“Oysters, I bet they’re for you. You know, because they taste like..”
“Shut up, what’s wrong with you?” Robbie’s words came out on a hissed breath.
“Nothing wrong with me.” Robbie worried at Bill’s nasty grin, the chilled smiles persisting, even after Robbie had called him out on his bullshit earlier in the day.
“I’ve got everything under control. It’s you that can’t seem to work out if you’re going to pledge your loyalty to some pretty, faggy, city boy, or stay and hang with your oldest friends. You know he doesn't give a shit about you right? He’s gone as soon as summer's over, sooner probably.”
Everything Bill said held an element of truth, but at the same time, missed the point entirely.
“I don’t think we’re friends Bill. I would choose Drew over you every day and night and for the rest of my life. Not because we’re together,” Robbie winced a little as he said that, very aware that he and Drew were not together, and that he’d done that, “but because he’s kind, and open and he likes and respects me in a way that you never have.”
“Oh I know he likes you in a way I never have,” Bill said, his expression a mixture of filthy and angry.
Suddenly exhausted, Robbie sighed. “Please just go away.” He took the last few steps to the table and dropped the trays of food down, sliding into his seat as he ignored Bill. Bill leaned over Robbie and squeezed his shoulder hard till it hurt, hiding from both their parents with a bright smile and a pat on Robbie’s back.
“Here’s the last tray, Mrs Adams,” Bill said with a sickly-sweet smile that Robbie hoped his parents saw through. Bill made his way to the other side of the table and sat down, watching Robbie the whole time. Robbie wanted to tell Bill to get lost, but squirmed, constrained by the presence of both their parents.
The grin that flashed across Bill’s face the next time Robbie glanced at him made sickened Robbie. He turned to see what Bill looked at, Vick and Darren flanking Drew on either side as they walked together across the room. Drew looked beautiful in his dark shirt and white shorts, his skin a little pink from the sun and his dark hair unruly with curls that looked soft and silky rather than salt-crusted and sunscreen-y like Robbie was used to. Drew looked up to see Robbie and maybe a hint of a pleased smile flitted across his face before a scowl took over Drew’s expression, letting Robbie know he wasn’t forgiven.
Drew stopped and said something to Vick, gesturing to the bar where Robbie could see the McConnells, but Vick grabbed his arm and Darren pushed Drew so hard he stumbled. Drew’s shock faded to irritation as the two boys herded Drew towards the table. Bill’s expression went from nasty to elated when Darren draped a possessive arm around Drew. The discomfort on Drew’s face added to the nausea rising in Robbie.
“Oh look, I think homo is catching, Robbie,” said Bill with a confident smirk. “Gayboy sick of you already?” It wasn't said loudly, but loud enough that both Bill’s and Robbie’s parents must have heard. They wouldn't say anything, why would they, when Robbie had spent the last three years laughing at the jokes that had targeted him? But it wasn’t ok, not now, not ever really.
Robbie stood up. “What did you think would happen when you started this up again here Bill, in the club?” He silenced the surrounding conversations, as the other diners stopped talking and strained to listen in. Robbie kept his gaze firmly fixed on Bill, even when his father got up and moved to stand at his shoulder. “That I would just let you talk like that about my boyfriend?”
Robbie wondered if embarrassment or anger turned Bill’s face red as he sputtered, but he didn't really care. The quiet that had fallen at the tables in their immediate vicinity spread across the whole of the bar and dining room. Robbie’s heartbeat thudded furiously in his chest and his fingers clenched into nervous fists.
“Don’t use those words, not homo, faggot, gayboy, whatever else. Not about me, not about my friends, not even about people I don’t give a crap about, but most especially not about Drew.” Robbie sucked in a deep breath, his body vibrating with adrenalin.
A short nasty burst of laughter spluttered out of Bill’s mouth, until he realised he laughed by himself. Bill looked around, and Robbie followed his gaze. Most people sitting around them were smiling encouragingly at him. Mrs Filler winked when he looked her way. and Drew, Drew grinned his gorgeous flirty grin while standing between Vick and Darren who both looked confused.
