This chapter overlaps with the book Hi, I'm Lance. Following this read, check out Chapter 18 of that book.
Feedback is always welcome.
39
November mornings were probably my favorites. There was just
enough chill in the air to make you want to snuggle in bed, but not so cold you
didn't want to get out of the covers just to walk to the bathroom. Having lived
with Mike for three weeks now, the weekends took on a bigger importance.
I rolled over to see Mike laying on his back staring at the
ceiling. My hand reached over to run my fingers through his chest hair.
"Good morning, hon'. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing. Everything. Us."
"Well, that sounds heavy. Anything wrong?"
"No. Not really." He turned toward me; his hand reached over
to simply hold my dick. "I guess I'm sort of in that honeymoon state of loving
you being here every morning when I wake up."
"Aw." I kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Michael."
"You usually only call me that during sex."
"Hmm. I must be finding you sexy right now, saying sweet
things to me and all."
I reached over to grip his penis, too. I didn't think either
of us were trying to initiate anything intimate, just a tender touch to show
affection.
"Remember when you asked me how I preferred you introduce
me?"
"After the wedding? Yeah."
"I couldn't shake something Ethan said."
"Ethan? When? What?"
"Remember when we watched Sascha?"
"Awww, Sascha. What a good boy."
"When Ethan picked him up, he told me about his Spain trip;
we visited awhile. Then he said since you and I weren't actually living
together, he wanted to know if I'd be interested in a roll in the bedroom for
old time's sake."
"What!?"
"We didn't, of course. I immediately told him `no' and that
I was deeply in love with you. That's when I started thinking about the mistake
of you NOT living with me."
"Honey, don't torture yourself over
that," I said, wiggling his penis back and forth in my hand. "That was smart
for us. You clearly had gone through a rough split with him. I'm glad I was on
my own, at least for a little while. We were good through all that. Once you
did ask, we both knew it was the right thing."
"Maybe. I felt like I let you down. Ethan and that whole
`friends with benefits' approach ... ugh."
I remembered Lance asking me to be the same when Mike and I
were on the break. I'm so glad I didn't fall into that routine. It couldn't
have been healthy.
Mike's grip had my cock rock hard now.
"You and Ethan didn't ... have ... an open relationship, did
you?"
"Us? No. He would have been more apt to suggest that. He did
talk me into us doing a three-way with a friend one time. I agreed to it."
"And ...?"
"While momentarily fun, it left me empty. When the emotions
aren't behind it ... just sex ... can feel hollow. Some people can do it; they just
want the lust and the orgasm and then move on. Maybe, I don't know, I need it
to be more."
"More than our three-way in the gym shower in February?"
"Ugh!! Yes. I hadn't been with anyone since the split with Ethan.
I'm sure it was just pent-up libido, but I so regret that. It was a mistake
that still haunts me. So unprofessional. Lance was a stranger. It was just
sex."
"Hot sex."
"Hot sex. But I wasn't in love with you. Yet." He moved his
body on top of mine. "But I fell in love with you pretty quickly."
We kissed passionately. My hands started at his shoulder,
roamed down his back, traced the crevice of his ass and eventually gripped his
butt cheeks.
Mike turned on the shower 30 minutes later. Our chests were
smeared with cum. Even though I now lived there every day, our conventional
pattern of sex twice a week remained. Morning sex today was a bonus.
Monday morning started the week on an odd note.
The station manager called me into his office and told me to
shut the door. That's never a good sign.
He informed me that a sister station in Sycamore would be
losing their producer to a television station in two weeks. He wanted to let me
know in case I was interested in applying. It would be a significant pay increase.
He told me he would give me a strong recommendation if interested.
Wow. While that would be a step up in my career, Sycamore
was more than two hours away. I'd have to end things with Mike. He's the love
of my life. There's no way.
I texted Lance. "Is it okay if I come see you at work?"
"What's wrong?'
"Nothing. Just need my best friend."
"How worried should I be?"
"Not at all. Just need to talk."
"I'm done at 5. Want to work out with me?"
"I'm not a member. Remember?"
"Trust me. I have connections."
I had time to grab a change of clothes and meet Lance at his
workplace.
