Andre and Chris - 5. Chapter 5

The rest of the week went very quickly. In many ways far too quickly, especially as I wasn’t confident that the fast-approaching weekend would achieve what I so wanted it to achieve.

We were summoned by Carol to Andre’s parents’ place for dinner with the grandparents on Thursday night. Beau, Skye and William were also summoned. I had met the “Grans” briefly at the party where Beau and Skye told everyone they were getting married and of course at the wedding and the christening. This time was very different as it seemed that now, I was the centre of attention. They were genuinely interested when they asked me about myself and were openly pleased about Andre and me being together. These were Lachlan’s parents. They seemed more progressive than Lachlan.

The meal, a full roast pork dinner, was as usual for Carol, excellent. We all enjoyed ourselves and talked, joked and laughed. Family together.

When we were getting ready to leave it was Grandma who said to me, loudly enough for everyone to hear, the way older people developing hearing loss do. “Thank you for letting Andre stay with you while we’re here, but I don’t think he’ll need the room here for much longer.”

The blush on Andre’s face was visible to everyone.

Granddad added. “And you’d better invite us to the wedding. Don’t take too long about it either. Remember we’re getting on in years.”

I pulled a still red-faced Andre towards me. “Don’t worry. We’re working on it.” Everyone around us was smiling and very happy.

Friday was rushed as I finished off some work that had arrived late in the week and packed a bag for us for the weekend. Andre arrived and we kissed. He looked at the bag. “I’ll throw some clothes in a bag for me.”

“I’ve packed for both of us. It’s all in here. Would you like to check?”

“Nah, I trust you and you know what we’ll be doing but won’t the two of us turning up with one bag look a bit obvious?”

“Not as obvious as booking a room for two with just a queen bed.”

He smiled. “So, we’re ready to go.”

The drive along the M1 was easy and an hour and twenty minutes later we were at the hotel and checking in. After showering, I suggested a drink at the bar and then a meal. Andre said he wasn’t wanting a big meal but would like something like a pizza. As it turned out the hotel not only had a restaurant but also a bar that served light meals. Pizza on their menu. We had drinks at the bar and pizza without leaving the hotel and even more conveniently, were soon back in our room.

The room door had barely closed when Andre grabbed me and pulled me into a passionate kiss. As we finished, he pulled back slightly and whispered. “You realise this is our first actual date?”

He was right. I pulled him in for another kiss. “You’re right, so what are we waiting for?”

It wasn’t long before we were naked in bed feeling and teasingly molesting each other as foreplay for some wonderful full-on sex. Sated and exhausted we fell asleep in each other’s loving arms.

Saturday morning, we didn’t need an alarm. We woke, showered and headed down to the buffet breakfast. Andre looked up from his plate of bacon, egg, sausage and hash brown.

“You know the only thing I know about wine is how to drink it. I know you’ve planned out what we’re doing here. So, what’s in store for me today.”

I laughed. “You really know more than you think about wine and you’re quickly learning more. Today I hope you’ll learn even more. I’ve booked the Significant Sites and Blends tasting at Mount Pleasant to start. Then tastings at Tyrrell’s and Tulloch’s wineries They’re amongst the oldest vineyards and wineries in this region. We’ll finish with the Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tasting at McGuigan Wines.”

“Just four places then.”

I smiled and shook my head. “This isn’t a pub crawl. You’ll find four is plenty. These are relaxed tastings with different wines. We’ll talk about the wines. You’ll enjoy it and learn a lot, especially at Mount Pleasant which is why it’s first.”

And he did learn a lot. It turned out he has a good palette and quickly discerned differences between wines, especially the subtle fruit, berry and pepper flavours in the Hunter Valley reds. He could easily detect the difference between young and aged wines and appreciate the way wine developed complexity and softened with age. He learnt about tannins and their function in ageing red wine. During our first tasting Andre was surprised that I wasn’t finishing all the wine that was poured for me, especially as it was such quality wine. I pointed out that I was tasting, but I was also driving and didn’t want to drink too much. Andre as pleased he wasn’t driving and didn’t have that worry.

The Wine Cheese and Chocolate Tasting was perfect for finishing the day. I was pleased that during the day we had been able to purchase some wine and, at McGuigan’s, chocolate to take back with us. Andre’s countenance was happy, happy, happy when we returned to the hotel.

