Lust in London - 10. Chapter 10

Alex arrived home to a semi-warm welcome. His mother was happy to see him. His father gave him the usual “hey champ” look and a stilted hug. The next week was spent in a whirlwind of unpacking dirty clothes, scrapbooking photos, and re-establishing life as he knew it in Kansas. His email became his constant companion; since he had very little alone time to use his phone. He chatted with Mason as often as he could. Finally; they set a date to get together.

It would be for dinner. Alex was determined that it would be memorable in every way. He would order their favorite wine, requested candles and even request a few of their favorite melodies played by the pianist. Everything was in place. He finally had to spill the beans about his true feelings tonight. They gnawed at him worse than his gerbil did on a wood stick. He even had the perfect cover story to explain his overnight absence; stay at a friend’s house. Well, it was half true. Friend and lover; he’d just neglected to mention the lover part. Alex arrived at Mason’s hotel with a bunch of red roses; Mason’s favorite floral.

“Mason! Finally!” It was a triumphant entrance; Mason lifted his lover off the ground and spun his around slowly as they dissolved into a deep, long overdue kiss. He smoothed his large hand over Alex’s face and seemed to be trying to memorize every square inch of it.

”I missed you too.”

Alex perused Mason’s taut backside with his very lonely hands. He’d longed to feel the touch of his lover again. This night could not be rushed; though. Everything that was to happen was far too vital. Alex had this all planned out in succession in his mind. He’d hoped and prayed for days that everything would run smoothly. The duo was having a difficult time of convincing themselves to go on to dinner; to rather have their appetizer right there. Alex wanted to, very much. However, must stay on schedule. He pulled back to catch his breath.

“Honey…mmm. We have all night together. Let’s not rush into things.”

Mason groaned. “I’m as horny as a rhino. I hope that dinner doesn’t take too long. I want you.” Mason kissed Alex deeply, throwing him off-balance. They stood together and made out in front of the big mirror above the dresser. Alex watched Mason’s hands peruse his backside and intermittently goose his buttocks. He’d still jump at this a bit; but he knew it was all done in play. He felt his testicles grow larger with each passing moment of this glorious exchange. He was having a difficult time selling himself on the dinner that awaited them.

“Please, baby. Just a quickie before we go eat, just a blow job at least?” Alex pleaded lustfully.

Alex found himself completely under Mason’s spell. He voluntarily opened his pants and lay back on the bed; his swollen genitals more than ready to be swallowed up. Mason grinned and crawled over the young man; his kisses never stopping. He unbuttoned Alex’s shirt and pushed the sides away. Alex and Mason both moaned as the kisses grew hotter and Alex’s chest was massaged by the mauve lips and tongue. Finally, after a long, heated moment; the long-awaited finale. Mason slid his mouth over Alex’s ready cock and sucked as hard as he could. The young man cried out with pleasure!

“Baby! Omigod…Mas…”. He felt like a very well-loved straw in the middle of the thickest milkshake you could ever make. Mason had to steady Alex’s writhing legs.

“Steady, my dear…steady. Hold on to me.” Alex felt dizzy as he took hold of Mason’s hands and held himself steady. The moment arrived and both shot out a fair amount of fluid. Mason tilted his head back and re-styled his hair a bit. Alex had to wipe his sweaty brow and regain composure as they redressed.

“I missed you so much, Mason. Listen, I want tonight to be the night we do it your way. ”

Mason smiled. “Really? At last, the boy becomes a man!”

What did he just say?

“I missed you too. Come, let’s go to dinner now. I’m famished!”

Alex nodded, but hesitated for a moment when Mason grabbed his hand. They departed swiftly.

Everything was going so smoothly. Too well, Alex fussed over every detail. He spent several minutes with the pianist to make sure the music was perfect. He even flagged down the maitre’d to be sure it was the right wine. Mason finally caught his lover’s hand and pulled him over.

“Hon. Will you sit down?”

“I just want this night to be perfect.”

Mason smiled at his lover and brushed his face. “You worry too much. I’m here with you and we’ll be together. Besides, I have some news you’ll want to hear.”

Alex’s ears perked up. “Oh?”

“Yes, but I’ll tell you later. I think my blood sugar has fallen to about a 30.”

Alex sighed. He had big news he wanted to tell Mason too. Tonight was too important to leave to chance. The head waiter came by and handed them their menus. Alex opened his and silently perused the selections. Everything was so expensive! The filet mignon itself was over $30!

