The Sweet Tooth

by Margot Larson

  Solomon wanted to get Adrian to move out of the booth so he could go to the artist’s side but he knew that Mathieu needed and wanted to learn how to handle situations like that on his own. But even in the dim restaurant lighting he could see his partner’s continued struggles. Solomon held his hand out across the table, “Breathe, Baby.”

  Mathieu clasped Solomon’s hand in his own before he closed his eyes to take several deep breaths.

  “Look at me, Baby,” Solomon massaged the side of Mathieu’s hand with his thumb.

  The Irishman’s golden-brown eyes popped open to see Solomon’s deep blue watching him, “I’m alright.” His free hand covered his mouth to try to stifle a yawn.

  “You tired?”

  The artist grins at his lover, “Yeah, didn’t get to take the nap I wanted this afternoon.”

  “I told you to lie down.”

  “I did lie down….eventually,” the artist winked at the blonde across from him.

  “I don’t think I need to hear any more of that,” the Welshman huffed at the hand-holding couple.

  “Sorry. Solomon’s trying to distract me from myself and it’s working pretty well.”

  Anders returned to the table with a waiter in tow. The waiter set down the dinner entrées before quickly returning to the kitchen. Mathieu had ordered the 8oz Aberdeen Angus filet, steamed spinach and baked potato; Solomon was served his 10oz Aberdeen Angus sirloin, steamed mixed vegetables and roasted sweet potato; Adrian requested the grilled pork chops with steak fries and coleslaw and Anders got the Dover sole with grilled Portobello mushrooms and a baked potato. Three of the four men were drinking beer while Mathieu had to stay with water. All four men relaxed a little as they ate their meals and soon none of them took any notice of the noise. Mathieu snuck pieces of sweet potato from Solomon and mushrooms from Anders while the pair was distracted by a heated debate over the taste of craft beer versus light beer. Adrian acted as mediator but Mathieu didn’t steal anything off his plate because it was too far out of his reach (though he would really like some fries). Solomon finally caught Mathieu with a forkful of sweet potato but Mathieu was quickly forgiven after he shot Solomon his pouty puppy face and promised not to take anymore.

  Coffee was served after the dinner dishes were cleared away. Anders had promised something fitting for dessert; Mathieu hoped it was chocolate soufflés but his heart fell when Anders brought out a plate of Welsh Tiessennau Mel (honey cakes). His face must've showed his disappointment because Anders leaned over and whispered that the next time Mathieu came to the restaurant he’d get a soufflé. The Irishman’s mood lightened significantly at the promise and he asked Anders if he could have some chopped strawberries and whipped cream. Anders called over their server and placed Mathieu’s order. When the waiter brought over the items the other three men watched as Mathieu chose a honey cake, spooned on some whipped cream then topped it with some of the strawberries. As the artist bit into the cake he looked up to find the others watching him; he smiled around a mouthful of dessert and munched happily. Solomon was the first to make a grab for the whipped cream but Mathieu pulled it out of his reach sticking his tongue out at the frustrated man.

  “I let you have sweet potato, give me some cream and strawberries.”

  “Say please.”

  Solomon smirked at his lover, “You didn’t say please when you were sneaking potato from me.”

  “That’s because I was sneaking it. If I had said please you would’ve known. There’s no fun in that.”

  “Anders, do something,” Solomon pleaded.

  “You want me to wrestle it away from him?” Anders made a half-hearted lunge for the dish.

  Solomon’s face brightened at the thought, “Could you?”

  “Um…..no. If you want it you’re going to have to say please.”

  “And if I refuse?”

  “Then I guess you won’t get any.”

  “Can you get more from the kitchen?”

  “Seriously? Just say please and he’ll give the dish to you.”

  “It’s the principal of the thing.”

  “How old are you? It’s like your devolving before my very eyes.”

  Mathieu, who had been giggling at the exchange, held the dish out to the chef, “Would you like some whipped cream Anders?”

  “Yes, please, Mathieu,” Anders took a spoonful of the cream and plopped it onto a honey cake, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome Anders,” the Irishman beamed, “Strawberries?”

  “Yes, thank you, Mathieu.”

  “See, Solomon? See how Anders has such good manners? Adrian, would you like some whipped cream and strawberries?”

  “No, thank you Mathieu. These remind me of the ones my mom makes and she’d never forgive me if I made a change to her precious honey cakes.”

  “See, Solomon? Even Adrian has good manners.”

  Solomon was glaring at his partner but Mathieu could see the happy glimmer in the bright, blue eyes, “Mathieu?”

  “Yes, Solomon?”

  “May I have some whipped cream and strawberries……..please?”

  If Mathieu were a less classy guy he’d take a spoonful of whipped cream and flick it at his partner but since they were in a fine restaurant that belonged to their good friend he cupped the dish in his hands and held it out to his lover, “Yes, Solomon.”

  “Thank you.” After he spread the cream on his cake and sprinkled over the strawberries he caught his partner’s attention, “I’ll get you for this later.”

