THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

Mason's awareness slowly returned but he refused becoming fully wake. He was so warm and comfy he didn't want the morning to come. Then he realized the heavenly feelings were because he was still in Alejandro's arms as his head rested on the boy's shoulder. Careful not to wake Alejandro, Mason carefully worked his arm from under his body to grab his phone. He woke the device and turned on the camera before holding it at arm's length to get a photo of him snuggling with the handsome teen. Satisfied with the photo, he quickly sent it in a text to Aiden before putting the phone back to sleep and returning his thoughts to enjoying the moment.

'Is that what Aiden and Nolan feel?' wondered Mason in his thoughts. He still idolized Aiden and the relationship between Aiden and Nolan was the benchmark by which Mason measured all other relationships. But nestled up against Alejandro, Mason started to think about the other gay relationships he'd been exposed to.

Aiden's dads were the best. If he were honest, he kinda liked to think of them as his dads too. They'd always been awesome to him, and they were well respected by the adults and kids in the community. After all, they were very successful baseball coaches as well as fantastic parents.

But he'd been watching Zach and Lars while in East Harbor. Every day at the Meijer home seemed as chaotic as one of Aiden's sleepovers. With four boys, sports, music, businesses, and psychology practice, Mason was nearly overwhelmed just thinking about it all. And with fall semester starting, Zach and the boys would be in school too. But Zach and Lars reminded him a lot of Larry and Phil. They made order out of chaos and kept a firm hand without being domineering. And both couples operated like perfect partners managing their families. When he grew up, Mason wanted to have a partner that would help him do the same.

Then there were the other gay couples Mason had met. As much as Nolan and Aiden were a great couple, Mason couldn't imagine a better match than Michael and Christian. It was like they were made specifically for each other. And Mason never thought he'd ever meet anyone who was as athletic and nerdy as Aiden, but Michael would definitely give Aiden a run for his money--Christian too, for that matter. It occurred to Mason that Lukas and Simon were a lot like Matthew and April. Their relationships seemed easy, but solid. You could see the love flow between them even when they weren't speaking.

He wondered what it would be like to go to school at East Harbor. It seemed like being gay and having a boyfriend was just as normal as a boy having a girlfriend. 'Was it really that easy here?' he questioned. 'If it were only that easy back home.'

"SHIT!" screeched Mason when Alejandro's alarm sounded. He was so deep in his own thoughts; the alarm scared him, making his entire body quake.

"Mmmm..." groaned Alejandro. He shut the alarm off then rolled over and pulled Mason into his chest. "Good morning to you, too."

Mason wrapped his arms around Alejandro and returned the hug. "Good morning," he whispered. "The alarm scared me."

"I can tell. I can feel your heart beating like a million miles an hour."

Mason giggled. "Yeah." Then he let out a little sigh. "Are you ready to get up to go to the gym?" asked Mason, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"No," answered Alejandro. "I want to lie here like this with you all day." Mason smiled in agreement, even if Alejandro couldn't see his face.

"Wake up, sleepy heads!" ordered Michael bursting into the bedroom. He was already dressed and raring to go. He'd heard the alarm go off and knew they were at least awake. But more importantly, he wanted an excuse to see if things had progressed for the new lovebirds. He was disappointed to find Alejandro was still sleeping on top of the comforter, but happy that the boys were cuddling.

Michael quickly read the room. Alejandro and Mason were equally blissful being in each other's arms and pissed about being rudely interrupted. "Sorry guys," said Michael changing his tone and disposition. "I'm heading next door. We'll wait for you." But before he closed the door to give them privacy, he stuck his head back through the door and grinned. "You two really just need to do it and get that over with." He ducked back out and closed the door before the thrown pillow smashed into the door right where his head had been.

----------------------     

Walking home from their morning workout, the boys were especially boisterous. Michael and Mason were following up the rear, Michael with his arm thrown over his buddy's shoulder.

"Dude," said Michael, "I'm so happy you're down here with us making music. You could be the next Justin Bieber or Shawn Mendes."

"Yeah, right," said Mason with an exaggerated eye roll.

"No seriously," replied Michael. "Just like those two, we discovered you on social media and it led to you getting a record deal. There's only one difference."

Mason appreciated the comparison, but felt it was a long stretch to compare him to those two successful recording artists. But he was intrigued by where Michael was taking this conversation. "What's the 'one' difference?" he asked, expecting Michael to make a joke.

"The difference is you haven't recorded a song that you've written...yet."

"YET?" Mason's eyes practically bugged out of his head. "I don't write songs."

"Have you tried?"