"I really do need to join a gym," I told him, greeting him
with a simple hug.
"I know of a place," he said with a smile.
Three members walked by us, all greeting Lance.
"Let's get changed. We can talk on the track."
Lance stripped naked. I hadn't seen him naked since college.
With the weight loss, he really was quite handsome. And that dick. Monstrous. He
probably could have been a model. He would easily have fit into the porn
industry. We had shared some passionate moments together in the past. I hope he
is enjoying his time with Jakob just as much.
We were the only ones in the locker room at the time. I
could hear someone in the back shower. As I pulled my underwear down, Lance
placed his forefinger on his thumb forming an "o." He put it on my penis and
flicked it causing it to swing. Before I had a chance to put on gym shorts, he
watched it get hard.
"We had some good times, buddy, didn't we?"
"Yes. We've done a lot of growing up in just a few months."
"You're as beautiful as ever, Trent. I'll always remember
you this way, even when we're both 80."
As we exited the locker room, Lance said goodbye to some
members leaving. He asked questions about their personal lives.
"How do you know all these people?" I asked.
"I try to meet at least five new members a week. Now it is
almost instinct. Anyone I don't recognize, I try to
make new members feel welcome and get to know our regulars. That's how I found
Ophelia that job."
"Fantastic. You're doing a good job."
"Thanks. Jason encouraged me to apply for a new gym they
were opening in Von a few weeks back. He had been impressed with my work and
work ethic. But ... I have Jakob here. Considering where he is right now, I
wouldn't want to throw an emotional hardship on him. I didn't want to even
think about leaving him."
"OMG!" I started as we got on the walking track. "That's
what I wanted to talk to you about. I was encouraged to apply in Sycamore at a
station there as the producer. It would be more money."
"Isn't that more than two hours from here?"
"Exactly. I can't leave Mike. Not to pretend I have any
crystal balls here, but I'd like to picture us being together ... well, forever.
Maybe that's naοve half a year into a relationship, but we've moved in, we're
madly in love. There's no way I would sacrifice that. For money."
We walked a lap, then ran a lap.
"Isn't Mike home by now? I thought teachers left at 4."
"School gets out just before 4, but teachers stay late. Some
teachers, particularly those with kids, drag all their work home. If he can, he
tries to leave it there, so he usually finishes and then has his evening free,"
I said.
"If he didn't, he never would have been in that classroom
when you stopped in to come out to him with rainbows and balloons."
"Shut up." I thought for a minute. "But isn't it scary that
if he hadn't been there that day, my life might be totally different. That's
spooky."
"Yep. You could have come out to me instead, and the two of
us could be living happily ever after."
I chuckled. "You know you love Jakob. You two are awesome
together."
"I do. I completely love him. I can't wait to see him every
single second when we're apart."
"Aw, you're so cute." I was so happy for Lance. Deep down,
really happy. I was now taken with Jakob myself. Jakob had brought out the best
in Lance. "Arrogant college Lance has all but disappeared."
"Oh please. But Trent, don't ever think he's taken your
place. I'm in love with him like crazy, but I'll always have you in my heart
too. You just don't let go of something like that. Now, I've just learned to
let you go, and it doesn't hurt. Both of us are lucky to find someone wonderful
to love."
We ran. Had Mike not been in that classroom, I very well
could be living with Lance right now. He was an arrogant jerk sort of at
the time, but who knows. We were eyeing each other in the locker rooms in
basketball practice. Maybe we could have come out together. There were so many
variables. His denial. His drinking. My dad. Who knows where the twists and
turns could have taken us? As much as he was kind of a dick at that time, I
could easily fall in love with the man he is now. He's changed his life for the
better in so many ways.
We resumed walking. A gentleman came up the steps to run the
track.
"See that guy?" Lance softly asked. I nodded. "He flirted
with me in the sauna a few weeks ago." Lance looked around. "He has a beautiful
cock. He offered it to me."
"Steady boy," I said. I didn't like the sound of that.
"Don't worry. I didn't do anything," Lance said to my
relief. "I wanted to be faithful to Jakob."
I watched as his face twisted into deeper thoughts. Lance
was transported away.
"Lance?"
"Hm? Oh. Sorry." He startled me by coming to a sudden stop.
