Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:22:51 -0400
From: anyta sunday <anytasunday@googlemail.com>
Subject: Shane and Trey chapter 20 -- last chapter

Disclaimer: Story characters belong to the author, any resemblances to real
people are entirely coincidental.

Content Advisory: Adult situations, language, sexual references

Copyright, 2010, Anyta Sunday, www.anytasunday.com


This is the END of this story, I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment to:
anytasunday@gmail.com


You can also visit me on www.anytasunday.com

Thanks for reading, and thanks to Nifty for allowing me this place to
post. Cheers!

___________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twenty


The silence went on way too long. Dammit, say something more. "Trey..."
Again I lost my voice. The words in my head evaporating as his saddened
face turned to me. For a moment lightness gleamed in his eyes, but it
quickly settled into confusion.

He stared at me, his mouth partially opened, a frown deepening.

Despite being out in the open air, I felt enclosed--in a place entirely
too small that it suffocated my purpose. My words. Apology. Talk now! Say
something. Explain.

I sucked in a breath. Hoped it would help.

"Trey--"

"Shane?--" we both spoke at once. Then both hesitated to allow the other
one to continue. But it's me that needs to speak. I nodded to myself and
stepped closer to Trey. I winced inwardly when he took one back.

"This is all a misunderstanding," I said. "What you saw, or think you
saw...it wasn't like that."

"And what did I see then? Tell me how that kiss was an accident, because
I've tried to come up with ways to make it not true, Shane, but I can't. I
was right there. I saw it. You didn't even try to push away..."

The air felt heavy, threatening to rob my breath. "No, I didn't. Because I
was too shocked. I hadn't expected that. But I also didn't return the kiss,
Trey." I took another step toward him and was relieved when he didn't step
back. He seemed nervous. Unsure. But--and I hope I wasn't reading this
wrong--hopeful.

I scanned the shore until my gaze rested on an old log. I motioned towards
it and Trey moved over. Unsaid confirmation we were going to talk.

"Syd was very--extremely upset." I heard the defensiveness in my
voice. The almost whining, believe me, believe me. I took a deep calming
breath. Trey is listening. I tried to detail Syd's background sufficiently
without going into too much detail, leading to that morning in the
hospital. "So, he was a wreck. He didn't stop to think when he pulled me
into that kiss. He just...he wanted to know his father would love him no
matter what. He didn't want to have to feel afraid anymore. It meant
nothing more than that. For both of us."

Another silence settled over us. Even the rustling of the trees tapered
off. Please say something.

He sighed, picked up a smooth stone wedged under the log and threw it at
the lake. It made a small splash at the edge.

"I didn't know how much you liked me, Shane. I knew you found me
attractive. I knew you liked me even. I just. I thought maybe I was wrong
about how much. And then the next morning I saw you kissing him." Adams
apple bobbed up and down working at hiding the hurt. The next morning? I
skimmed through the events the evening before the kiss. The toothbrush
incident. Trey's opening up about his aunt. And then--oh. Dammit. My
response. My failure to return those words to him.

And as if to confirm it, Trey continued, "You know what hurt most,
what"--he pressed his chest--"had this terrible pressure was the
thought I wanted this `us' more than you did."

I didn't like how he spoke in the past tense. Did it mean he didn't want an
`us' anymore? My heart raced as I stared at him.

He looked down at the turned up earth at his feet, grinding his heels into
it. "But then you turned up here. I actually thought I was dreaming at
first." The smallest smile kissed the side of his lips. "The moment I saw
you, I knew I was wrong. Had overreacted. I do mean something to you. Have
to. In that second the pressure in my chest just disappeared. But I was
still confused at that kiss."

In a humbled voice, and daring to slide closer, I asked, "Are you still
confused about it?"

"No. I trust you, Shane. I believe you. I'm so fucking thrilled to
understand it." He rested his hand on the log, a finger width from my own.

"So what are we saying? Are we...good?" I eliminated the distance between
our hands so our pinkies touched.

Trey hooked his little finger around mine, still staring out at the
water. "We're good."

