Echoes of the Heart - 5. Chapter 5: Jeremy's surprise party. Will he enjoy it without Carter?

Jeremy, Laura, the twins and Dexter stepped into the mansion, the usual warmth of home replaced by an eerie darkness. The grand space, typically bustling with life, now felt oddly quiet and foreboding. Jeremy furrowed his brows, a slight tension creeping up his spine.

“David?” he called out to one of the workers, his voice carrying through the shadowy halls.

His hand fumbled along the wall, searching for the light switch.

“I’m scared, Dad,” Oliver's small voice quivered from behind.

Jeremy immediately turned to his son, his tone soothing as he said, “It's alright, buddy. I’ll have the lights on in no time.”

He moved to the side, still feeling for the switch. But before he could flip it, the lights suddenly sprang to life, flooding the room with brightness. Jeremy blinked against the sudden glare, then heard a burst of harmonized voices fill the room.

“Surprise!”

Startled, Jeremy quickly turned around to see a crowd of smiling faces staring back at him. His business partners, family friends, and distant relatives had gathered, their clapping echoing through the now brightly lit living room. For a moment, Jeremy stood frozen, his eyes wide, looking like a lost puppy amid the commotion. Then, a grin slowly spread across his face as the reality of the surprise sank in.

The living room was transformed into a vision of elegance and class. Crisp white linens covered the long tables that held an assortment of exquisite dishes and beverages, their scents wafting deliciously through the air. Vases of fresh lilies and roses, in shades of deep red and pale cream, adorned every corner, adding an air of refinement. The chandeliers above twinkled like stars, casting a warm glow over the rich, mahogany wood floors.

Gold and silver accents shimmered on the tables, reflecting the polished, upscale feel of the décor. The entire room had been curated with thought and taste, embodying the refined lifestyle that Jeremy had always associated with his home.

Before he could take in more of the scene, a voice from behind broke through his thoughts.

“Welcome home, sweetheart,” Laura’s voice cooed warmly as she stepped forward, her arms wide open.

Jeremy turned, immediately enveloped in his mother's embrace. Her scent was familiar, comforting, like lavender and the faintest hint of vanilla. He chuckled softly, hugging her back.

“Did you know about all this?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Laura pulled back just enough to smile at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Of course I did. You didn’t think you were just going to walk in without us celebrating your return, did you?”

Jeremy laughed and shook his head.

“Thanks, Mom. You always know how to make things special.”

Before he could say anything more, Dexter stepped up beside them, his expression a little too eager.

“What about me, Jeremy? I helped plan all this too, you know.”

Jeremy smiled kindly at him, giving a playful nod.

“I’m thankful, Dexter. You’re such a good friend.”

Dexter’s smile faltered, the words ‘good friend’ sinking in like a sharp sting to his heart. He forced a tight-lipped grin but felt the familiar churn of resentment. Friend. He hated the word, hated how it kept him at a distance. But he would change that—he was determined to.

Suddenly, a figure cut through the crowd and rushed to Jeremy, exuding charm and confidence. Dressed smartly in a sleek, well-fitted suit that hugged his body perfectly, the man was effortlessly sexy. He reached Jeremy, wrapping him in a warm hug.

“Come on, you’re delaying the party!” the man teased, his smile dazzling. “You need to go change. We can’t start until you’re ready.”

Jeremy chuckled, recognizing his younger brother’s playful energy.

“Alright, alright. I’ll head upstairs real quick and be back down before you know it.”

With that, Jeremy gave a final glance around the room, the vibrant energy, the decorations, the faces of his loved ones beaming back at him, and made his way up the grand staircase, his heart full and his mind at ease.

Jeremy entered his room, the smile on his face feeling uncharacteristically wide. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this excited about a party, but something about this one felt different—like a weight had been lifted from him, even if only for a little while. His eyes caught the large portrait of Ethan on the wall, watching over him with that familiar calm expression. Jeremy’s smile grew brighter.

