Whispers of Home Read Online Free PDF Page B

it even more. At the time, Jaron found it endearing. He probably still would, even though time changed him in ways that he sometimes didn’t like.
    It wasn’t until they stood in front of Jaron’s house that Travis spoke again. “I just figured out why you look so familiar. You’re Jaron McAllister.”
    “Yes.”
    Jaron let go of Bobby’s hand long enough to unlock the door. He opened it for Bobby to enter and then looked at Travis. “Thank you for walking with us. And for carrying the groceries.” Jaron smiled up at him as he took the bag of groceries from Travis and placed it inside the door on the table.
    Travis pulled out a cell phone from his jeans pocket. “Do you have a cell phone?” When Jaron nodded Travis asked, “Can you text?” Jaron nodded again. “Let me get your number,” he said stepping just inside the door.
    “Excuse me.” Travis would never cease to amaze him. He was like an entire herd of cattle, just running all over Jaron with everything he had.
    Travis fiddled with his phone for a second before he looked at Jaron expectantly. “I’m ready.”
    “I don’t want to be rude, but why do you want my number?” Jaron just had to know.
    “We can catch up.”
    “Catch up on what exactly?” They were never friends in high school so there was nothing to catch up on. In fact, Travis’ group of friends was the main source of the bullying and caused Jaron all kinds of grief. Although, Travis never gave him the time of day, not even to bully him.
    “I get what you’re not saying, okay. I was never your friend in school, but I would like to be now.”
    “Why?”
    “Jesus Christ. Why do I have to have a reason to be your friend?” Travis’ forehead got this cute wrinkled looked between his eyes. The irritation in his voice only added to the attraction Jaron felt for the other man.
    “Forget it. Just get out of the doorway so I can close the door.” Jaron made a shooing motion with his fingers.
    Travis just stared at Jaron like he had lost his mind.
    “If I give you my number, will you get out of my doorway?”
    “Absolutely.” Travis smiled. The smile got bigger as Jaron rattled off his cell number.
    Five minutes after Travis left his stoop Jaron got a text.
    Just wanted u 2 have my #
    Thanks
    U r way 2 polite.
    Me? U were polite too until the last five minutes buddy.
    Lol, I try. What r u doing now?
    Making Bobby lunch.
    Can I ask u a ? Without u goin off the rails.
    Off the rails? I guess.
    I thought u were gay in high school.
    Did u?
    R u?
    Yes.
    Bobby?
    I had a good friend who got pregnant. She didn’t know who the father was and I was there through most of the process. She put my name on the birth certificate.
    O
    What about u? Wife? Kids?
    No and no. Love kids though.
    Jaron smiled. I think if someone doesn’t like kids they are demons. Rumor has it u got some high school chick preggos.
    Lol. Nope. Just a rumor. Don’t know how it started. Im angelic.
    Yeah I remember just how angelic you were lol.
    Just what r u trying to say.
    Oh God, maybe that was pushing it too far. Just when Jaron’s mind was trying to find some way to make his last text less rude Travis sent, Calm down mr. polite. Just giving u a hard time.
    O, ok.
    Want 2 do something some time? Go out?
    Don’t know if that’s a great idea.
    Why not?
    Idk. How did he say he had too much baggage? It wasn’t fair to wrap someone else up in his shit.
    It’s just hanging out.
    Idk.
    Why?
    Aren’t you afraid my gay will rub off?
    Seriously?
    After that Jaron decided to not answer. He didn’t have an answer he could talk about anyway. Instead, he asked, do you know anyone who is hiring?
    So you’re gonna play it like that? Fine. No, I don’t know anyone who is hiring. My mom is looking for a housekeeper. That’s about it. U need a job?
    Yes. Very badly. Think she would hire me?
    U want to b my mom’s housekeeper?
    Can’t b picky right now. I got a kid to feed. Plus, Jaron could see himself liking a job like that.