Last of the Summer Tomatoes (19 page)

Kyle leaned back against the seat. He still wasn’t too sure about this public dating thing. It was one thing to hold Sam’s hand in a city over an hour away, but this was Sam’s hometown. People knew him here, and by association, they knew Kyle. But if he’d learned one thing from Sam, it does no good to deny who you are. If Sam wanted to hold hands down Main Street, so be it.

The town square was filled with various booths, some selling food, others selling hand-crafted knick-knacks, even a booth selling saddles. Two of the main streets around the square had been blocked off. Rides had been set up, even a Ferris wheel. The air was filled with yummy scents, seemingly hundreds of people milling about, children screaming from the fast rides.

“You two have a good time. We’ll see you about sunset on the hill, usual spot?” Glenda pointed down the street.

“Sunset. We might head out a little earlier, scope out the best viewing spot. See you then!” Sam waved at his parents as both couples held hands walking in opposite directions. “Okay, corn dog first.”

“Yep, you and food.” Kyle playfully bumped shoulders with him.

“This stuff only comes around twice a year, here at the Fourth of July festival and at the county fair.”

“Is your dad going to enter anything this year?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t talked about it. He usually lets Mom do all the entering of stuff. He’s not in the business for the blue ribbons. But Mom sure likes winning for her preserves.”

“She’s a really good cook.”

“You know, you ought to have her teach you some things so you can cook decent meals when you go to college. You’re still too skinny.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to gain weight. I’ve been eating a lot more since I got here, and nothing’s changed.”

“Well, from what I’ve seen, once you hit thirty, yeah, that’ll go out the window. Although, from the picture you showed me, your dad was fairly thin. Maybe you’ll escape the freshman fifteen, the sophomore thirty, and the middle-age belly creep.”

“God, I hope so! I can’t imagine myself with what, forty-five pounds on me in two years! Really, college kids gain that much weight?”

“Sometimes. A lot of them have the all-you-can-eat meal passes. Most dorms have cafeterias that are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids seem to chow all day long. They don’t realize how many calories they’re consuming as they study or wait for their next class.” Sam stopped them in front of a small trailer with a huge fiberglass corn dog on the roof. “Two corn dogs, please.” He handed one to Kyle. “Mustard, ketchup, or both?”

“I don’t know… never had one before. We don’t have festivals like this.”

“Damn, you city kids are deprived. Here, try mine with the mustard.” He tilted his corn dog toward Kyle. “What, you’ll kiss me but not eat after me?”

“It’s not that… oh, all right.” Kyle took a bite, the sweet cornbread, salty hot dog and spicy mustard exploding on his tongue. “That is good!”

“If you want more sweet, try the ketchup.”

“No, I think I’ll like the mustard better.” He lined his corn dog with mustard.

Sam reached down for Kyle’s hand with his free hand. “So, you wanna walk around for a bit? See all the stuff they’re selling?”

“Sure.”

They hit a few stalls, Kyle becoming more comfortable as they walked hand in hand. Sam had been right, there were a few stares, but no one bothered them and no one said anything to them. And it felt right.

“Sammy!”

They turned around to see Nurse Sally approaching them, holding hands with a very tall Native American man.

“Nurse Sally!” Sam gave Sally a one-armed hug. “It’s great to see you. And Mr. Nurse Sally.”

Kyle gave him a confused look.

“This is Kisecawchuck, Nurse Sally’s husband. I couldn’t pronounce his name as a kid, so he became Mr. Nurse Sally.”

Kisecawchuck extended his hand to Kyle. “And I am honored to be known by my wife’s name. You must be the Kyle my
nicimos
has told me about.”

Kyle shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Sally patted her husband’s arm. “I’m glad to see you two here. Hope there wasn’t any soreness from the tetanus shots.”

“Nope, nothing. You’re the best with the shots.”

Sally looked at Sam and Kyle’s clasped hands. “I’m happy to see you two together. I thought I saw something between you fine young men when you were at the clinic.”

Kyle looked mortified. Thinking back at the clinic, he couldn’t think of anything he’d done to tip off anyone he liked Sam.

“I found myself a keeper, that’s for sure.” Sam gave Kyle’s hand a squeeze.