  Mathieu winked, “I know.”

  ***

  Solomon and Mathieu decided to walk home after saying their ‘good-byes’ to Adrian and ‘see ya later’ to Anders. Adrian didn’t promise to call or send postcards because he was going to get away not keep in touch. The couple was half way home before they realized they didn’t look at the photo collages again because they were distracted by the noise, each other and the good food. Solomon told Mathieu how proud he was of his reactions that day and complimented him on his progress. Outwardly the brunette smiled and squeezed his partner’s hand; inwardly he was worried that once he came off the medication, even though he wanted to more than anything, his reactions wouldn’t be as composed.

  Hand in hand they walked leisurely through the nearly empty park. Streetlights illuminated the path around the pond where the swans swam in lazy loops. The children’s playground was empty and Mathieu convinced Solomon to go on the swings. The couple laughed as they tried to fly higher than the other. Once Mathieu declared Solomon the winner of the friendly competition he decided to try something he hadn’t done since he was a child playing on the swings in his own backyard. The Irishman slowed his swing down, released his grip on the chains and as the swing started its backward arch he jumped. The artist barely managed to keep his feet as he landed a few feet away. He hopped up and down and clapped his hands in absolute joy; spinning around he gave his lover the biggest smile Solomon thought he’d ever seen. Mathieu continued to hop on the balls of his feet, “Come on Solomon. You try. I’ll catch you.” He stood in front of Solomon across from the spot where he landed with his arms out.

  “I don’t know about this Matt,” but Solomon slowed his swing anyway.

  “You can do it. Just let go and lift yourself off the seat when you feel it starting to go back. I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

  “You won’t let me go?”

  Mathieu did the best he could to look his partner in the eye while he was still swinging, “Never! I swear. Slow down a little bit more. That’s it. Jump when you’re ready. I’ll catch you.”

  Solomon loosened his grip and as he felt the swing start its backward motion he closed his eyes and hopped off. The next thing he knew he was landing in his lover’s arms but the force of his motion carried him forward. The brunette didn’t have the strength to stop the momentum as they toppled over onto the mulch covering the playground. At first Solomon thought his lover was crying out in pain but as Solomon scrambled bac
k he realized that Mathieu was crying and laughing in utter happiness.

  “I told you I’d catch you,” the Irishman managed to laugh out.

  Solomon couldn’t help but join in with his partner’s laughter, collapsing on top of him as Mathieu pulled him back down, “I love you, Mathieu.”

  “I love you, Solomon.”

  The blonde propped himself up with his hands to look down on his laughing lover, “Marry me.”

  Mathieu cut his laughter off with a gasp, “What?”

  “Marry me. I love you so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you if you’ll have me,” Solomon sat up on his knees to take a small box out of his pocket. He opened the box and showed the contents to the man beneath him, “Mathieu Wallace, will you do me the great honor of becoming my husband?”

  Mathieu looked at the ring in the small box, tears welling up in his eyes but he made no move to take it. Solomon removed the ring, “It’s tungsten; the single diamond is surrounded by a black, carbon fiber inlay in a basket weave pattern. I hope I got the right size.” Solomon held the ring out to his partner, “Will you marry me?”

  Mathieu was frozen as he stared wide-eyed at the ring in front of him. He knew he had to give an answer before Solomon freaked out but he couldn’t put all his thoughts into words. Tears fell from his eyes as he was finally able to lift his head to look into the crystal-blue eyes of the man over him. Instead of tripping over his words he held out his left hand. Solomon inhaled sharply and the unsaid ‘yes’. He took Mathieu’s hand gently in his and slipped the ring over Mathieu’s left, ring finger. It fit perfectly.

  Solomon thumbed away Mathieu’s tears as the Irishman sat up to embrace his love, “Yes,” he whispered, “Yes.”

  ***

  It was only when Anders called the morning after the proposal that Mathieu voiced his concern over the engagement. The old doubts crept into Mathieu’s mind, nagging at his consciousness. The ‘what ifs’ were so close to the surface. What if he relapsed once of the medication? What if he couldn’t go out anymore? What if Solomon got tired of him? What if? He was still so afraid that Solomon could be making a mistake staying with him while he was not ‘normal’. Anders did his best to assure him that Solomon would never do anything so important without being one hundred percent sure in his mind that he was the one Solomon wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The restaurateur reminded the artist that there was also no need to rush into anything or have the ceremony right away. They could have a long engagement if they so chose but it was important that Mathieu tell Solomon how he was feeling and if Mathieu didn’t feel the same way then it was only right to let Solomon know. Mathieu told Anders that he would talk to Solomon as soon as he got home from work.

  Mathieu couldn’t picture his life without Solomon in it. The Irishman had never met anyone like the blonde before and he was certain he would never be where he was without Solomon’s strength, compassion, dedication, support and (most importantly) love. Just the thought of them not being together anymore made Mathieu’s heart and head hurt. He needed Solomon. There was no doubt about that. He just wasn't sure Solomon needed him.

