The Sweet Tooth

by Margot Larson

  Solomon understood that his lover was excited so he tried desperately to be patient but he lost it just a little when Mathieu didn’t stay tuned to Thomas Dolby’s “He Blinded Me With Science”, “Mathieu pick one station and stick with it for longer than five seconds, please.”

  “Sorry, Solomon,” the Irishman frowned like a child who’d had his favorite toy taken away.

  Solomon felt like a cad for spoiling Mathieu’s fun, “I know you’re excited but the radio thing is driving me mental. Maybe you should try taking a nap.”

  “No. I’m way too happy. I want to see everything. I’ll behave I promise.” Mathieu’s idea of behaving was taking one of Solomon’s cameras from the bag behind the driver’s seat to see if he could take pictures out of the moving cars side window. His first few attempts were miserable; the images too blurry. Solomon instructed him on how to increase the shutter speed, recommended attaching a different lens and advised him to concentrate on objects in the distance rather than close up. The artist did as instructed then patiently waited for something of interest to come into view. He snapped a few shots of road signs but other than that nothing ‘really spoke to him’ or so he told Solomon.

  The next thing Mathieu realized was that the car was stopped and he was being gently shaken by Solomon, “Wake up sleeping beauty.”

  Mathieu blinked awake, “Huh? Are we there?”

  “No, we’re not there yet. We’re in Bristol. I thought we’d stop for lunch. We passed an interesting place along the river. I thought we’d give it a try.”

  The couple walked hand in hand earning some disparaging glances from passers-by but they didn’t take much notice; they were too lost in each other to care.

  Solomon stopped them in front of a bicycle shop, “We have to get bicycles to get lunch?” Mathieu asked as he eyed the shop and the sign, which read Mud Dock Cycleworks and Café, suspiciously before Solomon pulled him inside. They climbed up a set of stairs to the café on the second floor. It was later in the afternoon so there were fewer patrons being served lunch at the small, wood tables. The couple was seated by the large, round window with a view of the harbor. The waitress handed them menus and let them know that the daily specials were on the chalkboard next to the bar.

  Mathieu scanned the menu deciding on what he wanted quickly so he let his eyes drift around while they waited for the waitress to return. The space was bright and airy with plants hanging from hooks set into the wood-beam ceiling. Small bicycles were suspended from wire in one corner and above the menu board. Three of the walls were painted a dark, orange and the wall with the bar was painted an olive green. The dark wood floors had well-worn footpaths from the café’s many customers over the years. The waitress returned with their drink order, water for both men and they placed their lunch order; crispy chorizo and smoked cheddar Panini for Mathieu and a Mud Dock burger with chips for Solomon.

  From the window they could see a couple of kayakers in the water paddling around the harbor, small boats were docked at the piers, “Are those house boats?” Mathieu asked pointing toward other boats docked along the quay.

  Solomon followed Mathieu’s pointing finger, “I think so. They sure look like it.”

  “Can you imagine living on a boat? I wonder how easy those things get around.”

  Their food was served as they carried on discussing the benefits, hazards, logistics and complications or living on a house boat. The decided that if they could have one like the one Tom Hanks lived on in Sleepless in Seattle it would be worth it, even though they were not sure that one could actually move, they didn’t think it could.

  The couple ate the delicious food quickly so they could get back on the road. They paid their bill but before they returned to the car Solomon unslung his camera from over his shoulder and snapped a picture of Mathieu in front of the café. Solomon was anxious to get going but Mathieu got distracted by a brochure he found stuck under the cars windscreen wiper. The brochure had images and descriptions of sights tourists could visit around Bristol. There were boat trips, river cruises, the city sightseeing bus, the Pirate Walk, the aquarium, the zoo, the suspension bridge in Clifton and Brunel’s SS Great Britain. The artist was so excited he asked Solomon if they had time to see anything (he especially wanted to go on the Pirate Walk).

