by Shawn Bailey
After showering, he found his way to the kitchen. Frankie was busy at the stove, and Adam sat at the table reading a newspaper. They both looked up when he entered.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” they both said to him.
“Breakfast is ready,” Frankie announced.
“Is that waffles?” Jonas asked.
“Yes,” Frankie answered. “Whole grain.”
Jonas didn’t care what kind of grain. He hadn’t had waffles in a long time. There was also fresh fruit, Canadian bacon, scrambled eggs, and grits. Frankie dished up two plates of food and placed one in front of Adam and one in front of him.
“Thanks.”
“I found this diabetic syrup at Whole Foods this morning,” Frankie announced as he placed it on the table.
Both he and Adam were diabetics. “You’ve been shopping this morning?”
“Yes,” Frankie answered as he fixed another plate. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“No, he couldn’t. He tossed and turned most of the night,” Adam said. “I got up, and we went grocery shopping.”
“For what? We’re just going to be here for one more day,” Jonas said.
“For the barbecue,” Frankie announced.
“What barbecue?” Jonas asked.
“The one Adam and I are planning for today. We thought it was best not to return to the festival and enjoy this beautiful mansion.”
Jonas smirked. It was clear that no one trusted Luke to watch the place and Frankie had way too much energy in the mornings. He just poured a little syrup on his waffles. He’d taken his medicine earlier, and this should be okay.
The third member of their group entered dressed in pajamas and a robe. Gerard’s bangs needed a serious trim. Like Frankie’s, his hair was mostly all curly. His bangs were so long he looked like a sheepdog. He brushed them out of his eyes.
“Morning,” everyone said to him.
“Do I smell waffles?” Gerard asked.
“Yes,” Frankie answered. He got up from the table and fixed Gerard’s plate and then sat down again.
“Thanks,” Gerard said as he reached for a bottle of nondiabetic syrup. “I haven’t had waffles in ages.”
“Whole Foods has a line of vegan stuff,” Frankie announced. “I even found some vegan ice cream.”
“But none of us are vegan,” Gerard said.
“I’m thinking about trying it,” Frankie announced.
Gerard cut into his waffle and ate a piece. “I don’t think you’re the tofu type, Frankie. You like meat too much.”
“You got that right,” Adam said.
Frankie frowned at him. “He’s not referring to you.”
“Yeah, I am,” Gerard said. “What time did the party end?”
“Hell if I know,” Adam said. “Everyone was gone when I woke up.”
“And they left a big mess,” Frankie said. “It took me nearly two hours to clean the pool and hot tub and to pick up all the trash.”
“You did all the cleaning by yourself?” Jonas asked.
Frankie nodded. “Didn’t I tell you that I couldn’t sleep?”
Maybe their parents should have put Frankie on Ritalin when he was a child. Though he wasn’t as bad as he was then, he still had just too much damn energy.
“You should have woke up Luke and made his ass help you,” Jonas said. “It was his party.”
“I know, but then I would have had to talk to him for two hours. You know what he’s like when he hasn’t gotten enough sleep,” Frankie said.
“Boy, do I ever,” Gerard muttered. “Sex, sex, and more sex. Plus, he probably would have tried to put the moves on Frankie.”
Everyone gazed over at Gerard. Jonas didn’t think he knew what he just said. “What? Do I have syrup on my face?”
“No.” Frankie chuckled.
“Luke does not want me to kick his ass,” Adam said.
Luke finally put in an appearance when breakfast was nearly over. His hair was still damp from a recent shower. He had on shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals and had a big smile on his face.
“Morning peeps. You guys look worn out.”
“Thanks to you,” Gerard said.
“What’s wrong, Gerry?” Luke asked sitting down next to him. “Are you jealous because I decided to have a little fun?”
“Non,” Gerard answered in French. “I’m referring to the strange people going in and out of this house all night long. Anyone of them could have robbed us.”
