by Jay Bell
William paced while undressing, or sometimes while getting dressed. He kept marching between the walk-in closet and the full-length mirror in the bathroom, seemingly unsatisfied. Occasionally, like now, he would detour to where Kelly sat on the bed and give him a questioning expression.
“It’s a music recital for gifted high school students,” Kelly said. “This isn’t a black tie event. The audience will mostly be parents in sweat pants, I swear.” Of course this hadn’t stopped him from putting on some of his nicest clothes. A black dress shirt with just a hint of shimmer and dark pants that sat low on his hips.
“Maybe I should wear something with more color,” William said, pulling off the white sweater. “After all, this is an art thing, right? Artists like color.”
“Not to mention that it’s nearing summer. In Texas. You can put that sweater with the mothballs.”
Not that they owned any. Or that William was paying attention. He’d already headed back to the closet, then marched to the bathroom, before returning once more. Now he wore a light-blue dress shirt that showed off his body. The khaki pants were a little cheesy, but he looked good anyway. “That’s the one,” Kelly said. “You’re gorgeous.”
William flashed him a smile. Then he bit his lip. “Maybe I’m trying too hard.”
“I think you look good,” Kelly stressed. Wasn’t that all that mattered?
“Thanks,” William said. Then he returned to the closet. When he came out, he had on a pair of pre-aged jeans that hugged him in all the right places. One in particular. William didn’t ask what he thought this time. He seemed satisfied as he started fussing with his hair. Kelly sat on the bed, watching him, feeling like gravity was pulling at his mouth, his heart, his stomach, his hope. William wasn’t getting dressed up for him. Or Bonnie. Maybe he was being paranoid, but Kelly now believed this was all for another person’s benefit.
His mood didn’t improve when they rode the bus to the Bates Recital Hall on the University of Texas campus. Kelly felt ridiculous looking his best on public transportation, as if he were showing up to a gala event on a hay-stuffed donkey cart. They were attracting more stares than usual, which made him tense. This feeling only increased once they had arrived and were waiting curbside for Jason and his date.
“So what do you know about this guy?” Kelly asked.
“Jason’s boyfriend?” William shrugged. “Nothing, really.”
“He doesn’t come up in conversation much?”
“I know his name is Tim,” William said, clearly grasping.
A honk made them both flinch, their attention travelling to the road, where a sleek silver car pulled to a stop. They could see Jason through the passenger-side window, raising a hand in greeting even though his expression seemed embarrassed. Kelly didn’t look at him long, because the car was—
“Wow,” William said.
Kelly made sure William was eyeing the vehicle and not the passenger. “Is that as expensive as it looks?”
“It’s a Bentley,” William said. When Kelly failed to react to this, he added, “It’s pricey, yeah. Wow.”
Jason stepped out of the car, the last shred of doubt dissipating from Kelly’s mind. What William felt for this person still eluded him, but the indisputable fact was that Jason had feelings for William. More than lust, perhaps, because his eyes barely travelled over William’s physique. Instead his focus remained on his face, Jason’s eyes lighting up like he’d just stumbled upon the best thing in the world. Kelly felt a strange pang of envy, wanting to turn to William and see if he could still muster the same reaction.
Instead he watched those intense eyes move to meet his and become much more guarded. Jason looked him over, top to bottom, perhaps sizing him up. Then he walked over as the car behind him drove away.
Jason steadfastly ignored William, approaching Kelly instead and offering his hand. “Hi,” he said as they shook. “Nice to see you again.” “Yes,” Kelly replied. “How unexpected too. We didn’t really talk at all during the meeting, and yet, here you are.”
“Yeah.” Jason blinked a few times and swallowed. Then he turned and shook hands with William. Kelly felt like swatting their wrists to break the physical contact.
“So,” William said, “should we wait here while your boyfriend parks?”
“No, we can head toward the entrance,” Jason said. “He’ll find us.” That still confused Kelly. Why would Jason invite his boyfriend along? He thought of the car and imagined the sort of person who would own it. An older man, one who could give Jason everything he needed. Materially, at least.
