Step Up with Me

by Kris Jacen

  “Everyone is currently okay but if I don’t pull off the promise that I just made to Sandy? I’m dead. So get your mama’s luggage, stop at the barracks and pack a bag and come to my house. See you soon.” Jack hung up not waiting for him to answer. Tank pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it.

  “Well? I guess we’re going to save someone? A good friend of yours?” Mama hadn’t changed. She’d always been there for Tank and his friends, no matter what they needed. A meal, a bed for the night, an open ear.

  “Mama, I know I’ve said this before many times, but I love you.” Tank placed a kiss on her cheek and turned to the luggage carousel. “Still have the same bags?”

  “Look for my rainbows. I’ll stand here. Knowing even though I’m not some weak, helpless woman, I’ve taught you to respect women and do where you can. Now shoo.”

  § § § §

  Thank the fricking Lord that Tank answered his phone. Randolph and the rest of the crews hadn’t answered. Jack hit the intercom button on his desk phone and called for Briar to come to his office. Since his door was open, soon BB was leading Briar into the office.

  “You rang, oh, boss of mine?” Briar teased as he sat, reaching down absently to rub at his socket.

  Jack narrowed his eyes at Briar. “Have you been standing too much today? Didn’t we get you all stools for you all to use?”

  “Yes, Jack, we have the stools and we all use them. I was helping Dr. Appleby—

  “Kate,” Jack interrupted.

  “Kate with the German Shepherd’s exam and he took offense to having his temperature taken and pushed us all over. He’d been doing so good and been docile that he took us by surprise. Just hit the leg against the exam table. I’m fine. Now, you summoned?”

  “Summoned? Oh, yes! I need you and Randolph along with any of the other crew that can to help save my ass. Have you talked with Sandy lately?”

  “Umm, I got a new text with a picture of the babies. They were playing with something on their high chair. I’m not sure what it originally wa—”

  “Briar! Focus. Christ, are you taking lessons from Siah?”

  “Haven’t seen Siah lately. Saw the WhatsApp conversation the other day about Bree and Neil but that’s all. So what’s going on?”

  “Sandy is on a tear that the trips need a family Christmas with all the— and I quote fam-damn-ily. She said that since it’s just the two of us with Mom and Dad in Arizona, she’s adopting the crews for her holiday. Told me that the week of Christmas was going to be filled with ‘family’ activities. I pointed out to her that you all had lives outside of our friendships so she’s settling for a big Christmas Day. Please tell me that you and Randolph don’t have plans yet?” Jack watched as Briar absorbed all that and then gallantly tried to hold in his laughter.

  Briar snorted then said, “I’m sure anything we have—” another snort “can be cancelled or changed.” Snort and then a big belly laugh burst out of him.

  “It’s not that funny,” Jack demanded trying to be heard over the laughter. Soon his office door was full of other staff trying to see what Briar was laughing at.

  “What’s so funny?” Kate asked with the new vet, Bobby, standing next to her.

  Briar sniffed and tried to stop laughing. Through chuckles, he said, “Jack’s scared of his sister and promised…” He sniffle-chuckled again. “To have a big family holiday for her and her babies.”

  There was a long moment of silence before Jack watched his entire staff and co-workers bend over laughing. Well, except for Bobby, he was too new to know what a moment of hilarity this was.

  “Okay, okay, you’ve all had your fun. Now I’m sure we’ve got some patients that need to be seen?”

  They all dispersed except Kate. “A suggestion?”

  “Oh, sure, Kate, bring it on,” Jack said with a bit of snark.

  “Why not have Sandy bring the triplets by at the end of the picture with Santa event we’re having for the pets this weekend? That way she can get their picture with Santa without braving the mall and the germ party that’s going on over there. Yeah, pets have germs, too, but not as many as there are floating around over there,” Kate said.

  Jack blinked and blinked as that idea ran through his mind. “Holy shit! You’re a genius! Why didn’t I think of that?” Jack jumped out of his chair and gave her a big hug. “I’m going to be brother of the year!”

