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As a reminder, the last chapter took place in May of 2023.

 

 

18

June 15, 2023

Laramie Jenkins (34)
Cooper Snow (39)

 

Cooper

Meetings had kept me so busy this week. I had no time for Laramie at all. I felt bad. I was so pleased he could spend the night.

By the time he walked in, I had a salad made and a stir fry underway.

We kissed as he walked into the kitchen. I could smell he had freshly showered.

"I missed you this week. I am so sorry work has been a little nutty. I hated that I couldn't make time for us."

"I get it," he said. He kissed me again. "We'll make up for it tonight."

"Yeah, we will," as I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him deeply.

"Dinner smells good," he said as we separated.

"Thanks. Can you pull the salads out of the fridge?"

I let the stir fry just simmer on low heat as we sat down at the table. I had the iced teas already poured.

"How was work?" Laramie asked.

"Odd."

"Why?"

"Mitchell came by my office."

"Okay," my partner said, not really knowing where I was leading.

"He said he was thinking of transferring."

"Really?" Laramie was shocked.

"It was almost like a confession. He was so quiet. He said he still wasn't over me. He still wanted us to be back together, but he knew I was happy with you. I could tell he was kind of torn up."

"What did you say?"

"I told him I would hate to see him go and that I would miss his friendship. Not that we have been close whatsoever this year. I was always hoping we could still be friends. But then I asked if he had considered seeing someone."

"Like ... like a therapist?"

"Yeah. If he's struggling and hurting that much, would moving away really be the answer?"

"It has to hurt seeing you from time to time. Cooper, you're a wonderful man. I can see why he is still wanting you. I would. Thank God we are together. Last Christmas I was prepared to just go back to being friends. It would have been tough. But that would have been better than letting you out of my life."

"Apparently not for Mitch."

I sighed. I couldn't be happier with Laramie. I knew that choice half a year ago was the right one. I loved him with all my heart. But ... I would always feel something for Mitchell. He was so important to me during a fragile part of my life. I owed him a lot. But he shattered our chance at being a couple when he cheated. I would always have questions of trust.

Laramie saw me deep in thought. He reached for my hand. I squeezed it, and then held his finger a moment.

I hated hurting Mitchell, just like I did Natalie. But I didn't carry responsibility with Mitch. He cheated. He shattered my trust. I owned my part of not being able to get past that, but the burden really landed on his shoulders. Still, I didn't want him stuck on me. I wished he would find someone. He had many wonderful qualities if he could get his head on straight.

 

Laramie

I felt a slight twinge of guilt. I didn't think Cooper would ever truly get beyond his roadblocks that kept the two of them getting back together. That was them. But I knew the timing of me falling for Cooper and then him falling in love with me looked like I stole him from Mitch. I did feel guilty about that.

Mitch and I were casual friends for a couple of months. Had it all worked out how Cooper pictured in his mind would have been nice, but it was a big ask of Mitchell. I couldn't blame him for wanting his distance.

But I didn't want him to still love Cooper. Cooper was mine. Our love was perfect. I didn't want anything messing with it.

"He'll be okay," I simply said. "But I do hope he sees someone."

"Me too," Cooper said.

Dinner was good. We put away dishes and spent much of the evening just lying on the couch together, holding each other and watching a gay flick he had found on a streaming service. His hand was in my shirt feeling my chest during the steamy scenes.

Halfway through, I unbuttoned my jeans and unzipped my fly. When more hot scenes were included, he could reach into my pants and feel the hard pistol he knew was there.

Too bad Mitch. He was mine.

When the movie was over, we didn't feel like watching the news. He rolled on top of me. Our arms multitasked. They held. They groped. They felt and moved and rubbed. Cooper's hands held my face. My hands ran through his hair as we kissed. Cooper was wearing a Henley shirt and I reached down to grip the bottom of it. I pulled it up, and he raised his arms to let me pull it off. And then our lips met again.

Cooper unfastened my last buttons and pushed my shirt over my shoulders. Bare-chested, the two of us squeezed each other tightly. Kissing. Touching. Touching skin. Bare skin. Warm, male skin. Kissing.

For several minutes we enjoyed the electricity of just roaming each other's chest, each other's body, each other's bare essence.

Cooper slid his hand down the back of my jeans. I reached down to shove them down a foot. My ass was exposed. He slid his middle finger down my crack. I took my mouth off his and kissed his neck. He groaned. Animalistically, I tasted his throat, his jaw, his ear. I breathed into his ear like a grizzly. He groaned louder, while at the same time shoving his own pants down.

Our cocks touched. Bannisters of blood-filled, hard meat dueled and lunged and battled each other, battering for dominance.

We didn't take our pants off. It was minutes of grinding and groaning. It was minutes of moaning and licking and kissing and tasting. Hot, glorious minutes.

Our erections continued to push into each other, rubbing skin on skin. I gasped and grunted. His hands clutched my ass and forcibly rammed my cock into his crotch, his bush, his navel. I groaned loudly.