“You were right,” he whispered, staring at the portrait. “I’m gonna have fun for the first time, like you told me.”

He began unbuttoning his shirt, letting it fall to the bed in a careless heap, as he unbuckled his belt. The sense of freedom was momentarily interrupted by a faint noise coming from the bathroom. Jeremy paused, glancing toward the bathroom door. The noise came again—a soft rustling. His brow furrowed as he moved toward the door, wondering what could be causing the sound.

Pushing the door open, Jeremy stepped into the bathroom. The space was dimly lit, and the atmosphere suddenly felt different, as if something was lurking just out of sight. He heard movement—this time from the shower. His gaze shifted to the frosted, translucent shower door, and he could see a faint shadow moving behind it.

Instinctively, Jeremy rushed to the shower, ready to confront whatever—or whoever—was there. His hand hovered over the door handle when, out of nowhere, the water burst on, and a loud scream echoed from inside.

Before he could process the situation, Jeremy yanked open the shower door. There, slipping under the pounding water, was Carter, losing his balance as the shower floor became slick beneath him. Without thinking, Jeremy lunged forward, his arm instinctively wrapping around Carter’s waist as he caught him just before he could fall.

Carter's hands flew up, gripping Jeremy’s bare shoulders for stability. The water cascaded over them both, drenching them instantly. For a moment, time seemed to stop. They stood there, frozen in an intimate embrace, Jeremy’s hand firm around Carter’s waist while Carter’s fingers pressed into his skin. Water dripped from Jeremy’s bare chest, mixing with the droplets running down Carter’s face. Their breaths hitched as they stared into each other’s eyes, the world around them disappearing in the rush of water and the heat of the moment.

Jeremy's heart raced. He could feel Carter’s chest rising and falling against his own, their proximity leaving little space for anything but the growing tension between them.

After what felt like an eternity, Jeremy broke the silence, his voice soft but tinged with confusion.

“What are you doing in the shower?”

Carter blinked, his grip on Jeremy’s shoulders loosening as he stabilized himself, his cheeks flushed.

“I... I heard your mom’s voice,” he stammered, his face wet and flushed. “I didn’t want her to find me here. You know she doesn’t like me.”

Jeremy turned, shutting off the water, the sound of the spray dying down. His chest was still heaving slightly, droplets of water clinging to his skin.

“You didn’t answer my question, though. What are you doing hiding up here?”

Carter gave a sheepish smile, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting Jeremy’s eyes again.

“I brought something for you. I didn’t realize you’d be back so soon.”

Jeremy sighed, the tension between them lingering. He reached for Carter’s hand, holding it gently as he led him out of the shower.

“Let’s get you dry first,” he said softly.

Once they were out of the bathroom, Jeremy quickly grabbed a towel, wrapping it around Carter with surprising tenderness. His heart was pounding again as he took in Carter’s features—the way his wet hair clung to his face, the way his skin glistened in the dim light. He swallowed hard, trying to push the thoughts away. Before he could say anything more, the bathroom door suddenly burst open.

Dexter and Laura stormed in, their faces full of concern—though Dexter’s quickly morphed into something darker as he took in the scene before him. The venom in his eyes was unmistakable as his gaze darted between Jeremy’s bare, wet chest and Carter wrapped in a towel. His jaw clenched so hard that the muscles in his face twitched.

Laura’s voice snapped through the tension like a whip.

“What the hell is going on here? And what is he doing in your room, Jeremy?”

Jeremy and Carter stood still, their breaths still shallow, staring at Laura and Dexter. Laura’s eyes blazed as she turned her attention fully on Carter, her lips curling in disdain.

“What are you doing in my house?”

Carter opened his mouth, his heart pounding in his chest.

“I-I planned the surprise party with Jeff. I came to bring something for Jeremy, and... and this—” he gestured between himself and Jeremy “—this is a mistake.”

