Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  Bur couldn’t even respond. Gerald’s mother pivoted. Bur finally shook off his daze.

  “And he calls me violent.”

  She stopped, turning her head toward him.

  “My food is burning, so either in or out.” Bur returned to the kitchen.

  He checked the pots. The sound of footsteps hesitantly approached the kitchen. Bur waited, then turned from the stove.

  “I don’t like being called Wilbur. Call me that again, and Gerald’s mum or not….” He let the threat hang in the air.

  “Irene. My name is Irene. And what the hell do you think you can do? Just because I’m an older woman, don’t think I can be intimidated. You’d be sadly mistaken. I’ve had meaner, bigger, and more desperate people try.” Irene raised her head.

  Her stubborn combative look and head motion was exactly like Gerald’s.

  “Did you tell Gerald that someone is messing with you?” Bur demanded.

  She blinked, startled. “Why would you care? You don’t even like me.”

  “I don’t have to. But Gerald loves you, and he wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. You should tell him.”

  “Oh, he knows about it already. He doesn’t interfere.” She waved her hand.

  “What? Who? Even if Gerald won’t do something, I will. I’ll kick out their kneecaps. Why wouldn’t he do something?” Bur paced.

  A hand touched his arm. He stilled, but didn’t pull away. Irene’s dark brown gaze, just like her son’s, was gentle.

  “It’s my job. I work in Child Protective Services. Some people I see on the worst day of their lives. Losing your children is a hard thing.”

  “Sometimes, it’s better for some people not to have any.” Bitterness welled up in Bur.

  Irene stared at him. “I see those too. And sadly, we don’t always find out until too late when there’s a child in need.”

  “Or don’t give a shit,” he retorted.

  “There are some people who do what I do and don’t care. But not me.” Irene studied him again, then said, “And when those children grow to be adults, they do something wonderful, like build centers to help. Save their little brothers from the same fate.”

  Bur observed her. There was knowledge in her gaze. He shivered. Irene squeezed his arm.

  “I don’t discuss things I come across in my job, not with my son. Confidentiality,” Irene said.

  “But you just did with me.”

  “I don’t know what you’re referring to. All I did was comment to my son’s boyfriend that what he’s doing with the center is admirable. And that he and his brothers taking care of their younger brothers is what family does. Just all part of conversation.” Irene’s look was innocent.

  Again, it was one Gerald used too. He relaxed.

  “Now, tell me about yourself. When Gerald mentioned you before, I checked out your music. Very good stuff. Makes you want to move. There’s this move that you do that I like.” Irene did the motion.

  Bur’s lips twitched, then he blurted out. “You’re messing it up. Like this.”

  He showed her, and Irene mimicked him.

  CAUTIOUSLY, GERALD opened his front door. When he pulled in, he had cursed, noticing his mother’s car was already in the driveway. When he had called Bur, he was on his way home already, but got caught in traffic. Loud music greeted him when he fully opened the door. Gerald entered, closing the door behind him, and followed the noise. He gaped as he viewed Bur and his mom dancing. He’d seen his mother dance, but nothing like what she and Bur were doing. The dancing duo laughed and twirled, and then Bur’s gaze met his. Bur walked over to the side table and picked up a remote, lifted it, and pointed it at the stereo system. The music cut off, then Bur sauntered toward him. Gerald tried to figure out if he was mad, but his expression wasn’t giving him any idea.

  “I’ll check on dinner.” Bur passed him.

  Gerald watched him leave. Well, that answered his question. Bur hadn’t even kissed him. A smack on his head made him wince and rub the spot.

  “Mom—” He turned to face her.

  She cut him off. “I should have Bur kick out your kneecaps.”

  Gerald’s lips twitched. He really needed to find out what was with Bur and this kneecap thing.

  “No laughing. You should have told him I was coming. Plotting to get us together is not cool,” she said.

  “I know, but I wanted him to meet you, and he was being stubborn. For some reason, he has an aversion to meeting the parents, but you’re not like other parents. You’re the best mom, and I knew if he met you, he’d love you. Just as I do.” Gerald moved closer to her and poked out his lip.

