No Fairytale World - 12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

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It was beautiful. It was breathtaking. It was final.

Maybe that was the cause of its beauty; its abrupt finality, its sweet closure.

Pete inhaled the dewy scent of the morning, his eyes taking in the damp grass, so green and so vibrant. It was ironic that the grass looked so fresh, the soil so fertile, in the presence of death.

He was so overwhelmed with emotions, most of them conflicting, that in the end he felt nothing. He was numb, standing beside Jacob, offering his silent support, his physical presence. He was there for Jacob and only Jacob. He would not give anything to that woman. He would not give pity, a tear, or even a kind word.

Someone was speaking. Pete did not bother looking up. His eyes were transfixed on the wood. It was dark. It was solid, walling in a very petite woman. He visualized his tiny mother lying there, pale, her face expressionless. Her body slowly rotting away, showing signs of decomposition. Some unknown force tugged at his lips. Some unknown force caused his eyes to sting.

“Pete…”

He looked up at the sound of his brother’s voice. He finally noticed that people were leaving, walking away in small clusters. None of these people knew his mother directly. They were there for Jacob, as was he.

Jacob stared at him, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

Pete blinked. He didn’t know how much time had passed, but the fresh mound of dirt glared back at him.

“Let’s go,” Jacob said softly.

Pete bowed his head. “Goodbye. This goodbye is forever.”

And he meant it.

 

******

 

“Call him already; you know you miss your man,” Jacob teased as they walked inside their house. “You’ve been acting depressed and emo. Not cool.”

“I have not!” Pete protested weakly as he loosened his tie. “The funeral was exhausting, or more so afterwards. Your friends, and you have a lot of them, were asking all about me and I never had to answer so many questions in my entire life! It was worse than an interview. It felt like I was on trial.”

“They knew I had a brother, but that I hadn’t seen you in years. They were curious,” Jacob shrugged. “When I mentioned you were living in New York and going to school, they got excited. Sorry about their questions. Especially Lenny. He asks too many questions for his own good.”

Pete grew serious. “You have some great friends Jacob. I can tell. Hold onto them. Sometimes all you have to rely on are your friends.”

Jacob stopped laughing. “But I have you now. Right?”

“Right.”

Jacob broke into a large grin. “So what are you waiting for? Call your man!”

“He’s not my man,” Pete said in exasperation, but he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “He really is just a friend and roommate.”

“For now.”

“Shut up.”

“You said you guys kiss and sleep together.”

“In the same bed,” Pete corrected. “No funny business.”

Jacob snorted. “Sure.”

“He’s not officially divorced yet. I’m not sure how a relationship would work between us; we both have issues,” Pete dismissed.

Jacob laughed. “Like any relationship is easy. You’re making excuses.”

“Shut up.”

“Does he like you back?”

Pete shrugged. “Maybe.”

“At least call to say hi,” Jacob urged nudging Pete to the phone.

“Alright, alright,” Pete grumbled. “Since when are you so pushy?”

Jacob’s laughter rang out even as Jacob walked off to his bedroom. Pete punched in the home number, figuring Andy would be home with Jordan, burning down the kitchen as he tried to create dinner.

“Hello?” Andy’s voice was breathless.

“Hey,” Pete said and then stopped, not knowing what else to say.

“Pete!” Andy exclaimed sounding happy and at once Pete’s nerves melted away.

“Miss me?” Pete asked, unable to resist the slight urge to flirt.

“Of course,” Andy responded lowering his voice. Pete heard a child’s voice babbling in the background and he knew that it was Jordan. He smiled fondly.

“What are you doing?”

“Playing board games,” Andy sighed dramatically. “What else is new? You made Jordan an addict.”

Pete laughed. “Did you order dinner? Please don’t tell me you’re actually cooking!” he joked.

“Ha, ha,” Andy scoffed dry. “We had dinner at my parents’ house last night. My mom took pity on me and gave me a bunch of leftovers. She didn’t know you were out of town, so there’s enough food for an army. Jordan and I are managing.”

“Good thing,” Pete grinned.

“But we still miss you,” Andy stated. “Jordan misses you a lot. He wants to say hi,” Andy said and the next thing Pete knew, Jordan’s cheerful voice rang out through the living room. Pete looked up in confusion and saw Jacob grinning slyly, his finger on the speakerphone button.

“Hi Pete!” Jordan cried out loudly.

