Chapter 32 

 

Sunset was still several hours away and the sun was shining brightly. With the weather now appropriate to the seasons, the heat of summer generated and drew in the clouds while air pollution was visible in some sectors of the sky. There was still a greater degree of blue than white or grey and generally speaking it was a very nice day.

 

From within his vehicle, Nick stared straight ahead as he drove. Following leaving his job site, his apparel was shorts and runners while his shirtless body absorbed the suns rays through the open nature of the Jeep. Traffic was medium but easy and because life seemed so good, Nick was on autopilot as he cruised through the streets of Detroit.

 

Four months had passed by since Nick’s life had changed. By now, though, even more things had given a completely different view to the world he had once known. Happy and embracing of his new life since then, Nick had been caught up in the fullness of it all and spent no time reminiscing the events that brought him to how and where he now existed. He would not have even considered the past that afternoon, had something so peculiar not occurred.

 

Another day’s work was over and as he was driving home, thoughtlessly and out of an old habit, he turned into the street where he had lived only a month before. As he approached the apartment block, even though he had by this point realized he had driven to the old street, still he slowed down and for no particular reason he was aware of; Nick pulled to the curb and stopped.

 

As Nick stared at the façade of the building, he pulled on the handbrake and turned off the engine. As he looked at this piece of his past, he knew there was nothing about it that he missed. He silently affirmed he had no regrets and then memories instigated a smile of nostalgia.

 

Nick remembered how despite his hope for a better life, the first night he lived there, he had felt lonely, apprehensive and filled with doubt. He recalled the first day he left for work in the car he bought from his first couple of street fights. He remembered the day he met Billy, two days after the young man had moved in. He had been attempting to avoid and hide from his new neighbor but the moment he stepped outside, he bumped into Billy walking up the stairs.

 

Nick quietly chuckled as he recalled the truth of why after that first meeting, Billy always managed to bump into him or appear at just the right time. These days he knew the truth about Billy’s initial crush on him. “I love that you were so obsessed with me,” he whispered to the ether and then he turned and looked at the Oak tree. Subconsciously, he lifted his right hand and ran his finger along the scar that protruded out from his eyebrow. The tree had not caused the scar but both had been an influence on the same night, the night when the first notable change occurred with Billy.

 

Nick’s mind turned to Eric and his naked body in his arms on their first night together. He felt movement at his crotch from the thought. He was surprised by his physical reaction to the memory but then he thought there was nothing surprising about it. He knew he loved Billy but he also knew that after four months, it would not be difficult or any less enjoyable to strip Eric naked and make love to him. He knew his physical attraction to Eric would always remain and he also knew he still loved him deeply, however, he knew he could not go there and that his love for Billy and their relationship gave him what he needed.

 

Nick started his Jeep and began his journey to his new home. He turned out of the old street but his mind remained in the past. He thought of people and events and a multitude of circumstances that had become threads in the tapestry of his new world. There were the six obvious and most important people but now there were even more. Of all of them, one in particular, the most unlikely suspect if ever there was one, was now a cross between family and friend.

 

It had been the passage from winter into spring that had initiated this change. It started on the Saturday when they had gone to see Bobby. After Billy had concluded his visit, he had talked non-stop all the way back to the apartment. After he told Nick what Bobby had already confirmed to Nick, as well as all the details Nick did not know, Billy’s first words were that he was shocked. The closer they got to home the word changed from shocked to surprised. When they were almost at their street, it changed again to amazed. By the time they arrived home and went inside, Billy was practically beaming with happiness. He was ecstatic that he had his brother back in his life; he was excited that his brother was gay and he also told Nick that now he understood the situation, he had no problem with forgiving Bobby.

 

Nick had struggled to understand how Billy could wipe away years of hurt and abuse like it had never happened. He eventually made the assumption that Billy’s bond and love for his brother was so great, he must have been prepared to do almost anything to have him back as an important part of his life. Nick also thought that based on his understanding of how he felt about Tim, Gail and Mary being bound to him by blood, then Bobby being his blood, must have had the same effect on Billy.

 

On that night as they sat together in the living room, Nick knew that something had to be done. He felt that someone had to take control of the situation and remove the difficulties that were obviously going to obstruct their forward movement. Nick made a decision on the spot and then he turned and looked at Billy.

 

“Billy?”

 

“Yeah Nick?”

 

“We need to talk about something,” he said.

 

Billy asked, “What?”

 

“Do you want Bobby to come and stay with us?”

 

Billy clarified, “It’s not so much a matter of want as it is need. I mean yeah, sure I would love to have him here with me but the real problem is where else is he going to go?”

 

“I know we haven’t really discussed it but this place isn’t big enough. There’s one bedroom, which we both share and Bobby would have to sleep on the couch,” Nick said.

 

As Nick continued to drive home, he remembered the look in Billy’s eyes during that conversation. There was a sad look as he began to think that Nick was going to tell him he did not want Bobby with them.

 

“I didn’t want him with us,” he recalled honestly but then he grinned from the recollection of the look of uncertainty and disappointment on Billy’s face. Nick remembered how that look had been enough to fill him with absoluteness.

 

“Billy, how about we buy a home, somewhere big enough for our family? Somewhere where you and I and Muscles and Bobby can live comfortably,” Nick had suggested.

 

The change in expression on Billy’s face had been instantaneous and complete. His eyes brightened with relief and excitement and his entire face embraced his smile. Billy lunged from his seated position into Nick’s lap. He kissed him, hugged him and reaffirmed his love for him.

 

Nick remembered asking sarcastically, “So I’m guessing you want to do this?”

 

“I’d go anywhere with you and do anything you want,” Billy had replied.

 

“I don’t really know how to go about doing this,” Nick had said.

 

“Nick, Honey is the Loans Manager at the First National in Ann Arbor. She’ll tell us exactly what to do and how to go about everything correctly,” Billy had replied.

 

That night with Honey on Skype, she ran them through all the procedures they needed to know and to follow and the following Monday, Billy called his local bank and made an appointment to talk loans and buying a house.

 

Nick had not fought another street fight since the night of his touchdown. Subsequently, he had no additional income but he still had a huge amount of money hidden away and a good job to keep him liquid. With Billy sharing expenses and the fact he was by that point working full-time as assistant chef, financially they were in a very good place and things seemed to be just right. They therefore agreed to the commitment, went ahead and set everything in motion.

 

Buying a house was something they had discussed briefly several times. Initially it was because of the limited space in the apartment, however, it had become an even greater issue because of Muscles being locked inside so often. The clincher for Nick or at least the new aspect that brought him to his decision was Bobby. The certainty of the idea had occurred that night, even though he had been mulling over the idea of a house for some time. The increased importance of the idea was firstly because of what Bobby had told him that morning, when letting him know that Billy wanted his brother to stay with them. Nick knew the time was approaching and that one day soon, Bobby would need somewhere to stay.

 

The second and combined reason was because on that same morning before their individual visits with Bobby, Rowan had told them he had spoken with Billy’s father on the phone. He confirmed that Billy’s conclusion had been correct. Billy’s father had dismissed the psychiatrist as an advocate of the devil and a thief of God’s children, brainwashing his son away from the lord’s path. As a consequence of his father’s ruinous beliefs that his son was being changed, Bobby had no home to go to and only a brother who cared enough about him to support him.