Robbie’s father cleared his throat and moved to stand next to Robbie, draping a heavy arm over his shoulder.
“Chris, I’m sorry. Please leave our table. I don’t want your son near my son, or near me.” Robbie’s dad said it quietly but with the weight of his usual confidence and authority behind the words. Bill’s dad spluttered, embarrassed, but Robbie’s dad’s glare didn’t falter.
Robbie flushed with a helpless, grateful love for his father.
“Come on love, we won't stay where we aren’t wanted,” Bill’s dad finally said to Bill’s mum. Bill’s mother stood silently, looking mortified. Robbie felt sorry for her, but not so sorry that he wasn’t pleased they were going. Bill's dad steered Bill by the shoulder towards the exit on the other side of the dining room, Vic and Darren falling in behind them as they left. People made a path for them to leave, and Robbie could see Bill’s father’s fingers digging more and more tightly into Bill’s skin as they got closer to the exit.
Drew stood in the middle of the room by himself, watching Robbie, who wanted to go to him, make sure he was ok, make sure he knew he was welcome and, liked, loved maybe. He picked his way through the crowded tables, uncaring who watched, and he knew people were watching. Friends and strangers stared at him, but their chatter slowly rose to its normal volume once the threat of potential conflict disappeared.
“Are you ok?” Robbie asked Drew quietly.
“Yeah, I’m ok.” He stood still, quiet and smiling. Robbie reached out to clasp Drew’s hand gently, giving him time to pull away, he didn't.
“Come on, come to the table. Mum’s getting dessert and you can share with me while we listen to the endless speeches dad’s sure to be involved in for the swim presentation.” Robbie knew he rambled, but he wanted Drew to join him. Drew smiled at him sweetly and gestured with the hand not clasped in Robbie’s for Robbie to lead the way.
Chapter 18 – Drew
1st January
The fireworks shot up out of a barge on the lake in front of the Bowling Club, green and orange arcs of coloured fire with the dazzling pink crackle in the last few seconds of each explosion. Entranced, Robbie sat on the grass at the edge of the lake watching the sky, surrounded by families and groups of friends, both local and holiday makers. Despite the crowd, Drew felt like he and Robbie were alone. The colours of the fireworks lit up Robbie’s face creating a flickering rainbow kaleidoscope on his sunkissed skin. Drew wondered if Robbie realised the strength and conviction in his words were as much for himself as for Drew. Something to talk about later, tomorrow, maybe.
“What?” Robbie asked, glancing down from the fireworks that were still popping and fizzing into the air.
Drew smiled to reassure him. “Nothing, just watching you.”
Robbie smiled shyly back. “They haven’t finished.” He pointed up at the sky.
“I know.” Drew didn’t look up, he liked fireworks, but he loved the light they played on Robbie’s face more. Robbie made a little noise that Drew almost missed with the sounds surrounding them, something between a whimper and a huff, that came out with a sweet breathlessness leaving Drew wanting.
“Can I kiss you?”
Robbie laughed. “You don’t have to ask,” he said and reached out to Drew to pull him closer, so their lips touched. The kiss, hot and sweet, flavoured with the remnants of pavlova meringue that had been desert. The sounds of the crowds and fireworks, and the presence of half the residents of Whitehaven, both permanent and temporary, disappeared drowned in the intensity of the open, honest kiss.
Robbie jumped and Drew pulled back at the loud wo
lf whistle that sounded just next to them. A group of caravan park kids whistled and hooted, three of the younger girls singing that ridiculous song, “Robbie and Dre-ew sitting in a tree, K. I. S. S. I. N. G.” Robbie laughed quietly, and pulled Drew’s face back to his, their foreheads pressed together as they looked into each other’s eyes and ignored the good natured teasing of the people around them.