Pete chuckled. “Hey Jordan. What board game are you playing?”

“Checkers,” Jordan enunciated happily. The little boy burped. “Oops. Sorry.”

Pete laughed. “That’s okay. I miss you. I wish I was playing checkers with you, too. I promise we’ll play something when I see you next weekend, okay?”

“Okay,” Jordan said.

“Hi Jordan,” Jacob interrupted.

“Hi! Who you?” Jordan asked and Pete smiled.

“I’m Pete’s brother.”

“What’s your name?”

“Jacob.”

“My name has J, too!” Jordan exclaimed giggling to himself.

Jacob’s smile widened. “What a coincidence. Hey, can I talk to your Daddy for a minute?”

“What are you doing?” Pete hissed at Jacob, but his brother merely ignored him.

“Okay.” There was some banging and then Andy’s voice came on.

“Hey, I’m Pete’s brother, Jacob. I just wanted to say that Pete is totally…”

Pete grabbed the phone and pushed the speakerphone off. He glared at Jacob, who laughed in return.

“Pete? What’s going on?” Andy was also laughing.

“Nothing. Jacob is just being stupid.”

“Sounds like things are going well,” Andy said softly. “Feel better?”

“Sort of. Not completely. It’s a shock. I still haven’t processed all of it. But it’s a start.”

“I know,” Andy said quietly. “A little bit at a time.”

Pete sighed. “Yeah. I’ll get there. At least I have my brother now. Things might turn out okay after all,” Pete murmured.

“Good. You deserve it.”

“I can’t get too ahead of myself.”

“Stop psyching yourself out,” Andy warned. “Be optimistic.”

“I’m a realist,” Pete replied. “It’s the only way to deal with life. I don’t live in a fairytale.”

“I used to live a fairytale life,” Andy said with a hint of sadness. “Sometimes it’s not worth it, if you’re just lying to yourself.”

“How’s Susan?” Pete asked gently.

“Some good days. Some bad days. It’s natural.” Pete could hear the tension in Andy’s voice.

“Be optimistic,” Pete teased hoping to break Andy’s mood.

Andy laughed. “Nice. Throwing my words back at me.”

“You’re just as messed up as I am.”

“More or less,” Andy agreed with a smile in his voice. “Quite a pair we are.”

 

******

 

“I wish you didn’t have to leave. It feels like I just got you back and now you’re out of my life again,” Jacob said sadly.

Pete hated to see that sad expression on his brother’s face. He was used to the smile.

“You’re not going to lose me,” Pete assured. “Things are different now. I can finally open up and be honest with you. I’ll write and call more, I promise. When you’re on spring break, if you’re not doing anything with friends…”

“Couldn’t afford a trip anywhere,” Jacob interrupted.

“Then you’ll visit me. Free place to stay. I’ll show you around,” Pete grinned.

“Awesome.” Jacob said then slumped. “I’ll still miss you.”

“We’ll manage,” Pete said confidently. “I’m glad you have great friends to take care of you while I’m gone.”

“Seriously, don’t be a stranger. Call, email, write, text; do everything!”

“I promise.”

They hugged tightly. Pete wished the hug could last forever. Seeing his brother had been a turning point. His brother didn’t hate him. Their relationship could only blossom. Pete didn’t know for sure, but the future looked promising. He hoped so.

 

******

 

Pete stepped inside the Starbucks hoping Angela was there. He was thirsty and in the mood for a coffee drink. He was cordial with most of the employees but he got along best with Angela.

Angela never asked too many questions, never pushed, wasn’t the typical nosy girl and she didn’t giggle and try to flirt with him. She was fun and made crude jokes. Pete was totally relaxed around her. In reality, his two closest friends were women; Michelle and Angela. The fact that they were women and he was gay made it easier to open up to them, maybe because he knew that they wouldn’t try to get anything from him physically.

He smiled when he caught sight of her black ponytail bobbing around. “Angie!”

She turned and frowned, searching for the voice. When their eyes met she smiled. “What’s up?” She waved him over since there were no customers at the moment. She caught sight of his book bag. “What’s with the bag? School doesn’t start until tomorrow, right?”

Pete hit his bag. “I just got in. Visited my brother,” he stated.

Angela’s eyes widened in surprise. “You have a brother? I didn’t know that.”

“I talk about him all the time. You’re just not a good listener,” Pete said in mock annoyance.

“Kiss my ass, bitch! I’m an excellent listener,” Angela scoffed grabbing a large plastic cup. “Want something?”