  “I’ll start a WhatsApp for planning the holiday of the year for a set of eight-month olds.” Briar was still chuckling as BB followed him down the hallway.

  “Brother of the year! Yes!” Jack yelled as he headed out to see his last patient for the day.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Here we are, Mama,” Tank said as he pulled into Jack’s driveway. Even though he’d been here a lot in the past few years, now it seemed new. Now that they were trying for something… new.

  “It’s a nice house. Which friend is this?” His mama always tried to know which friend was which and she continued to amaze him with what she remembered later.

  “This is Jack’s. He’s a vet and is the one needing help. For what I’ve got no clue but it seems the crews do since that’s what’s been blowing up my phone as we had dinner.” Tank parked the car and ran around to open his mama’s door but she beat him to it, climbing out with a smile.

  “I taught you right. Now, the crews?”

  “The mil— military crew, me, Randolph, Wells and May. You remember them?” Tank held out an arm for his mama. The path was still a bit rough to the front door. Jack was going to have to get that finished off before next summer or the bugs were going to be all bumps and bruises then Sandy wouldn’t let him have them.

  “May is getting out. Wells, moved and Randolph found himself a partner. You were the best man?” He just shook his head at Mama. Of course she remembered.

  Should he tell his mama about him and Jack? What really was there to tell at this point? They hadn’t even really gone on a date. They’d had dinner and watched some TV after training but nothing really out. Maybe he should ask Jack on a date?

  “That’s them. The civ – or civilian crew is Siah, Jack, Bree and Barbie. All of them train at the dojo and have helped us with combatives and with Siah and May together, we’ve formed our own family of choice like all us military do. Siah teaches, Bree is a pastry chef and Barbie a lawyer. Told you about Jack.”

  Tank leaned on the doorbell a bit harder than necessary; he was a bit nervous about introducing Jack to his mama. He’d never been in this position. Wasn’t really sure how his mama was going to take meeting… his boyfriend? She knew that he was gay but hadn’t had to deal with the reality before. Actually? He’d never dealt with it either.

  Suddenly the door whipped open and Siah was standing there. “Okay, I know I said I owed favors but Jack has lost his mind. You all thought I was crazy with the fundraiser? Oh, yeah, nothing like Jack. He can’t figure out his dick from a candy cane right now. Please come and do something to calm him down? Maybe a blow job?”

  Tank’s eyes must have bugged out of his head as he knew that all the color had left his face. He turned to his left to see how his mama was taking what Siah just said and she looked like she was holding in her laughter.

  “Umm, Mama? This is—” Tank choked out before his mama cut him off.

  “This must be Siah. Give me a hug.” His mama pushed past him and enveloped Siah in a hug. It only took Siah a second before he was wrapping his arms around her and dropping his head to her shoulder. When she pulled back, she said, “You call me Mama or Rose. Whichever makes you more comfortable. All of Richard’s friends do. Now show me to Jack so I can get all this… whatever under control. You all are so gracious to help him out.”

  Siah held out his arm to Mama and escorted her into the house. Yup, another friend under her spell.

  § § § §

  Jack looked at the crews, trying to figure out what all needed to be done. They were just waiting for him to tell them what he needed
them to do. He started pacing the room, stopping and starting in fits. An idea would come to him, then he’d rethink it and shake his head. He knew at any moment one of them was going to tackle him to the ground and make him stop.

  As he got to the opposite side from the entryway, a lovely African American woman entered the room on Siah’s arm. It could only be Tank’s mother. She was dressed casually but had a bearing to her that said this woman was used to be listened to. He watched as she took stock of the room then nodded before walking over to him.

  “Let me guess, you’re Jack?” She didn’t wait for an answer before continuing. “Okay, so what’s going on and how can we get this under control? Richard said that you need all our help but since he’s a good boy and didn’t look at his phone during dinner…” She gave the rest of the crews a “mother’s look” that had them all squirming, “he doesn’t have details.”

  “Mrs. Martin, it’s nice to meet you. Yes, I’m Jack. Doctor Jack Dillon. And yeah, I need so much help it’s not funny. Look at this place? I don’t even have a candy cane, never mind a tree or stocking or jingle bell or—

  “Jack! Focus!” Randolph and Carter said together before fist bumping.

