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  Two: A Day like Any Other

  TODD FORCED THE frown off his face, shaking his head at the email. He didn’t need this. Not today. He switched screens and continued to tap away on his laptop.

  I’m not going to let it bother me. I’m in too good a mood.

  His head bobbed to “Photograph” playing in the background. His brain spun with ideas for his new game. The vampire role-playing game finished a couple of weeks ago; he had been working feverishly to get things set up for a new adventure game. For the past few days, he’d had nothing, but today he hit the jackpot. New ideas swam in his head. He had the scenes figured out and knew the direction the game would go.

  Smiling over at the window, he saw Bianca, who like any good cat, was a true queen. She glanced out toward the front yard, surveying her realm. Todd and Jerry were her servants, and this was her castle, no mistake about it. She changed position and Todd turned back to his laptop. How long have I been writing, anyway?

  The news was on; some talking head chattered about the conflict in the Middle East and troops being pulled out to come back home. Todd’s lips pursed. It’s rubbish. There was never anything new to report. One group of people hating another group of people, either trying to kill them or take their power. It was no different anywhere else. Everyone thought they were right, and no one believed in compromise.

  “They should blow each other up and be done with it,” Todd said, as new images of this week’s disaster situation were shown. He shook his head. “When are we gonna get our shit together as human beings and grow up?”

  Turning from the TV, he reread the opening scene. Grabbing his diet soda, he took a swallow. He paged down a few lines. It was a start, and it was better than yesterday, having only the outline.

  “Hey. Whatcha doing?”

  “Jerk,” Todd yelped, startled by the voice behind him. Jerry could be a ghost when he wanted to be. It was unnerving at times.

  Jerry was a mess from working in the yard, covered in dirt and sweat. Honey-brown hair hung in clumps. It wasn’t a flattering appearance for him, chiefly because he was such a handsome guy. Still, with his big dopey smile, it made Todd’s heart skip a beat.

  “Moi?” Jerry asked. “A jerk?” He grabbed the remote off the coffee table, muted the TV, and turned off the radio.

  “Yes, you. I’m just working on my game. I had a great idea for a way to start. I’m gonna have the players in different locations around the world, and their first focus will be meeting up. That way they get to develop their characters and their backstories. Then I figure—” Todd stopped, noting the vacant expression on Jerry’s face. “You could care less.”

  “Those games are your thing, not mine.” He kissed the top of Todd’s head. “I’m just happy you found something that you enjoy.”

  “Well, thanks.” Todd beamed.

  “So, anyway.” Jerry pointed to the TV and then the radio. “I wouldn’t have startled you if it hadn’t been for this noise. I mean, come on.” He shook his head. “I can hear the TV and radio all the way out back, and I’m sure the neighbors are loving it. How do you even concentrate?”

  “It helps me focus,” Todd smirked. “It’s kind of like how you can sleep in your chair with a full can of soda in one hand and the remote control in the other.” He jerked a thumb at the window. “So, how’s the yard? Are we having fun yet?”

  “Loads and loads. We should get a gardener. Let them deal with the mess.” Jerry ran his hand through his sweaty hair. He leaned against Todd’s shoulder, taking a peek at the screen.

  “Now you’re interested?” Todd saved the file and closed the laptop. He would come back to it when he had time, probably later that evening when Jerry was watching TV.

  Jerry rolled his eyes. “I don’t understand you.” He rested his hands on Todd’s shoulder. “Instead of wasting your free time on these role-playing games, why don’t you focus and create a short story, or even a book? I mean, why are you always hiding and avoiding things? Clearly you have the passion and the talent. Hell, why not try to submit it for a movie or TV show? It’s good enough.” Jerry picked up Todd’s diet soda and finished it off with a loud slurping sound.

  “’Cause it’s not that good. I’m no writer. I just do it for fun.” Leaning back on the couch, he took a breath. “Plus, you need an agent and all that crap. It’s not like you can submit it and go.” He put the laptop on the coffee table. “And I hide from no one.”

  Jerry shook his head. “One day, I’m going to get into your files and put it together. Then I’m gonna dump it on the internet to see what happens.”