Pete smiled. Angela knew him so well. “White chocolate mocha. Iced. Please.”

“Did you have a good time with your brother?” she asked.

“Yeah, it was nice to see him. I was so busy with school and work, I didn’t have time to really hang with him,” Pete said vaguely.

Angela hummed as she mixed him his drink. “I hear you. Well, not really. My family is annoying as hell, so I try to keep busy.”

Pete grinned. “I know, you’re here all the time.”

“I have a lot of regulars,” Angela winked. “They give me good tips,” she curled her lips suggestively.

“Angela!” Pete pretended to looked appalled. “What would your parents say? They think you’re such a good honest girl!”

Angela rolled her eyes. “Then they’re dumb as bricks.” She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “They still think I’m a virgin.”

“And we know how far that is from the truth,” Pete laughed as he quickly swiped the iced coffee from her hands before she could “accidentally” hurl it at him. “Bye, have to go now. See you soon!” He quickly edged away.

“Right, home to your boyfriend, ahem, I mean roommate?” Angela drawled out teasingly. “Run along now. Don’t keep him waiting,” she sang out.

“Angela!” Pete hissed, although he wasn’t really mad. He was still on a high from his trip.

Angela waved her hand at him dismissively. “Shush Pete, don’t bother me. Can’t you see that I’m busy?” she hissed back comically. “Hi, how can I help you?” she said to a middle aged man.

“Later,” Pete called out leaving.

Angela waved in response since the guy she was talking to was an actual customer.

 

******

 

Andy was impatient to get home, knowing that Pete had gotten back about three hours ago. He would have taken a day off or left early, but his boss was an asshole and other people in his department had already requested vacation time.

His knee bounced anxiously and the person crammed beside him on the train looked at him oddly. Just three more stops and then he could race out those doors and run home. But it was rush hour on the train and it was even more jam packed than usual. Sometimes he really hated New York. It was disgustingly crowded.

He stood and edged closer to the doors so when the train got to his stop, he could push his way through more effectively. He elbowed a girl who only made it up to his shoulder. She shot him a dirty look. “Sorry.” She then shot him an annoyed look.

“Excuse me, sorry!” Andy called out as he dodged and wove through the masses of people, jogging up the stairs and onto the streets. He briskly walked, since he didn’t want to look like a total weirdo running around.

Bursting through the front door, he took in a few breaths as he looked around. “Pete?” He ventured further into their house and peeked inside Pete’s room, which was empty, but he noticed a black duffel bag that hadn’t been there before. Thus he knew Pete had definitely been home at some point.

Then he heard it. Footsteps coming up the stairs. Andy ran his fingers through his hair and attempted to look calm and relaxed.

Finally Pete entered. Andy met him in the doorway. “Hey.”

Pete’s eyes lit up and his mouth was around an ice pop. Andy licked his lips. “Hey Andy.” Pete grinned widely and his eyes were full of amusement. “Did you rush back home?”

“No,” Andy said casually as he wiped his forehead. It was January, but after his marathon in the subway, he felt slimy.

“Are you sure?” Pete teased.

“Yes,” Andy said haltingly.

“I think you’re lying,” Pete sang out taking a bite out of his ice pop. “Guess where I was?”

“Umm,” Andy began, frowning in confusion.

“I had a serious sugar craving and we didn’t have anything in the freezer, so I went to that little store on the corner,” Pete continued smiling. “And guess who I saw on my way back home? Walking very quickly? One could even say this man was jogging.”

Andy blushed.

“He was wearing a suit that looks exactly like the one you’re wearing. He had blond hair…”

“Okay! It was me! I rushed home to see you. I missed you,” Andy exclaimed in exasperation.

Pete’s grin widened and he ducked his head. “I know. I just wanted to hear you say.”

Andy didn’t know what to do so he lunged forward and hugged the shorter man.

“Hey, my ice pop!” Pete protested, wiggling in Andy’s grasp.

“I’ll get you a new one,” Andy said gruffly. He pulled back and was about to lean forward, but stopped short. He hesitated.

“Andy, Andy,” Pete chuckled shaking his head as he wrapped his hand behind Andy’s neck and pulled the taller man forward. Their lips met gently and it was the softest of kisses, light, lingering. Then Andy leaned forward, tightening his grip on Pete, and kissed with more force.