My mouth covered his in sexual suffocation as I pushed my marble dick into his body. I shot cum all over us, between us, for us, because of us.

Cooper ripped his mouth from me, gasping for breath. "Laramie. Laramie. Laramie! Fuck yes. I'm coming, baby! AAAAUuuungh!"

I felt more liquid hitting my abdomen, my groin, my bush, my soul.

Our panting regulated. I placed my head on his chest. Our hips and crotches were sticky, almost to an uncomfortable extent. Yet we didn't move. We held. We breathed. We loved.

Minutes later, I reached for my shirt and wiped our bodies and then tossed the shirt back to the floor. I maneuvered to reach the lamp and turn out the light. In the darkness we held each other. Our genitals were still exposed. Our pants were neither on nor off.

 

—

 

At 1:47 Cooper rolled and awakened both of us. We stood and freed ourselves of our last garments. Leaving them behind, we walked naked to the bedroom.

Cooper was mine.

 

7 – M

 

July 8, 2023

Laramie Jenkins (34)
Cooper Snow (39)

 

Cooper

I straightened the lapel on Corey's tux.

"You look so sharp," I told my son.

"I guess. I still feel silly being a ring bearer. Isn't that a little kid's job?"

"Job?? It's a privilege. Besides, aren't you glad your mother asked Grace if she would walk down the aisle with you and be the flower girl?"

"I suppose. That's the only reason I'm doing this."

"Hey." I put my finger under his chin and tilted his face up. "This is your mom's big day. Be happy. Make her happy."

`Yeah. Yeah."

Corey had never expressed any resentment to Natalie marrying Daryl. I was hoping this was just teenage disgruntlement for being in a stereotypical young child's role.

Laramie was already seated in one of the pews, not too far up, not too far back. I stood in the back with Corey. Being the age they are, Natalie and Daryl just had one attendant each, a best man and a bride's maid. Both were people they were quite close to within the congregation.

"Dad, you don't have to hover over me. I'm fine. Go sit."

"Okay."

It was three minutes before the proceedings were to start. I walked down the aisle and sat next to Laramie. I noticed a few looks my way. Familiar faces that saw me noticing forced a smile at me. I knew I appalled them.

Daryl and the minister entered a side door as the music shifted into "official" accompaniment. Daryl looked handsome. I had never really seen him dressed up. He had a tux that matched Corey's. The bride's maid and best man came down the aisle first. I didn't know the best man, but I knew Nadia Putman. We were fairly friendly when Natalie and I were first married. We were two young couples, so we hit it off. Once kids came along, the friendship lessened. I knew she was there for Natalie when I had my shocking revelation. Despite Natalie's repaired relationship with me, Nadia was still a bit chilly toward me.

Grace and Corey walked together instead of one at a time. They were a cute couple. Everyone smiled at them. They walked slowly for the purpose of the flowers.

"Why is dropping flowers on the ground so important?" Laramie whispered to me.

"No idea," I whispered back. "You just do it because everyone else does."

"Straight people are weird," he whispered back.

"Check. No flower girls at our wedding."

"Maybe a go-go boy in a speedo," he whispered into my ear.

I snickered. A couple of people turned to look at us. We tried to look serious.

The music changed again for Natalie's entrance. The congregation stood.

My ex-wife looked beautiful. She didn't choose to wear traditional white. Since she had been married before, there was something traditional engrained in her that white wasn't appropriate. It was a fancy dress, but nothing like a wedding gown. It was silver with enough burgundy and silver sparkles to make it elegant. She carried a bouquet of white roses and burgundy carnations. I couldn't help but smile.

For the next twenty minutes, I didn't hear a word that was spoken. The minister could have recited nursery rhymes or read biblical text in Klingon — I wasn't paying attention. I was lost in my own thoughts, my own world.

Fifteen years ago, I did love Natalie ... in my own way. It just seemed like we should be married. It was ... the routine. She seemed like the perfect fit for me. We enjoyed each other's company. She was so pretty. She thought I was handsome. We shared the same values. It just seemed as it was supposed to be. It was all nice and appropriate and loving and ... off.

The back of my hand graced the back of Laramie's. We rotated our wrists to interlock fingers. I felt the spark his touch gave me. It was magical and thrilling and amazing and ... right. It was what was missing fifteen years ago. Just his presence next to me made all the difference. I slightly teared up. Part of it I owed to Natalie being happy and getting what she deserved. Part of it was because of me. My life had been on such an uncharted path the past few years. Laramie saw past that. I couldn't believe how much I loved him. It didn't seem possible.

I loved him.

I loved him with my entire being.

I shut my eyes to pray to God. I tuned out the wedding ceremony. I needed to thank God for sending Laramie to me. My rescue. My soulmate. My world.

I was lost in my prayer. It might have lasted thirty seconds. Or five minutes. I just couldn't stop thanking God.

I unlocked our fingers. I held the one he had sliced that night in December. I held it firmly. I loved him.

 

Laramie

Cooper held my finger. It caused me to smile.

