Page 51 of The Road Home
"How'd you meet them?"
"I was working out at the gym. Richard was working out near me and we just started talking. We worked out together a few times. Then he needed some help when Tyler got jumped and refused to go to the hospital. I made a house-call for them. That was the first time I met Tyler."
"He got jumped?"
"I don't know the story. I just took a look at his injuries. I can't discuss much, but he was in tough shape. He should have stayed in the hospital for a few days, but refused to even go in." Jared focused on getting through the evening traffic. "I think this was before they started dating. I'm not really sure."
"They don't know you're gay?"
"You're the only one who knows." Jared glanced over at him. "I want to keep it that way."
"I won't tell anyone. I wouldn't do that to you, but don't you think they would understand? Out of all people, they wouldn't judge you? Maybe coming out to them would be a good way to start slowly opening up about your life and who you are."
Jared's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "It's not that easy."
Orson sighed. "It doesn't have to be that hard."
"You don't get it. I've spent my entire life hiding. To come out now would shock people. It would be a bigger deal now that I'm older than if I had done it back when I was a teen. People would look at me like a wimp. They would talk about it more, wonder why I hid."
"No offense, but most people wouldn't even care. It's not like you'd walk into work and they'd start calling you the gay doctor. Your patients would never know, and unless you brought a boyfriend to work with you, most of those you work with would never know. I'm talking about slow steps. Tell Richard and Tyler. Maybe another friend or two who you trust."
"It's not that easy," Jared said with more bite in his words than he meant to. "Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just hard. I've lived like this for so long. I can't imagine it being different."
Orson sighed as he turned to the passenger window and stared out.
Jared hated seeing Orson mad at him, but he had no right to try and force him to come out. He didn't understand how much harder it was now that everyone thought he was straight. He'd look like a fool suddenly coming out at his age. It wasn't just fear of people hating him for being gay. He feared people hating him for hiding it.
They sat in silence until they pulled up in front of a nice restaurant. Jared had been there a few times, but not often. It was more expensive and not a place he would go on his own. The food was great though, and he was looking forward to enjoying the night out.
"This place looks really nice. Are you sure I'm dressed okay?" Orson asked again.
"You look perfect. I've come in wearing shorts and a t-shirt before. You'll see once we are inside." He parked and shut off the car. "Ready?"
"Nervous, but yeah."
"Nervous about going out in public or meeting your new boss?"
"Both." Orson shrugged. "What if he hates me? I'm not really the gym type of guy." He gestured to his thin frame.
"It's a job. You're not a bodybuilder. I'm sure no one will care. One of the other guys I saw working there was smaller too. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine." He got out of the car and met Orson on the sidewalk.
"I guess. I just never thought about working at a gym."
"You'll be fine. Maybe we can walk over after dinner and let you see the place. It's open twenty-four hours a day. I'm sure Richard wouldn't mind."
"I'd like that." Orson glanced up the steps at the restaurant. "We meeting them inside?'
"Yeah. That's Richard's bike." He pointed to a motorcycle parked down the street from his car. "Come on." He again laid his hand on Jared's back and gently led him inside.
"Can I help you?" A young woman asked as they entered.
"I'm meeting some friends… There they are." Jared smiled at the woman before turning and leading Orson to the small table toward the back.
"Hi." Richard grinned as they neared the table.
"Hey, guys." Jared stopped beside the table. "Orson, this is Richard and Tyler, and this is Orson." He pulled a chair out for Orson to take a seat.
"Nice to meet you." Orson offered his hand to Richard, then Tyler. "Thanks for inviting me."