We relaxed in our room and actually dozed for half an hour before deciding to get ready for dinner. Because we had agreed it was our first date, I suggested we go to a fancy restaurant where we could eat and celebrate.

“You really are a closet romantic. The hotel restaurant will be fine. We can celebrate there.”

“I know we could, but I’ve already booked a table at The Cellar Restaurant.”

Andre looked into my eyes. “I should have known.”

We kissed and headed for the restaurant. Like two gay guys out to celebrate and enjoy themselves we started with a Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic.

For starters we both choose the Beetroot Cured Snapper and decided to then share the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder for two, with crushed potatoes, roast vegetables, and Shiraz jus.

When in the Hunter Valley go for a Hunter Valley Shiraz, especially to go with lamb. What caught our attention in the wine list was the Wombat Crossing Shiraz. I didn’t know this wine at all, but the name appealed to both of us. Wombats are an Australian marsupial that are little known outside of Australia and have the distinction of being the only known animal in the world whose shit comes out cube shaped. Yes, shaped like cubes. I shit you not!

The meal was excellent and the wine a wonderful balance. We enjoyed ourselves.

Back in our room we sat and turned on the TV, but it wasn’t long before we forgot about the TV and were naked in bed together. Andre snuggled into me. “The last twenty-four hours have been just magic. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed, comfortable and loved.”

I’d placed some of the chocolates we bought earlier at McGuigan’s on the bedside table. I reached for one and fed it to Andre and waited a moment for the chocolate to melt before kissing him. The kiss was very chocolaty, as was his chocolaty comment. “You’re not a closet romantic. You’re a total romantic stud.”

I wriggled my body against him, licked his ear and whispered. “It’s so easy to be romantic with you.”

His body seemed to relax even more as he turned his head and kissed me. I could still taste the chocolate. “Chris, I have to tell you. I have history.”

“Andre, we all have history.”

“I mean sexual history. And not good sexual history.”

I felt this was heading for some disclosure and thought it would be easier if we were in some way sharing it. I held him close and spoke caringly. “I also have sexual history after all we didn’t meet as virgins. I accept that we both had sexual experiences before we met. That doesn’t worry me now that I’m with you.”

“Does your sexual history include Michael?”

That brought a smile to my face. “Yes. Some of it does. Do you want to hear about it?”

“Yes, but not now. I need to talk.”

I kissed him. No trace of chocolate this time but I could feel lots of love.

The was a long pause and then quickly, “The thing is my history is not good history. It proves I’m vile and not good enough for you. I’m bad news, Chris. Even when I was a kid, I seduced men to have sex with me. Including straight men.”

This wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I hugged Andre close and gently asked. “Do you want to tell me more?”

I could feel the emotion flowing through his body. “Yes, I want to tell you. I need to tell you, because you need to know.” He paused and thought for a moment. “I can’t live with you without you knowing.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “It sort of started when I was at the end of primary school. I was eleven, nearly twelve and sometimes when I’d walk past this house on the way home there was this guy out the front. He was friendly and would say hello and occasionally chat briefly. When it was hot, he would sometimes offer me a cold drink which was nice. I’d sit in the shade, drink and we’d chat for a while and then I’d continue going home.”

He paused and I quietly asked. “How old was he?”

Andre chuckled. “I was a kid, every adult seemed old, ancient even, but he was not parent type old, just like adult old.”

I continued to hold Andre against me as he started talking again. “This went on for a few months and then one really hot summer afternoon he was out the front wearing just shorts. As usual he offered me a drink and invited me into the house. Inside he suggested I would be cooler if I removed my shirt. I remember I removed my shirt and there was this fan blowing on me that felt nice and refreshing.

“He started saying how good I looked and felt my muscles, not that I had many muscles then, and then he started feeling my body. Chris, I enjoyed his attention and him feeling my upper body and I felt my cock getting hard. He complimented me on how I was developing and then touched my hard cock through my shorts and said something about developing down there as well.

“I froze and couldn’t move, and he suggested I show him. I was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do and then he told me not to worry because he’d take his shorts off as well. He then dropped his shorts and was naked. I remember that what surprised me then was that he wasn’t wearing underpants. I thought everyone wore underpants.

“It was the first time I’d seen an adult cock and to me then it seemed huge. Really huge and hairy. He reached over and pushed my shorts and underpants down. I stood there as he felt my balls and hard cock, telling me how good I looked and how nice my body was. He asked me if I wanted to touch his cock. I was mesmerized. It was hard and I reached out to touch and feel it. I sort of knew I shouldn’t, but I liked how it felt. After a little while of this he said I should get dressed and be getting home. As I was leaving, he said that I could do it again, but it was our secret and not to tell anyone.”

