This chapter overlaps with the book Hi, I'm Lance. Following this read, check out Chapter 18 of that book.

Feedback is always welcome.

 

 

39

 

November mornings were probably my favorites. There was just enough chill in the air to make you want to snuggle in bed, but not so cold you didn't want to get out of the covers just to walk to the bathroom. Having lived with Mike for three weeks now, the weekends took on a bigger importance.

I rolled over to see Mike laying on his back staring at the ceiling. My hand reached over to run my fingers through his chest hair.

"Good morning, hon'. What's on your mind?"

"Nothing. Everything. Us."

"Well, that sounds heavy. Anything wrong?"

"No. Not really." He turned toward me; his hand reached over to simply hold my dick. "I guess I'm sort of in that honeymoon state of loving you being here every morning when I wake up."

"Aw." I kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Michael."

"You usually only call me that during sex."

"Hmm. I must be finding you sexy right now, saying sweet things to me and all."

I reached over to grip his penis, too. I didn't think either of us were trying to initiate anything intimate, just a tender touch to show affection.

"Remember when you asked me how I preferred you introduce me?"

"After the wedding? Yeah."

"I couldn't shake something Ethan said."

"Ethan? When? What?"

"Remember when we watched Sascha?"

"Awww, Sascha. What a good boy."

"When Ethan picked him up, he told me about his Spain trip; we visited awhile. Then he said since you and I weren't actually living together, he wanted to know if I'd be interested in a roll in the bedroom for old time's sake."

"What!?"

"We didn't, of course. I immediately told him `no' and that I was deeply in love with you. That's when I started thinking about the mistake of you NOT living with me."

"Honey, don't torture yourself over that," I said, wiggling his penis back and forth in my hand. "That was smart for us. You clearly had gone through a rough split with him. I'm glad I was on my own, at least for a little while. We were good through all that. Once you did ask, we both knew it was the right thing."

"Maybe. I felt like I let you down. Ethan and that whole `friends with benefits' approach ... ugh."

I remembered Lance asking me to be the same when Mike and I were on the break. I'm so glad I didn't fall into that routine. It couldn't have been healthy.

Mike's grip had my cock rock hard now.

"You and Ethan didn't ... have ... an open relationship, did you?"

"Us? No. He would have been more apt to suggest that. He did talk me into us doing a three-way with a friend one time. I agreed to it."

"And ...?"

"While momentarily fun, it left me empty. When the emotions aren't behind it ... just sex ... can feel hollow. Some people can do it; they just want the lust and the orgasm — and then move on. Maybe, I don't know, I need it to be more."

"More than our three-way in the gym shower in February?"

"Ugh!! Yes. I hadn't been with anyone since the split with Ethan. I'm sure it was just pent-up libido, but I so regret that. It was a mistake that still haunts me. So unprofessional. Lance was a stranger. It was just sex."

"Hot sex."

"Hot sex. But I wasn't in love with you. Yet." He moved his body on top of mine. "But I fell in love with you pretty quickly."

We kissed passionately. My hands started at his shoulder, roamed down his back, traced the crevice of his ass and eventually gripped his butt cheeks.

Mike turned on the shower 30 minutes later. Our chests were smeared with cum. Even though I now lived there every day, our conventional pattern of sex twice a week remained. Morning sex today was a bonus.

 

—

 

Monday morning started the week on an odd note.

The station manager called me into his office and told me to shut the door. That's never a good sign.

He informed me that a sister station in Sycamore would be losing their producer to a television station in two weeks. He wanted to let me know in case I was interested in applying. It would be a significant pay increase. He told me he would give me a strong recommendation if interested.

Wow. While that would be a step up in my career, Sycamore was more than two hours away. I'd have to end things with Mike. He's the love of my life. There's no way.

I texted Lance. "Is it okay if I come see you at work?"

"What's wrong?'

"Nothing. Just need my best friend."

"How worried should I be?"

"Not at all. Just need to talk."

"I'm done at 5. Want to work out with me?"

"I'm not a member. Remember?"

"Trust me. I have connections."

