Personal Challenges

by K. C. Wells

  “What is… GT magazine?”

  * * * * * *

  The air was filled with the sweet aroma of cake and chocolate and other delicious smells. Angelo stared at the display of wedding cakes. “I didn’t realize it was going to be so difficult a choice.”

  “I know,” Rick murmured. “Do we go for traditional, or modern, or something totally different?”

  Elena huffed. “I have already taken care of this.”

  Angelo blinked. “You have? But I thought we were here to decide on a design.”

  Mum gave him a wide smile. “I emailed Patricia the recipe for your cake weeks ago. We are here to make sure everything will be on time.”

  Rick darted a glance at Angelo. “I thought the same as you.”

  The door at the rear of the shop opened and a young woman appeared. “Mrs. Tarallo? Glad to finally meet you.” She greeted Angelo and Rick with a smile. “And you two must be the bridegrooms-to-be. I’m Patricia Merton. I own the bakery. Would you all come this way?”

  They followed her into an office with chairs set out. “Please, sit down,” she said, before sitting at the desk and reaching for a sketch pad. When they were seated, she placed the pad on her knee. “Thank you for coming today. Based on the information Mrs Tarallo gave me, I’ve put together an idea for your cake.”

  Elena frowned. “Didn’t you receive my email?”

  Patricia gave her a sweet smile. “I did, yes, and thank you for that. I hadn’t seen a recipe for Italian wedding cake.”

  Angelo groaned inwardly. I might have known.

  “Is that the one I tried when we were in Italy?” Rick asked. “The one with crushed pineapple and nuts in it, with cream cheese all over it?”

  Angelo nodded.

  “Unfortunately, I tend not to use recipes that contain nuts. Too many people with allergies. And although it looked like it was a delicious cake, it was very… impersonal for a wedding cake. So I took the liberty of designing one that reflected the two of you.” She flipped open the pad and handed it to Angelo.

  Rick leaned in to get a better look. “Oh, wow.”

  Angelo swallowed. “This is beautiful.” It was a drawing of a large, round cake, the base of which was deep, and whatever covered it had been grained to look like wood. At one point, part of it curled off, and there was a chisel beside it, looking for all the world like part of the covering had been carved away. On top of the base was a large open book, and on the left hand page was gold lettering, announcing their marriage. On the right…

  He had to smile. “I was going to ask if we would be having those,” he said, pointing to the two figures in black suits who stood together side by side.

  “Your mother had asked if we could do that.”

  Elena sighed. “I was upset that you were not going to make the cake I asked for, but now that I see this?” Her gaze met Angelo’s. “It is perfect.”

  Patricia beamed. “I wanted it to be something that reflected your lives.”

  Rick leaned against him. “And it does.”

  Angelo put his arm around him. “Is it August yet?”

  The day couldn’t come soon enough.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  June 18th

  Colin plumped up the pillows and Ray leaned back, the air mask in place. His breathing was more laboured than it had been during the day, and Colin was doing his best to make him comfortable. In the last six weeks, he’d managed two visits, and it was depressing to see the changes in Ray. The breathlessness was getting to be a serious problem, and Colin suspected it wouldn’t be long before more medical intervention would be needed.

  “In case I… forget to say… thank you.” The mask muffled his words, but Colin could make them out.

  “For what? Coming to see you?” Colin forced himself to smile, determined to be as positive as he could. “You don’t need to thank me for that.”

  Ray pulled the mask aside. “So… what have you… been doing… since your last… visit?”

  Colin gently eased the mask back over his mouth and nose. “Less talking, please. I’ll do enough talking for both of us.” He shifted on the bed so that he was facing Ray. “I’ve been putting together a new project. The company has been asked to submit a design for a new government building, and we’re really excited about it. London has its fair share of innovative designers, and we want to do something that will really stand out.”

  Ray smiled. “So proud of you.”

  Colin took hold of Ray’s hand. “Do you remember when we were dating? I used to drag you around so many buildings, and you just went along with it. You had the patience of a saint.”

  Ray chuckled. “I remember… your reaction… when you saw… the Lowry… and the Imperial… War Museum North.”