  His mother snorted. “Don’t use that look on me. It won’t work this time.”

  “What can I do to make it up to you?”

  “Us.” Bur spoke behind him.

  Gerald glanced at him “Both of you.”

  “Irene and I have talked about it and decided you’ll be taking us to the opera. Right, Irene?” Bur said.

  “Exactly. And a nice dinner after. I’m feeling like lobster. What about you, Bur?”

  “That sounds good, and I’ll have steak too,” Bur replied.

  “Oh… I want that too.” Irene walked over to Bur, and they left the room together.

  Gerald followed, listening to their plans to make him pay for tricking them into meeting. Although he hated the opera, which his mother knew, Gerald wasn’t going to mind attending this time. He knew he was right. Bur only needed to meet his mother, and they’d get along.

  “See? I knew you all would like each other.” He couldn’t resist mentioning it.

  Bur and his mother glanced at him, startled. Then they laughed.

  “We don’t like each other. Right, Irene?” Bur stated.

  His mother nodded her head.

  “But you all are talking, laughing, and were dancing. I saw you earlier,” Gerald replied.

  “Oh, that. We were waiting for you.”

  “But… I want you all to get along. Spend time together,” Gerald said.

  “Oh, we will. But if you’re hoping for family dinners and all that shit, you’re going to be disappointed.” Bur glared. “We’ll go to the opera, and that’s all.”

  “Which I hate.” Gerald scowled.

  “I know. Your mother told me. That’s why we’re going—to torture you. I don’t like being manipulated. Don’t do it again.” Bur bared his teeth, then walked into the kitchen.

  Gerald touched his mother’s arm, stopping her. “Mom—”

  “Leave it be, Gerald. I’ll take care of it.” She got a familiar look in her eyes, then followed Bur into the kitchen.

  Gerald smiled. He knew that look, and his mother. Bur might not be interested in family interactions, but his mother, when determined, was a force to be reckoned with. If he had to pick who would get their way, he’d bank on his mother. Pleased his plan had worked, Gerald joined the two most important people in his life.

  A FEW weeks later, Gerald chuckled, then spoke. “And although he still grumbles about it, we have dinner together at least once a week.”

  “Your mom is a master strategist. Bur had no clue the opera was the first step to the family shit.” Miguel walked beside him as they headed for roll call.

  “That part, I could have done without.” Gerald grimaced, still remembering the opera. “I’ve always told Mom she could have been a good cop. She got out of him things he likes without him even being aware.”

  “Smart woman.” Miguel shook his head. “I can’t believe she took him to a kickboxing competition.”

  “And didn’t even invite me.” Gerald pouted, then brightened. “But we’re going together for the next one. It figures Mom would get him to go out with her over something like that.”

  “Kickboxing?”

  “No. Bur’s bloodthirsty nature. He’s always talking about breaking a kneecap.” Gerald laughed.

  “I’ve noticed he likes to say that. Why does he?” Miguel asked.

  Ger
ald greeted some of their fellow officers they passed, then responded. “I’ve been meaning to ask him.”

  “I’d like to know why when you do.”

  He nodded. They were silent as they continued to the roll call room.

  Gerald rolled his shoulders, then spoke again. “Although Bur does go to dinner, and has gone out with her, I can tell he’s uncomfortable being around her. I’ve asked him about it, but he keeps brushing it off as nothing. There’s something he isn’t telling me, and I can’t get it out of him.”

  “Give him time,” Miguel suggested.

  “I am, but I feel as if there’s something huge I’m missing.” Gerald frowned.

  He couldn’t put his finger on it, but Bur’s reaction to his mother reminded him of something. It was bugging him why he couldn’t figure out what it was.

  “Hey, Ramirez. Haven’t seen you hanging out in a while. Want to go out for a beer after shift?” A jolly voice came behind him.

