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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
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. 

Exes and Ohs - 5. Chapter 5 Promises of Forever

Presentable.

“Wow… looking good. The dark grey is a good choice,” Jimmy enthused with raised eyebrows. Drake had showered and dressed in the green room to save time, and had just returned to the blue room. His face warmed at the full-length perusal he was receiving.

“You, too,” Drake responded, and he wasn’t being polite… the guy looked hot as hell. Even though he saw Jimmy in a suit every workday, it was markedly different in this intimate setting. Standing only a few feet away, he exuded a masculinity that Drake couldn’t ignore. His short dark curls were still damp at the ends, and the green-grey fabric really did complement his eyes. The fit was perfection, and he found himself swallowing extra saliva as he pictured the body he’d just seen at the pool, beneath the clothes.

“Are you nervous?”

“What? Oh, about the wedding?”

“No.” Jimmy gave him one of those caring, searching looks as he stepped forward and worked on centering Drake’s tie. “There, that’s better.”

“Thanks. You mean Richard?” He swallowed more saliva while breathing in the freshly-showered scent of the man.

Jimmy stepped back and nodded.

“Yeah, I guess. It’s been a long time. Who knows… maybe he won’t show up. Callie said Bernadette is getting close to term.”

“How would you feel if he doesn’t?”

“Relieved, I suppose.”

A quick grin flashed across Jimmy’s face at the ‘I suppose,’ creating one on Drake’s. “I understand, but I think you need this.”

“You do? Why?” He walked to the dresser and picked up his cologne. “Should I?”

“I’m not wearing any, so yeah. That one smells great on you. From what you’ve told me, you guys never had any closure.”

“There wasn’t much to talk about after he told me he was in love with Bernadette.” He put the cologne back down without applying any. “We should head downstairs. The cab will be here in a few minutes.”

“I’m ready.”

“Me too.” They exited the room, but Drake stopped and headed back, picking up the cologne once more. One quick spritz and he turned to face an amused Jimmy. “I changed my mind.”

“Good. Nothing wrong with changing your mind.”

 

His parents were standing in front of the Avant-garde church with his spinster aunt, Nadine. She resembled his mom quite a bit, although ten years her senior. Her hair was still the same shade of honey gold he and Callie shared with their mother.

It suddenly hit him Preston was the only one in the family with white blond hair. Drake had always assumed he’d gotten it from the great grandfather their mother said he resembled, but did he actually inherit it from his biological father?

By the time he closed the door of the cab, Jimmy was at his side, hand brushing his. It was an offering, and it was left up to him to decide. After a few seconds hesitation, he accepted it. A sideways glance revealed a broad smile on the man’s face. They were in this together, and he had no intention of pulling away.

His father’s greeting was different… warm, as always, but uneasy as well. His grey eyes held a question, and Drake was certain his mother had told him what she’d done.

Stepping back from his hug, he gave him a reassuring smile before he began the introductions. “Dean, this is my dad, and my aunt Nadine.”

Drake watched as Jimmy took his aunt’s hand and said hello. A few short words later and she was completely charmed, just like his mother was as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. He then greeted Drake’s father. “James Dean Calloway, sir. Very nice to meet you, Mr. Forrester. I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“I have too, Dean. Dot's been telling me a bit about you. Please, call me Lawrence. It’s nice to finally meet someone Drake cares enough about to bring home. I was just told you work together?”

“Yes, sir. We have slightly different duties, but we’re in the same department.”

“And you don’t get sick of one another?”

“Not yet, sir.”

Drake’s father chuckled. “That’s a good sign. I’m glad to see he brought someone so presentable.”

Drake rolled his eyes at them both as Jimmy gave him a smug grin, but he couldn’t help feeling ridiculously proud in that moment.

“Should we go in?” Dot asked. “We’re in the straggler category now, and I want to sit near the front.”

“Now, Dorothy, the doors are still open, and there’s lots of time yet. I’m sure Preston and Cathy are saving us seats like you asked.”