  Colin nodded. “They’re amazing!” He and Ray had gone to the opening of the theatre and gallery, not two months after their first date. Then he scowled. “How could they have demolished the Hacienda? I mean, it was a fucking icon, for God’s sake!”

  Ray wheezed out another laugh. “Still talking… about that?... It was over… fourteen years ago…. Give it a rest.”

  “You have to admit, when it comes to architecture, Manchester has a somewhat chequered portfolio.”

  Ray grinned. “There’s always… Urbis.” He closed his eyes.

  Colin sighed. “There is.” The glass building that had arisen after the IRA bombing in 1996 was still one of his favourites.

  It took a moment or two for it to occur to him that Ray’s breathing had changed, and he quickly gazed at Ray’s chest to check on its rise and fall. When he realized Ray had fallen asleep, Colin gently placed Ray’s hand on the bed and got to his feet as carefully as possible. He stood by the bed, gazing down at the sleeping figure, his heart heavy.

  Colin knew what was coming, although he did his best not to think too far ahead. The last two times he’d flown to Edinburgh, all the way there he’d felt… leaden. What dispelled that feeling was the obvious happiness he saw in Ray’s eyes when Colin walked into the flat. That brief respite was tempered by the knowledge that Colin now had a key: Ray was unable to get up easily and let him in.

  It was time to move him.

  “Hey.”

  Ray’s whisper pulled him back into the present, back into a world where it hurt to gaze upon what had become of the man he’d once loved.

  “Do you need anything?” he asked Ray softly.

  To his surprise, Ray blinked back tears, and Colin knelt by the side of the bed. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  Ray pulled the mask away from his face just a fraction. “Would… would you hold me… for a minute?”

  Hot tears pricked his own eyes, and Colin wiped them away. “Of course.” He climbed gingerly onto the bed beside Ray, who leaned on one elbow, waiting for him to settle. Colin sat back against the pillows and held his arm wide. Ray leaned against him, his head on Colin’s shoulder. Colin held him gently, aware of his breathing, of how much weight he’d lost, unconsciously comparing with the last time they’d held each other, all those years ago. Then, it had been him in Ray’s arms, Ray taking his weight.

  Colin closed his eyes and remembered the days when the man in his arms had meant the world to him.

  Let me hold him while I can.

  He recognized the pattern of his thoughts. I’m mentally preparing for his death. He tried to occupy his mind with lists of what would need to be done, and his throat tightened when he realized the first item would be to decide Ray’s final journey.

  I guess there are some conversations that need to take place.

  He knew there was no one else. Ray’s parents were dead, and there were no siblings. It grieved him sorely that so few people would mourn him.

  Colin knew the day Ray passed, there would be one person who cried.

  * * * * * *

  Colin walked through the glass doors into the Arrivals hall at Gatwick airport, feeling weary and low. It didn’t help that all around were smiles of joy as his fellow passen
gers greeted those who awaited them. What he wouldn’t give right then to see Ed’s beautiful face, see that familiar smile…

  That same familiar smile from the bear of a man who stood near the coffee shop, holding two large cups…

  Colin resisted the urge to walk up to Ed and kiss him long and hard, but God help him, that was a tough decision. He walked over to Ed, unable to stop smiling. “What are you doing here?”

  Ed’s smile was so full of love that it made his heart ache to see it. “Dunno. Something told me you might need a friendly face right now.”

  Fuck it. Colin ignored the cups, cupped Ed’s face between both hands and kissed him, drinking him in. Ed didn’t bat an eyelid, but closed his eyes and sighed. When Colin broke the kiss, Ed murmured, “Well, if that don’t set tongues waggin’ around ’ere, nothin’ will.” He grinned.

  Colin laughed, and God, it felt good. “Do you think we might have offended some delicate soul’s sensibilities?”

  Ed snorted. “Fuck ’em. An’ besides, let’s face it, these days there are more likely to be more people who get off on seein’ two guys kissin’.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Thank God for Torchwood, eh?” He handed Colin one of the cups. “Now get that down yer neck, ’coz you won’t be able to drink it on the way ’ome.”