“Nonsense,” Luke said. “Those kids are rich.”
“Your little boy toy is a caddy,” Gerard reminded him.
“His name is Bradley, and his father owns the golf course behind us,” Luke said. “Jealous much?”
“Non,” Gerard said again. “But I think Noel will be if he finds out about you guys.”
“How’s he going to find out?” Luke asked.
Frankie put a plate of waffles and a cup of coffee in front of Luke and moved away quickly.
“Thanks.” Luke put his attention back on Gerard. “Are you going to tell him?”
Gerard shook his head. “I dislike him just as much as I dislike you.”
Jonas sipped his black coffee. Way to go, Gerard. Put that bastard in his place.
“Noel is not stupid. He has to know that you can’t be trusted,” Gerard continued.
“Yes, you’re jealous,” Luke said as he cut into his stack of waffles. “Just drop that designer fellow, and I’ll make you number one in my stable again.”
“Drop dead,” Gerard said. He went back to eating his food.
Jonas chuckled before he could stop himself.
Luke turned on him. “Why was Brenton Tremayne all up on you last night?”
Frankie and Gerard stopped eating.
“Vizio was here?” Frankie asked.
“Yeah, they stopped by for a drink,” Luke answered. “You guys had gone up to bed. Brenton got a beer and made a beeline for Jonas, who was sunning himself under the moonlight in a pair of swimming trunks.”
“He was not up on me,” Jonas said in his defense. “He was seated on a lounger next to me, and we were discussing Vizio’s performance at yesterday’s festival.”
“Looked like you two were discussing more than that,” Luke said. “And he had a big, goofy smile on his face when he left.”
“So the man’s happy,” Jonas said. “It is possible for two guys to have a normal conversation that doesn’t involve an ulterior motive.”
“You do know that he’s gay, don’t you?” Luke said. “He’s been having a torrid love affair with Carson for years.”
Gerard gasped. “What? They’re gay?”
“Yeah,” Luke answered. “He and Carson caused all sorts of scandal in their heyday. Why do you think Tory is so adamant about us not showing emotions for you guys in public?”
Jonas knew all about Brenton’s past, including his relationship with Carson. He liked rebels and guys with backbones.
“So.”
“So, if you’re don’t watch yourself, you’re going to be another notch in his headboard,” Luke said.
“I think Brenton’s nice,” Frankie said.
“Who I sleep with, Luke, is none of your business,” Jonas said. “Brenton is a fellow guitarist and couldn’t possibly be interested in me that way.”
Frankie coughed and sipped some of his coffee. “Can we change the subject? They’re coming over this afternoon.”
“For what?” Gerard asked.
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? We’re having a barbecue,” Frankie said.
“No, you didn’t,” Gerard said. “I thought we were going back to the festival.”
“My baby doesn’t want to go because it’s too hot in the daytime,” Adam said. “He gets all sweaty.”
Jonas turned his nose up at Frankie, and Frankie poked his tongue at him.
“And a barbecue’s not hot?” Gerard asked.
“Frankie wants to show off his new swimsuit,” Jonas teased,
trying to take the pressure off him.
“You have a new suit, babe?” Adam asked.
“Yes, thanks for spoiling the surprise, Jonas.”
“You’re welcome. It’s a mankini. He’s going to be showing off some serious skin,” Jonas said.
Adam, Luke, and Gerard looked at Frankie.
“He’s lying,” Frankie said.
“You want me to rub some lotion on you so you can get a tan?” Adam asked.
Frankie nodded.
“Spoiled,” Jonas said.
“Bite me, Jonas,” Frankie said.
* * * *
“Oh, my God, look how cute Frankie looks,” Carson said to Brenton when they finally made it over to the Kerrys’ barbeque.
Frankie Kerry was over by Gerard wearing a pair of beige shorts and a white T-shirt. The younger Kerry had nice, muscular legs and a shapely rump.
