Accompanied by a Waltz

by Andrew Grey

  “Dad,” she cried excitedly, hugging him.

  “Who’s your friend? It’s obviously not Inge.” The figure in the hooded sweatshirt was definitely too large to be Jeana’s petite girlfriend.

  “Don’t you recognize me, Johnny?” the familiar voice replied, pulling off the hood.

  Jonathon stared. “Fabian? My God, is it you?”

  Hurrying forward, he crashed into the man, holding him breath-squeezingly tight. Releasing him for a second, Jonathon looked into those deep-brown eyes just to make sure it was really him before pulling the man into a bruising kiss. Damn, Fabian tasted good, he thought as he feasted on that mouth, hands clutching lest the man try to get away as he deepened the kiss further, tongue exploring, fingers threading through thick, dark hair.

  A small tap on his shoulder brought him back to reality. “Dad, you’re giving everyone a show,” Jeana teased.

  Heart pounding in his ears, Jonathon reluctantly broke the kiss, stepping back but still holding Fabian’s hand, not willing to break contact with him completely. “What are you doing here?” Jonathon asked before hastily adding, “Not that I’m complaining.” Damn, he was grinning so hard his face hurt, and he didn’t care.

  Fabian looked to Jeana. “Dad, I’ll explain everything inside.” She looked toward the boat. “We just need to bring in our things.”

  Jonathon let Jeana lead them back toward the dock, and they grabbed the suitcases and a cooler, carrying them up to the cabin. “I stopped at Balducci’s yesterday,” Jeana explained as she pulled containers out of the cooler, setting them on the table while Jonathon watched, arm around Fabian’s waist, hardly able to believe the man was standing next to him, his head filling with questions. “I’ll finish here, Dad. Would you put the suitcases away?” Jeana was a whirlwind in the tiny kitchen, so Jonathon picked up her suitcase, carrying it to the second bedroom.

  “When did you get in?” Jonathon asked, wondering for a second what he should do with Fabian’s suitcase before placing it in his room, near the bed.

  “Last night. Jeana picked me up at the airport, and we drove here this morning.” Fabian stepped close to him, tugging Jonathon to him, cutting off further questions with another kiss that melted Jonathon’s socks. With a bounce, Jonathon found himself on the bed, Fabian’s weight pressing him into the mattress. Not able to wait for anything, Jonathon cupped Fabian’s butt, grinding his hips as Fabian’s kisses became more urgent and needy. “I missed you, Johnny,” Fabian gasped between kisses. “Missed you very much.”

  Jonathon didn’t answer in words, he simply captured Fabian’s mouth again, kissing hard, sliding his hands under Fabian’s shirt. Damn, he wanted skin, and he wanted it now.

  “Lunch is ready,” Jeana called from the other room. “You two can maul each other all you want once we’ve eaten and I’m out of here!” Jonathon could hear definite amusement in her voice.

  Huffing softly against Fabian’s skin, Jonathon waited for him to get up before groaning loudly enough to be heard in the other room and getting off the bed. Taking Fabian’s hand again, he led them to the table.

  “So.” Jonathon glared at Jeana. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  She smiled at him. “Not really,” she said, handing him the container of Waldorf salad, followed by a container of curried chicken salad. Jonathon took a helping of both before passing them to Fabian with a wink and a smile and giving Jeana his best spill-it look.

  “I talked to Fabian before I left, and I could see how he felt about you.” Jeana set down the bean salad she’d been holding, glaring back at Jonathon. “You’ve been moping around the house since I got back, and I know you didn’t want to talk about it, but I could tell you missed Fabian too. So last week, I called him.”

  Jonathon felt Fabian’s hand on his, warm and comforting. “I missed you too, and Jeana asked me to come. I could not stay away.”

  “But what about your job? What about Hanna and Oma?” Jonathon felt a little overwhelmed.

  “Mutti and Oma are fine. And I have an appointment for a job next week in New York.”

  “But—” Jonathon sputtered and then stared at his plate. Everything was happening so fast.