“I suppose,” she said, but Drake could tell when his mother was anxious. He was relieved her response hadn’t been snarky at least, something she was prone to be with his father. Jimmy caught his eye, grinning as he held out his hand.

Drake took it once more, and murmured quietly, “You don’t seem to mind telling people your full name anymore.”

Jimmy snorted. “It doesn’t seem such a big deal now… finally came in handy.”

Drake laughed, and felt a comforting squeeze. He was thankful he wouldn’t be going through those big doors alone.

 

Walking down the aisle of the fifty-year-old Trinity United Church behind an usher he didn’t recognize, Drake’s eyes darted over the numerous heads, expecting to get a glimpse of Richard. It wasn’t until they’d entered the pew directly behind Preston and his family that he spotted him across the aisle. When their eyes met, Drake felt a sickening jolt, and had to look quickly away.

It had been almost two and a half years since the man had leveled him with a few stuttered-out words, but the horror of that day had never completely left. In that one second of eye contact, the memory of it came slamming back to the forefront of his brain.

Sitting down, his attempt to act composed failed the minute he looked at Jimmy. He saw nothing but commiseration on that face, and it helped him let his guard down as he took in a few shuddering breaths.

Jimmy quickly retook his hand and whispered, “I’m here.”

Struggling to handle the effects of seeing his ex, Drake whispered back. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Anything I can do to help, you let me know,” Jimmy murmured. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m getting there.”

“If it’s any consolation, it looks like seeing you shook him up too.”

He didn’t respond other than to tighten his grip on Jimmy’s hand. His attention had gone to Preston, who, sitting slightly sideways in the pew in front of them, was watching him curiously. Most likely he was enjoying his brother’s discomfort, but he turned away as soon as Drake returned his stare, giving his attention to his children. Apparently, neither one had spotted their uncle as yet.

Seeing him now, and knowing the truth, he almost felt sorry for his brother… half-brother. He supposed that was how Preston had viewed him and Callie all this time, as half-siblings.

“This place is beautiful, isn’t it? Really interesting architecture for a church.”

“It’s not typical,” Drake said, happy to be focusing on something else. “It’s called the Ark as a matter-of-fact.”

“I can see why. It brings to mind a ship with all the angled wood. I wonder if they perform gay marriages here… that looks like the gay rainbow in the stained glass window on the left.”

“It is. Those two stained glass windows were in the local news while they were being made. They’re actually light boxes… seven foot tall light boxes.” Drake clued in Jimmy was attempting to keep his mind occupied, and he was appreciative. He was feeling more like himself again.

“So, do they perform same-sex marriages here?”

Drake nodded. “They pride themselves on being inclusive.”

“Cool. Is this your family’s church?”

Drake scoffed quietly. He looked at his brother, occupied with keeping Patrick behaved, and lowered his voice to a whisper. “The only regular church goer in the family is Preston, and could you ever see him attending service at an inclusive one?”

“Good point. No, I can’t. It feels kind of homey in here. Not the usual vibe I get from a church.”

“Feels more like a chapel, doesn’t it?”

“Exactly. And I like all the different kinds of white flowers. It’s not overdone.”

A white blond head popped up and turned around, giggling as he pointed at his uncle. “Hi, Uncle Drake,” the boy said before his mother had him sit down again. Preston kept his face forward this time.

“Hey, buddy,” Drake responded, leaning forward and whispering. Another giggle sounded. He wished he could invite him to sit with them—he loved his nephew—but that was out of the realm of what was allowed. From his vantage point, he could see Laura was now passed out across her mother’s lap. Ruefully, he leaned back, accepting he didn’t have the normal rights of an uncle.

His parents were in deep conversation beside him, but the murmured chatter in the church prevented him from hearing more than a few words. He did hear his mother say ‘see what I mean’ and a little later ‘we owe him that,’ but he wasn’t sure who the ‘him’ was.

Their conversation, and all the others, came to a sudden halt when the big doors at the back of the Church were shut with a bang. Seconds later the groom and his best man walked across the altar to take their places. The two ushers, one being Callie’s boyfriend, Luke, walked up the steps and joined them. They all looked sharp in their traditional black attire, and Drake couldn’t help smiling at the deer-in-the-headlights expression on Rocco’s face.