 

—

 

I had time to grab a change of clothes and meet Lance at his workplace.

"I really do need to join a gym," I told him, greeting him with a simple hug.

"I know of a place," he said with a smile.

Three members walked by us, all greeting Lance.

"Let's get changed. We can talk on the track."

Lance stripped naked. I hadn't seen him naked since college. With the weight loss, he really was quite handsome. And that dick. Monstrous. He probably could have been a model. He would easily have fit into the porn industry. We had shared some passionate moments together in the past. I hope he is enjoying his time with Jakob just as much.

We were the only ones in the locker room at the time. I could hear someone in the back shower. As I pulled my underwear down, Lance placed his forefinger on his thumb forming an "o." He put it on my penis and flicked it causing it to swing. Before I had a chance to put on gym shorts, he watched it get hard.

"We had some good times, buddy, didn't we?"

"Yes. We've done a lot of growing up in just a few months."

"You're as beautiful as ever, Trent. I'll always remember you this way, even when we're both 80."

As we exited the locker room, Lance said goodbye to some members leaving. He asked questions about their personal lives.

"How do you know all these people?" I asked.

"I try to meet at least five new members a week. Now it is almost instinct. Anyone I don't recognize, I try to make new members feel welcome and get to know our regulars. That's how I found Ophelia that job."

"Fantastic. You're doing a good job."

"Thanks. Jason encouraged me to apply for a new gym they were opening in Von a few weeks back. He had been impressed with my work and work ethic. But ... I have Jakob here. Considering where he is right now, I wouldn't want to throw an emotional hardship on him. I didn't want to even think about leaving him."

"OMG!" I started as we got on the walking track. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I was encouraged to apply in Sycamore at a station there as the producer. It would be more money."

"Isn't that more than two hours from here?"

"Exactly. I can't leave Mike. Not to pretend I have any crystal balls here, but I'd like to picture us being together ... well, forever. Maybe that's naïve half a year into a relationship, but we've moved in, we're madly in love. There's no way I would sacrifice that. For money."

We walked a lap, then ran a lap.

"Isn't Mike home by now? I thought teachers left at 4."

"School gets out just before 4, but teachers stay late. Some teachers, particularly those with kids, drag all their work home. If he can, he tries to leave it there, so he usually finishes and then has his evening free," I said.

"If he didn't, he never would have been in that classroom when you stopped in to come out to him with rainbows and balloons."

"Shut up." I thought for a minute. "But isn't it scary that if he hadn't been there that day, my life might be totally different. That's spooky."

"Yep. You could have come out to me instead, and the two of us could be living happily ever after."

I chuckled. "You know you love Jakob. You two are awesome together."

"I do. I completely love him. I can't wait to see him every single second when we're apart."

"Aw, you're so cute." I was so happy for Lance. Deep down, really happy. I was now taken with Jakob myself. Jakob had brought out the best in Lance. "Arrogant college Lance has all but disappeared."

"Oh please. But Trent, don't ever think he's taken your place. I'm in love with him like crazy, but I'll always have you in my heart too. You just don't let go of something like that. Now, I've just learned to let you go, and it doesn't hurt. Both of us are lucky to find someone wonderful to love."

We ran. Had Mike not been in that classroom, I very well could be living with Lance right now. He was an arrogant jerk — sort of — at the time, but who knows. We were eyeing each other in the locker rooms in basketball practice. Maybe we could have come out together. There were so many variables. His denial. His drinking. My dad. Who knows where the twists and turns could have taken us? As much as he was kind of a dick at that time, I could easily fall in love with the man he is now. He's changed his life for the better in so many ways.

We resumed walking. A gentleman came up the steps to run the track.

"See that guy?" Lance softly asked. I nodded. "He flirted with me in the sauna a few weeks ago." Lance looked around. "He has a beautiful cock. He offered it to me."

"Steady boy," I said. I didn't like the sound of that.

"Don't worry. I didn't do anything," Lance said to my relief. "I wanted to be faithful to Jakob."

I watched as his face twisted into deeper thoughts. Lance was transported away.

"Lance?"