  “Dad,” Jeana interjected, “why don’t we finish eating, and then you and Fabian can talk.”

  Jonathon nodded and tried his best to eat, but the food suddenly went tasteless. He was thrilled to have Fabian here, there was no doubt of that, but everything felt so out of control. He looked at Fabian, saw the worried look in his eyes and sighed. He didn’t want Fabian upset; he was just unsure how he felt about all this.

  “Excuse me.” Fabian set down his fork and pushed away from the table. Jonathon watched as he walked outside and off the porch. He almost got up when he felt Jeana’s hand on his arm.

  “I know you’re upset because of the way I did this, and maybe I should have told you. But the look on your face when you realized who was with me was worth all the money in the world,” Jeana said softly. “So think about this. Fabian is here, and he’s willing to stay.” Jonathon’s eyes widened. “The man loves you enough to leave everything behind to be with you. Do you love him enough to accept the gift he’s giving you?”

  Jonathon thought for a split second before getting up, looking for Fabian. He found him standing by the water’s edge, staring out over the lake. “I can go back tomorrow,” Fabian said as Jonathon approached.

  “Only if that’s what you want.”

  Fabian whirled around. “What do you want? I thought you wanted me, but now that I’m here, I am not sure. Was I just a holiday romance?”

  Jonathon stepped closer, his hand caressing Fabian’s cheek. “Yes, I want you, now and for always. And no, you were not just a holiday romance.” Jonathon brought his lips to Fabian’s, kissing lightly, hoping he’d respond. “You were much more than that. I just didn’t realize what I had until it was gone.” Jonathon held Fabian tight. “I love you,” he said in his ear, clearly, unequivocally, and without reservation or doubt. The weight in his chest, the last of the anxiety he’d been feeling for weeks, slipped away, and Jonathon smiled against Fabian’s shoulder, holding the man tightly as he looked out on the lake, feeling alive, happy, and whole for the first time since Greg’s death.

  Footsteps crunching the leaves caught Jonathon’s attention, and he looked up to see Jeana coming down the path. “I’m going visiting for the afternoon,” she explained as she walked past them to the dock. “I’ll see you for dinner,” she added as she got in the boat, “and I’ll let you know how you can thank me later,” she said with a grin before starting the motor and untying the rope, the boat slipping out into the lake.

  “Do you want to talk?” Fabian asked. Jonathon grinned wickedly, taking Fabian’s hand and leading him toward the cabin, up the stairs, inside, and into the bedroom.

  “We’ll talk.” Jonathon closed the door, pressing Fabian against it. “Later.” Kissing him hard, Jonathon reacquainted himself with the taste and feel of his lover. “You’re not in a hurry, are you?” Jonathon teased as he tugged Fabian toward the bed.

  “No, I have all the time in the world.” Fabian answered as they tumbled onto the mattress.

  Clothes slipped away, lips and tongues reacquainted themselves with the taste and feel of hot skin and hotter mouths. Hands relearned the curves of shoulders and the magic indentation at the base of the neck, the dip at the base of the spine, the slight tickle of a hard bud as it passed under a palm, the special way taut butt cheeks fit and gave under curious fingers. Ears reheard the deep intake of breath when a tongue slid around a nipple, the hiss of desire when lips first closed around a hard length and stopped, teasing for those few seconds, the laughter of a long lick along the ribs, and the near-anguished cry when searing wetness teased tight, puckered skin. Mouths licked hot skin, falling open in silent cries of ecstatic pleasure.

  When they were lying curled together on the bed, Fabian’s head resting on Jonathon’s chest, Fabian asked, “Did you wa
nt to talk now?” Fabian’s eyes peered up at him mischievously, and Jonathon chuckled as Fabian’s hand tickled up his side.

  “Later,” Jonathon said as he wriggled away before stilling Fabian’s hands, bringing their mouths together. “Definitely later.” Jonathon checked his watch on the night table. “After all, Jeana will be back in only three hours, and we have so much to do.” Rolling over, he kissed Fabian again; talking was definitely overrated.