  “Focus? What?”

  Tank crossed the room and placed his hands on Jack’s cheeks making Jack look at him.

  “Breathe. Now, before Mama takes over, what’s the big problem?”

  Jack closed his eyes for a minute and just absorbed Tank’s warmth. He hadn’t realized how much he needed Tank next to him, to center him.

  “Okay, so Sandy wants—

  “Demanded,” Briar interrupted.

  Jack gave him a pointed look then turned back to Tank and his mother. “Wants a big family holiday for the triplets. She doesn’t want them to feel isolated and has claimed all of you as her “fam-damn-ily” in her words so big Christmas celebration here at my house. You know that their house is on the smaller side, if we all went there we wouldn’t be able to move.”

  “That’s all?” Tank’s mother said.

  “Mama!” Tank exclaimed. “This is important to Jack.”

  “Richard? That isn’t what I meant. I thought that there was a death somewhere. Now, big family holiday. There are a few weeks, we should be able to take care of this.” Mrs. Martin turned to the crews. “Who can cook?” Most of the hands went up. “Bake?” Only Bree left her hand up with a smug smile on her face. “Right. Okay. You ladies along with the one over there…” She was pointing at Briar. “You’re in charge of planning the feast and just so you don’t think I’m being sexist? The ladies are planning food because the brunette can bake and the blonde looks like anything she needs done will get done with no fuss.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Martin. I’m Barbie. This is Bree and that’s Briar. Yes, you chose the Bs to work together,” Barbie said.

  “That works. Okay, two need to go get a tree. Do you have decorations?” she asked him. “And all of you? Call me either Mama or Rose, your preference. All of Richard’s friends have.”

  “No, ma’am, Rose. I don’t have any decorations. When my parents moved to Arizona, they gave sentimental pieces to Sandy. Since it’s just me?” Jack shrugged.

  “No worries. Siah can take me shopping while the two built gentlemen over there get a tree. Look for a seven to eight foot one.”

  “What do you want me to do, Mama?” Tank asked.

  “You and Jack are to move the furniture around and make room for the decorations. You know what needs to shift. And don’t forget that we’ll need to put some barrier up so the triplets… God blessed your sister and her husband… can’t get to the tree once it’s up.”

  “They’re not moving around much yet,” Jack told her. He might just be a little in love with Rose already.

  “Oh, they will be once they see everything. It will be so much fun to be around little ones for the holiday again. Now everyone? Let’s move.” She turned to Siah and held out her hand. Sian just smiled, took her hand and waved to everyone as they walked back out of the room.

  “You heard Mama, let’s go,” Tank said, rubbing his hands together.

  Chapter Twelve

  Tank stood in Jack’s living room just shaking his head. He’d always know that his mother was a force of nature but she’d outdone herself tonight. The tastefully sparse living room was now a coordinated winter wonderland. She’d selected a simple greenery with red intersperse scheme that was classic but playful at the same time. Somewhere they’d even found candy cane shaped pillows for the triplets to lay on.

  They’d created a faux mantle to hang the stockings on and there was one for each member of the crews, along with the triplets and their parents. Randolph and May had found what was declared “the perfect tree” at a lot at one of the local nurseries.

  Jack walked up behind Tank and wrapped his arms around his waist. Tank jumped as Jack’s hands passed over his hip bones. Wow!

  “Ticklish?” Jack murmured.

  “Not that I know of and yeah, umm, my reaction was more… what do you think of the transformation?” Tank was really hoping that Jack went with his change of subject. He really didn’t want to have this discussion with his mother across the room.

  Chuckling, Jack shifted to Tank’s side, keeping his right arm around Tank. “I think it’s amazing. Still need your help for a few things.”

  “Figured. What do you need?” Tank slipped his arm around Jack’s back as they just stood there observing the discussion between the girls, Briar and his mother.

