Page 99 of Studs Up
They made me go to one of those baseball games and throw out the first pitch for the publicity and content for both teams. Many people signed that bat, but Ma was putting it to better use.
The man stumbled off the porch and dropped his clipboard and petitions. He scrambled to pick them up as he hurried down the walkway.
“See you next Tuesday,” she shouted. The man turned.
“You want me to come back?” He was very confused. Children and families were stepping out on their porches. Ma had the sense to keep her cussing to herself. I did not.
“It means cunt, asshole,” I said.
“Sir, this is not your business,” the man said as if he had the fucking authority.
“That’s my son,” Ma folded her arms. “He’s a professional soccer player.”
The man laughed. “Ma’am, just because he plays on the local rec league doesn’t make him a pro.”
This time, Ma laughed, the kind of laugh evil geniuses would envy. Cold, high-pitched, and dangerous.
“My son is Nolan Fucking Reed.”
I guess we were cursing again. He had really pissed her off.
My reputation preceded me. He may not be a soccer fan, but everyone in the city knew my name. I hated it, but in times like these, it was a blessing.
The man looked back at me, and I waved with my fingers. He blanched.
“Get off her property, or you’re gonna find out what my other nicknames are.”
He ran. He ran like he had never been taught to run before, gangly limbs flapping everywhere. Papers flew out of his arms, and he did not stop to collect them.
People like that were the reason Holden had nightmares. People like that threatened everything about him. These were the people Holden had known his whole life. They placed his value on what his dick liked, not his talent or his smile.
I wanted to chase after him and drag him back. I wanted to force him to know how good Holden was. How warm and soft he was. I wanted that bastard to see that my love for Holden wasn’t the reason society was crumbling.
Ma smiled at me, warm and sweet.
And then there was Ma. She didn’t care Holden was a man. She loved me and I knew she didn’t care about anyones sexuality long before I realized what Holden was to me. It was because of her love and acceptance that I felt safe in pursuing Holden. And I knew that when I brought him home, he would be safe here too.
I hated the world so much for not giving Holden that kind of acceptance.
“Hi, sweetie,” she greeted me. “What took you so long?”
“I didn’t know I needed to rush.” The man rounded the corner and disappeared.
“Well, now you know next time I call you, get your ass over here.”
I rolled my eyes. She waved to the neighbors and then led the way inside.
“Ma, why is it so fucking hot?”
Giant pots boiled on the stove. The liquid was thick and shimmered.
“It’s candle time,” she patted me and bustled around her kitchen. I went and opened the back door and all the windows, then prayed for a goddamn breeze.
It was stifling. Sweat was already coating my body, and I longed for an ice bath.
Hot pots, wicks, and all kinds of candle-making things were scattered over every surface, including the chairs. I decided leaning against the archway was the best place for me. Not only for staying out of the way but because that was the best opportunity for a cross breeze.
“So,” she smiled and started dipping wicks into a pot of wax and then a bucket of water. Back and forth she went. “How’s our boy doing?”