Laura crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, her voice cold.

“A mistake? Do you mean the fact that you’re wet and in the bathroom with my son, or the fact that you’re in my house at all?”

Carter swallowed hard, but before he could respond, Jeremy quickly interjected.

“Mom, it’s all just a misunderstanding. Nothing happened, okay? Let’s not make a big deal out of this. We should be getting ready for the party.”

Laura looked ready to argue further, but Jeremy gave her a firm look.

“It’s my party, remember? Now go and get beautiful, steal the spotlight.”

Laura’s glare lingered on Carter, but eventually, she relented with a sigh, shaking her head.

“Fine. But we’re not done with this,” she muttered before turning and leaving the room. Dexter, however, remained, his face pale with suppressed fury. His fists clenched at his sides as he watched Carter, his eyes glassy as if on the verge of tears.

He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out. Instead, he shot one final glare at Carter, and he stormed out, leaving Jeremy and Carter standing there in silence, the tension palpable.

Carter stood quietly for a moment before glancing at Jeremy, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

“Your mom doesn’t like me,” he said, his voice laced with resignation.

Jeremy smiled gently, shaking his head.

“It’s not that,” he reassured him, but Carter raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that clearly said he didn’t believe it.

“I know I’m right,” Carter muttered, but before Jeremy could protest further, Carter took his hand, his fingers warm against Jeremy’s cool skin. “Anyway, I have something to show you.”

Jeremy smiled and allowed himself to be led back into the bedroom, following closely behind Carter. His curiosity piqued as Carter guided him toward the couch, where something was displayed. Jeremy’s breath caught the moment his eyes landed on it—a suit, but not just any suit. It was stunningly crafted, every detail meticulously in place.

The jacket was a pure, crisp white with intricate embroidery along the lapels that shimmered faintly in the low light, giving it an almost ethereal quality. The trousers were pitch black, creating a striking contrast against the jacket, tailored to perfection. A pristine white shirt lay beneath, and beside it was a sharp black bowtie that completed the ensemble.

Jeremy stood there, wide-eyed in awe.

“Wow…”

Carter chuckled softly from beside him.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “Designing it was a little difficult, but I knew one thing—you always look good in white.”

Jeremy’s gaze slowly shifted from the suit to Carter, and his eyes softened, filled with a warmth that made Carter’s heart skip a beat.

“Anything designed by you is going to fit me perfectly,” Jeremy said, his voice filled with admiration.

Carter smiled at that, his cheeks flushing ever so slightly.

“Well, that was the idea. I wanted to surprise you.”

Jeremy’s smile deepened as he stepped closer, his hand brushing lightly over the soft fabric of the jacket.

“Thank you, Carter. This means a lot to me.”

Carter playfully hit his arm, laughing softly.

“I’m just glad you like it.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the door. “But I should go and let you get ready. Your party’s waiting.”

As he began to turn away, Jeremy’s hand shot out, gripping Carter’s arm gently but firmly, pulling him back. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Jeremy’s voice was soft but full of sincerity as he asked, “Are you going to be at the party? I’d really love having you around.”

Carter hesitated, his gaze dropping for a second before he sighed.

“I’ve done my part as your friend,” he said with a faint smile. “I’ll let you enjoy it with your family.”

Jeremy’s grip on his arm tightened slightly, his eyes never leaving Carter’s.

“I’ll only enjoy it if you’re there,” he said, his voice earnest.

Carter’s shoulders slumped as he let out a deeper sigh, his gaze softening.

“I would’ve loved to stay, but I’m still wet from the shower. I need to go home and change.”

Jeremy’s face lit up with an idea.

“You don’t need to go home. I still have some of Ethan’s clothes. You can wear those.”

Carter’s expression faltered, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face, but before he could protest, Jeremy gave him the most endearing puppy eyes he’d ever seen. Carter groaned softly, rolling his eyes but smiling despite himself. “Fine,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I’ll stay.”