 

Three months later, as if everything was simple and meant to be, all the financial and legal matters fell into place and they moved into a four-bedroom house. They bought new furniture and set one of the bedrooms aside for Bobby’s return to the world. By the second month of summer, Bobby was living in the house with Nick and Billy.

 

As Nick continued along one of Detroit’s main arteries, his recollections had been simple until the intensity of the memories about Bobby. Suddenly his mind was back there in those moments and he felt guilty. Nothing had been as he expected and the way things turned out, in some ways he still found hard to believe.

 

The first couple of days were trying and it was tense between Nick and Bobby. After a couple of hours following his arrival, Bobby went into his bedroom and only came out if it was necessary. He thought it best to give Nick his space and avoid him. Nick did not want to make it hard but he could still remember Billy bleeding on the carpet of the apartment and it was hard not seeing that image every time Bobby was in the same room.

 

No one had to say anything to Nick because he knew what he was doing and how he was making Bobby feel. Nick did not want to make Billy’s brother feel bad but he was struggling to dismiss his memories of that night.

 

Nick remembered arriving home from work on the third day. As he stepped through the front doorway, he heard Bobby shuffling into his room and closing the door hurriedly. The sudden awareness he was making someone else feel that they needed to run away and hide, was not a nice feeling. Most people Nick met really liked him but Bobby’s reactions were making him see that he was not being very likable. There was no feeling of power to it, only a feeling of guilt. It angered Nick because he thought he should not feel guilty when Bobby had been the bad guy but then his words, “had been” stuck in his craw.

 

Nick had gone into the kitchen to make his coffee before he let Muscles into the house but when he saw the full mug of hot coffee sitting on the kitchen bench, which Bobby had obviously forgotten as he sought sanctuary in his bedroom, Nick felt guilty again. He waited but Bobby did not come to retrieve it. That was the moment when Nick decided enough was enough. He made himself his coffee, picked up both and then went and knocked on Bobby’s bedroom door.

 

The uncertainty was obvious in Bobby’s voice when he called out, “Yes, come in.” Nick again felt instantly guilty for making a grown man feel so uncomfortable and so as he opened the bedroom door he said, “Bobby, may I talk with you?”

 

Bobby agreed and Nick sat down with him on his bed. He explained what was going on in his heart and mind and how that night was still an issue for him to deal with. Nick apologized for how he was making Bobby feel. It was not a long conversation but it was intense and when it was finally over and the wall had been deconstructed, Nick invited Bobby to come out of his bedroom so they could spend some time together.

 

Neither man would ever have guessed but within three days they were perfectly fine with each other and were sharing a lot of alone time, whenever Billy was not at home. Muscles had also taken a liking to Bobby, which helped Nick to trust him. Each afternoon as a consequence, Nick and Bobby were throwing tennis balls and playing with Muscles in the backyard. Finally, because Billy had told Nick Bobby had played football at school, often he and Bobby would go to the local park and toss around the football.

 

Nick now remembered how about a week later, a good friendship was developing and they had even begun discussing personal issues. The only subject Nick had been hesitant about raising was Dean but one afternoon while sitting on the front veranda in the sun, even though Nick thought he was taking a risk, still he asked Bobby to tell him about Dean. Bobby opened up to Nick in detail, telling him what Dean looked like, what he was like as a person and also what they were like when they were together alone. As Nick sat silently listening, he thought that if Bobby could find someone special and someone that could fill the space that Dean had created, it would probably do Bobby the world of good. Nick felt certain in that thought because he knew how his relationship with Billy had seemed to heal him in regard to Dan.

 

Accurate as it was, it was just a random thought of wishing this man he had come to know and like, could find that someone like Nick had found in Billy. Unexpectedly, a name struck Nick from out of nowhere and seemed to have nothing to do with anything. The thought, the name and the picture of Brock came like a spear into his mind. Nick said nothing because it seemed ridiculous if not completely implausible but still the idea was stuck in his head.

 

Still driving home from work, Nick laughed and shook his head at the same time. He pulled up at a set of traffic lights and out loud he said, “How could that have happened and how was it even possible?”

 

As he stared at the lights waiting for them to change, he recalled phoning Eric a little later that day. He told him what he had thought at the barbecue on the night he came out to the team. He said he had a gut feeling Brock was gay and then he told him about the unusual occurrence with Bobby that afternoon. He said he thought it was probably ludicrous but that he wanted to put Brock and Bobby in the same room together and see what happened.

 

Eric told him if Brock was gay he knew nothing about it, before adding, “Anything’s possible, though.” Eric gave Nick Brock’s number and told him to let him know how it worked out, if Nick went ahead with his idea. Nick sat on his bed thinking about it after his call to Eric. He wondered how he could go about initiating his improbable idea. He thought he could invite Brock over but then he wondered what reason he could give for a first ever invitation.

 

While silently thinking he was being stupid, he heard Bobby and Billy laughing in another room and Nick’s growing connection with Bobby made him want to ease the pain and make things better for him. Nick decided to take a risk and just be straightforward. He called Brock and when he had him on the line, with few pleasantries, Nick announced what he had thought on the night of the barbecue. Brock was dead silent in response to Nick’s saying he thought he was gay. Nick thought if Brock were straight he would be denying it immediately but all he heard was the young man breathing. Nick pressed on as a consequence and then asked if Brock would like to come over for dinner.

 

Nick recalled the distinct pause in their telephone call and he had no idea what was going through Brock’s mind. He knew how odd the situation must have seemed to Brock, simply because they were football acquaintances with no other connection. They were not really friends and so he thought it really must have seemed odd. Suddenly, if not a little apprehensively, Brock agreed. Nick smiled, gave him the address and told him to come over as soon as he was ready.

 

The moment the call had ended, Nick went directly to Billy and asked if it was okay that he had just invited someone for dinner. Billy was perfectly fine with meeting someone new and as he always loved to cook for people at home, all he asked was who was coming and how Nick knew Brock. Once he had his answers, Billy went to the kitchen and began preparing a meal for four.

 

Generally Nick would not have been secretive with Billy but because Bobby was there and Nick did not want to give the game away, he said nothing initially. At the same time, which Nick thought might be cause for concern, he noticed Bobby’s unsettled reaction to the idea of a stranger coming to visit. Bobby definitely seemed better these days but he was still somewhat withdrawn and uncertain. Nick decided this was a test for Bobby to be normal in a social situation and to react like any other person would. However, apprehensively, Nick hoped he had not made a mistake by inviting Brock to dinner.

 

When Brock arrived he seemed tentative and Nick knew it was because it was all so out of the blue. Nick knew he was the only one in the house Brock knew but even that was not a close and personal connection. He knew to Brock it was like walking into a room of strangers but still Nick had his hope and also a strange belief swirling around inside of him. He could only imagine what Brock was thinking but the moment the young man was inside and being introduced to Billy and Bobby, an easy relaxation settled over everyone and comfortable smiles swept away doubts and uncertainties.

 

There was no way Nick could have known but even though he had been right about Brock being uncomfortable; when Brock had walked in and realized there was another man that Nick had not mentioned, he thought because Nick somehow had known he was gay, this was obviously a match making setup. He also looked at Bobby and was instantly attracted to him, making him willing to silently play along. He thought Bobby was super hot, even though Bobby seemed shy and incapable of holding extended eye contact.