“That’s quite the car,” Kelly said as they walked. “Expensive too. Is your boyfriend Richie Rich or is he an older guy?”
“He’s a little older than me, yeah.” Jason sounded upbeat about the fact rather than ashamed.
“Have you been together long?” Kelly pressed.
“We live together,” Jason said, and as if trying to reassure him, he added, “It’s pretty serious.”
Kelly felt his jaw clench. “Now why should that concern me?”
Jason searched the horizon, perhaps hoping to find a change of topic there. “So, uh... How long have you guys been together?”
“A few years now,” William replied.
“Wow! High school sweethearts, huh?”
“That’s right,” Kelly said, familiar emotions accompanying the memories. “It was love at first sight.”
Jason glanced over at William, as if to confirm this, before asking another question. “How did you two meet?”
“We were training for a triathlon,” Kelly said. “William is the school’s best swimmer, and at the time I was the best runner—believe it or not—so we decided to team up.”
“Not quite,” William said. “You cornered me in the hallway and said no matter how good I was at swimming, that I’d never keep up with you on foot.”
Kelly smiled. “And then you showed up at the track that afternoon to really start training. So I started showing up at the pool. ”
“Not exactly love at first sight,” William said.
“Speak for yourself.” Kelly’s stomach sank. Did these memories not fill him with the same warm nostalgia? They came to a stop in front of the music hall where a small line had already formed. “So, Jason, how did you meet your man?”
“Oh. Our story isn’t nearly as good as yours.”
Before he could say more, a guy walked up from behind Jason and slung an arm over his shoulder. Kelly stared. This couldn’t be him. The guy was older, but not by much. He was pushing thirty, if even that. His hair was jet black, his skin Mediterranean, like he’d just strolled out of Rome or Athens. The stubble, the muscles, the expensive clothes, and perhaps worst of all, the eyes like icicles melting in the sun. This couldn’t be Jason’s boyfriend. Absolutely not, because it would mean he already had the best and wanted William anyway. Or it could mean Kelly had been barking at shadows all this time, imagining someone was after his boyfriend, when in truth there was no threat at all.
“Hey sweet cheeks,” the newcomer said, shining his teeth in Jason’s direction and practically illuminating his face with their brilliance.
“Uh,” Jason replied, completely affected by this.
Tim—that’s who he had to be because of what happened next— pulled Jason closer and nearly pressed his mouth against his ear, murmuring amorous words too quiet to hear.
Jason smiled and tittered, clearly into this. Then he snapped out of it, remembering they weren’t alone. “Kelly, William, this is Tim. My boyfriend. Tim, meet Kelly and William.”
Kelly’s hand was grabbed from where it hung limp at his side, practically causing him to lose one of his crutches. Tim pumped his hand unmercifully until Kelly responded by doing the same. William already had his hand out, and as Tim held on to it, he seemed to size up William. Was he also confused about what was going on? If so, he quickly overcame any suspicion. And why wouldn’t he? Just look at the guy!
“Okay, honey,” Tim
said rubbing his hands together eagerly, “where’s that music you promised me?”
“Right this way,” Jason said. “Darling.”
Darling? Really? They sounded like little kids playing house. As they walked toward the entrance, Kelly met William’s eye. He appeared equally puzzled.
“Male escort,” Kelly mouthed silently.
William rolled his eyes, the hint of a smile playing about his lips.
Kelly nodded insistently, causing them both to glance back at the unlikely pair.
Then William gave a barely perceptible shake of his head.
Kelly raised an eyebrow, accepting his challenge. “So, Tim,” he said. “We were just asking Jason how you two met.”
Tim beamed and turned to Jason. “Do you want to tell it? No? Okay. It’s a little embarrassing really. I was on my way downtown to do some shopping when I saw this handsome guy walking down the street.” Jason was yanked closer. “So I parked the car as quick as I could and headed to where I’d seen him last. Luckily he had stopped to look at a window display, and I walked up behind him, checking out his reflection in the glass. He saw me too, and when he turned around—” Tim looked blissful. “We just hit it off!”