"Hm? Oh. Sorry." He startled me by coming to a sudden stop. He reached for my wrist. I could tell he wanted me to look at him. "I owe you an apology."

"What do you mean?"

"In college. You were starting things up with Mike and I suggested we be `friends with benefits.' Mike's awesome, and the two of you together are great. The fact that I propositioned you..." Lance was suddenly overcome. His breathing was erratic, and he momentarily gasped for air. "Trent, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Mike's my friend. I never would have wanted to mess things up for you. I'm so ashamed. Please forgive me."

"Lance, it's forgotten. That was college."

"I'm still ashamed. I was such a jerk then."

"Then?"

He took offense to my joke and punched me in the arm. "I'm better, right?"

I chuckled. "We've both grown up a lot this year. College seems like light years ago."

We started our walk again.

"I have a big decision in six weeks though," he started. "When your lease is up, Jakob has to make a big decision. We could probably ask for the continued grant money for a nicer place, but I have a feeling at that point they would place him in low-income apartments. I'd still feel the same about him, of course, but ... Trent, is it crazy that I want him to move in with me?"

"A tad fast, but not too crazy. You two will have had several months at that point. I think you'll know if you are in it for the long term by then."

"I know now," he said. "Unless he turns into some raging lunatic, I think the guy has opened up his entire soul to me. If he feels he is ready, I am."

"I love seeing you in love. You deserve it."

Lance waved to a couple of people on the cardio equipment. They hollered kind remarks as we continued our walk.

"I want Jakob to feel confident in our relationship. We're getting there. But money will always stand between us. I couldn't care less what he makes. I just love HIM for who he is."

"He's lucky to have found you."

"And it's funny, I feel it is just the other way around," Lance said.

We ran. That was real love right there, looking past the obstacles to see the true person inside. Lance had grown so much.

We did a little bit of cardio and ran another mile on the track. Conversation wasn't as easy, but the workout was nice. I should join the gym. It would give Lance and me more opportunities to visit.

When we came out of the shower, Lance couldn't make his quips as others were in the locker room. I did see him looking at my dick and then he gave me a wink. There is still some old Lance in there.

As we walked to the parking lot, Lance's phone rang.

"Odd. It's the police."

That always causes your heart to skip a beat.

"Yes, this is Lance Wheeling."

Lance froze. I watched his face.

"What? How?"

It was not good. This was not good. I could tell instantly.

"Oh my God. Yes, I see. Um, okay, well, is there any other information?"

Crap, his eyes were tearing. He hung up.

"What is it, buddy. Tell me."

Lance wiped a tear coming down his cheek. "You might remember that one night when I got my Three-Month chip, several of us went out afterward. Remember Tyler?"

"I think so. Yeah. What happened?"

"He took his life today."

"Oh my gosh. No."

"I didn't know him really well. I just wanted him to know he could turn to us in AA. He stayed at my place one night because his boyfriend was threatening him."

Lance started crying.

"The police called me because when I gave him my number, Tyler put it in `In Case of Emergency.' Just me and his brother."

"I'm so sorry, Lance."

Lance's voice quivered. "He must have felt he had nowhere to turn. I wish I could have done more."

"You were there for him, buddy. He knew that. I wish he would have called you. I guess he just let the darkness overtake him."

"I – I – I need you to stay with me, Trent. For the first time in months, my kneejerk reaction is to run and get a drink."

Okay, that scared me. I called Mike and told him I would be home late. He understood.

Jakob came over to stay with Lance. Evan sat with them to offer his sympathy too. It would be a rough night for my best friend, but I felt he was in good hands. I didn't know this Tyler at all, but the thought of this tragedy hit me. I can't imagine what it is like for Lance and his friends.

Mike sat down with me when I got home. He listened to the sparse details I had to offer. Lance was the one closest to Tyler. This was sad and horrible, but ... why was it consuming me?

Lance.

"Mike, remember before Lance's car wreck, he was so depressed — and he just kept drinking to suppress that. What if he had never joined AA. What if ... what if ..."

I couldn't say anything else. I tried not to let my mind even picture anything on those lines. I was letting the situation overtake me.