"Well...," Mason thought for a moment. "Kinda, I guess."

"You guess?"

"Yeah, I mean, I have, but not really." Michael just stared and waited for Mason to explain. "There's been a few times I sat down thinking about trying to write a song, but I didn't know where to start."

"No worries," said Michael, "we'll work on it together while you're here. We'll get at least one song recorded and then we'll see what AJ thinks of it. He'll want to be in on the decision about the song being on the album or not."

Mason didn't even know how to respond. He was even more shocked when the boys didn't turn the corner at the Maple Street Café to head home but turned right into the front door of the restaurant.

Michael saw his favorite waitress and waved. When she approached, Michael asked, "Hi Vera! Can you wait on us if we sit on the patio?"

"Sure thing, honey. You boys go take your seats and I'll be out in a minute."

When Mason caught up to Michael, he asked, "Do you own this place too?"

Michael laughed. "No, but I guess I'm their landlord or something since I own the building. Vera was the first person I met in East Harbor. She's the best waitress in the world." Mason suspected Michael was more than a little impartial on this matter.

The boys found tables and pulled them together so all six of them could sit together. Michael sat between Mason and Christian on one side while Simon, Lukas, and Matthew sat on the other side. Alejandro pulled a chair up at the end of the table with Mason on his right and Matthew on his left.

Mason looked at all the boys around the table and how animated they were. "What's got everyone so excited?"

Matthew was the only one of the boys that understood what Mason was asking. He answered, "I think we always get this way when we've got a show coming up."

Alejandro asked, "You mean the benefit concert?"

"Yep."

"When's that?" asked Mason, curious because he knew he was going to perform at that show too.

"Saturday," answered Michael. "If you like French toast, you def need to order it. It's almost as good as dad's."

Mason was too stunned to process Michael's breakfast recommendation.

"Mason?" asked Alejandro. "Mason?" He thought maybe Michael had broken Mason's brain. He grabbed Mason's forearm and shook the boy.

"You okay?" asked Michael.

"Saturday?" asked Mason in disbelief. If he were honest, it never occurred to him to ask when the different commitments were, he just knew they would happen while he was in East Harbor and that was for almost two weeks which seemed like an eternity. "But, we haven't even practiced!"

"Don't worry," assured Michael. "We plan to start rehearsing the show today. We'll have time to practice more Saturday morning at the venue."

"But...and...the...and..." Mason was used to rehearsing with his vocal coach a couple times a week and feeling like it was over prepared for a performance long before the day of a concert. He wasn't used to living music full-time.

"No problem," said Michael trying to ease Mason's nerves. "The show will be almost entirely during daylight. We won't be able to coordinate a light show or anything like that. It will just be going up there and playing our music. The camera guys are professional and will capture the show. If you want to play up to the camera and the people viewing at home, just go up to the camera and do it. The directors will cut to the right camera and broadcast it. All you have to do is get up there and do what you do best...sing."

Vera appeared behind Alejandro. "You boys ready to order?"

----------------------     

A black Volkswagen Touareg slowed before it finally came to a stop. It was the third location the driver tried, but the first that didn't have security cameras or potential witnesses.

"Hop out. I'll get your bike."

Jack met Johann at the rear of the vehicle and waited for the lift gate to open. When he was able, Johann ducked under the slow-moving door and retrieved the little blond's bike. "Be good," he told Jack. Jack understood that was more of a threat to keep his mouth shut than a friendly comment. Jack nodded and hobbled away pushing his bike. Johann pushed the button to close the lift gate and hopped back into the driver's seat and behind the tinted windows.

Jack hurried the best he could around the corner to put distance between him and Johann strictly for security reasons when he heard a voice.

"Jack! Jack!" Jack turned to see Derek speeding his way. Derek hit the brakes and skidded to a stop. "Are you alright? Did you wreck your bike?"

Jack realized how it could look like he'd wrecked his bike and was injured. "No, I'm good." Thinking quickly, he added, "I was out looking for you."

That sounded suspicious to Derek. He went straight to Jack's house this morning before his boyfriend would normally be out of bed, but he was already gone this morning and Jack's parents weren't even aware their son had gone. "Well, I've been looking for you, too."

"What do you want to do?" asked Jack. He prayed that Derek didn't want to go for a bike ride.

"Rodrigo, Sebbie, Sean, and Moshie are planning on joining the guys to play lacrosse later. We could head to your house then mine to grab our gear."

Jack looked at his phone to check the time. "Looks like we have plenty of time. Let's walk our bikes to my house."