Mason shot him a concerned look. “Are you sure you want to eat here with these prices?” Alex smiled and returned a calm look.

“Anything for you, this is just a dinner. I have the money for it, don’t worry. I saved most of my money from London.”

Mason grinned and blew a kiss just as the waiter came over to their table.

“Well, thank you sir, but you haven’t been served yet. I’m Troy, your waiter.” Mason blushed a bit; Alex stifled a laugh. They recovered quickly and Alex caught Troy’s attention.

“Champagne, for us tonight.” Alex took his lover’s hand. “We’re celebrating.”

Troy squealed aloud. “Oh how fabulous! Let me get you the best bottle we have, hon!” Alex and Mason shared a look and watched the waiter scurry off to the kitchen. He returned shortly after with two champagne flutes and a bottle of Asti Spumante. Troy uncorked it and poured an equal amount into their flutes. He placed the bottle into an ice bucket off to the side.

“Enjoy, gentlemen.” Troy scurried away as quickly as he’d arrived.

Alex just shook his head. “I’m not that obvious, am I?”

Mason laughed. “Not at all; I hope I’m not either.”

“Not at all, I’m glad you are though; and that you’re all mine.”

Mason smiled sweetly at him and Alex felt his pulse jump. Those blue eyes would always be his downfall. He raised his glass in the air and grasped Mason’s tan hand.

“To us, my dear Mason.”

The businessman picked up his flute as well and joined it to Alex’s. “To us, my precious Alex.” They intertwined their arms and drank from the glasses. It was delicious champagne; not too dry or tart, just right. Both licked their lips, savoring the flavor of the beverage.

Mason winked at Alex; recalling their earlier rendezvous. “Maybe we should bring some of this with us; make it a bit more…adventurous.” Alex felt warm at that suggestion. He reached out for Mason’s hand and held on as tightly as he could. They were interrupted again.

Troy was back. “Have you fair gentlemen decided on your appetizer”?

Both men let out a laugh; remembering earlier.

“I think we ought to head straight to the main entrée.” Mason stated.

Alex felt plucky. “Yes, but what about our dinner, dear?”

The businessman gasped with fake drama; he was delighted Alex was boastful of their relationship.

Troy smiled at them both. “You two are the perfect duo if you ask me.” His attention wavered for a moment as his eye wandered over to the waiting area. “Omigoodness. There’s this guy here that I dated. He’s a real snob. He treated me all great and then…well. Ya know. You two should hold onto a good thing.” Mason and Alex shared an amorous look at each other then a concerned one for Troy.

“I’m sorry…please, go ahead and order. I’m being nosy.”

Alex glanced at the menu again and made his selection. “I will have the duck a l’orange with a side of rice pilaf and vegetables.”

Troy jotted it down on his pad quickly and turned his attention to Mason.

“I will have the rib eye steak with a side of mashed potatoes and carrots.”

“Very good, anything to drink?”

“I’ll have some coffee.” Mason replied.

Alex twisted his lip in thought. “I’ll have iced tea.”

Troy finished jotting down their order and took the menus. He leaned over to face his customers. “Just so you know; if that snobby guy bothers you, let me know. I’ll kick him out.”

Alex felt his paranoia fear spike.

Mason caught the look. “Thank you, Troy. We should be just fine.”

“Ok. Your orders will be out shortly, I’ll get you two some rolls.”

Troy walked away again.

“Don’t be paranoid.” Mason advised. “I’m sure whomever it is just chasing after Troy and can’t get over him. Guys are like that sometimes; they can’t let go.”

Alex shifted in his seat and looked into Mason’s eyes. “I’m not, possessive like that am I? Where I take you for granted or use you?”

Mason pursed his lips for a moment and looked deeply into Alex’s brown eyes. “I know that you care about me and how badly you wanted me to come see you in England. Believe me, if I could’ve sprouted wings to come and see you I would have. It just wasn’t possible.”

Alex nodded. “I know that, now. I acted very childishly and I’m sorry. That’s part of what I wanted to discuss with you over our dinner.”

Mason arched his brow. “Did you wish to start now, or wait until our entrées arrive?”

Alex took a sizeable swig of his champagne. It burned a little bit going down; but he figured paired with his nerves, his stomach churned a bit. “I think we’ll wait until the entrees. Let the champagne be soaked up a bit with the food.”

