Cruel Summer

meet cute

I stumbled into "Tommo's" the diner dubbed after my family name. My bags clanged around my sides, until my Grandpa relieved me and took them off.

"Hey son! I've missed you like crazy! I've gotta stay here to teach some kid how the damn register works, but I'll bring these up to the house for you. Go say hi to Grams, she's been dying to see you." He patted me on the back and I told him how much I missed him, until I broke away and ran towards their house.

I stood at the entrance of their gigantic McMansion, Gran stood at the doorway waiting for me to approach. Without a second thought, I bounded into her arms.

"Lou! I can't tell you just how much I've missed you!" She exclaimed, wrapping me in her warm embrace, I squeezed back.

"I've missed you just as much!" I kissed her on the cheek and we headed inside. Their house always amazed me, all they did was own a restaurant, yet they nearly lived in a mansion. We stepped into the open kitchen, with green cabinets and marble countertops.

"Was Gramps down at the restaurant? Did he see you?"

"Yeah, he's gotta teach some other newbie how to work the register, he sent me up here."

"Ahh, yes the other 'newbie'. He's got a name you know, it's Zayn. Did you see him? He's a cutie isn't he?"

Gram knew I was gay, it was pretty self-evident, but she was the first person I came out to. I remember her telling me all these stories about when she was young in the 70s, she was a huge hippie who did a lot of experimenting, be it the drug kind or the sexual kind. Gram was basically my favorite person ever, she always just got me, and she was so damn interesting. I could listen to her talk for hours and never once get bored. So when it came to who I should tell first when I figured out my sexuality, the choice was pretty clear.

"No, I haven't seen him yet. What's he like?" I responded.

"Well, he's got this jet black hair, with chocolate brown eyes, and rich caramel skin. He's a dream, really. Not sure if he swings your way, but I mean who wouldn't? You're just as attractive as him, if not more. It's worth a shot, if I do say so myself."

I rolled my eyes, Gram loved to play match-maker, "We'll see. So he's working at the restaurant this summer?"

"Yeah, his parents got a lake house just last winter. I've seen them around, they seem friendly enough. I mean there was no question about hiring him, he'll definitely bring in a lot of customers, you know with all that eye candy!" She winked.

"Wow Grams, how last century of you. So, which room am I staying in?"

"Your mom's old bedroom, you know the one, pink walls, up the stairs to the left." I nodded and made my way up the stairs, calling to her that I was going to take a much needed nap. I opened the door and saw the familiar flower printed wallpaper, the crown molding, topped off with light green and pink bedding. How perfectly masculine. Grams knew I'd like this room the best though, she always knew best. I plopped onto the plush mattress and wrapped myself up under the duvet, soon enough I was fast asleep.

However, I was rudely awakened from my slumber by a harsh knocking at the door.

"Um hello? What time is it?"

"It's 4pm. You know, Louis, living here isn't rent free. You've got a shift in an hour." I heard the gruffly voice of my grandfather speak.

"Ugh an hour? Jesus christ," I muffled, "Alright let me shower, I'll be down soon."

I heard his footsteps walk away as a symbol of agreement. Gramps and I always got along, but he was never as empathetic or caring as Grams. He came and went as he pleased and basically said whatever was on his mind, which parts of me admired about him. He was never afraid to say his truth when he needed to.