Levi blinked, surprised by the blunt admission. But Shawn possessed a strong inner spirit and had a survivor’s aura to him. He could believe Shawn would make it through such an ordeal and still be able to smile at the world.
“Dude, it sucks you were homeless,” Orry said.
“It did suck, but it’s what eventually brought me here.” Shawn leaned his shoulder into Robin’s and smiled at his boyfriend.
A pang of loneliness struck Levi in the chest. He was beyond happy for Robin’s good fortune and newfound love; Robin more than deserved it after losing Xander the way he had. But Levi had needs too. Needs not being met stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, instead of on the road traveling to the next exciting location. Needs frequently met by rodeo fans or casual gawkers. His only serious adult relationship had ended in disaster.
Their group chatted amiably for a while, until Levi said, “George, you wanted to meet today’s hosts, right? Should I introduce you?”
George flashed him a wide-eyed stare an instant before the expression gentled. Went more carefully neutral. “Sure, okay. Let’s do that.”
“One face at a time.”
Levi led the way, keenly aware of George sticking close to his back as Levi threaded their way through the packed living room to the kitchen. He introduced George to Mack, Wes and Wes’s mother. Levi introduced George to Miles Arlington, who was also helping in the kitchen, but George remembered Miles from his visit to the ghost town. Slater had apparently gotten his friends kitchen access.
So far so good.
George’s fingertips were starting to twitch. Not a good sign. Levi steered him back toward Orry, who was chatting with Slater and some other ranch hands. Orry was definitely the more sociable of the pair, and he was heavily engaged in the conversation. George stood there mutely, and Levi stuck close, unsure why he felt the need to when his twin was right there.
Eventually, Wes stood on one of the two long benches on either side of the dining table to thank everyone for coming, thank the other cooks, and announce that it was time to eat. A line began to form for food but George stayed put. Levi stayed too, and Orry did the same. Folks with full plates began to settle at both the dining table, and at spots all around the living space. A card table with folding chairs. The sofa with TV tray tables. Others migrated outside.
Once the majority of people had their food, Orry headed for the line and George followed. George always seemed to follow and that sort of bothered Levi. The guy had strength for sure, and he needed to find that strength again. Learn how to lead himself forward.
Levi got in line behind George and filled a plate with all kinds of delicious-looking food. While he tried to limit his meat intake, he indulged in both ham and turkey, along with gravy and different sides. George’s plate was more simplistic with white meat turkey sans gravy, mashed potatoes, some fresh veggies from a snack tray sans dip, and—to Levi’s quiet delight—a piece of cornpone. Levi refrained from taking one of the few remaining pieces, because he’d had it before and wanted others to enjoy the amazing taste.
Orry accepted one of two remaining seats at a card table, then looked expectantly at George. George headed for the door. Curious, Levi followed him. With the patio furniture full, George went down the steps and found a patch of grass he liked before plunking down. Levi did the same, not surprised George preferred the open air to the stifling house. All the faces and cacophonous voices.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, and Levi enjoyed the simplicity of it. Existing without expectation. With a cute boy he kind of liked but didn’t want to scare away, because the cute boy was likely straight.
“So why did you name one of your cats Sporty?” George asked, apropos of nothing.
Levi tilted his head. “She’s one of the Spice Girls. All three cats are named after former members.”
“Oh. I mean, I know who the Spice Girls are, kind of, but I didn’t know their names.”
“Not a fan of nineties girl group pop?”
“Not really, I’m not sure. Growing up, we listened to mostly classical music, and that’s all I ever skated to, and now I just listen to whatever streams on my app.” George’s eyes went wide as he realized what he’d let slip.
He probably didn’t talk about his former career anymore, and Levi didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. “In the interest of full disclosure, I know you used to figure skate competitively.”
George’s pale skin stained bright red. “Oh. How?”
This time it was Levi’s turn to be slightly embarrassed. “After we met back in July, I got incredibly curious about you. You seemed familiar somehow, and I searched your name online.”
“You cyberstalked me?” This time, George looked ready to bolt.
Fix this, you fool.
“No,” Levi said firmly. “Once I realized you were Georgie Thompson, I stopped looking. Believe it or not, I genuinely admire figure skaters for their artistry and flexibility. I recognized your name, and I remember the...” Drama wasn’t the right word. “I remember how your departure from the sport was depicted in the news.”
George snorted. “Departure is one word for it, I guess. I quit right before a skate that could have helped get me on the Olympic team. Shit, I never talk about this stuff.” He gazed at Levi with a kind of wonder on his face. “Why is it so easy to talk to you?”
“Because I’m a neutral party, a relative stranger, and I like listening to you talk.” That had come out a tad flirtier than Levi intended, but George didn’t seem to notice. “I’m sure you had your reasons for quittin’.”
“I did. My sanity and my health.” He didn’t elaborate on those things, and the topic was far too serious for a holiday, so Levi didn’t push.
“Then let me ask you a tough question.” George tensed, so Levi didn’t draw it out; he liked the kid too much to make him uncomfortable. “What’s your favorite scary movie?”
George burst out laughing. A lovely sound he should make more often. “I like your brand of tough questions. I’m not sure if I have one. I don’t watch a lot of scary movies, but I did get the cultural reference for once.”
“Okay, then favorite movie genre.”
“Romantic comedies, I guess. I like knowing it’ll have a happy ending. I’m not much for watching the violent stuff.”
“Understandable. I watch pretty much anything, depending on my mood. Okay, I know you live in San Francisco, but are you from the Bay Area?”
George poked at his slice of turkey. “I guess I am. We were born in Fremont and grew up there, but when I showed a real talent for ice skating at five years old, my parents moved us to Los Angeles because my mom decided I’d find the best coaches there.” His gaze flickered with something unpleasant Levi wanted to ask about but didn’t. “After I quit, Orry and I moved back here to live with our grandparents, until we were older and could live on our own.”