“Interesting,” Kelly said. “Is that something you do a lot? Pulling over when you see a guy you find attractive?” He imagined it normally worked the other way around, people pulling over to pick him up, fifty bucks in hand.
“Never before,” Tim insisted. “Not once. But come on! Look at him! Aren’t his eyes intense? They sort of burrow into your soul, don’t they? Or the way he clenches his jaw when he feels embarrassed. Or his messy messy hair.” Tim ruffled it affectionately. “But really, those eyes are his best feature. Or maybe his lips, because man, the first time I kissed him... And if music is your thing, this boy can play the guitar! He’s the one who should be up there on stage tonight. Then we’d be in for a treat!”
Nice sales pitch. Really, because Kelly now saw Jason in a whole new light. He was attractive, in his own way, and Kelly could easily picture how the tousled hair and penetrating gaze would come together nicely while Jason strummed a guitar. Like some sort of gay jukebox hero. If that’s how William saw him too... Except his boyfriend looked a little irritated. At Tim’s praise? Or maybe he finally agreed that something fishy was going on.
As they entered the recital hall and took their seats in the front, Kelly started to second-guess himself. Or triple or quadruple, because he no longer trusted his deductions. None of it added up. He didn’t really believe Jason had hired an escort, although maybe Tim just happened to be one, and Jason was seeking a more wholesome relationship. Perhaps they were swingers on the prowl for other couples. Or maybe Kelly was just paranoid. He let himself seriously consider the possibility. He’d nearly ruined his relationship with William, and ever since he’d lost his leg, felt ridiculously lucky that anyone wanted him at all. He was insecure. So much so that he’d started inventing enemies which didn’t exist. That was the truth.
Kelly sighed. William must have heard because he reached over and placed a hand on his. They would get through this. Allison could help. She had helped him overcome his anger. Now he would finally stop procrastinating and start addressing the next issue.
The lights dimmed and the curtain rose, Kelly taking comfort in the darkness. As the music began, he allowed himself to think it all over, stripping the recent events of his conspiracy theories, and gently chastising himself for being so foolish. Then Bonnie took the stage, hugging her cello and playing familiar music she’d practiced in front of him. She noticed him and smiled, as if knowing he needed reassurance. Everything’s going to be fine, he could imagine her saying. The drama was all in your head. No damage has been done.
After the concert, when the curtain dropped and the lights came up, he felt reinvigorated. He intended to enjoy the rest of the evening. A double date! What could be more fun? He relaxed as they slowly worked their way up the stairs to the lobby. The atmosphere was electric, parents and friends congratulating the performers. He was looking forward to doing the same.
Tim didn’t seem to be in such high spirits, although he had something similar in mind. “I need a drink,” he said.
“You’re the designated driver,” Jason said pointedly.
“Then I’ll have a very small drink.”
Oh, trouble in paradise! Kelly politely averted his eyes and searched the crowd for Bonnie. There she was, strutting through the lobby with one arm stretched behind her so she could hold hands with her date. Emma was all gussied up and looked positively star-struck as she followed. Kelly felt a burst of happiness for his friend. He’d been so focused on his own fears that he hadn’t stopped to consider how well this was working out for Bonnie. She finally had a girlfriend again, and from the looks of things, a fan too.
“Congratulations,” he said, stepping forward to meet them. He was referring to the relationship more than the performance, but that had been damn good, which he made sure to tell her. “You were the best. Absolutely. All those other musicians shouldn’t have bothered showing up. Next time it needs to be just you up on stage for two hours, because I can’t get enough.”
Bonnie grinned at his flattery, Emma tittering pleasantly. Kelly noticed her and shifted his weight to one of his crutches so he could offer his hand. “It’s nice to see you again,” he said, eager to make peace. “I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about you. I’m sure you can guess from whom.”
Emma’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you,” she said.
