Baton Rouge Bingo by Greg Herren

face darkened a bit, and she scowled. “He’s a good kid, a really smart, sweet kid with good manners. What is wrong with his parents? I mean, look at him.” She wiped at her eyes. “They should be proud they raised such a good kid. So what if he’s gay? I swear to God, I want to drive up there and knock their idiot heads together. It’s all so stupid, and to claim religion as a basis for throwing out their child? No thank you. You’d think they’d turn their backs on a religion that would tell them they need to treat their kid like garbage. What kind of God, what kind of religion would ask that of a parent? Where’s the compassion? Where’s the Christian love?” Her eyebrows came together. “I just hope someday I get the chance to tell his dad exactly what I think of him. I’m so glad you and Frank are taking him in.”
    “Yeah.” I looked down at my hands.
    “What’s wrong with you? Is there something more you’re not telling me?” She looked at me shrewdly. “Mom said you were nervous about having him around. You do know that’s stupid, right?” She narrowed her eyes.
    “Yeah, yeah, I know.” I shrugged. “I just don’t know, Rain. Am I the right person to be around an eighteen-year-old?”
    “Listen to me.” She reached over and grabbed my hands. “You’re a good person, Milton Scott Bradley, and you know it. You have a big heart, and you always put others ahead of yourself. Mom and Dad raised us all right, and who better?” She giggled. “I remember when you were eighteen.” She rolled her eyes. “Constantly horny and going out all the time—he’ll be much the same, I would imagine.”
    “I suppose,” I said dubiously. “Did he say anything about his plans? For after the summer?”
    “Scotty.” She leaned forward and grabbed both of my hands. “We are all going to do everything we can to make him a part of the family—because he is family. Don’t ever forget that he’s family, okay? If he wants to go back to school at Alabama, we support him. If he wants to stay here and go to Tulane, we support that choice. If he wants to go to Paris to live with Jean-Michel, we support that decision.”
    The door slid open, and I stood up as Frank and a red-faced Taylor came out onto the porch. “Taylor, I want you to meet my partner, Scotty. Scotty, this is our nephew, Taylor.”
    I held out my hand and took his, shaking it. “I’m glad to finally meet you, Taylor. Welcome to New Orleans, and welcome to the family.”
    “Thanks for putting me up,” he mumbled, looking down at his shoes again. “Sorry you have to.”
    He was so adorable my heart melted. I threw my arms around him and gave him a big hug. He stiffened at first, but relaxed and hugged me back. “You’re family, Taylor. You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you like. You always have a home with us. I hope you know that.”
    Frank beamed at me. “Go get your stuff, Taylor, and we’ll take you home.”
    Without a word and still blushing, Taylor disappeared back into the house.
    “Thanks, Rain.” Frank kissed the top of her head. “Taylor’s crazy about you.”
    “What’s not to be crazy about?” she asked, one eyebrow arching upward. She stood and linked arms with us, walking us back to the foyer. “Frank, you were amazing last night. As soon as I burn the DVD, I’ll bring it over so you can see for yourself.” She punched him lightly in the arm. “I was so proud of you!”
    Frank’s face turned just as red as Taylor’s had. Before he had a chance to say anything, Taylor was coming down the hall with a big green duffel bag slung over his shoulder. Rain hugged him. “Don’t be a stranger,” she said with a big smile. “I mean it!”
    “Here.” I took his duffel bag, which was surprisingly heavy, and carried it out to the Explorer. I tossed it into the back and closed the hatch door.
    “You all have to come over for dinner. Soon. I mean it!” Rain called from the front steps as we climbed into the