Pete opened his mouth and tilted his head to the side so they could deepen the kiss without bumping their noses. Pete’s fingers tangled in Andy’s hair as he tugged on the soft strands. His tongue matched Andy’s strokes as they passionately poured out their feelings.

When he felt something sticky dripping onto his fingers, Pete broke away. “Seriously, my ice pop is melting onto the floor.”

Andy kept kissing Pete’s mouth tenderly, occasionally licking it. “Tastes good. Like lemonade.”

Pete chuckled and wiped his melting ice pop all over his lips. Then he leaned forward. “Want some of my ice pop?”

“No, I’ll settle for the juice. In fact, you have a spot right there,” Andy smiled, his eyes moving to Pete’s lips.

“Really? Will you get it off for me?”

“Uh-huh,” Andy breathed closing the gap between their mouths.

Pete closed his eyes and wrapped both arms around Andy’s neck, dropping the ice pop onto the floor. He could clean that up later. They were more pressing matters at the moment.

 

******

 

Pete rambled on and on about his brother and Andy smiled, watching Pete’s animated facial expressions.

He had never seen Pete so happy before. It was like he was a totally different person.

“…Jacob is so mature and so smart. Who’d thought that someone normal could come out of my parents? I’m messed up, but at least one of us…I can’t believe I was afraid to talk to him all these years. All these years I wasted…”

“Don’t think like that,” Andy broke in. “You didn’t know anything for sure. Besides, it’s not too late.”

“I wish he wasn’t so far or that he wasn’t still in school. I didn’t want our time to end,” Pete slumped. “It was cool, living with Jacob again, even for a week. I missed that.”

Andy felt a slight twinge of jealousy, but then realized that no matter what he and Pete had, there was no real substitute for family. “Maybe he can visit for the summer?” Andy suggested.

“I’m hoping he’ll fly here for his spring break. Classes don’t take up too much time and I’ll take off work,” Pete said smiling. “I’m just so eager to make up for lost time.” Then Pete’s face darkened. “Too bad my mother hadn’t died sooner.”

“Pete!” Andy gasped before could stop himself.

Pete looked surprised at his own words. “Wow, I don’t know where that came from. Actually, it’s great timing. If she had died sooner I would not have been in any position to help Jacob. He would have gone into foster care and who knows what could have happened there. No, this is for the best. Things are finally working out. Good.” Pete appeared to be giving himself a little pep talk. Andy chose to remain quiet.

“Anyway,” Pete said his eyes clearing of the sad emotion. “The only thing that matters is that I have my brother back, he doesn’t hate me, and he understands. He understands! Wow! Things like this don’t happen to me. I was half expecting him to beat me to death.”

“No way!” Andy exclaimed. “He’s your brother! He’d never hurt you.”

“You never know,” Pete shrugged. “Not everyone is so loving and people don’t puke rainbows and skip in a meadow of flowers,” he said with a slight sneer.

Andy opened his mouth, but then shut it, remembering how different their upbringings had been. Andy knew love right from birth. Pete learned to protect himself.

“Sorry Andy. I didn’t mean to snap at you like a dick. I get pissy sometimes.” Pete’s face was apologetic.

Andy smiled slightly. “I know. I live with you, remember?”

“I know. To think we hated each other in the beginning.”

“All your fault, by the way,” Andy pointed out.

“No!” Pete argued. “You’re the annoyingly nice guy trying to be everyone’s friend. Newsflash: no one likes a kiss ass!”

Andy’s mouth fell open. “Hey!”

“But you’re a really hot and loveable kiss ass, once the annoying part wears off,” Pete joked.

“Whatever. I was only trying to be your friend in the beginning since it would be easier to live together,” Andy explained begrudgingly.

“Andy, I was just kidding. Come on,” Pete cajoled smiling. “I’m in such a good mood. Let’s go out and do something.”

“No bars or anything. You starts school tomorrow and a hang…”

“Yes Dad,” Pete rolled his eyes. “We’ll strictly get food. I’m really hungry anyway. No food on the flight and the snacks were just pretzels.”

“Okay, let’s go feed you.”

“Great. Then I’ll come home, shower, do my laundry, and then go to bed early,” Pete said glancing at Andy. “How about you?”

Andy smiled. “Yeah, I think I’ll go to bed early, too.”

Pete snickered. “Are you going to try to perv on me while I’m all tired from my flight?”

“I’d never!” Andy pretended to be insulted.

“Bullshit,” Pete laughed.