Derek climbed off his bike to push it from the side opposite Jack so the boys could walk side-by-side. He held the bike with one hand where the handlebars connected to the stem and put the other arm over Jack's shoulder. He leaned in and gave Jack a peck on the cheek causing Jack to turn and give Derek a smile. Derek smiled back and his brain shifted into overdrive.

Jack smelled of sex, but not boy-on-boy sex. When he'd licked his lips after kissing Jack, the tang of mature cum stung his tongue. With the hitch in Jack's step, Derek was convinced Jack had an adult friend, and he was determined to find out who it was.

Down at the Mallway, the Touareg was parked along Maple Street. Johann entered the office of Majestic Enterprises and approached the receptionist.

"Welcome to the Majestic. How may I help you?"

"I have an interview," he said, careful to hide his accent as best he could.

She confirmed he was right on time for his interview. "Right this way, please."

He followed the receptionist to Carol's office where he was greeted by the team interviewing him.

"We're glad you could make it. I'm Carol Novak. This is Janette King. And this is our Social Media Manager for Majestic Records, Christian Olsen." He shook hands with everyone as they were introduced before everyone was seated.

Christian led off with the first question. "John Ach..."

Johann interrupted to assist with the pronunciation of his name, "It's John Achziger." He smiled at the cute blond boy trying not to let the lecherous thoughts show on his face. From his research, he recognized Christian as Michael's boyfriend.

"Sorry, thanks," said Christian embarrassed by mispronouncing the man's name. "It looks like you have a lot of social media experience in different industries. Why are you interested in working with Majestic Records?"

----------------------     

The boys finished running through Mason's set again just in time for everyone to head out for their sports practices.

"Hey, babe," said Christian when he walked out on stage and gave Michael a kiss.

"Hey," he leaned in for another kiss. "How were your interviews?"

"Pretty good. We have some more tomorrow, but unless someone is really awesome, we have a great candidate to make an offer to."

"Congrats, boss man," Michael said with a smile. "I see you're all ready for tennis practice."

"Yeah. What are you gonna do?"

"Mason and I are going to take a break and then work on a song we're gonna perform Saturday."

"Good." Christian gave Michael a big hug. "It must be boring watching me practice."

Michael gave Christian a sexy smile. "I wouldn't call it boring. More like 'boning.'"

"Oh," smiled Christian. "I need to get out of here before you distract me. I need to focus on my practice." He picked up his tennis bag and gave Michael a wink before heading over to the high school for practice.

The other boys headed out to their sports commitments while Michael and Mason headed up to the loft to grab some snacks and take a breather. Neither boy said much as they knocked down a bottle of water and started a second.

"That was a lot of work," said Mason. The boys had run through Mason's set several times and the At the Majestic set a few times too. They'd hardly taken time for lunch -- just enough time to devour the burgers delivered from the Café.

Michael finished off his water and grabbed another. "You're getting better and better with each run through."

"Thanks," said Mason with pride. Performing with a band was VERY different than performing a song at church or a recital. He was learning to just be himself and have fun. If that meant dancing, he danced. If that meant interacting with his friends in the band, he walked over and shared a mic or played air guitar or whatever. He took a bite out of a Snickers bar and another drink of water. "What do you want to practice next?"

"I thought we'd go outside and work on the duets we talked about."

"All of them?"

"Yeah, but just to see which we like the best. We'll do one of them Saturday." Michael got up. "Let's grab our acoustics and head outside. I need a change of state."

Walking down towards the high school, they gauged the noise from the street and the water fountain before deciding where to sit. The boys found a spot in the grass then sat down next to their instrument cases. The sun felt good causing the boys to take a moment to simply sit quietly and enjoy the weather. Michael closed his eyes and lay back on his elbows while Mason people watched.

The paint crew was finishing painting the east and west buildings of the Mallway. The dark gray and white trim looked good in Mason's opinion. All the businesses had new or freshly painted signs, including the Majestic. The historic marquee had been painted to restore it to its former splendor and the ticket booth had been restored, even if it rarely had a purpose. Parents were taking their kids into the middle and high schools to register for classes and pick up class schedules.

A small group of tween girls exited Saberspace giggling and jumping around. One of the girls pulled her new At the Majestic t-shirt from her shopping bag before one of the other girls pointed in Mason and Michael's direction. The other girls looked and more giggling ensued. Mason knew they must have spotted Michael so he smiled and waved at the girls. One of the girls squealed before they all ran away. Mason laughed, breaking Michael's peaceful rest.

"You ready to get started?" asked Michael.

