“Great. Does Thursday work for you?”
“I think so. Every day is as bad as the other, in our world,” Brandon chuckled. “But I’ll ask Gemma and we’ll let you know?”
“Perfect. It’s a date.” Matt raised his latte in a toast and Brandon clinked his mug to it.
***
Gemma was working on the sofa, as usual, that evening when she heard the front door open and shut. She frowned. Putting her laptop on the coffee table, she got up and poked her head into the hallway. “Brandon?” she asked, surprised to see him.
“It’s not a good sign when my own wife sounds so surprised to see me for dinner.”
Gemma smiled, coming to put her arms around his neck. “Probably not,” she agreed. “I wasn’t expecting you home for hours. Is something wrong?”
“Again, not a good sign,” Brandon chuckled, wrapping her in his arms. “I had lunch with Matt today and it got me thinking. We haven’t had dinner together on a work night in weeks. I thought we could order in from that Thai place you love.”
“I’d love to, but I just had Thai last night. What about Italian?” Gemma rested her head on her husband’s shoulder, running a finger along his jaw. She hadn’t eaten Thai since last week, but she knew Brandon only ate it to please her. Some creamy manicotti would be much more up his alley.
“Even better,” Brandon kissed her hair and gently pushed her off so that he could hang up his coat. “I’ll call Mama Carolla’s. What would you like?”
“The Mediterranean pasta, please. And let’s go wild. What about cannoli for dessert? After all, who knows the next time we’ll have dinner together on a Tuesday!”
Brandon laughed, dialing the restaurant. “Hopefully next week, like normal people.”
“I love it when you dream big,” said Gemma.
Her husband grinned down at her. “That’s why you married me isn’t it? Go finish whatever you were working on. I’ll join you in a second.”
They spent the next half an hour working quietly together in the living room until the food came. Even if it wasn’t a romantic night on the town, Gemma was happy just to have Brandon around. When the pasta arrived, they took a break from their work and Gemma poured them both some wine.
“To the big dreams,” said Gemma, toasting.
Brandon laughed and raised his glass. “Oh! I forgot to tell you. Matt wants to take us out for dinner on Thursday. Do you have time?”
Gemma thought about this while she speared a cherry tomato with her fork. “I make time,” she said eventually. “I mean, it’d be such a shame not to. He’s only in town for a little while.”
“And he’s such a great guy to have around,” Brandon blew on a bite of steaming manicotti. “It’s not every day you meet someone who can charm the wife and the husband.”
“True,” Gemma smiled. “He’s certainly not one of your usual sports buddies, that for sure.”
Brandon chewed his manicotti blissfully. “I’ll let him know Thursday’s a go then,” he said when he’d finally swallowed.
***
Thursday night rolled around, and Gemma and Brandon bumped into each other outside Fogo de Chao, both coming straight from work.
“Hi, sweetheart,” Brandon leaned down to kiss her cheek. “How’s the office?”
Gemma put her arm through his. “Oh, the same as always: a total madhouse. Yours?”
“About the same. I’m absolutely starving. I hope this place has breadsticks!”
Gemma laughed. Brandon was notorious for eating all and any pre-meal nibbles restaurants provided.
“I doubt it, honey,” she said. “I don’t think Brazilian steakhouses are really known for their breadsticks.”
“You’re breaking my heart, sweetie,” Brandon replied as they headed inside. Even before they made it to the host’s stand, they’d spotted Matt waving from the depths of the restaurant.
“That’s our table there,” Brandon said to the hostess before she could say anything.
“All right then,” the woman smiled. “Let’s get you to it.”
Matt rose to greet them, clapping Brandon on the back and giving Gemma a quick peck on the cheek. “So glad to see you guys. I am dying of hunger.”
“So you’re not just glad of our company, then?” Gemma quipped.
Matt chuckled. “I’ve really got to stay on my toes with you, don’t I? Of course, I’m glad of your company. But I won’t be able to appreciate it fully until I’ve put something in my mouth.” He turned to the hostess before she could retreat to her stand. “Could we get some bread or something, please?”
“Of course,” she smiled. “I’ll have some sent around.”
“Perfect, thanks,” Matt flashed her a charming smile.
“A man after my own heart,” said Brandon as he perused the menu. “I can never wait until dinner actually arrives. Oh, look at those steaks.” His eyes wandered, following a passing waiter whose arms were laden with a variety of grilled meats.
“Focus, Brandon, focus,” said Gemma. “The faster you order, the faster you eat.”
“Right, right,” Brandon nodded, burying his nose in the menu.
“Do you know what you’d like?” Matt asked Gemma, smiling. His warm eyes crinkled behind his glasses.
“The mango sea bass,” she replied, forcing her eyes back to her menu. “I’ve heard it’s to die for. You?”
Matt gnawed his lip. “I don’t know yet. I’m terrible at choosing for myself. I always want to try everything.”
