by T L Bradford
“I’m digging this whole protective vibe you’ve got going on for me lately, but Noah, I’m okay really. Did you forget I was a football god? Pretty sure I can take out any attacker that comes my way.”
“You may not see this one coming.”
“What brought all this on, anyway? Why now?”
“I guess I’m thinking about the future, and I see you in it.”
“Ugh. Fine. We’ll get security around the house. Maybe a few cameras, but that’s it. Come on; we were having such a good time. We’re here in paradise screwing around in a hot tub. Don’t spoil the moment.”
“I’m sorry. You mean so much to me. It’s my nature. I’m a protector.” I rub my hands up and down his back.
“Baby, that’s one of the reasons I lo—” He stops abruptly, catching himself before he speaks further. “I care about you too.” He blushes slightly. His blushes kill me, I’ll do anything to make him do it. I grab his head and bring his lips back to mine. I’m not finished with his plump mouth yet. Maneuvering him toward my crotch, I place him squarely on my rigid member, and he grins widely.
“I wish we could stay like this forever.” Then pulling down his shorts, I take what’s mine.
Chapter 34
Josh
The next two days, there is no more mention of my safety, but it still rankles in the back of my mind. If he brought it up, it has to be forefront in his thoughts. He didn’t mention a specific threat, but I assume he thinks his father will do something to harm us. I played it off like I wasn’t too concerned, but I’ve heard horror stories from others who have come out and been assaulted by people they knew and loved. It makes me even more appreciative of the family I have.
It’s difficult for me to imagine what Noah went through living with that man. He must have felt so young and powerless. There was no one around to help him. Clearly, that experience still affects him as an adult.
It bothers me that I can see actual fear in his eyes whenever he mentions his father. If his father can attack his own child, nearly killing him and putting him in a coma, what would he do to me, the source of his son’s deviancy?
I try not to focus on these heavy thoughts too much and remind myself that I am here to have a good time with Noah. He has been incredibly loving and affectionate during our time here. He finds some way to stay in skin to skin contact with me whenever possible. Whether it be holding my hand, touching my lower back, or just caressing my face. He’s treating me like a precious gift that he treasures. While I love the attention, I know as soon as we land back in LA that will come to an end.
I almost slipped the other night and told him that I loved him. It came out of nowhere. Seeing how much he cared for me and wanted to protect me brought those feelings to the surface. The funny thing is, I don’t think he would have minded.
When I tell him I love him, I want the time to be right. I don’t want it to be while we are still hiding in the shadows. When I tell him, I want our love to be able to shine bright and free.
Today is our last day in Fiji, and before we go, we plan to visit the sacred Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. The temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, hosts worshippers and tourists every day to witness and participate in the many unique religious ceremonies held there. It is a sight to behold. It has been constructed in the style of ancient Dravidian Indian temple architecture, with varied and bright colored pillars and walls.
Noah is a fantastic travel partner. He has a naturally curious spirit about him. I would have thought him resistant to change and new ideas, but over time, he has proved just the opposite. He is fully engaged in each new place we go, wanting to seek new knowledge, explore the historical beginnings, and share that experience with me. He challenges me in every way, and that keeps my love for him growing more each day.
As we walk the grounds and read up on the cultural relevance of the temple, Noah stops walking and looks up at me, his eyes as tender as can be. He takes my hand and walks me into a colorful flowered garden and has me sit on a nearby wooden bench. He kneels in front of me and begins to speak.
“I hope you’re having a good time because I have had the best time with you. This is our last day, and I want you to know that this experience has changed me in so many ways. Good ways, and you are the reason for it.”
I put my hand to his cheek. “I feel the same baby. My life will never be the same again.”
“That’s why I want to let you know I am committed to making this relationship work with you. I have something to give you for your birthday.” He reaches into his backpack and brings out a small box, then hands it to me. Inside is an Omega Swiss watch.
“Noah, this is…beautiful. This has to be expensive. Are you crazy? I can’t accept this.”