"Yeah," said Mason, still smiling from what the girls did.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing." The boys opened their guitar cases and pulled out their instruments.

They tuned up and prepared to play. The first song they played was one Mason learned from his guitar teacher and Michael learned from his father. They sang "And I Love Her" a couple times to practice it. Their voices and guitars filled the Mallway drawing the attention of shop patrons and families in the area. They followed it up with "In My Life."

After the first couple songs, Mason put his guitar away and sang with Michael allowing Michael to play the accompaniment. They noticed people stopping to listen and a few sat on the grass and listened to them practice. When someone walked up and dropped a couple dollars in Michael's open guitar case, Mason was confused. When the song ended, Mason whispered, "Why did that guy put money in your case?"

"It looks like we're busking." Michael read Mason's confusion. "That's when artists play in the streets for donations."

Mason thought that maybe they should give the money back, but since Michael didn't move to correct the man, Mason just turned to the man and said, "Thank you!"

Parents gave spare change to their children to drop in the open case and others added paper money to the collection. Michael motioned for Mason to stand and the two of them brushed grass off their legs and shorts. Michael leaned in and suggested the next song.

"But I thought we were going to practice the song," whined Mason. "There're people here."

"What better way than to practice with an audience?" asked Michael.

It was clear to Mason that Michael was much more comfortable playing in front of strangers. But then again, Michael had played in front of tens of thousands of strangers. Michael would have corrected Mason by reminding his friend that he too had sung in front of tens of thousands when he sang during the livestreamed show for the BaseBrawl. To Mason, that wouldn't have counted because he couldn't see them to make him nervous.

Mason pulled the paper with the lyrics out of his pocket. He glanced at the notes he'd made to himself about volume and expression for each verse.

While Mason reviewed his notes, Michael announced, "Mason just started learning this song yesterday, but I think we're going to perform it Saturday night. So, we want to play it for you. Maybe a few times for practice." He had no doubt their audience would love it because Mason had learned the song so quickly and sang it so passionately.

They made eye contact and Michael began the introduction before they sang together in harmony. "Hello darkness, my old friend; I've come to talk with you again..."

Perhaps it was the fear of an audience of strangers. Perhaps it was the self-imposed pressure of perfection to his performance. No matter, it was the boys' best performance of the song yet. As the song crescendoed their voices rose to the challenge of calling others to come listen.

When they finished, they noticed heads hanging out open windows at the school and people standing outside the businesses taking a pause from their day to listen.

There wasn't a rousing round of applause. In fact, no one applauded. And there wasn't a dry eye to be seen. Mason began to understand Michael's confidence in him. His heart swelled with pride.

----------------------     

Josh was lost somewhere between sleep and wakefulness when he felt someone take his good hand. At first, he thought it was another nurse checking on his intravenous catheter. When the hands squeezed his gently, he woke. "Alex? You promised you'd go visit your friends...Grandpa?"

"Hey there sport," said Jim Adams. The man's heart ached seeing his oldest grandson in such a state. He fought back his tears. "Sorry we couldn't get here sooner. Your Uncle Joshua came to look after the farm while grandma and I came to look after you."

"Where's grandma?"

"She's still with your mom," answered Jim cautiously.

"How's mom? They won't tell me much. Just that the doctors are taking real good care of her."

"Josh, your mom's not doing real good. She was in bad shape when they found her, and she hasn't regained consciousness. They're saying the longer it takes for her to wake up, the longer it is going to take for her to get back to being herself."

Tears trickled down Josh's cheek. "I'm sorry, grandpa."

"Sorry? Josh, if you hadn't attempted to get help, your mom may have died."

"But if I wasn't so scared, I would have gotten help sooner. It's my fault mom is in such bad shape. It's my fault she's gonna die."

"Don't say that, Josh." Jim's tears joined Josh's on the bed's sheet. "Things are gonna be alright. Things will be fine."

----------------------     

"Nice run," said Oliver, checking the timer on his watch.

Craig panted, "How was our time?"

"We shaved about a minute off of yesterday's time."

"Nice. I like that new trail. Glad we found it."

Vehicles on Deeb Court were rare, but the boys had to step aside to let a Best Buy delivery truck pass and pull into the driveway at the end of the road.

"Whoever's moving in there isn't wasting any time," noted Craig. There were work crews, delivery trucks and now they noticed a black SUV that wasn't there when they left for their run.

Oliver agreed with Craig and the teenagers headed to their home to get a drink and cool off from their run.

"How was your run?" asked Craig's mother, Amanda.

"It was great," answered Oliver as he grabbed two sports drinks from the fridge. He tossed one to Craig.

