What brings us together - Part 1 - 4. Chapter 4

They retrieved their bag from the boot of Jordan’s Lexus having had agreed they could pack all they needed in one carry on bag. Jordan pulled the wheelie bag as they walked to the station to catch a train to the domestic terminal.

In Brisbane they walked from the airbridge into the terminal where Cameron pointed out his waiting parents and pulled Jordan towards them.

“Mum and dad, I want you to meet Jordan.”

Jordan added, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr and Mrs Harris. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you ever since that first phone call last Sunday.”

“Welcome Jordan and please call me Helen, like I told you during the call last night.” She pulled him into a hug. There had been two more calls since Sunday; one initiated by Cameron and one by his parents.

With a strong handshake, “And I’m Kevin. It’s great to meet you. Let’s collect your bags and we’ll get you home.”

“Don’t worry dad. We’re travelling light and this is the only bag we brought with us.”

Both Helen and Kevin were surprised as they had not realized how much Cameron and Jordan already saw themselves as a couple.

Next stop was a Chinese Restaurant for a meal before continuing to Cameron’s family home.

When they entered the house with Jordan wheeling in their modest bag, Helen looked at them and a happy motherly smile spread through her whole body. “Welcome to our home Jordan. Please feel at home here. We have a guest room, but I don’t expect you’ll need it. I’m sure you’ll be more than comfortable with Cameron.”

Cameron reached over and held Jordan’s hand, “Thanks mum, I’m sure we’ll both be very comfortable in my room.”

Helen then offered drinks or coffee for everyone so they could continue to chat, especially as Kevin wanted to know more about Jordan and his house. Cameron had shared details. They continued chatting and eventually agreed to turn in for the night.

They entered Cameron’s room. Jordan looked around. “Hmm Your mum said you grew up in this room. I can see the room also grew up with you. I can’t see evidence of your childhood while there’s some from your teenage years and more from your university years.”

Cameron laughed, “Yes, there’s just a few favourite bits here. I still have some earlier favourites boxed up and stored in the shed.”

“Like I have some of mine boxed and stored in my shed. Yours can share our shed if you want.”

“Oh, I want a lot of sharing with you.”

“Now that’s flirting. Tonight, I think it should be bed, cuddle, kiss and sleep.”

Cameron playfully complained, “Is this what life is going to be like now we’ve each met our respective parents-in-laws?”

Jordan chuckled, “I didn’t take you for a drama queen.”

That earned Jordan a gentle and deliberately very queenie slap along with a lisping, “Says who? Mister macho man.”

Jordan pulled him into a loving hug and kiss. “God, I love you. Let’s take this to bed.” As he returned the hug Cameron used his fingers to tickle Jordan’s side. A gasp and then giggles escaped Jordan’s lips. Soon they fell on the bed. Both giggling before moving on to things in addition to cuddle, kiss and sleep.

Saturday morning they woke, showered and followed the coffee and other breakfast aromas to the kitchen. Jordan made more coffee and then joined in helping Helen cook and serve breakfast for the four of them, thus endearing himself to Helen even more.

For Cameron and Jordan, the day was busy. Jordan helped Cameron sort through his clothes and possessions and decide which he needed to take back in his car, what could be forwarded later and what could be trashed or donated.

What they hadn’t expected was that there were some items from Cameron’s childhood and adolescence that, because of memories, meant much more to his mother, Helen, than they did to him. Cameron happily ceded ownership to his mother.

This had taken them all day.

Saturday night was a family dinner with Cameron’s grandparents and his brother Hayden, wife Laura and children Liam and Amelia.

They arrived to be greeted with the customary introductions, pre-dinner drinks and dips and cheese nibbles. Everyone had already been advised that Jordan was Cameron’s boyfriend so that was not a surprise and instead they were all interested in finding out about him. That resulted in Jordan being the topic of most of the getting to know you questions along with how Jordan and Cameron felt about each other. The conversation continued and flowed easily, and as a result it wasn’t long before Jordan was being accepted not only as Cameron’s boyfriend but also as a family member.