What was going through his mind? I couldn't fathom.

What would it be like to be married to someone and then see them marry someone else? What does that do to your heart? Was my partner hurting? Was he relieved? Did he feel released from a mental prison he had created for himself? I just didn't know. I knew it was important for him to be here. I was delighted that Natalie felt the two of us should be. She was a good woman.

Cooper's body leaned toward mine. I tilted my head as I thought he intended to communicate something.

He turned his head and placed his mouth close to my ear. "I love you more than life itself," he whispered.

I smiled and relocked our fingers. I wasn't sure what was transpiring in his head, but what led him to those words must have been important. For him to say that in that particular moment, something must have built up within him.

I loved him.

I loved him with every piece of my heart.

I stared at Natalie and Daryl. I couldn't picture Cooper and me in their places. We had said many times that marriage wouldn't be something on our radar. Two men in an official ceremony still went against the grain of his upbringing. I didn't find it necessary.

But.

Seeing Natalie and Daryl there — right there — legally committing in front of a group of people, I knew I felt every bit as strongly. I could marry him in a heartbeat. For life. Forever. He's everything I have ever wanted and more than I could have even imagined I would ever find. I couldn't be prouder to have him as my husband.

If we were the marrying type.

I looked at Corey. He and Grace had remained standing as part of the wedding party. Corey and I had known each other for little less than a year. But I had become accustomed to reading him pretty well. More than anything, he wanted this all to be over. I smiled knowing I would feel the same thing if I were in his shoes.

The minister moved the ceremony to the vows. I saw Corey straighten as he felt that was going to be the conclusion. I smiled at him again. I loved that kid.

Natalie and Daryl did not write their own vows. They had the officiant provide something traditional.

Before we knew it, the happy couple was kissing. Cooper was beaming. I knew he was happy for them.

After Daryl and Natalie marched down the aisle hand in hand as a married couple, Grace and Corey soon followed.

"Are you okay?" I asked Cooper.

"Absolutely. I'm thrilled for them."

"I hope they can be even half as happy as us," I softly said to my partner.

Our body language indicated we wanted to hug. For eternity. But it was a Baptist church and we resisted. There was no need to draw any attention to ourselves.

People started heading to the part of the church called the Family Life Center, which seemed to be a combination of a gym, kitchen and auditorium. Cooper had told me that the reception would be simple. Natalie had no interest in alcohol, dancing, a band or a DJ. It would be refreshments.

Corey and Grace walked up to us. "Grace, you look beautiful," I said. "Corey, you're a stud in that tux."

They both smiled at me. I motioned them to stand together for a picture.

"I'm glad it's over," Corey muttered.

Grace slapped his shoulder. We all smiled.

We joined a receiving line to wish them official good wishes. Corey and Grace went to grab a bite.

I couldn't help but notice an occasional stare at Cooper and me. How many of these people knew him when Natalie and he were married?

After a couple of minutes, he turned his head to me and softly said, "People here hate me."

"No, they don't," I insisted. "They just haven't seen you in a few years."

"As a gay man. They hate me."

"Don't imagine things. It serves no purpose."

 

Cooper

So many people hated me. I knew it. I could tell. Pitchforks and torches were probably stored in the kitchen pantry just waiting for the cake to be cut so they could drive me from the building working as an angry mob.

We were near the end of the receiving line. It was finally our turn to greet Natalie and Daryl.

"You look so beautiful! I am so happy for both of you," I told my ex-wife. We were all smiles and hugged firmly. I thought a couple of people were staring. I wished the whole congregation would notice my wife had forgiven me.

I hugged Daryl. "I'm glad you both are here," he said to me. "Family needed to be here."

"I'm not sure anyone else here wants me here."

"Cooper, we wanted you here. That's all that matters," Natalie said.

"I love you both. Laramie and I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you," they both said.

"I think Corey will be glad when all this is over," Natalie said.

"Teenagers," I responded.

"Hey! You two stop that. Corey is awesome, and the two of you have done a magnificent job raising him," Laramie defended.

"Well ... thanks, Larry," Natalie said, surprised.

It was time to let the final people offer their best wishes to the bride and groom.

Laramie went over to take a picture of the cake.

I noticed Corey and Grace talking to two of the church members I remembered. I walked over to them.

"Charles, Sara, it's nice to see you," I said, stepping up.

"Oh. Um. Uh ... Cooper. How are you?" Charles asked.

They hated me.

"I'm doing well. Work is going wonderfully. Corey and I are about to go on vacation. I built a new house last year..."

"Nice, nice."

"I'm a bit surprised to see you at your ex-wife's wedding, I must say," Sara conveyed.

"It was important to Mom for Dad to be here," Corey immediately jumped in. "Family should be together on important occasions."

"Yes. Of course," Sara said, with just a hint of being put in her place.

"Is it awkward?" Charles asked, looking at me.

"Not at all. I'm thrilled for them. Daryl makes Nat happy. It's wonderful. Don't you think?"

Laramie walked up.

