Inside Out, page 10
“Coming, Aunt Astrid,” I said, pulling free from the group and following the sounds of her delighted clapping.
Astrid Abbot was actually our late grandmother’s twin sister which made her my great-aunt. The last time I saw her was two months ago when we celebrated her ninety-fifth birthday. She wasn’t as mobile as she used to be, but sharp as a tack. Arthritis didn’t cripple her fingers like it did many her age, which meant she could still knit. While that was great for Aunt Astrid, it was horrible for me—her favorite nephew. If she wasn’t knitting me sweaters and caps, she was buying the weirdest things she saw on television. One year for Christmas, she bought my sister a coat that looked like it was made from strips of those air pillows they stuff in packages to keep items from breaking during shipping. At least I got crooked sweaters and hats.
I stepped into the enormous room on the back of the house overlooking the inground pool. Three of the four walls were made of windows and doors that opened to the outdoor living area. Part of the room was a comfortable sitting area and the other was the most beautiful kitchen I’d ever seen. It was equal parts contemporary and French country which shouldn’t have worked but did. The modern touches were the commercial grade stainless steel appliances and the white and gray marble countertops, including the one on the kitchen island the size of a double bed. One side of the island had a sink and a glass stove insert along with a generous area for prepping the food. The other side was elevated and acted as an eating area. The cabinets were antique white, distressed, and looked like something that came from the French countryside. I was in love with the space.
Ash came up beside me and tucked herself beneath my arm when I raised it for her. “‘It’s a beaut, Clark.’” She giggled when I quoted our favorite line from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
“I knew you’d love the kitchen. To be honest, it was all I could see when we toured the house. It was a good thing Ben stayed grounded and paid attention.”
“It was a good thing I didn’t see the man cave in the basement first, or we would’ve both been in trouble.”
“True,” Ash said, smiling at her husband. “I haven’t seen your eyes glaze over like that since the first time—”
“Ewww. No,” Laurel and Michele both said, making their parents laugh with evil glee.
“I was going to say the first time he drove his father’s classic Mustang before you so rudely interrupted.”
“Yeah, I bet,” Michele said.
“Nice save, sis.”
“No way I looked hungrier at the Mustang than—”
“I’m out,” I said, cutting off Ben. I walked over to the sitting area where my parents and Aunt Astrid waited. “Hello, Mom,” I said, hugging her tight. “I’ve missed you.”
“I miss you too, Rome,” she said, pulling back and cupping my face. Amelia Bradley narrowed her eyes as she studied me. “Something is different than the last time I saw you.”
“I didn’t have any cosmetic work done, Mom.”
“Not that,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s internal.”
“Don’t start with that aura crap, Amelia,” my dad said. He was slower to get up because of his arthritic knees, but at seventy years old, he still towered over me.
“It’s not crap, Dan,” she chided. “See for yourself. Our boy looks happier than I’ve seen him look in years.”
I leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “I am happy. I love my job and new town. I’m even directing the school play this year. It was written by three students, and I’m going to make sure you all have tickets because I know it’s going to be spectacular.”
“Even me?” Aunt Astrid asked from her wheelchair.
I pulled free of my mom and walked over to kneel in front of my favorite aunt. Despite her weird gifts, I loved this woman immeasurably. She’d never married nor had children of her own, so she had claimed me when I was a boy. I owed my love of theater and fine arts to Aunt Astrid because she took me to countless shows and museums during my childhood. She was the one who encouraged me to try out for my first play, and she never missed a performance since. Astrid was a dancer and a model in her youth and had never seen herself settling down. She had always doted on us and was an honorary aunt to many of her friends’ children. I was always her favorite.
“Especially you,” I said sincerely. “I’ll have a front row seat for you.”
“I’m glad I brought you a new scarf then,” she said then tipped her head toward her cavernous handbag on the floor. It reminded me a lot of Mary Poppins’s carpetbag. “Hand that to me, will you?”
