STORY TIME: Best Friend’s Son (III)
I stayed away as long as I could, running errands – four hours at least . I decided to fuck the Hy-Vee and headed to the fancy part of town. Butcher I knew. Hungry fucking pig. Loved good meat. If you get my meaning.
“Drew,” he nodded, eyes twinkling.
“I’m here for the meat, Rush,” I said.
“Two rib-eyes. Best cut you got.”
“Kinda,” I nodded, suddenly uncomfortable.
He stopped. “What does that mean?”
“Dude it’s … “ then I looked at him. “It’s important.”
“How important?” he prodded, but it was the prod of a friend. A man with whom you shared intimacy. There was a bond. There always is with the good ones. The good men that you connect with.
“It’s the most important dinner of my life,” I said, not even considering how melodramatic that sounded.
“Well … hell,” he mused, scratching his bearded face. “Never thought I’d see the day.” He turned, heading into his cold storage. When he returned he was carrying the most beautiful set of ribs I’d ever seen, slung over his shoulders.
He cut two – then two more.
“The first two are on me. You gotta pay for the second two. Save ‘em for your engagement.”
I blushed, standing there, trying to stay in the moment – trying not to be stupid.
He wrapped the steaks with care, I paid, and then he came out from behind the counter, grabbing my hand, pulling me into his thick, squat frame.
“I hope it goes well, Drew,” he said, in a whisper that only we could hear. I held him – hadn’t been this close to available man-flesh all summer. I needed his strength and he sensed it, tightening his hold on me. Finally I pushed away. I was flushed. “Thanks.”
He just smiled this big smile of high wattage and said, “Man it looks good on you.”
“What?” I said, confused.
Then he turned: “Next customer.”