The sun set so early now that autumn had come. Mike knew I was blue. He held me and let me mull in my quietness. This was one of those instances I wanted to be at a piano. Playing always seemed to let things flow out of me. Every single emotion was expressed in musical notes. I went to grab the journal.

 

November 9

My heart is broken for Lance. One of his AA friends took his own life. The way my heart
feels right now is empty. My creative energy wants to pour my sadness into a song.
I'm saving space here to come back and write lyrics eventually.

Life can get so dark at times.

I never want my friends to feel like this. I can't allow one single one to reach that point.
I need to do something. I'm not sure what, but I am restless; I have to make sure it can't
happen to my friends. Not really knowing Tyler, I'm a bit surprised it has shaken me so much,
but it has.

 

Mike brought me a hot tea. He sat next to me and held my hand.

"Talk to me, babe. What are you feeling? I don't want you to hold something inside."

"I just don't ever want to go through this with someone who really means something to us. This has really shaken me."

"Well, it is a huge shock. With you being there when the call came in, such a thing has to affect you to a certain degree. It's so sad. I remember when we heard the news about that student last winter."

"I want to do something. But you will need to be on board with it, so I hope you'll back me up. I want to do something special."

"What is it, J.T. What can I do?" Mike offered tenderly.

 

—

 

It was the weekend before Thanksgiving. I had sent out email invitations the week prior. I was starting a new tradition. Mike agreed. I planned on doing this every year I possibly could. I had heard the word Friendsgiving in years past. Typically, it meant friends getting together on Thanksgiving when they couldn't be with family. Most of our friends did have family to visit next week, so I chose this Saturday before. It was to be a celebration of friends and to share the importance of friendship with each other. We tried to make it as large a gathering as possible. It wasn't about turkey and mashed potatoes. We had plenty of food, and people brought more snacks and favorite dishes as well.

Matt and Ali were there. I invited several people from work. Scott and Luke came, as well as the station manager. Tara and Ed joined us, as did the morning DJs. Lance and Jakob invited Jason to come, and he accepted. Ophelia and Cooper from the AA group came. Cooper brought Mitch. Mike invited Gayle and some of the teachers he felt closest to. I didn't know them but was grateful to get to know them. Evan and Kristy were there. Lance asked if he could invite a few of the members who had been incredibly kind to him. I was happy to say, `yes.' Jakob invited Gerard from the shelter and one of his friends from QT that could get off. He also invited his sister. I invited some of our old basketball teammates to come. Most lived too far away, but Aram came. Tariq and Amanda came over from the campus, and Zach did too. It was the first time Zach had seen Lance since school.

The weather was favorable enough to let people enjoy a sunny but cool afternoon outside. Although we were never more than 30 people, the house didn't seem too crowded if most everyone was inside. Snacks were plentiful. We had some alcoholic offerings but made sure to have plenty of selections of nonalcoholic drinks. Each one of us met new people today while we connected with friends in enjoyable social fellowship.

"Although I got to see you at school a while back, it is very nice to meet you, Trent," Gayle said. "Thank you for inviting me."

"We're delighted to have you here. It's Mike's house, of course."

"He is head over heels for you. I knew before summer, when you two had just reconnected, he was taken with you."

"We had a long pause, but it worked out well. We're madly in love."

"He was so brave for Coming Out Day."

"Boy, that threw me a curve! I wasn't expecting it. But I was very proud of him," I said, smiling, seeing Mike mingle with others in the distance.

Gayle went to visit with the other teachers there. I just took it all in. It was everything I had wanted. I needed this. The event had exceeded my expectations. I gathered everyone inside.

"Thank you everyone for coming to this first Friendsgiving. I wanted to tell you that I hope you don't let a single day go by that you don't give thanks for the friends we have and the importance they bring to our lives. Many of you folks are my world and I love each of you. For those I don't know, you mean something to someone here ... and they love you.

"If you will allow me this moment, I'd like to light a candle and have a moment of silence for Tyler. He didn't feel he had anywhere to turn. Let us all say a prayer that we never let that happen to us."