  Solomon hated to burst Mathieu’s happy-bubble but they really didn’t have the time. Even Mathieu’s sad-puppy face wouldn’t make him change his mind. The Irishman reluctantly climbed into the car and fastened his seat belt clutching the glossy, color brochure to his chest. Solomon started the car and drove a loop around the harbor getting Mathieu to smile a little but it was not the smile that lit up the artist’s face that Solomon loved to see. To see that smile Solomon promised they could stop in Bristol on the way back to check out some of the sights, maybe even stay a night. Mathieu beamed as he leaned over the center column to kiss Solomon lightly on the cheek.

  The drive the rest of the way was uneventful though they did get stuck in traffic on the A361 just before their exit to Tiverton. Solomon guided the luxury car through Woolacombe and he swore he could already smell the sea air. It wasn't long before they reached their final destination, Hill House B&B. Solomon slowly maneuvered the car up the gravel drive as to not kick up any of the stones and mar the cars pristine finish. Mathieu hopped out running to the end of the drive to peer over the dunes to see the beach and the ocean. The Irishman closed his eyes inhaling deeply just letting the sea air fill his lungs. Mathieu heard the crunching of the gravel behind him as Solomon made his way up the drive to stand beside his fiancé.

  There were a few people sunbathing and walking along the beach wading in the breaking waves. They could see some surfers further along the beach and away from the shoreline. A surfer in blue lost his balance and wiped out; surfboard flying and both men held their breath until they saw his head reappear above the water. Mathieu put his right arm around Solomon’s shoulders pulling Solomon closer while he fingered the band on his left hand, “Don’t you ever do that, okay?”

  “You never have to worry about that, surfing is not something I’m going to try anytime soon,” Solomon put an arm around his lover’s waist.

  “I’m not just talking about surfing. Don’t do anything that will put you in danger. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you. Promise me.”

  Solomon turned to face his lover, “Oh, Baby. I promise.” He could see unshed tears in Mathieu’s eyes. The blonde took Mathieu fully into his arms, “Don’t worry.”

  The two men stood, holding each other until Solomon felt Mathieu shivering from the cool, ocean breeze, “Come on, let’s check in, freshen up and go for a walk on the beach.”

  ***

  The white, three-story house was set just yards away from the beach with an expansive front and side yard. A stonewall ran along the front of the property with a space for the entrance to the drive. A hedgerow separated the sides of the property from the neighbors and the road. There were three wrought iron tables placed randomly in the side yard, where there was also a small, screened in gazebo and pond for koi-carp. The path that led to the entryway was lined with pots in varying shapes and sizes. The flowers in the pots were of assorted varieties in yellows and reds. The front door was painted a bright red with yellow trim.

  The sign on the door said guests didn’t need to knock during daylight hours so Solomon pushed the door open calling out, "Hello". The interior was painted the same bright whites as the stucco exterior, the carpet in the foyer and up the stairs was a well-worn neutral beige. Just as the two men entered the grandfather clock in the hall corner chimed the hour. When no one appeared to greet them and they couldn’t figure out where they were supposed to go Solomon shouted out “Hello?” again.

  “Just a minute please,” came ringing out from deep inside the house.

  The wait was only a few minutes when down the stairs came a rather flustered looking gentleman pulling up his suspenders and murmuring his apologies, “Sorry, sorry, I didn
’t hear anyone come in. I expect you’re Mr. Kelly staying for the week. I’m Jeremiah, you’re host. I’ve just been making your room ready. Come this way to fill out the register then I’ll show you to your room.”

  Jeremiah led the two visitors into the sitting room. The carpeting in that room was green, there was a television in the corner next to the gas fireplace, one sofa sat under the front window and another across from it. Jeremiah took a seat at the desk on the other side of the fireplace looking for a registration card. Mathieu wandered back into the hallway where he had spotted a rack full of brochures sitting atop a small bureau. He pulled out brochures on the local attractions, skipping the ones for surfing lessons and rock climbing. When he got back to the sitting room Solomon was just finishing the registration card. Jeremiah took the card, reviewed it quickly and put it back down on the desk before ushering the two out of the room and up the stairs.

