It was just going to be a simple Spanish fabada bean and chorizo soup from his grandmother’s favorite recipe. Jake hoped for a nice meal and a better time with his widower father. His dad didn’t seem homophobic, but he just didn’t get that Jake was gay. A quiet dinner might clear the air.<br><br>But the trip to the supermarket was a disaster involving a bear and some sausage. Then his dad showed up accompanied by a health aide who isn’t quite what she seems. And the bear shows up, too.<br><br> Stress and rum piles up. Will Jake’s father get a new grandson? Does Jake have a bear in the kitchen and in the bedroom, too? Is this meal one big happy family gathering, or an even bigger disaster?

For Better or For Worse

I buried my wet face in Felicia’s fur, saying, “I’m so sorry, honey. I’m so sorry. Did you even get fed? Will you get off me? I can’t fucking move!”


The door slipped open and backlit I couldn’t tell who was there. The hall light was on, but my room was dark. Then the light was turned on and the door was shut, and I could see it was Larry, my lost forever, could have been my one and only (or at least my one and for now only) love. His face crumpled when he saw me. I thought I must look so pathetic, probably with snot running down my face, with cat fur stuck in it, and that made me laugh. I think I snorted a snot bubble, but I’d kill myself if I had. I kept the cat pressed to my face, until the purring stopped and I felt a couple of claws coming out, grabbing my left nipple as if on purpose.


Felicia slipped out of my grasp and jumped onto my crotch. Terrific.


Chapter 8