by Zane Menzy
Keegan laughed at Garth’s comical impression of flashing. “I’d believe that.”
“I know I have a nice arse and I flashed you that at your birthday remember?” Garth patted his bum.
“Yep. You did.” Keegan chuckled. His tears were beginning to dry.
“I can show you again if you think it’ll make you feel better.”
“I think I’m alright,” Keegan smiled at his new friend who stared back with a crazy grin. “Thanks for the offer though.”
“No worries, blondie.” Garth’s grin faded and a more serious expression covered his face. “Now is there anything that I can do to help?”
Keegan thought about this. There wasn’t anything Garth could do. What he wanted was to escape to Auckland and hide away for a while but as nice as Damon had been on the phone he hadn’t been able to offer a room, saying his mum Jenna was staying with him.
Garth leaned forward and tickled Keegan’s knee. “Anything at all?”
“You could build me a time machine so I can go back and stop myself from being so fucking stupid.”
Garth looked down at his hands, pretending to jot it down on an imaginary pad. “Note to self. Build blondie a time machine.” He glanced back at Keegan. “Cool. Anything else?”
“Nope.” He flopped backwards, laying on his bed. “What I wanted to do was go away for a while and stay with a friend in Auckland but he has his mum staying with him and doesn’t have room for me.”
Garth plonked down and lay beside him. “Just tell him what’s happened. I’m sure he would understand and make room for you.”
Keegan shook his head. “He does understand. It’s the guy who’s in the video with me.”
“Oh...”
“Yeah. And its hella awkward because he’s actually a good friend of my family—my father’s best fucking mate!”
“Your dad’s best mate is gay?”
“I don’t think so. He’s fucked more women than anyone I know. I think fooling around with me was just him trying something new.”
“I see.” Garth exhaled. “If he’s your dad’s best mate does that mean your dad lives up there too?”
“Yeah, just north of Auckland.”
“Then why not go stay with him?”
“I barely know the guy. I haven’t seen him for nearly five years.”
“Then you’re overdue a visit, aren’t you?”
“That’s what he would say.” Keegan lolled his head to the side and met Garth’s eyes staring back at him. “Do you really think I could just turn up there and he’d be cool with it?”
Garth shrugged. “I dunno. He’s your dad. But the way I look at it, I think he should. If you need to get away from the bullshit then you need to just go. Don’t let the fuckwits around here get you down that you’re too scared to leave your house. You should be out and about sharing yaself with the world.”
Keegan couldn’t help but laugh. “You should be a preacher.”
“Maybe that’s my next career move.” He laughed. “Anyway. you should go up and see your dad.”
“I couldn’t even if I wanted to. My car’s a piece of shit that will probably break down and I can’t afford the gas or a bus ticket.”
Garth leaned up, resting himself on his elbow. “Then I’ll take you.”
“What?” Keegan sat up. “You can’t take me there.”
“Sure I can. I have a full tank of gas and all the free time in the world without a job now.” Garth’s eyes fogged over with a possibility. “Shit. If your dad wouldn’t mind, maybe I could stay a couple days and look around up there for a new job. I fancy being a city stud for a bit.”
Keegan laughed. “Are you serious?”
“Serious as syphilis.” Garth leapt up from the bed and spun around excitedly. “Pack your shit, blondie. It’s time for a road trip!”
Chapter Seventeen
Matt had spent the past two days with Jason hunting around the local area for wedding venues. They had tried everywhere from churches, halls, historic cottages and private garden estates but nowhere was available at such short notice. Jason was staring down the barrel of a backyard shindig. Jason didn’t seem bothered by the scenario. If anything the idea of marrying in his mother’s backyard was amusing to him. He thought Will’s pretentious family would die at the prospect.