"Charles, Sara, this is my partner, Laramie Jenkins. Laramie, this is Charles and Sara Winthrope."

"Hello," they voiced, without a trace of emotion existing in their greeting. Androids would have had more feeling.

"Nice to meet you," Laramie said much friendlier and extended his hand. I could sense their reluctance in shaking it. If Laramie felt it too, it only made him giddier.

The Winthropes excused themselves to get some finger sandwiches.

"I guess we can get something too," I said.

"The chicken salad rocks; the roast beef is dry," Corey reviewed.

"First, let's get a picture of the four of us," Laramie said.

He stepped forward to ask someone to take our picture. It was the Sites. Their instinct to agree and to be helpful dissolved once they sized up the situation. Their facial expressions were stoic.

They hated me.

Mr. Sites clicked off a couple.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Sites. Nice to see you," I lied.

They hated me.

"Grace, Natalie was delighted you agreed to be a part of the ceremony," I said.

"Oh, I was honored."

"You and Corey look stunning," Laramie offered. "You're a beautiful couple."

He took one more picture of them.

A few minutes later, Daryl and Nat came over to talk to us. They had a small plate of finger sandwiches with small carrots positioned next to a splotch of ranch dressing.

"I think the roast beef is a bit dry, don't you?" Natalie asked.

"Told ya," Corey said.

"Everything is just fine," Grace said.

"Nat, Judith is so sad she had to miss it. Thomas had a sporting event out of town and ..."

"I get it. I understand."

"The invitation meant the world to her though."

"How's Curtis doing?" my ex-wife asked.

"Hanging in there."

I noticed some people staring. I guess individuals who were previously married and now socializing while at their ex's wedding might be peculiar, but I could tell these people intentionally kept their distance.

They hated me.

"Well, with you two heading to Niagara Falls and Cooper and Corey heading to Nashville tomorrow, I hope all of you will text me a few pictures," Laramie said.

"You don't think Niagara Falls is too cliché?" Daryl asked.

"Not at all," Laramie said. "I'd love to see it. I'm sure it will be quite beautiful."

"We need to get you a passport," Cooper said, turning to me. "In case we want to travel international one day."

"I couldn't even get out of work next week," he lamented. "I can't see myself traveling internationally."

"Poor thing," I kissed his cheek.

I felt a slight hush in the room. Maybe I imagined it.

They hated me.

Natalie was my safety net. She loved me. She would keep the enemies away. I would just continue to talk and laugh and smile with her so everyone could leave me alone and just stew in their own judgmental juices.

After a few minutes, Nadia came to ask them to prepare to cut the cake.

"You're putting on a brave face," the best man said to me, stepping in to take the happy couple's place.

"Huh?" I asked.

"I know it can't be easy to be at your ex-wife's wedding. You're doing great. I'm Hank, by the way."

I shook his hand. "Thanks, Hank. Nat's the easy part. It's everyone else in the room that makes it awkward."

"Pay them no heed," Hank said. "You're good. They're all just jealous."

"Jealous ...?"

"You and your other half are smoking hot," Hank said. "If it's okay for a straight guy to say that to you."

I laughed.

"Thanks, Hank. I needed that."

"If anyone gives you any flak, screw `em. Daryl says you're a top-notch guy."

"I'm very happy for him and Natalie. I wish them all the happiness in the world."

"Good for you. And congrats on resolving things between you. Corey has turned out great, so you've both done a good job with him."

"Again, thanks, Hank. It was nice meeting you."

 

Laramie

"Did I hear that guy say we were smoking hot?" I asked Cooper.

He chuckled. "Yeah. The best man turns out to be pretty cool." He turned to me. "But straight."

After we had cake, said our final goodbye and waved to the happy couple as they drove off, the kids and I got in Cooper's SUV.

"I don't mind dressing up, but this tux is getting on the warm side," Corey said.

"I agree that getting into a pair of shorts will be nice," Grace said.

We dropped her off and visited with her parents briefly. Cooper and I didn't know their folks well, but they treated the two of us as a loving, established couple. Since we were. They insisted in taking their own pictures of the well-dressed teenagers.

Once our dressier duds were hung up, we spoke of dinner. Corey wanted to whip us up a stir fry. Both adults were totally fine with that. While his son fixed dinner, Cooper lay down on the couch with me.

"Why did you tell me you loved me in the middle of the ceremony?" I asked.

"Just lost in thoughts. I was hoping the bride and groom would be happy, and I got to thinking how incredibly happy I am. I guess I was just swept up in the moment. I love you, babe."

We kissed, but quietly.

"I can't wait to make love to you tonight," I softly said.

Cooper felt the front of my crotch to feel the bulge below my shorts.

"Me too."

Unexpectedly, we fell into a ten-minute nap in each other's arms.

A nudge to my shoulder caused my eyes to open.

"Dinner is ready, lovebirds," Corey said with sarcasm.

Cooper smiled and opened his eyes.

"As usual, it's wonderful, champ," I said after a few bites.

"Thanks, Laramie."

