by Lyn, Viki
“I already booked your flight.” Honda removed an envelope from his jean pocket. “You leave tomorrow morning. First flight out.”
Chris took the envelope and gave Honda a peck on the cheek. Thank God for Honda’s impulsive behavior. “Thanks for the kick in the rear.”
Honda hugged Chris. “Oh, and by the way. Graham’s reservation, that was a computer glitch. Or maybe it was your dads’ doing, you know, sending Graham your way.”
Chris smiled because this would be just like his dads, matchmaking from heaven.
22
The plane taxied to the gate, and as soon as the seat belt sign went off, passengers jumped from their seats and streamed into the aisles, turning on their cell phones and opening the overhead racks. At the back of the plane, Chris remained seated and fidgeted with his cell phone. Several text messages flashed on the screen, mostly from Honda cheering him on. Chris smiled at his friend’s encouragement. At least he’d have Honda’s shoulder to cry on if this went south.
Chris peered out the window and took in the overcast sky and the busy activity that was JFK airport. Tapping his foot against the back of the seat, he thought over his options. Coming to New York unannounced was the craziest thing he’d ever done. After some research, Honda had found the addresses of Winter Media, and Graham’s apartment. Chris devised several scenarios of what he should do once he landed, but now that he was here, should he show up at the office or Graham’s home?
With the last of the passengers making their way toward the exit, Chris couldn’t procrastinate any longer. No turning back now. He had committed to a plan of action, and he would see it out.
At the baggage claim, he picked up his duffle bag and headed for the AirTrain. Once on board, he closed his eyes and rested. It had been a long time since he’d been this far from home, and he found that he was looking forward to being away from the resort.
Before he left, he’d put Josh in charge. Josh was capable of handling any situation that would arise. When Chris returned home, he’d talk with his manager about taking on more responsibilities; maybe even make Josh a partner. Giving up some control of the business would give Chris more free time to pursue other things.
Like one handsome New Yorker with sexy green eyes, Chrissy.
Pete again, and Chris laughed, unable to disagree with his dad. Would his dads always be whispering in his ear bestowing their sage advice? Chris hoped so. His dads lived in his heart, always.
The minute Chris stepped onto the streets of Manhattan, loud noises scraped across his ears, and a buzz of activity whirled around him. Pedestrians hurried down the sidewalks, texting or on their phones, none of them looking upward at the incredible soaring skyscrapers. Far from his beloved ocean, Manhattan was as alien as the surface of the moon, but he found himself smiling as he took it all in.
He typed Winter Media into the navigator app on his phone. Following the blue dot to his destination, he had the situation under control. A vendor grilled hot dogs on the street corner and Chris’s stomach growled as he took in the aroma. Surprised by his hunger, he gave in to his appetite and purchased a hotdog.
Spotting a park on the other side of the street, he dashed across the snarled traffic and snagged a bench seat. There was no end of people watching and he took in the sights and sounds of the city. Yeah, he was procrastinating but he needed a breather before facing Graham. He had come this far and wouldn’t turn back, but fuck, he was nervous.
Once he finished with his hotdog, he tossed the remains in the nearest trashcan. Checking the map, he discovered the office was two blocks away. With no idea what he would say when face-to-face with Graham, he stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, almost bumping into the couple in front of him.
“I love you?” he said, out loud.
What if Graham had changed his mind? Found someone else? He was the type of guy who moved on. The confession on television had been pre-recorded. There was no way he was pining over a lost love. That wasn’t his style.
Working himself into a panic, Chris picked at his scarred fingers. He noticed his image in the store window and shit, he looked like a street person. Stubble on his chin, straggly windblown hair… he stroked his chin. He should have shaved first, at least gotten a haircut. There had to be a barbershop nearby.
Chris heard Honda shouting into his ear, “Dude, don’t come home crying to me if you lose your nerve.”