  It took a moment for Ed’s words to register. Colin stared. “You came on the Harley?”

  Ed grinned. “When’s the last time you took a ride on me bike?” He leered. “As opposed to ridin’ anything else, of course.” He glanced down at Colin’s bag. “That’ll squash in the box, once I’ve taken out your ’elmet.” He leaned forward and kissed Colin on the lips. “Love ya. So glad you’re back. And when we get ’ome, I’ve got a nice surprise waitin’ for ya.”

  “If it involves cuddling up with you, I’m in.” Right then the idea sounded wonderful.

  Ed smiled. “There might be a bit of cuddlin’ involved. Now drink up.”

  Colin gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

  They walked through the airport toward the exit, Colin sipping his coffee. The prospect of a fast ride on the back of the Harley, his arms around Ed’s waist, was a pleasant one. Conversation would be non-existent, which was fine by him. He wasn’t in the mood to talk, but maybe by the time they reached their home in Sutton, he’d feel differently.

  The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

  I have Ed. Ray has no one.

  Yeah, it wasn’t a good thought.

  * * * * * *

  “Are you ’ungry?” Ed opened the fridge and peered inside. “I wasn’t sure if you’d ’ave something on the plane.”

  Colin snorted. “You’re kidding, right? Have you seen what’s on offer? But to answer your question, I’m not really hungry.”

  “’Ow about a beer?” Ed stuck his head around the door. “Wine?”

  Colin chuckled. “Why, Mr. Fellows, are you trying to get me drunk?”

  Ed cackled. “Nah. You’re easy. Don’t need alcohol to get into your boxers.” When Colin gave a mock gasp, Ed stared at him. “What—you denyin’ it?”

  “Enough. I’ll have a glass of wine.”

  Ed pulled out a bottle of white wine, closed the door and studied Colin for a moment. “So, ’ow is he?” He reached into the cabinet for two glasses.

  “As you’d expect.”

  Ed didn’t need to be looking at Colin to know his demeanour had changed. He could hear it in Colin’s voice. He poured out the wine and shoved the bottle back into the fridge. “’Ad he changed much since the last visit?” Ed handed Colin a glass.

  Colin nodded. “He’s relying more and more on the oxygen, but I think the pain has increased too. There were some heavy duty pain killers lying around.”

  “When do you plan on goin’ there again?”

  Colin took a long drink of wine before answering. “Maybe in a couple of weeks.” His eyes had a faraway look in them that Ed didn’t get to see that often. It was a look he didn’t like very much.

  He put down his glass and took Colin’s from him. “I think you need to switch off for a while.”

  Colin sighed. “Easier said than done, at this point.” His gaze met Ed’s. “I guess I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he’ll be gone before the year is out.”

  That did it. Ed couldn’t stand to see Colin in pain.

  “Come with me.” He took hold of Colin’s hand and led him out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

  “A little early for bed, isn’t it?” Colin commented dryly.

  Ed squeezed his hand. “Time for your surprise.” He pushed open their bedroom door and entered, standing aside to let Colin see the bed laid out with towels, the bottle of massage oil warming in a bowl of water, and the oil burner that stood on the bedside cabinet.

  Colin sniffed the air. “Okay, you’re going to think I’m crazy, but… can I smell custard?”

  Ed chuckled. “That is Ylang Ylang, an’ I’m prob’ly sayin’ it all wrong, but I wanna smell it, not pronounce it. The girl in the shop said it was good for relaxin’ yer.” He sniffed up. “There’s a whiff of rose, too.”

  Colin stilled. “You went shopping for this… for me?”

  Ed chuckled. “Yeah, an’ I won’t be doin’ that again in an ’urry. I got some right weird looks from some people. You’d think they’d never seen a bloke shoppin’ for aromatherapy oils before.”

  “Maybe not a bloke that’s built like you,” Colin suggested with a smile, his eyes shining.

  That hint of a smile made it worth all the amused glances he’d received.

  “Okay, you, get yer kit off.” Ed flexed his hands. “An’ I’ll get the ’ole magic fingers ready.”