Gerard had on a pair of navy, cotton trousers and a navy and white striped T-shirt. Even in casual clothing, he had a unique style. Adam was manning the grill, and Jonas was noticeably missing.
“Fellows,” Luke said, coming toward them. “Glad you could make it. Where’s Harley?”
“He’s on the phone with Tory,” Preston answered as he shook Luke’s hand. “He’ll be over later.”
Luke pointed toward the tables. “The food’s ready, and there’s plenty. Grab a couple of plates. There’s ice-cold beer in one of those coolers.”
Brenton didn’t know if he liked Luke or not. There was something smarmy about him. He walked away with Carson and Randall, leaving Preston talking to Luke. The Kerrys really knew how to put on a spread. Besides ribs and chicken, there were red beans and rice, jambalaya, hamburgers, and hot dogs. There were also a variety of cakes and desserts.
Frankie left Gerard and came over to serve them. “Thanks for coming,” he said. “What would you guys like?”
“You,” Carson answered.
Frankie raised a blond eyebrow at him. “No, I mean in the food category.”
“Darn,” Carson said. “Such a tempting little entree.”
“How about I give you guys a little sample of everything,” Frankie said. “You can get your choice of meat from Adam.” He grabbed a plate and fixed Carson’s first.
“Can I have you for dessert?” Carson asked.
“No,” Frankie answered. “I’m not on the menu.”
Brenton chuckled. “Good answer, Frankie.”
Preston finally came over to join them. Frankie fixed him and Randall a plate.
“What about you, Brenton? What would you like?” Frankie asked.
“I have to start out small, so just a little of everything.”
“I have just what you need,” Frankie said, uncovering some other dishes.
“What are those?” Brenton asked.
“These are of the salt-free variety,” Frankie answered.
“You’re a sweetie,” Brenton said. “Thanks.” Frankie had gone to the trouble of finding out something about him. His friends had moved down the table to Adam. “Where’s Jonas?”
“He’s taking a nap,” Frankie answered. “Sometimes the insulin makes him sleepy.”
“Is he okay?”
Frankie nodded. “Yes. He’s just recharging. He’ll be joining us shortly.”
“Thanks for the information and the food.”
“You’re welcome,” Frankie said.
Brenton didn’t venture toward Adam because, even though there was chicken, he couldn’t be sure that it and the sauce didn’t have salt in it. He followed his bandmates to a table and then went back to the cooler to look for a bottle of water.
Several more people arrived, and Gerard began spinning records like a DJ. The party was in full swing by the time Jonas put in an appearance, looking angelic in navy walking shorts, a white short-sleeved shirt, and a navy visor.
Jonas saw him, smiled, and walked over to him. “Are you having fun?”
“I am now,” Brenton said. His friends were already in the pool and oblivious to their conversation.
“Mind if I join you?”
Brenton was on the same lounger from last night. “No, I don’t mind.”
Jonas sat on the other lounge chair. He smelled like baby lotion.
“Intoxicating cologne.”
“It’s baby lotion,” Jonas answered. “It’s the only scent I can tolerate,” Jonas admitted.
“I like it,” Brenton said.
Jonas had on a pair of dark sunglasses, which made seeing his beautiful, brown eyes impossible. He removed them as if reading Brenton’s mind.
“Have you eaten?”
Brenton nodded. “Everything was delicious.”
“Frankie’s a good cook.”
“He cooked all the food?” Brenton asked.
Jonas nodded. “Most of it, but Adam wouldn’t let him near the grill.”
Brenton chuckled. “Did you have a nice nap?”
“Yes. Thanks for asking.”
“Would you like something to eat?”
“I’ve eaten,” Jonas said. “I could use a drink.”
“What would you like?”
“What you’re having?”
Brenton got up and walked over to the cooler. He got two icy bottles of water and returned to the loungers. He handed one of the bottles to Jonas and kept the other one for himself.
“Thank you,” Jonas said.