Fuck the haircut. Within minutes, Chris stood in front of the glass entrance leading to the offices of Winter Media. He pushed through the double doors and strode up to the reception desk. His heart was thumping, but he managed to ask for Graham without stuttering.
“Do you have an appointment, sir?”
“No, but we’re friends. Ah, more than that, well, I hope. What I mean we’re old friends now but…” He looked down at his wringing hands knowing the unfavorable impression he made.
The receptionist remained cool. “Your name, sir?”
Clearing his throat, he straightened his posture and answered clearly, “Chris Katsaros.”
A diminutive woman with sharp, bright eyes and red spiked heels strode up to Chris. “Chris? Graham’s friend from California?”
He took a stab. “Jillian?”
“Yes. Am I glad to see you.” She turned to the receptionist. “Karen, he’s with me.”
Chris didn’t know what to say to Jillian. She must hate his guts for hurting her boss and friend. “Er, is Graham here?”
Without missing a beat, she pressed her hand to Chris’s back and led him to the elevator. “Yes, but he’s in a meeting. He’ll be finished shortly. You can wait in his office.”
Suddenly, his courage floundered under Jillian’s intense scrutiny. “Maybe I should come back another time.”
“I’m not letting you out of my sight.” She shoved him into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. They remained silent as the elevator ascended. By the time they reached the penthouse level, Chris was sweating under his collar.
The elevator door slid open to Graham’s office.
Jillian motioned for Chris to take a seat. “Coffee?”
“Ah, no, I’m fine. Thanks.”
Instead of taking a seat, Chris walked around the richly furnished room. The leather furniture smelled of polish. The artwork was authentic, the thick carpet soft and thick under his feet. Graham worked in a stratosphere beyond Chris’s imagination. He walked to the edge of the window and looked out. From this vantage point, he could see for miles, being high as the clouds. The view from the windows was as breathtaking as the Big Sur coastline.
Jillian fingernails dug into his arm. “Do you have any idea how much you hurt Graham by not contacting him?”
That accusation hit hard. He nodded, unable to answer because of the knot in his throat.
Her gaze softened. “Sorry. I feel responsible in a way,” she said. “I insisted he take a vacation and made the reservation. Then that blow-up with Twitter and his being outed. It was one of our competitors that sent that nasty reporter to your resort. They had hired Tom Rance because they wanted the deal with Freedom Press to fall through.”
This explained why Graham had been outed but it didn’t relieve Chris of his guilt. He sat on one of the leather chairs that faced the elevator. This waiting was breaking him apart, slowly, piece by piece. “I never meant to hurt him.”
“Well, you did hurt him. But you changed Graham, too. For the good.”
“Do you think he’ll forgive me?”
“Forgive you for what?” Graham’s deep voice drew Chris’s gaze toward the elevator door.
Fuck. Seeing Graham again left Chris breathless. A pale-green shirt brought out the color of Graham’s beautiful eyes. Those same eyes that now pinned Chris to his seat. Deep wrinkles formed between Graham’s brows, his mouth twitching downward. He didn’t look happy to see him.
Jillian mouthed, It’ll be okay. Then in a flash, she left him alone with Graham who hadn’t moved an inch from the doorway.
Frozen in his seat, Chris lowered his gaze. He breathed out a sigh of relief when he heard Graham come closer. Then a chair moved, and a pair of patent-leather shoes entered into his sight.
Chris looked up and met Graham’s penetrating gaze. All his love for Graham came rushing out in one big sloppy apology. “I’m sorry, sorry for not answering your texts, for being such an ass. I wanted to answer, but I didn’t know what to say, fuck, I’m messing this up.” He gulped in air and let it out in one big whoosh. “I love you.”
Chris brushed his hands down his jeans and wished for the nth time he had prepared a speech, something, anything other than his rambling. Honda had talked Chris into coming here. Chris would kill him when he got home. Because what could he offer Graham beside his love? Was love enough? Pete’s and Bob’s voices whispered a Greek chorus in his ear.