I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t say no to her. I picked the bag up and was surprised it was so heavy. “What in the world do you have in here?”
“I think she stole the toaster from ‘the home’ again,” Dad said in a mock whisper.
“Amelia,” Aunt Astrid said shrilly, “I still think you could’ve done better than this guy. It’s not too late you know. You’re still young enough to snag you a good one.” Astrid cackled gleefully. “I still get plenty of action at my age.” The rest of us groaned because we didn’t want to think about Astrid getting it on with her geriatric guys. “What? A woman has needs.”
“Kindly remember there are children in the room,” my mother admonished, but she couldn’t keep the laughter out of her voice.
“Ashley,” Astrid said, mimicking Scarlet O’Hara, “I have a housewarming gift for you, and I contributed to dinner.”
“Oh, Aunt Astrid, you shouldn’t have,” my sister said, and I had to bite my lip to keep from grinning.
“It’s rude to show up without gifts. I have limited access, you see, since they took my computer away for watching my favorite sites for p—”
“Astrid!” Mother shrieked. Michele and Laurel giggled, but I figured it was more from their grandmother’s outburst than them knowing what Astrid had been about to say. At least I hoped.
Astrid stuck a finger in her ear and wiggled it around like perhaps her ears were ringing. “I was going to say programs, Amelia.”
She was going to say porn, and we all knew it. Astrid had fallen asleep while watching gay porn on her laptop one time too many and lost the privilege. She’d told me it was research to make sure I was doing things properly. I had died from mortification but thanked her for her thoughtfulness anyway. Just remembering the conversation made my face flush with embarrassment.
“You do look different,” Astrid said, searching my face.
“That’s your cataracts,” my dad said from behind me. “Rome looks the same as he always does.”
“No, he doesn’t,” all the ladies, including my nieces, chimed in.
“He looks more relaxed,” Michele said.
“Yeah, less tense,” Laurel agreed.
“He looks like he got laid,” Astrid said.
“I’m going to need Rome’s help in the kitchen,” Ashley said. “Girls, take Dolly outside. Let her off the leash so she can run around and play in the grass. Keep her away from the pool, okay?”
“Mom,” they both protested. One quirked brow from Ash and they took Dolly’s leash from my hands.
“We miss all the good stuff,” Michele grumbled.
“They think we’re still little kids,” Laurel agreed.
“Before you steal Romeo to gossip away from my prying ear,” Astrid said, “let me give you the gifts I brought you.”
“Okay, Aunt Astrid,” Ashley said with a forced smile while she braced herself for only God knew what.
“First, my dinner contribution.” She pulled out an industrial-size can of sweet corn that she must have pilfered from the kitchen of her nursing home. “That should be enough to feed us all.”
“I’ll say,” Ashley agreed. “Thank you.”
“And I made you these to use in your lovely kitchen.” Astrid pulled out misshapen knitted objects that I believed were potholders, but I couldn’t be sure. If so, the holes between the knit were too big to afford any protection from a hot pan or baking dish. “I went with a neutral yarn because I didn’t know what color scheme your kitchen was.” Chartreuse was considered neutral? I couldn’t keep the wicked smile off my face when I looked at Ashley after she accepted the gifts. Luckily, Astrid couldn’t see the evil lurking on my face.
“They’re lovely, Aunt Astrid. Thank you so much.”
“You’re so welcome, my lovely girl. And for you, Rome,” she said, pulling my attention back to her. “I thought this would keep you warm this winter.” Astrid pulled out a gorgeously knitted, rainbow scarf from her bag. “Every day can be pride day with this bad boy.”
“It’s gorgeous,” I said, unable to keep the shock from my voice. “You made this for me?” Where were all the crooked lines and gaping holes.
“Don’t be silly. I couldn’t knit this well if my life depended on it. I hired that handsome nurse, Kurt, to make it for you. I was going to try and fix you up on a date with him, but I can see I waited too long.”
“Rome, can I please get your help in the kitchen?” Ashley asked.
