Desert Star Page 5

  Larsen took a sip of his lemonade. “Thanks for listening, guys. I know I can trust you.”

  River, who had been quietly absorbing the impact of Larsen’s story, nodded. “No, just listening isn’t enough.”

  “River’s right.”

  “There’s nothing either one of you can do for me. Just being able to talk about it makes me feel so much less alone. But I’m stuck with my mom until I graduate, and who knows if I’ll have any kind of money to get out then. I know one thing, though. I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got.”

  “Dude, you can’t go home to this every night. It’s just not right. You need to hang out with me more often. My family loves you.”

  “Yeah, but they’re your family. And as much as I appreciate the invitations to hang out and have dinner, I’ve got to be a man and handle my own problems. I do, Riv.”

  “Having support doesn’t mean you’re not dealing with things. Excuse me. I’ve gotta hit the head. I’ll be right back.”

  As soon as River had gone inside the restaurant, Larsen turned to Gina. “I need to say this quickly. I know how much you like this wacko guy, and I also know that I always seem to mess up your time together. Being the needy friend is one role this actor doesn’t want to play. You know? I’m glad to see you guys together today. I was hoping it would work out.”

  Gina was intrigued. “What do you mean, you were hoping it would work out?”

  “I see the way you look at him. And I saw you slip a pink piece of paper into his backpack by the lockers yesterday. In fact, I made sure to keep talking until you got the pocket zipped up.”

  “You saw me? Should I be totally embarrassed? Yes, I should.”

  “Hmm. Let me think. No, I think you should be commended. It worked, right? You’re here with Shy Guy, right?”

  Gina blushed. “Well, yeah. We are. I guess he wouldn’t have called if he didn’t like me, too.”

  “And that’s why I’m not messing it up. Trust me, I would feel worse if I knew I’d ruined your first date. I’m going to split before Riv gets back. Take care, Gina.”

  “Larsen, wait …”

  River got back to the table just in time to see Larsen quickly walking down the street. “How come he didn’t say good-bye? He should have stayed and hung with us. I need to call him.”

  Gina put a gentle hand on River’s arm. “No, you don’t. Remember the other day in the cafeteria when I told you not to help him up?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, it’s the same thing here, River. We listened to Larsen talk, and it really helped him. And we offered more, but he didn’t want it. The guy really wants friends, but he doesn’t want to be a burden. Or a third wheel. And even if we don’t feel that he is either of those things, it’s important that he doesn’t feel that way, you know?”

  “Damn, Gina. You’re almost as smart as I am.”

  Gina’s face brightened as her laughter filled the air. Her hand, still on River’s arm, squeezed him a little bit tighter. River smiled as he looked into her eyes. “I’m kind of diggin’ you, girl. I might even hold your hand in the movies.”

  Chapter 5

  For Larsen, after the hell of the prior weekend, five days passed without incident. Raylene, embarrassed that Larsen had witnessed even a hint of her sexual activity with Reggie, and relieved in believing that he had slept through the unsightly aftermath in the living room, kept to herself. The awkward silence didn’t make Larsen happy, but the absence of abuse made life at least bearable.

  Even at school, things were better. But on Friday afternoon, as soon as English class had finished, Jax was on the warpath.

  Cornering Larsen in the hallway, just as the class was emptying, Jax unleashed his ugliness. “Hey, gay boy. I hope you didn’t think I’d forgotten about you.”

  Larsen looked the bully in the eyes. “I never gave it any thought. Maybe that’s because I don’t give you any thought.”

  “Liar. Today in gym class, I saw you checking out my package.”

  “You’re delusional, Reinhardt. You’re not my type.”

  “Aw, come on. Any man with a dick between his legs is your type.”

  “You think?”

  While the rest of the class hurried to their lockers, River and Gina stood and watched. River, though it went against his nature, had learned to let Larsen fight his own battles, whenever possible. But he wasn’t going anywhere until he knew his friend was okay. River kept one eye on Jax and the other on Antonio, who stood quietly against the wall not saying a word.

  “Yeah, I think so, homo.”

