Revving It Up Box Set

by W. S. Long

  “But will any team accept me if they find out that I’m with Tristan? What do I even say? I’m bi?”

  Caleb sighed. “The problem with labels is that they don’t always fit. You love Tristan. And you’ve had relationships with women. Is defining yourself that important?”

  “You know, people will want to label me,” Cujo said. “Tristan said I’d meet the definition of sexually fluid. I don’t know if I am or not, but I can’t see a life…without Tristan,” Cujo whispered. “I’ve never felt this way before about anyone.”

  “I couldn’t imagine life without Sebastian,” Caleb said. “So I get where you’re coming from. I know you’ll make the right decision when the time comes.”

  “I hope so,” Cujo said.

  * * * *

  Cujo braced, gripped the steering wheel, and yanked it so that his car stayed in the inside lane, away from the pile-up that was unfolding near the wall. No longer the seventh car behind the leader, he caught up to the lead car, but a plume of smoke coming out of the engine forced Cujo to move to the right as the lead car now headed off to the pit.

  Cujo looked at his rearview mirror. There were now ten cars behind him, a far cry from the start of the race 390 miles earlier. Cujo was now the lead car. A car drifted behind him, and Cujo kept pace and distanced himself from the trailing car while trying to block any lane for passing. Nine miles to go became eight miles, then seven. Last time he was this close to winning, Caleb had been racing by his side. What he wouldn’t give to have Caleb or Garrison next to him now. Garrison unfortunately had wiped out in a previous pile up almost an hour before. He thought about Caleb’s words from their drive from the airport, I know you’ll make the right decision when the time comes.

  All of a sudden, the car behind him moved closer and tried to dart past Cujo.

  Shit. Focus, man. Focus!

  Cujo pressed the accelerator on the last turn as he eyed the checkered flag. Two cars behind him now. He improved his lead by half a car, and he steadied his emotions. When the checkered flag dropped, he let out the breath he’d been holding.

  The crowd erupted from the stands, and Cujo couldn’t make out what the announcer was saying, but he could hear his name being repeated over and over. Cujo slowed down and started his victory lap. He probably smiled like a fool for a few seconds before he caught himself, then he eyed the empty seat next to him, and wished that Tristan were with him to enjoy the moment. There would be a time afterward to see him and kiss him, and he couldn’t wait to celebrate with Tristan.

  As he pulled to the stop, a crowd from the VIP area surrounded him. He turned off the engine, slid out of the car and shook hands with the NASCAR officials. Cujo ignored the cameras that clicked away and scanned the group around him. When he saw Earl and Joan approach him, he grinned at seeing Tristan following closely, wearing credentials as part of the race team. Garrison and Caleb followed closely behind Tristan. Sebastian followed, too. Race officials prepped the area for ceremony but Cujo broke away and hugged Tristan.

  “That was amazing! Congratulations!” Tristan shouted.

  Instead of responding, Cujo broke off the hug and kissed Tristan quickly on the lips. “I love you,” Cujo said.

  “I love you!” Tristan said, his eyes gleaming.

  Cujo didn’t care that television cameras and phones was snapping away. He kissed Tristan again, and this time not a peck on the lips. A real, honest, wet, loving kiss. The crowd of reporters pressed forward, pushing through some NASCAR officials, but Sebastian and Garrison shouted for everyone to keep their distance. Even Joan started shouting.

  Cujo didn’t care. The only thing he wanted to do at that moment was to hold Tristan who’d started crying. “Everything okay?”

  Tristan nodded. “Yes,” Tristan whispered as he wiped the tears and smiled.

  “Good, I don’t care that the whole world knows. I love you and I want you to be part of my life.” Cujo hugged Tristan again as they both smiled for everyone to see. Cujo nodded to Caleb who appeared next to him.

  “So I see you made the right decision at the right time!” Caleb said.

  “Yes, I did,” Cujo shouted. “Yes, I did.”

  Chapter 9

  Two months later

  Caleb stretched his legs as much as he could, but the seat in front of him pressed against his knees. If there weren’t anyone else seated in front of him, Caleb would’ve swung his legs over the tops of the chairs. JW and Langston sat to his left, an empty seat next to Caleb, for Sebastian, along with other empty seats for Cujo, Tristan, Daisy, and Olivia. The sun beat down on the three of them and the twins squirmed, bored with the temporary delay in the game, fidgeting with the baseball caps Sebastian had bought them.