The wedding march began to play, and all the guests could be heard shifting their bodies to get a better view. Drake took a deep breath. Chancing another look, he saw that Richard, across the aisle and a couple of rows back, was watching him. So was Bernadette, a person he’d known much of his life.

This time he was better prepared, managing to nod before looking away and concentrating on the procession. Mauve was an unexpected color, but his sister looked pretty as a picture when she followed the two bridesmaids out of the side door. He didn’t recognize either one, which meant they were probably college friends of Rachel’s, but both were lovely. As soon as Callie made it to the steps of the altar, Rachel appeared.

There was a collective gasp as she walked in on the arm of her father. A low whisper came from Jimmy. “Wow. Good looks run in the family.”

He smiled, but his attention remained on his cousin. She looked transcendent in a slim-fitting, lightly-beaded gown, but what fascinated him most was the rapt expression she wore as she turned the corner and began her journey towards the groom. He followed her gaze to Rocco, and saw the blank look was gone. Now a thousand words were written across his face as he followed her progress.

A sob from his Aunt Charlene, the mother of the bride, sitting in the front row, didn’t help Drake’s effort not to spill tears, and a few of them escaped. For a split second he glanced at Richard, seeing he was still being observed. Was the man thinking of the talks of marriage and the promises of forever they’d made in the now distant past?

Instantly, he felt foolish. Obviously, the only talks that had meant something to Richard were the ones he’d had with Bernadette behind his back. It was nothing more than natural curiosity that had the man staring at him. Nothing like watching two people in love, giving that public commitment, to make a person maudlin, and he’d been dangerously close to falling into that trap just now.

He shifted in the pew, increasing his contact with the man at his side, and essentially attempting to hide from that gaze. Concentrating once again on the altar, he watched Callie, who, after helping Rachel up the steps with her train, turned her head and gave him a beaming smile. He smiled back when her eyes widened at the sight of Jimmy. In that fleeting moment shared, he saw her approval, and it made him feel pleased… until thoughts of his deception rose up.

The guests witnessed a wonderful, lighthearted ceremony with touching vows, and Drake found himself getting lost in it, and teary once more. It was clear these two belonged together. A slight tightening of the grip on his hand had him turning his head, and he saw the sheen in Jimmy’s eyes.

It didn’t surprise him at all… the man was never afraid to show his feelings. Glancing down at their hands, he appreciated that the earlier tension hadn’t done any damage. Having his support and friendship was allowing Drake to be here, and ready to face what couldn’t be avoided much longer.

Outside, the front of the church was a mass of confusion, with people milling about as photos of the wedding party were being taken in front of the beautiful doors. Relatives and friends kept coming up to greet his parents and him amid the happy chaos, and he was proud to introduce Jimmy to them all. ‘Presentable’ didn’t begin to describe the handsome man at his side, and he enjoyed the reactions he caused, even if they were just friends. Finally, edging away until they were standing well back, Drake relaxed and took a few deep breaths. He didn’t expect he would see Callie until the reception, but a flash of mauve in the crowd, followed by the appearance of blonde curls, proved him wrong.

“I only have a few seconds,” She said as she hugged him. “We are going straight to the country club for more photos. So… introduce me.” Her eyes were on Jimmy, looking up into his face.

“Dean, this is my sister, Callie. She’s my favorite pain in the ass.”

“Really? Your favorite?” she asked slyly. “I’d have thought there were other pains—”

“Callie! Behave yourself! See what I mean?”

Jimmy laughed. “Nice to meet you, Callie. That color suits you.”

“Why thank you, Dean. I didn’t realize you were so tall, and I also didn’t know your hair was so dark. Didn’t you tell me he had brown hair?”

Ooops. “Did I? I don’t remember.” Drake floundered, feeling a blush coming. Half a minute and Callie had already caught them out on two things.

Jimmy came to the rescue once again. “It is brown, just very, very dark. If I spend a lot of time in the sun it lightens a bit.”