I was still holding Andre close to me, hoping he would recognize how supportive I was being. In almost a whisper I asked, “Did it happen again?”

There were tears. “Oh yes Chris, it did and that’s why I’m such bad news for you and don’t deserve to have someone like you love me.” He paused. “You see, when I thought about it later, I knew I liked it, so yes I wanted to do it again . . . . . and again.” Another pause. “Over time what we did progressed sexually, and so after a while I started sucking him and then about six months later he started fucking me. I liked all that. I kept going there on and off for, what, about three years. Sort of whenever he was there and invited me in. Sometimes there was another man there and sometimes another boy or two.”

I stroked his back reassuringly and wiped some tears off his cheek. “Back then, did you tell anyone?”

“No. No, he regularly reminded me that it was our secret and that I would get into lots of trouble if I told anyone. That the police would take me away if I told. It was a bit confusing for me at the time because we didn’t stop what we were doing.”

“Do you understand that what he told you wasn’t true?”

Andre tensed. “But Chris, don’t you understand he’s right. I am terrible. I should be in trouble. It was all my fault. I enjoyed it. I kept going back there. He didn’t force me. I enjoyed him being sexual with me.”

I softly commented. “Enjoying it and going back doesn’t really make it your fault. You were very young and he encouraged you going back. When did it stop?”

Andre sighed and the tension eased slightly. “I remember I was about fifteen and getting some body hair. You know, more than just pubes. That’s when he told me I was getting too old to be playing around like this and should get a girlfriend like he had. By that age I knew I was gay, so a girlfriend wasn’t going to happen.” More tears were forming in his eyes. I gently brushed them away.

I had read enough to understand that Andre had been groomed and even if he didn’t understand why, he was still a victim. I also suspected that the guy dumped Andre when he was no longer a little kid and was physically starting to become a man. None of that changed my love for Andre. I loved him for what he was now, and that love was as strong as ever.

I tried to explain my thoughts. “Andre, I don’t think he stopped so you could find a girlfriend. I think he stopped because he was only interested in young boys. You were growing up and had stopped being the type of young boy he was interested in. Yes, you enjoyed it, but it was still more about him than about you. When you were no longer the young boy he wanted he pushed you off. You said there were some other boys. How old were they?”

By now ears were rolling down Andre’s face as I held him both lovingly and protectively. Recounting this without knowing but fearing what my response would be was hitting him hard. I kissed his tear-streaked cheek and assured him of my love. I wanted to allow him to cry it out if that helped.

“Yes, at that time they were like young. None of the other boys were like fifteen or more. Yes, we were all young.”

Andre paused again and I kissed his forehead. “After he stopped me going to the house, I looked around and found I wasn’t the only gay guy at school. I could hang out with some of them and sometimes have sex with them. A few of them seemed to know about the guy.”

“And there were also some straight friends of mine who knew about him. They called him a perve and a poofter and warned everyone to stay away from him because of what he would do.” There was another pause. “The thing is they were blaming him, but for me it wasn’t his fault. It was my fault. Because I enjoyed it, and I kept going back.”

I was still holding Andre close to me. Telling me this had totally drained him emotionally.

‘You haven’t told anyone about this?”

“Not really except for one guy I thought loved me.”

“What happened?”

“To be honest, Chris, I had trouble forming relationships. If it started to look serious, I’d back off. I couldn’t commit and they drift away.”

“And the guy you thought loved you.”

“Brendan! That was a disaster. I thought we had a future and I wanted to be honest with him. He literally dropped me on the spot. His response was, well, over the top. He got angry. Sort of very angry. Told me that if I was wanting to have sex with old men, I was perverted, and he couldn’t trust me and didn’t want anything to do with me. He told me I was filthy and disgusting for even being interested in old men and especially for making them have sex with me.”

Andre stopped and thought for a moment. “Yeah, maybe he shouldn’t have got so angry, but Chris, don’t you see he’s right. Don’t you realize how bad I was for seducing the guy. I mean he had a girlfriend and everything. He’s straight.”

I understood how Andre was feeling but still I wanted him in my life. I hoped I could change his thinking and continue to accept me. To start that I went for a distraction and homed in on just one aspect of his last statement. “Andre, you might think this seems strange. I’m disgusted by what Brendan said to you but I’m absolutely happy that he dropped you.”