I squeezed my pinky around his and for over thirty minutes we sat, a
comfortable quiet cradling us. Neither quite sure what to do next, but
happy to go with whatever.

As I searched the trees, the shore, the lake, as I watched the sky
brighten, I thought over Trey's concerns. Sadly, I could see where his
thoughts about my feelings toward him came from. While he had opened up to
me about some of his most private memories, I had yet to share him any of
mine. I wanted to know him, be there for him. But I hadn't given him the
same courtesy. He wants to know me too, be there for me. But he wants me to
let him.

I let go of his hand, squeezing mine tight at my side. "I hate
cheesecake. Hate the way it's so smooth against my teeth. There's nothing
to chew. I feel like I'm eating baby food. I dislike watching sport on tv
except for field hockey and occasionally soccer--uh, and I sort of like
figure skating. Not that I'd ever want to do it--I just like the skill."
Now it was my turn to ground my heel into the dirt. "I'm sorry, but I also
know shit all about basketball. Actually, to the point it's embarrassing."
I told him stupid facts about myself, working up to more personal
things. "And I love playing video games even if Syd can kick my ass any day
of the week. Oh and I was bored shirtless by Die Hard."

I took a deep breath and continued before he had a chance to say anything,
"When I was seven I teased the boy I sat next to about a scar on his face."
God, I was ashamed of that one.

"And at ten I cheated on a school test. I didn't have many friends. So I
was pretty much a loner except for June and Dylan until I met Ryan in high
school. Dylan was my first best friend. He had leukemia and died before his
thirteenth birthday. I didn't cry when my mom told me. Not straight away,
at least. I was afraid my dad would hear about it and think I was a
wuss. That he'd come up with some way to teach me a lesson. When I went to
his funeral I didn't take any tissues with me--I really thought I'd be
able to hold back those tears just worried about what dad would think. But
I cried hard. Wailed. Nose running, everything, the works. And that was the
moment I realized my dad was wrong. I listened to Dylan's dad give a speech
about all the wonderful things Dylan was. He was crying too and not ashamed
of it. I felt so guilty that I'd even tried to hold back those tears. I was
ashamed that he was looking down on me and hurting because of it--because
I was willing to not show him that I cared."

I felt a hand on my knee and a shadow cast over me. Looking up, Trey knelt
in front of me. I wiped my eyes. I hadn't seen him move. Or even realized
I'd been crying.

"I think I started to hate my Dad then. Because of that. He never said
anything directly, but just the way he was--I feared his reaction..."

Trey rubbed his hands up and down my thighs, the saddest expression on his
beautiful face.

"He used to tell Mom he loved her. All the time. Yet he always managed to
hurt her or one of us, somehow. Never physically, emotionally. I know I was
only young when they split up, but I remember him saying those words like
it was a period to a sentence. But they didn't mean anything. He said it,
but never showed it." I risked a longer look at Trey, and kept his gaze
while I whispered, "I don't want to be my dad, Trey. That's why I'm afraid
of those words--coming from me."

He wiped my tear stained cheeks with the back of his hand. "I don't know
your dad, but I from what I hear about him you are nothing like him. I know
you as kind, and generous and sensitive. I know what it's like to live with
family who care very little about my feelings, you give me so much. I see
how you are with June, with the kids at school, with me--you're certainly
the most amazing guy I know. And it's why I love you." He gazed at his
hands on my thighs. "I understand you not wanting to say those words back
to me. And...That's okay, say it when you're ready." He met my gaze
again. "When you're truly ready."

I nodded and felt a whisper of a sigh leave me. "I'm sorry, Trey."

"For what?"

"The misunderstanding. For being so God-damn slow to figure out where you
were. For your hurting. For not telling you any of this earlier."

"Then I'm sorry too. For being so rash and coming on out here without even
giving you the chance to say something. The hurt dumbified me."

"Dumbified?"

"Yeah, dumbified."

He looked at my shoes like he only just noticed them. "Did you run here?"
His voice incredulous. Taken aback.

