Three young men from very different homes, just coming into their own sexuality, bond at a time when information about homosexuality is scarce to the average teen. Their strong connection cannot survive high school and heartache, however, and their triangle collapses under the weight of prejudice and a need to escape.<br><br>Ten years later, Tucker is bitter and hurt by all the tragedy in his life since those long ago happier days. Reclusive, somewhat animalistic, and completely content to stay that way, he’s brought up short by an unexpected confrontation with the past and feelings that won't stay buried.

Fur, Feathers, and Claws

“Dr. Slater would say talking to myself is okay, too, just so you know,” Chad said. “Pep talks. As long as I don’t hear a voice answering back.”


“So where do you live?” Chad asked.


“I have a tiny ground-floor apartment not far from here.” Tucker jerked his thumb west. “Live by myself, since Laddie died about a year ago. I drive a different van.” Tucker shrugged. “That’s my life. That’s that.”


“Yup. Patchworky—brown, black, tan. That last morning…”


“How long have you been working here?”


Fuck. Why did he say that? “We’re here.”


“How’d you end up joining a circus?”


“What part of—Fuck!” That time, Tucker said it aloud.


Chapter 79