“Maybe a little on the perving,” Andy admitted, blushing slightly. “But I promise not to go overboard.”

“Let’s see how tired I am later,” Pete said grabbing Andy’s hand and leading him out the door. “If I get my second wind, we can go overboard.” He raised his brows up and down suggestively before smiling.

“Really?” Andy asked, his eyes widening.

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking about you all week,” Pete said, feeling hot all over.

“Really?” Andy looked pleased. “Me, too. I mean, I’ve been thinking about you, too.”

“Good,” Pete said with a curt nod, before yanking Andy forward. “Now hurry. The sooner we get food, the sooner we can come back.”

Andy chuckled. “You’re too much, Pete.”

“You know you love it,” Pete called back, since he was a few steps ahead of Andy.

Andy smiled to himself. Yeah, he really did.

 

******

 

“Sorry I’m late,” Mark plopped down across from Andy and smiled. “This woman dropped her bags and her groceries fell all over the place…”

“And you helped her?”

“Of course. I am, after all, a perfect gentleman,” Mark said raising his nose in the air before breaking into a large grin. Andy shook his head at his goofy friend. “So, how’s life? Work? Susan? Jordan? Pete? Your parents?”

Andy looked taken aback. “Wow, you just shot a shit load of questions.”

“Been busy with work and we haven’t had a chance to talk. I’m trying to cram as much information out of this one session.”

“Session?” Andy questioned.

Mark waved him off. “You know what I mean. Stop stalling and answer me.”

“Okay, um, let’s see. Work is the same; my boss is a total bitch and she’s super petty if I’m one minute late. But I get a lot of free food at the office because Berta hooks me up every time there is an office meeting. Susan got pissed at me around the holidays, but you knew that. She’s cooled off since then. I have a feeling our relationship will be very up and down.”

“Jordan is good, as always,” Andy smiled. “My parents are coming around. Talking with them is no longer torture and slowly they’re accepting me. No, wait, they’ve always accepted me. Now it’s more like they’re getting used to me liking guys.”

“And Pete?” Mark asked, eyeing Andy.

Andy couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face. “He’s fine.”

“Fine?” Mark scoffed. “That’s all I get? Fine?” he mocked sarcastically.

“Remember how I said Pete had some issues?”

Mark nodded.

“I don’t want to tell his business without his permission, but his Dad died when he was young. Then he had a falling out with his mother,” Andy went on carefully. “So he left home and tried to make it on his own. You know the rest.”

“And…?”

“Pete has a younger brother who he hasn’t seen in five years. He finally got a chance to see his brother at his mother’s funeral. He was gone for a week.”

“Wait! His mother died?” Mark asked.

Andy nodded.

“Man, so Pete has no one but his brother? And he just saw him for the first time in five years?” Mark whistled. “Shit, that’s heavy. I can’t imagine losing both my parents at such a young age. He’s only twenty-three.”

“Twenty-two,” Andy said.

“Oh, right. I just rounded up. Pete’s birthday is next month.”

“How do you know when his birthday is?” Andy asked curiously.

“Michelle mentioned it to me. She’s planning to have a dinner party in Pete’s honor.”

“Really?”

“Michelle likes doing those things,” Mark dismissed. “She wants people to dress up. With the holidays, her family usually hosts the parties. But with Pete’s birthday, she can host something. And they are good friends.”

“When do they even hang out?” Andy asked.

“They email a lot,” Mark explained. “Michelle takes numerous coffee breaks a day. They hang out during Pete’s break. Sometimes dinner or lunch depending on Pete’s school schedule. I don’t know, man. I don’t keep tabs on my woman. Can’t you keep tabs on your own man?” Mark teased.

“He’s not my man!”

“But he’s gay?”

“Yes,” Andy confirmed.

“Simple mathematics. He’s gay. You’re gay. Slap you two together!”

“It doesn’t work that way. Just because we’re both gay doesn’t mean we’d automatically hook up,” Andy explained in exasperation.

“I know!” Mark stuck his tongue out. “But I know for a fact that you like him, and from what you tell me and the tidbits I heard from Michelle, Pete doesn’t hate you. So if he doesn’t hate you…”

“Mark, how your mind works really baffles me,” Andy sighed.

“Whatever. You’re being all secretive,” Mark said narrowing his eyes.

