Page 28 of Love On Deck
Laughter fills the cabin, and Will offers his hand. “I’m glad you told us and I’m thrilled for you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a shower.” He disappears and Connor realizes that Will hasn’t confessed to already knowing about Connor being gay or about him and Drew.
Connor hugs Casey, holding her tight. “I love you, Case,” he murmurs into her neck. He feels freer than he has in a long time. The weight had been heavier than he’d thought, but it’s gone now. He shouldn’t have waited. Shouldn’t have doubted.
She hugs back. “Love you too, bubba. Wanna celebrate tonight then?”
Connor nods. “I’d like that. I’ll call you later.”
Out in the corridor, Conner calls Andrew.
“Hey.”
“Hi. Casey and Will want us to all go out tonight and celebrate.”
“Sure. Sounds fun.”
Connor hears the unasked question. “Yes…I told Casey. You were right. She’s fine with me being gay.”
“Glad to hear it.”
* * *
Connor and Drew walk hand in hand down the deserted corridor to Andrew’s room. It’s not exactly being out, but he’s free to enjoy the warmth and weight of Drew’s hand in his for a few minutes.
“Hey, Cracker Jack, is that you?”
Connor whirls around to see Ms. Marva stepping out a doorway that he’s pretty sure is the laundry room and heading their direction.
“Ms. Marva.” He can’t help the smile. “What are you doing here?” He hugs her. “You remember Drew, right?”
“Indeed, I do.”
“Oh, hey, did Wanda get her autograph and my business card?”
“Oh, Connor, you should have seen her face. She was thrilled.”
“Good, I’m glad. Make sure she calls me for tickets. The offer wasn’t just a gesture.”
“I will, honey.” Her eyes twinkle and she winks at Drew before asking, “So what’s this hand-holding, young man?”
It’s late and he should be quiet in the hall, but he can’t help it. Connor laughs. “You’ll never guess.”
Marva laughs back. “Someone got himself a boyfriend. Congratulations, Cracker Jack.”
“Thanks. And I talked to my sister, and you and Drew were both right. She has no problems with me being gay.”
“I’m so glad, honey. Truly.”
The faint sound of a buzzer drifts down the corridor, earning a glance from Marva.
“Now, you listen here, Connor Kulyk,” she says, taking his hands, “if I make sure Wanda calls for tickets, you better bring yourself and your handsome boyfriend to Ten Rigs. Come visit for the Christmas Festival, you hear me?”
Connor pulls her into a hug, this soul mate of his. All her kindness and care has gotten the better of him. He blinks back the tightness in his face. “I will, we will. I promise.”
“All right then. I’d better get my laundry before it wrinkles too badly. Safe travels back home for both of you. Night.”
“Night, ma’am,” says Drew.
“Night, Marva,” says Connor.