“You’re welcome,” Brenton said as he sat down. “Why aren’t you enjoying the pool?”
“I’m not in the mood,” Jonas said. “What about you?”
“The same,” Brenton answered. “To tell you the truth, I’ve been waiting to talk to you.”
“Oh, about what?” Jonas asked.
“You. Do you like being an entertainer?”
“Yes,” Jonas answered. “I like being on stage, the applause, and making music with my brother and Gerard. How about you?”
“It gets tiresome sometimes,” Brenton said. “It used to be great in the beginning, but two years on the road is a very long time.”
“Why were you guys gone so long?” Jonas asked as he unscrewed the top off of the bottle of water. He took a sip.
“That was Tory’s idea. Go meet the people, he said. Go where they are. Had I known he meant honky-tonk bars and car shows, I would have turned it down.”
“Did you guys make a lot of money?”
“Yes,” Brenton answered. “But Tory made more. I’m not complaining. I’ll never have to work another day if I don’t want to, but it wasn’t all bright lights and big cities.”
“I’ll remember that,” Jonas said. “Read your contract carefully before signing.”
“Yes,” Brenton said.
“I don’t mind performing in small venues,” Jonas said. “It’s more intimate that way, but I can’t see being away from home for two years.”
“We took a chance, and it paid off,” Brenton said. “It could have worked out differently.”
“But you’re tired of traveling and performing?”
“Yes,” Brenton admitted. “My dream was to retire on top, get married, and raise some kids.”
“Never give up on that dream,” Jonas said.
“What do you dream about?” Brenton asked.
“Finding undying love with someone I have something in common with,” Jonas said.
“Another singer?”
Jonas shrugged. “Maybe. I can do other things besides sing. I like to write, too. I wanted to be a published author when I was a kid. I used to stay in my room reading books because my asthma prevented me from playing sports.”
“How do you manage it when you perform?” Brenton asked.
“The temperature in the venue has to be set just right. So far, it hasn’t been a problem. And I have to use my inhaler before I perform, and sometimes after.”
“What happened that night?”
“It was a combination of things,” Jonas said. “I forgot to get my inhaler filled, it was cold outside, and I got into
an argument with a friend.”
“Hmm, yes, I remember. Are you and that friend still friends?”
Jonas shook his head. “No.”
“Good. You shouldn’t get that upset about anything.”
“Who taught you how to play guitar?” Jonas asked, changing the subject.
“Me,” Brenton answered. “My father had an acoustic guitar around the house, and I was always messing with it. Who taught you?”
“I taught myself. My father showed me a couple of things, but he liked classical music, and I liked rock and roll.”
“What made you chose pop?”
“Less stress on the lungs,” Jonas answered.
“We have a lot in common, Jonas. I like talking with you.”
“I like talking with you, too,” Jonas said. He took another sip of his water. “The music festival was nice, but I like what we’re doing right now.”
“I’ll have to invite you to my barbecue if you’re not on the road.”
“I’d like that,” Jonas said. “I can’t eat any, but I’d still like to come.”
Brenton chuckled. “I’ll make sure to find something you’d like. I’m versatile.”
Jonas chuckled. “I knew you were going to say that.”
Chapter Ten
They got back into New Orleans just in time to go to the fairgrounds to enjoy the music of the Jazz Festival. Two weeks had passed since then, and the night of the Superdome concert had finally arrived.
“Ladies and gentlemen, The Kerrys!”
Brenton and his bandmates had just made it to their seats. Oh, my God! Jonas looks smashing with blond hair and stage makeup. He checked out Frankie and Gerard. Not bad either. They were all dressed in tuxedos.
Gerard took center stage to sing his rendition of the Bee Gees “Emotion” followed by “Spirits Having Flown.” He had a softer, smoother sound than the other two. He followed it up with a little Justin Beiber’s “Sorry.”
Frankie was up next. He broke it down with a little old-school “Harry Hippie,” which probably made the older adults happy.