Love Means No Shame - Andrew Grey
north, the horses walking alongside the road, their hooves occasionally clopping on the pavement. There weren’t many cars, and those there were passed them carefully.
As they approached the river, a car passed them, moving fast, honking the horn as it sped by. The sound startled Kirk, and he reared, and Geoff went flying. He’d fallen off horses before and rolled as he hit the ground, but he was too close to the edge of the road and began rolling down the ravine toward the river.
“Geoff!” He heard Eli cry in fear.
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Love Means … NO SHAME
Finally he stopped himself from rolling, just before he hit the water.
“Geoff.” There was a touch of panic in Eli’s voice. “Are you okay?”
Geoff was having trouble breathing and couldn’t answer; the wind had been knocked out of him when he hit his back. Slowly, he began to breathe again, his lungs beginning to fill and function. “Eli, I’m okay.” I think. “Don’t try to climb down.” He heard a car stop and someone talking to Eli. Taking stock, Geoff found he could move his arms and legs. His neck and back didn’t hurt. Yeah, he was okay. Slowly, he started getting to his feet. “Is Kirk okay?”
“Yes.” There was a definite note of worry in Eli’s voice. “A lady stopped to help.”
“Good. I’m going to climb up.” Geoff slowly got to his feet and began climbing the ravine. He was covered in mud, but everything seemed to be working. It definitely could have been worse. Reaching the top, he saw Eli holding Twilight and, of all people, his Aunt Vicki holding Kirk—and the horse was not happy, shaking his head, his eyes rolling.
“Thank you for stopping.” Geoff took Kirk from her, patting his neck and soothing the agitated horse.
“Are you okay? I saw what happened. Didn’t even slow down, the bastard!” The indignation was plain in her voice, enough for both of them. “Yeah, I’m okay. Nothing hurts but my pride.” Cars were passing occasionally, and each one spooked Kirk a little bit more. “We should get back. Why don’t you meet us at the farm for breakfast?”
His aunt nodded and headed to her car. “I’ll meet you at the house.” She got into her car, turned it around, and sped off. 85
Andrew Grey
Geoff started walking back. “There’s a trail through the woods that leads to the farm just ahead. We can mount again once we’re away from the road.”
“I’m sorry.” Eli sighed softly behind him.
Geoff stopped and turned around, seeing the pained look on Eli’s face. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. It was the driver’s fault, not yours. He’s the one who behaved badly, so don’t feel bad.” He wanted to soothe away the hurt he saw on Eli’s face.
“But I’m the one who suggested we come this way.”
“Eli, you’re not responsible for the behavior of others—only yourself, and you did nothing wrong.” He waited for Eli to catch up.
“I mean it. I’m okay, and I really appreciate your concern.” Before he could stop himself, he reached out and stroked his hand along Eli’s cheek. “Thank you.”
They reached the trail and walked the horses away from the road. Kirk had calmed down, and Geoff was able to mount him, and they slowly walked back, the feel of Eli’s skin against his palm still fresh in his mind.
Once they reached the farm, unsaddled the horses, and turned them out into the pastures for the day, Geoff spoke. “Tomorrow is your day off, and I thought instead of riding first thing in the morning, we could ride after breakfast, someplace extra fun.” As they walked toward the house, Eli agreed timidly. “Okay.”
“Then I’ll meet you in the yard at nine; I’ll take care of everything.” Geoff was smiling to beat the band. He’d just had a great idea… one he was sure Eli would like.
In the kitchen, Geoff found his Aunt Vicki sitting at the table, drinking coffee.
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“I really wanted to talk to you,” she said. Geoff poured himself a cup and sat down across from her. “Janelle told me about the incident in the store. She made it sound as though you’d accosted her.” Geoff began to say something, but she quieted him. “I know you did no such thing, and I want to know what really happened.” Geoff sighed. “She said some awful things about Len and Dad and then accused me of corrupting Joey and Eli. Dad put up with her for all those years. Why, I have no idea, but I do know she’s got a problem with me being gay.”
Aunt Vicki
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