 

When Billy returned to the kitchen, Nick sat down in the living room with the two men and they began chatting. There was the usual minor discomfort of what to say during first time meetings but Nick was now confident in his new life and so he took the reins and initiated the beginning of a conversation.

 

“So how’s life been, Brock? I haven’t seen you since the night of the barbecue at Eric and Michelle’s place.”

 

“Not too bad, Nick, just the usual slog and grind of work and day-to-day living,” he replied.

 

From the moment Brock arrived, Bobby discovered himself staring at Brock because he was very attracted to him. He knew he had barely spoken two words since the hot, young man had arrived and suddenly he realized he wanted to get to know him.

 

Bobby asked, trying to get involved, “What do you do for work?”

 

“I’m a carpenter. I make furniture,” Brock said, smiling because this guy he was attracted to was talking to him. “What about you, Bobby? What do you do?”

 

“Um, I’m a butcher or at least I was but at the moment I’m unemployed,” Bobby replied.

 

Brock asked on noticing an accent, “Are you from somewhere down south?”

 

“Yeah, Kentucky,” Bobby clarified.

 

Seeking more information as he wondered if Bobby was gay and what his chances might be with this man, Brock asked, “Are you here to stay or just visiting with Billy and Nick?”

 

Bobby glanced at Nick. He wanted to say I’m here to stay but even though their relationship was good and obviously getting better, he did not want to sound presumptuous. Nick caught on immediately and took control.

 

“Bobby resides with us. He and Billy have a great relationship as brothers and as he was sort of in between old and new lives, Billy and I thought we should ask him to move in here until he decided what he wanted to do. As far as we’re concerned he can stay as long as he wants but that’ll be up to him,” Nick said and Bobby smiled at him gratefully and with relief.

 

Brock nodded and smiled at Nick but his attention immediately returned to Bobby, which it seemed to be constantly doing and then he said, “It seems you’ve got a great home and good people to live with, which is more than some of us can say. If I were you, I’d be staying around and making this home.”

 

It was an honest remark from Brock even though he was hoping somewhere inside of him that he could see Bobby again. At the same time, both Nick and Bobby looked at Brock curiously when they heard the obvious discontent behind his words. Nick was instantly about to question the statement but Bobby beat him to the punch.

 

Bobby queried, “It sounds like things aren’t good for you at home?”

 

“Share accommodation can be like that,” Brock said vaguely.

 

Bobby asked, “Is it the people or the place that’s the problem?”

 

“The people. I mean, well, I live with three other guys and they’re pigs. All they do is get drunk, eat pizza and talk about getting laid. They went to school together, lived in a frat together and now they’re out in the adult world and should be beginning their lives but instead, the three of them are sticking together like security blankets. They never clean up the house and if I do, they say nothing and start making another mess. I mean they’re men and should be getting their acts together but instead they seem to be trying to hang on to a teenage life that’s long gone,” Brock explained.

 

Bobby asked, “How old are they?”

 

“Around my age. Only last month I turned twenty-four but I’m the oldest. They’re between twenty-two and twenty-three. I feel like I’m living with teenagers. When I originally moved in, which was about five months ago, initially they seemed like really nice guys but as the months went by, things have only gotten worse. As a consequence I’m paying rent for a room in a place I barely spend any time. I go out as much as possible to stay away from them and when I’m at home I spend most of my time locked in my bedroom,” Brock explained.

 

Bobby questioned again, sounding very concerned, “Why haven’t you moved out?”

 

“I’ve been looking for somewhere new but sometimes finding the right place isn’t easy. Sharing is so much cheaper but I haven’t been able to find the place or the right people. This month I’ve been beginning to think I should find my own place and move in somewhere alone,” Brock said.

 

“Well, I hope things turn around for you very soon, Brock. It sounds like a type of hell to me and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Bobby said.

 

“Thanks,” Brock replied and the two men smiled warmly and sincerely at each other.

 

Nick had already been studiously watching Brock and Bobby. He thought there was definitely a spark between them, no matter how small and insignificant it seemed. Additionally, neither Brock nor Bobby had looked at him in the last couple of minutes and even during this silent pause, their body language was directed at each other while their eyes were temporarily looking elsewhere. Nick already was thinking this might work out.

 

Manipulatively, Nick said, “Well, I should check on Billy. Will the two of you be capable of entertaining each other?”

 

“Yes” and “Sure” were the two words that resounded in Nick’s direction synchronously.

 

Nick smiled and stood up, almost feeling like the men were happy to see him go. He was certain it was unintentional but he got the distinct impression that unknown to each other, Bobby and Brock wanted to be alone and that something was definitely happening. Nick thought it was amazing that his random thought that afternoon could have actually been right.

 

Leaving them, Nick went to the kitchen to fill Billy in on what he was up to. Billy was a little shocked and also uncertain considering Bobby was only just coming back to the world. However, when Nick explained his thoughts and feelings and also the strange occurrences that had led him to do what he was doing, Billy agreed it might be good for Bobby and so he went along with Nick’s plan.

 

By the time dinner was halfway through, Billy and Nick were looking at each other and smiling. Though there was no blatant display between them, the subtle and unconscious need of both Bobby and Brock, to direct all conversation toward each other, seemed no less then Freudian in nature.

 

When dinner was over, Billy and Nick cleared the table and then slipped away and left Brock and Bobby sitting, drinking and talking. Billy and Nick cleaned the kitchen and discussed how they had both been almost completely ignored throughout dinner. They then took a sneaky peak at the two men staring into each other’s eyes whilst talking, oblivious to the fact that Nick and Billy had not returned.

 

Two hours later, Bobby called out curiously and Nick and Billy left their hideout in the bedroom and came out grinning like Cheshire cats. The obvious fell into place for both Brock and Bobby instantly and they looked embarrassed, their expressions like schoolboys caught kissing behind the closed stall door of a toilet. Billy and Nick rejoined them for a few minutes but then soon enough they said goodnight, leaving Bobby and Brock to decide how their night would end. Brock and Bobby joined Nick and Billy for breakfast the next morning.

 

They started seeing each other every day from that day forward. Brock started showing up every night and every morning he would appear grinning at Nick and Billy, before racing off to work if it was a weekday or staying around constantly on the weekends.

 

It was very obvious to both Nick and Billy that Bobby was coming further out of his withdrawn state. He got a haircut, returned to working out and slowly his body returned to the incredible shape he had been in. His confidence began to return as well and a new individuality began to express itself.

 

The sounds of sex were filling the house at all times, though it was not just the sounds of Nick and Billy. There were even times when a chorus of moans from different bedrooms filtered through the house and led to chuckles and grins and competitive remarks. The weeks that followed saw four men become close and connected in ways they never would have expected.

 

A month later, Bobby told Nick he had fallen in love with Brock. Already seeing the positive influence, Nick suggested Bobby asked Brock to move in. A week after Brock had accepted the offer and was then a resident of the house; he approached Nick and thanked him for changing his life.

 

It was there that Nick’s memory of Bobby’s addition to his life ended. He was still driving home but he had a very large smile on his face as a consequence of the memories. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he really liked Bobby. They were now very close and Nick knew he would not have it any other way.

 

Nick glanced to his left as he drove past the field where he played football. A smile instantly crossed his face from the thought of the game and the team. Immediately however, as it most often did when he thought about the team, his mind turned to Eric. It was par for the course that Nick felt good and warm feelings about Eric but he also always saw a picture in his head of that one hot and naked night in his bed with his secret love.