Having spent the day together, we didn't have a lot of conversation over dinner. As we cleaned up, Cooper had an idea.

"Well, since your mother is out of town, how about we treat ourselves to sundaes tonight?"

"Cake and ice cream in the same day. How scandalous," I said.

"It's not like we can't do things we want when I'm over here. But, yes, I'm in," Corey replied.

We weren't racing to get out the door. As we piddled, I noticed Corey staring out the window to the back deck. His gaze looked lost.

"You okay, bud?"

He was quiet.

Cooper walked up. "What's going on?"

Corey turned to us. "Nothing's going on. I was just thinking."

"Everything all right?" his father asked.

"Yeah. Yeah. Just thinking about Mom and Daryl."

"You're okay with the wedding and everything, aren't you?"

"Yeah. Yeah. It's just going to be different with them being married. I'm happy for them. I just wonder what it will be like when they get back, and he will be living with us."

"Does he have much stuff in his old apartment?"

"I really don't know. I've never been."

Corey's expressions still seemed off.

Over sundaes, the two of them talked over things they were doing in Nashville and the schedule for hitting the road the next day. I was going to miss them.

Upon our return home, Cooper said he needed to sit down in the study and finalize some things before they left tomorrow.

Corey and I sat in the kitchen. I fiddled with selecting a flavored water from Cooper's selection. Across the table, I could see Corey still in somewhat of a funk. I didn't want to pry or push, but I was concerned.

"I'm going to go to my room," he said.

Now I was worried.

I put the rest of the can back in the fridge. I walked to the study to see Cooper shifting papers. I didn't want to disturb him. I carried my beverage upstairs with me.

Corey's door was open. I lightly rapped on the door. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah," he said forlornly.

He was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling. I stretched out my body beside his, with a few feet between us. We both looked at the ceiling.

"I know I'm not your dad, but ... if you ever want to talk, I want you to know I am here for you too."

"You're easier to talk to than Dad," he blankly said.

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Well, he's easier than Mom, that's for sure, but they're both parents, you know? I feel odd saying certain things to them."

"They love you very much. You could tell your dad anything."

"Some things. Other things I'd be too embarrassed to talk about."

"I feel like something is bothering you. Anything I can do?"

Corey turned his body ninety degrees. He put the back of his head on my stomach, and his legs hung over the side. My arms momentarily lifted on the bed as I wasn't expecting that. But I liked it. There was just enough connection between the two of us to make it a physical bond, but he still didn't have to look at me.

"I'm feeling weird about the wedding."

"I thought you liked Daryl."

"I do. I love him. Just like I do you. It has been nice to see Mom really smile a lot more these past few months."

"So, what has you concerned?"

"I don't know, Laramie. Them being married. Sleeping together. It's weirding me out for some reason."

"You don't feel like Daryl is replacing your dad, do you?"

"I don't think so. Maybe." He turned his head to look at me. "I mean, I know Mom and Dad weren't ever going to get back together. I get it. For obvious reasons." He rolled back and stared at the ceiling. "But another man with Mom in the bedroom will be strange."

"Were you that way with Mitch when he and your dad were together?"

"I don't think so. It wasn't our house. It was Mitch's place. And the two of them were together ... sleeping together ... from the beginning. Daryl never has. Knowing they will ..."

I could have tried to finish his sentence, but I let him complete his thought.

"Knowing they will be naked together is weird."

"Is it weird for you when I sleep with your father?"

"No. When you two were sleeping on the couch this evening, it looked kind of sweet. These past years, I've seen Dad with men. In bedrooms with men."

"You haven't seen me in the bedroom," I pointed out.

"The hotel. And sometimes Dad's door is open. I know you two are getting ready in there."

"Okay." I continued to just let Corey talk and me listen.

"And you're guys. I'm a guy. It's different with a woman. I just can't picture it with Mom."

"Other than with your dad."

He sighed. "I guess." He turned to lie parallel with me again. "Am I weird? Is something wrong with me?"

"No. Life sometimes throws you curveballs. When it is within your family, it's sometimes hard to know how to react. But you try to work for what is best for the people involved. Your dad is happy for your mom. Your mother is happy to marry Daryl. We can all be happy, right?"

"Right. Yeah."

"People who are in love share their lives. That includes a bed."

"And sex."

That threw me. I wasn't expecting to get into this territory. I didn't want to run from Corey. He would feel like he did something wrong. This was more Cooper's territory, but I stayed put.

"Do you have any questions about that?"

"Not really. It has all been explained. You know, how it all works. How people have babies and all that."

"Okay."

"I just don't know when people want to start doing it. Kids at school talk."

"It's all talk. Sex is private. You don't talk about it at school or work or dinner." Corey slightly chuckled at my comment. "But those people are immature. It comes with a lot of responsibility..."

"That's what Dad says."

"And your mom?"

"Oh, NO sex until marriage. I've heard that since who knows how long."

"I see."

"Are you and Dad going to get married?"