He reached for my wrist. I could tell he wanted me to look at him. "I owe you
an apology."
"What do you mean?"
"In college. You were starting things up with Mike and I
suggested we be `friends with benefits.' Mike's awesome, and the two of you
together are great. The fact that I propositioned you..." Lance was suddenly
overcome. His breathing was erratic, and he momentarily gasped for air. "Trent,
I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Mike's my friend. I never would have wanted to
mess things up for you. I'm so ashamed. Please forgive me."
"Lance, it's forgotten. That was college."
"I'm still ashamed. I was such a jerk then."
"Then?"
He took offense to my joke and punched me in the arm. "I'm
better, right?"
I chuckled. "We've both grown up a lot this year. College
seems like light years ago."
We started our walk again.
"I have a big decision in six weeks though," he started.
"When your lease is up, Jakob has to make a big decision. We could probably ask
for the continued grant money for a nicer place, but I have a feeling at that
point they would place him in low-income apartments. I'd still feel the same
about him, of course, but ... Trent, is it crazy that I want him to move in with
me?"
"A tad fast, but not too crazy. You two will have had
several months at that point. I think you'll know if you are in it for the long
term by then."
"I know now," he said. "Unless he turns into some raging
lunatic, I think the guy has opened up his entire soul to me. If he feels he is
ready, I am."
"I love seeing you in love. You deserve it."
Lance waved to a couple of people on the cardio equipment.
They hollered kind remarks as we continued our walk.
"I want Jakob to feel confident in our relationship. We're
getting there. But money will always stand between us. I couldn't care less
what he makes. I just love HIM for who he is."
"He's lucky to have found you."
"And it's funny, I feel it is just the other way around,"
Lance said.
We ran. That was real love right there, looking past the
obstacles to see the true person inside. Lance had grown so much.
We did a little bit of cardio and ran another mile on the
track. Conversation wasn't as easy, but the workout was nice. I should join the
gym. It would give Lance and me more opportunities to visit.
When we came out of the shower, Lance couldn't make his
quips as others were in the locker room. I did see him looking at my dick and
then he gave me a wink. There is still some old Lance in there.
As we walked to the parking lot, Lance's phone rang.
"Odd. It's the police."
That always causes your heart to skip a beat.
"Yes, this is Lance Wheeling."
Lance froze. I watched his face.
"What? How?"
It was not good. This was not good. I could tell instantly.
"Oh my God. Yes, I see. Um, okay, well, is there any other
information?"
Crap, his eyes were tearing. He hung up.
"What is it, buddy. Tell me."
Lance wiped a tear coming down his cheek. "You might
remember that one night when I got my Three-Month chip, several of us went out
afterward. Remember Tyler?"
"I think so. Yeah. What happened?"
"He took his life today."
"Oh my gosh. No."
"I didn't know him really well. I just wanted him to know he
could turn to us in AA. He stayed at my place one night because his boyfriend
was threatening him."
Lance started crying.
"The police called me because when I gave him my number,
Tyler put it in `In Case of Emergency.' Just me and his brother."
"I'm so sorry, Lance."
Lance's voice quivered. "He must have felt he had nowhere to
turn. I wish I could have done more."
"You were there for him, buddy. He knew that. I wish he
would have called you. I guess he just let the darkness overtake him."
"I I I need you to stay with me, Trent. For the first
time in months, my kneejerk reaction is to run and get a drink."
Okay, that scared me. I called Mike and told him I would be
home late. He understood.
Jakob came over to stay with Lance. Evan sat with them to
offer his sympathy too. It would be a rough night for my best friend, but I
felt he was in good hands. I didn't know this Tyler at all, but the thought of
this tragedy hit me. I can't imagine what it is like for Lance and his friends.
Mike sat down with me when I got home. He listened to the
sparse details I had to offer. Lance was the one closest to Tyler. This was sad
and horrible, but ... why was it consuming me?
Lance.
"Mike, remember before Lance's car wreck, he was so
depressed and he just kept drinking to suppress that. What if he had never
joined AA. What if ... what if ..."
I couldn't say anything else. I tried not to let my mind
even picture anything on those lines. I was letting the situation overtake me.
The sun set so early now that autumn had come. Mike knew I
was blue. He held me and let me mull in my quietness. This was one of those
instances I wanted to be at a piano. Playing always seemed to let things flow
out of me. Every single emotion was expressed in musical notes. I went to grab
the journal.
November 9
My heart is broken for Lance.
One of his AA friends took his own life. The way my heart
feels right now is empty. My creative energy wants to pour my sadness
into a song.
I'm saving space here to come back and write lyrics eventually.
Life can get so dark at times.
I never want my friends to feel
like this. I can't allow one single one to reach that point.
I need to do something. I'm not sure what, but I am restless; I have to make
sure it can't
happen to my friends. Not really knowing Tyler, I'm a bit surprised it has
shaken me so much,
but it has.
Mike brought me a hot tea. He sat next to me and held my
hand.
"Talk to me, babe. What are you feeling? I don't want you to
hold something inside."
"I just don't ever want to go through this with someone who
really means something to us. This has really shaken me."
"Well, it is a huge shock. With you being there when the
call came in, such a thing has to affect you to a certain degree. It's so sad.
I remember when we heard the news about that student last winter."
"I want to do something. But you will need to be on board
with it, so I hope you'll back me up. I want to do something special."
"What is it, J.T. What can I do?" Mike offered tenderly.
It was the weekend before Thanksgiving. I had sent out email
invitations the week prior. I was starting a new tradition. Mike agreed. I
planned on doing this every year I possibly could. I had heard the word
Friendsgiving in years past. Typically, it meant friends getting together on
Thanksgiving when they couldn't be with family. Most of our friends did have
family to visit next week, so I chose this Saturday before. It was to be a
celebration of friends and to share the importance of friendship with each
other. We tried to make it as large a gathering as possible. It wasn't about
turkey and mashed potatoes. We had plenty of food, and people brought more
snacks and favorite dishes as well.
Matt and Ali were there. I invited several people from work.
Scott and Luke came, as well as the station manager. Tara and Ed joined us, as
did the morning DJs. Lance and Jakob invited Jason to come, and he accepted.
Ophelia and Cooper from the AA group came. Cooper brought Mitch. Mike invited
Gayle and some of the teachers he felt closest to. I didn't know them but was
grateful to get to know them. Evan and Kristy were there. Lance asked if he
could invite a few of the members who had been incredibly kind to him. I was
happy to say, `yes.' Jakob invited Gerard from the shelter and one of his
friends from QT that could get off. He also invited his sister. I invited some
of our old basketball teammates to come. Most lived too far away, but Aram
came. Tariq and Amanda came over from the campus, and Zach did too. It was the
first time Zach had seen Lance since school.
The weather was favorable enough to let people enjoy a sunny
but cool afternoon outside. Although we were never more than 30 people, the
house didn't seem too crowded if most everyone was inside. Snacks were
plentiful. We had some alcoholic offerings but made sure to have plenty of
selections of nonalcoholic drinks. Each one of us met new people today while we
connected with friends in enjoyable social fellowship.
"Although I got to see you at school a while back, it is
very nice to meet you, Trent," Gayle said. "Thank you for inviting me."
"We're delighted to have you here. It's Mike's house, of
course."
"He is head over heels for you. I knew before summer, when
you two had just reconnected, he was taken with you."
"We had a long pause, but it worked out well. We're madly in
love."
"He was so brave for Coming Out Day."
"Boy, that threw me a curve! I wasn't expecting it. But I
was very proud of him," I said, smiling, seeing Mike mingle with others in the
distance.
Gayle went to visit with the other teachers there. I just
took it all in. It was everything I had wanted. I needed this. The event had
exceeded my expectations. I gathered everyone inside.
"If you will allow
me this moment, I'd like to light a candle and have a moment of silence for
Tyler. He didn't feel he had anywhere to turn. Let us all say a prayer that we
never let that happen to us."
I lit the candle and
without asking, everyone in the room grabbed the hand of someone next to them
until we became one connected group. Mike turned off the music and we stood in
several seconds of silence.