Mason sat back and drank his share of the beverage. “You can get very drunk very quickly on this stuff. I know. I used to drink a lot more when I was your age.”

Alex raised his brow. “Oh? How much did you used to drink?”

Mason grinned. “Lets just say I’d put away a six pack of beer all by myself within about 90 minutes. I was young and crazy and wanted to be wild. Looking back, it was very stupid.”

Alex grinned at his lover; he wanted to show his support. “Hey, you were young. As long as no one got hurt; what did it matter? You only live once.”

“How true that is, hon.” Troy responded as he approached the table without either of them even noticing. He deposited an ornate basket on their table. Inside were five cloverleaf rolls that were fresh from the oven. Their heat could be felt through the cloth that covered them. Their aroma was enticing; it reminded Alex of how his mother would bake fresh rolls for them every Sunday after church. He missed his family traditions; but he no longer felt a part of them.

How could he participate when he felt like an outcast? He sniffed the rolls again and saw the large scoop of herbal butter placed at its side. His mouth openly salivated.

“Thank goodness, I’m starved!” The two dove into the rolls. Alex broke his roll into halves and slathered them with the herbal butter. He bit into the pastry and smiled right away.

“Mmm. These are so good!”

Mason winked at his companion. “So, what did you want to ask me?”

Alex swallowed hard; in part due to the roll and the other part due to nerves. He caught Mason’s eyes and reached for his hands. “I-I was wondering something…” Alex felt his mouth run dry and reached for his water goblet.

Mason stifled a laugh. “Chill out, just ask me.”

Alex set down his goblet after drinking down half the liquid. He tried to capture Mason’s gaze again, but was distracted by the waiter. Troy was practically running to their table.

Mason noticed his companions’ distraction and queried. “What is it?”

“It’s Troy again. Troy, what is it?”

“Lookout! Asshole at 4 o’clock!”

Both men looked around them quickly. It was then that Alex saw a tall, dark-haired man briskly walk in their direction. He was dressed in a three-piece suit complete with wing-tip shoes. His dark hair was impeccably styled into a wave that sat perfectly around his chiseled face. His eyes weren’t discernable in the dim light, but they were certainly trained on the two of them. His height was considerable. Alex guessed 6’3” or taller. This intruder approached the table and stood right in front of their table and looked right into Mason’s eyes.

“Mason? My goodness, is that you?” The voice was undeniably British. Mason’s eyes had grown to small moons!

He choked on his roll a bit and gulped down some water before speaking again. “Elliott! What the hell?”

“Oh, Mason. Such a clumsy man! Here, let me help you with that.”

The intruder leaned over and planted a huge kiss on Mason’s open lips. Alex was stunned! He was aghast at the outright deliberateness of it. He grabbed Elliott’s sleeve.

“Excuse me. Hey! He’s with me!” Elliott withdrew, leaving Mason dumbfounded and silent. Alex could see the man’s eyes as they narrowed into a glare in his direction. They were a very acidic green; almost caustic, like antifreeze.

“Just who the hell are you, stupid child?”

Alex felt his anger well up inside of him. He stood up suddenly, knocking the chair over. “I am his boyfriend! Mason and I are together.”

Elliott glanced back at his ex and pointed at Alex. He burst into brutish laughter. “You chose this…urchin? Mason! Tsk, tsk…where is your mind? Well, I know where your mind is, usually a bit south of here if I recall…”

Alex wanted to punch him in his smarmy mouth. Mason cradled his face into his hands; avoiding the entire incident. He glanced up at the two warring suitors; scarcely believing what was occurring.

Alex was anything but silent. “I know damn well who you are now. You’re that doctor from his past. As you can tell he has someone else! Leave us alone or I will have you forcibly removed from this establishment if I must.” Alex caught their waiters’ eye for a moment and summoned him over.

Troy bolted over. “Is there a problem, gentlemen?”

“Yes there is. Please escort this gentleman outside. He is disrupting our dinner.”

Elliott straightened his jacket and shot Alex another dirty look.

“Very well then, I was just leaving. Oh, Mason, my dear, here’s my card.” He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a shiny silver business card. “When you grow tired of playing with children, give me a ring will you?” Alex’s eyes could pierce lead he was so angry!

Half of him wanted to take the tall doctor by the scruff of the neck and throw him out himself! He took hold of the business card and whisked it out of Mason’s hand.

“He won’t need your number. Just leave, please.”

