We've met both Rory and Eric in the previous installment. Though Eric and Will didn't hang out a lot they formed a friendship right from the start, even if Eric is the quiet brooding kind whom is hard to get to know. Rory on the other hand seems to be EASY to figure out with his very "out there" behavior, and especially his dislike of anyone being gay.. He might have been very close to Heath after his brother William died (as Rory was William's best friend) but once he learned he was dating Will it ended abruptly, well, it's actually a well known pattern for Rory - when things don't work out he runs. That's also how he finds himself (stuck) on the road to Wellington being rescued by no other - Eric Graham - the guy who kissed him right before he told him off screaming and cursing him.
When Eric sees Rory stuck with a flat tire on the road he can't turn him down, even if he dislikes the guy, there is no one on the road and probably won't be for a long while and with a truck he has no problem taking both Rory and his motorcycle. The ride isn't easy, it's more than awkward. But Eric has done the right thing including being a bit mean to Rory on their way. What? He deserved it!
Rory A. Phillips (see if you can guess what the "A" stands for!) had a difficult time the past few years ever since his best friend died. He simply can't find himself and mostly he can find - see - William EVERYWHERE and every time THAT happens he takes his stuff and runs away to his next stop. This time he is actually going back to his family, not his parents, to his uncle and his little, well, not so little anymore, nephew. He doesn't know what he's going to do with his life but when he gets an offer to work as a nanny he accepts. He always did enjoy the company of kids. He didn't expect to stumble upon Eric in the grocery store, at the pool, in the park where he plays with the girl he takes care of.. Surprisingly enough Eric isn't mean to him, he actually tries to connect. He gives up a bit of a fight at first, but in the end they somehow find a routine, and later on become friends. Who would have thought?
For Eric seeing Rory everywhere is his own little sign that maybe he should give the guy a chance. Especially as he sees a different side of Rory every time they meet. Even before the real apology for his behavior a few years back, Eric finds he enjoys Rory's company and truth be told he NEEDS a friend, now more than ever, when he is finally alone. His grandfather died leaving him with no living family after his parents died in a car accident years before that. Living in a rundown apartment (the only thing he can afford), a job he hates and a cat who might actually have (another) family of his own. Rory's company is bliss. Getting closer together he understands Rory's hate of "fags" is a bit of a self hate provoked from his upbringing and his fear of dealing with his true feelings for his lost best friend.
Rory wants to be true to himself. To admit his sexuality, his feelings. But it's easier said than done. Actually it's not easier said either. But Eric is so patient with him. being firstly his friend, not pushing him, just being there for him, no judgment. They hangout, enjoy each other's company. Talk, sometimes in chat where Rory is more comfortable, but as time goes by, he finds he is more comfortable in person as well. When they share their first (or rather - second) kiss it's time to think about things more seriously. You'd think (only) Rory would be the one to back down, but Eric needs to be sure he is ready for this step as well. He has done the "casual thing" for a long time, but trusting someone to be with him, to stay, isn't easy on him after everyone he loved left him.
Rory and Eric's journey, together and on their own, was heart breaking but ultimately BEAUTIFUL to read. They both had their demons, both left on their own so finding solace in one another was a wonder. While it was more obvious the ways Eric was there for Rory, Rory was trying his best to be there for Eric somewhat secretly. For him it was about making it up to Eric but unlike his previously known behavior it was quiet and not loud and out there. Like sneaking through Eric's apartment window to fix some things while Eric was at work and maybe a little warming up to his cat on the way as well..
Funny enough when I finished (what I THOUGHT was) the last chapter I felt a bit let down. I hoped more things would have been resolute and yet I WAS happy with Eric and Rory. They got there. Together. I was happy. Then turning to the next page I realized there's one more chapter to go! Don't even know why I thought the previous one was it! hehe and THEN everything closed beautifully. I truly couldn't have asked for more!
GREAT READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Like the previous one this one could be read as a stand alone though Will and Heath DO make a few appearances and I guess there are a few details that reveal more about their book... I didn't mind that but William's story in itself IS a spoiler I guess..
 |
Rating:
★★★★★ |
E-Book
Edition |
245
pages
|
Read on:
16-17 August 2019
|  |  |  |  |  |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment