Shades of Gray - 9. Chapter 9 Family Time....

Chase sat in the corner watching intently as the doctor went over his father's chart. After a couple of hums, and a few clicks of his pen he was finished. He gave Chase a sympathetic eye and a sorrowful smile while tucking the chart under his arm.

"So?” Chase asked eagerly, his voice filled with unwarranted hope.

"It's just a matter of time, I'm sorry to say. Is your sister on her way?"

"Yeah...” Chase nodded sadly, while chewing on his thumbnail.

"Good.” He glanced back over to his patient one last time before placing a consoling hand on Chase's shoulder. "They'll call me.” He informed him before heading out.

Chase took in a long deep breath as he sat down in the chair by his father's bedside. He laughed humorlessly as he took his hand into his own. "Ain't this a bitch? We're sitting here waiting...just waiting.” He sighed through a sniffle unable to finish his statement. "I want you to know, Dad, its okay. Everything is going to be okay.” He whispered in his father's ear. "I hate to lose you, but I can't stand to see you suffer this way. If you can, hang on until Carter gets here. I know he'll want to say good bye, but if it gets to hard it's okay."

He used the back of his hand to wipe away the tear that slid down his cheek. "Oh, I have someone for you to meet. I know...I know, I usually don't do the meeting the father thing. But, Dad, he is amazing. He's brutally honest.” He laughed. “And I love that.” He admitted reflectively. "Totally selfless, and he has one of the most beautiful souls I've ever seen. I actually don't get what he sees in me.” He sighed thoughtfully.

~*~*~

Elizabeth approached her father's room just as tired as she was from the night before. She managed to get the kids off to school, share a cup of coffee with her husband, and make her brother’s favorite, ‘French Toast casserole.’ The preparation took her mind off things for a moment, not to mention she loved doing things for her little brother.

A look of puzzlement appeared, as she got closer. "Um hello.” She greeted hesitantly as if she was trying to recognize the guy sitting outside her father's door.

"Huh?” He replied, slightly startled by the young woman. He pulled his earbuds from his ears giving her his attention. Elizabeth tilted her head knitting her brows together inquisitively searching her memory. Surely, she would have remembered him especially those piercing blue eyes of his.

"Excuse me; I'm just trying to figure out where I know you from.” She smiled.

"I don't know you, so I'm sure you don't know me”. Kaleb informed her returning the smile. "This is my boyfriend's father’s room.” He nodded toward the door.

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yes. Chase Montgomery.” He stated proudly. She stood stunned for a moment trying to formulate something that resembled a reply.

"Ohhh... Um. You know my brother?” She stuttered. Studying him carefully she wondered if she heard him correctly. Though, this guy was indeed gorgeous, he couldn’t be any more than sixteen years old. The Spiderman backpack, the animal crackers, and milk he was eating when she walked up lead her to believe he was somebody’s son sitting at the wrong door. Chase didn’t live in Indianapolis, and hadn’t since he graduated from high school… so where did he come from?

“Duh…” Kaleb sighed rolling his eyes toward the ceiling. “I just said he was my boyfriend, so of course I know him.” He stated as if her question was the most ridiculous questioned he’d ever been asked.

“Yeah…Right.” She forced a sideways smile.

“And you are?”

“Oh yeah…I’m Elizabeth …”

“Ohhhh….” Kaleb’s eyes lit up with excitement upon recognizing the name. In his attempt to stand, he knocked his backpack on the floor spilling out its contents. “Oh my god!” He exclaimed as he pulled her into a strong hug. “You’re his sister. It’s so nice to meet you.” He stated smashing the casserole between them.

“Um... it’s um, nice to meet you too? But…” She nodded at the smashed casserole pan.

“Oh yeah…” Kaleb giggled as he released his hold on her. He immediately dropped to one knee picking his stuff off the floor, shoving it back inside the backpack. “I’m Kaleb Fitzgerald by the way.” He glanced up for a second making the introductions as he continued his task. “The doctor was in with you brother, so I figured I’d give them some time alone to go over the medical stuff. I’m really sorry about your dad.” He expressed with a forlorn glance.

“Thank you.” She smiled sadly. “Is he...Is he still in there with him?”

“No…” Kaleb answered as he pushed himself up from the floor. “The doctor left a few minutes ago. I figured I’d give Chase some time to process things you know. I don’t want to crowd him; I just want to be here for him when he needs me.” Kaleb frowned with a slight shrug of the shoulder.

“Awww…that’s so sweet.” She said admiringly. Kaleb bobbed his head and smiled as he shoved his hands deep inside his pockets.

“So you’re from Chicago.” She assumed.

Yeah. I got here on my dad’s private plane.” He offered.

“Really?” She questioned skeptically.

“Yeah…”

“Okaayyy…Well look I made Chase’s favorite.-

“French toast casserole.” Kaleb finished as he inhaled deeply. “It smells wonderful.” He smiled. “He told me how much he loved it. It’s Paula Deens…right?”

“Yeah…” Elizabeth answered clearly impressed.

“I looked up the recipe. I have to learn how to make it for him.”

“Cool…Well I better get inside.” She smiled kindly.

“Okay…” Kaleb returned the smile before turning to sit down. He pushed play on the IPod as he placed his earbuds back in his ears when he received a gentle nudge on the shoulder. He pulled the ear bud from his ear. “Yeah?”

“I’ll teach you how to make it…” She offered with a warm smile.

“Really?” Kaleb clapped with excitement. His smile was as wide as a child at Christmas who was just told he had one more gift to open.

“Really. And I have plenty if you want some.”

“Really…” He repeated again.

“Yes…” Elizabeth laughed. “But I don’t have any plates or forks. Do you think you can run down to the cafeteria and bring back some?”

“Okay…” Kaleb stuffed his IPod into his pocket and grabbed his backpack. He adjusted the straps over his shoulder making sure it was secure. “You need anything else?”

“Milk…”

“Okay…” Kaleb called back over his shoulder. Elizabeth sighed with a warm smile as she watched him bounce excitedly down the hall.

“Hey you.” Chase smiled looking up when he heard his sister enter the room. Elizabeth nodded returning the smile, while holding up the casserole dish

“I made you something.”

“Cool. I’m starving. What is it?” He asked as he made his way over to her. Chase gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek while lifting the foil off the tray. “You didn’t?” He grinned widely.

"Umhumm…” She nodded. “French Toast casserole, you’re favorite.”

“Thank you.” He said while taking the tray from her. “I’m hoping Carter gets here before...you, know.” He said as she walked over to their father’s bed. She smiled wearily.

“Would it seem harsh or unfeeling if I said I can’t wait for this to be over?” She asked as she sat down beside him. “I mean this waiting is sheer agony.”

‘There, she said it.’ what Chase had been feeling but didn’t voice aloud. The waiting for their father to die was the hardest part of all. He was as if just refused to let go, his body was tired, but he refused to let go, and watching him like this was worst then him dying. Chase just shrugged.

“I need to check on someone.” He said faintly as he sat the casserole down on the small table by the window.

“Kaleb?”

“Yeah…How’d you know?” Chase knitted his brows tightly while scratching behind his ear.

“I met him outside.”

“Oh…”

“I sent him to the cafeteria to get some plates. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No... no it’s okay.” He chuckled nervously as he opened the door to peek out anyway.

“He seems nice.” She stated casually as she turned to face her brother.

“He is…”

“He’s cute too.”

“Umhum…” Chased nodded his agreement as he sat down in the chair. He sighed combing his fingers through his hair as he relaxed his back against the wall.

“He said he was your boyfriend.” She stated while eyeing him carefully. It was as if she was trying to gauge his response.

“I know.” He replied simply, void of any emotion, positive, or negative.

“Okay…So is he?” She pushed as she stood up making her way over to him.

“It’s complicated.”

“Well. He thinks he is.” She added. “By the way, how old is he?”

“He’s twenty-two, and to answer your first question. He asked me to be his boyfriend and I said yes.” He stated casually.

“It’s obvious it’s something you wanted. You don’t do things you don’t want to do, Chase.” She pointed out.

“I didn’t say I didn’t want it.” He sighed. “I mean I did. I did from the moment I saw him. I just can’t explain it.” He took in a deep breath and released it slowly before continuing. “It’s almost scary.” He chuckled humorously letting his head fall against back the head wall.

“So what’s wrong with him?” She asked timidly. “He’s sweet, but there’s something off, you know?”

“Yeah. I haven’t probed too much, it seem to bother other’s more than it bothers me.” He admitted. “But from what I can see along with the research I’ve done it appears to be a mild mental disability. He’s fine otherwise. And honestly, I don’t think it would be that big of a deal if his family didn’t treat him differently.” He shrugged.

“What do they think of you two?”

Chase blow out a huge breath of air. “I guess they’re okay, aside from his mom.” He laughed. “She truly hates me. I’m sure she would have me castrated if she could” His animated admission incited an amused giggle from his sister.

“Maybe she doesn’t think he can handle a relationship, especially one with another man.”

“But that’s just it. He can. He’s very capable of being in a relationship, and he’s fully aware of his sexuality. He’s a little sensitive, unfiltered, and full of raw emotion, but that’s what I like about him.” He smiled fondly. “I think if it was anyone else it would get on my nerves.”

Maybe you’re making allowances for him because he is the way he is.” She suggested, receiving a slight shrug of the shoulder from Chase. “Are you infatuated with him? She asked cautiously. “I mean I can totally see how you could be. I just met him and I found myself offering to teach him how to cook.” She laughed. Chase scratched the side of his face pondering over the question carefully.

“I really don’t…” He was about to say when the door opened revealing the subject of their conversation.

“I got em…” He waved the paper plates in the air excitedly. “Oops…” He ducked his head quickly. “I’m sorry.” He whispered glancing over to their father’s bed. Chase laughed as he pushed himself up from the chair.

“It’s okay.” He said taking the plates and forks from him. “I see you met my sister.” He smiled handing Elizabeth the plates before helping him get his backpack off his shoulders.

“I can make Chase’s plate if you need me to.” Kaleb offered while digging inside the side pocket. “Oh and I got a few packs of syrup.”

“I can do it. I’ll make both.” She replied as she peeled back the foil. “Thanks for the syrup. I forgot to mention that.”

“Well, what’s French toast without syrup?” Kaleb smiled. Chase shared a knowing glance with his sister as if to say… “I told you so,” before guiding Kaleb over to his father’s bed.

“I should have done this when you got here, but I was a little out of sorts.” Chase admitted. “I want to introduce you to my dad.”

“Are you sure?” Kaleb asked hesitantly.

“Yeah.” Chase nodded. He motioned for Kaleb to sit as he stood next to his father. “Dad this is Kaleb Fitzgerald. Kaleb this is my father Grant Montgomery.” Liz set the fork and plate down watching the endearing moment shared between them.

Tears filled her eyes because at that moment she realized that Kaleb was special to her brother. Though their father was very supportive and accepting of Chase’s lifestyle, he never pushed it, or brought guys around to meet him. The fact that Kaleb was meeting his dying father stood for something.

“Hello, Mr. Montgomery.” Kaleb whispered as he gingerly took his hand into his own. “It’s an honor to meet you. I wish it was under different circumstances though.” He sighed. “I’m sorry you’re sick.” He frowned. Elizabeth covered her hand over her mouth as she tried to choke back the tears that threatened to fall. Almost immediately, Grant gasped a shallow breath of air as if he was struggling to breathe. Kaleb dropped his hand frantically standing to his feet.

“Oh my god!” He clasped his hand over his mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Chase assured him while hurrying to his side. He pulled Kaleb into his arms protectively. "It's alright." He whispered calmly.

“I’ll get the nurse.” Elizabeth called out as she sprinted out of the room.

~*~*~

“There…” The nurse forced a sad smile. “Everything’s okay. It was just an involuntary reflex.” She explained. "If there’s anyone else you want here, you need to call them.” She informed them in a sorrowful yet professional manner.

“How long?” Chase asked as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

“It’s hard to say, hours…maybe minutes.” She frowned as she adjusted the IV pain meds. Aside from that machine, all other monitors had been unhooked. She placed a consoling hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder before leaving the room.

“I’m gonna go see if I can’t find out what’s keeping Carter.” Chase sighed as he grabbed Kaleb by the hand.

“You go. I’m gonna stay with your sister.” He nodded toward Elizabeth who was hugging herself in the corner; tears streaming down her reddened cheeks. She had just called her husband and got his voicemail forcing her to leave a desperate message.