"I didn't want you thinking any longer than you had to that I betrayed
you. But I, ah, only ran three quarters."

Trey's hands traveled once more up my thighs, but this time they didn't
stop. Lightly, he dragged his fingers up my sides, over my chest, until
they rested either side of my cheeks. He pressed forward, and I opened my
knees so he could get closer. Inches apart, his warmth soaked through my
clothes. He pressed his forehead against mine. Whispered my name. His
lovely long lashes kissed mine, tingling. Sweet.

His tongue darted across his lower lip. Mine did the same. He breathed
against the wetness. More tingles. His hands moved to push back my
hair. Grazed the back of my neck.

Before he came a fraction closer, I closed the distance. Our kiss soft,
welcoming, thankful of each other. I didn't want it to stop, and somehow,
even once he'd pulled away, it didn't. The taste of him lingered, I could
still feel the light weight of his lips. The image of an invisible line
between and attached to us filled my head.

"I love it when you smile." Trey brushed another short kiss onto it. My
smile only grew.

"Let's pack your tent up and get back to the dorms." I assumed I had a
rather suggestive glint in my eye--certainly I did in my voice.

Trey laughed and waggled his brow. "Hell, yeah. In fact, why wait till we
get home?" He motioned the empty shore, letting his gaze linger on a soft
patch of grass not too far behind us. "No one's about."

I bit my lip. Tempting. But--"I hardly imagine either of us brought
protection out here. Considering our purposes."

Trey shook his head, grinning. "You didn't plan on makeup sex? Damn. Okay,
but so you know, the next time we have any sort of misunderstanding, be
prepared." He grabbed my arms and hauled me gently to my feet. Then hooking
his fingers into the waistband of my shorts, pulled me up onto the bank and
into a lovely patch of sun. "Still. There's other stuff we can do."

Liking the sound of that...

***

Hmm, yeah, so our playing? Rolling? Frolicking? (yeah, naked, of course!)
well, whatever it was called, it ended up consuming the rest of the
morning. By the time we reached my car, crisp blue fall day laced the
sky. As soon as my cell phone had gained reception, I'd informed the
Mrs. Rollins that we would in fact be coming in today. On the count of the
fact I'd never once had a sick day, no questions were asked.

We drove to the school directly, making it in time for the last
bell. Mrs. Rollins smiled at Trey as we picked up the
keys. Curious--okay, and maybe with more than a hint of a scowl, I
watched Trey's reaction out the corner of my eye. He gave her a polite
grin, a somewhat hard edge to it that didn't promote further flirting.

We quickly made our escape and headed to the gym. "Did I pass your test,
Shane?"

"Test? What test?" Though my cheeks reddened.

"Did I behave better with her this time? You know, you don't ever have to
worry."

"I know."

We made our way to the gymnasium where the kids gathered. They ran around
us whooping as usual. Jo tugged on Trey's sleeve, and told him he'd
grown. "But I'm positive. I can prove it. Stand over there by the
window..." her voice trailed off and she made for the other side of the
gymnasium.

I allowed myself a moment to watch how he interacted with the kids. He was
like, like a big brother. The kids looked up to him, and he in return knew
when to be fun and when to be firm. I took a mental snapshot of him holding
his hand above his head and measuring it against the window frame, a large
grin on his face. I'm going to treasure that for a long, long time.

"Okay, okay," I said to the swarm of kids now hovering around me. "Gather
round in a circle, everybody."

With the usual hot-cold enthusiasm, the kids formed a dented ring. I picked
up a soft ball from the bins of equipment at the side wall. "How do we feel
about playing dodge ball?"

Some of the kids groaned, but most jumped up and down and started dividing
themselves into two teams. "Wait a second, please. I'll nominate captains
and then they will each take turns picking team members." That way it would
lead to an even game. "Okay, Shannon, you're captain for the blue team." I
handed her a set of matching colored bibs.

"And," I said, moving with the red bibs to Paul, "You are also captain."

It surprised me then, when Paul picked Karl first. Was this strategy?
Picking the best players? Or had I missed something? For the next half-hour
I studied the two carefully. They sure played well together when they
wanted to.

Trey busted me for a frown when, after the game, Karl clapped a friendly
hand on Paul's shoulder. Was I seeing this correctly? I mean, cool stuff,
just, huh?

Karl hung out with Jessie after that and barely laid eye-contact on Paul
again for the rest of the afternoon, but, well, it was a start. And I'd
never expected or even wanted that the two became best buds or
anything. Just that acceptance is nice.

At the end of work, Paul hung behind until I'd finished talking to some of
the parents picking up their children. He gave me a shy grin. "C-can we
p-play hoc-key again next t-ime? I l-liked that a lot. I've b-been
practicing."

I ruffled the hair on his head. "Sure thing."

Soon only Trey and I remained in the gym. He grabbed a basketball from the
containers at the side and threw it neatly into the hoop. The ball bounced
on the wooden floors, the sound ricocheting off the walls. "How'd you mind
if we taught the kids a little basketball too, sometime?" He plucked the
ball from the ground and hooked it under his arm. "I could teach them the
rules and explain how the game works?"

I could see through his suggestion. In fact, I bet he counted on
it. "Sure," I said, battling down the flush threatening to make an
appearance. Why not two birds with one... basketball? "I'm sure they'd love
that."

That night we stayed at Trey's. He said he was keen on making me a dessert
to die for, and I quite willing obliged. Especially at the mention of just
how much chocolate would be going into the dish. Yum.

Oh yeah, yum. After finishing it with him and his family, we all looked
about ready to pop. No kidding. I even undid the top button of my
pants. (I'd changed since work--I had jeans and a shirt in the car). Trey
used it as permission to undo his own. We shared a sneaky grin.

Patricia seemed mostly in a good mood. She'd muttered once as we came into
the house. But I suspected she was getting used to our visits, because the
insults and warnings came less, and she even complimented Trey on his
dessert; a grunted Mmmm not bad. But, hey, it was something!

His mom practically staggered to her feet and started around to Aunt
Patricia. (Oh yeah, whenever she was snarky I called her Pat--much to
Trey's approval). Trey got to his feet. "Nah, Ma. I'll get the wicked bitch
to bed," he said with a wink to his aunt.

For some reason, instead of blowing (like I expected her to) she
cackled. "Don't you forget it."

A wisp of smile graced his mom's face. "Fine. Also, could you set her alarm
to eight?"

"Stupid AA, robbing my sleep," Aunt Patricia grumbled.

His mom passed us, but as she did said a quiet, "Thanks, Trey."

Forty-five minutes later and Aunt Patricia was cozy in bed. Trey snaked an
arm around my waist at the bottom of the stairs. He chewed on his bottom
lip a moment as if contemplating.

I mouthed a `what', and--whoosh--Trey flung me up into his arms and
raced up the stairs, two at a time, at least. Whoa! I might not have liked
losing the control there, but hell it was hot. Yep, not going to lie, his
strength definitely had sex appeal.

He butted open his door and crashed into his room. "Fuck it!" Trey yelped
as he tripped over something.

We fell onto his bed. I gripped my sides laughing until a nice stitch in
the side told me to cool it. "That," I said pointing to the shoe that'd
tackled him, "is one reason to tidy up after yourself."

"Humpf. But what a fortunate and most appropriate landing," he leaned over
me, pinning my arms above my head, "don't ya think?"

I beckoned him closer with a roll of the eyes. When his ear met my mouth, I
said, husky, "Take these fucking pants off me."


***

Just a week ago meeting Dad was the absolute last thing I wanted to
do. This week--today, I met the morning with less anticipation. Or at
least less of the bad kind. Despite the lack of sleep (I wonder what could
have kept me up?) I jumped up out of bed. Showered in, believe it or not,
under five minutes and dressed in two.

"Trey?" I nudged his side, and he rolled over.

"Hmm?"

