Nick Poff
THE HANDYMAN'S REALITY IS THE WINNER OF THE GAY/LESBIAN FICTION CATEGORY OF THE 2007 FOREWORD MAGAZINE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The story of handyman Ed Stephens and his mailman boyfriend Rick Benton continues in The Handyman’s Reality, the anticipated follow-up to The Handyman’s Dream.
When Rick decides to move in with Ed and begin a committed relationship, Ed believes his long-time dreams about the perfect man have come true. However, he quickly learns that the day-to-day reality of living with another man is not always the blissful fantasy he had imagined. Ed’s good friend and staunch supporter, Mrs. Hilda Penfield, complicates matters further with a stunning proposal for Ed and Rick. As they make their first major decision as a couple, Ed realizes that Rick’s vision of their life together isn’t an exact match of his own. In addition, Ed’s concerns about living openly with another man in Porterfield, Indiana—population nine thousand—continue to haunt him, and are brought into sharper focus after an unpleasant encounter with one of his clients.
Ed doesn’t lack for input and advice from his opinionated mother, Norma; his younger but more experienced sister, Laurie; his mouthy but lovable friend, Gordy; and the wise and wonderful Mrs. Penfield. Fortunately, Ed’s practicality and his desire to make his marriage with Rick work enable him to navigate the unexpected twists and turns of his new life with the grace and humor that endeared Ed to readers of The Handyman’s Dream.
With another soundtrack of timeless pop classics, author Nick Poff invites you to enjoy the continuing heartwarming journey of Ed and Rick as they make the transition from romantic courtship to the realities of a life together.
Nick Poff, a native Hoosier, currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition to writing, he also works in the radio industry and admits to beginning that career in the days when disc jockeys actually spun records. The Handyman’s Reality is his second novel. For more information on this book, the music included in the story, and his first novel, The Handyman’s Dream, visit www.nickpoff.com and www.writermen.com.
The record changer clicked, and another record fell onto the turntable. Petula Clark began to sing “Don't Sleep in the Subway” just as Ed heard a knock on the back door.
“Yoo-hoo,” he heard his mother, Norma, call through the door. Not waiting for an answer, she barged up the steps to the kitchen, carrying a grocery bag. “Ed Stephens,” she barked at the sight of him. “After nine in the morning, and you’re still sitting around in that ratty bathrobe. Honestly!”
Ed gave her his most aggrieved look. “Well, honestly, Mom, I’m getting over being sick. Dr. Weisberg told me to take it easy. Considering that you never wait to be let in, would you prefer I was sitting here naked?”
“Humph,” she snorted as usual, all five feet three inches of her managing to look indignant. Her hair had been newly dyed a sandy-brown shade similar to Ed’s, and the Merle Norman makeup was perfectly applied. Norma did not approve of widows letting themselves go. “Sick or not, you could at least get dressed. And get a new bathrobe! I think you were wearing that mess when you were still living at home.”
Ed looked at his list. buy new bathrobe to make mom happy, he added to it in big letters. “It’s on my list, along with wondering why you’re here.”
Norma pulled a casserole dish out of the grocery bag. “I took pity on you. This is a chicken and vegetable casserole, so you don’t have to worry about cooking for awhile.” She pulled open the refrigerator door, scowling at the contents. “Honestly! If I didn’t cook for you, you’d never eat right.” She moved the milk and orange juice cartons to her satisfaction, making room for the casserole dish. She actually seemed to be humming along with the music from the living room. Ed couldn’t believe it.
“Geez, Mom, getting soft?” he teased. “You haven’t hollered at me to turn the stereo off yet.”
She slammed the fridge door. “Oh, I’m just trying to spare your sick feelings,” she snapped. “Actually, although I shouldn’t admit it, I’ve always liked that Petula Clark. She always struck me as a nice girl, and she didn’t dress like a hippie. And for once you have the volume at a respectable level. What’s the occasion?”
Ed sighed. “I was thinking, making some notes. You might want to sit down, Mom. I have some news.”
Norma looked at him with suspicion. She pulled the other chair out from the table. “What nonsense are you up to now?” she asked, sitting down.
Ed found himself grinning. “Well, Rick is living here now. He just moved in over the weekend.”
Norma’s eyebrows shot up. “For Pete’s sake,” she exclaimed. “What brought this on?”
Ed pondered a moment, debating how much to tell her about the past week or so—the discussion he and Rick had had during their weekend getaway to a secluded lake in Michigan that led to a mutual proposal of marriage; Rick’s devoted care of Ed while he had been sick; Jack, Rick’s ex-lover, suddenly appearing, prompting Rick to make the final decision to move into Ed’s house. “We just decided it was time,” he finally said, thinking she might not really enjoy hearing the details of her son’s love life with another man.
Norma sighed. “Well, I knew it would happen sooner or later. I suppose it’s for the best. If it were anyone other than Rick, I’d probably be horrified, but he’s a good man, and better than you deserve.” She looked at the table, tracing the place mat’s pattern with her fingers. “Ed,” she said in a very soft tone for her. “I am happy for you, in my own way. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
Ed looked at her in surprise. “What do you mean?”
She frowned. “Any kind of marriage is serious business. There’s a lot of give-and-take involved, and an awful lot of compromise. You’ve been alone here for a long time, and this is the first time you’ve ever been this serious about anyone. If your father was here, I know he’d sit you down for a talk about this. Since he’s not, I guess it’s up to me to make sure you realize what you’re getting into.”