“Okay…thanks.” Chase replied while pulling his cell phone from his pocket. “I’ll be right back.” Kaleb smiled sadly, as he made his way toward Elizabeth. He took her by her hand and led her over to her father’s bedside motioning for her to sit.

“Thank you.” She managed to say slightly above a whisper. He placed a consoling hand on her shoulder and stood behind her respecting her personal space.

It wasn’t long before Chase returned. The room was quiet and still except for Kaleb counting the time that lapsed between each haggard breath Grant struggled to take.

“16-17-18-19….” Kaleb whispered softly; his voice fainting as the rise and fall of Grant's chest ceased. Elizabeth gasped with their father as he took his final breath.

“Oh my god, Chase.” She cried burying herself within his embrace. “He’s gone.” She sobbed uncontrollably. “Daddy's gone….” She gasped before falling into her brother’s strong arms.

“Shhhhh….” Chase held her tightly running soothing circles up and down her back as they cried together. Kaleb took hesitant steps toward the two of them wrapping his arms around Chase from behind.

“I’m so sorry.” He wept silently as he rested his head against his boyfriends back.

~*~*~*

The three of them sat there with tear stained cheeks watching as the hospital staff milled around him. Though he knew this day would come, Chase still wasn’t prepared to accept it. Both his parents were gone, taken, way too soon. Neither one of them would witness him getting married or having a family. His children would only hear stories about ‘Grandpa Grant.’ He sniffed silently resting his chin on the top of Kaleb’s head as he held him in his arms. In only three weeks, Kaleb had already shared one of the most momentous events in his life. It had only been three weeks and he couldn’t imagine how he managed without him. He kissed him softly on the head being grateful he was there and stubborn.

Elizabeth rested her tired body against her husband John’s as he assisted her out of the room. Chase held Kaleb’s hand following behind him. He glanced up hearing hurried feet running toward them. Eye’s wide and filled with tears.

“Did I?” He asked struggling to catch his breath. Chase shook his head no, releasing Kaleb’s hand before taking his brother into his arms.

“He’s gone.” He choked out.

“Nooooo….” Carter cried as he knees buckled beneath him. “Damn it….” He cursed himself. He wrapped his arms tightly around his brother and wept silently in his arms.

Kaleb’s heart was slowly breaking as he watched the emotional scene playing out before him. Though they hadn’t seen Carter in some time, he could tell they were close and at a time like this, they needed each other.

“Hey…” Elizabeth’s voice faintly met their ears. Carter reached for his sister pulling her toward them. Chase opened his arms as well welcoming her into the tight embrace. The hallway was quiet except for the silent whimpers they shared. After a few moments, Carter kissed his sister on the cheek as he released his hold on her. He gave Chase a short pat on the back before using the back of his hand to wipe his tear stained cheeks. He glanced up meeting a pair of sad brown eyes that were smiling consolingly at him.

“You must be John.” He assumed as he extended his hand to meet his brother in law.

“Yeah man.” John smiled while returning the greeting.

“OhYeah, congratulations you two.” He nodded to his sister and John as he shoved one hand into his pocket. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the wedding. We were in the playoffs and no one could have that time off. You understand.”

“No... no. We totally understand.” John replied, receiving an agreeing nod from Elizabeth.

“We understand little brother. The trip to Mexico made up for it.” She replied jokingly.

“I knew it would.” He smiled. They stood in awkward silence for two beats before he turned his attention to the younger man now standing beside his brother. “And who’s this?” He stood placing his hands on his hips searching for recognition. Elizabeth’s eyes immediately darted toward her other brother anxiously awaiting his answer. Chase took Kaleb by the hand pulling him beside him. He dropped his arm around Kaleb’s waist as he made the introductions.

“Carter, this is Kaleb…my boyfriend.” There he said it. He usually gave the long version… the ‘He asked me I said yes…’ But not this time, and it felt good to put it out there. This was his twin after all, and he could read him like book anyway.

“Ah…Your boyfriend eh?” Carter questioned with a mischievous sideways smile. He extended his hand taking Kaleb’s into his. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Kaleb smiled giving him a firm handshake like his daddy always taught him.

“Robbing the cradle are we little brother?” He chuckled in a hushed tone. Unfortunately, the snide comment met Kaleb’s ears as well.