Secretly Matt also found the idea of upsetting the snooty Jenkins entertaining, but he still wanted Jason to have the best day possible. As a last resort, Matt offered Jason and Will the opportunity to use his own home’s sprawling gardens for the ceremony. It was easily three times the size of what Jason’s mum’s section was and thanks to the efforts of the elderly Mr Bishop who Matt paid to do gardening, the backyard was a leafy oasis filled with exotic sub-tropical plants and rock pools. Provided Matt didn’t have to tend to the maintenance of such beautiful work he was happy to have the garden look like it did and had let the old man design it how he liked.
Jason had squealed when Matt offered him the chance to use his home. “Are you really sure, Matty?” Matt insisted he was and so it had been decided that the wedding would be held at his home. It seemed nice that the oversized place—which had been so sad and lonely the past six months—would finally get some attention and make good memories.
Matt sat in his lounge going over Jason’s long and bizarre list of things he would like incorporated into the ceremony. Matt had insisted he would take care of it, adamant to strive and deliver the type of wedding his zany pal dreamed of. As his eyes floated over the mental list, he wished he hadn’t.
“Matty it’s your old man,” bellowed Matt’s father as he stomped through the hallway. He didn’t have to yell and say it was him. Matt always knew. The heavy footfall of chunky steps always gave away who it was approaching. It would have been safe to assume his father would make a terrible burglar.
He had given his father a key several years earlier for him to come feed the cat while Matt had been on holiday with Karina and the boys. His father conveniently never returned it and often would drop by most days and let himself in even if the door was locked. To most people—including Matt—this was an intrusion on privacy but to his father it was what family was for. Unexpected visits whenever they chose. The truth was his father found having unlimited access to Matt’s liquor cabinets an added incentive.
His father appeared in the lounge dressed scruffy as usual. He plopped his chubby creaking body down on one of the arm chairs across from where Matt was sitting. He yawned like a lion as he patted his jelly belly. “I tell ya, Matty. That walk here leaves me knackered these days.”
“You live two blocks away, Dad. It’s hardly a marathon.”
“Ha! I’d like to hear you tell me that when you’re my age.”
“I would, but I’d probably need a medium to contact you because you’ll be dead.”
His father gasped on a half-laugh. “Cheeky shit.” He looked over at Matt fussing with the wedding list on his lap.
“Whatcha got there?”
“I’m just going through Jason’s wish list for the wedding.” He kept his eyes glued to the paper. “Anyone would think I’m arranging a child’s birthday party.”
“How come?”
Matt cleared his throat and then began to read from the list, “A yellow carpet so it looks like I am walking to Oz. A life-sized My Little Pony. A copy of the Spice Girls greatest hits to be given to each guest.” Matt looked over at his father. “I don’t think he wants anyone to ever forget his special day.”
His father grinned. “Considering it’s two blokes standing up there, I know I sure as hell won’t forget it.”
Matt shifted in his chair. “Who said you were even going?”
“Why wouldn’t I be going? I’ve known the boy since you two were making mud pies together at kindergarten.” His father chuckled. “Even back then wee Jason was a fan of mud ponds.”
“Nice one, Dad,” Matt groaned. “If you do come then maybe go easy on the gay jokes cos us straightys will be outnu
mbered I think.”
“Does that mean your mother is coming?”
Matt couldn’t tell if this was a cheap shot or a genuine question. Probably a cheap shot. His father and mother played nice on the rare occasions they came into contact but Matt sensed his father had never really gotten over the fact his wife spurned him by leaving him for a woman.
“No. She is in Hawaii competing with Stephanie in an over sixties triathlon. Not the kind that is two blocks long.”
“Triathlon,” his father muttered. “The woman’s mad if you ask me. Who in their right mind in their sixties does that sort of codswallop for fun. It isn’t fun at any bloody age, so I can’t see how being brittle boned with saggy tits makes it any more enjoyable.”
Matt had to hold in a laugh at the ridiculous image his father was painting and try to remain diplomatic. “You know, dad, you might find if you did some exercise yourself you’d be out doing more like mum does.”
