Out of Nowhere (Middle of Somewhere #2)

by Roan Parrish

So, would you be interested in teaching a workshop about cars or what it’s like working as a mechanic?”

“I want to be clear,” he says. “I’m gay. I was at that bar the other night to pick someone up. My sexuality isn’t an issue for me, and all the kids I work with know about it. I’m assuming that isn’t the case for you, and that’s fine.

“A sissy. A faggot.” Rafe’s eyes flash. “I don’t like that word, Colin.” “Sorry, sorry. I just mean, you know, he started treating him like he wasn’t a man.”

pressure on my neck. “I’d like to spend time with you, but there’s somewhere I need to be. If you come with me, I get the best of both worlds. What do you say?”

“West Philly. Books Through Bars packing session.” “Uh. What?” “You’ll see.”

I have nothing to do today but stare at the wall. I bet Rafe has things to do. Letters to write to prisoners and kids to inspire and fundraisers to plan, or whatever they were going to do when they left to get dinner together last night.

Over the next weeks, every few evenings after work, Rafe’ll come over, we’ll go running, eat dinner, and talk through movies I don’t care about. Rafe thinks about movies analytically, and he connects everything to politics and social justice.