Brandon chuckled. “Can’t blame you when the choices are this good,” he said.
“Exactly,” Matt replied, licking his lips.
That night, Gemma and Brandon went to bed together happy, full, and exhausted. Gemma lay in the curve of Brandon’s arm, his other wrapped around her. She looked at the far wall, thinking. Between dinner tonight and Brandon’s surprise appearance on Tuesday, they’d seen more of each other this week than any other in months. It made her realize how much she missed having her husband around. If the push they needed to spend a little more time together was Matt, then she was grateful he had come into their lives. If only she could get him out of her mind.
Ever since she’d met him, she’d known Brandon was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She’d had other boyfriends in college, but no one had ever been able to make her laugh like he did. He made everything they did together interesting and funny. And laughter, she’d soon learned, turned her on more than anything else. It wasn’t that he didn’t make her laugh anymore, it was that they were so tired and busy that, when they did have time together, laughter was as far as they got; the desire that used to drive them had faded. She was still wildly in love with Brandon, but she wished he could make her stomach flip flop like Matt did.
With a sigh, Gemma closed her eyes and tried to think of something else. But, as tired as she was, it was a long time before she fell asleep.
Chapter 4
On Tuesday, Gemma found a surprise visitor waiting in her office when she returned from the day’s first round of meetings.
“Matt! What a lovely surprise!” she smiled, putting her things down on the desk.
Matt rose to greet her, kissing her cheek as always, laying a hand on her arm. Gemma felt goose bumps rise and fall under the thin fabric of her pale green blouse.
“When Brandon and I had lunch last week he said I should stop by and take you out next time I had the chance. The office site is just around the corner from here,” Matt explained. With a mischievous grin, he continued, “He told me that you’re even worse than him at forgetting to eat.”
“He said that?” Gemma put her hands on her hips, pretending to be put out. “Me? Forget to eat? Never! I’ll eat when lunch break rolls around, just like everyone else.”
“Gemma, it’s already nearly 2:00. Lunch time has come and gone.”
“Oh,” said Gemma, looking up at him sheepishly.
“Do you have time to
grab a quick bite? You could probably do with it.”
“Yeah, that would be great.” Wearily, Gemma smoothed a hand over her tightly coiled hair. “Just let me tell my assistant to forward my calls.”
“Of course,” said Matt, pulling a dark brown sports jacket over his blue checked shirt. He was wearing those black jeans again, Gemma noticed as she dialed the extension. She bit her lip and focused on the phone.
They went over to the Indianapolis Museum of Art because Gemma insisted its café had a surprisingly good lunch menu for a museum.
“Plus I just love this place,” said Gemma, as her cappuccino arrived. “I minored in art history in college. Brandon used to take me here on dates. It was a foolproof way for him to get laid.” She put a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. “I… sorry, that was --”
“No, no,” said Matt, laughing. “Don’t apologize. Art really gets you going, then?” He waggled his eyebrows at her, “Is it all those nudes?”
Blushing, Gemma shook her head. “No, it was being challenged intellectually. Brandon would always ask questions about why such-and-such a piece was so important or what have you. I had to think about my answers. And that’s…that’s what ‘got me going,’ as it were.” She smiled down into her coffee at the memory.
“Nothing to be ashamed of in that,” said Matt, sipping his tea. “Do you guys still come here often?”
Gemma shook her head ruefully. “Haven’t been in years. The rest of our lives are a bit too challenging, I’m afraid. And not in a good way. But enough about me. How was golf with Brandon on Sunday? It’s such a boy’s club. You know, I’ve never even been on the green?”
“No, really? You should. It’s great. Plus the clubhouse makes excellent fish and chips.”
“Yes, I’ve heard rumors to that extent,” Gemma smiled over the rim of her mug.
“You need to make Brandon take you. The batter is just to die for. Do you play golf?”
Gemma shook her head. “No, never had the patience for it. All that wandering around, lining up the ball and the hole and the club. I like my physical activity to be intense and my hobbies to be relaxing. Golf is halfway between the two. It seriously needs to make up its mind.”
Matt laughed, half choking on his tea. “So true,” he managed once he’d caught his breath. “I wasn’t a huge fan, to begin with, to be honest. But it was a necessary skill for my line of work and now I actually really enjoy it. It can be quite meditative, all that lining up the ball and the hole and the club.”
“If you say so,” Gemma smiled. Her smile grew even wider as their food approached. “Ooh, I’m so glad we didn’t miss lunch service. Their soups are so delicious.” She rubbed her hands together and Matt grinned back at her, one corner of his mouth a little higher than the other. Gemma’s stomach did somersaults.
“Also, Brandon said you fly out on Sunday morning, is that right?” she asked, busying herself with her food.
“I’m afraid so,” Matt replied.
“So soon! What a pity. You only just got here.”
Matt nodded, tossing his salad. “Such is the life, I’m afraid. And I have to say, I’ll miss this posting more than most.”