  Larsen kept strong. “You know, guys who hate on gays usually do so because they’ve got a little gay thing going on themselves. Maybe you need to check yourself in the mirror. You might even fall in love.”

  Jax’s face reddened, and he bit his lower lip with rage. “You calling me a faggot, faggot? Tonio, come help me teach this cocksucker a lesson.”

  Antonio looked uneasy.

  Jax snarled at his best friend. “What the fuck, homey? You gonna just stand there while this queer insults me?”

  “Actually, man, I’ve got to get going. Bianca is waiting for me. Word out!”

  Embarrassed and angry that Antonio had refused him publicly, Jax was even more upset that his best friend appeared to have lost his taste for bullying altogether. Looking down the hallway at Antonio as he hurried around a corner, Jax mumbled “pussy” under his breath, then turned back to Larsen as his rage intensified.

  Without another word, Jax grabbed Larsen by his shirt, and swinging him around in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree circle, was just about to bash Larsen’s head into the wall, when River got between them. The force of Jax’s weight pushed River into the wall, but Larsen’s head landed safely in River’s chest, though the impact was painful for both. The principal, Hal Dreighton, who had been alerted to the incident, came tearing down the hallway, followed by Sherman Brown, the custodian.

  “You boys okay?”

  Larsen nodded. “Yes, thank you, Principal Dreighton.” He turned to River. “And thank you, man. You practically had your head split wide open for me. You okay? Did you hit your head?”

  “Nah. Almost. But no, I’m fine.” Seething, River glared at Jax, but seeing that Gina was standing there looking like she was going to cry, he rushed to comfort her.

  With Sherman Brown beside him, Principal Dreighton grabbed Jax’s arm and forcibly led him down the hall to his office, as Jax, humiliated, protested loudly every step of the way.

  River, still seething, watched them go. “Reinhardt’s getting suspended. And if he tries this lame shit again and gets caught, he’s getting expelled.”

  Gina attempted to smile. “I’m just so glad that neither of you were hurt. I was really scared. And I’m so glad that Principal Dreighton witnessed it. Maybe this craziness will come to an end.”

  “It’ll be okay, Gin. Stay here with Lars, okay? I’ll be back in a few.”

  River rushed around the corner and ducked into an empty classroom, then pulled his cell phone out of his pocket to make a call.

  “Hey, Riv. What’s up, honey?”

  “Hi, Mom. Listen, remember when I told you everything had been okay for Lars since last Friday night’s freak show with his mom and her boyfriend?”

  “Of course. Was there another incident?”

  “Not at home, but just now at school. I don’t want to get into it, but I wanted to ask you if I can bring Lars home for dinner. “

  “Absolutely, honey. In fact, I was just going to text you and ask you to do so. Not only would I like to see him, but there’s something kind of cool I’d like to talk to him about.”

  “Yeah, really? What?”

  “Be patient. You’ll find out when he does.”

  “Okay, thanks, Mom.”

  “Riv?”

  “Yeah?”

  “One more thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Maybe you’d like to bring Gina home for dinner, too.
I think we’d all like to meet your new girlfriend.”

  Stunned that his mother or anyone in the family had a clue, River stood there with his mouth open.

  “Hey, Riv, rhyme to the wise, close your mouth before you attract flies.”

  “Mom, how do you—”

  “I know you, son. I don’t have to see you. I know you. Now, are you going to ask Gina for dinner?”

  “Uh, yeah. I guess.”

  Arielle laughed. “Looking forward to it. We can’t wait to meet lover girl.”

  `*`*`*`

  River, Gina, and Larsen were relaxing in the living room when Muggins came bounding in and leaped on River’s lap. River groaned. “Hey, boy. How are you doing? Good day at work? You’d better get down. Dad’s not gonna be happy if he finds your fur all over his chair.”

  Muggins licked River’s face, then jumped down and went over to greet the visitors seated on the couch.

  Larsen stood, put his arms out, and gave the dog, who was standing on his hind legs, a hug. “Did you miss me, Muggins?”

  The dog licked Larsen’s face, nuzzled his head against him, then went over to greet Gina.

