Word had started getting around and new people called Jim to do gardening for them. He still had mixed feelings about getting paid to do what he enjoyed, but he wanted to save money for college and pay Brian something toward all the food he ate.
After dinner one night, they stayed in the basement to escape the continued heat wave, the worst either had experienced in San Jose. They stripped to their briefs, drank root beer, and ate chips and nuts. Jim did calisthenics and lifted weights while Brian watched from the safety of the bed, softly strumming his guitar. The music helped Jim push himself to his limits with the weights. He’d have to be strong to be a police officer.
While Jim exercised and sweated, Brian spoke as he played. “I’ve known I was different since I was six. I can’t expla
