“Are you gonna tell me where we’re going?”
“Nope.” Tomas sounded disgruntled.
“Are you gonna be in a pissy mood all day?” Bernie asked cheerfully.
“You seem in a better mood.” Tomas glanced at him, then back at the road.
“Yeah. It’s Saturday and a beautiful day.”
“It is. You’re going to fulfill your ‘gentleman’ crack.” Tomas smiled and hugged his shoulder.
“I will.” Bernie winked.
They walked silently. As they neared Paget Street, Bernie was curious about all the people already bustling around. Tomas stopped.
“Now you know what we’re doing today.” Tomas sounded pleased.
Bernie hated to burst his bubble, but had to. “Umm… I have no clue.”
“You don’t know about Paget Saturdays?” Tomas looked surprised.
Bernie shook his head. Tomas put his arm over Bernie’s shoulder and led him down the street as he explained.
“Paget Weekend is on every fourth weekend from April through September. Paget Street is blocked to traffic and becomes a sort of street fair. It’s a local event where businesses and organizations from all around Mapson set up booths in the center of the street. The businesses who are on Paget get a booth every weekend of the fair. Others throughout Mapson have to apply. Vendors are rotated for the various weekends. So if you see something you want, get it, since that vendor might not be here if you come back another time. There’s also a local band performing in Paget Park, which is closed off for dancing. Oh, yeah. Bacchus Sloan also gets a regular booth. It’s set up in the park. They serve beer and wine. Mackenzie actually lets other brewers in Mapson showcase their wine or beer. When April rolls in, the residents of Mapson look forward to it. I thought you’d lived in Mapson since you started college. How can you not know about Paget Weekend?” Tomas gave him a look of disbelief.
“I was focused on my studies. Didn’t take much time to socialize.” Bernie shrugged, blushing.
On surviving. He wouldn’t say that out loud to Tomas.
“Among other things.” Tomas’s look said he understood.
He didn’t know it all. Bernie strolled down the street with him. People were setting up. It looked like there would be a lot of different things. He could hear a band warming up.
“Today will be hectic. Lots of people come for this. I wasn’t sure if Harper would want to be involved this year, but Kenton said he would. Usually, the poker crew comes and helps with set-up and manning the booth, but Harper is still being stubborn and pushing everyone away. He’s getting help anyway. We’re going to help Harper and Kenton set up. By the time that’s done, we can check everything out. Starting with Alex, there will be a rotation to help man the booth. Usually, Mackenzie has enough people for his booth, but if he needs help, he’ll let us know.” Tomas led him down the street.
“Sounds good.” Bernie kept looking at the different booths.
“They also have Friday concerts in Paget Park. It’s free and draws a crowd. We can come one night, if you want. We’ll have to come early to get a seat,” Tomas said.
“I’d like that,” Bernie replied.
Tomas nodded. “Next Saturday, we’ll go to the farmer’s market on Wayne Street. Want to get some things for our meals.”
“There’s a farmer’s market?” Bernie noted they were almost in front of Harper’s store.
“Every Saturday morning. Kid, where have you been?” Tomas shook his head.
“Not a kid.” Bernie smacked him in the stomach.
Tomas laughed, then stopped and kissed him. Bernie kissed him back.
“When did this happen?” Harper asked.
“Shh… I want to see them kiss some more,” Kenton said.
Bernie drew back, flushing. Tomas kissed him again, leisurely, then drew away, winking.
“Saturday. We don’t want anyone to know yet. Especially Ramirez. That fucker won the bet.” Tomas laughed.
A hollow feeling filled Bernie. Tomas wanted them to be kept a secret. So much for him wanting them to give what was happening a chance.
You’re so stupid, Bernie.
Tomas hugged his shoulder and went inside with Kenton.
Harper touched his arm. “Bernie, are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” Bernie said softly.
Harper looked unconvinced. “You don’t look it.”
“I’m fine.” He forced a smile.