“Piss off. I’m too buggered for all of that nonsense at the end of the week.” His father blurted. “Besides, I do all the exercise I need.”
Matt frowned. “Which is?”
“I get my cardio by walking to the fridge and I do my weights when I lift a nice refreshing cold beer to my lips.”
Matt laughed. He did like how his father had simple pleasures. “You got me there, Dad.”
“Anyway. Find out from Jason if I can attend. I’d be quite keen to see how one of these gay weddings work.”
“Going by Jason’s wish list I don’t think this is a typical wedding for anyone on earth.”
“Is there anything I can help you with for the wedding?”
Matt looked down at the list again going through the items. “Hmm. Not unless you have a wand to turn my backyard into a Disney theme park.” Matt handed the piece of paper over to his father. “Have a look and see if there is anything you can find.”
“Hmm.” Matt’s father scratched his balding head as he scoped out the scribbled items. “Crikey. The boy is fucking dreaming.” His father chuckled. “Is this a wedding or a circus?”
“I know, right?” Matt sighed. “I guess if it’s what he wants, it’s what he wants.”
Matt’s father looked lost in the list ‘till finally he put his hand up. “Got one,” he said. “I can get the birds he wants.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You’ll need to get them a gold cage too. I think it’s on the list.”
“Excuse me?”
“The cage,” Matt repeated. “Jason wants them in a gold or bronze coloured cage before their released.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Just buy any fucking cage and we can spray paint it. But make sure it’s quite big otherwise its cruel.”
“That boy doesn’t ask for much does he,” Matt’s father said sarcastically before giggling.
“I can do it if it’s too much hassle,” Matt said.
“No, no. I would like to do my bit.” Matt’s father’s eyes twinkled in cheeky fashion. “If I ain’t the one paying. They don’t come free.”
Matt groaned. “Would you like to use my card?”
“That would be mighty generous of you, Matty.” His father shot him an overbearing grin. “Have I told you you’re the best son in the world.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Matt said dismissively. He pulled his wallet out and flicked his card across to his father. “Don’t go crazy with it.”
“Does crazy include shouting myself a couple rounds at the tavern later?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Just as long as you drop it back round tomorrow.”
“Good man.” His father eyed up the card like he was about to take it on a date. “I am so glad I passed my smarts on to you so you’d wind up so financially secure.”
“Ha!” Matt couldn’t hold in the laugh. “From you? Mum’s the one who passed on the brains.”
“Ya mother.” He shook his head. “That woman isn’t bright enough to attract a moth.”
“Come to think of it, my moneys on me being adopted.”
“Nope. You’re definitely mine. I remember the night we made you. It was one of the only times ya mother got creative in the sack.”
Matt cringed.
“Yep. Good night that was.” His father said, nodding. “We nearly called you wheelbarrow in honour of the conception.”
Matt closed his eyes briefly, trying to block out the hideous image. “Okay, old man. I don’t want to know any more.” He stood up from his chair and pointed towards the kitchen. “Did you want a coffee, Dad?”
His father shot back a ginormous grin. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Matt went to go to the kitchen but a clamour of knocks echoed from the front of the house.
“Are you expecting company? A new lady friend, perhaps?” His father’s voice sounded hopeful.
Matt shook his head. “No such luck. It’s probably Mormons.” He left his father sitting in the lounge and went to see who it was. When he saw the outline of two figures through the frosted glass panes of the door he groaned to himself assuming it was a religious house call. He rehearsed a quick polite decline in his head then opened the door. “Sorry but we already have a faith in this—” The words instantly hit a wall of shock at the sight of the two young men standing with packed bags at their feet.
“Hi, Dad,” Keegan said with a feeble wave. “Got room for two?”
