Love Means No Boundaries - Andrew Grey

asked from the living room. “Are you and Robbie joining us for cocktails?” As he walked toward the living room, he heard the violin, and he stopped, listening. He hoped to get some insight, but the music 171
    Andrew Grey
betrayed nothing, absolutely nothing at all. Joey didn’t think he could really face Claudine, but sucked it up and went into the living room. He didn’t talk much during cocktail hour and at dinner.
    Instead, he found himself looking at Robbie constantly, kicking himself over and over for pushing too hard. Robbie said almost nothing at dinner either, but thankfully Claudine had some restoration project that she was planning with the columns on the front porch, and she went on about it almost the entire meal. When it was over, Robbie got up, and Adelle appeared at the door. Joey got up, too, but she gave him a look, and he backed away. He could only watch as she led Robbie back into the music room. Minutes later, violin music filled the house.
    Joey stood in the doorway and watched Robbie play. A tap on the shoulder made him jump slightly. “Mr. Joey, you need to give him time.” “Did he say anything to you?” He turned, drawing his gaze away from Robbie.
    She shook her head no. “He didn’t have to.” She looked around and then tilted her head toward the kitchen like some sort of spy. Without another word, she bustled down the hall and through the back kitchen door. Joey watched Robbie for a few minutes, but he never stopped playing, his concentration fully on his music. With a sigh, Joey pulled himself away.
Adelle was cleaning up, although how she could make such a fabulous dinner and leave almost no mess behind was a wonder. “Sit down. I’ll bring you a cup of coffee.”
    Joey did as instructed, and to his surprise, Adelle seated herself across the table with her own mug. “This is none of my business, but I love that boy out there like he was my own. I helped raise him since he was in diapers, and it nearly killed me when he went blind.” Joey opened his mouth, but she tutted softly. “Let me say my piece.” 172
Love Means … NO Boundaries
     
Joey nodded, and she went on. “I know you asked him to go back with you.” She must have seen Joey’s surprise because she elaborated. “In this house, I never hear anything, but I know everything, if you get my meaning.”
     
Joey nodded. He thought he understood, at least.
     
“So I’m gonna break my own rule and say something. He’s confused and scared. Here he’s taken care of and watched out for, maybe too much, but here it’s safe, and he’s safe, and he knows it.
    Going with you is taking a big chance.” She took a drink and set the mug down again to let her words sink in. “I know you love him, and he loves you. Lord, how that boy loves you, so don’t doubt it no matter what he decides. Change is harder for him—things tend to sneak up on him ’cause he can’t see ’em coming.” The door to the kitchen opened, and Claudine stuck her head in, frowned slightly, and then closed the door again. Adelle got up and went back to work without saying another word, and Joey handed her his cup, leaving the kitchen, making sure Claudine saw him as he walked though the hall to the music room. Quietly, so he wouldn’t break Robbie’s concentration, he sat down on one of the chairs and listened, making no sound, not even shifting on the chair.
    For hours the music flowed beautifully and seemed a part of his lover. The lines and cadences filling the room, and Joey seemed to grow with them as the notes wound their way into his heart. As the last note faded away, Joey saw Robbie’s chest heaving as he lowered his violin, exhausted, and seemed once again to be aware of his surroundings. Putting the instrument in its case, Robbie got up and made his way to the far door, quietly summoning Adelle. It was then Joey realized Robbie didn’t know he was there. Before, no matter how quiet he’d been, Robbie always seemed to sense him, but not this time. Maybe whatever magic they’d had that allowed for that was now gone. He didn’t know, but he was surprised at how empty he felt, like he’d lost something precious.
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Joey watched as Adelle guided Robbie out the door, and a few minutes later he heard Robbie say good night to his parents, followed by their footsteps on the stairs. Joey roused himself from the chair and said his good-nights as well.
     
In his room, he cleaned up and climbed into bed, the sounds