I kissed his forehead. "Are you still okay with June picking you up this
evening? I just have so much to do; I need to get back to college early
today." I knew he wanted to spend as much of the day as possible helping
out his mom, so my little plan was so far working without a hitch.

"Right. Yay." His words still came out slurred with sleep, but I sensed the
intended enthusiasm behind them. "Love to see June. Later..." As quickly as
I nudged him out of it he was back to snoring lightly.

I scampered out the house. Looked at my watch. Sweet, just after nine. I
made it back to my place to a pleased June. Being on time was worth it just
for the brilliant smile she gave me.

She picked up a thick pancake from the stack on the kitchen bench and threw
it Frisbee style. I caught it, clapping it between my hands. "Cheers. Uh,
since when do you know how to make pancakes?"

I bit into it and knew the answer. Just swallow and smile.

"I don't, but I figured it couldn't be too hard. Flour, milk, eggs, salt,
right? Besides," she hesitated over the pan before resting the fish slice,
"I needed something to do." I didn't miss the glance at the microwave
clock.

I grabbed a plate and rested the stodgy pancake on it. Moved to her side
and looped an arm around her shoulder. The closest we'd come to a hug since
I'd told her about Trey.

She looked at me, worry a light shadow on her face. Her words ringed with
hesitation and uncertainty. "He'll come, Shane. This time he will."

I hope so too.

"It means so much you came again today." June leaned her head on my
shoulder and wove her hands around my waist. "You're the best brother I
have."

I grinned into her hair and let her go. "The only brother you have."

June smirked and bit into a ripped a piece of pancake. "Ugh!" She spat it
out. "Way too much salt." She smacked her lips in distaste and scowled at
me. "Why didn't you warn me they were so bad?"

I chuckled as she scraped the rest of the batter into the bin. She took the
dirty dishes and piled them up near the sink and our chatter somehow lead
back to Trey. A brief smile graced her face before it fell again.

"Uh, what time did you want Trey around tonight?" she asked.

"Nine o'clock is good." She nodded and turned around. I grabbed the
scrubbing brush of her and bumped her to the side. "I'll wash. It's the
least I can do for you... uh, helping me out." I paused. "June, why are you
doing this for me?"

She kept her gaze on the dishtowel she'd plucked from the oven. "It's for
the both of you. I"--she twisted the material around her
hands--"I--it's a start." She braved eye contact. Her own were
moist. "It still hurts sometimes, what happened and all--but you didn't
hurt me Shane, neither did Trey. It was, well, just a sucky truth for
me. But I am happy, in some way, that the two of you are together. How
could I not be? You both are my two favorite people."

She motioned for me to start washing instead of staring at her. I dunked
the bowl into the soapy water. "So, I'm helping you guys tonight, because
it's a start. For me to show you guys that I will be alright."

I placed the dripping bowl onto the rack, then, wet fingers and all crushed
her into another hug.

Light steps entered the room. I glance up at Mom over June's shoulder. She
smiled at us, and I almost heard the Glad you two know what's important,
come from it.

We all chatted together in the kitchen as we finished the dishes. For a
moment it was as if we all lived together again. Like college never began.

"Shane," mom said to me when June scuttled off into the living room. "How
are you doing?"

I knew this wasn't an all and everything how are you doing, but a question
targeted at my relationship with Trey and the one with my sister. With
Trey? great, super, wonderful, amazing. With June? I smiled. "Things are
looking up, Mom."

"Good. I--I'm happy to hear that." She beckoned me into her study across
from the living room. "I"--she sat down and met my gaze--"Are you
planning on telling your father?"

Until that moment, I hadn't thought of it. It'd always been a no go in my
mind. He'll be disgusted, curse something rabid, probably disown me. Yet
despite all that...maybe. It was something I never thought I'd do. But that
had been before. Before Syd's story, before seeing his dad apologize,
before realizing it was possible Dad could have changed too.

Still, possible. Not probable.

"It's up to you how and when and even if you tell him, Shane, but I wanted
you to know again that no matter how he reacts, you still have a mother and
a sister that loves you completely. That are so proud of the person you've
grown up to be."