  That got him more than a flash on a smile. Colin snorted. “Always did like what you do with your fingers.”

  Ed gave him a mock glare. “’Ey. Mind out of the gutter, if you please. I’m about to give you the most professional massage I can manage.”

  Colin looked suitably abashed. “Right away, Mr. Masseur.” He unbuttoned his pale blue shirt down to his waist, and then tugged it out to finish. Ed stepped in to help, unzipping his jeans and kneeling to remove them, along with Colin’s socks.

  He pointed to Colin’s briefs. “Off with them, too. Then lie face down on the bed an’ get comfy.”

  Colin did as instructed. “When did you set up the oil?” he asked as he climbed onto the bed and moved onto the spread towels.

  “While you were on the phone to Ray.” Ed stripped off his own clothing, and Colin arched his eyebrows. Ed huffed. “What—you want me to get oil on me clothes? I like these jeans.” He waited until Colin had lowered his head onto the pillow, and then he straddled Colin’s arse. The oil was within his reach, and Colin lay quiescent beneath him. Ed leaned forward to kiss across Colin’s shoulder blades. “Now, all I want you to do is switch off yer brain for a bit. There’ll be plenty of time for thinkin’ tomorrow, an’ the day after, an’ the day after that. Now is the time for you to let me massage away your cares, if only for a little while.” Another soft kiss, this time to Colin’s neck. “Ready?”

  “Ready.” The pillow muffled the word.

  Ed opened the bottle and poured out a palm full of oil. After replacing the bottle in the bowl, he rubbed his hands together and proceeded to move them gently over Colin’s upper back and shoulders, keeping the movement leisurely and even. He dug his thumbs into the warm flesh, moving them in a circular motion, and was rewarded with a low moan of pleasure.

  “Thass’ it,” he crooned. “Feels good, don’t it?”

  “You have no idea,” Colin said with a sigh. “I love your magic fingers.”

  Ed chuckled. “An’ I’ve only just gotten started.” He worked Colin’s shoulder blades, kneading the flesh, careful not to exert too much pressure as he edged lower. Colin appeared to have melted into the mattress, and that was fine by Ed. He pushed hard at the solid muscles above the curve of his arse, using his thumbs again to manipulate the flesh and loosen it.

>   “God, yes, there,” Colin groaned. “So stiff there.”

  “That’s what you get for doin’ a lot of sittin’ on a plane.” Ed applied a little more oil and worked harder, shifting back to dig his fingers into the firm globes. “Playin’ rugby is definitely good for your arse.”

  Colin turned his head to the side and chuckled. “You’re biased. You have a thing for my arse. Don’t bother denying it.”

  Ed leaned over him, brushing his lips over Colin’s ear. “Never ’eard you complain,” he whispered.

  Colin clenched his buttocks, pushing against the mattress, and Ed laughed softly. “You got a problem there?”

  “You’re making me hard,” Colin whispered.

  Ed lifted his leg over to kneel beside him. “Roll over an’ show me.” His own dick was already filling. Slowly Colin rolled onto his back, his cock rising into the air, thick and heavy. Colin lifted his head from the pillow to gaze at it, before peering at Ed.

  “Well, don’t just sit there. Do something.”

  Ed laughed quietly, before wrapping oil-slick fingers around the stiff shaft, moving them languidly up and down, enjoying the feel of silken skin sliding over a hot core of solid flesh. Colin dropped his head back onto the pillow with a heartfelt moan, and Ed moved a little faster, listening to the change in Colin’s breathing. His own cock curved up, hard and wanting, and he tugged at it, smearing precome over the head where the skin was stretched taut and shiny.

  “How does this oil do as lube?” Colin asked him, his gaze focused on Ed’s face.

  Ed caught his breath. “Why don’t we find out?” He straddled Colin’s groin, reaching back to slide his fingers up and down the slick shaft. With his other hand he rubbed between his cheeks, spreading a little oil over his hole. It had been a week since they’d made love, and he anticipated the burn to come. Gently he guided Colin’s dick into position, feeling its heat against his pucker.