Hunting for Clay

by N. J. Nielsen

  “All depends on how much the guy wants to spend. That will determine what store we will go to first,” Jayden answered. “I don’t see the sense on spending a gazillion dollars if you can get the exact same outfit for less.”

  “I’m with you,” Marlowe agreed. “What do you say we stop in at Tello’s for breaky first? I’m starved. I could go for Big Breakfast.”

  Clay sighed dramatically which made them all laugh. “I don’t care where we eat as long as there is plenty of coffee.”

  “Amen to that, brother.” Jayden pulled him into a one armed hug. They were still chuckling when Damon arrived.

  Damon handed Clay a gift. “Happy Birthday, and thank you for helping me out with all this.”

  “No worries, have you eaten? We are heading to Tello’s first.”

  “Honestly, I was too nervous to eat.”

  “Why nervous?” Jayden asked as Clay locked up the house before heading to the car.

  A deep blush covered Damon’s face. “Um, would it be bad if I said I have always dressed this way even back in high school?”

  “Dude, you so need today then. So what look are you going after?” Jayden piped up as he got into the back seat of the car.

  “I don’t know, something to at least help me get laid.” Damon shrugged as they pulled out onto the street. “Where are Dimmy and Angelo?”

  “Angelo is working and Dimmy has gone off with Gene and Dextra somewhere.”

  Jayden sat forward as far as the seat belt would allow. “How come you didn’t need to be in on this meeting with Hunter?”

  “Hunter already knows me. Arthur wants him to have more of an input on the designs and layouts I guess. I don’t need to be there because I already know what is going on. I think it’s more Arthur is picking Hunter’s brain and getting a fresh set of eyes and ears on the projects. He thinks maybe Hunter will be able to pick up any gaping holes.”

  “Man, it would suck to be him right now.” Jayden sat back. “At least we get to run around all over Toowoomba and have fun, not be stuck in meetings all day.”

  “I agree.”

  § § § §

  By the time they got to Grand Central, Clay was as full as a goog. He wouldn’t need to eat for the rest of the damn day. The way he was feeling right now he would need a new outfit himself for tonight just so he was sure he had something that would fit. His low rise jeans were feeling a little tight. Why had he let Jayden talk him into wearing them?

  “Get Hunter’s package first, so we don’t forget about it. While you do that, we will head to Meyers,” Marlowe said as he grabbed Damon by the arm and began tugging him up the mall. “Come on, Jay.”

  Clay walked into Dick Smith and headed straight to the counter. “Hi, my name is Clay Montgomery and I have to pick up a parcel for Digigraph.”

  The woman behind the counter smiled and reached below the counter and pulled out a parcel wrapped in brightly coloured paper, and handed it to Clay. He was speechless when he saw his name written across the top of it. He looked at the woman for confirmation.

  She was grinning, “All I know is you are supposed to open it here.”

  Flipping the parcel his heart raced as he slowly and carefully undid the wrapping and found what lay inside: A digital camera – an expensive digital camera. There was also a note.

  Clay,

  Here’s hoping you like this part of your day. As soon as the shop assistant takes a photo of you on your new toy she will tell you where you need to go next. I love you.

  Have fun,

  Hunter

  Clay couldn’t stop the smile from forming as the woman opened the box and snapped a picture of him. When she handed it back and put everything into a bag she said. “I am to tell you two letters and you should know what they mean. The letters are A.S.”

  Blushing, he nodded and thanked her. He knew exactly what it meant; it was the name of his favourite store in the whole of Toowoomba. When he exited the shop he immediately saw the other three waiting for him all grinning like idiots. It dawned on him then they had all been in on Hunter’s plan.

  “Where to next?” Jayden said as he approached them

  “A.S.” Clay blushed.

  “Ooh, I wander what he got you from there?”

  Damon piped in, “I think we should walk as I doubt we will get a parking space on Ruthven Street.”

  “Good idea, it will help us walk off all the food we ate for breakfast,” Marlowe said. “I am so full I think I will burst.”

  “Don’t you want to go and see Angelo?” Clay asked as Damon grabbed a hold of his hand and started leading them toward the exits. Clay was even in such a good mood he waved to Bryan as they passed City Beach, mainly because Damon was also holding Jayden’s hand as well. He liked it even more when Bryan frowned at them all. It looked as if he was finally realising what he had lost.

  Marlowe shook his head. “Nah, his boss is in the store today. They’re having a training day for the new computer system they are using.”

  Walking into A.S, Clay didn’t even need to introduce himself, as Tommy already knew who he was. Hunter and Clay had bought enough supplies from here. “Hey Tommy, I hear you may have a package for me to pick up from Hunter.”

  “I sure do sweet cheeks. Your man truly loves you. He got you only the best.” Tommy dangled a large gold bag before him. The moment Clay saw it he knew what was inside: it was the jumbo mystery bag. Tommy had always joked they were only for the truly in love and adventurous at heart. The tag read — Open at home; behind locked doors.