  Epilogue

  JONATHON stepped out of the boat and onto the dock alone, carrying a box. Looking around the village of Raquette Lake with its general store, single restaurant, and gift shop in a caboose, he remembered the first time he had seen it, years before with Greg, and Jonathon smiled. Things had changed little over that time, and for that, Jonathon was glad. This place always seemed to steady him, and he hoped it never changed.

  “Dad!” Jeana’s excited voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and he grinned as he saw her close the car door. “We were planning to come to the cabin.” Jonathon walked toward her and watched as the rest of the car doors opened. Eric, Adam, and—to his surprise—Doreen, got out of the car. Stopping, they didn’t approach, and he wasn’t going to force it, but Jeana walked to him, taking the box from his hands and setting it on the boards of the dock before giving him her usual hug. “We would have come to you.”

  Jonathon shook his head. “I made other arrangements.” He tilted his head toward a white-and-red sightseeing boat. “I thought that would be more comfortable.” She nodded but said nothing.

  Other cars pulled into the small parking area, Marty and Ruthie getting out of one. To Jonathon’s surprise, Karen got out of the other. A boat glided alongside the dock, and Jonathon saw Winston get out, dressed in a suit, looking rather dashing.

  “Mr. Pfister, we’re ready for you,” Carol, the woman who managed the sightseeing boat, said softly from behind him. She’d been wonderful and had readily agreed to a private run before the start of the regular tourist season. Jonathon came onboard the sleek, white-and-red vessel, walking into what would normally be the dining area. Sitting at a cloth-covered table, he set the box on the seat beside him and lifted out the urn, setting it near the window. Carol silently took the box away as the others filtered in.

  Jonathon stood and greeted everyone, receiving a hug from Marty and a kiss from Ruthie. Winston shook his hand and patted him on the back, and Karen gave him a hug. Doreen stood off to one side, but Adam walked to him, shaking his hand. “Thank you.”

  “I wouldn’t have excluded you,” Jonathon explained.

  “I know you wouldn’t.” Adam looked at his mother, who’d taken a seat against the windows on the other side of the boat. “I’m sorry for everything. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I should have treated you better. You deserved better.”

  “That past is over and done, Adam. Living there isn’t healthy for any of us,” Jonathon said with a smile, and Adam nodded, moving away, but Jonathon noticed that he began talking to Marty rather than sitting with his mother. Eric approached and shook his hand as well, but he said nothing other than a polite greeting before moving away. The boat engines revved and they began to pull away from the dock, steadily moving out into the lake.

  “Everyone, could I have a moment, please?” Jeana said from the front of the dining area, and conversation died away. “I’m not sure what Jonathon has planned.” She looked to him, and Jonathon nodded, relieved that she was going to speak. “But I’d like to ask Adam and Eric to join me.” The boys looked at each other and got up, standing next to her. “Today we’re saying a final good-bye to our father.” Jeana’s voice faltered for a second. “He took care of us, loved us, and provided us with opportunities most others don’t have. He also taught us and showed us how to love. After he and Mom divorced, he didn’t walk away from us or from her. He provided for us and cared for us all.” Jonathon saw Jeana look at her mother. “He took us places and spent time with us. When I was in school, a lot of the other kids came from broken homes, and many of them never saw their fathers. Not us. He made time for us and was never selfish. Daddy always seemed to have more money than time, but he was never stingy with either. So, Daddy, I want to tell you, wherever you are… I want to say that I hope you’re happy and at peace, because you deserve to be.”

  Jeana waited a few seconds before taking the seat next to Jonathon, and he put an arm around her shoulder. “Thank you,” he whispered before standing up.