 

Four and a half months had passed them by and though they had kept true to their vow to maintain only their friendship, still the comments and the looks and the feelings remained. Even though Nick loved Billy from his heart and soul, still sometimes Nick felt guilty for his contained and hidden thoughts and feelings. He had even discussed it with Eric on occasion and though it helped that Eric admitted he felt guilty where Michelle was concerned, too, even though they never acted upon it, still Nick sometimes felt bad. He always came to the conclusion it was because regardless of the fact that he would never cross that line again, he knew at the core of his being that he wanted to.

 

Nick nodded in self-agreement but then he thought about the unexpected phone call he had received from Eric a few days before. What Eric had revealed had shocked Nick because he did not know anything was going on and he had not been invited to attend an off-season team meeting. Still, it had been very satisfying news.

 

Eric told Nick that there had been quite a few discussions by phone with some of the guys on the team. Apparently there had been concern over Jack trying to have Nick removed from the team and eventually while leaving Jack out of the circle, the specific players who had called him, told Eric they wanted him to become their new Captain and they wanted Jack to be removed from the team.

 

Eric said to Nick that he sat down with Michelle and had a very detailed discussion on the matter and that he had also given his decision a great deal of thought. Eventually he had called everyone except for Jack and Nick, before calling a team meeting. It had not been much of a meeting because all the guys, excluding two guys, Kevin and Ryan, reiterated that they did not want Jack gone.

 

Questioning, Eric asked Kevin and Ryan, “What are your opinions on the matter?”

 

Kevin was almost bitchy in his argument and said, “Jack should be at this impromptu meeting.”

 

Ryan piped in agreeing and said, “I wouldn’t have even showed up if I’d known it was going to be some sort of coup against one man.”

 

“Tyler spoke up immediately and said, “Oh but you think it was okay for Jack to start a coup, as you call it, against Nick?”

 

“We don’t need people like him on our team,” Kevin said.

 

“People like him? Let me tell you, Kevin, this team had never won a single game until Nick came along and since then, four years later, we’ve won two finals,” Tyler said sharply.

 

“Well if that faggot is so great, maybe we should let him play every position and we can all sit back and watch,” Ryan said smugly.

 

“Then again,” Brock said, “maybe Jack and the two of you could fuck off, crawl into some hole where narrow-minded and bigoted assholes like you congregate and the rest of us could enjoy the simplicity of the fun and enjoyment of playing football.”

 

“Fuck you, Brock. What are you, the faggot’s advocate,” Ryan said.

 

“Actually, no, I’m not but…” Brock began but then with a swift thought he said, “Oh, fuck it! I’m a gay man as well and so if you don’t like it and can’t stand the fact that there are men like us in the world and playing football beside you, then maybe you really should fuck off and find yourselves another team, one that’s filled with bigots like you.”

 

Excluding Eric who all ready knew, every man turned and looked at Brock with stunned expressions on their faces. In truth, the rest of the guys were just surprised by the information and did not care but for Kevin and Ryan it was a different matter all together.

 

“Jesus Christ, they’re coming out of the woodwork like cockroaches,” Kevin yelled in disgust.

 

Eric yelled, “Enough! Let’s put this whole situation to a vote. All in favor of a new captain raise your hand.”

 

All but two hands lifted.

 

“All those in favor of removing Jack from the team, raise your hand.”

 

Again, all but two hands lifted.

 

“This isn’t right. Jack should be here to vote,” Ryan said.

 

“It wouldn’t matter, Ryan. We live in a democratic country and this was a democratic vote and so even with three votes you just lost,” Eric said.

 

“I don’t want to play on a team with faggots in it,” Kevin said.

 

“Neither do I,” Ryan agreed.

 

“Well then, fuck off,” Tyler said angrily but with great satisfaction in his eyes.

 

Kevin grabbed Ryan by the arm and pulled him while saying, “Come on, let’s get the fuck away from all these faggot loving pricks.”

 

Tyler started to lunge toward Kevin but James stepped in front of him and said, “Tyler, don’t waste your time or energy on people like that. Trust me, they’re not worth it and I know you already know that.”

 

Tyler looked at James and nodded in agreement. He then turned and looked at Eric and said, “So, are you going to be our new captain, Captain?”

 

Eric laughed and then said, “As long as we make it a policy not to allow any sort of bigots or racists to play on this team. Otherwise, I’m out of here as well.”

 

James turned and said, “All those in favor of a football team that is a bigot free zone and is captained by Eric, say I.”

 

In unison, the rest of the guys all yelled, “I.”

 

“Fine, I’ll be your captain but I want a cap to wear that says Boss,” Eric said with a huge grin.

 

Tyler turned and said, “All those in favor of naming a new captain other than Eric…”

 

All the men laughed and the meeting was called to an end.

 

Nick smiled from the thought and he wished he had been there to see it happen. He understood why he was not invited but he thought it would have been great to watch. However, it was what Eric told him next during that same phone call that really brought a smile to Nick’s face.

 

Apparently, that afternoon when Eric arrived home, the first thing he did was to phone Jack. Eric told Nick he was like a child and could not wait to impart his vengeance, even though he planned on doing it calmly.

 

Eric said that Jack’s rant began and continued with practically every second word being fuck or fucking. He then told Nick exactly what had been said.

 

“What the fuck? You can’t fucking kick me off the team. The team will never be able to fill my fucking position as quarterback, playmaker and Captain. Everyone will regret it and the team will never win another fucking game without me. I’m the fucking pin in the wheel that makes the whole fucking thing work. Fuck, Eric, I thought we were fucking friends? Why the fuck are you doing this…”

 

Jack would have continued but Eric cut him off abruptly and said, “Jack, shut the fuck up. I’m Captain now and changes are being made. First up, you’re not some great player that we can’t do without. When are you going to realize that and also that if you were, you’d be playing for Detroit as a professional and you wouldn’t be bitching that you’ve just been kicked off a local, amateur team. Secondly, you’re not the only player that’s gone. Your equally bigoted and homophobic buddies, Kevin and Ryan, are gone as well. Maybe the next time you need to call a guy to come to your house to suck your cock and lick your ass, you can call both of them and they can work you from both sides at the same time.”

 

“What? Is that what that faggot, Rawlins, told you? It’s bullshit, Eric. Why are you taking his word over mine? I’m straight and I’m not interested in sick, faggot sex and…”

 

“Jack, enough of your lies. Anyway, what’s done is done and your no longer required and so I suppose in spite of all your f-bombs, it’s you in the end who is fucked.”

 

“But…”

 

“Jack, just fuck off,” Eric said and ended the call.

 

Nick turned his Jeep into his street laughing. Once again he wished he had been there to see the look on Jack’s face but still he thought just hearing Eric telling him that Jack had been given his marching orders in no uncertain terms, had been worth its weight in gold.

 

Arriving home from work after his unexpected sidetrack to the apartment and his memory-filled drive, Nick pulled into the driveway and parked on the left side outside the garage. When he went inside no one was home and so he went straight to the back door to let Muscles in. The dog was allowed in the house whenever he wanted but most of the time he preferred the outside world. He was full-grown at six-months-old and he was a handsome dog with intelligent eyes and a strong and solid body. Nick was his god and Muscles went nuts with love and excitement when he saw him. Nick dropped onto the carpet and rolled and played with the dog like he always did, at least until both of them had run out of steam.

 

With Muscles following him all over the house and watching him, Nick showered, changed his clothes and then took the dog for its usual afternoon walk. Two houses away was a side street containing a small park and Muscles knew it was his destination whenever his leash was produced. When they arrived home, Billy’s car was parked beside his, Brock’s Mustang was at the curb and the distinctive silver-blue Jaguar that belonged to James was parked behind it. Nick smiled happily and went inside.

 

Muscles flinched as he always did when he heard the extreme voice of Krace. It was a strange mix of effeminate and cockney and it reverberated through the house. When they went into the living room Nick found some of his expected guests sitting down and everyone was talking in a happy and sociable manner. Billy was out of his seat and in Nick’s arms the moment he saw him, his lips up to receive his welcoming kiss.

 

In jest, Bobby called out, “Guys, please, take it into the bedroom. Some of the people here may not have strong stomachs like I do.”

 

Nick broke their kiss and said, “Bobby, it was not my desire to see all the nasty bits belonging to you and Brock when I allowed the two of you to live here. However, it seems I’ve been unable to avoid the sight of your cocks and balls flapping in the wind whenever the two of you scamper naked around the house at any given time of the day or night. So, if Billy and I kissing is too much for you to cope with, there’s the door,” Nick pointed while sporting a “bite me” grin and Bobby replied non verbally with a thumbs up and an amused smirk.

 

“Hi Nick,” Krace said as he walked into the room, returning from the toilet.

 

Nick replied, “Hi Krace. How’s life in the royal bed chamber?”

 

“Great,” he replied as he dropped onto a large leather couch next to James.

 

James looked at Nick with curiosity, knowing the remark sounded like an Eric remark. Nick grinned, knowing James recognized that Eric had been talking out of school. Without a word, Nick looked at James, winked at him and nodded that he was correct. James shook his head like he was irritated but then their silent conversation was over.

 

“Hey James,” Nick now said, “good to see you could get away from work. Did you pick up Michelle?”

 

“Nick, I wouldn’t have missed this night for the world. As far as Michelle is concerned, though, she called me and told me not to bother and that she would meet me here,” James replied.

 

Michelle stood up from her hidden position on the recliner, which was facing away from Nick. She turned around and smiled warmly and greeted him, which he returned before walking over and giving her a hug and a peck on the cheek.

 

Nick asked, “Does he have any idea?”

 

“No Nick, though it near broke my heart looking at his face this morning. It was the first time in all our years together that I didn’t say happy birthday. He had every right to believe that I’d never forget because I never would. He just kept looking at me with eyes like a little boy whose mommy couldn’t remember his name. Then, when I told him I was going out with the girls for the night and I wasn’t sure what time I’d be home, I think he almost cracked under his own pressure and wanted to yell at me that it was his birthday,” Michelle said.

 

Nick asked as he turned and looked at the others, “None of you called him, did you?”

 

“No,” came the throng of identical replies.

 

Michelle asked, “Did you call him yet, Nick?”

 

“Yeah, just before I left work. He sounded so down in the dumps when he answered but then he sounded so pleased by my call. I told him Billy was working tonight and asked if he wanted to come over? He jumped at the chance. I think that because no one has called, he feels like no one gives a shit. He didn’t say anything about it and it was murder for me to not say happy birthday but I didn’t and I told him to come over at six-thirty. He always shows up early so you guys are going to have to move your cars next to the park in the side street before he gets here, otherwise the surprise will be ruined.”

 

Tyler and Katie turned up a few minutes later and then shortly after, Gail and Rafael walked in with happy hellos for everyone. Gail embraced Nick warmly and it was obvious a very strong connection had grown between them. Then, the final guests to arrive, Honey and Ann, were running a little late because Ann’s final surgery of the day ran overtime.

 

At six o’clock everyone required to, all moved their cars and Billy put his into the garage and closed the door. Just under thirty minutes later, Billy called out as he stood peering through the curtains, “He’s here” and then everyone except for Nick, piled into the kitchen and waited silently.

 

Nick opened the door moments after the doorbell rang and he found Eric standing there with barely a smile on his face. Nick felt so sorry for his buddy but he knew in just moments it would all change. All he had to do was get him seated with his back to the kitchen so that everyone could creep in behind him.

 

Nick asked, feigning ignorance, “No offence, Eric but you look like shit. What’s up?”

 

Eric looked at Nick like he could not believe his friend had forgotten as well. They had only spoken about it a couple of days ago and Nick had joked with him that he was finally growing up. Following Nick calling him when he finished work, Eric had embraced a vain hope that when he got to Nick’s, he would receive a Happy Birthday wish. He could not believe no one had remembered and no one had called but mostly he was hurt that Michelle had forgotten as well. When Nick said nothing either, a somber mood had completely overtaken him. Eric shook his head and said, “Nothing, just another day, I guess.”

 

In the kitchen and listening, Krace whispered to everyone, “Typical Cancerian, hard shell on the outside and gooey soft inside.”

 

Michelle smiled at Krace but James rolled his eyes and shushed him.

 

Nick wrapped his arm around Eric’s shoulder and walked him in. He physically directed him toward the largest lounge because Eric had a tendency to always sit in the same seat.

 

“Nick, what are you doing? Let me go, you know I always sit over there.”

 

“Yeah, I know but I want you to sit here with me because I need to talk to you about something really important,” Nick said.

 

Eric rolled his eyes but he did not really care and he sat down beside Nick. The high back of the lounge kept the background hidden from sight and a second after Nick turned to look at Eric, he realized he had not planned a dialogue to hold his attention. Ironically, Eric saw the perplexed look and began to worry.

 

“What’s wrong, Nick? Surely it can’t be that bad?”

 

Nick knew as he was staring back at Eric, twelve people were trying to sneak into the room without making a sound. He only had to keep this going for a short time longer before Billy would gently tap the wall just once. Forcing an expression, Nick looked at Eric like he was stressed out of his mind and Eric reached over worriedly and grabbed his arm.

 

“Buddy, you look like the worlds about to end, come on, you know you can talk to me and you can tell me anything. Nick, what’s the problem?”

 

Nick heard the single tap and he said, “Okay but let’s go into the kitchen and make a coffee.”

 

“Jesus, Nick, the last time we did that you told me your life story,” Eric said.

 

Nick stood up and turned around, looking down at Eric. He could see everyone was in place and he said, “Come on, this is really important” and he held out his hand. Eric reached out and took his hand and Nick pulled him to his feet. The moment he did, Nick forcibly spun him around and Eric’s expression was astonished.

 

Eric yelled, “Fuck!”

 

“Surprise!” Everyone yelled in unison and then burst into a chorus of Happy Birthday.

 

Eric was dumbstruck but as his eyes took in all the faces and he realized they were all of his favorite people in the world, he felt a mass of emotion surge through him. He looked at Michelle like he could not believe what she had done and then he turned and looked at Nick who was singing while grinning happily but with a smirk of success.

 

When the birthday ditty was over, the noise of everyone talking was loud and Eric hugged Nick and whispered in his ear, “I know you did this and thank you but your going to pay dearly” and then he let him go and turned to find Michelle, whom he wanted to kiss but also strangle.

 

It took nearly half an hour before Eric had finally gotten to everyone to say thank you for making it the special occasion it was for him. By the time he had, music was playing, people were talking and laughing and Billy had put on a fantastic birthday spread that covered not only the entire dining room table but the breakfast bar as well.

 

From the moment it began, even though all up there were only fourteen people, it was a great party and everyone was happy and having fun. For a time it split up into two groups of men and women but it did not take too long before people were moving, mingling and joining in to put in their two cents worth toward any overheard conversation.

 

“Happy Birthday, Eric,” James said again.

 

“Thanks but you’ve already given me my birthday wishes,” Eric replied.

 

“Well, I thought it was better then to call you an ass,” James spouted with mock anger.

 

Eric asked, “What have I done now?”

 

“Nick asked Krace this afternoon how things were in the royal bedchamber and I know that could only have come from one person.”

 

Eric asked with a smug grin, “Who?”

 

“I say it to you all the time but you’re an ass, Eric.”

 

“James, the things I say, it’s all thought, said and done with nothing but the deepest love,” Eric said.

 

“You’ll get yours one day,” James replied.

 

“I get all variations of mine whenever I want it and any day of the week, James. There’s no need to wish for someone special for me. You gay guys flock to my cock, year long,” he said and snorted with amusement.

 

“You wish, Eric. It’s still an enigma to me why Michelle gives you the free rein she does. If I were a woman and your wife, I’d have you locked in the basement, which I would turn into a torture chamber and I would beat you and whip you every night.”

 

“Thanks for the offer but S&M is not my thing. Apart from that you could never be my wife but you could easily pass for a woman.”

 

“Fuck you, white dog,” James replied.

 

“How is the nursery going?” Michelle asked Gail.

 

“Better than Rafael or I expected. It already had a great reputation and though we had no experience in the arena, the original owner’s employees have all remained with us. They’re all very experienced and know all about plants and their teaching us everything while we run the business. We’re also doing a lot of reading and learning but fingers crossed that everything will remain on track and only get better,” Gail replied.

 

Michelle said, “I’m pleased to hear it. Are we still having lunch on Friday?”

 

“Absolutely Michelle and I can give you the grand tour of the nursery afterwards.”

 

Michelle asked, “Is Rafael happy with everything?”

 

“Oh yeah, he’s really happy and I haven’t seen him looking so relaxed in years. This is one of the best decisions we ever made.” Gail said.

 

Honey asked Katie, “How are things going with Tyler?”

 

“Fantastic, Honey. Look at him. He’s nothing like the man he appears to be. I mean sure he’s a man’s man, big and strong and also a little blunt at times but underneath all of that he’s a completely different man,” Katie replied.

 

“Sounds like what Michelle says about Eric,” Honey said.

 

“I don’t know, maybe it’s a bit of a standard with men but he’s soft and sincere, he’s thoughtful and shows concern and to top it all off, he’s astonishing in bed. He is everything that Jack wasn’t and I’ve never been happier in my life,” Katie said.

 

“I never met Jack but I’ve heard all about him and it sounded to me like his head was firmly embedded up his own ass,” Honey said and Katie almost stopped the party with her laughter.

 

“That about sums Jack up,” Katie replied when she stopped laughing. Anyway, tell me, how is the new life in Ann Arbor? Is Ann still working obscene hours?”

 

“No. Thank god for that. It’s much better there then it was in Cleveland and even my job is better as well. It seems like the volume of our lives has been turned down a notch and we’re getting to spend more quality time together,” Honey said.

 

“That’s great,” Katie replied.

 

“You’re so god damned hot, Krace said.

 

Rafael snorted with both amusement and a touch of esteem, “Complement accepted,” he said.

 

“Krace, the man is straight, he’s married and might I also add that though not legally, you’re married as well. I don’t think James would be too pleased with you talking to one of his friends in the way you are,” Billy said.

 

“True but I’m just being honest. I mean, come on, Billy, surely you have to agree that Rafael is the lust of a gay man’s fantasy?”

 

Billy searched for Nick’s position and then said, “Well, yes he is but…”

 

“No buts about it, Billy,” Krace said.

 

“It’s okay, Billy. I may not be gay but I sort of like that gay guys think I’m hot,” Rafael said.

 

“I’m sure,” Bobby said “but you don’t need men drooling all over you like barbecued spare ribs on a platter.

 

“I don’t know about that,” Brock said, he’s a stunning man and I doubt there are many people in this room, gay men or straight women that haven’t pondered being naked with Rafael in bed.”

 

“Here’s the skinny, boys. I’m married to Gail, I’m in love with her and I love the life we have together. I’m not gay or bisexual and though I did have a curious phase when I was a boy, I’m not looking and nor do I want anything outside of what I’ve got. However, if you all want to look at me and fantasize about me, by all means, please go ahead. I’m not bothered by it at all and I’m happy to have my ego stroked at all times,” Rafael explained.

 

“Good for you,” Brock said.

 

“You’re not getting any sex tonight,” Bobby said to Brock.

 

“Yeah, right. That won’t work on me, Bobby. You, my alabaster hunk, will be raping me before we’ve even turned back the sheets, just like every other night.”

 

“Is it true what they say about doctors, Ann?”

 

“You’ll have to be more specific than that, Tyler.”

 

Tyler explained, “Just that there’s a tendency not to tell people you’re doctors because suddenly everyone has a malady that needs your attention?”

 

Ann laughed and said, “Sometimes silence is golden, why, what’s wrong?” She asked and laughed again.

 

“Well, I’ve got this pain,” Tyler said but after an extended pause he added, “not really, I’m just kidding.”

 

Ann asked unexpectedly with an abrupt change of tone, as she watched Nick on the other side of the room, “Is Nick okay?”

 

Tyler asked as he turned to look in the direction Ann’s eyes were focused, “As far as I know he is. Why?”

 

Ann clarified, “I was just wondering if he wasn’t having a good time. I mean he’s alone and now he’s turning on his computer?”

 

The large screen opened with a photo of he and Billy next to Eric and Michelle and both couples holding their new puppies on the night of his first dinner party. Ann smiled as she recognized it immediately but then suddenly the Skype application opened and a moment later, Tim and Jordan’s faces appeared.

 

“Eric!” Nick called loudly.

 

“In the bathroom,” Eric replied immediately.

 

“Get your hot and well used ass out here now,” Nick yelled authoritatively.

 

“It’s my party and my birthday and I’ll do as I please,” came the follow-up reply and then a moment later, Eric burst into a chorus of, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to, cry if I want to…”

 

Michelle looked up from where she was sitting and seeing what was going on and what Nick was trying to achieve, instantly with a wife’s dominant yell she said, “Eric, if you want to get laid any time soon, get out here now.”

 

Laughter filled the room and Eric moved swiftly and appeared seconds later, looking at Michelle like he was a boy called to the principle’s office. Michelle smirked as she glanced at the grinning faces of people looking at her and then she said, “Men and their dicks, it’s the only answer,” and everyone howled with laughter.

 

Eric said, “What? What was so important?”

 

“Buddy, come here,” Nick said.

 

Eric walked directly to Nick, who slid his arm around his shoulder and said, Buddy, I have a special surprise for you” and then he pointed toward the computer.

 

The men on the screen yelled, “Happy Birthday!”

 

“Tim, Jordan! Holy shit. Hi and thanks,” he said with true surprise.

 

Tim asked, “Having a good night?”