“Oh, okay, well, it was nice to finally meet you. I hope you’re having a good time.”

“It’s been interesting.”

“Oh, oh.” Callie switched her attention to Drake. “Preston?”

“He’s been—”

“An ass hat,” Jimmy finished. “But, I was warned. And yes, I’m having a great time. Your mom has been very welcoming.”

“An ass hat?” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

“I’m trying to be nice,” Jimmy said with a grin, getting a giggle in return.

“Not on my account, I hope. I’m sorry about my brother… not this one,” she said, teasing Drake. “I wish I could have been around to run interference for you guys.”

“No need, sis. Dean put Preston in his place, and more than once.”

“Really? I’m sorry I missed that. I wish we could talk longer… I want to hear everything, but I have to go. Rachel would like you to be in some of the photos. Do you guys want to come with Luke and me?”

“We’re hitching a ride with Mom and Dad, but thanks. We’ll meet up there, okay?”

“That’s fine. I’ll tell Rachel. Did you see…?” Callie hesitated, biting her lower lip.

“Yes, but we haven’t spoken yet. Don’t worry about me, Callie. It’s no big deal.”

“Okay.” His sister didn’t look convinced as she hugged first him, and then Jimmy.

“Look after him for me, Dean.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got him.” They exchanged a look Drake didn’t miss, and then she was off in a blur of mauve.

“I like her.”

“I knew you would, and I saw that look. Damn I hate lying to her.”

Jimmy put a hand on his arm as he was about to turn away. “Drake, you know what I think, but I get it… I can see how close you are. Just think about how this weekend might have gone if you’d been alone… I think Callie would understand, and you just might have your mom and dad back now.”

“Maybe. At least I know the big family secret,” Drake said with a halfhearted smile.

“Exactly, and there’s no maybes about Dot. You said it yourself, that she’s been turned around… and doesn’t that help Callie too? Your mom said Preston hasn’t been nice to her either.”

“I guess. Yeah, you’re right. And you’re right Callie would understand.”

“I usually am.”

Drake laughed at the smirk. “And you’re humble too. Thanks, Dean.”

“You’re welcome… anytime.”

Jimmy had done it again. Drake didn’t deserve his devotion, but he’d have been lost without it. Suddenly, he felt exhausted. “Um… let’s head for my dad’s car. I know where it’s parked, and knowing my mom, she’ll want to get going.”

“I just saw your mom. She’s right over there with your dad. Don’t you want to say hello to—”

“No, it can wait.”

“All right.” Jimmy wore the same unconvinced look Callie had.

Drake walked ahead a bit, finally relaxing his expression to one that probably showed fear. Despite Jimmy’s supportive presence, he wasn’t as ready to face Richard as he’d thought.

 

Something was different between his parents. Not once during the drive to Loch March Golf and Country Club did his mother’s voice go sharp or clipped. While exchanging small talk with his Aunt Nadine and Jimmy, he saved some attention for the friendly conversation in the front seat. Was it for his and Jimmy’s benefit, putting their best foot forward, or was it an actual change in how they interacted? He decided it had to be part of the act they usually performed, but still… it didn’t seem as forced. He thought about Jimmy’s earlier words… was he getting his parents back?”

Jimmy’s exclamations at seeing the views of the Gatineau Hills as they drove up the tree-lined drive towards the Tudor style clubhouse, reclaimed his full awareness.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

“Everything is so green,” Jimmy enthused. “And there’s a lake!”

Drake chuckled, as he looked at the familiar grounds through Jimmy’s eyes. It really was a special place. And perfect for wedding photos.” Actually, you’ll soon see there are lakes.”

“Oh, cool. Have you been here before?”

“Sure, lots of times. Not in a few years, though, but Mom and Dad are members.”

“My parents were members here too, before they moved to Arizona,” Dot added.

“Do you golf?” Lawrence asked Jimmy as he cautiously maneuvered his Mercedes sedan into a parking space.

“I do, yes. My dad’s an avid golfer, and he really enjoys humiliating me for eighteen holes. I love it, though.”

“Did you know Drake plays a decent game?”