Her voice rose a notch, and I knew she was holding back from crying. I
crossed the small room and threw my arms around her, letting her perfume
envelope me. It feels so safe here. "Anyway," she said after a good mom-son
hug, "I'm going to be right here in this room if you need me. Just call and
I'll be right there."

The doorbell rang. Mom and I both checked our watches at the same
time. "Would you look at that," she said, surprised, "he's even early."

I allowed myself a small grunt and went to open the door.  Dad gave me a
lazy grin and a hello before waltzing into the house. "Where's my Juney?"

June leaped up from the couch, relief relaxing her. "Dad! It's so good to
see you." I heard in her voice just how much she meant it. I hung back,
perched on the arm of the couch.

Dad took off his cap and started spinning it between his fingers. "So how's
college been treating you?" He raised a brow, focusing mostly on
June. Every time he looked in my direction he seemed to close up. Guess he
hasn't forgotten my words last week.

He fished two envelopes out of his back pocket and threw them onto the
coffee table. In his scrawled handwriting were our names. One for June, one
for me.

June, more animated than I expected of her, told Dad all about classes and,
well, basically gave him a rundown of the last few months. When he asked if
she was still with that Trey fella June glanced at me, and shook her
head. "No, ah, we're not anymore."

"Pity, I liked that guy."

Would he still like the guy if he knew?

He stuck his cap back on and rested his head back on the armchair. "And
what about you, Shane?" His voice sounded strained. "How are you?"

I pondered the question, tossing possible answers around in my head. I
could play along: I'm good, college is fine--blah, blah, blah. But it
would a load of crap. Wouldn't mean a thing. I couldn't do this with
him. It was fake. We were better off not knowing each other.

Then the image of Syd father lying in hospital came back to me. I so would
care if it had been Dad. June's words of a week earlier rang in my head, I
think a part of you wished you could believe in him too.

I swallowed down the hard lump in my throat. She's right. I should give him
a chance.

My gut twisted. I wiped my clammy hands onto my jeans. I could give him a
chance, but it would be done on my terms.

I met Dad's gaze and held it. "Honestly, Dad, I'm angry. I wish I could say
I love--heck even like--your calls or visits, but I dread them. I feel
like a disappointment when I'm around you and I feel guilty for who I
am. But I like the guy I am. Growing up with you..." I took a moment to
collect myself, I could feel the start of a tear slipping. "...it wasn't so
easy." Why was I holding back these tears? That's exactly what I'm talking
about. About being myself. "I want to forgive you for that, but it's sort
of up to you, and it will take effort on your part."

Dad narrowed his eyes but surprised me by not saying anything except to
grunt.

"What I need from you right now is for you to listen to what I'm saying. If
you love me at all, you'll say nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not a word. I
hope you'll give me so much respect."

June came and sat behind me on the couch. The motion meant a lot, her way
of backing me up. I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the flipping
nerves inside. I met Dad's gaze. Now. Say it... "I like other guys,
Dad. I'm gay."

His face scaled through colors, first paling then flashing to brighter and
brighter shades of red. His lip trembled and I saw the words threatening to
come off them, starting with you telling me you're a fucking fag...

I flinched in expectation. Nothing.

My hands shook at my sides and a folded them around myself like a hug. In a
shaky voice I finished, "So think about whether you want us to have a
relationship at all. If you will accept me for who I am, if you do that,
then you can call me."

I got up to leave the room, and at the same time he stood. The anger in his
eyes sent a shiver through me. But he hasn't said a word.

He moved to the coffee table and his hand hovered over the envelope with my
name on it. I watched him. What would he do?

He looked at me one more time and shook his head. His fingertips scraped
the paper, but after a moment's hesitation he skimmed over it, turned, and
left the house. No goodbye to June. Just his heavy footsteps and a slam of
the door.

Still, he hadn't said a word.


***


I gurgled some water from my drink bottle and spat it out into the wash
basin. Through the bathroom doors I heard the dulled pumping of music
winding its way from the Ori Café stage. Each time there came a lull, my
stomach tightened. Not long now.