  “One, your mother won’t tell me how much she spent tonight. Siah is being a traitor and won’t share either. And even I know that those stockings they got, all monogrammed and everything, aren’t cheap. I can afford this all.”

  Tank looked down at Jack. He sounded upset. “Jack? My mama has always taken care of my friends and never asked for anything from them. She misses being able to do things and set herself up for life before she retired. If she didn’t give you the receipt? Yeah, nothing— and I do mean nothing — I say or do will get her to tell you. As for Siah? Take it out on his ass on the mat. He might be a third degree now but you’re not exactly a slouch.”

  “Does she… have you told her?”

  Tank thought it was cute how Jack was stumbling over the question. Oh, Tank knew what he was asking but leaving him hanging for a minute was fun. “I haven’t told her anything. She’s not stupid so I’m sure she’s figured out that we’re more than friends. Why?”

  “I’ve never met any parents and I want to offer something to you and her. What would you think of the two of you staying here instead of the hotel and the barracks? I’ve got the room.” Jack wasn’t meeting Tank’s eyes as he talked which wasn’t like him.

  “And…?” Maybe if he gave Jack the chance the real reason would come out of his mouth.

  “And what? I just thought—” Jack stopped and blew out a breath. “Christ, I was never good at lying when I was a kid, why would I be now?” Tank waited for him to finish. “Okay, I didn’t think the house would be so empty when Briar left and the holidays got here. So take pity on me?”

  “That’s why you wanted me to pack a bag. Let’s ask Mama what she’d like. Mama?” Tank called across the room.

  “Richard, we are trying to finish,” she said.

  “I know, Mama, but this is quick. Jack would like to know if you’d prefer to stay in his guest room instead of the hotel while you visit,” he said, completely aware that every member of the crews was interested in her answer.

  “I think that would be lovely, if we’re not going to inconvenience him.”

  “Mama, I said you, not me.”

  “Richard Raymond Martin. No lying to your mother. We all know that you’ll be staying here, too. Not like you’ll stay in the barracks while me and your boyfriend are here. Now sit your tush down and cuddle while we finish the meal planning.” Mama turned back to Bree and started talking about desserts.

  “Bree? Barbie? Briar? Ummm, could you please
remember the past few months for me?” Tank asked.

  “Tank, I may be blonde but I’m not stupid. We have already taken everyone’s tastes in mind.” Barbie threw a glare in his direction. “Now do as your mama told you to do. Sit down and cuddle your boyfriend.”

  Jack tugged on Tank’s hand and pulled him over to the couch to drop down on it. “Yeah, what she said.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sipping his coffee, Jack looked around the living room. It had held up well yesterday with the onslaught of Sandy’s “fam-damn-ily” holiday for the bugs. They’d been so cute; she’d found them footie pjs that were striped in red and green with little elf hats to match. No pretty ruffles for her girls, well that was until Bree and Barbie got a hold of them. They’d bought Faith and Grace outfits with lace and bows but on the shirt it said, “Try me, my aunts are black belts.” Sandy had loved them but then felt bad for Ethan being left out. Bree and Barbie had that covered though; they had an outfit for him that said, “You can’t scare me, I have sisters.”

  The crews had drawn names for gift giving. He’d drawn Randolph and had found a pair of practice Escrimas for him that would come in handy. Siah, now to be known as ‘the shit’, had drawn Jack and put together a collection of lubes and toys. If Jack could have crawled under the floor when Tank’s mother started laughing, he would have been a happy man.

  A noise from the hallway had Jack glancing that way. Rose was standing there holding a cup of coffee.

  “Morning, Rose. Join me?” Jack said as he stood up.

  “Jack? This is your home. Kudos to your parents for instilling manners in you but please, sit your ass down.” Rose sat in the rocking chair that Sandy had brought over to rock the trips yesterday. Why she thought he needed it here, Jack wasn’t sure but it sure worked on Ethan yesterday. Well, that and he’d settled in two seconds flat when Tank cuddled him to his chest…which Jack didn’t blame him for, one bit.

  “Did you have a nice time yesterday?” Jack asked. He was sure that yesterday had been louder than all her last holidays combined.