Andre looked at me with confusion written on his tear-streaked face.

“Babe, that’s because if you were still with Brendan, you wouldn’t be here now and with me.”

He went to wipe his face with the back of his hand, but I used a tissue I’d found. He looked at me. “You’re making being dumped sound like a positive.”

“Well, I don’t really know how it feels for you now, but for me it’s certainly a positive. Because he dumped you, you’re now here. Here and with me. You’re not with him. Andre, I love you and want you being here with me and next to me.”

We lay there together, silently for a few minutes. A silence that seemed like an eternity. Finally, Andre spoke. “Chris, you’re still hugging me. Through all this you haven’t moved away. How can you still hug me like this? Don’t you understand what I’ve been telling you and what sort of person I am? Chris I love you. I love you so much it hurts, but it can’t work for us. I’m . . . . I’m just not good enough for you? You’re way too good for me.”

Telling me all this had been totally emotionally draining. By now Andre was sobbing and tears were again running down his cheeks.

Again, I let him weep, gently wiped away the tears and kissed his still wet cheeks. Andre had internalized responsibility for what had happened to him as a child along with guilt and a sense of worthlessness. All I could hope was that our obvious love for each other would hold us together. I would always help him as much as I could.

Wiping the tears and still speaking softly I said. “What I know is that you are the guy that I love and want with me. You are not just good enough for me you are way more than good enough for me. You’re all I’ve ever wanted. Who you are and what happened to you are not the same thing. I think what happened to you should not have happened. No matter what he told you or what you think, it wasn’t your fault.”

I paused to allow Andre to calm down and understand that I was supporting him. When he was ready, I spoke. “I do think that you should report it to the police. You are not an offender. Nothing about you is disgusting like Brendan said. You wouldn’t be in trouble. And above everything else always remember I love you.”

There were still some tears and a long silence before Andre spoke.

“Even if you’re right, Chris, what will they do? It was a long time ago and only my word against his. I’d hate to go through it all for nothing.”

I was still holding him. “Yeah, you’re right. All I can say is that reporting it might stop it happening to other boys. But I can understand how you feel and while I think it should be reported, I’m not going to force you to report it. You should have some therapy. It all has to be your decision and a decision you are totally comfortable with. Just remember when you do, I’ll be there supporting you.”

“Did you do anything like that?”

OK my turn. “No, I didn’t, but maybe that’s just because I didn’t come across any men like that. My sexual experiences at that age were with guys around my age.”

“It’s not just that I didn’t have any sex with adults. Basically Andre, the truth is that at fifteen I wasn’t having much sex with anyone, and until Michael not actual full-on sex.” Shit, why did I divulge that at this time.

Despite my fears it seemed to help change the mood. I pressed on. “The guys I had sex with were my own age. Maybe a year older or younger but that’s all. We were adolescents trying to learn what to do from each other.”

Andre was now hugging me back. “OK, I think I understand what you’re saying. In your case you were having sexual experiences with guys around your age, like Michael. In my case there was a big difference between our ages.” I nodded and after one of those uncomfortable and unpredictable pauses he continued. “So, doesn’t that prove how different we are and how wrong I am and how I’m not good for you?” Seeking a truthful answer he looked intently into my eyes. “Do you still love me and want me with you after all that?”

“Yes, I still love you and I still want to be with you as long as you’ll have me, and I’ll keep saying it as often as it takes, and I don’t think you’re bad or dreadful. What’s most important to me now is ‘how do you feel’?”

I realized that this had not resolved all of Andre’s feelings of guilt, but I hoped it was a start. An important start. What I knew was that I’d always be there for him.

There was a very long pause as he stared at the ceiling and thought before answering. “I suppose relieved and loved says it best. I’ve been holding all those feelings between us and our relationship like a screen and now somehow, you’ve folded it up and thrown it away. It’s not there anymore. What I feared most, hasn’t happened. I’ve told you and you are still here with me and still love me. Chris, I have to tell you, I love you so much, I don’t know what I’d have done if you rejected me.”

“Not going to happen. I haven’t and I won’t.” I reached for another chocolate and fed it to Andre. He went to laugh but couldn’t with a mouth full of melting chocolate. I kissed him and he fed the chocolate back to me. We shared the chocolate between us until it melted and we cleared our mouths and started laughing.