"Have you met our new neighbors?" asked Craig. He opened his drink and chugged half the bottle.

"No," she answered honestly, looking up from her laptop. "I really haven't had a chance to go next door to say, 'Hi.' Besides, it seems like things are pretty busy up there."

The clattering of soccer cleats on the tiled floor grew louder as the twins came trotting into the kitchen. "We met them!" they announced.

"It's one of Michael's friends," explained Connor.

"He's got a Mexican name or something. I don't remember his name, but he's cute," added Cooper.

"Yeah, he's hot!" confirmed Connor.

Oliver finished his drink and rinsed the bottle. "Well, there's a black SUV over there. I bet he's there now."

The twins took off for the door.

"STOP!" They screeched to a halt and turned to give their mother their attention.

"We have to leave for soccer practice in 20 minutes. Don't. Be. Late." She gave them her "mother" look as sternly as she could.

"Okay!"

"We'll be back!"

And they were off. They ran round the side of the house and through the landscaping up to the road and into the driveway of 3011 Deeb Court. They slowed to navigate the traffic of workers going about their business. Other than the things from Best Buy, the twins weren't much interested. They searched for a sign of Alejandro. When none could be found, they let themselves in not even bothering to knock or removing their soccer cleats. Following the guys from Best Buy, they trod across the drop cloths and up the stairs where they found Alejandro in his bedroom telling people where he wanted things to go.

"Hey!" greeted Cooper.

"Hi!" said Connor.

Alejandro turned, "Oh, hey guys!"

"Where do you want the gaming systems?"

"Put them on the shelves on that side." Alejandro pointed to the right of the TV. He turned his attention back to the twins. "What are you guys up to?"

"We have to leave for soccer practice soon," announced Connor.

"But we wanted to come get you to meet our brothers before we go," explained Cooper.

Alejandro led them down the steps to Jacob's suite. "Hey boys," greeted the man with his back to the door. He was setting up the rest of the security equipment to go along with all the cameras he was monitoring. With all the painters, carpenters, and delivery personnel, he maintained better oversight from behind his desk than he would boots on the ground.

Alejandro began, "I was..."

"That's fine," answered Jacob. "But don't be gone for too long. The movers will have more questions for you." That's how Alejandro realized Jacob's security system also had sound.

"Com'on!" said the twins. Connor grabbed Alejandro's hand and pulled him to the door.

Alejandro followed the twins across the courtyard and across the driveway. They tromped through the landscaping to the brick patio surrounding the Kendall swimming pool. The twins led Alejandro around the house to the deck then to the door to Craig and Oliver's room.

When the boys opened it and walked in, Alejandro simply thought it was the door to the Kendall living room or something. He didn't know it was the door to the private living quarters of the teen boys. An unmade bed, two pairs of running shoes scattered on the floor, boys clothing tossed aside, the running shower... Alejandro soon realized the solution to the puzzle.

"Guys, we shouldn't..."

"It's okay," said Connor.

"They're in here," added Cooper. They grabbed Alejandro's hands and led him to the bathroom's entryway.

Through the steam they could make out Craig bracing himself with his hands planted against the shower wall while Oliver cleaned his bottom thoroughly with two soapy fingers. Alejandro's eyes darted between Oliver's busy fingers and the teen's large, wagging cock.

"Oh, they're busy," answered Connor.

"Yeah," agreed Cooper. Neither of the twins made a move to give the older boys' their privacy.

Having invaded the teens' privacy, Alejandro expected the twins to follow when he stepped away from the erotic scene. But they were engrossed studying what Craig and Oliver were up to.

"Hey!" whispered Alejandro. He waved them to follow. Reluctantly, they joined Alejandro across the bedroom from the bathroom. "You shouldn't watch like that. Let's head back to my house."

"Why?" asked Connor. "We like to watch."

"Yeah," stated Cooper. "That's how we learned to do sex stuff."

"You two are also gay?" Alejandro asked suspiciously. The twins nodded enthusiastically. 'That's interesting,' thought Alejandro. Before his mind could venture into the possibilities of having four gay boys next door, the twins were onto another topic.

"Come meet our mom!"

----------------------     

"I need a break," declared Lukas. He climbed out from behind his drum kit and headed for the studio door. "Anybody want anything from the loft? Snacks? Drinks?"

"I'll come too," said Simon. He turned off his amp and put the bass back on its stand. He listened to the orders just in case Lukas didn't remember everything.

"We'll be back in a few," stated Lukas. The pair headed up the stairs to relax leaving the "Ms" behind (Mason, Michael, and Matthew).

