Riley put an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not out, are you? To family, friends, co-workers?” I looked at him, shook my head before I shrugged.
“This is a place where everyone needs to feel safe. That guy was trying something he felt he could never do in the world beyond here. People who come here have been judged, ridiculed, and beaten because of who they are. You’ve never felt the reality of family and friends deciding you aren’t worthy because of who you love. I’m not doing that to you baby, I just want you to know that here, of all places, you keep feeling like you’re part of something special—amazing. We are exactly that, special and amazing.”
I made it a point to apologize to the man. I told him I thought I was making a joke we could share, but not a judgement. He hugged me and kissed my cheek. He told me this was the first safe place he found since he was kicked out from home for being himself.
The formal rodeo events began with the Grand Opening. Once the anthem was sung it became time for the most solemn ritual. A cowboy led a horse into the arena. The animal had flowers and a cowboy hat on the saddle. In the stirrups was a pair of cowboy boots facing backwards. It was the Riderless Horse. It represented all those who were taken from us sooner than they should have been. I stood and removed my Stetson. A tear rolled down my cheek as I heard the song and reflected on all those who were gone. The horse walked alone, representing the bond that was broken with all those who should still be with us to embrace fantastic moments such as the rodeo, love, and life offered.
* * * *
“Okay, our first event is the flag racing. I’m scheduled to start, then Gina. Riley follows her and Laura brings it home.” I couldn’t believe how well Beaumont and I performed. We outdid our partners but they were definitely respectable in their own right. I heard particularly loud cheering from the stand and realized the young guy I criticized and apologized to, was my biggest fan. I waved and smiled. It was then I noticed a lot of the guys from work sitting, watching, and cheering. Quite a few were in uniform but that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. I took advantage of the moment to walk over to Riley, wrap my arms around him, and give him an obviously passionate kiss. If my co-workers couldn’t handle it, fuck them.
Barrel racing was a tad more complicated. We had to go through a triangle of barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Speed was important, so control of the true athlete was imperative. I remembered that the combination of reins and leg controls was useless, so I slacked the reins, leaned down close to Beaumont’s back, and let my legs guide him along. I even amazed myself that after only four months we were able to accomplish that. Record time—once again my personal cheering section was alive in the stands.
We managed to survive the day’s events. It was early afternoon when we finished our challenges for the day. We won the flag racing outright. We’d have to do a re-run on the barrel race due to a challenge. No big deal. I grinned as I let Riley lead me to where we pitched his tent. It was only one among a crowd of many. We slipped inside and stripped in record time. I was about to impale him on my rigid cock when a familiar voice stopped me.
“I’m sure I saw them come this way. Did you all see how well he rode that horse?” I would recognize my mother’s voice anywhere.
“He was that good dear, your father would be so proud. So, where did he get to?”
Grandma was here, too? My cock was throbbing painfully but I couldn’t give away what I was doing.
I heard my dad. “If he’s anything like your daughter, he’s off riding something other than a horse.” I smiled at that, and then heard my mom.
“If he’s anything like your son, he’s probably already had his way with half the campers and is working though the livestock as we speak. Come on, maybe they went back to the arena grounds.” Nana was here, too. I was eternally grateful that we weren’t caught compromised in Riley’s tent. I had my hand over Riley’s mouth to keep his laugh contained and he kept licking my palm. When we figured all relatives were gone we resumed with intent, in tent, intense fucking.
* * * *
The dinner was prime rib. I groaned when I saw my entire family sitting just a few rows from us. Both grandmothers smiled and waved. They both wore a look of pure pride. I’d meet up with them later to chat. The finals were starting the next day and I wanted to be sharp. I had planned to finish dinner and take Beaumont for a ride. I briefly wondered why my family was even there, since all our long weekend camping trips had been to the west. It didn’t matter, I was there for the rodeo, and our team was going to kick ass.
* * * *
We won the re-run of the barrel race. Again, I was the drag in the competition. Laura held the lead rope and Riley held the other. We managed to convince the steer to cross the line and, when I jumped on its back, it was gracious enough to cross the line again before unceremoniously bucking me off its back. I lost my red haired wig with the pigtails, and one of my breasts landed somewhere far from me, but that didn’t cost us a point.
I’d found my family earlier and decided it was time to have the talk. I told my father that there was something they needed to know. His reply was, “No, you aren’t going to tell me you’re going to be one of them.” I thought this might be easy.
“Yeah, I am Dad; I hope this isn’t going to change anything with us.”
He looked at me with a frown. “Todd, how can you choose to be like this? I mean, what about your future?”
I was gobsmacked. My own father was ready to disown me for being gay? I guess I did get it about what some of the people at the rodeo went through. My hackles rose and I was ready to do battle. “What the hell do you mean choose to be like this? I was born gay, I can’t just go and fucking change who I am to please my father.”
Dad snorted, and then burst out laughing. “Gay? I was talking about being a cowboy. Like, do you even know which end the oats go in and the manure comes out? Todd, we’ve known you were likely gay for years but since you didn’t mention it, it wasn’t up to us to bring it up. I’m guessing the handsome gent, Riley, might have some part in that?”