“Just because the man is gay doesn’t mean he can cook,” Astrid told my sister.
“That’s true, Astrid,” Ashley replied as she headed to the kitchen with the huge can of corn and her potholders, “but this is one gay man who can cook very well.”
I set my scarf on the arm of the couch and leaned forward to kiss Aunt Astrid’s cheek. “This is a lovely scarf, and I’ll wear it proudly.”
“I love you, and I’m so relieved to see you happy again. I can die in peace now.” Most people would’ve been alarmed by such a comment, but Astrid had been saying it for at least fifteen years.
“You’ll outlive us all,” I told her then joined Ashley in the kitchen. Of course, my mother was right on my heels.
“Who is he?” Mom asked before Ashley could.
“How long has this been going on without us knowing?” Ashley followed.
“Whoa, ladies,” I said, holding up my hands. “It’s all too new to really get into right now. Yes, I’ve met someone special, but we’ve only had one date.” And hours of kissing, but they didn’t need to know that.
“You look so relaxed, Rome,” Ashely said softly. “I only want you to be happy. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“I did,” Mom said.
“Make sure you get all the juicy details,” Astrid yelled from the living room.
“Sure thing,” Mom replied. She looked at me and shrugged. “Get talking while we work, or I’ll make things up for Astrid. You choose.”
So, I caught them up on everything that had happened since the beginning of school. I told them all about the play, the amazing staff at the schools, and lastly, I told them about my Julius, as I was already starting to think of him. It was too soon, I knew that, but I was also a man who recognized something special when it happened.
I didn’t linger as late as I usually did because Julius was waiting for me, and I wanted to make a quick stop before it got dark. I pulled into Green Lawn Cemetery and drove the winding road I’d traveled so many times over the past seven years. I parked my car but left Dolly inside with the windows rolled down. I knew she’d be watching me from the window in the back seat.
I knelt in front of the beautiful tombstone and traced my fingers over the letters that spelled Peter Chastain. “Hi, Peter,” I said. “It’s been a while since I stopped by, but you know that already.” After Peter first died, I visited several times a week, but over the years that had changed to special occasions like holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Peter’s soul wasn’t in the ground; he lived in my heart. “I couldn’t imagine life without you. I’ve muddled through somehow, but I was just going through the motions. And now, well, I want to do more than stumble and scrape by. I want to dance again and embrace life to the fullest. I can only do that because I know it’s what you would want for me. I loved you so much, Peter.” Hot tears rushed down my face. “Loving someone else won’t diminish what I felt for you. I finally understand that now.”
I sat there in the serene setting for a while, reminiscing on some of the happiest times in my life and realizing there was still so much joy ahead of me. Then I got in my car and drove toward the man whose smile and laughter filled me with warmth, whose music stirred my soul, and whose kisses made my toes curl.
“When gravitational waves reach the earth, the waves stretch and squeeze space. This is a tiny stretch and squeeze. Far too small to detect with ordinary human senses.”
~Kip Thorne
“The gravitational pull of the human heart surpasses any scientific explanation.”
~Julius Shepherd
It was nearly impossible to keep from checking the clock after receiving the text from Rome that he was on his way back to Blissville. I tried watching the football games on TV, but I couldn’t tell you the score or even who was playing. I also kept my ears tuned for the sound of his car pulling up outside.
The apartment I rented was above a garage and could only be accessed by walking through it, which might make many feel like they were trespassing. Wren did keep a classic car in the garage below and a ton of tools, so I was always cautious to keep the door locked. When I finally heard Rome’s car pull into the driveway and stop beside my car, I jogged down the steps and opened the outside door.
“Hey,” I said when he and Dolly reached me.
“Hey yourself,” he said warmly. I could see how badly he wanted to kiss me, so I stepped closer and met him halfway. I didn’t want there to be any hesitation between us unless we were in a place where PDA wouldn’t be appreciated.
“I wasn’t sure if I should kiss you in open view of Dare and Wren’s house,” he said, staring at my lips.