When Lukas grabbed drinks, Simon decided now was the best time to broach the subject. "So, what's going on with you and Scott? He's been acting weird."

Lukas handed Simon his drink and kicked the refrigerator door shut. They took seats in the corner of the sectional to have the conversation. "I think something is on Scott's mind, but I think the bigger part of it is Gavin."

"Gavin? Why Gavin?"

"Well, first, the only reason Gavin has been staying with the Schultz' is because dad suggested it. I think he wanted to keep Michael and Gavin apart."

That reminded Simon of the fateful weekend when he spent the night at Gavin's and Lukas spent the night at Scott's. As a result, Scott and Lukas had become sexually active and Gavin professed his love for Simon when Gavin was still Michael's boyfriend. The slippery slope was everyone in the family knew about Gavin's declaration except Michael. "You think dad is trying to make sure that Michael doesn't find out about Gavin saying he loved me?"

"Yeah. I think dad is worried it will slip out or maybe Gavin will show interest in you and Michael will figure it out or something."

Simon looked at Lukas. "Do you think Michael would even care? I mean, he has Christian and all."

"I don't know. But what if Gavin is after Michael and he tries to mess up things with Christian? I kind of agree with the idea of keeping Gavin and Michael away from each other. Besides, I don't think Michael would care one way or another about what Gavin did. But I think he would be hurt if he knew we kept it a secret from him.

That was something Simon hadn't considered, and he nodded in agreement. "But what does this have to do with how Scott is acting?"

"I haven't figured that out. But something he said yesterday keeps echoing in my head."

"What's that?"

"Don't trust Gavin."

Back in the studio Michael and Mason were talking to AJ about a new song At the Majestic had been working on for a while.

"You know, I had an idea," said AJ with a twinkle in his eye. Michael knew that usually meant AJ had a really great idea. "What if you and Mason sang the song as a duet? If it works, we can release the song as At the Majestic featuring Mason Johnson. If the song is as good as I think it is, we can release the song to introduce Mason before his single is released to give him some momentum."

"But if Mason's song is for Homecoming, we can't wait to release his single," noted Michael.

"True," agreed AJ. "The trick isn't to delay Mason's single. The trick will be for us to push out your single earlier. We've already laid the track and the instrumentation is mixed. We just need vocals that we're all happy with." AJ pulled out revised lyric sheets showing how he thought they would split up the vocals.

Mason looked at the lyrics and noted, "This has a bad word in it."

"Yes, but the way the vocals are split, all the bad or suggestive language will fall to Michael to sing. It also gives Mason all the higher parts to sing. I really think this will work."

Michael turned to his brother. "What do you think Matthew?"

"I don't know. I haven't heard what we've recorded already," replied the oldest of the boys. The original idea was that each of the guys in the band, except Zach, would have places in the song where they would have lead vocals. But they encountered problems from the beginning. Lukas didn't like to sing lead vocals while playing drums. The song's disco style didn't suit Simon's vocal style and because some of the vocals were so high, Matthew ended up singing a majority of the solo vocals.

"Let's play it so Mason can hear the song and decide if he wants to sing it," suggested Michael. Mason nodded in agreement and read over the lyrics again so he could follow along.

The synthesizer introduction sounded almost like a string section before the drums joined in. The synthesizer changed to pounding out eighth notes. Michael sang the parts he would be assigned, and Mason just followed along. Before the first verse was over, both boys were moving to the beat.

The song was over five minutes long and full of backup vocals and harmony. Mason loved it! As soon as it ended, he stated, "Iwannadoit!!"

"You wanna do what?" asked Lukas when he and Simon returned with the drinks and snacks.

"We're gonna rerecord the lyrics to 'Do You Love Me Yet?' as a duet between me and Mason," explained Michael.

"I like the idea," offered Simon. Matthew agreed.

"What do you guys want to work on next?" asked AJ.

Michael turned to Mason. "You ready to try recording 'Cool 4 Me'?"

"Yeah," said Mason. He sounded the most confident Michael had ever heard. "Let's do it."

----------------------     

Josh woke to someone stroking his arm. He knew the touch and smiled before opening his eyes. "Grandma..."

She greeted her grandson, "Hello, Sunshine."

"Love you, grandma." He used his good hand to squeeze her hand. "Is it dinner time?"

"Is your tummy growling? I thought I heard it from the hallway." She laughed at her own joke. "I ordered spaghetti for your dinner. I hope you don't mind."

"No, it's fine."

"I thought spaghetti was your favorite."

"It is," confirmed Josh, "it's just really hard for me to eat it."