Of course, it is.
“Say it again.” Graham gently cupped Chris’s hands. “Slowly this time.”
Finally, Chris told Graham the truth. “I love you. If I learned anything from us being apart, it’s how desperately I need you in my life.”
Graham caressed Chris’s face, his eyes shining bright. “Does this mean you want a relationship with me, no matter the distance? Because I’m still needed here.”
“We’re two smart guys.” Chris leaned into Graham’s loving touch. “We’ll figure it out.” He kissed Graham’s dimpled cheeks, so happy they appeared. “I love you I love you I love you.”
Graham’s smile lit Chris’s heart. He’d risk everything just for that smile. “I want this to work between us,” Chris said, putting all of his sincerity into his words.
“That’s all I needed to hear.”
Graham’s kiss deepened into a precious act of commitment. Somehow they’d find a way back home together.
Epilogue
Two years later.
From the view from their bedroom window, Graham witnessed the caterers putting the finishing touches on the flowers and filling the banquet tables with platters of food. White tablecloths were decorated with lavender roses against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Josh and Honda had gone all out in planning the reception. They came through with a simple but elegant affair. No doubt the food would be excellent since Loren was in charge. Everyone on the Secretus staff had their wedding tasks and took them seriously.
Last night’s storm had cleared the air. The ocean and the green color of the pines appeared that much brighter. The cloudless sky made him smile. Not that he cared if they got married during a thunderstorm. After all, during a storm was the first time he had intimately touched Chris, and that memory would be one he would always cherish.
Graham’s chest surged with pride for his soon-to-be husband. Chris had opened up to his staff in the last two years, and made an effort to really know them. Part of Graham took pleasure in his influence over Chris.
Graham clipped on his diamond cuff links, grinning because why not smile. This was the most important day of his life.
“Here you are! I wondered if you’d skipped out.” Chris waggled his brows. “Now’s your chance. Not that I’d blame you. It’s all a bit overwhelming.” He fumbled with his bow tie. “Tie this fucking thing, will you?”
Chris wore a black tuxedo similar to Graham’s except for the lavender color of the cummerbund. Graham was careful not to crush the white rose pinned to Chris’s lapel. Rarely did he see his lover dressed this elegantly, and he couldn’t wait until the honeymoon. Chris was stunning in his tux and Graham couldn’t believe his luck. So many things could have gone south while traversing a long-distance relationship, but they prevailed.
“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” Graham teased. His knuckles brushed against Chris’s skin, and he was pleased to see a faint blush. Graham liked how he still could affect Chris with a mere touch.
After Graham had finished tying the bow, Chris swatted away his hands. “Then it’s a good thing you’re seeing the groom. Don’t get me all horny before the ceremony. Don’t want pictures of me sporting a boner.”
Graham brought Chris into a bear hug and settled for a chaste kiss. “Fine, but wait until our honeymoon. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
A worried furrow deepened Chris’s forehead. “You know how I hate surprises.”
“This one you’ll love. Trust me.”
After exhaling a big sigh, Chris nodded, “I do.”
Two simple words, but they meant the world to Graham. The two years leading up to their wedding had been challenging. Juggling both their careers had them racking up the frequent-flyer mileage on both sides of the continent. Until recently, when months of planning came to fruition and Graham got up the nerve to propose to Chris.
Chris glanced at his portrait above the dresser. “I’m surprised Latty gave that to you.”
“He said it was an early wedding present. He knew I wanted it the first time I saw it. Back then he wouldn’t let me buy it, the dick. Tasteful as it is, I hated knowing he had a nude portrait of you.”
Chris shook his head. “I’m still not keen on it. But if you like it.”
“I like it. It stays in our bedroom.” Graham stepped behind Chris and wrapped his arms around his soon-to-be husband’s waist. “This is a perfect place for a wedding. Did you ever think we would be the ones tying the knot?”