  Their room was the only one on the top floor, the walls and carpeting in the bedroom were a light grey, the double bed was flanked by nightstands and was centered on the wall to the right of the door, across from the door there was an upholstered chaise under a bay window, the door to the en suite was to the left of the entry and a large flat-screen TV sat on top of the dresser across from the bed. Jeremiah let them know that there would be complimentary tea and cake in the gazebo which was provided for all new visitors when they' were ready, handed Solomon the key to the room then left them to settle in.

  Solomon dropped his bag on the floor before throwing himself onto the bed while Mathieu carried his bag to the dresser, “Do you want me to unpack for you?”

  The blonde on the bed shrugged noncommittally, “If you want. I’m surprised you’re not itching to go down for cake.”

  “Oh, I am,” the Irishman grinned, “very much so but I’m trying to remain calm. You do know, however, that if he has strawberries down there we won’t be making that stroll on the beach anytime soon.”

  Solomon lifted his head off the bed; eyebrows raised to stare at this partner; mouth open.

  Mathieu’s grin widened as he gave the man on the bed a mischievous wink, “Just a friendly warning. Close your mouth, you’ll let the flies in.”

  “I should’ve brought you away long ago.”

  The Irishman frowned, “I couldn’t have come then.”

  ‘Way to spoil the mood, idiot’, Solomon thought, “But we’re here now because you’ve done such a great job with your recovery, right?” He hoped he didn’t kill Mathieu’s good mood altogether.

  “Right! Let’s get some complimentary cake to celebrate!” Mathieu grabbed Solomon’s ankle trying to drag Solomon off the bed.

  “Oi! Lay off. I’m coming,” Solomon burst out laughing when Mathieu slipped off one of his shoes to tickle his foot, “Stop! Stop! Cake! Mathieu, cake!”

  The Irishman stopped tickling only to launch himself bodily onto the bed and on top of his reclining lover. “Hello,” Mathieu said, his face merely inches away from Solomon's.

  “You’re so cute. Do you know that?” Solomon ran the fingers of his right hand through Mathieu’s curly locks.

  Mathieu leaned into Solomon’s touch, “Yes.”

  “Of course you do,” Solomon rolled his eyes dramatically.

  ***

  Forty-five minutes later the two finally made their way down the stairs for tea and cake. Mathieu’s hair was a little more disheveled than normal and Solomon’s face was quite flushed but when Jeremiah saw them he didn’t say anything as he asked them to make themselves comfortable in the gazebo. The screened, guest house had seating for five with a cushioned garden bench and two matching, cushioned chairs. There was a low, wooden table in front of the bench and an old fashioned, steamer trunk just inside the door with several blankets on top of it for those chilly seaside evenings. Solomon sat on the bench with Mathieu curled at his side. They would have liked to put their feet up on the table but decided it would be bad manners. They sat and listened to the sea birds and the waves crashing onto the shore. The peace almost lulled the couple to sleep.

  When Jeremiah appeared he was carrying a tray with a pot of hot water, a selection of tea bags in a little wooden box, a small carafe of milk, a bowl of sugar, two mugs and the cake on two small plates. He set the tray onto the table; telling them to help themselves and that when they were done they could just leave the things there and he would collect them later. The couple thanked their host before he left and Solomon made a mental note to take the tray back into the house. Mathieu opened the little box and selected Lady Grey for himself and Solomon took Darjeeling (because he’d never had it before). The cake was actually mini golden Victoria sponge cakes with cream and strawberry jam filling. Mathieu’s mischievous grin returned as he eyed the strawberry jam. He took a finger-full, his eyes never leaving Solomon’s as he held the finger up to his mouth and slowly licked off the jam. After most of the jam was gone he sucked the finger into his mouth to clean off the rest of the sticky filling, “Mm….so good. You wanna lick?” Mathieu scooped up more strawberry filling with his finger and held it out to Solomon.

  Solomon watched as Mathieu teased him with the finger full of jam but the spell was partially broken when Mathieu popped that finger into his own mouth, “You…..I, uh…..what…….uh.”