"Would you mind if grandma helped you?"

"No." Josh teared up a little. He remembered all those times his grandma helped him when he was little. It made him feel wonderful inside.

"Good," she said with a big smile despite the look of concern in her eyes. "You're growing up so fast."

They chatted for a while before she couldn't resist satisfying her curiosity. "You know, Josh, the nurses around here have been speaking very highly of a boy named, Alex." Josh's cheeks glowed red. "Your grandpa said you mentioned Alex's name. It sounds like he must be a very special friend." She squeezed Josh's hand to comfort him.

Josh wasn't certain how this conversation would go or if he should deny everything. He looked deeply into his grandma's eyes and saw only love. He just nodded his head in affirmation of his grandma's assessment.

"I see. I suspect that he may be closer than just a friend." She stated it carefully with as much love and optimism as she could in the hope Josh would understand that it was safe to tell her.

Josh stared silently into her eyes questioningly. He searched for motive and intent. He sought comfort and understanding. He assessed the inherent risk and danger in what he was about to admit.

He had grown to realize that he and his mother weren't going home to their house in Vista. Even if she were to recover, it wouldn't be safe until his father was apprehended. But he knew, even before he ended up in the hospital, that things would never be the same for him and his mom. Now, if she died, his grandma and grandpa would take him in. They would be there for him. Unless... Josh felt like he was being torn in two. He didn't want to hide "in the closet" ever again. Yet could he risk what family he had left turning their backs on him?

His grandma read the turmoil on Josh's face before the tears poured down his cheeks. "Oh, Joshie." She crawled out of her chair and onto the bed beside the boy. "Josh, I suspected you were gay when you were four years old. Your cousins would want to be rough and tumble, but you preferred to be in the kitchen with me cooking. When girls would come over, you were outgoing and friendly, but when cute boys came over you suddenly became bashful and hid behind my skirt. If Alex is your boyfriend, I'm very happy for you. When do I get to meet him?"

Josh turned his face into his grandma's shoulder the best he could and cried as she stroked his hair. The relief he felt was enormous. Things would be alright.

There was a knock on the door before it opened, and a nurse wheeled in a cart with Josh's dinner. The nurse saw the emotional moment being shared between grandma and grandson. He quietly left the cart and quietly closed the door behind him.

----------------------     

Mason put his toothbrush and things back in his travel case and checked himself one more time in the mirror. He wanted to look his best for Alejandro. He'd been disappointed when he learned that Alejandro wouldn't make it back earlier in the day. But the text messages Alejandro had sent Mason showed the progress they were making on the house throughout the day. From the selfies, Mason could see in Alejandro's eyes that the urgency of the home remodeling was so the two of them had a place to go to spend time together away from all the hubbub of recording and the launch of the foundation. It seemed, no matter what Alejandro was doing, Mason was in his thoughts. That made the little blond tingle all over and smile in spite of himself.

Mason turned off the bathroom light and started across the hallway to his bedroom when he was distracted by the movement in Michael's room. In only his white briefs, he turned and observed a young couple in an intimate embrace.

The boys stood in a tight embrace, completely naked. They swayed gently to the music, dancing perhaps. Michael's head rested against Christian's shoulder and the older boy's cheek rested against Michael's forehead. The next song to play on Michael's playlist was "Trees," a very special song for the boys.

Michael looked up at Christian and their eyes connected. The younger boy seemed to silently plead. Christian replied with "I love you" and a kiss. Suddenly Mason felt he was intruding on a very private moment. He slipped into his bedroom and closed the door quietly. He retrieved his phone from the charging cord and crawled into bed to text Aiden.

Mason: Hey r u ready for your trip?

While he waited for Aiden to answer, Mason called his mother to fill her in on his day. "Hi, mom. *yawn*"

"Hi, honey. You sound tired."

"I am. We worked really hard today."

"I never knew playing music could be so exhausting," replied Madeline, her way of asking Mason more about his day.

"We're playing a bunch of songs Saturday at a benefit concert. The show is going to be streamed live and Mrs. Novak said they would send you the information to see the show for free. I'm so excited. We worked on my set today like a million times. I'm getting better at it. I've got the songs down that I'm gonna sing, but it is taking me a bit to get used to moving around and singing. At church I'm supposed to stand at the microphone and sing but on a show like this I need to move around and sing to the audience and have fun. *yawn* I think you are gonna like the show. I'm doing my own set, and I'll be singing with At the Majestic and I'm gonna do a song between acts with Michael. It's one of your favorite songs, mom. The 'Sound of Silence' by Simon and Garfunkel. We sang it today outside in the Mallway and everyone stopped to listen and really, really liked it. I wanted to sing it just for you."