  “Hey, cutie, who are you?”

  Muggins, without waiting for an invitation, jumped up on Gina’s lap and began wildly kissing her.

  “Ha ha. That’s my mom’s chauffeur. Also my brother. Muggins.”

  Gina, giggling as Muggins eagerly showed his affection, kissed the dog back. “Hey, Riv, don’t get jealous now.”

  Arielle, carrying a heavy briefcase, walked into the room. She put the briefcase in a corner and turned to greet her guests.

  “You must be Gina Dennison.”

  Gina smiled as she stood up. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Dalworth. My mom says you and Mr. Dalworth were in school with her and Dad.”

  River looked surprised. “How come I didn’t know that?”

  Gina smiled. “Don’t know, Riv. Guess you don’t know everything.”

  Arielle laughed. “He wishes he did, but, no, he doesn’t. How are Nate and Denise? Please, sit down again.”

  Gina resumed her seat. “Um, well, they’re good. Um …”

  “I know about your mom’s battle with drugs, Gina. You can speak freely with me. It’s okay. Is she doing all right?”

  “Yeah, she’s been clean for years. I didn’t know if you knew and—”

  “Well, I do. And it’s fine. I’ve fought my own battles, honey, lots of them, so don’t ever worry about me judging your mom, okay?”

  “Thanks. I’m so relieved.”

  “Well, then I am, too. And I’m very happy to meet you. My son has excellent taste.”

  Arielle looked over at River, whose face was now crimson-red, then turned to Larsen. “Hello, my friend.”

  Larsen stood and gave Arielle a big hug. “Glad to see you, Mrs. D. Thanks for having me over again.”

  “You’re welcome, honey. Riv told me about last Friday night. I wish you would have come by the next day. You shouldn’t have to suffer that kind of pain. And certainly not without friends by your side.”

  “I appreciate that, Mrs. D. I just didn’t want to be a burden.”

  “Nothing could be further from the truth.” Arielle looked at the seat Larsen had just vacated. “Please, as you were, Lars. Before everyone else gets here, I have some business to discuss with you. I hope you’ll be as excited as I am.”

  Larsen took his seat on the couch, but he could barely sit still. “Tell me, Mrs. D. I’m going nuts trying to guess what it could be. Ever since Riv said you had something to talk to me about, my brain has been in overdrive.”

  Arielle smiled and sat in her favorite chair. Muggins, who had just finished kissing Gina, hopped onto his mother’s lap. “Sheesh! I swear this dog weighs more every day … all good things are worth going a little nutso for, don’t you think?”

  His eyes smiling, Larsen leaned back on the couch and stretched his arms lazily in mock relaxation. “Okay, then, if you don’t mind me going cuckoo before your very eyes, just keep torturing me. But I warn you, I can go around the bend pretty quickly.”

  Arielle laughed as she scratched the dog’s neck. “Gee, a girl can’t have any fun. You win. I’ll spill. Well, if you’ll recall, last Friday night when you were here, you know that my friend Lisa called from LA to ask me to be a part of this documentary she’s producing on the restoration of vintage landmarks … down you go, Muggs.”

  Muggins reluctantly got down, sitting by Arielle’s feet, and looking up at her with sad-sack eyes.

  Larsen leaned forward. “I think Muggs is trying to make you feel guilty for making him sit on the floor … sure I remember. Sounds incredible.”

  “It is. Well, I’ve spent so much of this week preparing for the interview that I realized my life would be infinitely better with an assistant helping me a few hours every day. Larsen, I’d love it if you’d come to work for me at the Desert Theater. You can work as many days as you can handle. As long as the job doesn’t interfere with your schoolwork, I’m flexible. I really need you. Twelve dollars an hour.”

  Larsen looked incredulous. “Are you kidding me? That’s like the best thing that anyone’s ever asked me. What would you need me to do?”

  “A little bit of everything. Pick up supplies and samples around town. Sweep up after the workers have gone home. Maybe some email correspondence, Internet research, take Muggins for a walk when he looks hopelessly pathetic as you see him now.”