“I’m not!” Andy argued. “I just don’t want to talk about something that I don’t even know about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Listen, Pete and I didn’t bond overnight. We’re both so, I don’t know, shy or scared or something. We’re taking things slow. We’re not even really dating. We just spend time together. We feel comfortable together. We don’t even fool around much,” Andy said rubbing his neck.

“It’s this song and dance we’re doing. I don’t want to jump into something while I’m in the process of a divorce. I can’t imagine telling my parents that I’m dating. Can you imagine Susan’s reaction? Every other weekend she’s pissed at me about something,” Andy groaned.

“Then there’s Pete. Let’s just say he doesn’t have a good dating history,” Andy said fiddling with his napkin. “I don’t want to push him unless he’s ready.”

Mark’s eyes softened. “Andy, I know you’re scared. Dealing with everyone’s reaction is going to be nerve wracking. But even if you wait a year or two, it’s going to be just as much a shock. It won’t be any easier on you or them. In fact, it just makes it worse. They’ll wonder if you’re really gay or just super confused!”

Andy started laughing.

“Andy, I’m serious!” Mark exclaimed, also chuckling. “Don’t wait for everyone else to be okay with the situation. That means you’ll be waiting forever and compromising your own happiness in the process.”

“Analyzing me again, huh?” Andy teased.

Mark studied Andy. “I want to see you happy, man. Start living life. Be happy. You like Pete?”

“Yes,” Andy admitted. “I really do. He’s not like everyone else. He’s not someone I just date and then throw away once I get bored. He’s not just sex. He’s not Derrick. He’s so much more…” his voice trailed off as he realized he meant every word.

“Then go for it, Andy. There’s no use wasting anymore time when you have each other. If you can be happier together, then one of you has to grow a set and ask the other out. Why waste time and energy and brain cells agonizing over every little minute detail? I swear gay guys over think shit just like women do.”

Andy lifted his arm threatening.

“Stop throwing food at me!” Mark screeched. “This shirt is new and dry clean only!”

Andy let out a hearty laugh. “Good talk, Mark. Good talk.”

“I do what I can,” Mark replied simply.

“Actually, Mark…”

Mark picked up on the hesitancy in Andy’s voice. “Yeah?” he drawled out curiously.

“There’s one more thing I might need help with…”

“Just one?” Mark interrupted jokingly.

Andy shot him a dirty look. “This concerns Pete.”

Mark raised an eyebrow, but remained silent.

“Do you remember that guy we caught Pete with? You know, they were…” Andy couldn’t complete the sentence, but luckily, he didn’t have to.

“I remember,” Mark stated. “Quite well.” Then he frowned. “Is Pete doing that shit again?” His voice started to rise.

“No, no,” Andy said quickly. “It is happening again, but not in your house! I swear. Really.”

Mark studied him then nodded. “Okay, tell me everything.”

“Pete’s been meeting him in a hotel on a regular basis. I think a few times a week. It’s a long story, but Pete quit his other job, so I guess in some weird way, Pete was replacing that job…with this.” Andy shook his head.

“This guy went after Pete, hounded him at work. You know that Pete is easily persuaded and is not strong enough yet. He has really low self-esteem. This guy knows that and uses it to his advantage. He’s mind-fucking Pete. We have to get this guy out of Pete’s life, for good.”

Mark leaned forward. “Sounds potentially criminal. I’m in!”

Andy chuckled. “Not exactly. I just want to scare the guy, get him off Pete’s back. Otherwise Pete will never get out of this vicious cycle.”

“Sounds like you have a plan. I’m listening,” Mark said without missing a beat.

“His name is Charles Thieberger. He’s a rich guy, married into wealth. His wife is the daughter of some real estate tycoon. He works for her father.”

“Someone did their research,” Mark teased.

Andy grinned. “I had some free time on my hands. Anyway, you know this guy has a lot to lose if his wife ever found out. He’d not only lose his job, but he wouldn’t get any of his wife’s money! He’d be a social outcast. Naturally, he wants to keep his taste for men a secret, so…”

“I see where you’re going with this, and I have to say: I love it!” Mark nodded appreciatively.

Andy laughed. “I love you, Mark. I love that you have my back.”

“Always, man. Always.”

“You’ll help me?” Andy asked.

“Didn’t I just say I have your back?” Mark asked, shaking his head. “Don’t you listen?”

“You’re the best,” Andy said with a wide smile.

“Don’t forget it.”

 

---

 

Copyright © 2011 Tiff; All Rights Reserved.