My co-workers handled it well, too. I sold my condo and moved in with Riley. My parents and grandmothers thought it was the most wonderful thing to ever happen. It felt wonderful to be loved. Despite the disappointment of my work team, I transferred to a base further south so my commute was fairly short. I was appointed to the position of volunteer coordinator with the rodeo. My grandmothers were going to do the breakfasts and my parents were going to help wherever needed.
People travelled from all over the continent, even beyond, to celebrate with us. The one moment that stayed in my heart the whole time was the Riderless Horse. It represented so much to so many, but was a steadfast reminder that love conquers all.
* * * *
ABOUT H.D. NELS
H.D. Nels was born and raised near the ocean but now live in another type of paradise, with the Rockies just west, prairie to the east, the world’s largest assortment of dinosaur fossils only an hour away, and cowboys all around. This provides plenty of inspiration for stories. For more information, visit twitter.com/hdnels.
The One True Thing by Deirdre O’Dare
I
Before we met I knew you,
Knew the bond we share.
When darkness came to crush me
Always, you were there.
I reach for you, my friend, my love,
Reach with hands and heart;
I know you’re there although the touch
Is growing faint. Yet still a part
Of me will never let you go,
So deep are you within.
We’ve loved beneath a thousand suns
And so will love again.
Sisters, lovers, soul-mates bound;
You never were a stranger.
And holding on to you this night
I have no fear of danger.
No sundering can separate
Two souls so tightly bound;
No narrow minds, nor hate to death
Can end the Love we found.
In my heart of hearts I know
Love is the One True Thing
And wrapped in this energy divine,
To hope and you I cling.
II
I reach for you, my Friend, my Love,
The obverse of my soul.
Shells we now wear are not the same
Yet you always make me whole.
We’ve loved beneath a thousand suns
And so shall love again;
Apart we’re neither one complete
And for now I bear that pain.
I reach for you, my sister-soul,
The mirror twin of me,
For in my heart, my mind, my all
Is where you’ll always be.
We’ll laugh once more and love again
For we cannot exist apart.
Though for now you may be gone,
You are always in my heart.
Death cannot break or end this bond
For Love shall vanquish hate.
This One True Thing will always be
The lodestar of our fate.
* * * *
ABOUT DEIRDRE O’DARE
Deirdre writes gay romance channeling a prior life’s gay male twin she calls Danny. Fascinated by love’s diverse shades and guises, she explores and experiences a range of attachments. She still believes in happily ever after, that Love is the One True Thing and genuine Love is never wrong. For more information, visit deirdredares.blogspot.com.
Rainbow Roses by R.M. Olivia
Erick arranged the pictures of flowers in his photo album. It was a catalogue of flowers by color, season, and scent, and helped him decide what style of bouquets he wanted to use next in his store. He tenderly stroked the image on the cover of two multi-colored roses intertwined with the words Rainbow Roses in gold foil. When Erick came up with Rainbow Roses as the name of his business, Rory had admonished him.
Erick could recall his tone and the look on his face as if it were yesterday.
“You’re going to call it that? Why not just have a flag hanging out front with a banner of two naked men kissing?” Rory’s face had burned as a red tomato.
“Sounds good to me. You want to volunteer? I’m definitely up for the challenge. I’m not shy.” Erick had laughed, shaking off his conservative fiancé’s fears. “After thirty-five years of living in the shadows, if I can’t be myself now, guess what babe? It ain’t gonna happen,” Erick had said, speaking in his best Brooklyn accent.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t agree.” Rory shrugged.
The day Rory had paid for the store, their difference of opinion thankfully ended. Rory believed enough in Erick’s dreams to want to see them come to fruition. It was with Rory’s financial support that Erick’s little flower shop was up and running. His cantankerous, conservative lawyer lover saw “realities” where Erick saw rainbows. But he was the yin to Erick’s yang.
Now exactly one year later, Rainbow Roses had earned a reputation as the top LGBT-friendly florist in the tristate area, catering to an upscale crowd and offering gorgeous floral designs for weddings, funerals, and banquets.
“Thanks, babe,” Erick said, planting a kiss atop Rory’s head.
“Huh?”
“For just being you and helping me reach my dreams.”
Rory grimaced while Erick smiled. Even in their own home, Rory wasn’t comfortable with acts of affection, no matter how small. It was a real shame, considering how much Erick loved him. Well, different life experiences created different priorities.
“I’m off to work. I’ll be home around seven. Bye, hon,” Rory announced, patting his love’s shoulder.
“Seven? But today’s the one year anniversary celebration of Rainbow Rose’s grand opening! Big names are supposed to be there. And you aren’t coming?!” Erick’s voice rose two octaves. Suddenly the stability he found so sexy in Rory threw a bucket of ice water on his fire. Rory the faithful, perpetual stick-in-the-mud.