I wondered if Tyler
could see us from wherever he was. I hoped he knew we were thinking of him. I
wasn't really a religious or spiritual person, but I was right then. The
seconds of silence continued longer. I felt Mike squeeze my hand a little
tighter. I was hoping someone was holding Lance's hand just as tight.
"Thank you everyone.
If you will continue to indulge me, Mike's friend from school brought a
keyboard from the music department. I've written a song for Tyler. I hope
you'll let me play it."
People moved closer.
I glanced up. I noticed Ethan had slipped in at some point. Mike had asked if
he could invite him, and I agreed. I didn't think he'd show, but all were
welcome.
Lance had stepped
away to grab a tissue, and I waited a few seconds for him to return.
I had the keyboard
ready. I played the first notes. Very few people had heard me sing before, so
it was slightly intimidating. I started the song.
"Looking for
sunshine but finding the gray and the gloom
The dark clouds move in; I'm lost in the void of the room.
I want you to hear me; I need you to hear my voice.
Hear me out, help me out; Don't make me make a choice.
You take all I give
for granted, but you don't see me.
I'm now somehow in the way, but I can't break free.
We got so off track, I'm not sure why, it's hard to think.
Why don't we work now? Why is it dark when we both drink?
I'm holding on, I'm
reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.
Remember the smiles
and all the love when we started?
We had a path, we knew the risks, the sea had parted.
Along the way it all changed, the anger had shook us.
Truth turned to lies, we closed our eyes, bottles overtook us.
I used to be strong
but then I held on for so long
That I became lost, and we turned out to be so wrong.
Find me quick, make it stick, try to see if we make it.
If you don't try, I don't think that I can still fake it.
I'm holding on, I'm
reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.
I'm holding on, I'm
reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.
I'm at the end of my
rope.
I feel so cold that
I don't feel the bruises anymore.
My mind is adrift; I am lost so far from the shore.
We used to be good but now all the fighting's our norm.
I just need a friend who can help me weather the storm.
I'm holding on, I'm
reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.
I'm at the end of
the rope.
Someone please grab
the rope."
I noticed everyone
had a sympathetic look on their faces as they absorbed the lyrics. Those in the
AA group wiped tears from their eyes. I finished the final notes. Everyone
clapped.
"And now, if you
make your way back to Jakob, he has champagne both alcoholic and nonalcoholic
for everyone. I wish to make a toast."
People maneuvered to
get a glass in hand. The house seemed slightly crowded but in a wonderful way.
I finally got my glass. I held it up.
"To friendship and
to the importance it plays. May we never lose sight of the incredible blessing
it is."
"To friendship," the
group repeated.
"Now, we still have
way too much food, wonderful friends and all evening. Please take the time to
hug and tell people how much you love them."
Everyone smiled.
There were hugs and renewed conversation. I turned back to Jakob.
"Thanks for all your
help," I told him.
"You're welcome."
I could tell by his
expression something was wrong. "Jakob, are you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine," he
said unconvincingly. "I invited my sister. I just hoped she would come. But she
didn't."
"I'm so sorry. Maybe
something came up. But I'm glad you are here. I am thankful for your
friendship. I love you, my friend," I said giving him a hug.
A smile emerged on
Jakob's lips. "You've given me so much, Trent. I owe you
in ways you can't even imagine. I love you too."
Jakob stepped away
to gather the empty glasses.
"Do you think it was
okay for us to have alcohol here?" I asked Lance. "I hope it wasn't
insensitive. Jakob seemed to think it was fine."
"Sure. That's no
problem. I mean, we're all adults. You had more nonalcoholic options for
everyone than you did hard stuff. Beer and wine was it. Well, and champagne ...
and you included us on that ... and great toast by the way. We're fine. Plus, the
AA group was here to take care of each other."
"Good," I said, a
bit relieved.
I grabbed Mike and
nudged us over to welcome Ethan.
"I'm glad you came,"
I said to him. I was proud of myself for being so cordial to Mike's ex.
"Thanks, Trent. This
is quite the event."
"I needed it," I
said. "I have had a great day. Please, we have a ton to eat. Help yourself."
He and Mike hugged. I
could have held a grudge that he propositioned Mike a few months ago, but it
didn't matter. Mike was mine. In its own way, it was very heartwarming to see
two people could still be friends after departing a relationship.