Jeremy’s smile was blinding as he took both of Carter’s hands in his, holding them sweetly. “Thank you. I’m really, really thankful you’re staying.”

Carter smiled back at him, his heart fluttering a little at Jeremy’s gratitude. “I’ll be there,” he promised softly.

***

Jeremy stood in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection, his hands working their way up as he buttoned the final buttons of his shirt. He couldn’t help but admire how sharp he looked, the white fabric hugging his frame perfectly. Carter had been right—white really was his color. It made him look elegant, sophisticated, and undeniably handsome. For the first time in a long time, Jeremy felt like he could see what others saw in him, especially Carter.

As he adjusted his collar, he suddenly heard a voice from behind him, light and teasing.

“You’re taking forever, you know that?”

Jeremy quickly turned around, surprised, only to see Carter rushing through the connecting door. The sight of him made Jeremy’s breath catch in his throat. Carter looked absolutely stunning. He was wearing a pure black shirt, tucked neatly into tight blue skinny jeans that accentuated his lean figure. His hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, secured with one of Ethan's favorite hairbands, a sentimental touch that pulled at Jeremy’s heart. Carter was effortlessly sexy, and Jeremy couldn’t tear his eyes away from him.

Carter grinned as he came up to Jeremy, taking his hands gently in his own.

“Let me help you,” he said, his fingers deftly working the golden cufflinks into Jeremy’s shirt before taking the bowtie and fastening it around his neck. Jeremy’s gaze stayed fixed on him, his heart racing as he watched Carter work, the affection in his eyes growing with each second.

"You look so handsome," Carter said, stepping back to admire his handiwork, though his expression quickly turned playful. "But something’s missing." He turned, grabbing the jacket that completed the ensemble, and helped Jeremy slip it on, smoothing the fabric over his shoulders. He stepped back again, raising his thumb in approval. “Now you’re ready to conquer the world.”

Jeremy chuckled, his heart full.

“Thank you, Carter. I mean it.”

Carter smiled warmly, giving Jeremy a light nudge.

“Hurry up and finish getting ready. I’ll see you downstairs,” he said before turning and leaving the room, leaving Jeremy standing there, his eyes following him with an expression full of love and gratitude.

As Carter stepped out of Jeremy’s room, he felt a lightness in his heart, a sense of happiness bubbling inside him. He made his way down the hallway, and then the stairs, heading toward the party. The music and laughter reached his ears, and from a distance, he spotted Jeff talking to a few guests. Carter started to rush toward him when suddenly, a firm grip seized his arm, pulling him back.

He spun around to find himself face-to-face with Laura, her eyes cold and disapproving despite her elegant appearance. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, but the hard expression on her face marred any sense of warmth she might have had.

Before Carter could speak, Laura tightened her grip and pulled him further into a quiet corner, away from prying eyes.

“Despite all my efforts to keep you away from Jeremy, you’re still here,” she hissed.

Carter frowned, his expression turning serious.

“I’m not doing anything wrong, Aunt Laura. And if you’re upset about what you saw in the shower, it was a mistake.”

Laura crossed her arms, stepping closer, her voice dripping with contempt.

“You’re a very clever man, Carter. You’re playing this game well. First, you seduced Jeremy, pulled him away from his family for months, and now you’re trying to get close to him again. You’re trying to seduce my son.”

Carter’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“What are you talking about? Jeremy’s my friend, nothing more.”

Laura’s voice snapped, sharp and biting.

“Jeremy doesn’t need friends like you. He’s content with the family and life he has.”

Her grip on his arm tightened again, and this time it hurt.

“I want you out of here, Carter. Leave before you cause more damage.”

Carter winced at the pressure, and his voice dropped, firm but calm.

“Let go of my arm.”

When she didn’t release him, Carter pulled his arm free with more force, the anger finally seeping into his expression.

