Love Means No Boundaries - Andrew Grey

could get him on a flight in the morning, but he had hours to wait. Taking out his phone, he called the farm, told Eli what had happened, and then settled into a quiet section of the airport to wait out the night.
    When he woke in the morning, his first thought was of Robbie.
He pulled himself together and heaved his body off the carpet.
Finding a bathroom, he got himself cleaned up as best he could and checked on his flight. What a difference a day makes. The sun was out and his flight was called on time. In an hour he’d be landing and few hours later, he’d be home.
     
This flight was completely uneventful, and Joey found himself in the car, his luggage stowed in the trunk, driving north down the freeway, toward the farm, toward home. Two hours later, he turned the corner on US10 at the flashing light, the final leg of the journey.
     
Ten minutes later, he pulled into the familiar drive and parked in his usual spot.
    “Joey!” He heard the back door open and saw Eli rush out of the house and he was immediately engulfed in a hug. “You had us worried.” He opened the trunk, and Eli helped him carry his luggage inside. “I’ve got food on, so sit down, and tell me all about the trip.” The suitcase thunked on the floor, and he found himself looking around the familiar farmhouse. It wasn’t fancy or grand and it certainly wasn’t filled with antiques and expensive things, but it was home, and it was beautiful. “Is Geoff out helping the guys?” 182
    Love Means … NO Boundaries
Eli turned toward the stove and began heating up some food.
“No, he’s running errands. He’ll be back in a few hours.” The smell of whatever Eli was cooking made Joey’s mouth water, and he poured a cup of Eli’s sensational coffee and took his mug to the table. “So how was Natchez?”
    Joey sipped his coffee and told Eli all about his trip as Eli dished up food and set a plate in front of him. Joey tucked in, not realizing just how hungry he was. Eli filled Joey in on everything that had happened on the farm. As he ate Rex ambled into the kitchen, tail wagging as he placed his nose on Joey’s lap, the dog’s kittens bounding around their legs.
When he was done eating, Joey yawned broadly, and Eli took his plate. “Take your things upstairs and rest for a while.” Joey yawned again as he nodded his agreement and lifted his suitcase, thinking it had gotten heavier in the last hour, and headed upstairs to his room.
    It felt so familiar, so good to be home, and yet it was still empty, just like it had been since the day Robbie had gotten on that damned bus. Rather than unpack, he dropped his case next to the dresser. Slipping off his shoes, he laid down on top of the bed. The sounds of the house lulled him to sleep and the summer breeze caressed him in its embrace through the open window. He rolled and turned, waking occasionally, but finally resting properly for the first time in days. He was home. No matter what, at least he was home.
    He woke hours later—not to noise or because he was fully rested, but because the heat of the day had warmed the room. Yawning widely he made himself get up.
Still yawning and slightly bleary-eyed, Joey wandered through the house, searching for someone, but it was empty and quiet. As he listened he heard the sound of squeals and laughter drift on the breeze. Stifling another yawn, he grabbed a bottle of water from the 183
    Andrew Grey
fridge and walked outside and across the yard to the barn. There was someone, well, plenty of someones, he needed to say hello to.
    Noble heads perked up as he approached, and Tiger bounded across his paddock, stopping at the fence for a nuzzle and a pat. He actually looked disappointed as he sniffed Joey’s pocket. “Sorry, boy, no treats. I’ll have one for you later, I promise.” He patted the long black neck and then moved on to greet Twilight and the other horses.
    Laughter, louder now, mixing with Eli’s patient voice, told him that a lesson was in progress. Smiling to himself he wandered out o the ring and watched as Eli gave a group lesson to some of his beginners. The kids were just as excited as they could be. “Keep your heels down, Jimmy,” Eli called, as he walked to where Joey stood leaning against the fence. “Have a good nap?” He nodded. “Needed it.” Joey looked over the group as they trotted around the ring.
“Carrie Anne, let the horse guide you.” Eli nodded to Joey and walked to where Carrie Anne and Peanut were