“No, sir. How decent?” he directed to Drake.

“Not that decent. I’ve never gotten closer than four strokes to Dad, and I only did that once.”

“Four strokes is damn good, and that’s only because you gave it up, son. You possess a natural talent I never had at your age.”

Drake rolled his eyes at Jimmy, but he was secretly pleased, until his father spoke again.

“We should all get together for a weekend of golf before the season is over. Maybe your dad would want to join us, Dean?”

Drake, wincing at this new complication, was just about to nix the idea when Jimmy responded as if it was a real possibility.

“My dad would travel anywhere to play a round of golf. He likes trying different courses, so he would definitely take you up on it. Besides, it would give him another opportunity to humiliate me,” he said with a grin, and a wink sent Drake’s way. He wanted to smack him, but Jimmy was just being his friendly self.

“Well, I have lots of room to put him up, so you guys talk about it and let me know.”

“Sounds good, sir. I will for sure.”

Drake hoped that was the end of the conversation. At some point, there would have to be a ‘breakup,’ and this talk of future plans wouldn’t make it any more palatable for a mother and father who’d already been won over by Jimmy and his inherent charm. It was proving way too easy to get caught up in this pretense they were carrying on, and Drake experienced another sickening drop in his stomach. The sooner this was over with, the better.

“Do you boys want to get yourselves a drink? The bar is supposed to be open until dinner is served.”

“Ah, maybe I’ll show Dean around the grounds before we head in. You guys go ahead, though. How about we meet you and Mom at our table?”

“That’s a good idea, dear. We still have to make the rounds before we take our seats,” his mother answered for them both, giving Drake one of those knowing mother looks. He hadn’t seen one of those in years, and he couldn’t help thinking briefly that, in this moment, he liked it better when she’d paid no attention to him. He had no doubt she knew he was rattled by the car that had just pulled in.

“Come on,” Drake said as soon as his parents were out of earshot.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see… just… let’s go.”

 

 

*

A big thank you to Timothy M., my wonderful editor, and to all those who keep reading week after week. Please leave me a comment if you can and let me know what you think of this chapter. Cheers... Gary....
Copyright © 2018 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
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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4 hours ago, Headstall said:

LOL to how you thought Preston looked. Remember that looks do run in the family... he's no Drake, but Preston is okay in the looks department. Not that it matters... he's a jerk, as you say. He he... troll :gikkle: . 

 

Thank you for your thoughts and your support, my platonic friend  :D ... cheers... Gary...  :hug: 

I knew realistically that he wasn't ugly but I cast him as the troll under the bridge due to his dreadful personality.  It would be so much easier if all awful people were ugly but alas, life does not work that way.

It was a good chapter, Gary, perfectly summarized by Bucket1.

Until next Monday, my platonic friend.

  😉 🍺

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1 hour ago, Timothy M. said:

Why is everyone assuming Richard is a dick ? I know Drake says he went behind his back with Bernadette, but I wonder if that's true? Maybe he fell in love and told Drake as soon as he knew? Bernadette seems to be someone Drake has known for a long time, so perhaps she's the reason why they were invited. Maybe a relative of Rocco, since they're sitting on that side of the church?

Anyway, Richard might be staring because he's hoping to see Drake being OK and happy with his new boyfriend. Surely, Callie has ripped him a new one for breaking her brother's heart, if he didn't work that out from Drake doing the disappearing act and not speaking to him or Bernadette for three years. I wonder how Drake (and Jimmy) will react to a contrite Dick?  ;)

(and yes, I'm allowed to speculate, because I haven't read the next chapter.)

I loved the way JD is laying the groundwork for them to date for real. He's doing it right in front of Drake's nose and nothing he can do about it. Promises of forever :lol:  JD's not going to accept a fake break-up.

 

Hmmmmm interesting comment about them being on the other side of the church - that is definitely the way I saw it but didnt think about the whole bride side groom side issue.

 

Yes, we havent seen Richard at all (not really) but he hurt Drake so he does have a little ways to make up. And we are assuming that Drake is one of the good guys. I think you are right about Callie - she would not have let Richard off the hook, Richard could be worried that Drake will do the same. A contrite Richard would be an challenge for DD and JD.