I lit the candle and without asking, everyone in the room grabbed the hand of someone next to them until we became one connected group. Mike turned off the music and we stood in several seconds of silence.

I wondered if Tyler could see us from wherever he was. I hoped he knew we were thinking of him. I wasn't really a religious or spiritual person, but I was right then. The seconds of silence continued longer. I felt Mike squeeze my hand a little tighter. I was hoping someone was holding Lance's hand just as tight.

"Thank you everyone. If you will continue to indulge me, Mike's friend from school brought a keyboard from the music department. I've written a song for Tyler. I hope you'll let me play it."

People moved closer. I glanced up. I noticed Ethan had slipped in at some point. Mike had asked if he could invite him, and I agreed. I didn't think he'd show, but all were welcome.

Lance had stepped away to grab a tissue, and I waited a few seconds for him to return.

I had the keyboard ready. I played the first notes. Very few people had heard me sing before, so it was slightly intimidating. I started the song.

"Looking for sunshine but finding the gray and the gloom
The dark clouds move in; I'm lost in the void of the room.
I want you to hear me; I need you to hear my voice.
Hear me out, help me out; Don't make me make a choice.

You take all I give for granted, but you don't see me.
I'm now somehow in the way, but I can't break free.
We got so off track, I'm not sure why, it's hard to think.
Why don't we work now? Why is it dark when we both drink?

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

Remember the smiles and all the love when we started?
We had a path, we knew the risks, the sea had parted.
Along the way it all changed, the anger had shook us.
Truth turned to lies, we closed our eyes, bottles overtook us.

I used to be strong but then I held on for so long
That I became lost, and we turned out to be so wrong.
Find me quick, make it stick, try to see if we make it.
If you don't try, I don't think that I can still fake it.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm at the end of my rope.

I feel so cold that I don't feel the bruises anymore.
My mind is adrift; I am lost so far from the shore.
We used to be good but now all the fighting's our norm.
I just need a friend who can help me weather the storm.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm at the end of the rope.

Someone please grab the rope."

 

I noticed everyone had a sympathetic look on their faces as they absorbed the lyrics. Those in the AA group wiped tears from their eyes. I finished the final notes. Everyone clapped.

"And now, if you make your way back to Jakob, he has champagne — both alcoholic and nonalcoholic — for everyone. I wish to make a toast."

People maneuvered to get a glass in hand. The house seemed slightly crowded but in a wonderful way. I finally got my glass. I held it up.

"To friendship and to the importance it plays. May we never lose sight of the incredible blessing it is."

"To friendship," the group repeated.

"Now, we still have way too much food, wonderful friends and all evening. Please take the time to hug and tell people how much you love them."

Everyone smiled. There were hugs and renewed conversation. I turned back to Jakob.

"Thanks for all your help," I told him.

"You're welcome."

I could tell by his expression something was wrong. "Jakob, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine," he said unconvincingly. "I invited my sister. I just hoped she would come. But she didn't."

"I'm so sorry. Maybe something came up. But I'm glad you are here. I am thankful for your friendship. I love you, my friend," I said giving him a hug.

A smile emerged on Jakob's lips. "You've given me so much, Trent. I owe you in ways you can't even imagine. I love you too."

Jakob stepped away to gather the empty glasses.

"Do you think it was okay for us to have alcohol here?" I asked Lance. "I hope it wasn't insensitive. Jakob seemed to think it was fine."

"Sure. That's no problem. I mean, we're all adults. You had more nonalcoholic options for everyone than you did hard stuff. Beer and wine was it. Well, and champagne ... and you included us on that ... and great toast by the way. We're fine. Plus, the AA group was here to take care of each other."

"Good," I said, a bit relieved.

I grabbed Mike and nudged us over to welcome Ethan.

"I'm glad you came," I said to him. I was proud of myself for being so cordial to Mike's ex.

"Thanks, Trent. This is quite the event."

"I needed it," I said. "I have had a great day. Please, we have a ton to eat. Help yourself."