Elliott grinned greasily. “Well, you do have manners and some sense don’t you, boy?”

Alex glared at his new adversary.

Elliott cracked his knuckles audibly. “You are wise not to try anything. Mason knows how strong I am.”

Troy interceded and took Elliott’s arm. “Come on, you’ve caused enough trouble.”

The doctor readied to leave, but lingered for one last moment.

“Here’s another card. Keep in touch, Mason. Pleasure, Alex.” He finally strode from the room.

Alex took a few deep breaths and pulled his chair off the floor. He looked around the room and noticed there was an audience. “It’s ok folks, show’s over.” He set his chair right next to Mason’s. “Mas? Hey, are you alright?”

Mason aimed his blue eyes into Alex’s anxious brown ones. “I-I’m sorry. I’m still in shock.” He fingered the business card that Elliott had given him, tracing its edges and running his thumb over the embossed lettering. Alex knew he had a powerful foe in Elliott, the war for Mason’s heart.

“Come on, let’s finish eating.”

“No, no. I don’t think I can anymore.” He replied in almost a whisper. “My appetite has been thoroughly ruined.”

Alex scowled. “I should’ve clocked him one.”

Mason shook his head. “Hon, he’s a black belt in karate, Alex. He could easily kill you. Let’s just get our dinners wrapped up and we’ll go.”

Alex was more than a bit disappointed, but had to agree that the entire mood had been destroyed. He reluctantly called Troy over and requested their dinners to go. About 10 minutes later the waiter appeared with a large plastic bag.

“I am so sorry that bitch disrupted your dinner. He’s a sly one, he is. Got past me quickly enough.”

Alex sighed and reached into his wallet. He pulled out a fresh $20 bill and handed it to the waiter. “Thank you, Troy. You’ve been most helpful. Here’s some money for your assistance tonight.” Alex turned his attention to the still-stunned Mason. “Ready to go?”

Mason merely nodded. His body language said the rest; he appeared to be extremely embarrassed and lost in thought or in pain. Alex pursed his lips, paid for their bill and they silently headed back to Mason’s hotel.

Kansas had some nice hotels and this one certainly qualified. There was a king-size bed, a sleeper sofa, full kitchen. There was even a spa and pool on-site. It was only about 8:30 PM when the two arrived. Mason had barely said two words during the entire 15-minute ride over. Inside Alex’s mind was a different tale. His mind was reeling. Who the hell did the famed Elliott think he was acting that way? What hold did he think he perpetually has on Mason; not only emotionally but physically.

Had it been an amicable split? Was there violence involved? Alex tried to push past his own emotional cloud and see it from a detective’s perspective. Question and scenarios filled his mind. Yet, his heart chimed in as well. He wanted to respect Mason’s feelings and privacy. The man had indeed looked very shocked when Elliott showed up. What the hell are you feeling?

Perhaps this was far too early a time to discuss the evening. They parked and walked inside the hotel. Alex placed Mason’s dinner in the refrigerator. Mason went straight for the medicine cabinet and tossed back a couple of antacids. He quickly removed his tie and kicked off his shoes. He finally collapsed face-first on the bed. Alex cautiously approached, uncertain of whether this was the calm before the inevitable storm.

“Mason?” he whispered.

The muffled voice replied. “Of all nights, of all the damn nights in the world, it had to be tonight!”

Alex was a bit perplexed. He wondered why Mason lamented it so much. Wasn’t he the one with the grandiose schemes? Still, it was obvious that Mason was upset. Alex heard a stifled sob escape from beneath the mass of blond hair. He knelt beside his lover of five months and smoothed his back.

“Hey, shhh. It’s ok now. He’s gone, I’m here.”

“I hate that man. I truly do. I was so completely…I gave him everything I had and he either abused it or threw it away!”

Abused it? Alex’s mind began weaving new possibilities; his wildest visions were that Mason had stayed in an abusive relationship. Or was it something else? Was there foul play? Extortion? Blackmail? There had to be a catalyst to it all. Alex didn’t want to push the subject, so he merely tried to be a comforting presence.

“Mason, I’m here for you.”

Mason’s blond hair finally moved, revealing his beet-red face augmented by his bloodshot blue eyes. Alex felt his heart sink and his face flush. “Thank you, Alex, but I’d rather be alone.”

The young man was a bit stung by this. “Wh-? Are you sure?”

Mason nodded.