“Nah. Never gave it a second thought.”
That momentarily dampened Graham’s happiness, because all he could think about these past two years was how he could make things right so they could get married. Living apart had been stressful and too damn lonely.
Then Chris laughed, and that carefree sound lifted Graham’s mood. Chris turned around, and their gazes met. “I might have thought of marrying you once. Or twice.”
“Yeah, okay. I know you’re crazy about me.” Graham brushed back strands of hair from Chris’s now smooth temple. “Why did you decide to fix your scars? They never bothered me. You were beautiful with them.”
“It wasn’t for you but for me.” Chris scraped his non-existent scars out of habit. “This was my final letting go. I could’ve had plastic surgery years ago, but I wanted the painful reminder that I was too late. You’ve helped me see past the guilt and move on with my life.”
Graham kissed where the scars once were. “And now?”
“Sometimes shit happens. I can’t change fate. Pete and Bob live on in me where it counts, in my heart.”
There was a discreet knock, and the door creaked open. Josh poked his head around the doorframe. “Everything’s ready to go.”
The steady flutter in Graham’s stomach sped up a notch. Chris turned to Graham and held out his hand. “Let’s do this.”
Seeing his partner so sure and confident swept away any last-minute doubts. With great joy, Graham took Chris’s hand.
The ceremony passed in a whirl. Close friends and family surrounded them, including Mrs. Winter. Graham’s mother had been instrumental in supporting Graham’s business changes for Winter Media. Even better, she had fallen in love with Chris and Secretus, spending vacations at the resort. Chris had won her over, and when Graham proposed, it was with his mother’s full support.
Every so often he’d glance at his gold wedding band, amazed that he and Chris were officially married. Never in his lifetime had Graham hoped for a legal union with someone who meant the world to him.
He scanned the crowd for his husband and found Chris talking with Jillian. Graham hoped she would keep his secret because after a few drinks, she became an informant. Rushing over, he planned on playing interference.
“Hey, husband, we need to go soon.” Graham grinned, his jaw aching because he’d been smiling so much today. “I want to make a stop before we leave for the airport.”
A grin split Chris’s face. “Wow. Husband sounds strange. But nice.”
“Where are you going for your honeymoon?” Jillian asked.
“Greece,” Chris answered. “I’m going to show him all the places my dads took me
.”
Graham took Chris’s hand and without thinking rubbed his husband’s matching wedding band. “I’ll get to see the actual settings of their books.”
Her red lips puckered. “That mystery series you devour? I call that…so not romantic.”
“Don’t you worry. I got that covered.” Graham winked at Chris.
Taking out her cell phone, she took a picture of the two of them. She pulled Graham aside and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Tears softened her eyes. “You look happy. I love you. Now go and give Chris that big surprise of yours.”
Graham hugged Jillian, so relieved that she was going to join him in his new enterprise. “I love you back. Thank you, for everything.”
She playfully pushed him away. “Better get going. Chris is looking lonely without you by his side.”
Graham and Chris escaped the reception after an hour of saying their goodbyes. Chris slumped back into the passenger’s seat and closed his eyes. “Now that it’s over, I feel drained. But in a good way.” He opened his eyes and brought up his left hand. “I can’t believe this is real. We’re married. Shit.”
Graham moved his hand off the shift to give Chris a gentle squeeze on his thigh. “Yeah. I’m the luckiest guy alive.” He took the freeway exit into the city of Monterey. After several blocks, he turned into a parking lot facing an old brick building whose glory days had long since passed. Construction trucks were taking several of the spaces with workers cleaning up for the day.
Chris sat up and peered out the windshield. “What’s this? It looks like someone’s converting the building. What a cool space.”
“Glad you approve. I own it.”
“What? You… I don’t understand.”
“I stepped down and I’m no longer involved with Winter Media. I still own family shares, but I’m now a free man. I’m going to start a new media company. So we won’t have to split our time between cities.”