  “No, you won’t!”

  “Why not? I love you and you love writing. Plus, it’ll get you out of your safety zone. Show how talented you are. Get you out of your crazy HR job.”

  “If you do, I’ll have to sic the kitty on you, and she’ll take your sorry ass out and smack you around.” He pointed to the white, long-haired cat, who wasn’t paying either of them the least bit of attention as she lounged in the window. He brushed white cat hair off his shirt as he stood and stretched. “Plus, she watches all that you do and reports back to me.”

  Bianca must have known they were talking about her because she turned, glanced at them, and let out a little meow.

  “See, told ya.”

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I say we get the kitty and cook ’er up and have kitty stew.” Jerry rushed over to the window. Before Bianca managed to escape, he scooped her up into his arms and gave her a sweaty and dirty squeeze. “Who wants kitty stew? Does the kitty want to be cooked in a pot, hmm?” Bianca gazed back at him with unimpressed green eyes. “No telling what the puss thinks, is there?”

  “Nope, she’s full of mystery. That’s why she’s a cat.”

  Jerry gave her nose a little scratch: one of her favorite itchy spots. “I’m gonna do it to piss you off. I’m gonna post your work online,” he said, with a menacing glare and a twinkle in his blue eyes.

  “No, you won’t, because you love me.” A chuckle broke from his lips.

  Part of him almost wished Jerry would post his work online. It might give him the kick-in-the-ass he needed to take that next step. But then, why rush? There was plenty of time; there always was tomorrow.

  Bianca jumped from Jerry’s arms to the floor and pranced off.

  “Well, bye,” Jerry said, the cat walking away with her tail in the air. He dusted off the hair she left behind. “By the way, I got a call from Dan yesterday.”

  “Was it the snarky bitchy Dan or professional work Dan?” Todd asked.

  Jerry laughed.

  “What? I just want to know what to be prepared for.”

  “Come on. We both love his sharp wit and he always makes us laugh.”

  “Oh, I know. But you have to admit he can be a bit much, at times.”

  Jerry nodded.

  “So, what does he want?”

  “He’s gonna be here tomorrow and wanted to know if we could host him for a few days.” He picked off more cat hair with a frown. “I told ’im I’d check with you, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “So, what brings Mister Dan, the drama magnet, to our neck of the woods? I thought he’s still in Europe working for that travel company or whatever. What happened to that?” Todd felt his heart skip a beat. “Don’t tell me he got fired? Is he—?”

  “Relax,” Jerry cut him off. “He’s fine. He’s coming out here for his nephew’s graduation. You know him. He forgot to let us know. Or anyone else for that matter.” He fussed with his hair.

  “God, what a mess. I still can’t believe Dan was in the Air Force.” Todd shook his head. “I guess his messy, last minute, snarkiness is part of his charm and why we love him.”

  Getting off the sofa, Todd studied the yard and then looked up at the blue sky and white, puffy clouds lazily floating by. “The yard looks good,” Todd said as Jerry flopped onto the couch and picked up his tablet. “Hey, don’t be sitting on the couch all dirty like that!”

  Jerry
raised his eyebrows. “Whatever, Mister Fussy.” He stretched his arms over his head, still holding the tablet. “Anyway, he needs a place to stay and wanted to crash here instead of with his family. It should only be a week or so, but with Dan, who knows?”

  “Ah, well, that’s cool. Why didn’t he send you a text or something? After all, he lives on his smartphone, like someone else I know.”

  “Bite me,” Jerry jabbed back with a bright smile. “I wanted to check in with the office. And I’m not nearly as bad as someone I know, Mister Man.” Jerry poked Todd in the stomach.

  Todd offered an innocent smile and knocked Jerry’s feet off the sofa so he could sit.

  “So, do we know the details yet, or is he gonna text us the flight info?” Todd rested his arm on the back of the couch.

