there has been no large problems but I do not go back often now that Mama is here. You go back yes? Every summer?”
“Yes.”
“Mm, then perhaps you will face more hostility. I cannot tell you which path is less rocky road. Each man must choose his own way, but I do know that I could not imagine my life without my husband and my children. Please, my friend, be mindful of caution. Is there a way to bring your family over here?”
“No, I do not think so. My brother Dimi, you know him, he plays for the KHL and is soon to be engaged to a lovely girl. My parents…I cannot see them leaving their home for America.” My head was beginning to ache a bit, as it always did when I tried to juggle who I was with where I came from.
“Ah well, then you will have to be making a walk on a tight rope. Do you love Tate deeply?”
“I…my feelings are deep, yes,” I confessed.
“Then it is a hard pick to make, not like picking nose which is easy. Please, if you wish more talking time, call me. I will send you my cell phone number. I am always loving to talk my Russian brothers.”
“Thank you, Stan. I will let you go now. Finish your puppet before the children come back home.”
“Do you wish more help on love and marriage and family? I can show you how to make puppets from old socks. I have buttons and ribbons!”
“No, I am…I do not need puppets. But thank you for taking time to speak with me. You are a good friend. Give your family and husband my love. They are lucky to have you.”
“Please to let me know how things with Tate go?” The puppet was speaking now. I shook my head, chuckled at the sock pressed up to the camera, called Stan a foolish ass, and we said our goodbyes.
Long after the phone call ended I sat in the kitchen, staring at my untouched bottle of water, thinking. Frank flew in to join me. Landing on the island, he began mouthing the cap on my water bottle. I reached out to stroke him. He lowered his head to allow me to rub his neck, petting against the lie of the feathers which was opposite of how one would pet a dog. He loved to be scratched behind his ears, and so I sat there stroking him as I mulled over Stan’s wise words. Perhaps, just perhaps, I did need to throw my hands into the air. Just this once…
I glanced at Frank. He gave my hand a kiss, opening his beak and touching his tongue to my finger. I smiled at him, called him to my hand, and carried him to his crate. He was happy to settle into his pen, as his feed dishes were full. As he feasted on fruity-flavored pellets, I went back to the kitchen, found my phone, and sent Tate a text.
I want to ride with you. Please, come to me so we can talk. – V
It seemed to take forever for him to reply but it was perhaps thirty minutes or so.
Sorry, phone died. Got a charge from Ryker fast to reply. Ride what? Where and when to talk? – T
My place. Soon as possible. Please. -V
Be there in thirty. <3 -T
He arrived in twenty. It was far too long and far too short.
I let him in and he went right to Frank, who showed off, called Tate a fucker in Russian and then asked for a grape. Tate looked over his shoulder at me, seeking permission to feed the bird. I nodded and went off to find some grapes in the fridge. Plucking a bunch free, I then walked back to the cage, planting myself beside Tate. He smelled fresh and citrusy. I yearned to pick him up, carry him to my bed, and lose myself in him.
“You said something about a ride with me?” he said as he pulled a fat red grape from the stem and held it between the wires of the cage. Frank hustled over on his perch, wings out, head bobbing, and took the grape with a cry of joy.
“Yes, I want to ride with you. On the rollercoaster of love.”
“Is that like the freeway of love?”
“I get that joke,” I said and he gave me a nudge of his elbow. “It was a song, I know songs, movies not so much.”
He gave the parrot another