  “Do you have a message for me?”

  “Now let me think.” Tommy tapped his chin for a long time. “Oh yeah, Hunter said to tell you. All that glitters isn’t gold. Don’t ask me what it means because he wouldn’t tell me, but he did add he’s wearing what you gave him.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Damon asked and Clay thought Damon might be as excited about this as Clay was himself.

  “The cufflinks; it has to be. What do you think, Mar?”

  “Could be… it was the last gift you gave him, especially one he would wear to meetings. Didn’t he tell you they were his lucky charm?”

  Clay nodded, saying good-bye to Tommy they headed back to the car. They would have to drive to Clifford Gardens, especially if Hunter was talking about the cufflinks.

  § § § §

  Clay dropped onto the couch at the end of the day, he was totally exhausted. He had had a blast. Hunter had them running backward and forward across Toowoomba all day. He had a huge pile of presents which Damon had dumped on his bed for him.

  “We’re off.” Damon leaned against the door frame. “I will talk to you guys on another day.”

  “You still got a hot date ahead of you. The shirt we picked up is going to have the guy drooling all over you.”

  “I hope so.” Damon yawned and turned to Jayden. “Do you want a lift home?”

  “Yeah, thanks man. I appreciate it.” Jayden leant down and hugged Clay, “Love you. I will talk to you tomorrow.”

  “See you, little brother.”

  “Have fun tonight.”

  “I will.” Glancing at his watch, he groaned. It was five thirty and he would need to hurry if he expected to be ready before the limo arrived.

  After Damon and Jayden left Clay asked, “So, what do you and angel boy have planned for tonight?”

  “Angelo has booked us into a little B&B out at Cunninghams Gap. It should be nice. I think he is taking me out to the zoo as well, which should be fun.”

  “Sounds like fun. Take some pictures of the animals for me. I need to have a shower.” Groaning, Clay stood up and headed for the room he shared with Hunter. As soon he entered the room, his heart just about stopped. Lying on the bed was the most beautiful tuxedo Clay had ever seen. There was a note lying on top of it.

  Clay, my heart,

  I hope you would wear this outfit for our date tonight. I have one more surprise left for you. Today was all about your birthday. Tonight
is all about Valentine’s.

  I love you.

  Hunter

  After taking the quickest shower possible, Clay dressed, getting Marlowe to help him with the bow tie. His fingers didn’t seem to want to work. He wondered where Hunter had booked them in to eat if he had to dress this way. He focused as a knock sounded on his bedroom door.

  “Clay, the limo is waiting to take you to dinner. Oh my, you look absolutely stunning,” Angelo said.

  “Thank you.” Clay took one more look at himself in the mirror and straightened his jacket before heading out.

  “How are you tonight, sir?” the driver asked as he held open the rear door for him.

  Clay smiled. “I am very well, thank you. Are you allowed to tell me where I am going?”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I have been sworn to secrecy.”

  Clay nodded. “I didn’t think you would be able to.”

  The driver seemed to be meandering around the city without going anywhere. He was about to ask the driver what was going on when he heard a phone ring. The driver dropped the partition between them.

  “It won’t be long now, sir.”

  “Thank you,” Clay said as the driver pulled to the side of the road.

  Getting out of the car, the driver opened the door and gestured for Clay to join him on the footpath. “Mr. Weldon has asked me to blindfold you for the rest of the journey. I promise you no harm will come to you. I will leave the partition down so you will be able to hear everything that is going on.”

  Clay’s heart was beating fast as the driver fastened the blindfold around his eyes.

  “Is it too tight?”

  “No,” Clay whispered as the driver helped him back into the limo. His palms sweated as he felt the rumble of the car starting up and pull back out onto the street. After a few turns he wasn’t even sure which way they were headed anymore. It seemed to take forever before he felt the limo start to slow down. A mechanical voice asked their business.

  “Mr. Montgomery has arrived.”

  The sound of what might be gates rolling open made his breath catch, and a touch of fear filled him as the car pulled the stop. He sat quietly until the door opened and the driver helped him out of the car.

  “My part in this has ended. I am to hand you to the next person who will take you to where you need to be. It was a pleasure to serve you. You have nothing to fear. Mr. Weldon will be with you soon.”

  The person who placed Clay’s hand in the crook of his arm never spoke as he began to lead him somewhere else. A tremor ran through Clay’s body and the person who was with him patted his hand in comfort and strangely it did calm him. When they finally stopped walking Clay got the feeling he was no longer alone.

  Clay took a deep breath as someone untied the blindfold, tears filled his eyes as the first thing his gaze fell on was Hunter standing before him, his knees nearly buckled as Hunter knelt before him and opened a small box, nestled inside was the most beautiful ring Clay had ever seen.

  “Clayton Austin Montgomery, will you do me the great honour of becoming my husband?”

  That one question froze him in place. His mouth opened and closed. He couldn’t get any words to come out of his mouth at all.