“You can, and you will.” He takes the timepiece out of the box and lifts my wrist; then he clasps it tightly. It’s a perfect match for my taste. He knows me so well.
“I love it. Thank you.” I’m near tears.
“No matter what happens, promise me, you will always be in my life.”
I sniffle. “I promise.” Then he leans over and kisses me, snotty nose and all.
“I can’t give you an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji, but I can give you this here Chipotle Gift Card for fifty bucks,” says Ash as he flips the card haphazardly at me.
“Uh…thanks?” I say.
“My pleasure.” He takes another huge swig of his beer.
We are sitting at our kitchen island going over next week’s script, while Noah makes a late afternoon lunch for us before we watch the ball game.
“I heard a rumor that Olive is planning some surprise for me. I hate surprises,” I say.
“No one likes them, but come on, this is important to her. She loves you guys. Throw her a bone on this one.”
“I love her too, but she tends to go overboard with things like this.”
“We didn’t get to celebrate your birthday with us, so we have to do it up right.” Then turning his head around towards Noah, says to him, “Is that cool Noah?” as if I weren’t even sitting right across from him.
“Yep!” Noah shouts over his shoulder as he makes the food.
“See? It’s alright, then.” Ash grins up at me and winks.
“This is going to be a tragedy.”
“Nah, it’s gonna be epic.”
“If you say so.”
“Say, while I’m here, I’ve got something I wanted to run by you guys,” Ash begins.
Sitting back and taking a swig of my beer, I say, “What’s that man?” I see him swallow a huge lump in his throat.
“Well, as you both know Gemma and I have been serious for a while now. I thought it might be time I put a ring on it.”
I open my mouth into an exaggerated “O,” and say, “I think you should go for it. I know you really love her, and for some bizarre reason, she loves you too.”
“Ya think so? Ya think she’ll say yes?”
“Why wouldn’t she?”
At the same time, we both drag our heads over in Noah’s direction.
He moves his eyes between us both, knowing that Ash is seeking his blessing.
“Josh is right. You both seem to be made for each other. You should ask her to marry you. Just know that if you break her heart, I’ll break your nose again. Along with another part of your anatomy that I know you’d like to keep,” Noah says with a dark undertone.
“Thanks?”
“No problem, man, make her happy. She deserves it.” Noah walks over to Ash and gives him a man-hug, half hug, half back pound.
“So, you won’t give me any hint of what Olive is planning?”
“Nope.” Ash finishes off the last of his beer.
“Noah, we have any more beer in the fridge?” I ask.
Peeking into the fridge, he says, “No, I have to pick up some more. I forgot something I need to go with lunch, too, so I have to go to the store, anyway.” He turns off the burners. “I’m going to run to the store befor
e the game starts.” Noah picks up his keys and his phone. On his way out, he says, “Anything you need while I’m out, babe?”
“No.”
“Then, I’ll be right back.” And with that, Noah is out the door.
It takes me about three seconds before I realize what just happened. Noah called me “babe” in front of Ash. My face drops, and my hand stops halfway to my mouth before I can take the next sip of my beer. I move only my eyes toward Ash to see if he picked up on it or not. Of course, he did.
I fumble for a minute to come up with an excuse. “I uh…we…oh, fuck it. We’re gay.”
“Yeah, I got that. I think I’m really gonna need that beer now.” Then he picks up his phone.
Terrified of what he’s going to do next, I say, “What are you doing?”
“I’m calling up Olive. She owes me my twenty dollars back.”
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know if I should be worried or concerned that you already have the costume clothes in your closet,” I say. We’re preparing to go out for my birthday celebration, and all I’ve been told is to come dressed like it’s the 1980s.
“I don’t know what you mean. These clothes are super fly funky fresh.”
“Again, you see my concern.” We have all decided on being a different type of 80s cliché. Noah is going as quintessential Miami Vice guy, complete with pastel polo, a jacket, a popped collar and ray bans on top of his head. He’s also got the dockers with no socks to finish the look.
