Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
Vignettes - 3. Confession
For our debut into entertaining after becoming partners two months ago, Ian invited two former college buddies, who in the intervening years had also become a couple. The meal was simple. As the foil-wrapped tenderloin rested in a warm oven, we sat around nibbling appetizers and enjoying a drink. Ian was nursing his usual Cosmo while we sipped a 2006 Brunello, the perfect pairing for tenderloin. A lovely fire banished any winter chill.
It was Shawn who asked. “You guys met a whole year ago? It must have been right after Markey.” I squeezed Ian’s hand to show support. It was a subject he disliked talking, or even thinking, about.
I chuckled. “Those ten months had to be the slowest courtship in human history! I’ll never forget the winter day we first met. Inspired by the illustrations for a book we were about to publish, I had to meet the artist. My co-workers warned Ian would never answer my invitation, but he did.”
Ian interrupted. “Your associates were right. But I received your note on my fourth day of non-stop crying. Needing a diversion, I called your secretary. When I entered your office, I expected some crusty old editor.” Ian was smiling. I squeezed his hand, picking up the story.
“He entered with a gust of winter wind! Cold exuded from this snowman as he unswaddled the scarf from around his head.” I smiled, pausing to sip more of the amazing Brunello.
“Instantly captivated by what anyone could see was an unhappy and emotionally injured soul, I simply had to get to know him. After briefly discussing the illustrations, I invited Ian to lunch. Three Cosmos later, I had learned all I ever needed to know about the snake Markey. By that time I was gone ...completely in love. I was determined to make Ian my forever person. My love only deepened over the year, but I couldn’t convince Ian to take a chance on me. I feared there was too much damage. I slaved to win his trust and love, believe me! It wasn’t easy, not at all.”
Shawn focused on my sweetie. “So Ian, what was the event that changed your mind?” I was interested in his response too. Ian had never explained it to me.
Ian squeezed my hand, smiled, and said, “I had a million worries. Each time Miles alleviated one, my mind moved to the next. Simply put, it took ten months to cross each item off my list. He never needed to convince me to love him. The moment our eyes first met that winter day, I was his. Winter is now my favorite season!”
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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