He and Mike hugged. I could have held a grudge that he propositioned Mike a few months ago, but it didn't matter. Mike was mine. In its own way, it was very heartwarming to see two people could still be friends after departing a relationship.

I noticed someone else entering the door. I wasn't sure, but it seemed like the girl was the one in a frame at Jakob's apartment. I was hoping it was his sister.

Lance got Jakob's attention and nodded his head to the door.

"Oh my God!" Jakob quietly said to himself.

Teresa had arrived and brought Jakob's mother with her. Jakob all but tackled his mother and burst into tears. Lance worked his way over to them. I figured I would give them some time to themselves before introducing myself.

Mike and Ethan were catching up. I could see them talking and nodding and smiling. I went to join them.

"How's Sascha?" I asked, figuring it was a safe conversation.

"He's my boy," Ethan said. "He gets me through many lonely nights, let me tell ya."

The oven timer went off with some more warm snacks.

"I'll get it," Mike said.

Ethan and I were alone. He looked out into the backyard.

"I do miss this place, Trent."

"I love it here too," I said, not sure of what to say.

"Mike's lucky to have you. You seem pretty amazing."

"Well ... thank you, Ethan."

"He seems so incredibly happy. You have brought out something in him I never did."

"I don't know what to say, Ethan."

"You don't need to say anything. I've never seen two people so perfect for each other. I'm happy for you two. And in honor of the occasion, I will say I am thankful that you have brought so much happiness to Mike."

I gave him a one-armed hug. "Thanks."

I saw Jakob walking his mother over to me.

"Oh, excuse me, Ethan. Please, we have plenty. Enjoy."

I waved Mike over. He had finished putting out the hot dish. Several people smiled as they descended on the spinach-artichoke dip.

"Trent, Mike, I want you to meet my mother," Jakob said.

"Welcome, it's nice to meet you," Mike said. "We think the world of your son."

"Happy Friendsgiving," I said. "It is so nice to have you here."

Jakob was beaming. His smile was so intense, I was wondering if he was remembering to breathe. I was proud of him for not harboring the bitterness in his heart that I know I would if I were in his shoes. This was an amazing moment for him. I couldn't imagine what he felt after not seeing his mother for so many years. It honestly touched my heart. I pointed out all the artistic work Jakob had done in decorating for the event. She seemed so pleased. Jakob went into such detail talking about the decorations he had done.

I noticed the time and excused myself to make one last announcement.

"Stay as long as you like, but on the way out, there is one last thing. Mike had some materials donated from the art department, and Jakob worked with children over in the shelter. Each of you has a handmade friendship ornament made by a child. I hope you will find it special in its simplicity and heartwarming in its meaning."

I placed Tyler's candle at that table. I wanted him remembered one last time as people picked up their memento.

"Tyler, I wish you were here," I whispered to myself. "I didn't know you well, but you changed me."

A few left shortly after that. I was grateful that many people continued to mingle and hug for two more hours. I tried to get pictures of everyone I knew; a few I was introduced to asked if they could take a picture with Mike and me. One of Scott, Luke, Mike and I was a tremendous photo.

Luke hardly knew anyone. A handful of people at the station was about it.

"I think everythang about the evenin' turned out quite nice," he said in his southern accent. "Y'all did a fine job. Not to mention, there are some fellas as handsome as fuck here."

"Hey! You're with me, remember?" Scott teased.

Luke gave him a sloppy kiss.

Cooper walked up to me.

"Hi, Trent. I'm Cooper. I'm not sure if you remember me. We've kind of met with the AA group and everything."

Like I could forget such a gorgeous man.

"It's odd," he continued. After surveying the group there, he turned back to me. "Our group goes out after our meetings. And it's great. But ... we've never really done something other than that as friends. I really want to thank you for doing this. I know we are remembering Tyler, but your message of friendship is really hitting home. Thank you again."

Ophelia joined us. "If Cooper is thanking you, I hope I can add my thanks to those. It's nice to see you again Trent. I know we don't know each other well, but I'm so pleased to be a part of this. It means a lot to me. You're such a kind person, I can see why Lance ..." She stopped. She looked at Cooper wondering what words to say. "... I can see why you are so important to Lance. Again, this evening has been lovely."

