by Ana Ashley
I wasn’t sure why he’d changed his story but it didn’t surprise me. Tom seemed to run hot and cold with me all the time. It was confusing, and I had no clue how to figure him out, so I decided to get onto a safer topic.
“I know you’re off work today, so I’m sorry for asking, but the Pride window stuff.”
“What about it?”
“I’ve opened some boxes and, well, there’s nothing colorful in them at all. Won’t the window be a bit boring?”
I saw him grip the shopping basket so tight his knuckles were white. He looked around to see if there was anyone else in the store and then came so close to me I could smell his sweet flowery scent.
My stomach clenched with want and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from letting out a moan that would give away how my body was reacting to Tom’s proximity.
“Do you wear a lot of color, Wren?”
“What?”
Like the day we’d met, Tom raised his hand, but this time I didn’t stop him. He traced the outline of my shirt collar, all the way down to the buttons. He played with the top one and spoke again.
“Do you wear a lot of color?”
“No, I guess I don’t, but why—” He put his finger on my lips to stop me from talking.
“Do you think you’re boring?”
He removed his finger and went back to the button, twisting it like he was about to pop it out and open my shirt. I swallowed before I replied.
“I…no. I guess I’m normal, I don’t know.”
His eyes never left mine, which was a good thing, because if he stepped back there was not a chance he wouldn’t see the outline of my fully hard cock through my jeans.
“Normal. That’s an interesting word,” he said, removing his hand to support the other holding the basket. “I guess you wouldn’t know what it’s like to be LGBT. We come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. While we should all be proud of who we are, sometimes it’s okay to want to blend in, be a regular person. Sometimes we want to go home to our plain home that is just cozy, when the rest of our lives are so loud and colorful and full of fight.”
He then walked to the checkout desk, saying, “Can you ring my stuff, please?”
“Sure.”
I thought about what he’d said and it made sense to me. My mom had trusted Tom so I should too.
He was on his way out when I called to him.
“Tom.” He turned, his hand on the door handle, ready to go. “Like you said, we come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.”
His eyes widened but he didn’t say anything before he turned the handle and left the store.
I stood there staring at the closed door, unsure of what to do.
A customer came in and behind them a small gust of wind blew a leaflet inside the store. I picked it up before a customer stepped on it and slipped. When I turned it over, the words Ten Thousand Dollars Could Be Yours caught my attention.
9
Tom
I ran to the oven as soon as the timer went off. This was my third batch of cake and so far none had worked and I had no clue why.
The first batch was nearly burned on the outside and totally raw on the inside. I’d figured it was the temperature of the oven, so I’d fixed that on the second batch, but that one had sunk in the middle.
Through the oven door the cake looked okay, but I was scared of opening it in case it was another ruined attempt.
I’d never had any assumptions that this would be an easy challenge, but I’d followed all the instructions on the recipe. How was it going so wrong?
“For the love of Cinderella’s fairy godmothers, please be a good one,” I said, talking to the cake like it could understand me.
My cellphone rang but I had to ignore it.
“Come to momma,” I said, opening the oven door. I touched the top of the cake and it felt bouncy and hard enough that it shouldn’t be raw. “Oh yes, baby, you’re looking fine. Now let’s get you all cooled down.”
I set the cake, still inside the tin, on top of the cooker and admired it for a moment. There was a nice dome in the middle of the cake and the smell of vanilla all over the apartment gave me a happy buzz. Maybe I could do this, after all.
My cellphone rang again and I saw Indy’s name flash on the screen.
“Hey.”
“Oh my god, Tom, I was about to call the fire department.”
“Why?”
“Patty Sims came in complaining about someone setting off their fire alarm all afternoon and I know she lives near you.”
“Oh that. Yeah, things were tricky to start with but I have a super-adorable cake cooling now. It’s so adorable I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat it.”
Indy laughed.
“Are you feeling a little bit more confident about the competition?”
I snorted. “Have you seen the list of challenges? I’ve been baking all afternoon and all I have to show for it is two ruined cakes and one maybe okay cake.”
“I’m off tonight so we can swap skills if you want. Pastry for cocktails.”
“Sounds wonderful, but Connor wants to take me to the Falls for a drink. I’m pretty sure Charlie is behind the idea. He made me promise to not stay at home every night watching fashion documentaries and making clothes.”
“Well, a promise is a promise. Besides, Connor is nice, you’ll have a good time.”
I sighed. “Yeah, I know. Why don’t you join us?”
“Only if you buy me a cocktail.”
“Got it.”
After I got off the phone I checked on the cake, and it was still warm so I got in the shower to get ready for Connor to pick me up.
Charlie was absolutely right, outside of work I was a homebody and it was good for me to meet new people. I’d been lucky to already know Indy when I moved to Chester Falls and then meet Ben and Tristan, but I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Who knew, maybe I’d even find someone who was totally gay and totally up for some fun.
After my shower I wrapped the cake in plastic wrap, ready to try my hand at buttercream icing tomorrow, and went back to my bedroom to get dressed.
Normally I’d spend hours thinking about what to wear, even if it was just for a few cocktails out with friends, but today I wasn’t quite in the mood. I decided to go with a simple pairing of classic jeans, white T-shirt, and a jacket.
I looked at myself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the person in front of me. Connor was due to pick me up shortly but I still had time for a short phone call to one of my favorite people.
“Tom, sweetie, how are you?”
“Hey, Gina.”
“Oh no, what’s up?”
I looked at the phone to double check I wasn’t on a video call. The woman was too damned perceptive.
Gina was Charlie and Connor’s aunt and the sweetest wildcat you could ever meet. She was also totally in love with my cocktails and she loved shopping, which made us a pairing made in Coco heaven.
“I’m wearing sneakers. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Tom Jones, there is nothing wrong with you, but sneakers? You need CRP.”
“Don’t you mean CPR?”
“CRP. Cocktail Rehabilitation Program. Or maybe some retail therapy?”
I laughed.
“Gina, I can’t afford to shop now. But I’m having some CRP with Connor tonight at the Falls.”
“Good. Connor isn’t the best person to lead you astray, but I’m sure you can do that all on your own.”
“Thanks, G. Not really in the mood to be led astray, but who knows what’ll happen at pumpkin hour,” I said.
“I’ll see you soon, then, sweetie.”
Listening to Gina’s voice cheered me up instantly, and I made a note in my calendar to arrange a cocktail evening for us. I wanted her to try my Minty Librarian Delight and the Pure Boogie Sunset.
The Falls wasn’t as packed as I’d seen it previously, which I guessed was because there wasn’t a live band on today. Connor spotted an
empty table immediately so we sat down to claim our spot.
I’d been to the Falls a few times before with Charlie. It was a charming bar with great drinks, nice music, and the people were super friendly.
“Look, Brent is here today, let me say hi to him. Can I get you a drink while I’m at the bar?” I asked Connor after I saw my favorite barman was on duty tonight.
“Thanks, man, a beer would be great.”
I sat on a stool at the bar while I waited for my turn. Brent looked like an artist when he made his cocktails and I loved watching him.
When he saw me he winked and I blew him a kiss. I knew he didn’t mean anything by it, but I didn’t miss the look that the guy who sat on the opposite side of the bar sent my way.
“Hey, gorgeous, what can I get you today?”
“Do your worst, and a beer for Connor please,” I said.
Brent never took his eyes off the crowd at the bar when he was preparing his drinks, it was a minor miracle he never spilled a drop or broke a glass.
“Who’s the guy who’s looking at you like you’re his property?”
Brent looked over his shoulder and I saw a blush rising in his cheeks.
“Oh, no, he’s just a friend. Actually he’s my sister’s ex. After they broke up he went traveling for a few months and now he’s back.”
I stood up on my stool and hooked my finger to get Brent to come closer. He did, and as I whispered in his ear, “I think I know why he’s your sister’s ex,” I had my suspicions semi-confirmed when the guy downed his beer and left.
Brent looked confused, and when he saw the guy was no longer there the disappointment in his eyes was clear.
I went back to my table and nearly dropped my cocktail when I saw who was sitting with Connor.
“Wren.”
He looked up from the table and seemed as surprised to see me.
“Tom.”
“You know each other?” Connor asked, looking at us. “Oh, of course you do. Sorry, I forgot Tom works at Mason’s.”
Wren scooted over on the bench to make room for me so I sat next to him. Connor grabbed the beer from me and took a swig.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming so I didn’t get you a drink,” I said to Wren.
He smiled. I didn’t know how it was possible that his eyes still looked so bright and blue even in the dark lighting of the bar.
I forced myself to look away and focused on Connor instead.
“So did you go to school together or something?”
Connor smiled and raised his beer. “Yeah, me and my man here were in the football team. He was the quarterback and I was a wide receiver. We were the best.”
“That we were,” Wren said.
“Do you remember that time we played against Seymour High?”
“How could I not? It was the game that got me my college scholarship.”
“How’s it going for you over in San Diego? You still playing? I probably should pay more attention to the leagues but, fuck, work keeps me so busy these days I can’t even keep up with myself.”
“Are you still in that place you went to after college?” Wren asked.
“No, I’m now doing project management for a construction company in New Haven. Pay is good, hours are shit, and most days I’m not sure if I want to kill the team or myself.”
“Shit, man, that sounds awful.”
Connor shrugged, finished his beer, and stood up. “Going for seconds, can I get you one?” he asked Wren.
“A cola would be great, thanks. Got an early day tomorrow.”
Connor looked at me, but I hadn’t touched my drink so he went over to the bar.
“You’re not working tomorrow,” I said.
“I know, but he doesn’t know that, and I don’t want him driving if he has more than one beer.”
“Thank you.”
His smile did something to my insides. Why did he have to be so fucking beautiful?
“Why did you avoid the football question?” I asked.
“What?”
“Connor asked you about your career and you avoided the question.”
