Love Means No Boundaries - Andrew Grey

mother, only paying scant attention to what she was saying, and telling her what the plans for his arrival were. He hung up and got to his feet, walking confidently through the house and up the stairs.
    ROBBIE stepped from the shower and dried himself carefully, making sure he didn’t hit anything. He was quite good at knowing where he was in familiar surroundings, but he never took it for granted. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he made his way to the bedroom he’d used for the last two weeks. He was going home, and he should be excited to see his family after months away, but he wasn’t, not really. Leaving Joey was going to be hard. He knew he had to go home, but he really wanted to stay.
In the room he felt around on the bed and found his clothes all neatly laid out and ready for him. He also found Rex, and it felt like 113
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    he was lying on his jacket. “Hey, boy.” He patted the dog’s head affectionately. “I need my jacket.” Nudging his companion, Rex moved off his jacket and Robbie found him resettled next to the pillows. “Where are the kittens?” As if on cue, he heard them mewling as they climbed onto the bed. He should have known. They were never very far from their daddy.
Dropping the towel, Robbie began dressing, trying to concentrate on the task at hand, but finding it difficult. His throat was dry, his fingers fumbled, and he finally sat on the edge of the bed.
    “Damn it.” He didn’t want to leave Joey. He missed his parents and his home in Natchez, but he knew he was going to miss Joey something awful. “Why can’t things be easy?” He could hear Joey moving around in the room across the hall, and he thought about going to him. Instead he decided to get ready. Hoisting himself to his feet, he finished dressing, fastening his buttons before slipping on his jacket.
“You look so handsome.” He hadn’t heard the door open, but he was glad Joey was there, and he could almost feel his gaze raking over him. “Do you need help?”
     
“No, I’ve got it.” Robbie fastened his tie and then felt Joey near him, taking his arm.
    “I know you don’t need my help.” Joey supplied before Robbie could say anything. “I just want to touch you.” Robbie wanted the same thing. Their time together was becoming very short. He followed Joey to the stairs and descended them slowly. The house was completely still, and Joey caressed his cheek and kissed him softly. “Everyone will join us there.” Robbie figured they were giving them time alone. He pressed the button on his watch and the mechanical voice told him the time.
    “We should go.” He’d taken two steps when his phone began to ring. With a huff he answered it. “Hi, Mama.” 114
Love Means … NO Boundaries
“Hello, honey.” She didn’t go on.
“Is there something you needed? We’re running a little late.”
“No, I just wanted to make sure you have everything.” She began to ask a litany of mother questions making sure he hadn’t forgotten anything.
“I’ve got everything all set, Mama. We have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow from the bus.” The last thing he wanted was her calling during their last night together.
    “Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Robbie could hear the excitement in her voice and knew she was looking forward to having him home. “Is she okay?”
“Yeah, she’s excited.” Robbie wished he was. Then this wouldn’t hurt so much. “Let’s go.” He said lightly to Joey, and they made their way out to the car.
     
Inside he buckled up and waited for Joey, who thunked the door closed and started the car. They didn’t talk while they rode, but he felt Joey’s hand on his thigh the entire time, and he kept his hand on Joey’s, needing the contact.
     
Robbie felt the car slow and stop. Then the engine was silent, and he heard the car door open. He got out and felt Joey’s touch on his arm, leading him toward the building, a steady stream of reassuring instructional patter flowing in his ears.
    Inside the auditorium he heard Arie’s voice, and then his friend was nearby. “I’ll take him backstage. You have seats right down front.” Robbie held Joey’s arm, not wanting to let go, but he finally released his grip. Joey handed him his case, and he let Arie lead him away. 115
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“It’s okay, Robbie,” he heard Arie say as he was led down a hall, hugging his violin case to him like a security blanket. He felt a whoosh of air as a door opened, and he was led