It had been a long day and a very emotionally draining evening. We hugged and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Sunday morning, we were having the buffet breakfast when Andre asked what I had planned for today. I had told him before but obviously he liked to hear me tell him again.

“Today is simple, we pick up some champagne from Peterson’s, then spend some relaxing time at Hunter Valley Gardens where we have lunch and then head back to Gosford.”

“So, nothing’s changed?”

I looked at him slightly confused. “No nothing’s changed as far as I’m concerned. Is there something else you want to do today?”

“No, I’m just checking you haven’t changed your mind since last night and that nothing’s changed between us.”

My expression obviously said it all because before I could respond he held his hands up to stop me. “OK. OK. I can tell from your face that nothing’s changed between us.”

“So, you’re still OK with today’s plan?”

His eye contact was filled with meaning. “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.”

We checked out of the hotel and after a quick visit to Peterson’s we were walking around the extensive Hunter Valley Gardens. The sun’s warmth relaxed us we strolled around the gardens in the warm sunshine under a bright blue sky. We were surprised by the ‘mega creatures’, loved the green flora and bright summer blooms. We soaked in the tranquillity of the gardens.

Together, hand in hand, we jointly wandered through the gardens as if lonely as a cloud that floats on high. I felt most people wouldn’t care if two guys were holding hands. Gay sex was decriminalized in 1984 and in 2017 Australia had a postal vote on Marriage Equality organized by the Commonwealth Electoral Commission. It was like an election with everyone eighteen or over receiving a postal vote. Sixty-two percent of Australians voted in support and as a result the federal government changed the law to allow same-sex marriages across all of Australia.

We were walking, still hand in hand, on the green manicured lawn beside the sparkling blue waters of the lake when I stopped, turned towards Andre and took his other hand.

Holding both his hands I looked deeply into his gorgeous eyes. “This isn’t a proposal where I need to be on one knee, but it’s still a proposal.” I paused to gather my breath. “Andre, will you come and live with me to share our lives together.”

He let go of my hands and pulled me into a loving hug, kissed me and said close to my ear. “Yes Chris, I will, and I think it’s time we went home.”

Back home, Andre pulled me close. “Now I’d like us to have some passionate sex.”

“Only if it’s lovingly passionate sex and to begin I want to take you in me.”

Andre smiled and kissed me as the start to the best lovingly passionate sex we had had up until then.

Monday morning was the same routine that we had during the previous week, but it was different. Subtly but so significantly different. Andre had called this place “home” and when he left for work in the morning, I knew he would be returning not just today as a boyfriend but every day so we could be together as lovers in a committed relationship.

That thought kept me going during the day and also distracted me from work as I looked forward to his return. Fortunately, my work was routine, and the day did pass quickly so I was taken by surprised when Andre wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck. “I’m home.”

I turned in my chair. “Welcome home.” And we kissed.

“You know I could have been a killer coming into the house.”

“What here in East Gosford?”

He laughed. “OK. Unlikely but I would be happier if you locked the door, at least while you’re here alone.”

“OK I’ll be more careful. Will you organize a pre-dinner drink while I finish up here?”

“Sure, I’ll get the drinks. What’s for dinner?”

“Dinner is spaghetti ai frutti di mare.” He looked at me and I added “OK, spaghetti and mixed seafood.”

“Oh, now that sounds great. Can we get started?”

I put my arms around him. “I’m so pleased you want to cook with me.” I had prepared the ingredients so by the time the spaghetti was cooked, the mixed seafood in marinara sauce was ready. A glass of a Semillon that we bought in the Hunter Valley went perfectly with the meal.

We finished clearing up after the meal. Andre picked up his phone. “I need to tell mum and dad that we’re living together.” He selected messenger, called up their number in contacts and hit video.

It was his mother’s face that appeared on the screen. “Hi darling. How was your weekend away? Did you enjoy yourselves? How are you and Chris?”

Andre smiled and moved his phone, so we were both in frame. “Mum, please hold with the questions. Everything’s great. I think the weekend was the best I’ve ever had. Chris and I have agreed to live together.”

“So, you’re moving in with Chris?”

“Mum that sounds so like we’re setting up a share house. This is more than ‘moving in’ we are a couple living together.”

“That’s just what I want to hear. Chris is good for you.”

I moved toward the camera. “And Andre is good for me.”

“We’re happy to hear that, dear.” As she moved the phone so a happy Lachlan was in view she added. “And Andre you can take your time moving all your stuff out.”