Harper studied him until someone called his name, then he glanced away and went over to help with the set-up. Bernie took a breath and walked over to help.
TOMAS maneuvered out the door, holding one end of an enormous tray with some pastries.
“Over here,” Harper said.
Kenton put down his end, and Tomas slid his onto the table. Tomas touched Bernie’s back. Bernie flinched and stepped away. Frowning, Tomas glanced at his face. It was averted as Bernie fiddled with some books. Tomas stepped closer to him. Bernie shied away.
“Are you okay, kid?”
“Not a kid,” Bernie snarled.
He moved away, going into the store. Tomas went after him.
“Tomas, help me move this over there,” Kenton called.
He turned back to Kenton, going to help as Harper told them where to move things. Tomas absently noticed Bernie came back out. Silently, he helped. Tomas stood next to him, reaching for books. He rested his hand on Bernie’s back. Bernie shrugged him off and went back into the store. Frowning, Tomas followed him. He grabbed Bernie’s arm. Bernie flinched again.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” Bernie said.
It was obvious he wasn’t. Tomas prayed for patience. He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Talk to me, kid.”
“I’m not a kid.” His reply was automatic.
“Habit. Are you tired? We can go home if you want.” Tomas worried the inside of his cheek.
Bernie glanced at his jaw, then shook his head. “I’m fine. Let’s finish helping Harper, then take in the fair.”
“I thought you would enjoy it. But we can leave,” Tomas offered again.
“I do enjoy fairs. Thanks for bringing me.” His response was stiff and formal.
Something was off about Bernie. Tomas shrugged, deciding it was because of him being tired. They wouldn’t stay long at the fair. Bernie passed him, going back outside. Kenton came in and stood next to him.
“From your letters and calls about him, I knew it was a matter of time.”
“If you knew, why didn’t you say something?”
“Please. You’re a hardheaded ass,” Kenton said.
“I am.” Tomas laughed.
“Just like Karl.” Kenton’s voice dipped.
“You don’t talk about him anymore.” Tomas gripped his shoulder.
“What is there to say? He’s gone.” Kenton shrugged him off, walking away.
Tomas went after him. Kenton went to the kitchen. Tomas leaned against the counter.
“Kenton—”
“Leave it, Tomas. I’m dealing. I came back for Harper. He’s the one we should be worried about. His family is sucking him dry.”
“I’m worried about you both,” Tomas replied.
“Don’t,” Kenton said in that tone he used when he was finished discussing something.
Tomas straightened, abiding by it for now. He went over to Kenton. His hands were braced on the sink. Tomas touched his arm.
“I’m here if you need to talk. We all are,” Tomas said.
“I know. I’m dealing. If I need you all, I’ll say.” Kenton gripped Tomas’s hand on his arm, then released it and walked to the oven. He pulled out a tray and put it on the table.
“Let’s get these sticky buns outside,” Kenton said.
Tomas helped him put them on a display dish then put on the glass cover. Hefting it onto his shoulder, Tomas strode back into the café, skirting tables, and went to the door. Shifting the tray, he went outside. Placing the tray o
n the table next to the other pastries, he put his hands on his hips, observing the fairgoers who had started to arrive.
“Thanks for your help. Bernie seems off today. Go take him to have some fun.” Harper made a shooing motion.
“He’s tired. I’m taking him back to the condo,” Tomas said.
“I want to see the fair,” Bernie said.
The words were right, but the tone was snippy. Tomas sighed.
Note to self: Don’t disturb Bernie in the middle of the night again.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
They walked away, joining the throng of people. He showed Bernie some of his favorite vendors. Bernie’s noncommittal answers started to get on his nerves. Moving a little away from him, Tomas ran his fingers through his hair.
Time to go home. Maybe a nap will put him in a better mood. We can be late for poker.
“Tomas.” A hand clapped him on the shoulder.