  “What’s the matter, Solomon? Cat got your tongue? Wanna go back upstairs? I’ll show you what else I can do with my tongue.”

  Solomon finally found his voice, “Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, and don’t get me wrong because this side to you is very attractive, but why do you have to hide it?”

  “I’ve teased you before.”

  “Yes, but there’s something different about you today. Remember when you were working with the water damaged sketches? You had a level of confidence you don’t always have. I see that in you today. It’s good to see and it’s very attractive.”

  Mathieu looked away suddenly shy, “I’m not doing it on purpose.”

  “I know,” Solomon took his partner’s hand, “I think it’s who you’re supposed to be. I mean, when you’re not afraid of having attacks or, even lately you’re afraid that all the good things that have been happening will come crashing down; you’ve relaxed and let your natural self come out. You’re confident and playful maybe even a little assertive.”

  “And now I’m totally self-conscious too,” he took his hand out of Solomon’s.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted you to know that I find this side of you very sexy. I wish you could let it out more.”

  Mathieu didn’t know what to say to that. He wished he could be the way Solomon described all the time too. It wasn't like he was hiding or letting out this part of himself on purpose. He hoped that when he came off the medication in a few months he’d find that this version of him will be his true self. The Irishman took a sip of his tea but he wasn't in the mood for it or the cake anymore. He set the cup back down on the tray.

  Solomon sensed his partner’s mood change and wanted to kick himself. “Mathieu, I love you anyway you are, quiet, shy, sensitive, romantic, assertive, flirty, dominate, submissive, cuddly, seductive or any other way. I only wanted to have you aware of how your behavior was affecting me. I never meant to make you think that I liked this you more than any other you.”

  “I know, Solomon. I just got to thinking and you know what happens when I do that.” Mathieu offered his hand back to his partner.

  “Come on. Help me bring these cakes up to the room, we’ll grab jackets, give the tray back to Jeremiah and take that walk on the beach. How’s that sound?”

  Mathieu gave Solomon’s hand a squeeze, “That sounds great.”

  Mathieu took the cakes and grabbed their jackets while Solomon brought the tray to Jeremiah in the kitchen noting it’s style and spaciousness, a true chef’s kitchen with a six burner, stainless steel cook top, double ovens, what must have been a pr
ofessional size fridge, granite counter tops, farm sink and every different small appliance Solomon could imagine. He could hardly wait to tell Mathieu (and Anders) about it. The artist was waiting for him by the front door. Once outside they put on their jackets and made their way down the path to the beach while Solomon related what he saw in the kitchen. Mathieu explained how he’d always wanted double ovens and he wondered if there was any way to have their landlord renovate their kitchen to accommodate them. Solomon didn’t think so but said he’d ask when they got back.

  Hand in hand they walked down the nearly deserted beach. It was getting late and the remaining people were making their way to the car park. Sunset wasn’t for another couple of hours but even the surfers were long gone. Solomon maneuvered Mathieu to sit between his spread legs so he could envelop the brunette in his warmth. They stayed like that, watching the waves break onto the sand until the sun began to set and their stomachs began to growl.

  CHAPTER 28

  The dining room had the same green carpeting as the sitting room, the walls were white and the drapes were what Mathieu thought he would describe as ‘mauve’. The fire in the fireplace warmed the room to a nearly suffocating level. Solomon steered Mathieu to the table furthest from the fire hoping to get some relief from the oppressive heat. Seven other tables were set with places for two but there were no other guests present.

  As they waited for Jeremiah to bring out their breakfast orders the couple discussed what they could do that day. They agreed to visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium just as Jeremiah placed their breakfast order on the table. Solomon had ordered a ham and spinach omelet with buttered white toast and coffee. Mathieu requested two eggs, over with bacon, wheat toast and tea. While they ate they chatted with Jeremiah about the inn. They found out that they were one of three couples staying at the inn that week and that Jeremiah had only bought the inn recently after coming into some money. Jeremiah cleared away the breakfast dishes while he told them to have a good time at the aquarium.