“I said, let go,” he snapped, stepping back as Laura looked taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise.

Carter took a deep breath, composing himself.

“You’ve got it wrong, Laura. If you think I’m trying to seduce Jeremy, that’s your mistake, not mine. Jeremy is an adult, more than capable of choosing who he wants in his life. Maybe you don’t like it, but he deserves to have someone who cares about him as a friend.”

Laura’s face hardened again, her eyes narrowing.

“You have no right to say that to me.”

Carter held her gaze, refusing to back down.

“Maybe it’s not me you should be worried about. Maybe you’re just afraid of the fact that Jeremy’s changed, and he’s not the cold, distant man you’ve grown used to.” He paused for a beat, letting his words sink in. “Maybe it’s you who needs to accept that your son is no longer that isolated man, but someone who’s letting go and trying to make himself happy.”

Laura’s jaw clenched, but before she could respond, Carter took another deep breath, stepping back.

“I’ll leave, just like you want. But maybe you should ask yourself if Jeremy is better off without a friend who actually cares about him.”

With that, Carter turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Laura standing there, her face flushed with anger as she glared at his retreating figure. Her fists clenched, but she was left with nothing to say.

***

Jeremy stepped into the main party area, immediately greeted by a wave of warmth and excitement. People buzzed around him, eager to welcome him back home.

“Jeremy! You’re back!” they exclaimed, beaming at him.

His designer suit, with its crisp white jacket and tailored black trousers, drew admiring glances and compliments from all sides.

With a smile plastered across his face, Jeremy moved through the crowd, shaking hands and sharing brief conversations. He posed for pictures, laughing as friends playfully tugged at his lapels, remarking on how he looked like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine. Each compliment felt like a balm for the soul, a reminder of how far he’d come and how much he was missed.

Finally, he spotted his brother, Jeff, standing off to the side, his face lighting up with excitement. As Jeremy approached, Jeff clapped him on the shoulder.

“You look incredible, man! Carter really outdid himself with that suit. You’re stealing the spotlight, and I’m starting to feel a little jealous!”

Jeremy chuckled, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude.

“Thanks! I didn’t expect this at all. I just hope it’s enough to keep up with all of you.” He leaned in closer, lowering his voice slightly. “Where’s Carter? I thought he’d be down by now.”

Jeff’s expression shifted to one of concern as he sighed.

“You’re awfully concerned about him, you know. It’s sweet, really. But, I think he left right after Mom talked to him.”

Jeremy’s stomach dropped at those words. “He left? When?”

Jeff shrugged, his brows knitting together.

“A few minutes back. I didn’t think much of it until now, but I saw Mom chatting with him. It seemed… intense.”

“Intense?” Jeremy echoed, his heart racing. He playfully hit Jeff on the shoulder, though it was laced with worry. “Come on, I’m serious! Did Mom say anything to him?”

“Knowing her, she probably had a lot to say,” Jeff replied, his tone shifting to a more serious note. “I just figured she’d have some comments about him being here, you know?”

Jeremy gasped, a wave of anxiety crashing over him. “What did she say? Did it seem bad?”

Jeff rubbed the back of his neck, a sign of his own discomfort. “I mean, I don’t know for sure, but you know how Mom is. She always thinks she knows what’s best for us, and sometimes… she can be a bit much.”

Jeremy clenched his fists, cursing under his breath. “What could she have said? I just wanted tonight to be perfect. Carter’s been nothing but supportive and kind to me. If Mom drove him away…” His voice trailed off as he envisioned the worst possible scenarios, each one darker than the last.

“Hey,” Jeff said, reaching out to grab Jeremy’s arm gently, grounding him. “It might not be as bad as you think. Maybe they just had a chat. You know how Mom can be. Sometimes she just needs to vent her opinions. It doesn’t always mean she pushed him away.”

But Jeremy’s worry festered like a wound that wouldn’t heal.