“You were pretty great tonight,” said Drew, acknowledging Robbie’s bravery. Robbie pulled back and gave a shrug, avoiding Drew’s eyes. Drew felt the loss of intimacy keenly and placed his hand gently on Robbie’s face turning him back, so they were facing each other again. “I mean it, that was brave.” A faint blush rose up Robbie’s neck and face illuminated by the dim light that cast from the bowling club balcony.
“So, how does it feel to kiss an older man?” Robbie asked with a smirk. Drew let him change the subject.
“Hardly older.” Drew laughed and punched Robbie lightly on the shoulder.
“Am too. I’m eighteen now. Legal and everything.”
Drew rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous,” he scoffed, amused, he pushed Robbie and they wrestled until Drew found a very ticklish spot at the bottom of Robbie’s ribs which let him overpower the birthday boy.
“I’ve got you now,” he said with an absurd grin and evil genius, archvillain, overlord accent. Robbie laughed till he snorted and Drew joined him. Then he lay breathless on top of Robbie, their faces only a breath apart.
“Happy birthday Robbie,” Drew whispered, he kissed him again.
The end
Acknowledgement
Jules, Jules, Jules... and Jules... coaching a baby-author can't have been super easy or fun. I appreciate it more than I think you know. You're amazing.
About The Author
Bronte Meredith
I live in Sydney, Australia where most of my writing
is set. I love writing, and reading, and talking. I LOVE
talking.
I have 20 cute little notebooks full of conversations
between characters, and sticky situations that need
to be written for them to get out of.
If you would like to chat with me about my writing
(or yours) or Australia, you can find me on facebook
as Nadia Mack
https://www.facebook.com/nadia.mack.777
Books In This Series
THE HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS SERIES
The Nutcracker Battle - Annabeth Chatwin
★ Two boys.
★ Two ballets.
★ One role.
Gabe’s thrilled when he’s cast as The Nutcracker Prince— until he hears the rival ballet academy’s also performing a nontraditional Nutcracker, and super-hot, super-talented Kit is dancing the same part. Gabe has to out-dance Kit. Kit has to out-dance Gabe. Each school has to out-perform the other in the city’s annual Nutcracker Battle.
When a life-saving run-in brings Gabe and Kit together, sparks fly between two teen dancers with so much in common. Their studios hate it. Their choreographers flip out. The alternative paper scoops it as a tale of starcrossed lovers, battling ballet studios, and dueling princes. But Gabe and Kit scheme out a solution just crazy enough that, with the help of their Claras, could end the town’s Nutcracker Battle— for good.
A super-fluffy Christmas story by internationally bestselling YA author Annabeth Chatwin, The Nutcracker Battle is a stand alone novella in The Heart of the Holidays: A Stand Alone Gay YA Series.
The Music of Mercy- Daniel Elijah Sanderfer
Eli is barely getting by. After his mom and dad lost their jobs at a local furniture factory, they lost everything, including their home. Now, he lives with them in a weekly hotel. To help them out, he dropped out of school and got a job at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store. However, with Christmas just around the corner, the manager has temporarily moved him to the angel tree fulfillment center. Everything is going fine until a senior class from a private school shows up to volunteer. Cole is the total opposite of Eli. He lives in an elegant house, in an upper-middle-class community, and has everything he could ever want, or so he thought. Meanwhile, when things get busy back at the thrift shop, Eli has to go help out. It's all business as usual until an antique music box shows up, and Eli falls in love. It's all he wants for Christmas but can't afford it. When it sells after just one day, he's devastated, but maybe he hasn't seen the last of it or Cole.
Join best selling author Daniel Elijah Sanderfer for this sweet story about love, hope, and mercy. A stand-alone book in the Heart of the Holidays, a gay YA series celebrating love.
Merry Little Lies- Addison Lloyd
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY SISTER’S BOYFRIEND
Cian
When I agree to this fake boyfriend gig, I don’t expect to be tempted by Carli’s rich but hot older brother. Our worlds are completely different. I work hard to help my family overcome mountains of debt and keep the lights on; he attends private school and throws his money away on hair gel and expensive cologne.