 

Bring on the next chapter

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Wait! I’m sure I missed the rest of the chapter where ‘Dick’ showed up! Haha. Great chapter!!  Thank you as always!

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Great chapter as always, Gary, and lots to think about.

 

I agree with the others that Jimmy is not being all that subtle with his comments :) but, I also don't think Drake has really cottoned on yet. 

 

As for Richard and Preston? I am still reserving my opinion, I learnt a long time ago to not judge too quickly without the facts and am trying to adhere to that here. I really think there is a lot Gary hasn't hasn't told us yet :) 

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Drake’s appreciations/ apprehensions surrounding Jimmy-Dean seem to fluctuate , each reaction getting a little more extreme and erratic! His unconscious body language though leans towards a need for support and an expression of attraction . I get the impression Preston smells a rat and Callie has seen it ! 

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16 hours ago, spikey582 said:

 

Not anymore palatable for his parents and not anymore palatable for Spikey, who sees that these two are perfect for each other, and should have already been dating for a year if it wasn't for Drake's prejudice and hangups.  Give the guy a fucking chance Drake!  

 

Anyway, not sure what to make of that whole Richard thing.  I'm not going to like him much either I think.  I'm really hoping that Drew's prediction is correct, and actually dealing with Richard and having Jimmy in the same place will show him the differences between them, and get him to open his eyes and realize that Jimmy isn't the same as Richard.  And thus, deserves a fucking chance!

I'm with you, buddy, but Drake's issues are real. As I said before, those prejudices exist, and I hate them too. Right now, they are experiencing common ground on this weekend, and that is confusing Drake. We like it, but Drake is trying to fight his attraction... heart hurt does that. Let's see if Richard can shed some light on the situation... but remember, this is a day Drake has been dreading. What he needs is support, not pressure, and Jimmy knows that. 

 

We see perfection in this pairing... Drake sees it too... and it scares the crap out of him. It's very telling that in almost two and a half years, Richards betrayal still haunts him. it's not fair that Jimmy pays the price... but he understands it. He saw how Drake was in that church. Hang in there, spikey... thanks for your support, and the great comment... cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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16 hours ago, Albert1434 said:

Great chapter, I did expect a bloodbath! This was for the most part,  a civil get together (for this family but the night is young)! I still hope that Jimmy and Drake can

make some sparks! Still on the menu Richard hmmm what could possible go wrong! And let not forget Preston. Oh this could be good!

 

Love it:thankyou:

Blood bath, eh? :lmao:  Yes, everyone is being civil, and that's the way it should be at a wedding. I think it's a good sign that Dot and Lawrence are communicating in a nicer way than usual. That is important if they want to fix their past mistakes, and consequently, their family. Yes, the night is young and :X . He he. 

 

What could possibly go wrong? Why nothing of course. :P  Thank you, my friend, for your constant support... cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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16 hours ago, Bucket1 said:

Drake needs some closure. Readers need some drama... Richard says something stupid, Jimmy comes to the rescue, the whole truth comes out, everyone at the wedding knows, Preston smirks, gets clocked by Callie, blood nose for Preston, Drake runs out of Reception, catches his divorced parents “making out”, Drake collapses and wakes in hospital with JD holding his hand

OMG! How did you know? Now I'm going to have to rewrite the rest of the story? You did miss the part where Preston gropes Jimmy on the dance floor, but otherwise, it's pretty accurate. :P  Hmmm... maybe I should include a car crash and a secret twin... :unsure:   Thanks, B... for making me :lmao:  :heart: 

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16 hours ago, FanLit said:

Yeah, he kind of does.

I'm with you in wanting him to ignore Dick (well, that dick 😊) but he needs to confront him so that these demons he's been living with (and punishing J.D. with) can be slayed.  

Whether the conversation between Drake, Dick & Bernadette goes well or not, I think it will allow him to close this chapter and hopefully put it in its proper perspective.

