CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Jack took a deep breath as he approached Trish’s Diner. Already people in the parking lot were staring at him and Luke. No one had actually spoken to them, but Jack was sure they had plenty to say as they drove off.
When Luke had gotten off the phone with Trish, he’d told Jack that she was “thrilled” they wanted to use the diner to show people they weren’t afraid or ashamed. She promised to round up plenty of supportive customers, but even with things stacked in their favor, Jack knew this was going to suck.
As they reached the door, Lulu Johnson was leaving with a large bag of takeout boxes. Luke grabbed the door for her, and she drew herself up as if being careful not to let any part of herself touch him. Then with a sneer and not a word of thanks she walked off; the sound of her shoes clicking on the pavement seemed to punctuate her disgust.
“Go on in,” Jack encouraged. Mrs. Johnson had gained some local fame as the person who’d discovered Cal and Beck naked in Cal’s barn and started a town-wide scuffle over whether they should be shunned.
When they entered, the first person Jack made eye contact with was Lester James, the preacher at Oak Baptist. So much for friendly faces.
He glared at Jack a few moments, then turned to Luke and said, “Son, you ought to have more respect for your family.”
Next, Rev. Carson, the new priest from the Episcopal Church, pushed her chair back and stood. A closer look at their table showed that all their companions were ministers, probably a meeting of the interdenominational council. Jack supposed it would save time to confront all the church leaders of Ames Bridge at once. Rev. Carson was all right, but some of the rest of them would chime right in with Rev. James.
Rev. Carson held her hand out to Luke. “I’m Faith Carson. I don’t think we’ve officially met. And no jokes about being named Faith and becoming a priest. I’ve heard them all.”
Luke smiled as he shook her hand. “I bet. I’m Luke Sumner, but I guess you know that.”
“I may have heard a thing or two about you, but I don’t believe in judging anyone before meeting them.” She said the words loudly and pointedly as she offered her hand to Jack.
Rev. James scowled at her. He didn’t believe women should even be in the ministry, closed-minded fuck.
Rev. Stancil, from First Presbyterian, Luke’s family’s church, joined them next. “It’s good to see you, Luke,” he said, holding out his hand. “And Jack, you’re welcome at my church anytime.”
Jack was so touched by the minister’s acceptance, he had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Thank you.”
Rev. Stancil nodded. “You’re very welcome.”
“Don’t let us keep you from your dinner,” Rev. Carson said.
Jack took her hand again. “Thank you. Your support means a lot. I’ll be there this Sunday.”
She smiled. “I’d like that.”
Jack glanced at Luke. He was a lot more relaxed than he’d been when they’d entered. They’d face more opposition, but it felt good knowing they had support even in the churches.
“Well, look who it is.”
Jack’s positivity wilted when he turned around. It was Luther Ledford. He’d been one of the guys who’d given Pax and Brad so much shit at their reunion, they’d left early and almost broken up. He was also known for drinking too much, and tonight seemed like no exception, despite the fact he was there with his wife and kids.
“Luther, just leave them alone,” his wife, Maureen, admonished.
“Why? I shouldn’t have my stomach turned by shit like this.”
“All we’re here to do is eat,” Jack said.
“But I have to sit here thinking about the unnatural shit you’re doing to that boy.” He gestured at Luke.
“I’m not a boy. I’m an adult.” Luke took a step toward him, and Jack fought the urge to hold him back. “And if you’re thinking about inappropriate things, it’s hardly our fault. Maybe your mind wasn’t so pure to start with.”
Luther took a step toward them, and Jack readied himself. If he touched Luke—
Luther sneered at Luke, but he kept his hands by his sides. “I don’t like to beat up sickly kids. So I’ll give you a chance to get out of here.”
Luke bristled, and this time Jack laid a hand on his shoulder. It wasn’t fair to Trish—nor to Luther’s kids—for them to start a fight.
“I think your kids are ready for some pie,” Lucy said, approaching their table. “How does chocolate sound?” She looked at the kids, and they both nodded.
“Put it on my bill,” Jack said.
Luther stood there sputtering. “You don’t… You ain’t…”
Trish walked up behind Jack and Luke. “You two go sit down. Lucy will be right there to take care of you.”
“And you.” She turned to Luther. “Either find the door, or sit down and leave the other customers alone.”
“Luther, just do what she asked.” His wife’s face was bright red.
“I’ve lost my appetite,” he shouted and stomped out.
Maureen was clearly trying to put up a brave front as her kids watched her, wide-eyed.
Fortunately, Lucy arrived quickly with the pie and set it down in front of them.
“Thank you,” Maureen said, glancing at Jack.
“You’re welcome.”
Trish put an arm around her. “If you need anything—a ride home or help of any kind—you come to me.”
“Thank you.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “Thank you so much.”
Jack and Luke settled at their table.
“Why does she stay with him?” Luke whispered.