 

“Yeah, a great night but two people are in my bad books for this whole charade,” Eric replied and laughed. How are things in Frisco?”

 

“Great but we’re both wishing we were there to share the night with you,” Tim said.

 

“I wish you were here too,” Eric replied.

 

“We were going to come but we only hang out with young people and you’re looking particularly old, maybe even ancient,” Jordan said.

 

“Oh yeah, that’s it, you give it to him, Jordan,” Billy yelled from behind.

 

“Hey Billy,” Jordan said and waved.

 

“Bite me, Jordan, I’m hot as hell and all the men still want me,” Eric replied.

 

“I see your delusions still abound,” Jordan shot back.

 

Nick said, looking at his father on the screen, “So when are you coming for a visit, Dad?”

 

“We were thinking about Christmas,” Tim replied.

 

“That would be great and Billy could cook us a traditional Christmas dinner,” Nick said.

 

“Oh, could I now? Don’t bother to ask me, the slave will cop it sweet,” Billy said as he approached.

 

“Well I’ve never had a Christmas dinner with family,” Nick explained and Billy looked at him regretfully.

 

“Hi boys,” Ann said as she also walked over to the computer as well.

 

“Hi Ann, Tim said with a huge smile while Jordan waved.

 

“We expect you to come and see our new home as well, so make time or we’ll never forgive you,” Ann said.

 

“I promise we will but where is the adorable Ms Pfeiffer,” Tim said with amusement.

 

“I’m here and just because you’re older than me, doesn’t mean I can’t put you both over my lap and spank you,” Honey said as she came to Ann’s side.

 

“Ooo,” you’re turning me on, you nasty woman,” Tim said.

 

“Nick, honestly, your father is a sick and twisted man,” Honey said.

 

“Hello, Brother and Step,” Gail said, pushing her face right in front of the camera.

 

“Oh god, it’s a witch, Jordan bellowed, as Gail’s face appeared on their computer in California, in a huge and distorted manner.

 

“Too right it is, my evil stepbrother, now say hello to me before I cast a spell on you,” Gail said and then moved back to a reasonable distance.

 

“Hey Sis’,” they both said.

 

This continued for the next half hour, as people came to the computer to say hello and join the fun. All the while however, the rest of the guests that did not know and had never met Tim and Jordan, continued to talk and eat and drink.

 

When it was almost nine o’clock, the birthday boy was well on the way to an inebriated status and Michelle was telling him to moderate his consumption. When he spoke to Gail immediately following, Eric told her he was having too much fun to care and then he reeled and swayed as he staggered to get another drink.

 

It was at around ten o’clock when Nick found himself leaning against a doorframe and staring at his huge family. Three people were missing but two of them had already chattered at length via the computer. Nick smiled as he thought of Mary but he also knew better and that no matter how much he asked, getting Mary to visit or become anything more than the spinster aunt in Boston, was never going to happen. He thought he should make their contact more regular and that he and Billy should go for a visit one weekend.

 

Eric, very drunk by this point, appeared in front of Nick and wrapped his arms around his neck and said, “Chelle told me I was right. All of this was your idea and you set it all up. I’ll deal with her deception later for going along with you, however, you, Nick, are an ass,” he said, trying to sound sober.

 

“You’re my bro and I wanted to make you happy. Sorry, I didn’t want to put a downer on your day but I hope the night makes it all worth while, Eric.”

 

Eric looked at Nick and his heart was in one place while his cock was in another. He still thought Nick was the hottest man alive but he also knew that Nick calling him his bro meant the world to him. He had to make a choice of what to say but because he was so drunk and happy, he didn’t want to get all soppy and emotional and so he said, “Any chance we could be incestuous brothers?”

 

Nick roared with laughter before he said, “There’s no one else I would want to cross that line with but you. Maybe one day but know this, buddy, I still love you,” he whispered and watched as drunken tears welled in Eric’s eyes.

 

Eric wiped them away and as Nick hugged him, Brock called out from the other side of the room, “Billy, Eric’s trying to rape and steal your man.”

 

“So? Nothing new about that,” Billy called back from another room sounding totally disinterested and said nothing else.

 

“Confident little shit, isn’t he? He doesn’t even come to check.” Bobby said.

 

“You have no idea,” Nick replied.

 

“Well, when you know you’ve got a good thing, why would you risk losing it,” Billy called from the kitchen smugly.

 

“Damn, where’s the puke bucket,” Brock said, “Billy’s making me nauseous.”

 

“It’s amazing how things change. In the beginning when he first met Nick, he was like a tree without sun, water or air. He was truly pathetic and…” Honey began.

 

“Honey, shut up, you bitch,” Billy yelled and came hurriedly into the room to put a stop to her unruly tongue.

 

“No, don’t stop, I want to hear more of these juicy tidbits about my brother,” Bobby said.

 

“Bobby, quit it and don’t egg her on,” Billy shouted.

 

“I don’t need anyone to goad me into something, Billy. If I want to destroy you tonight, a couple of words are all it would take. If you want my silence though, all you have to do is admit out loud to everyone here, the one thing we both know to be true,” she said.

 

“Honey,” Billy said with irritation.

 

“Billy,” Honey replied, her tone suggesting there was no escape.

 

“You’re such a bitch,” he followed.

 

Honey replied, “You were about to say, Billy?”

 

“You’re the better chef,” he whispered.

 

“I’m sorry, Billy, could you speak up? I and no one else heard what you just said,” Honey replied with a partially revealed smirk.

 

“My partner is the epitome of a lioness with jaws wrapped around her prey’s throat,” Ann said, rolling her eyes as she chatted with Michelle.

 

“Honey Rockford is the superior chef,” Billy yelled.

 

Everyone started laughing and Billy was now glaring at his brother but mainly at Honey, a woman that he was considering splaying open with his most expensive knife.

 

Eric had wandered off from Nick and was now chatting to Brock and Tyler while Ann and Michelle joined in a conversation with Rafael and Katie. Krace and James were back in the dining room picking at the delicious foods and Billy was now having a bitch fight with Honey. Nick looked around at everyone and once again like he always did, he felt the satisfaction of a feeling of family. He then saw Gail grinning at Billy and Honey and he walked over and sat down beside her.

 

“I love that you’re here,” he said.

 

“Well, it seems there maybe such a thing as fate. However, knowing you don’t believe in such things, let’s say it was coincidence but whatever the case, my husband and I found the change we were looking for and suddenly here we were. Nick, as I told you when we met, when your dad told me about you, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to meet my nephew that appeared from nowhere like magic. Before I knew one thing was connected to the other, we were living fifteen minutes apart. I have to say that meeting you has changed things for Rafael and I and in such an enormous way. Moving to a new place isn’t as easy as some might think it would be. Meeting you and Billy and therefore all of your friends as well, it’s made the transition so much easier for us. Nick, I love that I’m here, too,” Gail replied.

 

Nick asked, “So, are you having fun?”

 

“Of course,” Gail said.

 

“Looks like Rafael’s having fun as well,” Nick commented as he watched him.

 

“Rafael is either serious and hard working or he is fun loving and playful. He enjoys himself every time we see you guys.”

 

“Every gay guy here thinks your husband is a hot treat they would like to taste. You better be careful, Gail,” Nick joked and laughed.

 

“It’s not just gay men, Nick, women want him as well,” she replied.