  “Son, I think your young man needs to hear your answer.”

  Clay spun around in amazement to see it was his father who had led him into the house. His gaze drifted around the room as he saw all of their friends standing around them waiting to hear him. Finally Clay dropped his gaze back to Hunter who was still waiting patiently before him. The words still wouldn’t come as Clay dropped to his knees and wrapped himself around Hunter, his head nodding furiously.

  “I love you Clay, I always have.” Hunter gently kissed him. “He said yes,” Hunter announced as they both stood up.

  So many people cheered.

  “When?” Clay asked when he finally got his voice to work.

  Hunter took his hand and led him through the crowd to where a well-dressed woman stood with a folder clasped in her hands. Clay’s knees almost gave out again when he realised who and what she was.

  “We are gathered here among our family and friends to join together Clayton Austin Montgomery and Hunter Lesley Weldon—”

  Clay’s whole body screamed at him to make sure this was real and he wasn’t dreaming. “Pinch me.”

  “What?” Hunter asked.

  “I need to know this is real, so pinch me.” He jumped when Hunter gently pinched him on the inner wrist. It was real. He really was standing here in front of all his friends getting married. By the time his mind had calmed down he was aware Hunter was placing the ring on his finger.

  “I, Hunter Lesley Weldon promise to love you, Clayton Austin Montgomery for as long as we both shall live. You are my reason for getting up each morning and for coming home each night. I never knew what I was looking for until you walked into my life.”

  Clay took the ring which was offered to him and kissed it before placing it lovingly on Hunter’s ring finger. “I, Clayton Austin Montgomery promise to love you, Hunter Lesley Weldon, for as long as we both shall live.” His brain kicked into overdrive thinking about of what to say. “It was the best day of my life when I stalked Marlowe and ended up in your arms and in your heart. No one has ever loved me the way you have and I will cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”

  The words of the celebrant were drowned out as Hunter pulled him close and kissed him. The crowd who watched on was even forgotten. His whole focus was on the man who held him in his arms.

  The celebrant cleared her throat. “If you will now come with me we can make this civil union legal in the eyes of the law.”

  Clay was in a daze as he let Hunter lead him over to a small table which had been set to one side. His hand trembled slightly as he signed his name then below it signed his new name.

  C.A. Montgomery-Weldon.

  His excitement bubbled out of him as Hunter signed using the hyphenated name as well. It was official. He was married. A civil union was as close as he was going to get. Maybe one day the government would get it right, but for now he was too happy to even care.

  § § § §

  Hunter sat back in his chair and scanned the crowd. He watched as all his friends ate and drank and danced. This was the best night of his life. Clay’s father was doing everything to make it up to Clay for the way he had acted over the last two years. There had been tears and hugging and lots of promises made between them. Hunter was excited they were finally speaking. His husband deserved to be happy. Husband — now wasn’t that just about the nicest sounding word around? His gaze immediately caught on Clay as he headed in his direction. He opened his arms, allowing Clay to sit in his lap.

  “Arthur is worried because he can’t find Damon. I don’t know why, but he seemed upset when I told him Damon had gone out on a hot date. You don’t think Arthur has a thing for Damon, do you?” Clay whispered in his ear.

  “Nah, they aren’t each other’s types. Damon is probably running around here somewhere; likely they keep missing each other. I swear I saw him earlier.”

  “Yeah probably.” Clay turned in his lap. “Hunter, I want you to know I love you from the depths of my heart. I was so stunned I nearly peed myself when the blindfold came off.”

  Hunter smiled. “Do you know how hard this was to keep from you and Marlowe?”

  “Why Marlowe?”

  “Because, he can’t keep a secret to save himself. I only told him this morning what was really going on.” Hunter smiled. “It wouldn’t have been a surprise if he blabbed now would it?” Hunter kissed him as realisation dawned in Clay’s eyes.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” Hunter said, “and I always will.”

  The End

  About the Author

  NJ needs to write like she needs to breathe… It is an addiction that she never intends to find a cure for. When you don’t find NJ writing about the wonderful men in her stories you find her reading work by other
s… NJ lives in the SE of Qld, Australia with her family who all encourage her writing career even if she does occasionally call them by her character’s names… NJ thinks that anyone taking the time to read her stuff is totally awesome.

  Trademarks Acknowledgment

  The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Grand Central Shopping Centre: Perpetual Trustees Victoria Limited

  City Beach: CBSA Investments Pty Ltd

  Sanity: Sanity Entertainment Pty Ltd

  Velcro: Velcro Industries B.V.

  Baileys: R & A Bailey & Co

  Hungry Jack’s: Burger King Corporation

  The Cheesecake Shop: R & W Traders Pty Ltd

  Crown Lager and Carlton Midstrength: Foster’s Australia Limited

  He-Man: Mattel, Inc.

  Dick Smith: Dick Smith Electronics Pty Limited

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