  “See that guy?” Caleb pointed down to the field. “He’s one of the best Mets players out there now. Watch him.”

  JW and Langston sat silently as they watched the player approach, bend his knees a little, then practice a couple of swings. When the pitcher threw a curveball, the batter thwacked the ball, sending the ball into left field. Caleb stood up instinctively then sat down.

  “Wow!” JW yelled.

  “That was awesome!” Langston shouted. “You were right!”

  “See baseball isn’t that boring, right?” Caleb asked. “Let’s see if they can get the bases loaded with the next batter.” Caleb eyed JW and Langston, now glued to their chairs. The smell of hotdogs coming towards them broke Caleb’s concentration.

  “Here you go,” Tristan said. Caleb took his hot dog as Tristan passed a hotdog to each of the twins. Olivia and Daisy moved toward their open chairs and sat down, passing down the drinks they purchased. Daisy took her place right next to Caleb.

  Daisy handed the ketchup and mustard to her kids. “You need help putting it on?” Neither twin spoke as they shook their heads, waving off the condiments. JW took the orange juice that his mother offered. “Hand this apple juice to your brother.”

  Caleb took the bottle and passed it to Langston, who didn’t even break his eye contact from the field.

  “Where’s Cujo and Sebastian?” Tristan asked. “Weren’t they with you?”

  Olivia shook her head. “No, I think they went in the hot pretzels line for Caleb.”

  “That’s the same line for the hotdogs. They should’ve made it back by now. They could’ve been in my line.”

  “I don’t know where they went, sweetie.” Daisy nudged Caleb, who winked at her.

  “They probably went to the bathroom. Knowing Cujo, he grabbed a beer. Jeez, Tristan, he’ll be back.” Caleb hoped his reassurance would calm Tristan. Daisy and Olivia huddled for a little, and Caleb decided to keep Tristan distracted. “Do you know Uncle Tristan has someone who could get us Yankee tickets, too, if you want to watch them?”

  “Yes!” JW shouted. “I want to see the Yankees.”

  Langston nodded his head, his attention on keeping the hotdog from not falling out of its bun.

  “Think you can do that, Uncle Tristan?” Caleb asked.

  Tristan’s eyebrows arched. “Sure. I’ll see what I can do. But Uncle Cujo likes the Mets more.” Tristan laughed as he watched the twins open up the bags of chips that Tristan passed to them. “You guys are hungry.”

  “Hey, there. Did you guys miss us?” Cujo asked. Sebastian followed him, and scooted past Tristan and the twins, and sat to Caleb’s left.

  “Yes, I can’t believe you’ve missed the last two runs. That’s so unlike you,” Tristan said.

  “Listen, you. We go to a few baseball games, and you’re hooked. Even fans have to go pee.”

  “You’re not complaining that I like baseball now, are you?” Tristan asked.

  “Not at all, babe,” Cujo said.

  “Well, did you get it done?” Caleb whispered to Sebastian.

  “Yeah,” Sebastian smiled. “It’ll happen in a few. Did you tell them what your agent’s lined up?”

  “Tell who? The twins? I don’t think they’ll care that I’ve got a contract renewal t
o sell more watches,” Caleb said. “Or that I’ve got an underwear and clothing contract to boot.”

  “No, not that.”

  “Hmmm. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Caleb laughed. Sebastian wanted to shout to the whole world that Caleb had a Sunday-only job at Sebastian’s TV station doing sports highlights. “They’re not going to care that I’m doing a sportscaster gig that you set up with my agent. That’s nothing compared to me in my tighty-whities going up on Times Square. But I am looking forward to Sunday sports talk. It’s like a dream come true for me.”

  “Not that. You should tell the boys that you’re going to do a cameo for the racing movie that’s coming out.”

  “Well, I’ll tell them when it actually happens, and my scene’s not cut out.”

  The next batter struck out so JW stood and came between Sebastian and Caleb. “Have you thought about having kids? Mom says you’re buying the apartment next door.”

  Caleb’s eyes widened. Sebastian laughed, then dropped his head. “You put him up to this didn’t you?” Caleb whispered.

  “No,” Sebastian said.

