Love Means No Shame - Andrew Grey

happened last night, 171
    Andrew Grey
    and he’s feeling worse than you. You lived in Chicago and saw things like this; he never has.” Raine hugged him close. “Take care of each other. You truly deserve one another.” Raine hugged him one more time and then climbed in the car, started the engine, and with a wave, pulled out of the drive.
    Raine was right; Geoff had seen things like this before.
Straightening himself up, he went back in the house. Len was making a quick breakfast. “Did you see where Eli went?”
    “He grabbed something and headed to the barn.” Len put a plate in front of him. “Eat first.” Geoff acquiesced and sat with Len, eating a good breakfast. When Geoff had taken the last bite, Len shooed him out of the house. “Okay, now you can go find him.”

    “Thanks.” Geoff headed to the barn but found it quiet when he got inside. Looking in the stalls, he discovered that Twilight was gone.
    “He probably needs some time alone to think,” Len said, patting him on the shoulder as he walked by on his way to the riding ring. Joey was already outside, ready for his lesson, a huge smile on his face. Turning around, Geoff walked back though the barn and into the house without even seeing where he was going.
    In the office, he booted up the computer and got to work. He had books to bring up to date, orders to place, and real estate contracts to review. Forcing everything else from his mind, he got to work, stopping only for a quick lunch. At about five in the afternoon, he’d finished everything he needed to. He’d gotten the books up to date, reviewed the contract, and contacted the lawyer to schedule the closing on the Winters’ place.
    Getting up, he moved stiffly through the house and out to the barn. Eli was in the stall with the young colt, working quietly, making sure he was okay. “Eli, are you almost done?”
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Love Means … NO SHAME
Eli turned around, and Geoff saw tears streaked down his face.
“Yes.”
God, I shouldn’t have left him alone so long.
Eli returned the colt to the pasture, tears still marring his face.
    Geoff stepped to take him in his arms, but Eli stopped him. “I’m okay, Geoff.” He wiped his face with the back of his hand and got himself under control. “I’m done here. Can we go the house and talk?”
    “Yes, I think we should.” Geoff took Eli’s hand and led him inside and to the living room, where he sat next to Eli on the sofa and waited. Geoff watched as the tears started again, flowing silently down Eli’s cheeks. “I don’t know how to say this.”
“I know what you saw last night upset you, and I don’t blame you.”
    Eli wiped his face again. “It’s not just that. I heard what they said. I know that your aunt has been spreading vicious rumors and lies about us.” He sniffled, and Geoff moved to hold him, but Eli moved away. “People don’t get beaten up in an Amish community, and they don’t spread lies like that. They help and support one another.” The tears started flowing fast, and Geoff felt his own well behind his eyes. “If talk reaches the community about us, my family will be shunned… heck, they might as well not exist to the rest of the community. My uncle, my mom and pa, my sisters and brothers, they’d all be shunned. I just can’t let that happen.” Geoff felt like his guts were twisting. “What are you saying?” Eli turned to face him. “I have to go back. For the sake of my family, I must go back.” He covered his face with his hands as sobs racked his frame.
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    Andrew Grey

    GEOFF moved closer. There was no way he could sit by and not comfort Eli. Taking Eli in his arms, Geoff felt him move closer, resting his head on his shoulder as the sobs continued. “Are you sure you’re not overreacting?”
    Eli pulled away. “You don’t understand!” he yelled through his sobs. “I love you more than anything, but I can’t let my family suffer because of it!” His frustration faded away as quickly as it rose. “I’ve thought about this almost all day. I knew what I had to do as soon as I woke up this morning; I’ve just been trying to figure out how to tell you without shattering your heart as much as this is shattering mine.”
    The sobs returned, and this time Eli didn’t hold back. He threw himself at Geoff, holding him, squeezing him as he sobbed through heaved breaths. Geoff knew he could tell Eli that he’d do anything to get him to stay. He’d sell everything and move them across