His mother could picture Mason's sleepy face as he excitedly related all about his day. She'd seen it so many times when he shared about his friend Aiden, baseball, and other times he'd gotten to perform. She knew one day soon he would be grown and sharing his day with his mother would no longer be at the top of his list. Until then, she would cherish every moment. "Are you taking time out to eat?"

"Oh yes, mom! We get up every morning and go to the gym to work out, and then we eat at Dr. Meijer's house or we get food delivered in or we go to the Café to eat. They make yummy French toast. Michael says they put cinnamon and vanilla in the batter. I think if he could, Michael would eat it for every meal. How are you doing? How's work?"

While Mrs. Johnson told Mason about her day, he got Aiden's response. "*yawn* Oh my," she said, "I'm getting tired too. I think I should be off to bed. You get a good night sleep too, okay?"

"Yes, mom. I love you."

"I love you, too. Mason, I'm so very proud of you."

"Thanks, mom. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

They said their goodnights then Mason checked his texts.

Aiden: Packed and ready to go. You?

Mason always found it funny that Aiden texted using correct spelling and grammar. But then again, Aiden wanted to be a writer when he grew up.

Mason: Is that sexy boyfriend of yours spending the night
Aiden: No. His parents wanted him at home tonight.
Aiden: Is that sexy boy spending the night with you again tonight?
Mason: think so waiting for him
Aiden: Are you guys boyfriends now?
Mason: Not talked bout it yet hope so 😊
Mason: *photo*
Aiden: Was that Alejandro? He's hot.
Mason: Yes <3
Aiden: Is he being nice to you?

Mason always liked it when Aiden was being protective of him.

Mason: He's wonderful
Aiden: Sounds like you really, really like him.
Mason: Yes
Aiden: Do you think he likes you the same way?
Mason: I hope so.
Aiden: Have you told him how you feel?
Mason: No
Aiden: You should.
Mason: Ok maybe
Aiden: You've got time. But if you don't tell him, you might miss your opportunity.
Mason: But he lives here
Mason: Mayfield is so far away
Aiden: They say love finds a way.

Mason thought about what Aiden texted as they finished up their chat. After wishing each other a good night, Mason slipped the phone under his pillow and waited for Alejandro.

He was almost asleep when he heard the shower across the hall start. Mason listened, imagining the water cascading off Alejandro's naked body. He had wondered about that, what Alejandro would look like naked. He only had to walk across the hall and enter the bathroom to find out. The images in his head were almost too much. It was all he could do not to charge across the hall and drop to his knees. He resisted.

The shower shut off and Alejandro stepped out of the shower followed by Jacob. The man grabbed a fresh towel and dried the boy lovingly.

"Have you told him yet?" he asked quietly. He didn't want to draw attention to the fact that he's showered with Alejandro. That was no one's business.

Alejandro enjoyed the man's attention. Having been raised by a single mother, Alejandro craved Jacob's attention and touch. "Yes," he whispered, "well, only while he was asleep."

"I know Carlos warned you about falling in love and how people will try to trick you to get to your money," stated Jacob. He turned Alejandro to face him. "Mason isn't like that. Is falling in love at first sight a real thing? Maybe. Are you too young to be in love like that? Maybe. Are you crazy to fall in love with a boy who lives so far away? Probably, but you are one of a few people who has the means to make something like that work. It is up to you what you do next."

Jacob began to dry himself off while Alejandro brushed his teeth. Jacob hurriedly brushed his too, again to avoid suspicion of two people being in the bathroom together.

Finished, Alejandro gave Jacob a hug then slipped into his blue and green boxer briefs. Looking at his shorts and T-shirt, he simply picked them up and carried them across the hallway. He slowly opened the door giving Mason a moment to see the outline of his body before Alejandro closed the door behind him. Mason couldn't see much, but he did notice Alejandro was only in his briefs. Alejandro tossed the unnecessary clothing aside and approached the bed.

"Are you awake?" he whispered.

"Yes," replied Mason. "I've been waiting for you." Before Alejandro could climb onto the bed, Mason pulled the covers back to invite Alejandro in.

The streetlight illuminated Mason's bare torso, all the way to his white briefs. Alejandro didn't waste a second before joining Mason under the covers. He scooted across the bed to Mason and Mason pulled the covers over Alejandro.

"I missed you, today," said Alejandro. Mason didn't answer. He couldn't. Once their lips met, there was barely enough time to breathe, let alone speak.