When the level of comfort led to background revelations about both Jordan and Cameron’s families, Hayden was still harboring reservations about what everyone seemed to willingly believe about Jordan and Cameron’s relationship.

He spoke quietly to Cameron and suggested they step outside to enjoy a beer and a brotherly chat. They had only been outside for a minute when Hayden started, “OK Cameron, spill. How long has this been going on?”

Suspecting but feigning ignorance Cameron responded, “How long has ‘what’ been going on?”

“This relationship! How long have you and Jordan been planning this move to Sydney so you can be together?”

“No planning. It just happened.”

Hayden was still very suspicious. “Come on. The relationship? How long has that been going? Cam, we’ve all been cool with you being gay for years. You could have told us you had met Jordan and wanted to move to live with him. We would have understood. You didn’t need to make up this applying for a job stuff. Cam I just don’t believe the ‘we met a week ago’ bullshit.”

“And why don’t you believe it?”

Hayden swigged a mouthful of beer. “Because I’ve been watching you two. You are so in sync and lovingly intimate and caring. That doesn’t come in just a week of meeting each other.”

Cameron deliberately made and held eye contact. “You’re right in a way. It didn’t come in a week. It came in forty eight hours.”

Hayden stared back into his brother’s eyes. Growing up they had been close and learnt to read each other. All he could see in Cameron’s eyes was truth. “Fuck! You’re serious. Sorry Cam, my bad. I totally believe you. But still, how did you meet this amazing guy on your first day in Sydney? Did you visit a gay club or something?”

Cameron smiled remembering meeting Jordan. “No. It was a coffee shop and just before my interview. He gave me the confidence boost I needed for the interview.”

Hayden was stunned. “Wow! You two just have to be meant for each other. So, the job wasn’t lined up either?”

“Nope. Everything we’ve said is the truth.”

Hayden pulled Cameron into a hug. “Again mate, I’m sorry I doubted your story, but I’m so happy for you and Jordan. Especially because you’re such a cute couple.”

“Cute!?”

Hayden laughed. “Yeah cute. It’s what you used to say about Laura and me when we were dating.”

They were in another brotherly hug and laughing when Laura joined them.

“What are you two up to out here?” She asked rhetorically while kissing Hayden. Then, “You need to come inside. Cam’s gorgeous boyfriend is missing him and dinner’s ready.”

In the dining room a rolled roast pork with its blanket of crisp golden crackling was waiting for Kevin to carve and serve. It was Cameron’s grandparent’s favourite meal and Helen loved cooking it for them, along with apple sauce and gravy. There was another platter filled with perfectly roasted root vegetables.

When the pork had been carved and the plate was being passed around a platter of green vegetables was added to the food on the table.

Hayden poured wine for everyone and proposed a toast. “Here’s to Cameron and Jordan. For me it was hard to believe that you could develop the deep love and affection that I can easily see you have for each other in such a short time. But you have. I for one, am thrilled that whatever it was that brought you together, did just that. Glasses everyone. To Cameron and Jordan for their future together.”

Glasses clinked to joyous, “Cheers, Cameron and Jordan.”

Jordan felt he was obliged to say something in reply. He took hold of Cameron’s hand and they interwove their fingers. Feeling the family support made them both very happy. “Thanks everyone for your support. I know I’m stealing Cam away from you, but you need to know that I intend to take good care of him, and I hope he will also take good care of me. Additionally, you are all always welcome at our home. Even if some of you are visiting more for the house than for us.” The architects chuckled while their wives playfully groaned, “Can I now toast ‘to love and family’”.

“Love and family” echoed around the table.

Cleaning up after the meal was a joint activity and, as such, completed joyfully and quickly. Farewell hugs and kisses flowed as Cameron’s grandparents and Hayden’s family departed.

A quietness descended on the house. A quietness broken by Helen. “That’s one of the best family dinners we’ve had in a while.” While everyone agreed she added, “but now I think it’s time for bed.”

In bed Jordan and Cameron snuggled together. “Well?”

Jordan suppressed a giggle, “Well, I think you have an awesome family. I love them.”