  Langston stood up, too, and handed his mother, Daisy, back the empty juice bottle. “Gay guys can have kids now.” Langston stood next to his brother as they both partially blocked Caleb’s view of the baseball field.

  “Oh yeah?” Caleb asked, ignoring Daisy and Olivia’s snickering. “And how would they do that?”

  “They get a mommy to carry a baby or adopt,” Langston said.

  “There are lots and lots of kids, lots and lots, that can be adopted. They need a good home. Someone to love them,” JW said. “Some of the Littles I know are adopted. And some of the kids in school are, too. Lots of kids need good homes, and gay moms and dads make good parents.”

  Caleb broke off the eye contact with JW and Langston. Sebastian’s jaw had dropped in surprise. “Yes, we sold our condo in Florida, and we are moving into the apartment across the hall from where we live now.”

  “You would make a good dad. And Sebastian, too,” Langston said obviously not wanting to change the subject.

  Caleb turned to Daisy. She pushed her sunglass frame up to cover her eyes, brushing something off the corner of her eye as she did so. Caleb wanted to know if Daisy knew her kids had these feelings. He guessed that if she ever told her kids that Olivia was more than a friend, the twins would be okay with that.

  “You know, if I could be guaranteed that he or she would just be like you or JW I wouldn’t hesitate.”

  Langston hugged Caleb and so did JW.

  “Ahh, they’ve grown to love you,” Olivia said, her own voice quivered with emotion. Caleb didn’t say anything but smiled when Olivia squeezed Daisy’s hand.

  “Give some hugs to Uncle Sebastian, too,” Caleb said.

  The twins hugged Sebastian. When they broke off their hugs, JW sat partially on Sebastian’s lap, and Langston did the same for Caleb.

  “You guys are too heavy.” Despite his protest, Caleb didn’t move Langston off his lap and balanced him on the end of the knee so that the kid had a better view of the field.

  “I can see better,” Langston said.

  “You boys having fun?” Daisy asked.

  “Yes.” They both answered in unison.

  Caleb hugged Langston without thinking. He couldn’t deny that he had grown fond of the two boys. Caleb eyed Sebastian who happened to be looking at Caleb intently. Caleb admitted that the thought of having kids didn’t terrify him as much as it did two months ago, especially now that his modeling contract had been extended, and his agent worked some things out for future work. And spending time with the twins made him understand how being a parent could be fulfilling. He didn’t have any illusions that life would be better with kids in it, but he knew it wouldn’t be any worse. And besides, the thought of having kids made Sebastian happy.

  “Out of the mouths of babes, huh?” Sebastian asked, breaking Caleb out of reverie.

  Caleb smiled, and he opened his mouth to say something but the seventh inning stretch started and the traditional break in the game meant that the players left the field. Caleb put the idea of telling Sebastian that he was fine with having kids on the back-burner. The Gameday Greetings came on and along with it came the brief announcements of birthdays and anniversaries. Soon a picture of a crowd appeared in the oversized screen. It first focused on the group right in front and below Caleb and Sebastian, then zoomed up to the twins.

  “Look JW, Langston, you’re on the screen!” The twins waved and smiled. “Stand up and wave,” Caleb yelled. The twins did what they were told and the crowd clapped and cheered.

  Next the camera lingered and moved down the row and soon focused on Cujo and Tristan. The screen zoomed in, then out with music so the crowd followed along.

  “This isn’t a kiss cam, is it?” Tristan asked.

  Then the words came on the screen one word at a time, each a half-second apart from each other. “Will…you…marry…me, Tristan?”

  “Holy shit!” Tristan said, yelling to no one in particular. Tristan then faced Cujo. “Are you serious?”

  Cujo stood up, then got down on one knee in the narrow aisle. The crowd roared as Cujo took out a ring from his pocket and hurriedly wiped his brow.

  * * * *

  Holy fuck.

  For the last day and a half, Cujo’s stomach churned. He and Sebastian, along with Caleb, planned the whole proposal out, but the moment of truth had arrived. Maybe Tristan would say this was too soon, but his heart and his whole body told him he loved Tristan more than anything else in the world. He wanted to show Tristan he wasn’t hiding his feelings from anyone or the world. It took him a month to order the right ring and ensure the jeweler put finishing touches and a design to it so it was clearly unique.