“I’m twenty- two.” Kaleb stated defensively as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“No…” Chase laughed. “He’s legal; damn you all act like I’m a thousand years old or something.”

“Wow…It’s like looking at Chase, but not.” Kaleb placed his finger to his chin as he studied him. “You look just like him, only he’s cuter.” Kaleb stated honestly.

“Yeah…I get that all the time.” Carter countered through a sarcastic laugh. “Where did you get this one?” He teased. Chase just laughed and shook his head. The thought ‘Unfiltered…’came to mind. He knew Carter was slightly offended, but he also knew Kaleb meant nothing by it…he was just being Kaleb.

Even though they were twins, Carter always referred to Chase as his little brother. He was born five minutes before Chase so that gave him bragging rights. They stood exactly the same height but Carter’s form was that of an athlete. His structure buffed; muscles more define and his facial features seemed harder, more stressed. He wore his hair longer and untamed and his green eyes lacked the sparkle that Chase’s had.

“Your dad is still in there.” Kaleb nodded toward the room as he rested his head against Chase’s chest. “Chase insisted they wait till you got here so you could say a proper good bye.”

“Oh my god…” Carter gasped cupping his hand over his mouth. “You did that for me little brother?” He questioned with wide eyes. Chase nodded as he tightened his grip around Kaleb’s waist.

“Yeah. Go, we’ll wait out here.” Chase forced a sad smile while taking a deep breath.

“Do you want some company?” Liz asked.

“No…thanks I need to do this.” He swallowed hard. “I haven’t seen him in god knows how long…” He sighed shutting his eyes tight. He inhaled deeply before taking cautious steps toward the door.

“You sure?” Chase asked with an arched brow. Carter nodded as he pushed the door opened and stepped inside. Everyone waited anxiously. Kaleb watched Chase pace back and forth. He could tell his mind was going a mile a minute and he needed to do something.

A soft smile appeared as he watched him. They were truly boyfriends and he loved it. He loved the way he felt when he was around him. The way he made him feel with just a single touch. When these emerald green eyes danced with his it was like walking on air. He needed to do something. He needed to relax him, calm him that was his job after all…to take care of his boyfriend.

His soft smile widened when the idea hit him. “Come on, you coming with me.” He grabbed Chase’s hand.

“What?! Wait!...Carter?” Chase objected as Kaleb pulled him along.

“Carter will be fine…” He retorted. “Liz, we’ll be right back, don’t leave us.” He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

“We won’t.” Liz laughed. She could only imagine what Kaleb had in store for her brother, but whatever it was, he was excited about it. She rested her head on John’s shoulder as she watched Chase being dragged down the hall.

~*~*~

“Oh my god…” Chase chuckled into his fist. “Look at that little guy over there.”

“I know. He looks like he needs his own room.” Kaleb’s giggled as he rested his head on Chase’s shoulder.

“His elbows look like they are touching the sides.”

“It kind of looks uncomfortable.” Kaleb frowned.

“Nawh…He’s fine.” Chase wrapped his arm around Kaleb’s waist as he walked down a little farther.

“Wow…look at her.” Chase pointed to the baby in the pink cap on the second row. “She’s beautiful.” He stated in awe.

“She is…” Kaleb agreed as he clasped their fingers together tightly. They watched quietly as the nurse lifted the baby from the crib getting her ready to visit her parents. “I want a baby one day.” Kaleb sighed.

“Really?” Chase shifted slightly so he was now facing Kaleb.

“Sure. I know I can’t have them.” He added, “But I can adopt.” He shrugged casually.

“Or use a surrogate.” Chase suggested.

“No…” Kaleb shook his head with a frown, while turning his attention back to the nursery. “I wouldn’t want to do that to a kid.”

“Do what?” Chase asked as he took Kaleb’s hand into his own. “Do what, Kaleb?” Kaleb tilted his head slightly as he combed his fingers through his dark locks.

