Chapter 84

“Oh, almost forgot. We picked up your mail from the mailbox on our way in,” Bess said, reaching into her large purse and pulling out a bunch of letters.

“Thanks. Probably just junk mail,” Barry said, quickly scanning the pile. He was relieved to see a card from his parents. When he’d told them about being in love with two men, they hadn’t understood. His mother had said she’d hoped Barry would have come home and settled down with a nice British boy. Barry hoped the Christmas card meant his mum and dad had come to terms with his decision and were giving him their blessing. But before he could over think the situation, the phone rang. Apologizing to Bess and Dennis, he answered.

“Hello, Double J Ranch.”

“Hello. Is that Barry?”

“Uh, yes.” It was unusual he got calls, especially on the landline.

“Thought so. I recognized your cute accent.”

Barry tried not to roll his eyes.

“This is Robb, the counselor from the men’s health clinic? Your test results are back.”

“Oh.” Barry’s heart started to pound. He resisted the urge to turn around to look over at Bess and Dennis.

Barry, Jake, and Jimmy had discussed stopping using condoms now they were in a committed relationship. Previously, when it had just been Jimmy and Jake, they hadn’t used protection. Barry knew it was a big step, but one he really wanted to take. But before he took it he’d insisted he get tested. Jake had said he and Jimmy would, too. Jimmy hadn’t been overly happy at the thought of another needle, but, brave cowboy that he was, had presented himself at the clinic in the city alongside the other two. Barry had explained it was highly unlikely Jimmy or Jake would have anything given their history, but Jimmy had said they were a team and anything Barry had to do, they would, too. Given his history, and wanting to know that everything was okay, Barry had paid for a full blood screen. They had been told the results would take a week. And this was the eighth day.

“Are Jimmy and Jake with you?” Robb asked.

“Uh, no. And I have company at the moment, and…”

“I understand. Do you know when Jimmy and Jake will be back?”

“Uh, no. I, uh…”

Barry started to wind his index finger through the telephone’s curly cord. He stopped himself, remembering how it was something his mum did and that it drove his dad mad. His dad usually was the one to take out the tangles.

“…take it you aren’t able to talk freely at the moment,” Robb was saying.

Barry snapped back to the present. “Uh, no,” he said again. He swallowed, his mouth had gone dry.

“I’m leaving the office in about an hour. Do you know if Jake and Jimmy will be back before then?”

Barry tried to think. He shook his head then realized Robb couldn’t see him. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Oh, right.” Robb paused for a couple of heartbeats. “I remember you were anxious to get the results before the holidays, so, if you like, I’ll give you my cell number and you can call me when you’re able. Will that work?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Robb began to rattle off his number. Barry had to ask Robb to repeat it because his hand was shaking and his usually neat penmanship was unreadable.

“Until soon then,” Robb said before hanging up.

Barry returned to the table and Bess and Dennis. “Another glass of eggnog?” he asked.

Both Bess and Dennis said they’d like to try some in a cup of coffee if it wasn’t too much trouble.

As Barry fixed the drinks, he mulled over the telephone conversation. Robb had sounded cheerful, so maybe it wasn’t bad news. Or maybe Robb was just glad it was Christmas and he’d be able to spend some time with his husband who Barry had learned was a beat cop in the local police department. As a counselor, Robb would have to stay cheerful, not take on the worries of his patients.

“Damn,” Barry said, reaching for a dishcloth. He’d overfilled one of the cups.

Bringing the cups to the table, Barry did his best to put aside his worries.

His eyes drifted up to the kitchen clock. He hoped Jimmy and Jake would come home soon. He so could use a reassuring hug from his men. He could get through anything if Jake and Jimmy were holding him. And didn’t that make him sound like a needy queen?

“Barry, dear, you seem…distracted,” Bess said, snapping Barry out of his musings.

“Sorry. It’s just, you know, Christmas. First time I’ve had to cook for so many people.” He was proud of his quick thinking.