Looking in the smudgy mirror, I ran a nervous hand over my hair. Remember,
this is for Trey. Just focus on him.

I emerged and headed back to the little room behind the stage, where Syd
sat. I plunked myself onto the tiny sofa next to him. Glanced at my watch.

"Only one more song," he said. "Then Lucas will introduce you onstage,
without saying your name as you requested."

I nodded and drummed my fingers on the guitar case.

"Nervous much?"

"Care to stab a guess at that?"

Syd laughed. "Yeah. But seriously, you're going to do fine out
there. People will just love your voice."

I let out a shaky breath. "Thanks for getting Lucas to agree to this."

"It was nothing. He's thrilled to be able to do something as a thanks for
being there for me this week."

My cellphone buzzed and I read the text from June. Sweet. Just arrived. He
hasn't got a clue. Thinks we're having a friendly catch up.

As soon as I'd read it, my phone buzzed again. I smiled. Hey. Gone for a
drink with June. Won't b back 2 late. Hope u got ur stuff done. XOXO, Trey.

I smiled. Not done yet. But soon.

The song wound down. My heart picked up. I heard Lucas's words muffled by
the wall. "And now we're going to take a short break ladies and
gentlemen. During that time we have a special treat for you."

As he made the short introduction I readied myself near the stage
entrance. Syd stood next to me, waiting until Lucas and his band came
off. Lucas cracked a grin at the same time Syd punched me lightly in the
arm. "Go crack a note."

I gripped my blue baby and shuffled on stage to the stool Lucas had set out
for me. The café was small enough that I could see the audience clearly. I
scanned the crowds. Trey sat with June at the bar, his back to me. I
smiled. For you.

I struck the first few chords my fingers flowing, strumming, plucking. The
sound came out clean, sweet. Trey stirred at the sound of the guitar, but
it was at my first line he swiveled so fast on his stool he almost fell
off.

I stared at him. The words coming to life by the truth in them. By the fact
I sung it to him. When I got to the last verse, Trey wiped his eyes with
the back of his hands, but continued to hold my gaze. I sang the chorus
twice through to finish the song.

Oh my chestnut baby, Know that I accept To always keep it real To care and
to respect

I smiled at him over the clapping crowd. Just for you. He stood up and the
crowds melted either side of him as he headed to the side of the
stage. With my guitar in hand I hurried off stage, almost throwing my
guitar at Syd. He caught it as Trey grabbed me lifting me so I was hooked
around his waist. There were no words. No more needed to be said, but the
look in his eyes spoke endless words of kindness, admiration and love.

And his kiss? Yeah, well, that said everything else.


***


--Four months later--


Ecstatic. There was no other word to describe him. Trey locked me into a
vice grip. "I passed!"

"Good. Now I won't be the one driving us everywhere." Not that I minded,
but--sweet!--I smiled at the possibility of longer road trips just the
two of us.

He reluctantly let me go and handed over the car keys. "We should really
get back." He lowered his voice. "There's just so much I want to do to you
right now that I don't think Bob there will appreciate."

I raised an oh-so-innocent brow. "Oh yeah?"

He bit his bottom lip, and I practically jumped into the car.

Trey slid in. "Ah, Shane, didn't you want to drive?"

I shook my head. "No way. I think I'll let you be my chauffeur for a
while."

He greedily took the back the keys I dangled in front of him. The entire
trip to the dorms I watched him. So beautiful.

The parking lot was full, so Trey found a space on the street. In one go he
parallel parked. His face glowed with pride as he turned off the car.

"I love you, Trey." The words slipped effortless off my tongue. They felt
right. Natural. And I was smiling as I said them.

Trey's eyes softened at hearing me speak those words for the first
time. His lashes closed together and opened. The softest, sweetest, purest
smile answered my own. He leaned over, resting one arm on the back of the
seat. "I know."

"You do?"

His lips met mine. "How could I not? You show me all the time."


--THE END--