Page 32 of Finding Basil
When their song was through, they bowed to the people in the hall, and Basil moved into Herb’s arms. “Please don’t think I’m a huge crybaby.”
“I think you’re absolutely perfect.”
Chapter Eight
Basillookedacrossthedance floor to see Herb cutting a rug with his sister, and he smiled all the way to the inside of him. The man was so beautiful, and there was nothing about him that Basil didn’t like.
Sabrina was talking his ear off, and Herb laughed as he listened. Sabrina loved to tell the family follies to people. They were a funny lot, and Basil was sure Herb was enjoying every word.
Juan sat next to him and sighed, “God, that little girl can dance. Her and her little boyfriend are…”
“That’s not her boyfriend. She said she won’t be tied down.”
“Right. All that’s doing to that kid is making him want her more. And what’s worse is she knows it.”
Basil smiled. His niece wouldn’t be won over easily by anyone. Just another thing to be proud of. “Good. Whoever wants to be in her life should have to work for it.”
“Oh, right, like Herb is working so hard. You’re already whipped.”
“Yeah, I am, but he doesn’t have to work hard. He’s not asking for anything, and not pushing for anything, and neither am I, and for once, I think it’s working just fine.”
“I like him. I think he’s a good one, if that counts.”
Valuing his family’s opinion, he said, “It does. He’s…special, and he doesn’t even know it.”
“I noticed. He sure doesn’t come across like he’s conceited, and I’m a ladies’ man, but he’s good looking, I guess. But he’s also not down on himself, so…also rare. Well, not so rare around here. He’s a lot like you.”
Basil confessed, “It’s weird that I liked him so much so fast, but then again, it didn’t feel weird. I felt a connection to him. And it didn’t scare me or worry me. After Steve, I never thought I’d date again without being scared half to death.”
“Can’t blame you there. I know it wasn’t his fault, but God, I hated him. The shit he put you through.”
Basil leaned over to whisper, “He’s out. He checked himself out again, and his mother thinks he went off his meds already. I really think he’s the one that broke into Herb’s house and caused that leak.”
“Mother fucker. Basil, you better not let yourself be alone while he’s running around!”
“Just driving to Herb’s. We’re going to get some things growing this next week as soon as the water line is all set.”
“I’ll drive you.”
Basil sighed, “You have a job and a life. I think I’m okay driving.”
He didn’t seem comforted by that, but it was then that Carla came over to take Basil’s hand and pull him to the dance floor. “Your turn, Uncle B!”
“Oh, no, I can’t dance!”
“You’re my gay uncle. You dance better than all these boring heteros!”
“Stereotyping!”
“Am I wrong?”
He had to admit he was a great dancer. “Just hold on to that overly puffy skirt, missy.”
“Overly puffy. You know you’re jealous.”
As they laughed, they danced to a fast song, and he twirled her around a few times to show off that gown and her own moves, which he’d taught her.
Herb was in the circle and surrounded them as they danced, clapping along with the rest of the crowd and calling out their names when they danced close enough to him.