I love the speculation, but all I can say is :X .  You do make a great point, though, about possible closure. Communication, even bad communication, is better than no communication. It's amazing the damage our own thoughts can do to us. :(  Drake needs to try to put this behind him, and he can't do that on his own... two and a half years have passed, and he hasn't succeeded so far... :hug: 

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16 hours ago, Drew Espinosa said:

Woohoo! :D 

You guys need to slow down. :P  Like I said, that may take two chapters before it happens... maybe even three. -_-  Thanks, buddy. :hug: 

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16 hours ago, Daddydavek said:

I know that Drake is nursing (or should I say hoarding) the hurt inflicted by Richard, but at the same time he is so dense and can't see the gem that is Jimmy.   Jimmy meanwhile, is pulling all the strings he can to stay involved in Drake's life and doing a masterful job of it.  Our esteemed author has really outdone himself in writing a prince of a man and I congratulate him on a job well done.  While I believe he may throw some bumps in the road yet, it does seem inevitable at this point that Jimmy will ultimately have his way with Drake.  However, if life happens and it doesn't work out, then Gary has seriously strayed from his bias toward HEA endings.  :P

Ah, so you think you have my number, eh? :P We'll just see about that HEA. :)  Thank you for saying I've done a masterful job in writing a guy like Jimmy. I would like a Jimmy of my own. :blushing:

 

 Hoarding is a good word, Dave. We often use our past pain as a shield. It becomes a part of is, and it's hold is a two way deal. 

 

I think Drake does see what a gem Jimmy is, and that is what makes this so hard for him, but yeah, he is too dense to stop seeing Richard when he looks at the man. It's a damn shame. I've lived both sides in a way, and I believe it is a difficult situation for both men.  Bumps in the road? :X  I will say that human drama doesn't always unfold the way we want it too, and Drake isn't the only one who deserves closure. Thanks for the awesome comment, buddy... see you Monday. :D  Cheers... Gary.... 

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16 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

Another delightful chapter. Callie may figure things out, but not perhaps before Drake figures out how much he really likes Jimmy. You are making it so easy to line seeing them as a real couple. Thank you! 

Thanks, Parker. There are a lot of genuine feelings from the author on what is happening here, and I'm trying to keep it as real as possible. In a perfect world, they are made for one another... but it is not a perfect world. Drake has some work to do if he is ever going to stand a chance at happiness... and Jimmy has to start thinking about himself a little more. They are beautiful together, though, aren't they? Those little moments. :) Thanks for thinking this chapter delightful...  and thanks for reading and supporting, my friend... cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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14 hours ago, Dodger said:

'There's nothing wrong in changing your mind' and Jimmy's doing a fine job helping Drake to do that. Everything seems to be falling into place nicely; maybe a glass of champagne will loosen everyone up a little. Wedding receptions are generally fun. :thumbup:  

Hey, Dodger!  No, there's nothing wrong with it at all. The best thing about Jimmy is he just has to be himself to make Drake think about how great he is. Yeah, wedding receptions are notoriously 'fun,' aren't they? ;)  I don't know if everything is falling into place, but these two are building a bond they never could have at work. There is an intimacy between them now... and we readers get to see how beautiful it is... and it's only been one day. :)  Thanks, buddy, and cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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48 minutes ago, Headstall said:

OMG! How did you know? Now I'm going to have to rewrite the rest of the story? You did miss the part where Preston gropes Jimmy on the dance floor, but otherwise, it's pretty accurate. :P  Hmmm... maybe I should include a car crash and a secret twin... :unsure:   Thanks, B... for making me :lmao:  :heart: 

Seriously? You always give me :X but not B? :P This is your WQ bias showing! -_- 

 

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16 hours ago, JeffreyL said:

OK time to move to the main event. I can't wait to see Jimmy take on Richard and Bernadette. And isn't it about time for Drake to give Jimmy a second chance? I'm still not entirely clear what was Jimmy's big mistake. Must be time to re-read for details. Thanks so much for sharing this story.