I noticed someone
else entering the door. I wasn't sure, but it seemed like the girl was the one
in a frame at Jakob's apartment. I was hoping it was his sister.
Lance got Jakob's
attention and nodded his head to the door.
"Oh my God!" Jakob quietly
said to himself.
Teresa had arrived
and brought Jakob's mother with her. Jakob all but tackled his mother and burst
into tears. Lance worked his way over to them. I figured I would give them some
time to themselves before introducing myself.
Mike and Ethan were
catching up. I could see them talking and nodding and smiling. I went to join
them.
"How's Sascha?" I
asked, figuring it was a safe conversation.
"He's my boy," Ethan
said. "He gets me through many lonely nights, let me tell ya."
The oven timer went
off with some more warm snacks.
"I'll get it," Mike
said.
Ethan and I were
alone. He looked out into the backyard.
"I do miss this
place, Trent."
"I love it here
too," I said, not sure of what to say.
"Mike's lucky to
have you. You seem pretty amazing."
"Well ... thank you,
Ethan."
"He seems so
incredibly happy. You have brought out something in him I never did."
"I don't know what
to say, Ethan."
"You don't need to
say anything. I've never seen two people so perfect for each other. I'm happy
for you two. And in honor of the occasion, I will say I am thankful that you
have brought so much happiness to Mike."
I gave him a
one-armed hug. "Thanks."
I saw Jakob walking
his mother over to me.
"Oh, excuse me,
Ethan. Please, we have plenty. Enjoy."
I waved Mike over.
He had finished putting out the hot dish. Several people smiled as they
descended on the spinach-artichoke dip.
"Trent, Mike, I want
you to meet my mother," Jakob said.
"Welcome, it's nice
to meet you," Mike said. "We think the world of your son."
"Happy
Friendsgiving," I said. "It is so nice to have you here."
Jakob was beaming. His
smile was so intense, I was wondering if he was remembering to breathe. I was
proud of him for not harboring the bitterness in his heart that I know I would
if I were in his shoes. This was an amazing moment for him. I couldn't imagine
what he felt after not seeing his mother for so many years. It honestly touched
my heart. I pointed out all the artistic work Jakob had done in decorating for
the event. She seemed so pleased. Jakob went into such detail talking about the
decorations he had done.
I noticed the time
and excused myself to make one last announcement.
"Stay as long as you
like, but on the way out, there is one last thing. Mike had some materials
donated from the art department, and Jakob worked with children over in the
shelter. Each of you has a handmade friendship ornament made by a child. I hope
you will find it special in its simplicity and heartwarming in its meaning."
I placed Tyler's
candle at that table. I wanted him remembered one last time as people picked up
their memento.
"Tyler, I wish you
were here," I whispered to myself. "I didn't know you well, but you changed
me."
A few left shortly
after that. I was grateful that many people continued to mingle and hug for two
more hours. I tried to get pictures of everyone I knew; a few I was introduced
to asked if they could take a picture with Mike and me. One of Scott, Luke,
Mike and I was a tremendous photo.
Luke hardly knew
anyone. A handful of people at the station was about it.
"I think everythang about the evenin'
turned out quite nice," he said in his southern accent. "Y'all did a fine job.
Not to mention, there are some fellas as handsome as fuck here."
"Hey! You're with
me, remember?" Scott teased.
Luke gave him a
sloppy kiss.
Cooper walked up to
me.
"Hi, Trent. I'm
Cooper. I'm not sure if you remember me. We've kind of met with the AA group
and everything."
Like I could forget
such a gorgeous man.
"It's odd," he
continued. After surveying the group there, he turned back to me. "Our group
goes out after our meetings. And it's great. But ... we've never really done
something other than that as friends. I really want to thank you for doing
this. I know we are remembering Tyler, but your message of friendship is really
hitting home. Thank you again."
Ophelia joined us.
"If Cooper is thanking you, I hope I can add my thanks to those. It's nice to
see you again Trent. I know we don't know each other well, but I'm so pleased
to be a part of this. It means a lot to me. You're such a kind person, I can
see why Lance ..." She stopped. She looked at Cooper wondering what words to say.