“That’s just what I like to hear, especially as I think the same about your family.”

“Maybe, but what I love most about your family is the man next to me.”

“Now that, I like to hear even more.”

“What did Hayden drag you outside to talk about?”

Even though it was dark Jordan knew Cameron was smiling. “He didn’t believe we could fall so completely in love so quickly.”

“You obviously convinced him.”

“Yeah, I did. In the end it was easy. Now I want to convince you how much I love you.”

“That’s very easy. You don’t even have to try hard, just be hard.” He moved his hand down, “Oh look. You are.”

“You know that’s not what I mean.”

Jordan moved in and they kissed passionately. “I know but this is fun. Now let me take care of the hard part.”

Sunday morning was spent packing Cameron’s car with the things he needed to take to Sydney and then labeling the boxes of possessions that would be forwarded later. The drive to Sydney would take over ten hours without breaks but they had decided to spend Sunday night in a motel about halfway. They intended to share the driving and have a relaxed trip.

Helen would not let them leave without having lunch. It also allowed her to have more time with Cameron before he left home forever. Her feelings were mixed because in her heart she knew that Cameron was in love, and he had been right to decide to live together with Jordan. She had quickly grown to love them as partners and accepted that it was time for her to loosen the apron strings tying her to her younger son. The farewell was still tearful, with promises to visit from both sides.

Cameron grew up in Brisbane and was familiar with the roads, so he took the first driving shift. He piloted them through Brisbane and south through the Gold Coast and across the border into New South Wales. South of Byron Bay they swapped drivers and Jordan continued driving on their journey south.

A large sign on the highway promoted Stingray Heads and invited travelers to use the next off ramp.

Cameron looked across, “That sounds like an interesting place. How about we turn off and have a coffee and maybe a snack.”

Jordan wasn’t keen. Staying on the Pacific highway and continuing their journey appealed more. “Hmm don’t know. It could be boring and we’re making good time getting to our motel.”

“I thought we planned to have a relaxed trip. We haven’t stopped off anywhere yet. Please Jords, I’d like to just see it.”

Despite not wanting to visit Stingray Heads, Cameron’s request was simple and reasonable. He was conflicted but importantly he didn’t want to disappoint his lover. “OK. Stingray Heads, here we come.” Flicking on his left indicator he moved into the left hand lane and a little later onto the off ramp.

Cameron was beaming. “Thanks babe, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

The road towards the coast was through a National Park and soon glimpses of beaches and ocean were visible through the trees. The edges of the village appeared. They drove past the golf course and neat houses before coming to the small shopping centre.

Jordan was about to park but was stopped by Cameron. “There’s a sign pointing to the beach. Can we go there and have a look?”

Cameron was so enthusiastic he didn’t notice Jordan wince before, “Sure babe, beach coming up.”

Following the signs, they passed the hotel, the caravan park, the rock walled fishing boat marina and the Fisherman’s Co-Op. After that the road followed the Stingray River a short distance to the beach. Jordan pulled into the parking area and stopped facing the beach. To the south a rock sea wall stretched out into the sea like a tongue from the river mouth. The warm golden sand started at the break wall and continued unbroken to the north. In front of them the sand disappeared under the now gentle, lightly foam coated waves which having dissipated their energy caressed the wet sand. Cameron became even more enthusiastic. Jordan stared out past the breaking waves.

On the river side of the car park here was a weather beaten weatherboard store that looked as if it had grown out of the beach itself. Over the decades it had served the beach and the surfers with what was wanted at the time. Currently it was a café serving coffee and a range of fashionable canned and bottled drinks along with simple meals such as pies, burgers, chips, slices and sandwiches. On a grassed area in front of the café and between the café and the beach were two large fixed tables with bench seats.

On the northern side of the car park there was a vacant block of land and then a small collection of maybe half a dozen elegant beach houses.

“Come on Jords. We can have coffee while watching those surfers.”

They walked to the café where Cameron ordered coffee and muffins.

They moved to the outside tables where Cameron sat facing the ocean. Instead of sitting next to him, Jordan sat opposite and peered into the depth of the café. The back still sold surfing clothing, and a collection of other gear surfers would need.