He looked up to find Malik beside him. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”
“I came to speak with Harper, but decided not to.” Malik shrugged, looking uncomfortable.
“You all still haven’t spoken?”
Malik shrugged again. “It’s his choice. I’m giving him space, like he asked.”
He could see it bothered Malik that Harper had pushed him away since Karl died. Harper and Malik were best friends. Usually, they would talk a few times a day, and Malik would go to the bookstore often. Karl, Harper, and Malik shared a love of reading and would have debates or discussions about books they read. When new books from their favorite authors came out, Harper would set aside the first copy for Karl and second for Malik. Tomas hated seeing the distance between them. They had all tried to get Harper to talk with Malik. They knew the reason for the distance was because of Karl being gone, and the memories of the three of them taking part in their love of reading.
“He’s at least having movie night with Bernie and the others. Bernie mentioned that he said he would try to come every week.”
“It’s good that he’s talking with Bernie. He needs a friend.” Malik smiled softly, then looked around. “I thought you mentioned bringing Bernie. Where is he?”
Tomas looked around, frowning. “He was here a minute ago.”
“He’s probably looking around. He doesn’t need you to hover. Let him have some fun,” Malik said.
We’re supposed to be having fun together. Tomas bit the inside of his cheek.
“I have things to do before the game. See you later,” Malik said.
“Later,” Tomas replied absently.
He strode to where he had left Bernie. Coming around the draped fabric, he spotted him. Bernie jumped, then stepped back.
“Why are you hiding behind here?”
“Thought I saw Malik.” Bernie sounded defiant.
“You did. Why didn’t you come say hello?” Tomas asked, baffled.
Bernie looked at him in disbelief. “You know why.”
“I don’t. So tell me.”
“Forget it,” Bernie said.
“Let’s go to the condo.” Tomas gritted his teeth.
“No. I want to see the fair.” Bernie had a mulish look on his face. He pushed past Tomas and went to another booth.
Tomas rubbed his finger down the bridge of his nose.
“He’s cranky due to lack of sleep. Be understanding,” Tomas said to himself as he went after him.
As they went around the fair, Tomas kept repeating the words silently. Bernie was sullen and uncommunicative. The fun day Tomas had planned wasn’t turning out like he expected.
After a few hours, he abruptly said, “Let’s go.”
He didn’t wait for a response, just walked back the way they had come. Passing Harper and Kenton, he waved and kept going. When they were past the fair, he rolled his shoulders. He glanced at Bernie. He had his hands in his pockets and was slightly hunched. As they reached Bernie’s condo, Tomas stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. Bernie flinched. Tomas withdrew his hand.
“What’s wrong? You didn’t like the fair?” Tomas wondered if it was more than being tired.
“I’m fine. The fair was fine.”
Hearing that, Tomas gritted his teeth, then spit out, “Stop with this ‘fine’ shit. All you said all day is ‘fine’. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Bernie said in that sullen tone.
“And now the nothing,” Tomas blew out.
“Let’s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped.
Tomas backed off, knowing if he said anything else, they would fight. “Fine for now. I’m going to give you until we get back to your condo later to decide to tell me what’s wrong. Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.”
He sighed, squeezing along the bridge of his nose.
“Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie spat.
“At least I own up to it. I’ll see you at poker.” Tomas lowered his hand.
“You’re not taking me?” Bernie sputtered.
“You can drive yourself.”
Tomas went to his truck, got in, and drove away. “Man, I’m never going to wake him up in the middle of the night again.” He shook his head. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. Bernie being so snappish was so different from his usual personality. He had to be really tired. Tomas’s thoughts flashed to the way Bernie reacted when he asked about his tattoo. There was something Bernie wasn’t telling him. And it had to do with what the tattoo represented to him. The letters represent me and those I care about. He heard Bernie’s voice again. The emotion behind his statement had been raw and painful.