“I would want…” He lowered his head. “I’m not like you or those babies in there.” He sighed. “My mom calls me her ‘Special angel,’ She said god made me different. I don’t know?” He shrugged. “I know what people say and think about me.” He chewed on his bottom lip. “I try really hard to be like everyone else, really I do. And I know I have to work harder to be a good boyfriend…”

“Shhh….”Chase placed his fingers gently to Kaleb’s lips silencing him. “I want you to listen to me, but more importantly I want you to hear me.” He stated adamantly as he locked gazes with him. “First of all. You don’t need to work harder at being my boyfriend, as if you have to over compensate for something. You’re amazing.” He smiled. “Bringing me here…” He sighed while nodding toward the nursery. “I get what you were trying to do, and it worked. It’s not called the ‘Circle of Life’ for nothing.” He smiled warmly into Kaleb’s eyes.

“And your mom is right.” He nodded. “God made all of us different, that’s what makes us special, you know?”

Kaleb smiled as he continued to listen, hanging on Chase’s every word. “You’re perfect. I say the world would be a better place if we had a few more Kaleb’s running around.” He admitted as he brought Kaleb’s hand to his lips, kissing it gently.

“You ever think about having children?”

“Of course.” Chase answered without hesitation. “And a loving partner I can grow old with.”

“I wouldn’t mind growing old with you.” Kaleb replied coyly. Chase smiled as he caressed Kaleb’s cheek tenderly.

“Be careful what you wish for, Kaleb. I might just hold you to that.” Chase winked as he leaned in sealing the deal with a kiss.

~*~*~

“Yeah…we’ve set everything up and the funeral is scheduled for the day after tomorrow.” He nodded as he listened to Kristin clarify the plans. “Yes. I would love it if you could make it, but I understand if you can’t.” He stated honestly.

He and Kaleb were back at the hotel after a long day of planning. The fact that everything was pre arranged, all they had to do was wait for the hospital to release the body to the funeral home, which they did a few hours ago. The burial plot had been picked out, along with the coffin and suit his father would were.

“Actually I haven’t had time to call him.” Chase answered honestly. “Kaleb and I just got back to our hotel. After we left the hospital, we went to my dad’s and ate dinner. A lot of the neighbors had cooked a bunch of food and wanted to visit with us, so we spent most of the evening over there.” He explained. “No, Carter is staying at the house. I couldn’t,” He added. “It’s too soon.” He frowned even though Kristin could not see his expression. “But I’ll call him.” He promised as he watched Kaleb exit the restroom. A warm smile appeared and he became somewhat distracted as he watched him milling about.

“Anyway, girl, I’m going to let you go and hopefully I’ll see you in a few days.” He ended the call with Kristin and placed the phone on the nightstand.

He relaxed his back against the wall stretching his legs out in front of him. He casually crossed one leg over the other while admiring his boyfriend’s physique. Kaleb was wearing a pair of ivory colored elastic waist soft cotton shorts and nothing else. His hair was still damp appearing darker as the beads of water glistened off the soft curls.

He couldn’t help but notice how strong Kaleb’s chest was. It was smooth and void of any chest hair. His arms were tone and his legs muscular, probably because he rode his bike every day, Chase assumed. Kaleb flashed him a warm smile as he grabbed his backpack. Though this was their first time spending the night together, he didn’t appear inhibited or shy. He actually seemed comfortable around him.

Kaleb pulled out his journal and pen before crawling up the bed beside Chase. Chase pulled back the covers and slid underneath them, holding it out welcoming Kaleb to join him. Kaleb rested his warm body against Chase sending cool chills through his own.

“You write in that every night?” He nodded to the leather binder.

“Umhumm.” Kaleb agreed while searching for a blank page. Chase watched as Kaleb wrote the date. He gently rested Kaleb’s head against his shoulder as he played in his hair finding pleasure in the closeness. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with his sister. She wondered if he was infatuated with him. Infatuated had such a negative connotation to it, and there was nothing negative about his feelings for Kaleb. Enamored, enthralled perhaps, but not infatuated.

He realized the more time he spent with Kaleb, the more time he wanted to spend with him. Being around him was becoming like breathing…natural, and as soon as he could explain to himself how this man captivated him at first glance he could explain it to others. A sharp jab to his ribs jolted him from his reverie.

“Owww…” He winched.

“Your phone is ringing.” Kaleb informed him without looking up from his paper.

“Damn…that hurt.” Chase chuckled while rubbing his side. “All you had to do was say; Chase, your phone is ringing.”

“I just did…” Kaleb deadpanned. Chase sighed shaking his head while reaching for his phone. A disgruntled sigh escaped his lips upon seeing the caller’s name.

