by J. D. Walker
“Company. For food and wine, nothing more. Promise.”
Really? “You mean to tell me you haven’t hit on some unsuspecting local yet who’s fallen head over heels for your charms?”
“It’s taking a little longer than I thought,” he replied. He sounded a little miffed.
“Wait. There is someone? You’ve only officially been in town for a few months.”
“Love isn’t picky, I guess,” he replied.
I gasped. “Love? You?”
“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said. And now he sounded hurt.
“Forgive me, Wheeler. Your track record precedes you, okay? Come on over, if you want. I can’t offer much, but if you’re bringing wine, I’ll provide the glasses.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Now get over here before I change my mind. I’m at the back of the motel. Look for the door that says Manager on it.”
“Thanks, Tory. This means a lot.” He hung up, and I got back to my food until there was a knock on my door.
I went over and opened it. Wheeler stood there, looking great in a beautifully made gray scarf and matching wool coat and gloves. “Come in,” I said and stepped back.
“Thanks for having me over,” he replied and walked past me.
“Go on into the kitchen. Is that a white wine?” I asked.
“Yeah. Glasses?”
I found two in the cabinet and placed them on the table. After digging in the drawer for a bottle opener, I uncorked the wine and poured it for both of us.
We sat at the table. “You hungry?” I asked before chewing more of my turkey.
“I’ve already eaten, thanks.” He’d removed his coat and it hung over the back of the chair.
“So go on, tell me about this love interest,” I urged, and took a sip of wine.
“Before I do, Happy Thanksgiving,” he said and smiled.
I grinned. “Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Wheeler.”
“Am I forgiven, yet, for…you know?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes. “It’s old news. Stop stalling and tell me what’s up.”
“He works at the daycare center next to the gym.” Wheeler leaned back in the chair and sighed. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear the man almost swooned. “His name’s Gregory Wang, and he’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. He’s got these beautiful brown eyes and perfect cheekbones, you know? Perfect body, lips made for kissing. And he won’t give me the time of day.”
“You’re gushing. My goodness, you have it bad,” I replied.
“I do.”
“And you’re not used to rejection, are you?” I asked, smirking.
“No. I don’t like it. Feels weird.” He was actually pouting.
I laughed at him. “Welcome to the real world, Wheeler. Just because you’re beautiful, charming and well-to-do doesn’t mean you get whatever you want. You might actually have to prove yourself to someone, make an effort to get into his good graces.”
“Sucks,” he muttered, and poured himself more wine.
“Does he completely despise you, then?” I asked.
“He says he does, but the way his eyes undress me tell another story.”
“So he’s into you, but suspicious of your motives,” I deduced.
“Basically.”
“Poor baby,” I crooned, then snickered at the glare he gave me before I got up from the table to stash my plate in the sink.
When I sat again, I poured myself another glass of wine and said, “You’re just gonna have to wait this one out. If he’s truly what you want, then it’ll work out. But it may take time.”
“Why?” he whined, and I smiled.
“Because it does.”
We sat at the table for another hour, reminiscing and drinking coffee, which we’d switched to instead of finishing the bottle, since he had to drive home.
“I’m in a similar quandary,” I offered, tapping a finger on the table.
“Your ex-employee?” he asked knowingly.
“Yeah. Things are awkward.”
“He’ll come around. The way I saw him looking at you, those kinds of feelings don’t go away.”
“Let’s hope so.” I finished my coffee, and then Wheeler said he needed to head home.
“How’s your new house, by the way?” I asked as I walked him to his car. It was ten thirty.
“It’s fine. I’m just glad the deal came through before it got really cold. I didn’t relish any delays.”
“So you’re planning to stay around here, then? Not sell in a few years?” I asked.
“I like it here. Something about the air—”
“And a certain hottie who shall remain nameless,” I teased.
He smiled. “That, too.”
When we stopped at his car, I said, “Thanks again for stopping by, and best of luck with Gregory. You’re gonna need it.”
