| |
RYAN TOLD EVERYONE HE and Ben absolutely did not need to be seen off at the airport, but there were Ryan’s parents, Steven, Shane, and Veronica.
“Going to miss your face too much not to see it one last time.” Steven hugged Ryan too tightly.
“We’ve already planned your visit. It won’t be too long before you see me. And you’ll be so busy you won’t even notice I’m gone.” Ryan gripped Steven’s shoulders, not ready to release him.
“John’s planning the places he wants to see. And trust me, I’ll know you’re gone. Who will go dancing with me?”
“Everyone we know?” Letting go, Ryan put his hands in his pockets, lest he try to hang onto everyone he loved and drag them along on his journey.
“Okay, but it won’t be as fun without you.”
Steven embraced Ben. “I’m glad you didn’t take that job after all. I don’t know how this boy roped you into going with him, but I hope it turns out to be the right decision for both of you.”
“Thanks, Steven,” Ben said. “I’m sure I’d have loved working with you.”
“Good, because I’m plotting an irresistible offer to get you to come work for me when you get back. So, be ready the next time I ask.”
“Will do.” Ben chucked Steven on the shoulder again before he turned his attention to Shane.
“Just remember, I suggested this,” Shane said.
“You were only trying to keep me and Ryan together so your matchmaker status would be intact.” Ben shoulder-checked Shane.
Shane pretended like he didn’t know what Ben meant. “I just wanted a good job for you, plus time with your man. I didn’t realize you’d take a wild chance to get it, but I’m proud of you for shaking everything up. Bash and I are working on a trip to see you.”
“Let us know when,” Ryan said. “We’ll try to make time to take you to see everything. If we can’t get the same days off, we’ll show you around in shifts.” Ben had lucked into a position in Kyoto, English tutoring for executives. His schedule might still be tight, compared to Ryan’s, but given the circumstances, Ryan didn’t mind so much.
“I’m glad you turned out to be worth it,” Veronica said to Ben when Shane and Steven joined Ryan’s parents. Ben looked surprised. She said, “I care about Ryan as much as you do. I’m glad you came through.” She turned to Ryan. “Hey, little brother. Glad you’re finally doing this thing. It only took you—what?—eight years to get off your ass.”
“Yeah, all those amazing international travel opportunities I passed up to stick around with you.”
“They could have been there, but you didn’t know. I hope you’ve learned that you have to go after what you want. Because you don’t get it otherwise.”
She hugged Ben, then kicked Ryan’s ankle and said, “Make me proud, little brother. See you when I see you.” She walked to join Shane and Steven, not looking back.
“Ben.” Arthur shook Ben’s hand, then held it. “I’m jealous that you’re getting to Japan before I am.”
“Won’t be long for you. By the time you get there, we’ll at least have it figured out. It’ll make your trip easier and more fun.”
“Good, good.” He clapped Ben on the shoulder and released his hand. “You have to let me know how this teaching English to executives goes for you. Maybe I’ll go do it myself when I retire. If I can convince my wife to give up her fast-paced career for me.”
Ryan glanced at Mary, who rolled her eyes. Ryan smiled, seeing his dad back to his old self, eager and excited about something so much that he was goofily pushing forward on it before everyone else was ready.
“You be good out there, Ben,” Mary said. “Keep track of new things you discover that you like to eat. When you’re back, we’ll learn together how to cook them.”
“It’s a deal.” Ben hugged her tightly. “I’ll give you guys a minute.”
He nodded to them before joining their friends.
“So, the day is finally here,” Arthur said.
Over the last few weeks, they’d spent much more time together, watching TV or reading the paper. They’d talked politics and sports. It was comfortable enough that a few times the conversation turned to Gramma and memories. It made saying goodbye harder, even if the conversations would continue in Kyoto.
“I’m proud of you, son,” Arthur said. “I hope this turns out to be what you want it to be.”
“Thank you.” Ryan wanted to hug his father, but he kept his hands in his pockets, waiting to see what Arthur offered.
“Still not completely sold on this art as a career thing.” Arthur patted Ryan’s shoulder and squeezed him clumsily. “We’ll see what happens when you get back. I do hope it’s successful for you, whatever happens.”
Mary opened her arms to hug Ryan. “I’m glad you’re going to do what makes you happy. Though I hope what makes you happy turns out to be what makes you successful. You’re brave for taking this step.”
Aboard the plane, far out over the Pacific, Ryan said, “Whatever happens when we get there, I won’t hold it against you if you change your mind.”
“If I don’t stay, then I won’t be able to hold you against me.” Pleased with his terrible play on Ryan’s words, Ben had the same goofy self-satisfied expression that made Ryan give Ben a chance on their first date.
“Drink your Coke, Sunshine.”
Ryan turned to the window, hiding a pun-induced smile. Whatever else happened, they’d made it this far together.
◊◊◊
