said, my eyebrows shooting up. “She’s already popped the question?”

He nodded. “Two years ago. And I turned her down.”

“I take it that’s not… normal around here?”

Beau shook his head, his eyes downcast. “No, it ain't. 'Round here, you're expected to settle down young, start a family. Especially if you're from an old ranching family like mine.”

I squeezed his hand gently. “That must be tough.”

“You have no idea,” Beau sighed. “Amber May- that's the girl - she's been after me since high school. Everyone thinks we're perfect for each other. Her daddy owns the bank, my family's got the ranch... it's like some kinda fairytale to them.”

“But not to you,” I said softly.

Beau's blue eyes met mine, filled with a mix of sadness and longing. “No, not to me. I've tried, believe me. Tried to feel somethin' for her, tried to be what everyone wants me to be… but I just can’t.” He turned his gaze away, staring at the ground. “And now you’re here and I… I can’t deny it anymore. I suspected I might be… you know… but after what just happened in the truck, I’m pretty sure.”

I felt a pang in my chest at Beau's words, a mixture of sympathy and something deeper I wasn't ready to name. “Hey,” I said softly, giving his hand another squeeze. “It's okay. There's nothing wrong with you, you know that, right?”

Beau's eyes flickered back to mine, uncertainty written across his face. “I reckon my Pa might disagree with that,” he said with a bitter chuckle. “And probably Mabel too.”

“Well, your Pa isn't the one who has to live your life,” I replied, surprised by the fierceness in my own voice. “You are.”

For a moment, Beau just stared at me, his blue eyes wide with surprise. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face - a real, genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. “You're somethin' else, youknow that?” he said, his voice low and rich. “I didn’t know you city boys were so full of it.”

I couldn't help but laugh at that, the tension between us easing a bit. “Oh, we're full of all sorts of things,” I teased, giving him a playful wink.

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