“They might not be watching.” I moved until my lips were just a breath away. If he wanted me, he would need to come and get me. “Then again, they could have the binoculars out.”
A seductive smile spread across his handsome face and he said, “Let’s give them something to gawk at then.” Rome cupped the back of my neck and pressed his lips to mine. Soft and teasing at first, but the happy sigh that escaped my parted lips spurred him on to deepen the kiss. I braced one hand on the door to hold myself up and fisted my other in his lightweight sweater. God, the man could kiss. There was something to be said about a man with more experience than me. Kissing Rome didn’t just involve my tongue and lips; every part of my body was in on the action. My heart raced, my dick throbbed, and something deeper yearned to learn everything there was to know about the man, including all the ways I could please him in bed. The last thought had me pulling back and looking at him through half-lidded eyes.
A sharply whistled catcall ripped through the silent back yard followed by clapping. Rome stepped aside, and I could see Dare looking at us through an open window. “Encore! Encore!”
Laughing, I pulled an equally amused Rome along with Dolly into the garage and closed the door behind them. “He’s a nut, but I couldn’t ask for a better landlord. Come on up,” I said, nodding toward the stairs. “You might want to carry Dolly because her little legs might have a hard time navigating the steps.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.” Rome scooped Dolly up and she licked his chin. Was it ridiculous to be jealous over a dog? He caught me watching him and grinned wickedly like he knew what I was thinking.
“Right. Follow me.”
I felt his eyes appraising my ass as I walked up the steps to the apartment, and I liked knowing I wasn’t the only one feeling the chemistry between us. I had resisted him for as long as I could, but I was no longer interested in fighting his gravitational pull. I wanted to be in his orbit, not circling it. Wow. That kind of sounded dirty. Didn’t make it less true.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked once we were inside my apartment. “I don’t have wine, but I have several different types of IPA from my favorite brewery.”
“Who’s your favorite?” I knew he would file the information away so he could have it on hand the next time I was at his house, just as I made a note in my phone about the cabernet he’d enjoyed the previous night.
“Four Brothers Brewery from—” Rome’s laughter interrupted me before I could finish. “What’s so funny?”
“It reminded me of the trouble I stirred at my sister’s house tonight. You wouldn’t believe the evening I had.”
“I want to hear all about it. Would you like to try one of my beers or would you prefer soda or water? Milk and cookies?”
“Is the last one an option?” Rome asked.
“If you want it to be.”
“I’d like to try your favorite beer,” he replied.
I grabbed two of the pale ales from the refrigerator and two frosty mugs from the freezer.
“I really like your apartment, Jules. It’s much bigger than I thought it would be from the outside.”
“Thanks. Dare and Wren said it had undergone a massive remodel before I rented it. Wren said it was a throwback to the seventies, but I don’t even know how bad that was.”
“Bad,” Rome said with an exaggerated shrug. “We’re talking burnt orange, avocado green, yellow, and brown. It was like the whole decade was on an acid trip. It probably had shaggy carpets too.”
I laughed at his description. “Sounds like a nightmare.”
“One that no one wants to relive.”
“Tell me about your evening,” I urged when I handed him the mug.
I wedged myself in the corner of the couch and folded my legs so I could watch him as he spoke. Rome struck the exact same pose in the opposite corner while Dolly lay on the floor beside the couch chewing the toy he’d brought along.
“Dolly is welcome on the couch,” I said, gesturing to the empty cushion between us.
Rome shook his head. “I don’t want anyone or anything between us.” Then he sipped his beer and licked his lips. “Oh, that’s good,” he said, studying the glass. “Light, crisp, with a hint of citrus.” I had a hard time looking away from his lips. “Oh, about the four brothers thing. I told my nieces, ages sixteen and fourteen, their parents were going to adopt a family of four brothers. I can’t remember what I said their ages were because I was just throwing bullshit out there hoping it would stick, but I think I said between two and twelve.”