“Let me at least help you out a bit first.” Alex kissed Mason’s cheek and left to wet down a cool cloth for his face. He laid it gently across his lover’s red face and watched him carefully for a few minutes. He pensively got up to leave. “Are you absolutely sure you want me to go?”

Mason nodded again. “This is my own battle. I have to deal with this in my own way. Thank you for dinner, I’ll enjoy it tomorrow. I need to just, collect my thoughts and get back on track. Do you understand?”

Alex shrugged. “I guess so. I really don’t like leaving you alone; we were going to spend all night together. Still, I realize plans have changed. I will respect your wishes.”

Mason sat up and managed a small smile. “I’m sorry. Come here for a sec.” Alex walked over. He kissed his lover’s cheek. “Thank you for everything. I promise I will call you tomorrow, ok?”

Alex backed away, gathered his coat and readied his keys. “Take care of yourself, Mason. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Please call me if you need anything at all, even if it’s at 3 am.”

Mason smiled lightly at his young beau. “I will, Alex. Thank you. Good night, hon.”

“Good night, Mason.”

Alex leaned over and hugged Mason for a long moment. The scent of cologne and sweat mixed together into the sweet intoxicating scent that Alex could barely resist. Dammit, I love you so much. Please be ok.

Alex left the hotel half disappointed and half angry. He wandered out to his car and mindlessly started it. Alex drove home in a half-stupor. He nearly missed his exit. His detective mode was in full swing. Why tonight? What was he going to do? Propose? Omigosh…was that it? No, no, come on Alex, get real. You’re still a fledgling with a full-grown hawk. What could we possibly be? Alex shook his thoughts back to reality. He pulled his car up at his rental house and went inside. He deposited his dinner in the refrigerator and shut the door. He headed for his bedroom and began to change clothes.

As he undressed he looked around at all the reminders of Mason. There was the shot glass bought from the Houndstooth. Its edge had been nicked slightly in the move back home. Alex considered it extremely precious. There was also the small plush toy cat on the windowsill. It was only 3” high, but was the cutest little animal he’d ever seen. Alex was hideously allergic to cats; so this would be his most prized feline. Alex looked at the time and sighed. His stomach tumbled a bit, either out of hunger or worry. Six months. Half a year had been invested and they still hadn’t admitted that they love each other. Was that what this night was supposed to be? Finally spilling the obvious truth? Did Mason ever care for him at all? Sure they’d slept together many times; but that was no guarantee. He was gentle, funny, and charismatic. Alex wondered what it was about himself that Mason was even drawn to. Perhaps he wasn’t anymore. He was going to end it! Alex gasped and suddenly broke into tears. Omigod, he wanted to end it tonight! That has to be it! His tears burned down his hot face and finally onto his crisp white shirt. Alex looked in the mirror above his dresser to see his clenched fists and gritted teeth.

NO! He cried out. You are NOT getting rid of me that easily Mason Adams! I am in love with you and I know you are with me too. Yes, long-distance romance sucks, but we have survived it. I want only you Mason! The speech sounded marvelous, but only to him. To put into actual practice would require courage the young man knew he had to muster. He wanted to respect Mason’s wishes, but also wanted to confront the man. What a quandary! Alex restlessly paced; doing whatever he could to keep himself sane. TV was not much of a help; nor was reading. He slumped into his office chair and signed into his online account. His email was full of messages from Jake and Paolo. He didn’t read any of them.

A knock was heard. Alex struggled to his feet and bolted over to the door. He tried to peek through the security hole, but couldn’t make out who it was. “Mason? Is it you?”

He opened the door and saw Paolo! “Paolo, what’re you doing here?”

“Well, nice to see you too. You didn’t return my emails or calls, thought maybe you’re run off and eloped by now.” He slipped past Alex and walked inside.

Alex tried his best to clear his eyes. “Uh, no, nothing like that.”

“Hey, weren’t you two going to dinner tonight and you were gonna ask him to shack up with you?”

Alex shut his eyes. “Yes.” He whispered. His lips quivered and his shoulders shook. Soon, he felt his body enveloped by his friend.

“Shhh, hey, What is it?”

Alex gave in to his pain and let the tears flow. “It’s not good.”

Paolo quieted him and smoothed down his spiked hair. “Tell me what happened.” He requested gently.

“Have a seat. This may take a while.”

The two chatted for a long time, until finally they both fell asleep on the sofa.