Timothy’s Terrible Prompt Stories - 62. Prompt 589 Who is singing that?

“Who is singing that? It sounds familiar.”

Eric looked up from his homework to find Rob lounging in the open door. They often left their doors ajar, if they didn’t mind interruptions, and anything which could give him a break from this history essay was welcome.

“Bonnie Raitt.”

“I didn’t know you liked country.”

“She’s more like a blues singer. Dad listens to her sometimes.”

“But that’s not the reason she’s suddenly a favorite.” Rob’s tried to sound innocent, but his smirk gave him away.

“Nelson played her hits Love Sneakin' Up On You and Something to Talk About for me on our date.”

“And are you going to follow her advice at the Prom?”

“What advice?”

Rob gestured at the loudspeaker and they both fell silent as the red-headed singer had another go at the refrain.

Let's give them something to talk about
A little mystery to figure out
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love, love, love, love?

“I could ask the same of you, Rob. Are you taking anyone to the Prom or not?”

“Even if I did, it wouldn’t be a love match, but a matter of convenience.”

“Or making a statement?”

Rob walked over to the bed and sat down, and Eric turned his chair to face him.

“I talked with Trevor about it yesterday, but he said us going together would be a fake statement, and I agree. Inviting another girl could be seen as spite, and I don’t want to do that. I broke up with Mel, and I’ll live with the consequences.”

“You actually don’t mind, do you?” Eric was certain Rob was fine with his single status, even for Prom night.

“There is too much focus on the couple aspect of Prom. A lot of guys worry about having to ask a girl to Prom if they don’t have a girlfriend. What if she says no? Am I a failure if I can’t get a date, even just as friends? There’s so much pressure, and it’s not OK to say you don’t want to invite someone. That annoys me.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right. I spoke to Maria, and she says a lot of her friends were anxious about Prom right from the start of the year. It’s like it’s a competition for the best date, gown, flowers and all the other stuff. I don’t care about that. I just want to dance with Nelson, celebrate the end of the school year, and see everyone enjoy themselves.”

“Well, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going stag, and I’ll dance with any girl standing around without a partner, and with Trevor and any other GSA member who wants to dance. I shall be the envy of all the guys who are struck with a date they don’t really fancy.”

Eric sighed and shook his head in mock outrage. “I’m sure you’ll get their attention, Rob, whether those guys are straight or not. Are you really going to dance with Trevor?”

“Why not? He’ll probably dance with girls, even though he’s gay, so why can’t I dance with guys, even though I’m straight? It’s not as if we’re going to dance cheek-to-cheek or anything.”

“Sure, everybody will find your reasoning completely logical,” Eric said with a shrug.

Rob ignored the sarcasm from his brother and changed the topic. “Anyway, I came up here to ask if I can go with you tomorrow. Mom said you were going to get your tux.”

Eric hesitated for a split second. Normally, he liked shopping for clothes together with his handsome and out-going brother, because Rob would get most of the attention from the shop attendants and their mom. This meant he could keep a low profile, but that wouldn’t happen when getting fitted for Prom clothes.

“Why do you want to join us?”

“I want to get new accessories, now that I don’t have to cater to Mel’s taste and dress. Last year she made me wear a maroon cummerbund, and this year she was trying to argue for a black vest.”

“I was going to get a dark blue vest.”

“Sounds good, and what will Nelson wear?”

“I think he’ll go for a black cummerbund.”

“And you’ll both go traditional with black ties? No pink statements?”

“Ugh, no. I did think about a dark blue tie, but Nelson thinks black is best.”

“And whatever lover boy wants is what you’ll do, eh?”

“Buzz off, Rob.”

“You never answered my question.”

“Oh, all right, you can come with us tomorrow.”

“Cool, see ya later, bro.” Rob flashed him a pleased grin and sauntered off.

With a sigh, Eric dug out his cell phone and shot off a text to Nelson.

“Rob coming to tux shop”

The reply came immediately. “Does he know we r meeting up?”

“Don’t think so. I didn’t want to say no.”

“It’s fine with me.”

“You sure?”

“Of course.”

“You wanna come home with us?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll ask if you can stay the night too if you want.”

“Yes please.”

Eric smiled at the quick reply, and he was writing an answer, when another message arrived.

“Let me ask Mom.”

Deleting his reply, Eric instead sent “OK same here. TTYL”

Ten minutes later Eric was back in his room, face still a bit hot. He grabbed the phone and sent a happy text to confirm the deal. It had been a slightly awkward conversation with his parents, but since tomorrow was Friday, Eric was able to argue that he and Nelson would not be missing any school if they stayed up late. He had hinted at inviting Maria and Tony, and that Jasper and Carolyn might join them too. Rob had already stated his intention to go out for a meal with some people from the baseball team, according to their mom. They wouldn’t be out late though, since they had a game Saturday afternoon.

This time Eric was the one walking down the corridor to knock on Rob’s open door. He’d gotten an affirmative reply from Maria, and Nelson would ask Jasper. He wanted Rob to know about the plans, but he wouldn’t tell his brother how relieved he was about not having to worry about Mel being there. And knowing Rob, he wouldn’t care about being the only single guy present. He would talk to Tony and Jasper as friends, charm the ladies, banter with Nelson, and tease his brother as always. Rob could be quite predictable in some ways, whether he was annoying or nice.

“Rob?”

“Yup.”

“Nelson, Maria and Tony are coming over tomorrow night. Jasper and Carolyn might join us too. We’ll probably watch a movie and hang out.”

“Sounds cool. Mind if I join you when I get back?”

“Of course not, that’s why I’m telling you.”

“I might ask Mitch if he can drop off Ryan. That should save me half an hour.”

“You’re hanging out with Ryan? I thought—“

“I had a chat with him the other day,” Rob interrupted. “He’s a good guy behind the gruff front. I hope he’ll join the GSA on Monday.”

Eric stared at his brother in shock. “Are you saying that….”

Rob shook his head. “I have no idea where Ryan falls on the scale, and it’s none of my business either. But his cousin’s gay and I think Ryan wants to show his support to someone who’s being ignored by the rest of the family.”

“Oh.” Eric wasn’t quite sure what Rob was implying, and he didn’t really know Ryan or his family.

“Yeah, the guy has guts when it counts.”

“Did you notice that before or after making him puke by punching those guts?”

“Ha, ha, very funny, bro.”

“You’re welcome, Rob.”

Just a little something to keep the pitchforks at bay.