  “I want to thank you all for coming.” He caught Carol’s eye, nodding, and she brought out a tray filled with glasses. “This isn’t a funeral, but a celebration of Greg’s life and the fact that he touched us all, and we are better and our lives are richer for having known him.” Jonathon took a glass from the tray, doing his best to keep his voice steady. “To Greg—you are gone, but never forgotten. You’re no longer here but live within our hearts. We can’t see you, but we know you watch over us.” Jonathon lifted his glass and took a sip as everyone else in the room did the same. He heard a few sniffles and saw Marty wipe his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he finished the remainder of the glass and set it on the table. Lifting the urn, he walked through the dining area and out the door to the bow of the boat. He expected others to follow, but he found himself alone. Turning around, he saw Jeana standing at the door, motioning with her hand for him to continue.

  Jonathon felt the boat turn under his feet, the wind shifting until it was behind him. Twisting the lid off the urn, he set it aside. “Good-bye, Greg. I’ll love you forever,” he said aloud, and with tears streaming down his cheeks, he poured the contents into the water.

  Setting the now-empty urn aside, Jonathon stood at the bow and let the wind dry his tears, looking at the tree-lined lakeshore. Picking up the urn again, he walked back inside. As he made his way through the dining area, Jonathon handed the urn to Jeana, wiping his eyes one last time, relieved that he was truly able to let Greg go and thankful that he’d been able to carry out his wishes.

  Jonathon spent the next hour or so talking to everyone, and even Doreen seemed pleasant. When the boat docked, Jonathon invited everyone to a late lunch in the restaurant, after which everyone began drifting away. After numerous hugs and good-byes, Jonathon found himself standing on the dock with Karen and Winston, waving good-bye as Jeana left with her brothers and mother. “I’m going to go as well,” Winston said after shaking his hand.

  “Thank you for coming, Winston. Please stop by for coffee tomorrow.”

  “I will,” Winston promised, and he walked down the dock to his boat.

  “I should head home too,” Karen said as she gave him a hug.

  “I can’t believe you came all this way. Are you driving home tonight?”

  “No. I figure I’ll find a small bed and breakfast. I saw one as I passed through, and I’ll stay there for the night.” She hugged him again before walking to her car. “See you Monday,” she called before closing her car door.

  Jonathon waved before walking to the boat. Climbing in, he started the motor and unfastened the lines. Turning the boat toward the center of the lake, he opened the throttle and skimmed across the water until he reached the northern edge of the lake, pulling the boat up to his dock. He shut down the motor and tied the lines before stepping out. Hearing the screen door bang closed, he turned and saw Fabian hurrying down the path. Jonathon was engulfed in a hug as he stepped off the dock. “Are you all right?” Fabian asked softly in his ear.

  “Yes.” Jonathon stepped back, but only slightly. “You know, you could have come too. You didn’t have to stay here, like you were some secret.”

  “No,” Fabian answered before kissing him again. “You needed to say good-bye to Greg, and you needed to do it alone.” Fabian took his hand and led him up toward the cabin. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “What kind of surprise?” Jonathon asked, remembering that the last time Fabian had surprised him, he hadn’t been able to walk right for two days.

  Inside, Fabian led him t
o their bedroom and unzipped the pocket on the outside of his suitcase, retrieving something and handing it to him. Jonathon opened the passport, smiling. “It came.”

  “Yes, it is official. I am a US and Austrian citizen.” Fabian beamed. Marty had helped Fabian with the paperwork and the official papers needed to prove that his father was Italian-American. “Now I can stay.”

  “With me,” Jonathon added, bringing their lips close together. “Forever.”

  “Yes, Johnny. You are mine forever,” Fabian clarified as he tugged Jonathon into a hug. “I have one more surprise.” Fabian backed away. “Stay here,” he said as he motioned Jonathon to sit before hurrying from the room, closing the door. Jonathon heard furniture sliding on the floor, and then the door opened. “Come.”

  Fabian took his hand, leading him to the living room, where all the furniture had been pushed to the walls. Fabian pressed a button on the CD player. “Dance with me.”

  Strauss’s music rang through the cabin as Fabian took his hand, placing the other on Jonathon’s waist. Fabian kissed him lightly, and together, they stepped into the waltz.

  About the Author

  ANDREW GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.