I laughed. "Kiddo, I don't think I'm the marrying type. But that doesn't mean I don't love your father. Cooper is the most wonderful man in the world."

"You need to meet more people."

I slapped him on the arm, and he giggled.

"You have a great dad."

"I know."

"We are very committed and faithful to each other. Loving him the rest of my life ... well, there are worse fates, let me tell you. I could only be so lucky."

"I've never seen Dad happier than he is now."

"You think?"

"I do. He's the lucky one."

I kissed him on the cheek. "I'm glad you're a part of my life. You can come talk to me anytime."

"Thanks, Laramie."

I stood and walked downstairs. I checked on Cooper; he was still in the study.

 

The Next Morning

Laramie

Cooper's hand was on my naked ass when the alarm went off. I forced myself to pull my body from the warmth of his to go pee. As my body lumbered from the bed, I stepped on the cum towel I had tossed to the floor eight hours prior.

The boys were leaving this morning. I hated not going with them.

We met Emory and Don for coffee. I ordered cinnamon rolls for the table. Brad brought them a few minutes later.

Chitchat was all about the wedding. Don seemed to enjoy hearing about the details. I could picture them getting married. Emory played the role of a curmudgeon, but Don was already planting thoughts of going to Paris or on a cruise. Being in a relationship again brought out the softer side of Emory.

Back at the house, they loaded the car and prepared to head out at 10:45.

"Drive careful," I said. "Take care of each other," I said hugging Corey.

"We're not going to Ukraine," Corey said. "It's a drive to Nashville."

I squeezed him harder. "I know. It kills me not to be going."

"Me too," he said giving me a final squeeze.

"Text me pictures, okay?" I said, directly looking into his eyes. He nodded.

I kissed Cooper firmly. "I love you. Call me every day."

"I will."

They waved through the car windows, and I walked back to Cooper's house to lock up.

 

September 9, 2023

Laramie Jenkins (34)
Roman Berringer (40)

 

Laramie

We bought tickets as a family. Trent had warned us that the material was very mature, but Corey said he wanted to see it. Cooper was allowing it. I had paused my work earlier in the week to hear Trent and Jakob on the radio talking about Signposts. I didn't see Trent's first play, but people always spoke favorably of it. It was hard to believe I knew a playwright.

Cooper was worried about the gay content. Not for Corey's sake but Natalie and Daryl. I told him they were adults and should be able to handle it. It wasn't like there was going to be sex scenes on stage. Or was that a wrong assumption?

The McNay Theater was beautiful. I hadn't seen a production put on inside. The elite boxes were accented with gold embellishments. Because of the age of the theater, there were many places with stained woodwork. The bathrooms looked historic but very preserved as they were modernized over the years. While painted, the crown molding around hallways and staircases was very ornate. I loved it.

Our tickets were on the main floor. I imagined the theater seated about 1,200, but I had no way of knowing. It was looking very full. We were far enough to the front that I could turn and look up to the balcony. People seemed to be seated all the way to the top. I felt happy for Trent that it was selling well. Getting free publicity on your own radio show helped, I supposed.

We moved into the middle of our row. They were great seats. It was fifteen minutes before curtain. I noticed Lance and nudged Cooper. We waved wildly.

"Do I know him?" Corey asked.

"One of my closest friends, Lance," Cooper said. "You meet him after my AA meeting when I got my two-year chip earlier this year."

"Oh yeah."

Lance wriggled past a couple people and worked his way down in the row in front of us. Cooper and I stood, and we hugged. Lance acknowledged everyone else with a friendly greeting.

"Where's Jakob?" I asked.

"I have no idea. Trent wanted him to meet someone, and they went off somewhere ... I dunno. I just decided to go to our seats."

"This is exciting," said Cooper.

"I remember when we saw his first play, and we were so worried for him. We wanted it to be successful. Boy, was it. Jakob and I were ... man, even I teared up."

"Trent seems happy with what they've done," I said, knowing that was mentioned on the radio.

"How does Jakob feel? Is he nervous?" Cooper asked.

"Incredibly," Lance shared. "He's worried it will be too much about him."

"Isn't it based on his life?" Natalie asked.

"Partly. Things he went through in his younger years." Lance looked at Corey. "Just so you know, there are some tough things in this."

"I know," Corey nodded. "I wanted to see it for Mr. Kyriazi's sake."

"Trent will appreciate that," Cooper told his son.

More people started filling in the row Lance was standing in. He felt it best to move down to his own seats.

Trent came out of a side hall with Jakob and a couple of other people. Lance pointed us out, and we smiled and waved.

 

Roman

I hadn't seen Larry in more than a year. I was surprised to see him at a play. He seemed to be with a group of people. A couple were hunks. The kid and woman were throwing me. Maybe it was his family. I was too far away to get to them, but I would try to after the play or at intermission.

My committee was very excited for this production. I was instrumental in getting it approved and pushed to have it premiere here in Jackson Bend.

I turned to look back at Laramie again. He was still the most handsome man I ever had in bed. Whenever I thought about him, I remembered what a good time we had — and how I ended things so coldly.