Jack shrugged. “The kids? Or maybe she feels trapped.”
“Yeah, I know about trapped, but at least my family loves me.” Luke glanced toward Luther’s family again. “I wish I could help her.”
“Me too.”
“Maybe you could talk to Rev. Carson.”
“She can’t interfere unless Maureen asks for help.”
“I know, but—”
“I’ll mention it to her. I promise.”
Lucy took their order and then rushed back to the kitchen. The diner was packed that night. Jack couldn’t help wondering how many customers had heard he and Luke would be there and come to see the show.
They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of all that had happened that day seeming to press on them. Was he crazy to let Luke go? They’d only been together about nine weeks, but the thought of being apart made him ache. Luke would be at a new school without any of the friends he’d had his whole life. He’d be living alone, probably in a shitty apartment. And he’d been hoping Jack would ask him to move in with him. Had he screwed this all up?
Luke laid a hand over his. “Are you okay?”
Before he could answer, Irene and Elsie arrived at their table.
“I had no idea you boys had gotten together,” Irene said.
That was saying a lot. There was very little Miss Irene didn’t know.
Elsie sniffed. “That’s ’cause you never go with me to the farmer’s market. I suspected it for ages.”
“I might if you’d go to aqua aerobics with me first.”
“I like to get to the market when it opens,” Elsie said. “And that pool at the Y is overchlorinated.” She turned to Luke. “I used to see Jack stopping at your booth. That’s how I knew.”
Irene scowled at her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I don’t have to tell you everything.”
Irene huffed. “We just wanted you to know we’re happy for you.”
“You’re both such good people, and we don’t mind that Jack’s a little older.”
Jack laughed. “Just a little.”
“And you.” Irene pointed at Luke. “You’re not a child, no matter what people say. And you’re obviously smarter than most men your age. Like your cousin Dale. No offense, but he’s not got a lick of sense.”
Luke laughed. “No, Dale isn’t the brightest. Even he would agree.”
“But Jack here, he’s quite a catch.” Elsie patted Jack’s arm.
“He sure is,” Luke agreed.
“Probably some of these idiots are just jealous.”
Jack’s face felt like it was on fire.
“Rumor has it you’re moving away to go to school,” Irene said.
Luke glanced at Jack before saying anything. “I am, but just to Greensboro. To hear my family talk, you’d think I was moving across the country.”
Elsie sniffed. “Some people need to get out more.”
“Elsie and I have been talking about going to the civil rights museum they’ve got up there. I hear it’s real educational.”
Plenty of Ames Bridge’s residents could really use that kind of education.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Luke said. “If I’ve moved by then, I’ll go with you.”
Hopefully they wouldn’t get kicked out. Jack could only imagine some of the things Irene or Elsie might say. They meant well, but they didn’t always think about their words before they spoke.
“That would be mighty sweet, and we could take you to lunch.”
Luke beamed at them. “I’d like that.”
“Good. You boys enjoy your dinner.”
“We will. Thank you.”
A little while later, Trish made her way over to their table. “It seems like things are going okay.”
“Well, only Luther and Rev. James have gone out of their way to insult us.”
“Who else would dare with Irene and Elsie and the rest of the Methodist altar guild standing guard?”
Luke glanced over at their table, and Irene raised her glass in salute.
“They’ve already headed off Mrs. Spindle—worst English teacher the high school ever had, if you ask me.”
Jack chuckled. “We’ll stop by and thank them on our way out.”
Luke squeezed Trish’s hand. “Thank you too for… For everything.”
She leaned down and kissed him on the top of the head. “You’re my nephew, and I’ll do anything for my family. So would your mama. I do expect you to call her.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m going home after dinner, but as soon as I can arrange it, I’m getting an apartment in Greensboro, and classes start in January.”
Trish grinned. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“You think I’m doing the right thing?”
“You need to get away and find out what life’s like without your family and most of the town telling you what to do.”
Luke sighed. “That’s exactly what Jack said.”
“I always knew he was a smart man. You chose well.”
Jack heard Trish’s words, but all he could see was the sadness in Luke’s eyes. How the hell was he going to say goodbye?
When they’d both eaten every last crumb of their chocolate pie, Luke paid their bill. Then Jack drove him back to the inn so he could get his truck.
“You’re going to talk to your parents?” Jack asked after pulling into his parking space.
“Yeah.” Luke sounded terrified.
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“I’ve got to face this alone. It’s one step toward being more independent.”
“Right. Well, if you need something—”
Luke shook his head. “I can’t call you. If we’re really going to stay apart, then I… I have to just leave right now. I’ll let you know—hell, half the town will let you know if I don’t—when I get settled up there.”
Jack wasn’t sure if he could talk past the lump in his throat. “You’re going to do great in school.”
“I hope so, but I…”
“What?”
“I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
Luke opened his door. After one long look at Jack, he got out, walked to his truck, and drove off.
Jack sat there for a long time, tears running down his face.