 

Nick asked, “Does that bother you, Gail?”

 

“I’m secure with him, so no,” she said.

 

I know what you mean. There are so many exceptional and very hot men around but the truth is, no matter how attractive a man is, these days I’m so happy with my life, I barely even give another man a second look. Billy is the man I’m with and he gives me what I need. I love him and he loves me. It’s all that I need,” Nick said.

 

“Well, I’m not worried, Nick. I know for a fact that Rafael is married to me, as well as to our life and he isn’t looking for anything more. I also know he is definitely straight and I trust him completely,” Gail said.

 

With their conversation temporarily complete, Nick remained beside Gail while he let his eyes once again scan over the many faces of his family. He felt so unbelievably happy and as he stared at all of them, unconsciously he whispered just loud enough for Gail to hear, “My life is like the perfect dream.”

 

Gail said, “What?”

 

Eric interrupted before Nick could reply and now barely able to stand let alone speak, he said, “Why is your dog bigger than mine?”

 

Nick looked up from his position on the couch and took in the sight of Eric. His friend was swaying like a tree in a storm and the drink he was holding was almost at a forty-five degree angle and was turning closer toward tipping the contents onto the carpet.

 

“Because Buster was a dog for a pussy and Muscles was a dog for a man,” Nick replied with a huge grin.

 

Eric asked, making Gail chuckled, “Are you calling my wife a pussy?”

 

“No, buddy, I’m calling you a pussy,” Nick clarified and then stood up and grabbed Eric’s glass just before it spilled onto the carpet. He also hooked his arm around Eric to stop him from falling over.

 

Eric said proudly but slurring, “You threw this party for me, didn’t you?”

 

“Yeah buddy, I sure did,” Nick replied.

 

“I’m going to throw one for you,” he said and then let his head fall onto Nick’s shoulder, his eyes closing slowly.

 

Nick called, “Michelle?”

 

Eric repeated, “Michelle?”

 

Looking away from Ann and Honey, Michelle said, “Yes Nick?”

 

Eric repeated, still with his eyes closed, “Yes Nick?”

 

“I think your husband is done. Would you like to stay here and we can put him to bed now or do you want to take him home?”

 

Michelle shook her head and walked over. “I told him to take it easy earlier. He never does this, why did he do this tonight?”

 

Gail stood up and put her hand on Michelle’s shoulder and said, “He was having a great night. He told me he was really enjoying himself and it was a fantastic party. I wouldn’t be concerned.”

 

Michelle nodded and said, “I’d like to say we’ll stay but on the rare occasions I’ve ever seen him get this drunk, he was dog sick the next day and I think it might be better if I take him home.”

 

“Dog sick,” Eric repeated and chuckled.

 

Nick asked, “Can you walk, buddy?”

 

“Walk, buddy,” Eric repeated.

 

“Can he walk? Are you for real, Nick? He can barely speak, let alone walk and he’s only upright because you’re holding him,” Tyler said as he walked over. “You want a hand with him? We’ll probably have to carry him.”

 

“Carry him,” Eric repeated.

 

“Yes Nick, I really do think I should take him home,” Michelle said.

 

“Eric opened his eyes and smiled libidinously at Michelle and then slurred, “You want my body, Baby?”

 

“More than peace on earth,” Michelle replied and rolled her eyes.

 

“Nick, she loves me, did you hear that? She wants me more than peace on earth,” Eric slurred but proudly.

 

Nick said, “Yeah buddy, I heard and so you need to get home to make her happy. Can you walk?”

 

“Of course I can walk,” Eric said and struggled to lift his head off Nick’s shoulder.

 

Nick asked, “Michelle, what about getting him out of the car and inside?”

 

“It’ll be fine, Nick. I know Eric and I know how to move his ass under all circumstances,” Michelle replied.

 

“Baby, you can move my ass like no one else,” Eric said and they all laughed.

 

“I’m extraordinary, what can I say,” Michelle said and chuckled as she looked at everyone grinning at her.

 

Tyler said, “You and Katie have something in common then because she can really move my ass too.”

 

“You’re a straight man, Tyler, any woman can move a straight man’s ass, Michelle said and the group laughed again.

 

Michelle looked at Billy as he approached and said, “Oh, Billy, any chance you could get the car from around the corner for me?”

 

Billy said agreeably, “Of course, where are the keys?”

 

“In the bedroom in my bag on the bed,” she replied and Billy was gone instantly.

 

Nick knew it would only take Billy a couple of minutes to get the car and so he told Tyler they may as well just stay right where they were until he returned. He thought there was no point in sitting Eric down and then needing to stand him back up. Some minutes later they heard Billy driving the car into the driveway.

 

“Okay, well come on buddy, let’s get you into the car so Michelle can take you home to bed,” Nick said and then they started to walk.

 

“Thanks for my party and thanks for coming, everyone,” Eric said, his eyes barely open as Nick and Tyler held him and walked him toward the door.

 

Calls of “Happy Birthday, Eric” and “Bye, Eric” came from every direction as they watched him being led like a geriatric through an old age home.

 

As Nick walked Eric and Tyler kept him steady, Eric called to everyone, “Sorry but I have to go because Michelle needs my big…”

 

Interrupting him to stop what she knew he was going to say, Michelle yelled, “Eric!”

 

“It’s not that big,” James yelled.

 

“Happy Birthday again, Eric,” Billy said as he appeared in front of them to say goodbye.

 

“Hey Billy, you know how to throw a great party. Best one ever buddy and thanks,” Eric said, a huge smile on his face.

 

Billy replied, “For you, Eric, any time.”

 

Eric looked at Billy with sincere appreciation and said, “I told you a long time ago you’re a lucky man” and then he winked at him.

 

“We’re both lucky,” Billy replied and then Nick and Tyler moved on toward the front door.

 

Michelle raced into one of the spare rooms where coats and bags were lying on a bed and when she had her things, she returned to the living room. She said goodbye and then she finger-phone gestured to all the women, letting them know she would talk to them soon. She then caught up with the men at the car while they were putting Eric into the passenger seat and strapping him in.

 

Eric mumbled, “Nick?”

 

Nick replied, “Yeah, buddy?”

 

“You and Michelle did this and thank you. One man couldn’t ask for two better people in his life,” Eric said.

 

“Two people couldn’t ask for someone more special,” Nick replied.

 

Again Eric mumbled, “Nick?”

 

Again Nick asked, “Yeah, buddy?”

 

“I’m going to make Buster into a pit bull and he will eat Muscles for breakfast,” Eric said.

 

Michelle and Nick snorted with amusement and then looked across at each other and smiled while shaking their heads but then Nick said, “You got it, buddy. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

 

“K,” Eric said softly.

 

“Bye Michelle and drive safely,” Nick said.

 

“Absolutely, Nick. Talk to you later. Bye, Tyler” she added and as Nick closed the door, she reversed out of the driveway and then drove away.

 

Tyler asked, “Shit bro, I’ve never seen Eric that plastered? Is that normal?”

 

“Not that I know of, at least I’ve never seen him that drunk,” Nick said and then they turned and went back inside to join the party.

 

As Nick closed the front door and turned around, he stood still and stared at his remaining guests. He was disappointed that Eric and Michelle were gone but still he smiled at all the people filling his living room. Everyone was happy and having a great time and once again, Nick could not help but feel that his life was simply too good to be true.

 

To be continued...