“I’ve told you about this for months, babe. I have more responsibilities now. I need to make partner.” This time Rory was the one who sounded hurt. He pulled Erick to his side and touched his lover’s cheek with his fingertips. “My career is finally taking off. I promised to help you with the flower shop and I did. Now it’s my turn.”
“Whatever.” Erick rolled his eyes and turned away when Rory attempted to kiss him.
“Don’t punish me for trying to be successful.”
“It’s getting late.” Erick sniffed. “I’ll see you later.”
“Not everyone has someone else to pay his way. Don’t forget it,” Rory said, adding the final ammunition for a war.
“What the…?” But before Erick could confront him, he was gone. Erick balled his fist on the table. He heard the sound of the car door slam and then Rory drove away.
I thought pursuing my dreams meant living them for the both of us, Erick thought, adding water to a vase and balancing baby’s breath with vibrant red roses. He trimmed the long stems with a pair of shears. When did our communication go out the window? Does he even love me anymore?
His mind raced back to the grand opening and the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Oak Beach Chamber of Commerce had handed him the scissors with which he proudly cut the oversized red ribbon. He kissed his fiancé fully on the lips. Things had been different then. Rory had not backed away, either. He kissed Erick right back to the cheers of the crowd that had gathered to support them on their big day. Oak Beach’s thriving LGBT community flocked, along with the renowned celebrity photographer, Peter Sandoval. Peter took pictures of the grand event and splashed them on the cover of the local magazine, The Oak Beach Quarterly. The publicity had earned him clientele from the Hamptons to Park Avenue.
The name of the article had been “Out & Proud.” It was a series on gay entrepreneurs in their hometown, but Rory had nearly freaked out because his law career had just started gaining momentum. Erick told him he had nothing to fear as this was 2015, not 1915.
And now Rory was in an excellent position and about to make partner. They were both making moves. The success of their dreams seemed well within reach. So much to celebrate. But why didn’t his lover feel the same way?
Erick looked down at his watch. Almost ten! And still so much to do to get ready for the party.
As he undressed in the bathroom, he wondered when was the last time he had enjoyed the luxury of taking a bath with Rory. Not for a while. What the hell is all this for if I can’t enjoy it with the man in my life?
He took a quick shower and got dressed. He’d spent enough time thinking. Now he had things to do that just couldn’t wait. They had to be done—with or without Rory. Erick ran a comb through his hair and heard the bell ring.
Did Rory leave something behind?
“I’m coming.” Erick walked briskly to the front door. “Lori, hey, doll.” He kissed his best friend and favorite assistant on the cheek.
“I was on my way to the shop and I called there and nobody picked up. I wanted to see if you were okay.” She sized him up and down, taking in his dressy, stone-washed jeans and button-down shirt.
“Yeah, girl, I know. No jeans for a big event. I’m bringing clothes to the shop to get changed later. I’ll keep the shirt, but I took out a tie and dress pants.” He pointed to the pair hanging neatly on a hanger.
“Okay. Let’s go then. Your valet is waiting,” she joked.
Erick gathered his clothes, his album, and his work bag, and they headed out.
* * * *
Erick gazed out the window of the white Jeep and watched couples walking hand in hand down the street, children being pushed in strollers, and a blind man crossing the street with a walking cane. He sighed.
Lori turned to him at the light. “You’re awfully quiet. Want to tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s Rory being Rory.”
She frowned. “What do you mean? I thought you two were in love. I mean, he helped you get Rainbow
Roses started.”
“Don’t remind me!” Erick snapped, smacking his hand against his face.
“Uh, okay. Don’t bite my head off. Just expressing a little concern, boss.”
“Sorry. I haven’t had my morning joe. Do you mind if we stop off at Coffee Star?” Erick asked.
“Sure thing. I was heading there anyway to get my fix.”
Once behind the counter of the famed café, Erick and Lori ordered their favorite drinks. “I’ll have a cappuccino—make that two. Also, one black coffee, no cream.”
“That’s for Rory?”
“Yes. Since when have you known me to take my coffee black?” Erick smirked.
“Good to see you guys don’t stay mad long.”
“I can only speak for myself,” Erick said, giving the cashier money and juggling the coffees in his hands. “Girl, will you do me a big favor and drive me uptown to his office? I want to give this to him.”
Half an hour later, the doorman at Conner and Floyd Associates waved him and Lori along. They took the elevator to Rory’s office.
“Rebecca, I’m here with some coffee for Rory.”
“Okay, hold on a sec. Let me buzz him and let him know you’re here.”
Buzz him? Since when had things become so stringent? Erick had always come and gone as he pleased. Maybe now that Rory was on the cusp of becoming partner that had changed?
“He’s not picking up.” Rebecca stopped to look through the day planner. “There doesn’t seem to be any other appointments. You may go in.”
“I’ll stay and wait out here,” Lori said.
Erick walked into the huge office with multiple windows overlooking the skyline to find his lover bent over his desk. Rory sat with his glasses perched on his nose and his head lost in his files.
“Honey,” Erick called out.
“Huh?” Rory scratched his chin, barely looking up.
Love Is Proud Page 33
