Free Two Sides of the Same Coin by Jake Mactire Page A

work between us?”
    He looked down. “I don’t know, maybe.”
    “Believe me, Robert, I have tried. For us to work out, we’d have to meet in the middle. You don’t seem to be willin’ to do that, and to be really frank, I’m not sure if I want to. Can’t you see that unless both of us change significantly, we ain’t ever gonna be happy together? Look how angry and upset you’ve been since you got here. You’re not happy here. I understand that. Robert, don’t you know I’m not happy in San Francisco? I thought it would be great, bein’ a gay man there and bein’ with you, but I belong here. Yep, this is the end. Just be careful what you wish for next time ’cause when you get it, you just might find out it’s not what you really wanted.”
    “Spare me the cowboy philosophy poetry.”
    “Goodbye, Robert.”
    He looked back at me. “You know, Jeff, I guess you’re right. We just aren’t right for each other. Maybe someday we can be in touch without hurting one another. Goodbye, Jeffrey.”
    “Goodbye Robert; please take good care.”
    “You too, Jeffrey; I’m sorry we both want different things.”
    “Me too, Robert.”
    I turned and walked into my room and closed the door. I listened for a few minutes as he got his stuff together and headed out. I could hear the car door slam, and then the engine start, rev, and get quieter as the distance increased. When I couldn’t hear the car anymore, I became aware of clapping from downstairs. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, and put on a pair of socks, and headed down. Sandy and Maria were at the kitchen table. A pot of coffee was on the stove, and Mike, José, Josh, and Wayne all stood there grinnin’ at me. Sandy and Maria both looked happy as hell. I couldn’t help but smilin’ a bit myself.
    “I reckon y’all heard that?” A chorus of yeses answered me.
    “Jeff, I am so glad you got rid of him.” Sandy jumped up and gave me a big hug.
    “Yeah boss, you deserve lots better. He was always nagging on you. He is an idiot.” José clapped me on the shoulder.
    “Thanks. Just remember, he’s hurtin’, too, okay? Right now I really need some coffee.” Maria jumped up and grabbed a mug and poured a cup.
    “Cream or sugar?”
    “Just black, thanks, Maria, I appreciate it.”
    “You’re welcome. I think both of you will be happier now.”
    “You happy, Jeff?” Wayne was lookin’ at me all serious-like now.
    “I reckon I will be when I feel a bit better. I had way too much to drink last night.”
    “Well, as long as you’re happy.” He gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder. “It’s time we got a move on. Josh, why don’t you take the ladies home? Mike and me are gonna ride up to where the cattle was rustled. If there are any cattle around that area, we’ll herd them away from there. José, you want to make sure the cattle pens are in good shape? It’ll be roundup time in a few weeks.”
    “What ya got for me to do, Wayne?”
    “You just get over your hangover and work on your art. Your dad told me how good you were, and I aim to see. So you get out there and make somethin’ pretty.”
    “Sure thing, Wayne, and thanks; I do gotta go into town in a bit. I saw Mike on Saturday and need to tell Sheriff Johnston.” Wayne stared at me, and then clapped Mike on the back.
    “Lucky break for you boy, that’s great!”
    “After you talk to Dad, if he doesn’t throw you in jail, come by and I’ll have a burger and a beer for ya at One Eyed Jack’s.”
    “That makes me remember when we were kids. You always used to say, ‘my dad is Sheriff Johnston, and he’s gonna throw you in jail if you don’t stop it’. Are you workin’ tonight?”
    “Nope, Maria and I are celebratin’ with you that you’re single, and Mike’s free.”
    “That’s right, Jeff. And Mike, I am happy you are in the clear; I knew you wouldn’t hurt Pedro.” Maria gave Mike a hug, and he turned beet red. She and Sandy filed out, followed by José,