  Even though he kissed Tristan in front of the world when he won the 400 two months before, Cujo wanted to let Tristan know in a public way that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him. Since Cujo publicly came out, Tristan fretted what being gay in the racing community would do to Cujo’s career. NASCAR and sports homophobia be damned. Cujo didn’t care. Look at Caleb. He was happy as a pig in shit, taking the twins to baseball games, teaching them tennis, and paying for swimming lessons at the Y.

  Now here he was. On his knees.

  “Will you marry me?” Cujo asked, his one knee still bent on the ground. He held up the square-cut diamond set on white and yellow gold band. It had Tristan’s name engraved inside the ring and the initials “T” on either side of the diamond.

  Tristan said something, but the crowd noise prevented Cujo from hearing it. Cujo tried to make out what Tristan said. Was that a yes?

  Tristan nodded. “I said yes! Yes! Can you hear me?”

  Cujo beamed. “Now I can!”

  Sebastian shouted, his hands covering his mouth, so it would carry. “The crowd doesn’t know if you said yes.”

  “What?” Tristan asked.

  Cujo grabbed Tristan’s hand as he rose and Cujo signaled with a thumbs- up sign. The clapping and hollering in the Citi Field stadium got even louder. Cujo moved in to kiss Tristan, who threw his arms around Cujo. Amidst the clapping and yelling, Tristan and Cujo kissed.

  “I love you,” Cujo said.

  “I love you.” Tristan kissed Cujo again, and wiped the tears that appeared. “I want to make you the happiest man alive.”

  “You already are, baby,” Cujo smiled. “I can’t wait to live the rest of my life with you.”

  Chapter 10

  A year later

  Caleb lifted his head above the water. He floated, his arms relaxed as he gently kicked. He didn’t have to worry about the sea’s waves or the undertow. He paddled cautiously on the board following the waves into shore. His surfboard was still tethered to him and he had ridden wave after wave without a problem. He made out Sebastian, the twins, his brother, dad, and sister on the beach, playing Frisbee, and watching him. Cujo was in the water, teaching Tristan how to surf. He loved ho
w the sun’s rays reflected off the water, and that he could see small fish swimming below him, moving back from the shore to the deep water. A light jasmine fragrance lingered in the air. Caleb didn’t know why the sky looked purple, but it made everything around him exquisitely beautiful.

  A chirping sound disturbed him, and then a baby’s insistent crying.

  “Babe, wake up.”

  Caleb’s eyes fluttered, in reaction to Sebastian shaking his arm, and he groaned, jarred from his dream. “What time is it?”

  “Time for you to feed her, then check her diaper while I cook breakfast, unless you want to cook.”

  Caleb yawned, then yawned again. “Okay, go ahead and cook. I’ll get her. I had an awesome dream you woke me up from, by the way.” Caleb threw his legs on the floor and stood up and stretched. Only slight baby sounds could be heard now through the baby monitor. The baby’s room was next to theirs, just a few feet away.

  “I’m glad you’re no longer having those drowning nightmares. I thought you were having those because you were married to me.”

  “Hah,” Caleb snorted. “It’s not always about you, babe, or the anchor you put around my neck.”

  “Funny,” Sebastian said. “Time’s a-wasting! I have a doctor’s appointment this morning before I got to work. I have to run a few meetings when I get in, and still have to review my meeting notes. You got to take the twins to school. They can’t take the subway by themselves.”

  As Caleb walked to get their eleven-month old girl, Sebastian commented. “And babe, when Taylor gets older, you’ll have to put on clothes when you sleep. Toddlers like to bug their parents. Sometimes in bed.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Caleb approached the pack-and-play and Taylor kicked her legs in the air. “There’s my little princess.” Caleb spun the mobile that hung over her new sleep area. After Caleb confirmed that her diaper was dry, he picked up Taylor and headed toward the kitchen. “You must have changed her earlier, or she hasn’t peed or pooped yet. I got to hit the shower, so can you watch her for a few?” Caleb didn’t wait for Sebastian to answer. He placed Taylor in the Graco swing, fastened the belt, grabbed a bottle of formula from the fridge, and gave it to her. Taylor immediately snatched it and started feeding. Caleb leaned and kissed her forehead. “Papa’s gonna watch you for a little bit.”