I can’t even tell him my name.
But he awakens a passion in me, buried under the grief of losing my brother to cancer. A desire to paint again, to laugh again. A desire to love.
Aaron
My sister’s cute boyfriend isn’t what he seems, and I suspect he has ulterior motives for dating her. Our worlds are completely different. I’m destined to take over the family business while avoiding those interested in only my money; he bags groceries, fixes cars, and pretends to be someone he’s not.
I don’t even know his real name.
But he awakens a need in me, buried by years of heartache. A need to protect him, to heal his pain. A need to earn his love.
Can Aaron and Cian overcome the wounds from their past or are they destined to make the same mistakes as their parents and end up, like them, broken and alone?
Merry Little Lies is a 50,000+ young adult gay romance. It’s a standalone book in the Heart of the Holidays, A Gay YA Series celebrating love
Silent Knight- T.R. Valleroy
As the son of a rich man’s cook, Lorin’s world is limited to trials of terrines and the challenges of cheese tarts. Every morning he rises to bake the bread for Lord Garnot’s estate, and every evening he washes up the dishes, ready to do it all over again the next day. But his world changes when a wayward knight arrives on Christmas morning.
Sir Garnier, famed throughout the whole of France, comes a broken man. Removed from the King’s service, rumors trail at his heels. What crime could drag a knight to such disgrace? What sin could lay a hero so low? As Lorin and Sir Garnier grow closer, pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and a visit from the King’s nephew reveals a palace secret. Lorin wants to restore Sir Garnier’s honor, but the love of a lowly kitchen boy repairing a knight’s heart? That only happens in fairy tales...
Sunkissed - Bronte Meredith
A chance Christmas Day meeting on the beach feels more real to 17 year-old Robbie than anything he's experienced in a while. His connection with Drew seems full of possibilities.
Drew isn’t after a holiday romance, especially the summer before his final year of school… but Robbie is beautiful and kind and hard to resist. Drew won’t settle for less than he deserves, like honesty and bravery, even if this is only a summer fling.
To be the one Drew needs, Robbie has to stand the test of bullies. And embarrassment. And… sharks?
Sunkissed is an MM, Australian summer holiday, Christmas romance in The Heart of the Holidays: A Stand Alone Gay YA Series.
The Gift of Believing - Abrianna Denae
Presley James has spent his entire life being told that he’s too much. Neither his parents, teachers, or even peers know how to handle the sometimes loud, occasionally impulsive, and always scatter-brained young man. Then he meets Garrett Harper. Garrett is used to being left behind due to his poor health. So when Presley and his quirks crash into his life, his quiet existence is turned upside down. After a l
ifetime of being let down by
everyone except his father, Garrett is reluctant to trust that Presley is really understanding of all his limitations. When the boys start to spend more of the most wonderful time of the year together, their budding feelings begin to grow. Thanks to the magic of the Christmas season, these two broken boys may not only learn what it means to trust in somebody else, but most importantly, to believe in yourself.
Do You Know What I Know – Shane K Morton
He may be one of my bullies- but he’s also my secret boyfriend
Archie- We used to be friends, but that changed when we went to middle school. He became the most popular boy and I became a target. It didn’t help that I enjoyed choir more than sports. It didn’t matter that I stayed hidden in the closet.
But one day, he knocked on my window- just like the old days and I let him in. Everything changed that night between us. We were safe hidden away from the world, exploring all the mysteries of life. That was a year ago. Things have changed. I have changed, and I am not sure that our secret relationship can survive. I am tired of hiding who I am. What will that do to us?
Hudson- I hate that being popular means so much to me. But as the quarterback and team captain of the football team, there are a ton of expectations set upon me. Not only from the school, my teammates and fans- but from my family. Being a preacher’s son makes being who I really am, even more difficult.
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