The lights dimmed.

The two young leads were handsome. They were supposed to be in high school, but they looked college aged. Still, they pulled it off well.

To have the lead character be gay was impactful for a big show — in our city anyway. The lead character was named Paul. From my understanding, he was based on someone who used to live here in town. I was taken with his plight. Getting kicked out at a young age was horrible, but I knew it was probably more common than people thought.

I wasn't expecting songs, as this was a play, not a musical. But the character goes on to be a country and western singer. One of the secondary characters wore a cowboy hat. It reminded me of Larry. Again.

I got lost in the memories of Larry's erection being inside my ass. I put those thoughts aside.

The play took a dramatic turn. Paul's roommates ganged up on him. Two of them held him down while the other one climbed on top of him. A blanket was pulled over their near-naked bodies. Movements indicated the removal of their underwear. The abrasive one threw his to the floor, most likely an extra prop. Paul screamed as he was being raped. I caught my breath.

 

Laramie

I caught my breath and reached for Cooper's hand. I clutched it once I found his fingers.

This wasn't Jakob; this was Paul. But this was Jakob. My heart pounded. I glanced over. Tears dripped from Cooper's eyes. He knew. But he hated seeing it. Natalie turned away at the scene. I wondered how it affected Corey. This was intense stuff. His gaze just watched the actors.

The story continued to get darker. Paul became homeless. (Jakob became homeless.) Cooper cried harder. I admittedly got watery eyes too. Natalie handed him a tissue. He nodded, thanking her. Corey sat between his parents, watching them take care of each other.

Act I ended with Paul in jail. Fuck. I gasped for breath.

The lights came up.

"Wow," I exhaled.

Cooper worried about Corey. "Are you okay with this?"

"I'm fine." Corey looked Cooper in the face. "Dad, why were you crying?"

"Because this story is based on my friend. Parts of it are. And seeing ... seeing him being raped ..." Cooper's voice quivered. He shoved the wet tissue back to his eyes. "It kills me knowing he went through that."

"Did his parents really kick him out?" Daryl asked.

Cooper nodded.

"That totally sucks. How horrible," Corey said.

"Are you sure you're okay seeing this?" Natalie asked her son.

"Yes, Mom! Dang. I'm going to be fifteen in a few weeks. I'm not a little kid. I'm in high school."

"This is some pretty hard stuff," Cooper said, chiming in.

"I understand that, but ... you don't need to protect me. I'm fine."

Corey was an awesome kid, but he was showing some signs of a surly teenager from time to time. Still, he was a magnificent human being. I wondered if any of the content would make him ask questions. He had barely met Jakob, but his own father was gay. There was a lot of emotion on stage.

Mike, Trent, Lance and Jakob looked to be pretty tied up with people conversing. Hopefully we could visit them afterward.

Some had gone to get refreshments, but we seemed fine.

As I scanned the crowd, I noticed someone walking up the aisle toward me. It was Roman. Holy fuck. Our eyes met.

I assumed he was coming to talk to me. Maybe not. It didn't matter. A woman scurried up the aisle to grab him. I saw his body language sigh. He turned to look at me again, and then he walked away.

 

Roman

Damn it. I wanted to talk to Larry.

This crisis should have been avoidable. I found the stagehands that could assist the media with photographs following the show. It was a simple fix, but now it was time for Act II to begin.

Damn.

Just as I sat down, the light began to dim. Last-minute patrons had ditched their drinks and navigated to their seats in the darkness.

The second act wasn't as harsh as the first. Once freed from jail, Paul's story took a turn for the better. His lucky break was to be heard singing in his jail cell. The warden was a guy-who-knew-a-guy. Upon Paul's release, he was visited by a promoter.

"They're ain't a lot o' gay country singers," Paul noted to the producer.

It was the next signpost on his journey. He wasn't sure which way to go.

I had a signpost with Larry. He was drawn to me. I was drawn to him. The signpost told me to go the other direction; we weren't a good fit. Look at me now. A year and a half later, I'm still alone. I haven't found that "fit."

Paul sang a soulful song about being lonely. I could relate.

A new character entered the stage. He walked up behind Paul as he was practicing, thinking he was alone. Everyone in the audience figured these two would hit it off. It was the next signpost.

As the two started to fall for each other, we rooted for them. Neither knew the other was gay. Paul longed to tell him. He wrote a song called, "What Can I Say?"

I wanted to talk to Larry after the show. What could I say?

I was a dick.

I was a jerk.

I was shortsighted.

The final signpost was Paul heading home. As he knocked on the front door, and his mother answered, I felt everyone in the audience was moved to tears. The hug could have gone on forever. We enjoyed it. Paul had put his past behind him. Although his mother finally accepted him, his father didn't. But Paul was able to accept that.

He had found his mate.

I hadn't.

Could Larry have been mine? Did I sell him short? Were my assumptions that he would be miserable with me just my own shortcomings?