I will be an 80s teen rocker with the AC/DC concert tee shirt, shredded jeans and a fake mullet. I can’t wait to see how everyone else will be dressed. We are pre-gaming at our house, so everyone should be coming by in just a little while. I must say I am very impressed with what I pulled together.
“Remind Olive that none of these pictures are to show up in her Instagram feed. Because I will die of mortification,” he says.
He steps out of the bathroom, looking like Sonny Crockett himself.
“Damn, you look hot!” I tell him.
“Bullshit, I look like the ‘80s threw up, and I crawled out of it.”
“No, no, you look good. Who says shoulder pads are out? You’re bringing them back in, buddy.” I grab him around the waist and kiss him lightly on the lips.
“Come here, mullet, boy.” He grabs me and tosses me on the bed. “Think we have time?”
“What, before they get here?” I ask, feeling frisky.
“Yeah.”
“Maybe.” That’s all the answer he needs because Noah is crawling on top of me, pulling up my shirt and kissing my stomach when we hear the front door chime. I look over to the brand-new security camera monitor and see who it is. It’s the gang, alright.
“Sorry, guess we wait.” I scramble up from under him. He tries to grab me, but I’m too wily for him. He collapses back in defeat.
Straightening my wig, I answer the door. What I see has me cracking up on the spot. Olive is the complete valley girl with her belted Choose Life over-sized white T-shirt and neon pink leggings. She has the jelly shoes and bracelets along with heavy blue eyeshadow, day glow lipstick and a side ponytail on top of her head. Her hair is crimped, and I wonder how much hair she had to burn off to achieve this look.
Sarita is dressed as a Madonna wannabe. She has the full-length white wedding dress in lace with matching gloves and socks. A long veil completes the look.
Ash has fake dyed his sandy brown hair black and has it standing up on pointy end. He has gone the goth route. He’s got the black jacket, army boots and mopey look down pact.
Gemma is a boy band mallrat queen with an acid wash denim jean and jacket combo. I don’t know where she found them, but she has old 80s band buttons all over the front of the jacket, all the way from Duran Duran to New Kids on the Block. Her bangs are like two feet tall, and her hair is teased to within an inch of its life.
“Oh my god, you guys. You look amazing. Come inside quick. I don’t want the neighbors to see you,” I joke, “They do have standards here.” Noah comes down the hall and cracks up when he sees our crew.
“Oh my god, I cannot believe this,” he says. “You guys look awesome!”
“I know riiiiiight!?!” Olive says in a perfect valley girl accent. We all head to the kitchen where Noah makes drinks.
“Olive, you have to tell me where we’re going. Come on!” I try to get it out of her, but she won’t say. No one else is budging either.
“What good is a surprise party if you know what the surprise is? Duh?”
“Just a clue, okay?” I beg.
She acts like she is going to consider it, then says, “No.”
“Looks like you’ll have to be patient a little while longer,” Noah says as he puts his arm around me from behind and kisses the top of my head, then walks away. I see the ahhhhh look from everyone and roll my eyes.
“Wait, Noah, do you know where we’re going?” If I can get it out of anyone, it will be him.
“Maybe, maybe not.”
Ash says, “Just relax man; you only turn 27 once. In fact, I think I have the perfect way for you to relax.” With that, Ash takes out a giant blunt, and the room goes wild. Pre-game on.
The place in question turns out to be Liberace’s; a gay bar in West Hollywood. It is very exclusive. It is invitation only admittance. You have to know someone on the inside to even get in. I’ve never been there but heard they have great music and a discreet atmosphere, meaning Noah and I can go there without fear of being outed. Who Olive knows there is beyond me.