  Gerald turned and waited for the man to come abreast with him. “Been busy, Sid. I might be up for that. Mi—” Gerald realized Miguel had continued on farther down the hall. He focused back on Sid. “I’ll ask Miguel later to join us.”

  “That queer? I don’t want to drink with him.” Sid glanced toward Miguel. The disgust on his face shocked Gerald. Sid turned to him, and his face changed to a smile. “Come on out, and we can get some ladies. You’re such a lucky bastard with women. You haven’t shared any exploits lately.” Sid wiggled his eyebrows.

  Gerald stared at the man who was a work friend he sometimes hung out with. He couldn’t have possibly heard him say what he had said.

  “No stories to tell,” Gerald stated.

  “Come on, man. Don’t be shy. Ramirez and shy in the same statement? That’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one.” Sid laughed.

  “I don’t share about someone I care about—”

  “Wait. What am I hearing? Ramirez is off the market. I have to meet this lady. Bring her out for a beer. Ramirez, you surprise me.” Sid shook his head.

  “I’ll ask my boyfriend if he wants to go out,” Gerald replied.

  Sid stilled, staring at him, and then he laughed. “Always kidding. You’re not a fucking fag.”

  “And when did you become such a fucking moron?” Gerald couldn’t believe it. He’d had beer with this man. Laughed and had fun. And he’d never realized he was a homophobe.

  “What….”

  “I have a boyfriend,” Gerald stated, keeping his face serious.

  Sid’s laughter faded as he looked at him. His lip curled, and he snarled. “You’ve been hanging out too much with those queers. When you come to your senses, let me know. Forget about the beer.”

  Gerald watched as Sid strode away. He slowed, pausing by Miguel. Sid opened his mouth. Miguel didn’t say a word, crossing his arms over his chest. His expression was cool. Sid closed his mouth and continued toward roll call. Gerald joined Miguel.

  “What the hell was that? He called you a fag and acted like an ass when I told him I had a boyfriend.”

  “He does it behind my back, but not to my face anymore.” Miguel shrugged.

  “Since when?”

  “Always.”

  “But all the officers we work with are accepting of you,” Gerald protested.

  “You really believe that?” Miguel looked confused, then shook his head. “Not all. I and several others who work here—whether they’re gay, bi, or lesbian—have gotten shit about it. Some people are accepting. Others don’t even speak with you unless it’s necessary for work. Then we have ones like Sid, who won’t even do that. He’s a bully and makes snide remarks to a few people’s faces directly, but not me.”

  “I didn’t know any of this. Karl faced this too?”

  Miguel nodded.

  “But you all never told me.”

  “I don’t know about Karl. I haven’t come right out and said it to you, but don’t you notice I don’t spend time after shift often?”

  “Yeah, I know.” Gerald had noticed, but hadn’t thought much of it.

  “Or how some officers, even when we’re standing talking together, will acknowledge you, but not me?” Miguel continued.

  Gerald thought about it, then nodded.

  “There are a lot of other little things people do. But since the captain doesn’t allow that shit, they’re careful about it. Won’t make comments when he’s around. There will be things you’ll face for loving someone despite their gender. Once more people know, you’ll lose friends, and gain some. What you’ll have to figure out is, is it worth it? Now, we better get to roll call before we’re late.” Miguel started again to the room.

  Silently, Gerald followed. He was confused and disgusted to hear what Miguel said. How could he have not seen it? Gerald realized that he’d had it easy. So far, those who knew about Bur had been accepting. He’d read the sites Bur had suggested and read all about people’s various issues with coming out. Some didn’t have any conflict, and others had to face adversity, but dealt with it. Others’ stories were so horrific that he’d been furious on their behalf. Gerald followed Miguel into the room. He noted Sid sitting just up ahead. Sid glared, and then a nasty smile curled his lips.

  “Did you all hear Ramirez has joined the queer crew? He probably bends over and takes it up the ass.” Sid laughed.

  Gerald glanced around the room and noted those who had joined him. He was surprised. Quite a few were people he had been out with after shift. Gerald glanced back at Sid, then sauntered over to him.

