Page 24 of A Straight Line

“Well, I,” I murmured, “I just…you definitely don’t take after Felix, I guess?’

Denny appraised me.

“I can definitely see Vic in you more now,” He said. “But, there’s still that Harry twinkle waiting to come out.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I guess.”

“Where are your parents?” Denny asked.

“New Orleans,” I said. “Dad got transferred down there a few years ago with his job. They seemed to really love it down there, so I think they might stay until he retires. We kind of bounced around a lot when I was growing up, I guess? Never went to the same school from one year to the next. But we always had time to visit Harry and Vic.”

“Is that why you’re kind of taciturn?” Denny asked. “Never had many real friends, so you just kind of insulate yourself?”

For some reason, this amateur attempt to psychoanalyze me hit me wrong.

“I mean, you asked about me being masculine, so I thought—”

“You don’t know anything about me.” The words escaped my mouth before I had a chance to stop them.

“I’ve obviously offended you,” Denny said, “I just meant—”

“There you two are!” Bethany’s voice rang out from the kitchen doorway. “Harry and Felix were wondering where you two were. Food’s ready!”

Denny gave me a quick glance and stepped away, heading for the back door.

“Thanks, Bethany,” He said quietly as he stepped away.

“You’re welcome, honey.” She gave him a pat on the shoulder as he slipped by her.

I grimaced, thinking about how rude I had unintentionally been, then turned my attention back to the photos on the wall before me. Just as Denny had, Bethany stepped over to join me at the wall of photos. Unlike Denny, she enjoyed the activity in silence for a few moments, smiling at the photos as her eyes moved from one to another. For several moments, the two of us stood there, gazing up at the photos, reliving memories, enjoying memories that weren’t our own, taking in the happiness my uncles had enjoyed throughout their life together.

“Did I ever tell you about the time Hairy Mary and I met?” Bethany asked suddenly.

“Why are you so mean to him?” I chuckled.

“Oh, he loves it,” Bethany nudged me with her elbow, a mischievous grin on her face, “so don’t let him tell you differently.”

“You do seem to bring out his energy.”

Bethany laughed. “I was working in the cafeteria at the elementary school? Talk about underappreciated work.”

“I can imagine.”

“I was down at the grocery store, minding my own business, picking up a few things for home,” She said, “I was married then. To a man.”

A hand went to my chest, and I opened my mouth in feigned shock.

“I know, right?” She cackled. “This ole lesbian was once married to an honest to goodness man.”

“Don’t tell the other lesbians,” I whispered. “They’ll take away your plaid shirts.”

“They wouldn’t dare!” She said. “Well, I was down the produce aisle and met an interesting gentleman.”

“Harry?”

“No,” She said. “Morty.”

She jabbed her thumb towards a picture of Morty with my uncles.