Emery C. Walters

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

“We bought each other cell phones,” Dad said happily. “I wanted to be able to keep track of him, and he said he’d teach me how to use mine. And there’s catnip toys for Felicia, nail polish and hair bows for Eve, a Leatherman tool and a cookbook called Real Men Can Cook for Larry, and a big bottle of Maalox for you, son, as well as a big box of Twinkies!”


Larry and I looked at each other and tried not to laugh until they left the room.


After they did, I managed to get out, “I need a new phone,” before collapsing in giggles.


And then with our faces drawing closer together, my laughter stopped and so did my breath. This awesome man, I think he is the one. I…


My dad peeked out of the kitchen door and shoved Jesse toward me. Jesse held a package, looking daring and frightened, and then determined. He came toward us as we drew apart.


Chapter 13