  “Now, Sid. Don’t be jealous because this is as close as you’ll get to my best feature.” He turned and showed him his ass.

  “Get away from me, you fag.” Sid stood up and pushed him.

  Gerald stumbled back, then got into his face. “You want to fuck with me, Cruz?”

  “Fuck—”

  “Do you have a problem here, gentleman?” the captain asked.

  Gerald stared at Sid, not moving.

  “No, Cap,” Sid said loudly. Then in a low whisper, he added, “This isn’t done, Ramirez.”

  “Keep the fuck out of my way,” Gerald returned in the same low tone. He raised his voice as he said, “Nothing, Cap. Sid here was just commenting on my best feature.”

  “Ramirez, sit that feature in a chair now,” the captain said.

  Gerald did as he said. He glanced at Sid, furious at what had transpired.

  “I know you want to hit him, but he’s not worth it. Report him and move on.” Miguel spoke in a low voice next to him.

  Gerald glanced at him, shaking his head. “I’ll handle it.”

  “If we’re all done discussing Ramirez’s ass, let’s get started.”

  There were chuckles. His fellow officers knew him too well, and they expected him not to pass up that opening.

  Gerald interjected, “But Cap, it’s really stellar. Wanna see?”

  “Shut up, Ramirez,” the captain snapped, but a slight smile was on his lips.

  Gerald forced a smile. Later, as he did his shift, Gerald was grateful it wasn’t too busy. His mind wasn’t on the job.

  After shift, he headed to his house. Outside the door, he took a breath and went in. He followed the sound of the guitar music. Bur raised his head, still strumming away on his instrument. Immediately, a sense of rightness of him being there flooded Gerald. In his mind, there was no question being with Bur was worth it.

  “How was your shift?”

  “Good. I’m going to grab a shower before dinner.” He ignored Bur’s surprise and left.

  As he went up the stairs, Gerald rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. He wouldn’t tell Bur what was happening. He needed to think about how to deal with Sid and handle it himself. He continued up the steps.

  “DO YOU want this here?” Bur asked.

  Absently, Gerald nodded. He shifted the dresser he was moving and stood back. A hand touched his back, and he glanced at Bur. The concern was on his face, as it had been for the last few days. Gerald didn
’t like worrying him.

  “Still thinking?” Bur asked.

  “Yes.”

  “You can share with me. Maybe I can help.” Bur rubbed his back.

  Gerald shook his head, as he had every time Bur offered.

  “Whatever it is, I hope you work it out soon. I want the grumbly asshole I fell in love with back.” Bur kissed him, then said, “I’ll get the sheets.” He left the room.

  Gerald crossed his arms over his chest. Since the first incident, Sid had only gotten more vocal, always when the captain wasn’t around. Gerald didn’t back down, and answered him nasty comment for nasty comment. As Miguel had predicted, Gerald’d gotten support from officers he hadn’t expected. Others he had thought he knew had surprised him with their disdain. They avoided him and acted like he didn’t exist. A few made snide comments to him. He’d replied to those too. Gerald had done as Miguel said and reported it, so it was on the record. After looking into it, Gerald found out there might not be anything actually done. It had made him even more frustrated. He didn’t like the inaction. Something had to be done, and soon.

  “This is the last thing to do to get ready for your guest.” Bur came in carrying sheets.

  Lisa was arriving tomorrow. March was flying by, and Gerald still couldn’t believe tomorrow was already halfway through the month.

  “Our guest. You’re not running back to Harper’s and leaving me alone with her.” Gerald grabbed the sheets.

  “She’s your ex-fiancée.”

  “You’re the one who has been making plans with her on the phone. Lisa likes you more than me, now.” Gerald pouted.

  “Cut the shit. You’re not getting out of taking her and your mom to the opera.” Bur held the other side of the sheet and put it on the mattress. “I’m just more likeable than you.” Bur stuck his tongue out, wiggling his piercing.