  Larsen laughed. “And you’re going to pay me twelve bucks an hour?”

  “Absolutely. But I’m not done. After the theater is renovated, I’m producing and directing an area-wide talent show to open it. So I need to get the word out that we’re looking for theatrical talent of all ages from the neighboring towns to participate. The grand-prize winner will receive a thousand dollars and a starring role in a future production, but we’ll have other winners, too. I want to involve as many people as we can and make this theater something special. I’m planning to promote this like crazy. So … not only do I want you to help me organize the event, but I hope you’ll participate in it, too.”

  “I’d love to, Mrs. D. I’d love to do a monologue, maybe. I really am a good actor.”

  “I don’t doubt it. And I’m bringing in industry professionals from LA to judge, so you can’t count on me to play favorites. But I’ll be rooting for you.”

  Larsen fell back against the couch. “Really? I’m blown away, Mrs. D.”

  “Wow, Mom. That’s so cool. Lars will be the best assistant ever.”

  “Thanks, Riv. You know I’ll give it everything I have.”

  “You might even get discovered, dude.” River lowered his voice. “And you can save some money and have a real job to put on your resume. Things are looking up.”

  Larsen was overjoyed. He thought about the words that Martha Joy White had spoken to him the previous Saturday. Her uplifting faith in him had found a place in his heart. He hoped she’d hear about the talent show and come see him. His mind was racing as he considered all of the positive things that could come from Arielle’s offer.

  Gina reached over and gave Larsen a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Gina. Thank you all. And thank you, too, Muggins.”

  Muggins wagged his tail and nuzzled up against Larsen’s leg.

  “You know what? I think today is going to turn out to be one of the best days of my life.”

  `*`*`*`

  As Larsen sat on the couch reading The Scarlet Letter, the next assignment in English class, he found it difficult to keep his mind from wandering. Not only was he thinking about the possibilities that his new job might bring him, he was hoping that the embarrassment of the previous Friday night would put his mother in the right place to receive his good news.

  It was eleven-thirty, and she wasn’t home yet. Mick had dropped Larsen off at ten o’clock, and the nervous wait for his mother seemed endless.

  At twelve-fifteen, Larsen gulped as he heard
her key turn in the door.

  Nervously, he clenched his fists and noticed how sweaty his palms felt. “Um … hi, Mom.”

  Raylene looked at him suspiciously as she walked into the apartment and closed the door behind her. “You waiting up for me like you did last Friday night?”

  “Sort of. I thought you’d be home around eleven. I was getting a little worried. Plus, uh, I have some news.”

  Raylene put her purse down and flung herself on her favorite armchair. “It’s Friday night. Can’t a woman unwind after a long day of work?”

  Larsen swallowed the lump in his throat. “Sure, Mom. It’s just that you never text or call anymore, so when you don’t come home at the regular time, I worry.”

  “I’m the mother. You’re the son. You report your whereabouts. I don’t report mine.”

  Larsen sighed. “It’s not like that, Mom. I just want to know that you’re okay.”

  “I’m as fine as a woman can be who has to be on her damn feet all day serving people to keep a roof over our heads. What the hell would you know? You don’t work.”

  “I’m in high school, Mom. Remember? It’s a big building with classrooms where teenagers go to get an education.”

  “No need for sass.”

  “Sorry. But speaking of work, that’s what I wanted to tell you. I got a job. Part time. A few hours a day.”

  Raylene smiled. “Well, well. Miracle of miracles. My son has got himself a job. Haven’t had a Davis man working since Nathaniel got ill when you were only nine years old. I’ve been busting my ass ever since. It’s about time you contribute. Guess at your age you’ll just be making minimum wage, right? Well, that’s okay. A job is a job. A respectable start.”

  Larsen didn’t know if it was wrong not to correct his mother when she just assumed he’d be earning minimum wage. But he didn’t know how much she’d expect him to contribute, and he had to make sure he was able to save for his future. He hated lying, but necessity and survival demanded it. Maybe, if things went well, and they started getting along better, he would tell her that he got a raise. But for now, even though he was lying by omission, he had to do it.