“Well, you both have fun. Mr. Nurse Sally and I are going to head over for the elephant ears. I swear, he’s got an addiction to them.” She kissed her husband on the cheek.

“Enjoy the rest of the day; be sure to scope out a good seat for the fireworks!” Sam waved at them as they went their separate ways.

Kyle pulled Sam off to the side, next to a popping balloons game trailer. He kept his voice low. “She knew?”

“She’s Native American. I don’t question.”

“But I swear, I didn’t….”

Sam put his finger to Kyle’s lips. “Shhh. Don’t question. Just accept.”

“And… I’m a keeper?”

“Well, yeah. Aren’t you enjoying being with me?”

“Yeah.”

“Does it bother you I said that?”

“Well… what happens when I leave in August?”

“I… I don’t know. But no matter what happens, you’ll still be my friend, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So, you’re a keeper, one way or another.” Sam gave him a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. “Okay, come on, Ferris wheel time. Please tell me you’ve been on a Ferris wheel before.”

“A couple of times. There’s a fair that comes into our neighborhood once a year. My dad took me once; Billy and I went last year.”

“And you’re not afraid of heights?”

“Nope. It’s hard to be afraid when you live in a city full of skyscrapers.”

“That’s true. Come on!” Sam led him to the Ferris wheel. Once they were secured in, Sam put his arm around Kyle. “A very relaxing ride. I hope we get stuck at the top for a little so we can see the countryside. Might give you some ideas for a drawing, huh?”

“Might. I’m actually thinking of a piece to do based on the festival.”

“I’d love to see you do more. You have a gift.”

“Thanks.”

“And that, my friend, is how you take a compliment.” Sam leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

“I told you I’d try.”

“And you are succeeding. I’m very proud of you.”

All too soon, the ride was over. A shared elephant ear later, and they were heading toward the hill in the park down the street to scope out a spot for the fireworks. They found the perfect spot and settled in for the show. Walt and Glenda found them a few minutes later.

“You boys have fun?” Walt plopped down, having Glenda sit between his legs, her back to his chest.

“Yep. Corn dogs and elephant ears consumed, rides rode, sellers scoped out. Now ready for the fireworks.” Sam reached for Kyle’s hand. “You… you want to sit like that? You can lean on me.” He cocked his head over to his parents.

“Uh… I… I guess so.” Kyle moved to sit between Sam’s legs. Sam’s arms came around him, and wow, his heart gave a little jump.
This
was what it meant to be cared for, protected even, and heck, even maybe loved.

The fireworks show was spectacular, not because of the various shapes and colors, but because for the first time he could remember, he was sharing this moment in time with someone. Actually, someones. He felt like an actual part of a family, a family who accepted him for what he was, flaws and all and still loved him. A tear came to his eye.

Sam leaned down to whisper in Kyle’s ear. “You okay?”

Kyle rubbed his eye, brushing the tear away. “Yeah, I’m… just a little overwhelmed. I haven’t felt like this, well, ever. Maybe a little when my dad was alive, but I don’t remember much.”

“I hope we can build on these good memories.”

“So do I.”

The fireworks show over, the Johnson family and Kyle stayed put for a little longer to let the crowd thin out.

“What did you guys think of the show?” Glenda glanced over at them.

“Cool as ever, Mom.” Sam hugged Kyle close.

“Ready to head back?” She extricated herself from Walt, who helped her up.

“I guess so. Hate leaving, but I know we need to check on the animals.”

Walt brushed off his pants. “Yeah, need to double-check the fence and gate closest to the house. Saw some fresh coyote tracks this morning.”

Kyle got up, lending a hand to Sam. “I hope they don’t spook the cows.”

“Coyotes won’t bother the cows too much; they are too big. Might try to grab a calf, but they’re certainly after the chickens and goats.”

The ride back to the farm was quiet. Kyle leaned up against Sam in the backseat, his head on Sam’s shoulder. He dozed a little, feeling quite content. He was a little groggy when they got back to the farm.

“Kyle, go around to the east side, check the gate there. Sam, you head to the chicken coop and the goats. I’ll check the west side.” Walt gave Glenda a kiss, then headed toward the pasture.

“I’ll get some hot chocolate going. Then I think it’s bedtime for all. I’m quite pooped.”

Kyle nodded. Sam gave Kyle a quick kiss. “See ya in a few. I had a good time today.”