Chapter Eighteen
Port Jackson’s beach was so different to what Keegan was used to. Back home the west coast sea was rough and crashed angrily on black iron sand littered with chunky rocks and driftwood. Here though was quite the opposite with smooth golden sand and a sheltered harbour cradling calm waters. Yachts floated in the sea while people swam, families picnicked and beautiful bodies played volley ball. The beach was buzzing and quite packed for a week day but with such muggy weather it wasn’t surprising that him and Garth weren’t alone in wanting to cool off via a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
He stretched his legs out and dug his toes in the sand, letting the warm sunshine dry his wet skin. He looked out at the sea where Garth was still splashing about like a manic toddler. Garth kept pulling faces at him in-between a huge grin he had planted on his face. It was nice to see him happy. Garth always looked happy though. He suited happy.
Keegan also found himself happier being up here. It had been three days since they arrived unannounced at his father’s doorstep and the break away had been therapeutic for sure. His father’s home was awesome and Port Jackson was a nice place for sure. The house was far too big for just one person, Keegan thought. He felt bad for his father, knowing that not too many months ago it had been a family home with a wife and kids.
Saying that, it wasn’t like the house was void of activity. Keegan’s grandfather stopped in everyday by the looks, making his way straight to the fridge in search of a beer. The old man was just how his mother and her parents had warned. An uncouth individual with his mind always in the gutter. He was these things but in the most entertaining and goodhearted way. He was always cracking dirty jokes and asking Keegan and Garth about helping him pick up young birds. Garth humoured him and said that they could be a trio hitting on chicks down at the beach. Keegan though, would just sit there nervous that his family didn’t know his preference for guys.
The other visitor to the house was his father’s good friend, Jason, visiting from Sydney. The quirky man was a walking piñata of campness. Each time Jason walked in the room he made Keegan want to smile with his exuberant personality and whacky take on fashion. While Keegan’s grandfather and Jason were constantly dropping in, the one person noticeably absent was Damon.
Keegan had hoped to see Damon. Maybe his co-star in the shameful sex tape would know what he should do. How to try and fix the problem. But so far Damon had not been around to his father’s house despite Keegan texting and telling him he was there. His father had even called Damon and told him the news so it wasn’t like he hadn’t got the message an
d was unaware.
Is he avoiding me?
Keegan hoped not. He would feel better if he knew Damon was supporting him and sharing the ride of shame. Share the hurt and embarrassment with him a bit. Keegan still hadn’t gone near a computer since discovering he had become an internet sensation but the change of scenery was proving to be good for the soul. Knowing he was hundreds of kilometres away from the scene of his biggest mistake had a calming influence. No worrying about running into any of his friends who could mock him and tell him how they had seen the video. No need to stress about his mother finding out. Here in Port Jackson he could just relax and unwind while he figured things out.
There were some big choices to make. Before the video incident he had been lazy, putting off finding a job or enrolling to study. He knew he could have spent all year at home with his mum not paying any board and just be a slob. She was soft on him and wouldn’t have pushed too hard to get him out of the house. But life wasn’t soft. Life was hard and had snuck up on him with its nasty gnashing teeth and its cold bite of reality.
Still, he didn’t have to decide what his plans were right away. He didn’t have a job or school to go back to and it was obvious from how stupidly generous his father was being that he could stay for as long as he liked. The man was giving cash out like a money machine and nothing at all seemed too much trouble.
The day they arrived and knocked on the door, his father had reached out and grabbed Keegan in for a hug like he was afraid to lose him. When his father had finally let him go, he looked embarrassed for coming across too eager. It was almost funny the way his father’s pale skin glowed so bright, giving away even the slightest feeling of shame.
Thank god, I have Mum’s olive skin.
It had been weird standing there, having not seen each other for four years. He was now an inch taller than his father. When they had last lay eyes on one another Keegan’s voice was still breaking and coming out in squeaks and he had still been a year away from shaving.
The awkward family reunion only went up a notch when they had gone into the lounge and Keegan had found his grandfather sitting there. The man looked the same how Keegan had remembered. Old, chubby and jolly.