She gave me a hug. Cooper waved over his boyfriend Mitch. He introduced us when they came in this afternoon, but Mitch made pleasantries as well. They were a good-looking couple. After offering them some drink refills (and I was pleased to see Mitchell drinking nonalcoholic options while with them) the three of them headed out to the backyard.

Teresa and Jakob's mother stayed with him most of the time, but Mike enjoyed showing them the backyard. The flowerbeds were slightly visible in the darkness with the strung lighting. They seemed comfortable among so many strangers. I wasn't sure what to expect from Jakob's mother, but she seemed to be a person who enjoyed getting out. I was delighted his sister had brought her.

Some of the snacks and appetizers were being depleted. I couldn't have been more pleased with how the event unfolded. People were saying they had eaten too much — but were happy they had done so. The food went over well. Gradually, people started trickling out. They all thanked Michael and me for a wonderful party and wished us a Happy Thanksgiving.

By 9:15, it was down to our closest friends: Matt and Ali, Evan and Kristy, Lance and Jakob and Ophelia.

"We should probably go too," Teresa said.

"I'd love for you stay a little longer," I said.

The ladies seemed touched that I would say so.

"I talked to you on the radio," Teresa finally realized.

"Yes, you did."

Mike mentioned he would start putting the food away.

"I actually have one last thing to do first," I told him. "Since I have the keyboard, I want to play for you the song I wrote about us."

Mike dropped everything. He had heard me play the melody in the mall, but he had never heard the lyrics. Without a piano at home, I never really had the opportunity to play for him. I was a bit scared to sing him a song I had written about the two of us. But we had made it work —the break during college, my stupid family, moving in — I wanted to play it for him.

Our small group gathered around. I took a deep breath and sang "If It Weren't for the Two of Us."

I wasn't sure if he would tear up, roll his eyes or be disappointed. He just looked at me with so much love in his eyes as I played. It made the words even more heartfelt.

After I finished, everyone clapped and cheered. Mike came to me and gave me the biggest kiss. It was the one last detail to my night that made it perfect.

I figured this was probably the first time that two men kissed in Mrs. Morgan's presence. I assumed she'd be appalled. I noticed a smile on her face. Perhaps the blessings of the evening were not completely finished.

 

—

 

An hour later, the two of us had put away remaining food, taken out the trash, brought in things from the yard and folded up chairs. The house looked close to being itself, but we left some minor things for the next day. There were just a handful of children's ornaments left. I made a commitment to add them to our Thanksgiving decorations and to bring them out each year.

There was half a bottle of champagne left. The two of us poured ourselves a glass and sat as Tyler's candle was burning low. We didn't plan to sit until it went out, we just watched the final glow it would have. Mike held my hand tightly as we sat there, simply soaking in the solitude.

With the champagne finished, I told him I didn't want to see it burn out, so I excused myself to the bedroom. I said a small prayer for Tyler, wishing I knew him better, but hoping he was at peace and finding strength wherever he was.

Mike joined me in bed shortly thereafter.

"So, my love, are you happy with how your Friendsgiving went?" he asked me.

"Completely. I loved it. I hope to do this every year."

"I have to admit I thought it turned out pretty spectacularly too."

I looked deeply into Mike's eyes. "I know it was a lot to ask of you. It was a lot of work and we shelled out quite a bit as the hosts, but I totally think it was worth it. Thank you for supporting me on this idea."

"Absolutely. I thought it was great. More importantly, I think you're great."

"Normally, to cap such a day off, I would think we'd have passionate sex to finish it. But I'm honestly exhausted and completely satisfied," I said.

"Me too. I would have told you this next Thursday — and probably will — I am thankful for you the most. I love you, J.T."

"Love you, too, hon'."

We kissed deeply and turned out the light.

 

* * * *

Chapter 18 of Hi, I'm Lance aligns with this chapter. More insight to it and this chapter can be found at the blog: timothylane414stories.blogspot.com. Look for the post "Friendsgiving."

Email: timothylane414@gmail.com