“Some friend you are,” he growled.
“Don’t I know it.” He surprised me with a hug, and I returned it.
“Thanks for giving me a second chance, friend,” he murmured.
“Thanks for seeing past my stupidity,” I replied and stepped back. “Go home, be safe.”
“I will.” Wheeler got into the car and waved as he drove off toward the freeway.
When I got back to my place, I decided to clean up later. I sat on the couch, trying to decide which DVD to watch when there was a knock on my door. I looked at the time. It was eleven o’clock at night. Who could it be?
I padded to the door and opened it. Maury Landrum stood on my doorstep.
* * * *
“Hi, Tory,” he said, seeming a little unsure as to what his reception would be.
“Maury?” I was stunned. “What are you doing here, hon? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Um, can I come in?”
“Oh, sorry, sure. Please.” I moved out of the way and he stepped inside.
I closed the door and moved toward the kitchen.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I asked, eyeing the half empty wine bottle that still sat on the table, and the pot of coffee on the counter.
“No, I’m fine, thanks.” I turned back to him, watching his eyes as they roved over the items on the table. “Am I intruding?”
“No, no. Wheeler just left, so we’re okay.” I observed Maury’s facial expressions change a thousand times in a few seconds.
“I see.” He coughed. “So, uh, are you and he a thing now?”
“What?” My laughter was incredulous. “Hell, no! Bygones. He was just here asking for advice.”
Maury looked relieved, but he tried valiantly to hide it. “Really?”
“Yeah, really.” I walked over to the couch and sat. “Take a seat, if you want to,” I said, “unless this is a quick visit. I was about to choose a movie.”
“I, ah, came to give you some of Sheila’s sweet potato pie.” It was then that I noticed the container he carried in his hand. “She was sorry you couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving dinner, so she wanted you to have some dessert. It’s really good.”
I took the container from him and set it on the low table before me. “Tell her thank you very much. I’ve had it before, and you’re right. It’s very good.”
I went back to deciding which movie to watch, giving Maury time to say what was really on his mind.
“Uh, Leonard Novak was there, too, and I think he and Sheila are getting close. They get along very well, and the kids really like him.”
“Huh,” was my response. There was more to this conversation. I just had to wait.
“Tory…” he began, and then stopped. I chose a Punisher flick and put it in the DVD player.
“Since you don’t seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere, why don’t you sit down and watch this with me? I’ve seen it many times, so I can pause it whenever you’re ready to talk, okay?”
Maury sat beside me, and I pressed play. Five minutes later, he grabbed the remote control and paused the screen.
“Tory,” he began, “I’m sorry for acting like a spoiled brat the day I told you I was taking the job with Mr. Murray. I…” He paused, then started again. “I try so hard to be the adult Sheila and the kids need me to be, but I’ve never had a boyfriend before, or a serious relationship.”
He stood and paced in front of the TV. “When I started working here years ago, you were so nice to me, so sweet, so good-looking that I fell for you completely, and I couldn’t shake it. And I was fine, loving you from afar, but then Wheeler Ridley turns up and I see how he looks at you, and I know I can’t compete, and probably never could. It dashed all my unrequited hopes. I told myself—well, my heart, really—that it was time to move on, to think logically, to do what was best for Sheila and the kids. But it hurt, Tory.”
Maury stopped to face me, and those beautiful eyes of his were filled with a depth of emotion that took my breath away. “I wanted you, but I couldn’t have you, not then, not ever. I acted badly, and I apologize. Anyway, that’s the story. I wanted to be a man about the whole thing and not some snot-nosed kid with his nose pressed up against the window pane, pining for something he’ll never have.”
Oh Maury.
He took a little package out of the jacket he still wore, and gave it to me. “I know it’s not Christmas, but I’m thankful for all you’ve ever done for me and mine, and I’m certainly grateful for having you in my life, in whatever way I can get you. And that’s okay with me.”