Hey, Jeff! The problem, as Drake sees it, is that Jimmy dated a women before dating Drake. When Drake found out, he freaked, because his original ex left him for a woman. He sees Jimmy as bi... but Jimmy says he is gay. :huh:  Hope that helps. :)  We'll see what happens... Drake and Richard are in the same place for the first time since the break up. Thanks for the great comment and your support, buddy... see you Monday... cheers... Gary....

Edited by Headstall
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1 hour ago, Drew Espinosa said:

Seriously? You always give me :X but not B? :P This is your WQ bias showing! -_- 

 

I guessed right -_-

 

:lol: told you I was right about Preston and Jimmy having an affair too

 

Lets see how much of my speculation ends up in a chapter...

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2 hours ago, Headstall said:

You guys need to slow down. :P  Like I said, that may take two chapters before it happens... maybe even three. -_-  Thanks, buddy. :hug: 

And you got this big acknowledgement

 

Gary says the proposal is a couple of chapters away... that’s a whole lot more than his usual :X 

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1 hour ago, Headstall said:

Hey, Jeff! The problem, as Drake sees it, is that Jimmy dated a women before dating Drake. When Drake found out, he freaked, because his original ex left him for a woman. He sees Jimmy as bi... but Jimmy says he is straight. :huh:  Hope that helps. :)  We'll see what happens... Drake and Richard are in the same place for the first time since the break up. Thanks for the great comment and your support, buddy... see you Monday... cheers... Gary....

Not wanting to tell the author the true facts or nothing but Jimmy says he is gay...

Edited by Bucket1
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47 minutes ago, Bucket1 said:

I guessed right -_-

 

:lol: told you I was right about Preston and Jimmy having an affair too

 

Lets see how much of my speculation ends up in a chapter...

:rofl:   ... I'm rewriting everything as we speak, B... you ruined all my surprises. :P  Now, who is gonna get hit by that car... hmmmm... maybe it should be a train... more drama that way. -_-

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48 minutes ago, Bucket1 said:

And you got this big acknowledgement

 

Gary says the proposal is a couple of chapters away... that’s a whole lot more than his usual :X 

:X  :X  :X 

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47 minutes ago, Bucket1 said:

Not wanting to tell the author the true facts or nothing but Jimmy says he is gay...

Sigh... I was tired... it's not easy living right side up :P 

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15 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

Why is everyone assuming Richard is a dick ? I know Drake says he went behind his back with Bernadette, but I wonder if that's true? Maybe he fell in love and told Drake as soon as he knew? Bernadette seems to be someone Drake has known for a long time, so perhaps she's the reason why they were invited. Maybe a relative of Rocco, since they're sitting on that side of the church?

Anyway, Richard might be staring because he's hoping to see Drake being OK and happy with his new boyfriend. Surely, Callie has ripped him a new one for breaking her brother's heart, if he didn't work that out from Drake doing the disappearing act and not speaking to him or Bernadette for three years. I wonder how Drake (and Jimmy) will react to a contrite Dick?  ;)

(and yes, I'm allowed to speculate, because I haven't read the next chapter.)

I loved the way JD is laying the groundwork for them to date for real. He's doing it right in front of Drake's nose and nothing he can do about it. Promises of forever :lol:  JD's not going to accept a fake break-up.

 

I will attest that Tim knows no more than anyone else... except me... and apparently, Bucket :P 

 

Good points, Tim. We don't know Richard's story yet... we only know Drake feels betrayed, and he was hurt, but :X . The threads of the story are pulling closer, and that's all I can say, but I love your speculation. 

 

As far as Jimmy laying groundwork, he's just being himself. And yeah, I'd say he knows the effect it's having. :)  Promises of Forever often fail... like they did with Drake and Richard... let's hope the ones they witnessed at this wedding come to pass. Nothing like a wedding to make people maudlin. ;)  Thanks, Tim, for another marvelous comment... wish I could say more... cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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3 hours ago, Drew Espinosa said:

Seriously? You always give me :X but not B? :P This is your WQ bias showing! -_- 

 

You know I love you the most, Drewbear. :kiss:  I wish I could tell you about :X but I can't because :X , and then you would :X if I did... :P  :hug: 

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