  Jerry closed the tablet and rested his head on the back of the couch brushing up against Todd’s hand. As he looked up at the ceiling, he released a heavy sigh. “Nah, he’s gonna text us either tonight or tomorrow morning. It was a quick call.” He lifted his head and turned to Todd with narrowed eyes. “By the way, you didn’t close your email this morning, Mister Man. When I went to check my messages, I noticed you had a message from your brother, still unopened. You should respond to it, or better yet, delete it?”

  “I know, I know. I saw it when I was doing the checkbook.” Todd grimaced. “I’ll deal with it later. Just…not now. I don’t want to pay attention to Brad’s shit. I’m still pissed over the fight.”

  “Come on, Todd.” Jerry’s lips pinched together. “I mean, you’ve been nothing but moody and cranky since you got it. Why don’t you confront him on his conservative garbage? We’re married and there’s nothing he can say or do to change that. Honey, I love you, but we don’t need his drama.”

  “I know.” Todd scanned the room, not wanting to meet Jerry’s eyes.

  Dammit, Jerry. Brad hurt me and I don’t want him to hurt me anymore. Hurt us anymore. He’s my brother and I love him and it kills me that he hates me and that he hates the idea of us.

  “Your folks finally came around, and who’s more narrow-minded and old-fashioned than them? He might be working with a couple of gay engineers or scientists and coming around. You do comprende how much us gays love our space stuff?”

  It had taken a year after they got married, but his mother had started to call them, and now things with his parents were almost back to normal—strange and awkward, but better than nothing.

  “Maybe, it’s work-related and Brad wants to give us a heads-up about something at cool over at NASA. They could have found a true Earth-type planet.” Jerry waggled his fingers in front of his face moving his head side to side. “You know; it might be something important.”

  Todd couldn’t stop the grimace from hitting his face.

  Or maybe it’s more of his conservative religious shit that he shares with the world. How can my brother hate me and us so much?

  “I mean, if it was that important, I suppose he’d call?” Jerry said.

  Taking a breath, Todd tried to keep civil before responding. “Jerry, can we just not talk about it? I said I’d deal with it, okay?” Todd’s face was getting warm.

  I love you but you’re pissing me off. You know not to push.

  “Plus,” Todd continued, “if it were truly important, Mom would’ve called, and I’m sure if it was space-related, we would’ve found out on the TV or the net.” He huffed. “I talked to Mom last week and everyone was fine. So it’s something I couldn’t care less about. Probably religious stuff on us going to hell. You should see what he posts on Facebook.” Todd saw Jerry’s face. “Yes, I check his Facebook page. So what?”

  Jerry’s head shook as he raised a hand to his mouth, undoubtedly to cover a smirk.

  Sighing, Todd took a moment to pull himself together. “Sweetie, I know you’re curious. I am too, but Brad only talks shit. So what could he possibly have to say?” He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face, playing with his goatee. “It’s been years—and not a peep; the only news I get is through Mom, and that is limited because she doesn’t want to get involved.” He waved off the conversation with a motion of his hand.

  “All right,” Jerry stood and bent over, shifting his back until a pop echoed through the room. “So much better.” He slipped his shoes back on.

  Todd heard the words that were unsaid: you’re hiding again, you’re avoiding, you should deal with it head-on. It was the same conversation they always had when Jerry thought Todd wasn’t facing something. What made it worse was not only did it come from a place of love, but Todd recognized that Jerry was correct.

  Jerry smiled that wonderful smile of his and stuck out a hand. “So, how about you come out and help me with the rest of the yard? Then maybe I’ll let you scrub my back in the shower and perhaps do a few other things.”

  Grinning, Todd took his hand and pulled himself off the couch. He gave him a soft kiss on the lips. “Promises, promises. Let me go pee, and I’ll be right there.”

  Jerry ran his hand along the side of Todd’s face and his smile deepened. “Can you imagine Brad and Dan in the same room?”

  “Oh God, that would break the snark-0-meter for sure.” Todd laughed. “That would be a disaster. I’m not sure the world could survive the two of them together.”

  Three: Family Reunion

  TURNING HIS GAZE out the bathroom window, he could see the golden foothills just beyond the neighbor’s yard. Today was perfect. A few clouds floated softly by on a nice breeze. The wind always helped freshen the air. He loved that clean summer scent.