Completely humbled, I took the package and tore off the wrapping paper. When I opened the box, there was a keychain with an Ode to Hermes, the god of speed engraved on the metal tag in red ink.
“This is beautiful, Maury. Thank you,” I said reverently, and immediately got up to find my ring of keys and add this to it. “I will cherish this, always.”
He smiled shyly. “You’re welcome, Tory. I know how much you like to run, so…well.” He looked at his watch. “I should go. Although…” He frowned, then sighed. “It’s probably too early. Sheila gave me ‘the eyes’“—he used his fingers to make quotes in the air—”not to come back until late since Leonard was staying over for a bit.”
“Watch the rest of the movie with me, then,” I said, patting the couch. “I don’t mind your company.” I smiled at him.
He hesitated. “I’m not…”
“Please?” I batted my eyelashes at him and he laughed.
Maury grinned. “Okay, okay. You win.” He removed his jacket this time, revealing that turtleneck he’d worn when I’d seen him in town that day, the one that really fit him well. “Bring on the punishment.”
* * * *
A few hours later, Maury was fast asleep in my arms where we lay on the couch. It had been gradual, his eyes falling closed, then his head landing on my shoulder. He’d looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake him.
I adjusted our bodies carefully and lay back on the couch while he snuggled up to me, still fast asleep. I texted Sheila so she’d know where he was and that he’d likely not be back until morning. She replied with a smiley face.
We lay there for the rest of the night, and he felt so good in my arms, like he belonged there. I dozed a little, but I really didn’t sleep much. I was too keyed up, too amazed at the way he fit me just right, this hardworking, brave and forthright man who would do anything for his family, and was strong enough to admit to his true feelings, no matter what it cost him.
I could love a man like this, and maybe I already did, a little. But how to pursue that without ruining everything?
By five o’clock in the morning, my bladder was full to bursting, so I had to get up. I moved as slowly as I could, and Maury shifted in his sleep, frowning a little at the movement, but I rubbed lightly at the furrowed skin, and his brow cleared. I went to find a blanket and covered his body, brushing the hair from his forehead and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He smiled a little and murmured something softly.
I hustled to the bathroom and drained my bladder, ever so thankful for release. I looked at myself in the mirror. I needed a shave and a shower. Might as well get it over with, then. I took my time, and when I was done, it was five-thirty.
I went back to the living room and sat in the easy chair, content to watch Maury as he dreamed peacefully on my couch. He belonged there. He fit.
We remained that way for another hour or so, and then Maury suddenly bolted upright. He stared at me with wide eyes. “Shit! Did I fall asleep here?”
“You did, but it’s fine. Sheila knows. I texted her,” I replied.
Maury slumped back against the cushions. “God, that was—” A wide yawn interrupted his speech, and then he scratched the overnight beard growth on his face. “What time is it?”
“Going on seven. You don’t have to work today, do you?” I asked.
“Nah. Mr. Murray has it covered with a few part-timers. I need to be there on Saturday, though.”
“Want to spend the day with me?” I offered, hoping he’d say yes.
“You…want to?” he asked cautiously, and I understood.
“Absolutely. It’s likely that Leonard and Sheila will make plans, right? Your sister and the kids can do without you for a day. But I can’t. I’ve missed you, Maury,” I admitted.
His mouth dropped open. “Where’s this coming from?”
“Me. I want to get to know you. Is that so bad?”
He still looked wary. “But you’ve never…Why, Tory?”
“Because I’ve been an idiot, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to catch a clue.”
When he still looked suspicious, I smiled. “All I’m asking for is a day together, maybe part of the evening, and then you’ll go home tonight, go to work tomorrow, and we’ll spend even more time together after that. I want to see more of you, Maury.”
Maury opened his mouth, then closed it again. “This is what you want? This isn’t out of pity or something?”