Lachlan added somewhat jokingly. “That’s months son, not years! Ya know we’ve still got some of Beau’s stuff here.” We all laughed.

After a bit more chat the call ended with them again saying how pleased they were and wishing us well.

Andre looked up from his phone. “Well, that went well, who’s next?”

“I reckon Beau.”

“Too late. Mum will be telling Beau right now.”

“In that case let’s call Skye.”

We called Skye and Andre was right. When Skye answered the video call, we could hear Beau talking to their mother on his phone.

“Hi, you two. I’m so thrilled to hear you have committed to living together. Beau told me how Andre was reluctant, and I completely understand how that feels, but I think you guys are perfect for each other.”

In the background we could hear Beau on speaker trying to end the call with his mother so he could join our conversation. She was in full flight telling Beau how happy she was and how she thought we were perfect for each other. The three of us chatted and giggled as we heard Beau agreeing with his mother while trying to stop her gushing and end the call.

By the time he managed to end the call and put his face in front of the camera we were all laughing out loud.

“Oh, it might be funny for you lot but I had to cop what was about an hour of my mum telling me how fantastic you two are. And that’s just because you’re living together.” The fact that he was unsuccessfully suppressing his own amusement told all of us that he was joking.

Skye corrected him. “That call was less than ten minutes.”

“Are you sure? It felt like an hour.” By now he was cracking and starting to join in the laughter and added. “You should’ve told me before telling Mum. I’d have been prepared.”

Andre replied. “You should talk. You told Mum about you and Skye without warning me. Mum trapped me in the living room telling me how happy she was and how ideal you are for each other and what wonderful grandchildren she’d have. You thought that call felt like an hour. For me it felt like a whole bloody week.” By this stage we all were hysterical.

When the laughter, which unfortunately had woken William, subsided Beau excused himself to collect William. Skye lent closer to the camera, and as if to whisper said. “Don’t worry about him. We love both of you and we’re over the moon thrilled that you are actually now living together.”

Before I could respond Beau appeared in frame. “I heard that and totally agree.” Then to Skye, "William’s wet. I’ll change him and he probably needs a feed.”

“OK, we’ll leave you to parental duties. We’re now going to tell my parents.”

“That’s important. We love you both. Bye.”

The call finished and Andre looked at me. It wasn’t a glance it was a look. “That call just then. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I would have a conversation like that with Beau and Skye. So much has changed since they met you. Someday I hope I find out how you did it.” Despite my belief in being honest with Andre, I was hoping that would be a discussion that could wait for the distant future. The immediate future was calling my parents.

I initiated a Messenger video call to my parents. The call was answered and immediately they started telling me about some problem they were having with their computer.

I stopped them. “Mum, Dad. I’ve called for you to meet Andre. We’ve decided to live together as a couple. I know I’ve told you about him and now I want you to meet him.” I pulled him into frame and did the cursory introductions. At that point the computer problems were forgotten, and I may as well have left the room.

All the attention was on Andre. I swear they asked him about a thousand questions. They showered him with compliments, which were mainly reflecting what I’d already told them about how I felt about him. Hell, had I expressed my feeling too much to my parents. I looked at Andre. He was lapping it up. Yeah, it was well worth it.

As the conversation continued, I felt more and more like a third wheel on a date and by the end of the call I was convinced my parents would swap me for Andre given half a chance. My mother actually asked Andre to organise for us to go to Melbourne so he can meet my extended family. It’s a good thing I’m madly in love with the guy, especially when he winked at me and said we’d let them know the details.

When Mum and Dad said they needed to watch Vera on TV, I said goodnight to them only to have my mother say. “Oh, you’re still there Chris. We’ve had a lovely chat. Andre will tell you all about it. Oh, can you call us tomorrow about our computer problem?” I smiled, said goodnight to my parents and the call ended. The call was to let my parents get to know Andre more and to tell them that was are living together. It certainly did that and this time my parents were happy with my choice of partner.

Andre was happy. “Well that was amazing. Chris, your parents are fantastic. So cool! I love them already. We’re going to get along great.” He pulled me into a hug, kissed my cheek, licked my ear and whispered, “I so love you”. I melted and all I could think to do was to hug him back and kiss those wonderfully receptive lips.

I stopped kissing him long enough to lock the door and after using the bathroom we moved into the bedroom.

Living together was really happening.