Page 182 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“We’re still planning to go to the racecourse today, aye?” Ailbe slugged down the last of his coffee. “The weather should be sunny all day. I bet the course is fast.”
“That is what we planned,” Declan said. “If we go around 11:00, we can have lunch before the races start.”
“I thought you would like that,” Ailbe said.
“What’s a three-letter word for big blue?” Declan asked, returning his focus to the newspaper crossword.
* * *
The breakfast dishes clattered in the sink as Wyl rinsed them. “Babe, why do we wash the dishes before we put them in the dishwasher?” Wyl asked, thoroughly rinsing the silverware before dropping it into the silverware basket.
“Because,” Rod said.
“That is not a good answer,” Wyl laughed. “How would you like it if I said we put horseshoes on the horses because…”
“I don’t need to know why we put horseshoes on the horses. I have you for that.”
“You have this all figured out, don’t you?”
“No, but I figured out that my life suddenly became more interesting when a certain rancher walked into my classroom.”
“And you worked your magic charms.”
“Charms? I wheedled my way into your heart and persuaded you to be gay.”
“Maybe Iletyou persuade me to be gay.” Wyl laughed.
Rod attacked Wyl’s ribs with his wiggling fingers, tickling Wyl mercilessly.
Wyl laughed out loud and squirmed away, showering Rod with soapy water as he flicked his fingers at his husband.
Rod grabbed a kitchen towel from the counter, dried his face, and pulled his husband in for a kiss. “I love you, Wyl Sterling.”
“I love you too.” Wyl briefly draped his arms over Rod’s shoulders before he turned to finish loading the dishwasher.
“How about we go to the racecourse today?”
“Racecourse?” Wyl asked. “What’s that?”
“In Ireland, a racecourse is the same as a horse racetrack in the States,” Rod said. “The one here in Galway is one of the best in the country, and I bet they have races today. Saturday is a popular racing day.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I have never been to a horse race, although I’ve been around horses all my life. I’d love to see a race.”
“Around this course, the horses run counterclockwise, opposite the States. It is interesting to watch. We’ll go, have lunch, and can catch the afternoon races.”
“Can we bet?” Wyl asked.
“Sure.” Rod folded the kitchen towel and laid it on the counter. “Here, they have bookies in the parking lot, or you can bet at the counter inside.”
* * *
Declan and Ailbe arrived at the track and went upstairs to the cafe. They went through the buffet line, selecting from an assortment of hot foods and a separate section featuring cold foods and salads.
“These buffets could make a guy fat.” Declan scooped a spoonful of potato salad onto his plate.
“And they don’t have much in the way of lighter fare.” Ailbe ignored his own words and scooped a heaping portion of pea salad onto his plate, one of his favorites.
“I think I spotted beef tips over there,” Declan nodded toward the hot food section, “and buttered noodles. I’m all over that.”