"The final song, "Signposts," brought down the curtain. When the curtain call brought everyone to the edge of the stage, the cast locked hands and took a bow. The audience leapt to their feet. What a phenomenal premiere. What a fantastic feather in Jackson Bend's cap to have this show debut here. To have the playwright live here!

 

Laramie

Holy shit. Trent wrote that! I couldn't stop clapping. Like the rest of the audience, our group was on our feet. Cooper was clapping the hardest. He was moved by it.

We were motioned to be seated. The director came out and acknowledged both Trent and Jakob, who stood and waved. Jakob looked so sheepish; I could tell he didn't like attention. It was almost trancelike for me. They were my friends. I knew them. It suddenly felt like I knew someone famous.

There was a bit more talk, and then the audience clapped one final time.

"So? What did you think?" Cooper asked his ex-wife and son.

"I was blown away," said Corey.

"I kind of feel the same way," Natalie said. "Which parts were true and which parts were fictionalized?"

"To be honest, I'm not exactly sure. Jakob has shared some things, but we don't know the exact details of his life. We obviously know he isn't a country-and-western singer. I know he was homeless briefly; I don't think he was in jail."

"What about his family?" Corey asked.

"I've met his mother at a Friendsgiving. I think they have rekindled. I really don't know if he is estranged from his father or not."

"What does that mean?" Corey asked.

"Um. Distant. Don't get along. Kind of separate. I think he sees his father. It's better at least."

"Was he actually raped?" I asked.

"Yeah. He had some hard years. There are a few details I know that Trent didn't put in."

"Like what?" Corey asked.

"I'd prefer not to share them, son."

Daryl was quiet. "Daryl, are you okay?"

"I'm shaken."

Natalie put her hand on his arm. We all looked at him.

He sat down for a moment.

"I can't believe the man that was sitting at the same table as me after your AA meeting at the beginning of the year went through all this," he softly said.

"But look at him now!" Cooper said. "He's amazing."

Jakob looked overwhelmed with attention. Trent was absolutely swamped. It was going to be difficult to visit with them.

Natalie, Corey and Daryl said their goodbyes. Cooper said he wanted to at least say something to Lance and Mike. I was fine with that. Before we could move forward, Roman walked up. I was surprised.

"Hi, Cooper. I didn't expect to see you here."

I was sure he didn't mean it as an insult, but it was. I imagined he felt plays were too artistic for my upbringing.

"Hi, Roman. Roman, this is my partner, Cooper. Cooper, Roman Berringer."

"It's nice to meet you, Roman. Did you like the play?"

"Amazing. What a triumph."

"We're so proud of Trent," Cooper said.

"You know Trent Kyriazi?"

"For a couple of years. He's my running buddy too."

Mike and Lance looked like they were free for a moment. Cooper excused himself to catch them.

I looked at Roman looking at me.

"Your partner is a knockout," he said.

"Yes, he is. I love him very much. He's incredibly kind too."

"Much more than me, I'm sure."

"I don't understand."

"I can't say I'm proud of how I ended things with us," Roman said, with his head bowed toward the floor.

"We hardly had time to be an us," I said.

"I know. I thought you'd hate being a part of my world. And here you are friends with tonight's playwright."

"I've stayed at Jakob Morgan's house in Von as well."

"Wow. I'm so sorry I misjudged you."

"Maybe you did, maybe you didn't."

"I thought I was doing the right thing. I liked you, and I was afraid that if we took it further, you'd become miserable trying to enjoy what I did. I'm very sorry."

"I accept that apology. I'll admit it stung when you brushed me off. My best friend defended you. He said you were being honest and that you were probably right. It – it just hit me the wrong way at the time. I felt sort of undatable."

"Goodness, no! You were wonderful. I just knew I wouldn't be wonderful for you. I just wanted you to find the right person."

I smiled. "I did. I love Cooper like I've never loved anyone before. And he loves me. We're great."

"I'm glad. And a bit sad that I missed out on what you have to offer."

"At least you got the sex."

Roman laughed. "Briefly." He was quiet. "You're still the most handsome man I've ever made love too."

I smiled. "Thank you."

"I just wanted to say hello ... and ask for forgiveness of my mistakes last year."

"We're good. It was all just steppingstones to find the right person. I wish you well, Roman."

We gave an awkward hug, and then he walked out the back of the theater. I was all alone at the moment. Jakob was all smiles with a pair of beautiful men, one a gorgeous blond and the other a handsome Black man. Cooper was with Mike. Lance was gathering some items given to Jakob. I walked down to join them.

During my stroll, I thought upon my signposts. One pointed me to Jackson Bend, one to Shuppe's Mantle, one guided me to a friendship with Cooper. Those were the crossroads where I chose correctly at least. Roman wasn't the right path, but that was okay. I got on the correct one.

 

* * * *

 

You may have noticed an M-7 after the first passage. For more information, check out the blog post "Mitchell, Marriage and Stomachs" at the blog: timothylane414stories.blogspot.com

Email and feedback are always welcome: timothylane414@gmail.com