He nodded, turning back to Bonnie to praise her more. William stepped forward, giving Emma a hug like they were old friends, and everything felt great. He was complimenting Bonnie on her bow work when she became distracted, looking away from him. “Sorry,” she murmured, stepping forward and extending a hand to Tim. “You’re Emma’s uncle!”
Uncle? Kelly took in the scene. Emma had gone pale. Tim, one arm around Jason, was staring at her with his mouth open. Then he absentmindedly offered Bonnie one of the champagnes he had fetched. She barely noticed the glass as she took it, her attention on Jason now instead. “Hey! Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first. Wait, you’re Emma’s other uncle? The one who can sing?”
“No,” Emma said, sounding confused herself. “You’re thinking of Ben.”
“And does Ben know you’re here?” Tim asked, suddenly sounding a lot older than thirty. “Or your parents?”
Emma looked away. “They think I’m staying at a friend’s house.” “Which she is,” Bonnie said. “She’s staying with me tonight.”
“No,” Tim said. “She’s staying with us. I’ll call Ben and tell him to come pick you up. He’ll decide what to do.”
“Uncle Tim,” Emma pleaded. “Please don’t! I’ll be home tomorrow morning! It’s not like it’s a school night.”
“You’re fourteen years old,” Tim said. “You’re too young to be on your own in a different city.”
“She’s not on her own,” Bonnie interjected. “Wait, what? Did you say fourteen?”
“You can’t make me do anything!” Emma said, sounding on the verge of a tantrum. “You aren’t really my uncle!”
“Then I’ll call Ben,” Tim said, digging in his pocket for a phone. “And we’ll see what your real uncle thinks of all this.”
“Hold up,” Kelly said, head spinning. “This is worse than reality TV. Who is related to whom?”
His plea for clarity was ignored.
“You know I’m still in the closet,” Emma said, blocking the cell phone screen with her hand. “How am I supposed to explain why I’m here? Think about when you and Ben used to secretly meet.”
Tim considered her words, put the phone back in his pocket, and chugged the glass of champagne. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s all just calm down and talk about this.”
Kelly noticed Jason’s reaction then. He looked as though everything had gone terribly wrong. How exactly, Kelly did not know, but he was eager to find out. “Over dinner?” he
suggested.
Jason’s eyes widened. “Maybe we should all just go home.”
“You can’t go!” Bonnie said. “It’s my big night!”
“And I’m starving,” Kelly said. “No, I definitely think some food is in order. Followed by what I imagine will be a very enlightening conversation.”
Kelly felt positively high, and for once, no pills were required. His brush with humility, self-doubt, self-depreciation... All that had gone flying out the window during the muted drive to the Italian restaurant, because Kelly had solved the puzzle. The basic facts were the most important. Emma had two gay uncles. One of those had pretended to be Jason’s date tonight. The exact reasons why could be deciphered and dealt with later. What mattered at the moment was everyone understanding the facts as he did.
Kelly felt like a detective at the end of a mystery. All suspects were gathered at the table. Bonnie sat at his right, hanging on his every word. Tim sat across from him, having undergone a transformation. He was still hot as hell, but he no longer fawned over Jason. Instead he seemed more like a mother hen, separating Emma and Jason by forcing them to sit on either side of him. And looking as displeased as any parent called in by the school principal.
The first order of business was protecting his friend. Kelly knew firsthand just how blind love could make a person, and he wanted to ensure Bonnie came out of this as unscathed as possible. He worried she would be hurt anyway, especially once she understood the kind of people they were dealing with.
“I think it’s fair to say,” Kelly said, “that there has been some very obvious misrepresentation of facts.”
Tim stabbed moodily at tagliatelle in a mushroom creme sauce. “If it’s so obvious, then why bother discussing it?”
“Because I have questions I would like answered. I don’t think I’m the only one.”
Bonnie looked resistant, so Kelly glanced to his left, where William gave a curt nod. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he hadn’t touched his food. He didn’t seem defensive though. He seemed angry and this—more than anything—mattered to Kelly because it meant William wasn’t worried about getting caught. He was displeased with being deceived. This affair, if it could even be called that, was one-sided at best.