“No,” I said as firmly as I could. “I think we could fit together, and I want to try. Do you want to try, too?”
Apparently I’d said the right thing, because Maury gave me his brightest smile. “Would I? Are you kidding me?”
* * * *
I decided to do a bit of paperwork and check on the units while he took a shower. Before I left, I laid out jeans and a shirt for him to wear while he spent the day with me. We were about the same size.
The frigid air felt good on my body as I walked around the building toward my office. My mind was busy with thoughts of a future with my former employee. It made me smile to think he’d been right under my nose all along, and I had almost lost him because of my own blindness and hang ups.
When I got back, Maury was almost done making breakfast and coffee was ready. “You’ve been busy,” I said as I moved to stand next to him and pour two cups for both of us.
“Least I could do,” he replied, smiling shyly. “Have a seat.”
In a few more minutes we were eating, and the food was good. “What do you want to do today?” he asked before drinking some coffee.
“Whatever you want. I’ve caught up on everything I need to, and there won’t be any guests until tomorrow. I’ll have my cell in case someone rings the motel.”
“I’d love to walk along the beach with you. It’s cold, but still beautiful.” He paused to look at his plate for a minute, and I noticed he was blushing.
“What’s with the red face?” I asked, reaching out to tilt his chin so I could see his eyes.
“You don’t know this, but every once in a while I’d come early to the beach and watch you run. I was out of sight, and yes, I sound like a stalker, but you have no idea how sexy you look in those little shorts, what they do to me.” His blush deepened.
“That so?” I replied and stroked my chin. “So my little shorts get you hot and bothered, do they?” I flirted with him, just to see what he would do.
He swallowed. “You have no idea.”
I leaned forward. “Maybe I’ll model them for you later and we’ll see
how much you really like them.”
“Oh God. Stop, please. I’m trying to control myself here.” Maury squirmed in his seat.
It seemed I might have discovered a fetish. “Guess I’m gonna have to buy more of these, huh.” I teased.
Maury shook his head and held up a hand. “Enough already. If you don’t want me to jump your bones right this minute, have mercy on me, I’m begging you.”
“All right, I’ll behave. For now.” I winked at him, then finished breakfast.
After cleaning up the kitchen, we headed for the beach, side by side and hand in hand. The day was sunny and cold, but not too windy. We spoke about ourselves a bit, and I shared where I grew up and all about high school.
“I backpacked all over the country after I left home, then found this place and loved it.”
Maury slipped an arm around my waist. “You talk to your parents at all?”
I hugged him closer to me. His heat felt good in the chill of the day. “I send them cards every year for birthdays and holidays, but that’s it. Once I reached high school, I became a pain in the ass and something they didn’t understand. They were relieved to see me go. I don’t blame them.”
“You don’t have anyone, do you?” Maury asked, and I could hear the sadness in his voice.
“Just the family I made when I came here,” I replied and kissed his forehead.
I knew Maury was curious about Wheeler, but wasn’t sure how to ask. “You want to know about Ridley, don’t you?”
“Am I that obvious?” he asked, sounding disgusted with himself.
“It’s okay.” We sat on a huge rock and watched the waves come and go. I played with Maury’s fingers while I spoke.
“I grew up with Wheeler, but what I’d thought was a serious friendship turned out to be superficial. I realized I was gay right before high school and that I loved him. But then, Wheeler was all of a sudden the popular kid in school, fucking every girl in sight. I loved him, and I felt betrayed, you know? He stopped hanging out with me, and I took it personally. I thought I’d put that behind me, but when he turned up here at the motel, it all came rushing back. And then when he told me about…”
I stopped and shook my head. “Truth? I’d seen what I wanted to see back then. Things that hadn’t ever been there, at least for him. That hurt. A lot. We’re good now, but it took a while to get over my embarrassment and naiveté. But he’s not in the picture anymore. You are, or at least, I want you to be.” I kissed Maury’s fingertips and grinned at him.