“When something good comes along, I try not to let it pass me by.”– Charley Descoteaux
I can’t believe this is the first work I have read by Charley Descoteaux. I’m fortunate enough that I had the chance to read a few of the stories in Dreamspinner Press’s Advent Anthology to review, and I decided to try a few new authors. How daring of me! So far I’m glad I did.
Toy Run refers to the annual trip that bikers take to deliver toys to various children’s hospitals. The one in this story is run in Oregon. Ian used to work as a physical therapist, but it seems he has been on the road for quite a while. He decides to do the toy run in Oregon.
When Ian arrives with a few hours to spare, he stops at a local truck stop for breakfast and winds up sitting next to Ed. From first glance, Ian finds Ed attractive but isn’t sure if Ed wants to kiss him or punch him. It’s hard to tell with bikers. They chat a bit and Ian asks Ed about a hotel to stay at. Turns out the run ends at a hotel.
All the participants hang out in the hotel bar after the run. Ian can feel Ed looking at him while he has a few beers and Ed finally approaches him. After sharing one beer, Ed invites Ian back to his house to drink his home-brewed beer. Ian goes and that is, as they say, where the story gets interesting.
Charley Descoteaux has a way with descriptions. In a short story, there isn’t enough time for much character development. She tells us just a bit about both men’s lives. But the descriptions, they are amazing. From the smell of Oregon when Ian arrives to the silence he notices when he gets to Ed’s house. Her descriptions of Ed’s house and body, while not being overly wordy, seemed to bring the picture to life. I loved meeting these guys and am looking forward to reading more of Charley’s work.
Playfully recommended!
You can buy Toy Run here:
