Chapter 28 

 

Billy was already dressed and ready for the evening ahead but he was feeling agitated. Nothing was wrong as far as he knew but still there was an underlying sense of apprehension that all would not go well. Innately he knew he was allowing pessimism to creep over him but he was desperate to please Nick and to make it a wonderful night.

 

Billy was perfectly capable of putting on a great dinner. He had cleaned the apartment from top to bottom, he had rearranged the furniture in the living room for extra space and he had prepared a simple yet satisfactory meal that he knew would please everybody. Even the fact that Nick had sent him a text message telling him to expect another guest, had not concerned him.

 

The problem was that he had been so busy he had no time to think and now the time was almost here. He was dressed and everything was ready but he was alone and Nick was still not home. Now he had too much time to think and so he was figuratively twiddling his thumbs in anticipation. If there was anything at all that was making him nervous, it was that he would somehow disappoint Nick. He knew how important this night was to Nick and the thought of anything screwing it up was abhorrent. He wanted the night to be perfect.

 

Billy looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror on the closet. He wore black jeans to match Nick but he was wearing black shoes and a blue, short-sleeved shirt with a silver, floral design. It was a beautiful shirt that caught the eye without being gaudy. He looked at his face and apart from the stitches to the cut through his eyebrow; he looked like he had before Bobby had changed everything.

 

Glancing at his hair to make sure it was neat and tidy, he then ran his finger over the shirt at the front of his chest. He had not put on a bandage but he truly felt it was no longer required. The stitches were obvious to his touch beneath the material but there was no pain and only slight discomfort. A sense of satisfaction moved through him with the thought he was so much better and he knew he would be more comfortable during the night without the bandage.

 

Turning, Billy glanced at the bedside clock. It was six-thirty and he was wondering where Nick was and if he was going to be late. He bit his bottom lip with slight concern but then he dismissed the thought and walked out to the kitchen.

 

Over the week, despite Nick saying he did not want anything fancy for dinner, Billy had come up with numerous ideas about different meals to cook but as of this morning, as he realized it was not going to be just the four of them for dinner, he had decided on quantity rather than spectacular. He knew the food would be delicious regardless but under the fluctuating circumstances, he finally decided on lasagna.

 

Billy’s recipe for lasagna was not the traditional Italian standard. Usually lasagna was a subtle meat sauce surrounded by layers of pasta. Though still very moist, his was less a sauce and more of a thick meat filling. It was delicious but for most people one serving was more than enough. For eight people it required his largest baking tray, which almost filled one rack in the oven.

 

The apartment was filled with a wonderful scent. He opened the oven door and a magnificent, fresh aroma, burst out into the kitchen with a blast of heat. Billy smiled at the golden brown surface combined with the smell and he knew it was ready. He turned the heat right down to stop it from cooking and then he closed the door.

 

“You look amazing and that smells delicious,” Nick said, as Billy turned around and saw him standing across the kitchen just inside the doorway.

 

“You’re home,” Billy said excitedly followed by a huge smile.

 

“With that tone and that smile and the way you look, Billy, I want to fuck you, right now.”

 

“Steady on, Big Boy. Get your ass in the shower and then get dressed. People are going to be turning up very soon,” Billy replied.

 

“I’ve already showered twice today,” Nick said.

 

“Well freshen up or whatever you think you should do but you need to go and get ready,” Billy ordered.

 

“I thought you said you were going to make this night perfect for me but the first thing I ask you for is met with denial,” Nick said manipulatively.

 

“You’ve certainly changed your tune,” Billy said.

 

“Billy, it’s been three days and today is the forth. Even my nuts are going nuts.”

 

Billy burst into laughter. “Nick, I feel the same but this night is important to you, to both of us, actually, so enough of the sexual desperateness before I agree to your request. Now get your hot ass inside and get ready.”

 

Nick asked, “Don’t you even want to kiss me?”

 

Billy moved fast and instantly Nick was wrapped around him. “I love you,” Nick said and then their lips were locked in a searing kiss. They writhed and touched and kissed but then Billy pushed Nick backwards, as he realized how different what was happening was.

 

Nick asked of the sudden reaction, “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nick, that Boa Constrictor of yours, following a thirty second kiss is ready to bring about my demise. Now get out of here and go and cool down.”

 

Billy could not believe he was saying what he was saying. He wanted to rip off both his and Nick’s clothes and go at it until the sun rose the next morning but he knew it was not an option. He looked at the sad pretense of Nick’s expression and he chuckled softly as he watched him turn and leave the kitchen. Billy shook his head and then walked into the living room to check the dinner table again. Seeing that everything was the way he wanted it, he walked to the bathroom and looked in at his naked, wet and erect Superman, who was under the shower for a simple rinse.

 

“You really are my man of steel, Billy said.

 

“This thing is your fault, Billy.”

 

Billy said, “So, are you going to pretend like nothing happened or are you going to tell me how it went?”

 

“Billy, it was more than I could have imagined. I love him and it was great.”

 

“Really? I’m so happy for you, Nick.”

 

“He’s a really nice man, he really likes me and toward the end of things he told me he loved me. I have been so wrong about everything for two years but now I know better. You’re also not going to believe what I’m going to tell you, Billy?”

 

Billy asked, “What?”

 

“My dad is gay,” Nick said.

 

Billy thought Nick was pulling his leg and he said, “Bullshit!”

 

“It’s not, Billy. He has a partner and that’s the extra guest I sent you the text message to expect. His name is Jordan Hudson.”

 

“Holy shit,” Billy said.

 

“Tell me about it, Billy. I couldn’t believe it.”

 

Billy asked, “So why didn’t they arrive with you?”

 

“Things to do but they should be here soon,” Nick replied.

 

“Okay, well I’ll let you get ready and I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Billy said.

 

“I won’t be long,” Nick replied and Billy walked back to the living room.

 

Even though everything looked perfectly fine, Billy stood straightening the cutlery on the dining table so that they were geometrically perfect. He was wishing everyone had already arrived and that the evening was already underway. He heard Nick scoot across the hallway and into the bedroom and so Billy turned around and walked back to him. As he stepped into the room, he looked at the naked man from behind and he thought his back and ass were magnificent. The broad shoulders and huge upper body leading down to a gently curving waist, which gave Nick that awesome, inverted triangle look, simply screamed Greek god and the black hair and tanned body only added to the equation.

 

Nick turned around and saw Billy staring at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing, it’s just that if it weren’t for what Bobby did to me, I’d say I was the luckiest man on the planet. You’re so fucking hot, Mr Rawlins.”

 

Nick glanced at the clock and then looked back at Billy. “It’s six forty-five, we’ve still got fifteen minutes, Mr Jackson. Why don’t you get over here and show some love to this,” Nick said, as he spun his manhood like a helicopter blade.

 

“Jesus, Nick, what is it with you this evening? I’ve never seen you act like this before.”

 

“I don’t know, Billy. All I know is that looking at you is driving me nuts and I’m so horny. I feel like everything is perfect and the only thing that could make things better is five feet away and admiring my naked body.”

 

Billy watched as a new erection formed and he grinned in a way that accompanied his lascivious thoughts. He crossed the room, knelt down in front of Nick but just as his fingers made contact with his prize, there was a knock on the front door.

 

“Fuck, can’t we ever catch a break,” Nick said.

 

Billy huffed. “You wanted a dinner party and now you’ve got one,” he replied and then he kissed the tip of Nick’s cock and said, “Get ready,” and then he left the room.

 

“Jesus, Billy,” Nick said complaining, his cock rising to full erection, as he watched the owner of those lips exiting the room.

 

“Hi Billy,” Eric said as the door opened.

 

“Hi Eric, come in,” Billy said with a big smile.

 

“Billy, I’d like you to meet Michelle, my wife.”

 

Billy smiled broadly and gave a sincere greeting to Michelle, which she returned.

 

“Nick speaks really highly of you,” he said.

 

“Well, Billy, I hold a rather high opinion of Nick as well. It’s more from knowledge than interaction but I think he’s one of the good people in this world,” she said.

 

Billy nodded and then turned and looked at Eric before he said, “I have a bone to pick with you. Something concerned with first in, first served.”

 

Eric’s eyes widened as realization set in and he said, “He told you?”

 

“Yes, he did. He told me everything,” Billy replied.

 

“In all fairness, I didn’t even know you were in the picture at the time,” Eric said uncomfortably.”

 

Billy laughed and said, “Settle down, Eric, I’m just fucking with you. I’m not angry.”

 

Eric grumbled, “You asshole.”

 

“You let him off the hook too quickly, Billy, Michelle said.

 

Billy nodded at Michelle but he turned immediately to Eric and said, “Who are you calling an asshole, Eric? I think you’re the asshole. This is the second time you’ve interrupted Nick and me and he’s not happy about it.”

 

Eric smirked. “You’ve had since I left on Wednesday for that sort of thing, so don’t blame me if the two of you are a couple of sex maniacs and the two of you were trying to do the dirty only minutes before your guests arrived.”

 

“You showed up early,” Billy said but then his expression changed and he stared at Eric with serious eyes. “Would you like to join in,” he said with a perfectly determined pause and the moment Eric’s lips parted to reply, Billy abruptly turned from Eric to his wife and said, “Michelle?”

 

Michelle almost laughed but she played along and said, “Yes Billy. I’m sure you and Nick together could satisfy me in a way Eric can’t.”

 

“Hey.” Eric said to his wife and Billy and Michelle laughed at him.

 

“Come on guys, have a seat. Nick will be with us in a couple of minutes,” Billy said.

 

“Your apartment looks really nice, Billy. It’s warm and cozy and the table looks great,” Michelle said as they sat down.

 

“Thanks, Michelle. I guess I should explain,” Billy replied.

 

Eric enquired, “Explain what?”

 

“Why there are eight settings,” Michelle clarified for Eric.

 

Glancing at the table, Eric said, “Oh, I didn’t notice,”

 

“Now there’s a surprise,” Michelle said, grinning at Billy.

 

Billy laughed and said, “Well, he does have that oblivious male demeanor going on.”

 

“If the two of you plan on using me as fodder for your bad humor all night, then I’m going home,” Eric said.

 

Nick said as he walked into the room, “You’re not going anywhere, my friend. As for the two of you, leave Eric alone.”

 

“My savior,” Eric said and knowing the story, he smirked with enjoyment at Billy.

 

“Hey,” Billy said unhappily until he saw Eric’s smugness and then he mouthed the words silently, “Fuck you.”

 

“Hi Michelle,” Nick said and he walked directly to her, bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

 

“So good to see you again, Nick,” Michelle replied sincerely.

 

“Likewise. Listen, though, before anyone else arrives, I want the two of you to know that this dinner was meant to be for you alone. It was actually meant to be an anniversary dinner from Billy and I to you. However, anything that could have happen this week has happened. As a consequence, instead of having a quiet evening with just the four of us, now there are going to be eight. I want you both to know that this is still your anniversary dinner and the other guests are sharing your night.”

 

“My god, Nick? This is so unexpected but so wonderful. Thank you to the both of you, it means a lot to us,” Michelle said with honest appreciation while her face showed a look of shock.

 

“It sure does, guys. This is really cool and thoughtful,” Eric said.

 

“Well, there’s one more thing that’s just for you but it requires me to go next-door for a moment, so if you’ll give me a minute,” Nick said.

 

“Sure,” Eric said while Michelle nodded silently, her expression now amazed.

 

Michelle whispered to Eric as Nick walked away, “Did you know about this?”

 

“No, I was as surprised as you were, Chelle,” he replied.

 

“Billy, this is extraordinary but so unnecessary,” Michelle said after Nick disappeared outside.

 

“It was necessary for Nick, Michelle. The two of you mean a great deal to him. He likes you both so much and he really wanted to do this for you. He’s a good soul but count yourselves lucky that I live here, otherwise who knows what you would’ve ended up eating,” Billy said and they all laughed.