“Hello?”

“Chase. I’m so sorry to hear about your father.” Scott immediately offered his condolence. “Why didn’t you call me? I didn’t even know you were in Indy.”

“It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to think. I just packed a bag and got on a plane.” He shrugged.

“I just talked to Kristin, she and I are planning to fly up for the funeral, unless you need me sooner. I remember how you were there for me when my sister died.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I appreciate you wanting to come to the funeral, but you don’t have to.”

“Listen Chase, I know things the past couple of weeks have been strained between us and you’re sorting some things out, but I still love you and want to be there for you. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.”

Combing his fingers through his hair, he let out a heavy sigh. Even though he tried to remain calm, Kaleb must have felt the tension in his body, because he gave him a worried glance.

“Are you okay?” He mouthed with concerned. Chase gave him a quick nod before returning to his phone call. ‘Round two…’

“I’m not alone, Kaleb is here.” Again, Kaleb glanced up when he heard his name, this time with a soft smile before turning his attention back to his writing.

“Kaleb?” Scott repeated. He was sure he had heard him wrong.

“Kaleb Fitzgerald?”

“Yeah…” Chase confirmed.

“Wait…Kaleb Fitzgerald is there with you…right now? In Indianapolis?” He asked incredulously.

“Yeah…” Chase repeated as he tightened his grip on Kaleb. The silence was so loud it was deafening, not to mention long.

“Okay.” He heard Scott say though an exaggerated sigh. “I can’t believe you.” More silence…

Chase dragged his hand down his chin. Now was not the time to get into this again. Not with Kaleb sitting right next to him, and to excuse himself from the room, would be rude. For work… maybe, but not just to talk to Scott about something they had discussed already.

“I’ve just lost my father today; I hope you understand that now is not the time to get into this.” Chase replied accenting each word while purposely not using Scott’s name.

“I know, and I’m sorry. You’re right. But let me say one more thing before I let you go.” Chase nodded though not responding. “I love you Chase…” Scott heard Chase stammer to speak, but quickly stopped himself, so he continued. “I just can’t act like the last two years meant nothing. Not only do I love you, I can about you…about your future and I just wonder if you’ve thought this through.”

Chase combed his fingers tiredly through his hair exhaling a deep sigh. “I’m really tired; it’s been a long day. Thank you for your condolences.” He replied, sounding indifferent. Scott knew from the tone in his voice that Chase was done with the conversation, that he was being dismissed.

“Okaayyy….” Scott paused for two beats. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

“Thanks again.” Chase replied politely. He ended the call just as Kaleb had finished writing. He sat the journal on the nightstand on his side of the bed before turning his attention toward Chase.

“Is everything okay?” He inquired looking at him with his sparkling blue eyes. Chase smiled getting absorbed in them. It was way after midnight and they still were full of luster.

“Everything’s fine, baby.” He smiled still immersed in those eyes. Those eyes would surely be the death of him one day. He watched as Kaleb shifted his body so he was lying next to him.

“I know you’re tired, but I’m here if you need me…you know.” Kaleb smiled as he nibbled on his lower lip.

Chase was sure he knew what the “You know…,” meant. He knew Kaleb was offering himself to him willingly. People make love for many different reasons. To feel close to someone…for self-gratification… to release the tension of the day, or to chase away the pain, even if just for a fleeting moment.

“Thank you…” He whispered in Kaleb’s ear. “But tonight I just want to hold you, enjoy the intimacy of lying with you in my arms.”

“Okay…” Kaleb replied; his voice sultry… breathless. His eyes fluttered closed while pulling Chase on top of him. He was being the aggressor. He lifted his head to meet Chase’s mouth pressing their lips together firmly as faint moans tried escape. He could feel what he was doing to his boyfriend; Chase’s hardness pressing against his thigh excited him. He relished in the feel of Chase’s arm wrapping tightly around him as they shared a heated kiss. Without permission, he pressed his tongue past Chase’s lip seeking out his tongue, enjoying the taste of lust that awaited him. He loved the feel of Chase’s long, lean body on top of him, knowing that he wanted him. Knowing he was pleasing his man…This was the Kaleb only Chase was privy to know. This Kaleb had Chase wrapped so tightly around his finger that he would do anything for him... That was his job.

TBC....