“I did too.” Kyle went to the east side pasture, checking the gate and fence, seeing the cows contently chewing, some lying down. It was all very peaceful. He headed back inside to some hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. Sam came in next, followed by Walt. They all gathered around the kitchen table, quietly enjoying the relaxing drinks. Good nights were said, and the entire family headed to bed.

Kyle woke up to a grayish morning, low clouds threatening rain. He heard the familiar stirrings in the kitchen, then a loud “Walt!” came ringing from the kitchen. Kyle sat straight up, tripping over the bed covers trying to get out of bed.

“Walt! The cows are out!”

Kyle’s heart skipped a beat. He found his jeans and t-shirt and tried to put his shoes on while going down the stairs. All he ended up doing was falling on his ass. He could see Walt outside already, trying to herd the couple of cows that had started to graze in the front yard. Sam came running up behind him, yelling at his dad as he bolted out the door.

“I’ll get the horses and dogs, Pops!”

Kyle got to the front porch in time to see Sam run into the horse barn. In what seemed like seconds, three dogs and two saddled horses came running out, Sam on Mike, leading a larger horse called Opie toward his father. Walt mounted and the two of them raced off to herd the cows back into the pasture. Kyle didn’t know what to do. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, they’ll round them up. The cows never stray far, they just want a taste of the grass on the other side of the fence. Grass is always greener, as the saying goes.”

“How… how’d they get out?”

“Looks like the gate on the east side is open.”

East side! That was my responsibility last night!
“Are… are you sure?”

“It seemed ajar when I looked out the window. It’s always a jolt to see a cow eating your petunias from the kitchen window sill.”

Kyle hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“I was supposed to secure the east side last night. I was tired… but that’s no excuse.”

“Oh, hun, don’t worry about it. Walt and Sam will get them rounded up. Why don’t you come inside and grab something to eat, then start milking the cows that stayed put?”

“I’m not very hungry. I’ll just go ahead to the barn, if that’s okay.”

“That’s fine, but please, don’t worry.”

Kyle nodded, leaving Glenda standing on the front porch as he tended the cows that hadn’t escaped.

Of the ninety-seven cows on the milking schedule, all but eleven of them were waiting in the side pasture. He had just wrapped up milking all of the eighty-six faithful, nonadventurous cows when he saw Sam and Walt herding eight of the lost back into the holding pen. Which meant three cows were still outstanding, and now it was starting to rain. The eight came to the side door, and Kyle got to work milking them. He saw Sam take off again down the road with the dogs, no doubt in search of the three strays. Walt went into the horse barn. He was letting the last couple of cows go when Walt came into the milking barn.

“We got all but three. Sam’ll find them.” Walt took off his cap and scrubbed his head.

Kyle wasn’t able to look Walt in the eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“Why do you say that, son?”

“I was supposed to check the east side, and I guess I didn’t latch it right.” Kyle didn’t know what to expect from Walt. He didn’t think Walt would hit him, but yelling wasn’t out of the question. Or making him pay for the cows and lost time. “What can I do to make it up? I… I can do extra chores or something to work it off.”

“Work it off?”

“If you don’t find the three cows. I can work it off. I know they are expensive; I… I can put off school for a while and pay for them.”

Walt walked over to Kyle, placing his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. Out of habit Kyle’s reflexes kicked in, and he flinched.

Walt noticed the flinch, but kept his hand on Kyle’s shoulder, giving a little squeeze. “I appreciate the gesture. But one, they are all tagged. Even if Sam doesn’t find them, they’ll wander off to another farm and we’ll get a call to pick them up. Two, even if we never find them, there is no need for you to worry. I do have insurance.”

Kyle’s head shot up. “Insurance on
cows
?”

Walt let out a small laugh. “Yes, son, farmer’s insurance isn’t just for the farmland, it’s for the property, and cows are property.”

“But it’s all my fault. The time you’ve had to spend finding just eight of them….”

“And it’s not the first time I’ve had to go chase them. Remember I told you cows can get spooked pretty easily? Stampede?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you really think three rows of barbed wire and a fence post will stop a one-ton cow, let alone a herd of them?”

“Well, no.”

“So believe me, I’ve had to round up more than just eleven of them before. It’s why we have the herding dogs. They aren’t just for show.”