“Don’t you want to watch the surfers?”

“I’d rather look at you.”

Cute as the answer was, Cameron felt something clouded the truth of that attempt to deflect the question.

The about forty year old café proprietor bought out their coffees and muffins and set them on the table. “Good to have a couple of new customers at this time. Are you staying here? Name’s Michael, by the way.”

Jordan responded, “Nice to meet you, Michael. I’m Jordan,” they shook hands, “and this is my partner, Cameron,” they shook hands. “We’re just passing through. We are driving from Brisbane to Sydney and Cameron saw the Stingray Heads sign and so here we are for a coffee and a look around.”

Cameron enthused, “I like what I’ve seen so far and would love to come back and spend more time here.”

Michael’s experience in hospitality had refined his people skills and he was soon engaging with Cameron and Jordan. He made them feel comfortable while extolling the beauty and charm of Stingray, as the locals called the village. They chatted while they drank their coffee and ate their muffins.

When they had finished their coffees, Jordan reminded Cameron that they needed to continue south and check into the motel they had already booked. Cameron reluctantly agreed and after bidding farewell to Michael they walked the short distance to the car. With his hand on the door handle Jordan paused and looked wistfully out to sea looking for something that was not there.

“Are you feeling OK Jords? You didn’t say much over coffee, and you don’t look well. Would you like me to drive.”

That pulled Jordan back to the present. “Sorry Cam, I was just lost in the view. No, I’m OK to drive.” He took in a deep breath and let it out. “Let’s get going.”

Jordan pulled out of the beach car park and drove towards the highway. As they drove past the golf course and back through the National Park, Cameron felt the surf, the vacant block at the beach and the village pulling at him. He knew he wanted to return. No, he knew he had to return.

As Jordan drove down the on ramp and back onto the Pacific Highway a calmness settled inside the car. The drive was easy and an hour and half later they were again leaving the highway. This time to find their motel.

They checked in and again pulled the single bag, this time including a change of clothes for Cameron, to their room. It was a spacious room with a queen sized bed.

Cameron gave Jordan a kiss. “What do you want to do now?”

Jordan smiled, “You know exactly what I want us to do, but maybe dinner first.”

“Hmm if you’re suggestion both, then yes, dinner first. Then later we can take our time enjoying each other.”

“Both it is.”

Monday morning they ate breakfast, checked out and with Cameron driving they headed south. The weather was beautiful and the drive uneventful. Cameron’s insistence that the drive would be relaxed and include sightseeing resulted in a diversion to South West Rocks and a tour of the now unused but historic Trial Bay Gaol (jail).

Their conversation jumped from subject to subject as it does during a car journey. They commented at times jokingly but always positively about their own and each other’s families, including how completely they had immediately been accepted by each other’s family. Cameron talked about the passing scenery which was new to him. They reminded each other of how much they loved each other and how much they were looking forward to living together. Cameron expressed how much he hoped they would return to Stingray Heads.

At the Twelve Mile Creek rest area they stopped and changed drivers. Jordan drove the last leg and navigated them through Sydney so without incident they stopped on the driveway in front of the double garage.

Jordan held out the garage door remote control. “We’re actually here at our place. Do you want to press the remote and I drive in or do you want to swap and I press the remote and you drive in or do you want to do both?”

Cameron looked at the remote and didn’t say but thought “Who thinks that far ahead to take the garage remote all the way to Brisbane and back just for this romantic play? No wonder I’m in love with him.”

The thought only took a moment before Cameron replied, “Jords, until now home for me has been my parents’ place. Where I grew up. For me now and with you, this is my home, where with our mutual love I’ll continue to grow. Let’s do this together, mutually. I’ll press the remote to your garage for the first time and you dive us into the garage in my car for the first time.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” He leaned across and kissed Cameron. The garage doors opened, and they drove in. Jordan tuned off the ignition. “Cam, I’ve been thinking and yes, we should visit Stingray Heads again. Let’s do it when you have a week’s leave.”

Cameron pulled Jordan back for another kiss.