We are feeling no pain and walk into the joint as though we own it. They must be expecting us because we have a section reserved just for our crew. The decor is insane for 80s night. There are neon lights, disco balls and strobes everywhere. I feel like I’m in a Warhol painting, but then again, I am high as a kite.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun comes on. Olive and Sarita look at each other, then pull me up to dance. We jump around like crazy bouncing to the beat. On my head is a rainbow tiara and matching sash. I’m feeling great and decide tonight is the night to let my freak flag fly. Damn it. I want to have fun, just like the song says. We make up weird dance moves and have a ton of laughs. Not long after, Gemma, Ash, and even Noah join us, and we are all dancing in a big group.
This goes on for a couple of hours until eventually, the music lowers and I see someone coming from the back of the room toward me. It’s Noah, and he is carrying a giant cake with Happy Birthday Joshua written on it. The whole club knows it’s my birthday, and claps, hoots and hollers come my way. Noah sets the cake down on the table. Everyone begins singing to me. I am so touched. I blow out the candles, and there is a thunder of applause. Noah comes around to give me a big hug. Then the music kicks in again and we are back in party mode.
The cake is cut up, and everyone in the club gets a slice. It’s one of my favorites, a lemon cake with a lemon and raspberry filling. I ordered this once a long time ago with Noah way before we even dated. It astounds me that he could remember such a small detail as this.
What slays me is a choreographed number by Olive, Sarita, Gemma and Ash. A spot is cleared on the floor where they do their bit. The song is the 80s cheerleader classic Hey Mickey from Toni Basil. Only instead of Mickey, it’s Joshy, Olive’s pet name for me. In full cheerleader mode, the girls do their best Hey Joshy performance with Ash there to pick them up and spin them around. When did they even have time to practice this? I am overwhelmed by this outpouring of love and support from my friends. To think, we’ve been hiding all this time and it never even mattered to them. If anything, it opened up our friendship even more.
When they finish, I jump up and hug them all in a giant huddle. Then more classic 80s tunes come on; Adam Ant, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Culture Club…the list goes on and on and we dance every damn song.
When Beat It pops up, we form a circle and have someone do a routine of their own in the middle. Sarita does a sexy striptease like move, then tosses one leg up on my shoulder and kiss
es Noah on the cheek next to me, then gives me a wink, letting me know it’s all in good fun. Then Olive makes some crazy splits move that has my inner thighs paining for her. Ash has some decent break dance/pop and lock moves that none of us saw coming. I try to do the Worm on the ground as a follow-up but fail miserably. Gemma does a mix of ballet and hip hop.
Noah is last. The country boy does what comes naturally and brings forth his two-step moves in beat to the song. It’s not bad. Then he kicks that shit into high gear, and he’s doing some fancy footwork that has us all gaping up at him.
When the song finishes, I run up to him and plant a huge kiss on his lips right in front of everyone. Shame be damned. We get another round of claps and hollers. After the Electric Slide, I see Noah go up to the DJ booth and request a song. He comes back with a smug look on his face.
“What did you just do?”
“It’s a secret,” he says into my ear. His breath is hot, and I feel a stirring. Then, the disco lights dim, and the spotlight turns to us. It’s a slow song that I recognize immediately. It’s True by Spandau Ballet. It’s a middle school slow-dance staple.
Noah walks up to me and asks me to dance. I go willingly. Under the spotlight, he puts his hands on my hips, and I put my arms around his neck, and we rock back and forth to the song. I mouth the words the entire time. Everyone else follows suit, and it looks like a grade school prom.
“How do you do this every time? Manage to shock and amaze me at every turn? You know I love this song.”
“I would do anything for you.” We kiss and rock together for the rest of the song. I hear a chorus of approving ahhhhhs and “aren’t they just so cute,” from the surrounding dancers. I don’t see them, though. I only see one pair of silver-green eyes looking back at me.
Time flies when you’re in love. The next three months fly by so quickly; I can barely catch my breath. Noah and I have been going strong this whole time. We’re so caught up in each other; the outside world barely exists. Olive calls it our love cocoon. Our friends have been great supporters of our relationship, and that has helped a lot. We have not made any official statement to our show producers, but I’m pretty sure they know. The affection we have for each other shows through everything we do.