Who is it you care so much about, Bernie? He wouldn’t ask again. He would wait for Bernie to tell him when he was ready. He pulled into his driveway. Getting out, Tomas went up the walk to his house. The house was modeled after their childhood home, which Miguel lived in. He noted his flowers needed watering.
Maybe I should bring Bernie here after the game. His cock went hard at the thought of Bernie in his bed. He went into his house much calmer.
THROUGHOUT the day, Bernie’s thoughts were consumed with the way Tomas wanted to hide him. Like a dirty secret. As they’d walked home from the fair, Bernie only answered briefly. When they reached his condo, Tomas had stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
“What’s wrong? You didn’t like the fair. And don’t say that ‘fine’ shit again. All you said all day is ‘fine’.” Tomas sounded exasperated.
“Let’s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped.
“Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.” Tomas sighed, rubbing his fingers along the bridge of his nose.
“Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie gritted out.
“At least I own up to it. I’ll see you at poker,” Tomas said.
“You’re not taking me?” Bernie gaped.
“You can drive yourself,” Tomas said, walking to his truck.
He got in and drove away. Bernie stood in the drive, mouth open. His eyes narrowed, and then he stomped to his car.
“Probably his way of not letting anyone know about us. Well, that is fine. Asshole.” He got in and slammed the door.
Backing out, he drove to Robert and Miguel’s. He turned off the SUV and sat for a moment. Getting out, he went into the house. He greeted the guys as he headed for the table. Sitting between Alex and Robert, he watched as they played.
“Where’s Tomas?” Robert asked absently.
“No clue,” Bernie snapped.
Alex studied him. “What’s wrong with you?”
Bernie glanced away, not saying anything. Alex reached over and turned Bernie’s face to his. His pale gray eyes were intent. Bernie pulled his face away.
“What going on, Bernie?” Alex demanded.
“Nothing is—”
Tomas’s jovial voice cut him off. “So, whose money am I winning today?”
Bernie stiffened. Alex looked to Tomas and then back to Bernie. The wicked gleam Bernie knew so well f
illed his eyes. Bernie stood quickly. The table shook, and everyone grabbed their bottles.
“Sorry,” Bernie mumbled, turning away.
He hurried toward the kitchen. A hand grabbed his arm. He gasped as he was pulled against a hard body. Startled, he raised his eyes to Tomas’s.
“Honey, what am I going to do with you?” Tomas said.
He lowered his head and kissed him. His soft lips moved against Bernie’s. Tomas licked along his lips and Bernie opened for him. He kissed him deeply. Sound faded as he gave himself over to Tomas. Bernie sagged against him. Tomas withdrew, licking his lips slowly. The whooping and hollering in the room registered.
“I thought you didn’t want them to know,” Bernie whispered.
“Until we could tell them together. If Harper had told them before, they would have interrupted our fun at the fair. Although it seems as if it wasn’t all that fun for you.” Tomas’s smile was wry.
“I did have fun, but—” He bit his lip.
“But what?” Tomas said.
“Nothing. It was fun.” Bernie smiled cheerfully.
“Boy, is that a false grin. What were you about to say, Bernie?” Tomas’s tone demanded an answer.
“Yes. Do tell, Bernie. When did this happen?” Alejandro asked, sounding amused.
“Saturday.” Bernie glared at him.
He and Miguel were blatantly listening to their conversation. Alejandro frowned.
“Ramirez won again. That lucky bastard,” Miguel said.
“He’s gonna gloat about it,” Hector griped.
Bernie turned his stare on Hector. Hector batted his eyes and blew him a kiss.
“Behave.” Simon smacked Hector on the arm.
“Now what fun would that be?” Hector pulled Simon against his side, nuzzling his neck.
“So, Bernie. You’ve joined the need-a-room club.” Malik smirked, rocking back on his heels.
“Come on.” Tomas gripped Bernie’s hand and led him to the kitchen, then out to the back deck.
Tomas led him to the rail, away from the window. He crowded Bernie into the corner then leaned against the wall.
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