  On his way out of the bathroom, a knock came from the front door. “Ah man,” he said as he headed to answer it.

  His head shook side to side as he took a deep breath and opened the door. It was like looking in a mirror. The same blond hair and hazel eyes. The man was a little shorter and had a dimple in his chin, but otherwise, they had nearly identical features. Both looking more like their father than their mother. People always said they could pass for twins, even though Brad’s voice was deeper, and he was two years older. Unable to move from shock, his eyes narrowed.

  “Hey, Toddy.”

  Hearing the voice snapped him out of it. “What the hell are you doing here?” Todd demanded, raising his voice more than he wanted.

  All the anger and hurt from the last several years rushed back. His head filled with the images of their last altercation. Brad condemning him and Jerry. Brad standing there pounding a pointed finger on Todd’s chest. Their father had to pull Brad away, and Jerry had to keep Todd from fighting back. Todd ended up with bruises on his chest. It was the last time the whole family had been together.

  Without hesitation, his fist made contact with his brother’s face, sending a sharp pain up Todd’s arm and ringing in his ears.

  Brad faltered back. “Shit, Todd, you feel better now?” He came up holding his jaw.

  “No! Not yet!” He went to strike Brad again.

  This time, Brad blocked and grabbed his fist, not letting go. “I admit I had it coming, but one is all you get.”

  Todd struggled to get free, but Brad held him.

  “I’m glad you never learned your follow-through. One more hit, and I’d have a broken nose.” He tightened his grip on Todd’s hand. “May I come in?” Brad forced his way through the door, closing it behind him with his foot.

  “What the hell do you want?” Todd spat as Brad led him to the living room. “Let me go, you ass.”

  Brad pushed Todd onto the couch. “Relax, all right? I’m not here to cause trouble.” He scanned the room and sat in one of the side chairs.

  During the scuffle, Todd didn’t notice how bad Brad looked. He had dark circles under his eyes, his face was unshaven, and his hair was a mess.

  Something’s wrong.

  Todd was leery, but his tone softened. “What’s wrong? Why the hell are you here? And why do you look like shit?” His voice was raised. He took a breath to relax.

  Brad rubbed his jaw then r
an his hand through his hair. “Listen, Todd. I need to talk to you and Jerry.” His eyes scanned around the room and then out the front window. “Where’s Jerry? Is he here? I saw two cars so he must be here, right?”

  “Why do you care?” Todd examined the bloody cut on his knuckle and pulled himself together. “Yeah, he’s out back.” His fist throbbed from the punch and Brad’s death grip. His brother always had strong hands. Probably from the pocket pool he played when he was younger.

  Todd shook his hand as he stood and crossed to the window next to the fireplace, where Jerry was raking up the leaves from the grass.

  Of course he didn’t hear anything; it’s like he’s not even here.

  “Jerry, come in here,” he barked.

  “What? I’m in the middle of doing the leaves.” Jerry stopped. “Come on, I thought you were on your way to help me? What, does someone need help washing their hands after their potty break?”

  Not believing that his lousy brother was sitting in their living room, Todd didn’t want to deal with this. And now Jerry was trying to be funny. He didn’t know, but still. “Get your ass in here, will ya? Brad’s here, and he wants to talk to us.”

  “Wait. What? Are you kidding me? Are you—?”

  “Just get in here,” Todd cut him off. “And get some ice from the kitchen.” He closed his eyes. Trying to sound civil, he forced a smile. “Please.” He closed the window and went to sit again. “Okay, Jerry’s coming. Now, what do you want?”

  “Hold up, Toddy. Jerry needs to listen to this as well.” Brad continued to nurse his lip and jaw. The cut wasn’t very deep, but still, there would be a nasty scab afterward.

  Todd studied Brad.

  His jeans, polo shirt, and shoes were nothing out of the ordinary, except they looked like he had been wearing them for a couple of days. Smelled like it too. Brad appeared exhausted. Todd started kneading his sore hand, his anger turning to worry. Brad was many things, but never unkempt or unshaven. His stomach sank as Jerry came into the room.