“I can’t help but think that if she made him uncomfortable, he might not come back. He wanted to be here for me. He deserves to enjoy this party, too.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Jeff urged, his tone firm yet understanding. “You should enjoy the night. You’ve worked hard to get back here. Carter wouldn’t want you to worry about him.”

Jeremy nodded slowly, his heart still heavy.

“You’re right. But I can’t shake the feeling. I’ll find him. I need to know he’s okay.”

“Alright, but if you need me, just holler. I’ll keep an eye out for him too,” Jeff reassured, giving Jeremy an encouraging smile. “Just remember, you look amazing, and everyone is here for you. Let’s make sure this party is one to remember.”

With a deep breath, Jeremy tried to push the anxiety to the back of his mind, at least for now. He knew he had to find Carter. He had to make sure he was alright. But as he turned back toward the party, the knot in his stomach tightened. What if the conversation with his mother had been worse than he feared? He couldn’t let that thought linger. He had to believe that everything would work out.

***

Carter stood outside the mansion, staring down at his watch as the seconds ticked by, his heart heavy with the lingering echoes of his conversation with Laura. Her words had struck him like blows, each one filled with palpable hatred and disdain. He could still feel the heat of her grip on his arm, the sharp edge of her voice warning him to stay away from Jeremy. It was clear she didn’t want him there, and despite his best efforts to brush it off, it stung. He had only wanted to be a good friend to Jeremy, to help him celebrate, but now he was outside, waiting for the cab he’d ordered just minutes ago, feeling out of place.

The night air was cool, carrying the distant hum of the party still happening inside. He sighed, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, eyes glancing anxiously ahead, hoping the cab would come soon. But before he could get lost in his thoughts again, a sudden warmth wrapped around his hand.

Startled, Carter quickly turned, eyes wide, only to find Jeremy standing there, his hand grasping his tightly. Their eyes met, and Jeremy’s face broke into the brightest smile, the one that always seemed to light up the world around him. In that moment, Jeremy looked so genuinely happy to see him, but Carter’s own face remained clouded with worry.

“Jeremy?” Carter’s voice was soft, concerned as he furrowed his brow. “What are you doing out here?”

Jeremy’s grip on his hand tightened, a playful glint in his eyes as he shook his head.

“Come on,” he said with a grin. “We need to get out of here. Go somewhere we can have some real fun.”

Carter’s confusion deepened, his face lighting up with surprise.

“What do you mean?” he asked, looking back towards the mansion. “This party is for you. You can’t just leave. Everyone’s waiting for you inside.”

Jeremy let out a light laugh, full of warmth, shaking his head again.

“I’ve spent the whole day with them, and trust me, I’ve had enough. But it’s not gonna be much of a party without my best friend, now is it?”

Carter’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of those words—best friend. His eyes softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the heaviness he’d been feeling moments ago. The way Jeremy said it, with such affection and certainty, made him feel like everything was worth it. Before he could respond, though, Jeremy was already pulling at his hand, urging him forward.

“Come on,” Jeremy insisted, his voice low but filled with excitement. “We’ve gotta get out of here before anyone notices.”

Carter couldn’t help but chuckle, his initial confusion melting away as he followed behind, allowing Jeremy to lead him. It was as if all the tension from earlier disappeared, replaced by the sheer happiness of being in Jeremy’s presence. The night sky stretched out above them, the distant stars twinkling.

“You’re seriously ditching your own party?” Carter asked, his tone playful as they snuck away from the mansion. His heart was lighter now, the excitement building with each step.

Jeremy looked over his shoulder, flashing him a grin.

“Absolutely. And I can’t think of anyone better to ditch it with.” He winked.

Carter laughed, shaking his head in disbelief, but the warmth in his chest told him he wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.

“You're crazy,” he muttered, though his smile betrayed just how much he loved this side of Jeremy.

The two went to the car and drove off into the night.

To be continued…