 

Unexpectedly there was the sound of voices and a moment later Honey and Ann walked through the opened door. Michelle and Eric stood up and Billy introduced the four strangers to each other. They greeted briefly and then Billy told them it might be better if they all took seats for the time being. Moments after they sat down, Billy walked over and closed the front door as Nick walked in.

 

Nick passed their puppy to Billy while keeping the other one in his hand. He then walked around the couch and stopped in front of Eric and Michelle. He had the biggest and sweetest grin on his face and as he held out the puppy toward them he said, “Happy Anniversary.”

 

Michelle’s face lit up and she practically pushed Eric out of the way as she moved to get to the puppy first. She reached up and gently took the puppy from Nick’s hand. She pulled it against her breast and cuddled it but then she looked up at Nick.

 

“My god, he’s so beautiful, Nick. How did you know Eric and I were talking about getting a dog? Did Eric tell you?”

 

Eric interrupted saying, “No, I didn’t.”

 

Nick turned to Billy and winked at him and Billy said, “Yeah, yeah, you were right.”

 

“He’s so beautiful,” Michelle said as she leaned forward and kissed the top of its tiny head.

 

“I was struggling to decide what to give the two of you but then I saw a litter of puppies and decided I wanted one for Billy and me. The thing was that while I was playing with the litter and trying to choose one, it occurred to me that you and Eric might like one, too,” Nick explained.

 

“Oh Nick, you weren’t wrong,” Michelle said while she stroked and stared at the puppy.

 

“I wanted a Pit Bull or a Boxer or a German Shepherd. You know, something big and kick-ass and appropriate for me,” Eric said.

 

“Maybe a Chihuahua then, if we’re talking appropriate,” Nick said.

 

“Bite me, Nick,” Eric shot back.

 

“Don’t worry, Nick. I promise you before this night is over, Eric will prove you right and he will be putty in the paws of the puppy,” Michelle said.

 

“I’m glad you like him,” Nick said.

 

“Like him? I love him. My only problem will be getting near this gorgeous pup when Eric is home. Additionally, between the game console and the puppy, I won’t get to see my husband anymore but I’ll sort something out,” Michelle said.

 

Billy said, “Maybe a new husband?”

 

Michelle chuckled and said, “Maybe” but she did not break her gaze from the puppy.

 

Eric swung around and looked at Billy and mouthed, “Fuck you” in reply.

 

Billy had been standing at the front door and watching but he finally walked around the couch and stood next to Nick. Nick wrapped his arm around Billy’s waist and petted their pup with the other hand. He then looked at Eric with a soft smile and said, “I guess this means we’re family if our children are related,” and then he completed with a knowing wink.

 

Eric sat back and stared at Nick, a soft and emotional expression crossing his face. It seemed the man always knew the right thing to say and do. A thought crossed Eric’s mind instantly and as he looked into Nick’s eyes he said, “I couldn’t ask for a better brother than you.”

 

Nick was pleased that Eric had understood. He swallowed down the emotion he felt but almost instantly, there was another knock on the front door. Nick moved excitedly and with expectancy to let his father and Jordan into Billy’s apartment.

 

Ann said with a grin as they all stood up and turned toward the front door, “I wonder who that might be?

 

Nick invited the new guests inside and he hugged them as if he had known them for years. He then turned to the five people who were all standing and looking at the two older men, no question as to which one was Nick’s father.

 

“Everyone, I’d like you all to meet my father, Tim Ryan. I’d also like you to meet his life partner, Jordan Hudson.”

 

Nick stepped forward and the men followed him until he stopped and turned around and said, “Dad, Jordan, this is Billy, my boyfriend.”

 

“Hello,” Billy said nervously.

 

Tim stepped forward and he embraced Billy without a second thought and said, “It’s so good to meet you, Billy. I’ve only heard a little about you so far but I’m looking forward to getting to know you, as well.”

 

“I’d really like that, too,” Billy said as Tim stepped back. Billy then turned, smiled and said, “Hello, Jordan.”

 

Jordan was shorter than Tim by about an inch and his body was slim. He was a good-looking man with blonde hair that had darkened with age. His eyes were light blue and he had a dazzling smile.

 

“Hello, Billy. It’s good to meet you. I have to say that after meeting Nick today and learning what I have from Tim since Nick left to return home, I was curious to meet the man that hooked him. I’m looking forward to getting to know you,” Jordan said.

 

“This is all so unexpected. I mean that Tim is gay but it’s also exciting to meet Nick’s family and to know there’ll be no judgments or hidden attitudes to deal with. I hope we all can get on well and so I’m really happy to meet you, too,” Billy replied.

 

Nick was smiling so happily and then he turned and said, “Dad, this is Michelle.”

 

“Hello Tim, it’s a pleasure to meet you and I’m so pleased everything worked out well,” Michelle said.

 

“Hello Michelle and thank you but you seem to have the advantage here. You seem to know about me but how exactly do you fit into this picture?”

 

Michelle smiled and replied, “I’m the wife of the man who turned your world upside down on Monday morning.”

 

“Dad, the face looking over Michelle’s shoulder belongs to Eric,” Nick said excitedly.

 

“Now you’re a man whose hand I want to shake,” Tim said.

 

Michelle stepped around Tim and extended her hand to Jordan, leaving Eric available for Tim to approach. Eric was feeling proud but as he held out his hand Tim said, “Actually, I think a thank you hug is in order” and he grabbed Eric and pulled him into his arms. “I owe you big time, my friend,” he said softly into Eric’s ear.

 

“Your son is very special to me and I did it for him but I’m glad I could help and you’re very welcome,” Eric replied.

 

“I’ll look forward to talking to you,” Tim said and let him go.

 

“Dad, this is Honey from Billy’s side of this little family,” Nick introduced.

 

“Hello, Honey,” Tim said with a large smile at the woman he thought was closer to his age than anyone else other than Jordan.

 

“Hello,” she said and added, “You must be whirling a little with everything that’s happened?”

 

“Honey, I really can’t even begin to explain how this week has changed my life and particularly how today has affected me. It’s been incredible and it turned out even better than I expected,” he said and then rolled his eyes to emphasize how overwhelmed he felt.

 

“Dad, this is Ann, Honey’s partner,” Nick said.

 

“Ann, it’s a pleasure,” Tim greeted and shook her hand.

 

Ann said, “It’s very nice to meet you, Tim. I can only imagine how you must be feeling and what you must be experiencing today, so I hope this unexpected get together with a group of strangers isn’t a trial?”

 

“As long as I get to spend time with my boy, I think I could face anything but Ann, everyone seems very nice and so I’m sure Jordan and I will be perfectly at home.”

 

“I’m pleased,” she said.

 

Tim questioned, “Do I detect Australia?”

 

“Yes,” she replied with a warm smile.

 

“Last year Jordan and I spent three months traveling all over it. We had a fantastic time and have even discussed going back again for some more focused travel,” he explained.

 

Ann nodded and said, “You’ve probably seen more of it than I have. Travel hasn’t been a large part of my life. Career has taken up far too much of my time,” she said.

 

Tim nodded and then turned and looked at Honey before he asked out of curiosity, “What’s with the puppies?”

 

“Nick bought them this morning, one for he and Billy and one for Eric and Michelle as an anniversary gift,” Honey replied.

 

Tim turned and looked at Nick who was talking to Jordan, Eric and Michelle. As he stared at them he asked, “How long have they been married?”

 

“Three years, tomorrow, apparently,” Honey replied.

 

Tim’s head spun back to Honey and he said questioningly, “Apparently?”

 

“Ann and I have only just met them as well but Billy told us about them last night,” Honey replied.

 

Tim nodded and asked, “What about the two of you? How long have you been together?”

 

“Ann and I met three months ago,” Honey answered.

 

“The early days. Now they are some good times but don’t let anyone tell the two of you that a gay relationship can’t last. With the right person and the right attitude, gay relationships are no different,” Tim said.

 

“I believe that’s true,” Ann agreed.

 

Honey asked, “How long have you and Jordan been together?”

 

“Twenty-five years,” Tim said proudly and glanced at Jordan with deep emotion in his eyes.

 

Ann asked, “What’s your secret of longevity?”

 

“Love, respect and honesty,” he replied.

 

Honey said with a note of sarcasm and a roll of her eyes, “Is that all?”

 

Tim chuckled and said, “For the most part.”

 

“I imagine the rest is a private and personal juggle,” Ann suggested.

 

“I couldn’t have put it better myself,” Tim said.

 

While everyone was chatting and slowly getting to know each other, without anyone’s knowledge, Billy had wandered into the kitchen. He popped open a bottle of champagne and half-filled eight, slim, flute glasses and then put them onto a tray. He walked back into the living room and after getting everyone’s attention, he told everyone to take a glass for the first toast of the evening. When everyone had their glass in hand and they were all standing and looking at him, he began.

 

“It’s my hope, particularly for Nick’s sake, tonight will be a wonderful evening. There is so much going on in this room, which influences every single one of you in so many ways. Of all of us, my own personal Superman, known to you all as Nick Rawlins, is the one that has brought us all together and so firstly, I want all of you to raise your glasses to my man, Nick.”

 

Nick was blushing but Billy’s toast brought chuckles and smiles but everyone said ‘To Nick” and they took a drink before returning their focus to Billy.

 

“Secondly, there was a specific reason for this night, initially, anyway. That reason hasn’t changed and so now I want you, Nick, to step forward and make the toast in that regard.”

 

Nick looked shocked from the unexpected request and his brown face flushed a little red again. Still he stepped from the back of the room and walked to Billy’s position.

 

“Public speaking isn’t my thing, Billy,” he whispered but Billy told him to make a simple toast to Eric and Michelle and then began to step to the side.

 

“Oh no you don’t,” Nick said and pulled Billy against him and wrapped his arm around his waist. “If I have to do this than you have to stand here with me.

 

“Just say whatever comes to mind,” Billy suggested.

 

“Okay,” Nick said, as he looked at all the faces staring at him. “How to start? Well, what Billy was talking about, which everyone now knows, is that tomorrow is the third anniversary of our friends, Michelle and Eric Cross. It still is a bit of a curiosity to me as to what it is that Michelle sees in Eric but I suppose there’s no accounting for taste.”

 

“Hey,” Eric called out and everyone laughed.

 

“I’m kidding, buddy. You’re my best friend and I love you. You changed my entire life without even knowing you were doing it and then you did it again and brought my dad into my life. I don’t know how I can ever repay you?”

 

“I do,” Michelle called unexpectedly with an obviously mischievous tone.

 

“Chelle,” Eric said in shocked embarrassment and Michelle winked at Nick.

 

Nick laughed despite the other guest’s facial expressions that said they did not get the joke. He then looked directly at Michelle and then at Eric and Eric wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist.

 

“All jokes aside, these two people are good people and nothing could make me happier than to know that they are happy together and love each other the way they do. In no time at all, like much of what has happened to me this week, I have come to know that I have two, true friends in them and so I decided I wanted to put on a surprise dinner for them. The rest of you are unexpected bonuses for me but this night and this dinner is specifically for the two of you. I love you both, thank you for everything and I wish you a very happy and fruitful life together. To Eric and Michelle,” Nick said with his glass raised high in the air.

 

“Eric and Michelle,” everyone followed in unison.

 

“One final toast,” Nick said; “Absolutely, this night, this spread and this situation couldn’t have happened without one person and so please, all of you, to Billy.”

 

“To Billy,” they all said.

 

“Thanks Nick and thank you everyone but what say we get this show on the road. Ya’ll take your seats at the table, I’ll crack open a couple of bottles of red wine, courtesy of Ann and then we can eat, drink and be merry,” Billy said.

 

The room erupted with talk and laughter and everyone began to make their way to the table. Honey, though, moved closer to Billy and said, “Well the pressures on now, so I guess we’ll find out tonight just how good in the kitchen you really are” and Billy glared at her, knowing she had scored the first points between them of the night.

 

To be continued...