Page 64 of Perfect Mess

Janet put her hand on Gary’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “It’s calledComing Out.”

“Wait, what?” Gary looked like he just got the results back from a lycanthropy screening. All positive.

“Coming Out,” Janet repeated, then turned to Gary. “If you liked his other books, you’re really going to love this one.” Janet took Gary’s hand and gave that a squeeze, too. “I’m so glad you came. But we should hurry if you want to get a seat. Lance is going to start speaking any minute now. Follow me.”

* * *

We followedJanet through an arched entrance with the words Somewhere Over the Rainbow tacked to the wall in fanciful colored letters. The arched portal led to another section of the store. Here, a rainbow mural swept across the ceiling, where it continued down the far wall. Leprechaun figurines were protecting a pot of gold from Jason and Freddy action figures, complete with a hockey mask, chainsaw, and claws. I assumed this was where the books focused on Irish folklore, LGBTQ, and unfortunate summer camp incidents. Perhaps there would be something here about our nature walk adventure one day.

The small stage was tucked into a cozy corner just past the rainbow room, facing several rows of folding chairs set in a semicircle. Lance Boyer sat down on the stool in the middle of the stage. Beside him was a small table with a glass of water, a pen, and a stack of his books. Lance was a beef slab of a man, like a tree trunk dressed in flannel. He had the beard of a lumberjack, the neck of a wrestler, and the biceps of an “after” model from some wildly successful new testosterone treatment.

Gary squirmed in his seat. He leaned over to whisper in my ear. “This is bad. Really bad. We should just sneak out and go.”

“It’s not that bad,” I said.

“It’s not?”

“No,” I said. “Things could be way worse.” I had meant it to be reassuring, not foretelling.Whoops.My bad.

Janet stepped on stage beside Lance, holding a microphone. She leaned down and whispered something in his ear. When she stood back up, she looked directly over at Gary, smiled, and gave him a big thumbs up.

“Definitely bad,” Gary hissed. He tried to rise out of his seat, but I grabbed him by the thigh and squeezed, holding him in place.

“Ouch, that’s going to leave a bruise.”

Janet turned on the microphone and addressed the dozen people in the room. “Thank you all for coming. Tonight we welcome to the Book Belle stage, author Lance Boyer, whose previous works includeUnder the RainbowandLiving with Pride. He’s here with us this evening to read a small excerpt from his latest book,Coming Out, and then he’ll be happy to pose for photographs and sign any copies ofComing Outthat you purchase here in store tonight.”

The audience erupted in applause as Lance took the microphone and stood up from his seat. He towered over everyone, especially with the added height of the stage.

The applause finally ebbed, and the room fell silent.

Lance took a deep breath, bowed his head. When he looked up again, there were tears in his eyes.

“My latest book,Coming Out, is really the culmination of a lifelong journey. Like all my books, it’s about making brave choices. It’s about not being afraid to take chances. It’s about living your best life.” Lance pointed to Janet. “Our lovely host here has asked me to dedicate tonight’s event to someone here in the audience this evening. Someone who, I’m sure, has had to make brave choices.”

“On no.” Gary tried to stand up again, but I squeezed his leg harder.

“Someone who, if he’s read all my books like Janet says he has, is probably not afraid to take chances. Someone who, since he’s here tonight, must be living his best life. Gary? Gary, can you stand up please?”

The audience started clapping. Gary and I stayed frozen in our seats. The audience looked around, waiting for the guest of honor to stand. Janet gestured enthusiastically for Gary to stand from the side of the stage. I’m sure Gary wanted to give me a different gesture.

“I told you this was bad.” Gary looked at me accusingly.

“And I told you they could be way worse. Which now they are.”

I let go of Gary’s leg. Slowly, he stood. The audience applauded. Gary made the brave choice to soak it all in, unafraid, making the best of his life situation. He even gave a little wave.

On stage, Lance said, “Gary, may this book give you the courage to follow in my footsteps.” When the applause faded away, Gary returned to his seat.

Lance sat back down on the stool, openedComing Out, and began reading. “The Alaskan air was frosty that morning. Although it was now spring, the ground was still a blanket of white. Fresh flakes of snow clumped on the green trees of the pine forest.”

“What is he talking about?” whispered Gary.

I replied, “I have no idea.”

Lance continued, “I waited at a safe distance. Camera ready. My heart beating out of my chest. Because soon, after a winter long slumber, the magnificent brown bears of the vast wilderness would be …” Lance paused for effect, then continued. “… Coming out.”

Lance held open the book, revealing photographs of brown bear cubs playing in the snow. The audience oohed and aahed as Lance flipped through his photography book, each picture more magnificent than the last.

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