"... I can see why you are so important to Lance. Again, this evening has been
lovely."
She gave me a hug.
Cooper waved over his boyfriend Mitch. He introduced us when they came in this
afternoon, but Mitch made pleasantries as well. They were a good-looking
couple. After offering them some drink refills (and I was pleased to see
Mitchell drinking nonalcoholic options while with them) the three of them
headed out to the backyard.
Teresa and Jakob's
mother stayed with him most of the time, but Mike enjoyed showing them the
backyard. The flowerbeds were slightly visible in the darkness with the strung
lighting. They seemed comfortable among so many strangers. I wasn't sure what
to expect from Jakob's mother, but she seemed to be a person who enjoyed
getting out. I was delighted his sister had brought her.
Some of the snacks
and appetizers were being depleted. I couldn't have been more pleased with how
the event unfolded. People were saying they had eaten too much but were happy
they had done so. The food went over well. Gradually, people started trickling
out. They all thanked Michael and me for a wonderful party and wished us a Happy
Thanksgiving.
By 9:15, it was down
to our closest friends: Matt and Ali, Evan and Kristy, Lance and Jakob and
Ophelia.
"We should probably
go too," Teresa said.
"I'd love for you
stay a little longer," I said.
The ladies seemed
touched that I would say so.
"I talked to you on
the radio," Teresa finally realized.
"Yes, you did."
Mike mentioned he
would start putting the food away.
"I actually have one
last thing to do first," I told him. "Since I have the keyboard, I want to play
for you the song I wrote about us."
Mike dropped
everything. He had heard me play the melody in the mall, but he had never heard
the lyrics. Without a piano at home, I never really had the opportunity to play
for him. I was a bit scared to sing him a song I had written about the two of
us. But we had made it work the break during college, my stupid family, moving
in I wanted to play it for him.
Our small group
gathered around. I took a deep breath and sang "If It Weren't for the Two of
Us."
I wasn't sure if he
would tear up, roll his eyes or be disappointed. He just looked at me with so
much love in his eyes as I played. It made the words even more heartfelt.
After I finished,
everyone clapped and cheered. Mike came to me and gave me the biggest kiss. It was
the one last detail to my night that made it perfect.
I figured this was
probably the first time that two men kissed in Mrs. Morgan's presence. I
assumed she'd be appalled. I noticed a smile on her face. Perhaps the blessings
of the evening were not completely finished.
An hour later, the two of us had put away remaining food,
taken out the trash, brought in things from the yard and folded up chairs. The
house looked close to being itself, but we left some minor things for the next
day. There were just a handful of children's ornaments left. I made a
commitment to add them to our Thanksgiving decorations and to bring them out
each year.
There was half a bottle of champagne left. The two of us
poured ourselves a glass and sat as Tyler's candle was burning low. We didn't
plan to sit until it went out, we just watched the final glow it would have.
Mike held my hand tightly as we sat there, simply soaking in the solitude.
With the champagne finished, I told him I didn't want to see
it burn out, so I excused myself to the bedroom. I said a small prayer for
Tyler, wishing I knew him better, but hoping he was at peace and finding
strength wherever he was.
Mike joined me in bed shortly thereafter.
"So, my love, are you happy with how your Friendsgiving
went?" he asked me.
"Completely. I loved it. I hope to do this every year."
"I have to admit I thought it turned out pretty
spectacularly too."
I looked deeply into Mike's eyes. "I know it was a lot to
ask of you. It was a lot of work and we shelled out quite a bit as the hosts,
but I totally think it was worth it. Thank you for supporting me on this idea."
"Absolutely. I thought it was great. More importantly, I
think you're great."
"Normally, to cap such a day off, I would think we'd have
passionate sex to finish it. But I'm honestly exhausted and completely
satisfied," I said.
"Me too. I would have told you this next Thursday and
probably will I am thankful for you the most. I love you, J.T."
"Love you, too, hon'."
We kissed deeply and turned out the light.
* * * *
Chapter 18 of Hi, I'm Lance aligns with this chapter. More insight to it and this chapter can be found at the blog: timothylane414stories.blogspot.com. Look for the post "Friendsgiving."
Email: timothylane414@gmail.com