“No I didn’t, I just decided to catch up on my friend’s life rather than talk about mine.”
His voice was even and his reply measured, but I’d been sitting next to him for a while. I’d been more aware of how he moved, breathed, and relaxed as he talked to Connor than I’d been of my own drink, and that was saying a lot because Brent’s cocktails were the best.
As soon as Connor had brought up the topic of football Wren had tensed up. It wasn’t my place to push, I’d only been curious about his life in California, but we weren’t friends or anything, so I kept further questions to myself. Hell, as it was we barely spoke to each other on account that most of the time he was like an ice box. Tonight was the first time I’d seen him relax a little.
“Why do you keep checking your phone?” Wren asked. “Are you waiting for a call or something?”
“Indy said he’d come tonight.”
Wren nodded as he stared at me for a moment before he looked away.
Just then my phone buzzed with a message from Indy.
Indy: Sorry, babe. I’ve had a better offer tonight. Say hi to Connor for me.
Tom: *gasps*
Indy: I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Tom: I wouldn’t expect anything less. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!
We stayed at the bar for another hour, during which Connor had two more beers while I changed to cola after finishing my cocktail.
Wren insisted on following us as I drove Connor’s car to his place and then he gave me a lift home.
“How’s your dad? Is he coming home soon?” I asked, needing to fill the silence in the car.
“He’s doing well. Coming home in a few days.”
I looked at Wren and even in the darkness I saw him smile.
“What’s up?” I asked.
We stopped at a red light and he looked at me.
“Why did you move to Chester Falls?”
I wasn’t sure how to answer his question. The truth was that I didn’t want to be alone in Boston, but I didn’t want to sound like a sad little puppy.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t pry.” He looked forward just as the light turned green, and we were on the move again.
“No, it sounds silly, but without Charlie in Boston I didn’t feel like I was home anymore. I already knew some people here, and if I’m here I’ll see him when he comes home too. Besides…”
“Besides what?”
I looked out of the window into the dark night. Unlike the city, Chester Falls was mostly dark at night. I kinda liked it. It was peaceful.
“Nothing, never mind.”
“Okay.”
I didn’t expect Wren to come out of the car and walk me to the door of my apartment building, but that’s what he did.
“Um, thank you for driving me home. I’d have taken a cab from Connor’s but it was nice not having to,” I said, becoming very aware that how he stood in front of me looked very much like the end of a date.
Stop it, Tom. This is not a date. Wren is straight.
“Just wanted to make sure you’re home safe.”
He didn’t move, and I didn’t know what to do. His eyes were fixed on my mouth, and I instinctively wet my lips.
A shiver of anticipation ran down my spine.
“Wren, what did you mean earlier?”
He looked up to meet my eyes.
“When?”
“When you said we come in all colors, shapes, and sizes? Did you mean—”
“I’ve got to go.” His sudden change almost gave me whiplash. “I’ll stop by tomorrow to cover your lunch.”
I didn’t have time to process anything before I was left standing alone, wondering if there was more to Wren than my initial assessment.
10
Wren
My mom stared at me for a good long minute before she burst out laughing.
“
What’s going on?” Troy asked, coming into the kitchen where I sat with a cup of coffee, and my own mother laughing in my face after I told her about the Pride bake-off.
“Mom’s being a real adult about…something.” Well, if this was the reception I got from my own mom, maybe I should just keep it to myself.
We’d received notification yesterday from the hospital that my dad was being discharged today, so, to make everything easier, Mom had decided to keep the store closed for the day.
It hadn’t taken long to go through the care plan for my dad. We had the right medication, a list of recommendations, and a follow-up appointment booked.
With Dad resting in bed after the car journey, Mom had retreated to the kitchen to make sure we didn’t have anything in the house Dad wasn’t allowed to have, and that had included raiding all his jelly bean hiding places. I’d almost felt sorry for him until I realized just exactly how many there were.
I’d used the opportunity of having my mom’s undivided attention to ask her for help with the bake-off, something I was now regretting.
“Come on, honey. You just threw me off. You were never interested in it before.”
“People! Is someone going to enlighten the teenager here?” Troy said, taking a cookie from the jar and sitting at the table.
“I’m entering the Pride bake-off.”
To his credit, Troy didn’t laugh. “Dude, do you know what happens at these things?”
“Yes, yes someone got their hair on fire last year.” I took a sip of my coffee and put the mug back down. Troy’s eyebrows were raised. “What? Come on, it’s baking, how dangerous can it be?”
Troy snorted. “Bro, two years ago Mr. Stone, the science teacher, gave all the judges food poisoning.”
“I take it he didn’t win,” I said deadpan.
“Oh no, he won alright. After they had to delay the competition until the judges were okay again everyone donated the money he was trying to raise for the school lab. There was so much, we even got new computers for the school.”
I got up and put my arms around my mom from behind, kissing her head and rocking us sideways.
“You don’t play fair. You know I’m powerless to my son’s bear hugs,” she said.