Gemma looked up, biting her lip. “Well,” she began, softer than she’d wanted to. She cleared her throat and started again. “Well, Brandon and I were thinking that we absolutely can’t let you leave without a goodbye party. What would you say to another barbecue? Saturday night?”
“Sounds divine. I’d love to,” said Matt. “Then we’ll have come full circle.”
“Exactly,” Gemma nodded. “Oh, there is one thing, though. Brandon says you can’t come unless you bring some more of those, and I quote, ‘artsy-fartsy hipster beers.’ I’m afraid you got him hooked.”
Matt shook his head. “I warned him this would happen. Tell him not to worry. I won’t let him down.”
“I’ll let him know,” Gemma grinned.
***
Saturday evening arrived sunny but with a perfect amount of breeze. Under the clematis, the table had been stocked with plenty wine, despite the promise of Matt’s artisanal beers.
“You can never have too much wine,” said Gemma, when Brandon pointed that out. “How long have we been married? You should know that by now.”
“Fair point,” Brandon replied, adjusting the ties of his red and white checked barbecuing apron around his hips.
“Howdy neighbors!” Matt waved from behind the gate, a six-pack of beer in hand.
“Hello! I’ll be right there!” Gemma smiled at her husband and went to open the gate for Matt, whose hands were full. As always, Matt leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“I’ve got my eye on you, buddy!” Brandon called from the barbecue, waving a pair of tongs.
Gemma started guiltily, but Matt just laughed. “Don’t get jealous, Brandon. You know you’re the one I’m really here for.”
Brandon guffawed, opening his arms to their new friend. “I know, I know. But I wouldn’t blame you. I mean, really. Look at her.”
Both men turned to Gemma, open appreciation in their eyes. She could feel the blood rise in her cheeks. “Oh stop it, you two!” she said, looking away.
“So modest,” Matt tutted. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it, Gemma!”
“But not too much,” Brandon joked.
“You two are ridiculous. I’m going to get the hors d’oeuvres.” Flustered, Gemma retreated into the house, trying to make her blush go away.
Matt’s beers were long gone, and the first of the bottles of wine was already well underway, when Brandon finally flipped the last of the burgers onto a plate, asking, “You guys ready to eat?”
“I was born ready,” Matt replied, tucking a napkin into his collar. When Brandon and Gemma raised their eyebrows, he shrugged sheepishly. “I always make a huge mess when I eat burgers. Everything always seems to come out the other end each time I take a bite.”
Gemma giggled, emptying her wine glass. “At least you know your weaknesses,” she said.
“Acceptance is the first step to overcoming,” Brandon agreed, pouring the last of the bottle into his wife’s newly-empty glass. “Pass me the bottle opener, would you, sweetie?”
Gemma picked up the corkscrew then paused, pointing it at Matt. “I never introduced you to any of the girls,” she said, eyes wide. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. You could have been getting laid and instead, you’ve been going to lunch with us old people.”
Matt laughed. “We’re the same age, Gemma.”
“Yes, well, we live like old people,” Gemma clarified. “You’re young and single. You should be out there sewing your wild oats or whatever it is you hip young things do.”
“It must keep things interesting, always moving from city to city,” said Brandon, taking the corkscrew from his wife and opening the bottle. “You never get stuck in a rut.”
“With girls, you mean?” Matt asked. “Yeah, that’s certainly true. Plus you meet some pretty wild ones.”
Gemma sipped the wine in her glass while Brandon poured himself and Matt more. “Where’s the craziest place you’ve ever done it?” she asked.
“Me?” Matt thought about the question. “I think probably an abandoned radio dish.”
“What?” Brandon and Gemma chorused.
“You know, those enormous satellite dishes that radio stations have.”
“Yeah, we know what it is, man,” Brandon replied, laughing. “But how did you end up getting laid in one of those?”
“I met a girl while I was working in Boston and she knew about this abandoned government radio station out in the woods outside the city. One day we went for a hike and…well…” Matt grinned. “You must have been able to hear us for miles. The dish amplified every sound she made, and she wasn’t exactly trying to be quiet. What about you guys?”
Brandon and Gemma looked at each other. “We had sex on a beach in Turks and Caicos once,” said Brandon. “But that’s not very excit
ing in comparison.”
Gemma giggled, “Plus sand gets everywhere when you do that.”
“What about before you were married?” Matt picked up the bottle and refilled Gemma’s glass. “Or is that off limits?”
“No, no…” Gemma swirled her wine thoughtfully. “But I think that was the usual mixture of single beds and the back seat of cars. Oh, though once I did have sex in a crane.”
“I didn’t know that,” said Brandon, looking impressed. “When?”
“In my second year of college, I briefly dated a construction guy. One night he took me to his site and showed me around and we did it in the cockpit or whatever it’s called. He was the operator, so he had the keys.”
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