  That night Solomon was barely in the door before Mathieu was on him, tears falling from his eyes as he let all his insecurities spill out. The blonde guided the sobbing Irishman to the sofa where they curled up together. Solomon had figured that this would happen sooner or later and he reminded himself to stay calm. Mathieu wasn’t saying ‘no’ or ‘good-bye’ he was just anxious. Solomon let Mathieu get it all out of his system; all the fears and worries about the future before explaining, almost word for word what Anders had said earlier. “Love, I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life as I am of us. If I thought for one moment that we couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to stay together I never would have asked you to marry me. I understand that it’s a giant step and we don’t have to rush into anything. We can have a long engagement if you want but even if you relapse and can never go out again I’m not going to go anywhere. I won’t be looking for somebody else. I love you. You’re it for me. Forever.”

  “I’m sorry,” Mathieu sobbed, “I love you. I’m so afraid.”

  “I know, Baby, I know. I’ll be here every step of the way. I’m not going to leave you.”

  Mathieu calmed significantly after that. His doubts crept up every now and then but Solomon was there to reassure him with tender words and gentle touches. The next few days passed in a blur as the couple moved house. Since they couldn’t agree on which flat to stay in Solomon made the executive decision for both of them so while he was at work Mathieu began moving Solomon’s belongings into his flat. The excess furniture was sold off; Mathieu surprisingly got quite a good price for his vintage bedroom set while Solomon had to settle for less than he wanted for his leather sofa and loveseat. Duplicate kitchen items are sent off for donation along with extra towels and bedding they no longer wanted. All in all they were happy with the outcome of the move.

  ***

  Mathieu was alone for his next session with Elise; Solomon having to work late to cover for a coworker on holiday. He positively radiated happiness as he showed Elise his engagement ring. She congratulated him and wished him the best of luck. During the session Mathieu told her about Adrian’s coming to see him, the apology and the understanding. He explained how he handled the awkwardness during the silence at lunch with Adrian and his feelings in the crowded restaurant, with Solomon’s help. He told her that he hadn’t been out much because of the moving. Overall she was very pleased with Mathieu’s progress and she scheduled his next appointment for two weeks but she reminded him that it was very important that he try and get out in public more. Before she let him leave she had to tell him that she has some news of her own. She was going to be cutting back her office hours for personal reasons but she promised him that she would remain with him until he was off the medication and for a little while after that to make sure he was alright.

  Mathieu was taken off guard by the news but he held himself together while he said good night to Elise. The Irishman wished that Solomon had been able to come with him to the session so they could discuss Elise’s little bombshell. He was so grateful for her understanding and help. He knew he never would’ve come as far as he had without her. The more he thought about not having Elise as his doctor the more he wished Solomon was at his side. He tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths and looking at the scenery flying by the windows of the taxi. First Adrian and his ‘understanding’ then the engagement then officially moving in together and now Elise was abandoning him to his fate. Okay, he knew he was being a little overdramatic but he couldn’t help it. Things were moving very quickly lately. For two years he was alone; left by a semi-abusive boyfriend, deserted by his friends, forsaken by his parents. Now he had a loving fiancé, a good friend in Anders, a caring doctor; the beginnings of a new life. It was all he ever wanted but he was so afraid it would all come crashing down around him.

  Solomon had dinner waiting for him when he got home but he wasn't hungry. He kissed Solomon ‘hello’ before excusing himself to go lie down. The artist stripped quickly and curled into bed. Solomon stood in the doorway of the darkened room watching his partner’s unmoving figure, “What’s wrong?”

  “Elise’s giving up her practice,” Mathieu’s voice was flat but Solomon could sense the restrained emotions behind the words.

  Solomon stripped down to his underwear before slipping into the bed behind his love, patiently waiting for Mathieu to continue.

  It wasn't long before Mathieu relayed the rest of Elise’s news, “She’s cutting back her office hours but she says she’ll keep me on until I’m off the medication and then for a time after that to make sure I’m alright.”

  “Did she say why she’s giving up her practice? What about the rest of her patients?”

  “She said it was for personal reasons. She didn’t say what was happening with her other patients. I assume she’ll keep some on and recommend other doctors to th
e rest.”

  There was such sadness in Mathieu’s voice Solomon wanted to cry himself, “It’ll be alright. You’ve come such a long way. Don’t be afraid.” Solomon enveloped the younger man in his arms, “I love you.”

  “Everything is happening so fast. I’m scared that things are going too well. Something is going to happen to ruin things.”

  Solomon wished he could make all of Mathieu’s doubts go away but he could only hold him tighter and say, “I love you. Everything will be alright.” Solomon suddenly got an idea, “Mathieu?”

  “Yes, Solomon.”

  “How would you like to get out of the city for a few days? We’ll find a nice quiet place to go by the sea or in the country. I’ll rent a car so we can go wherever we want.”

  Mathieu hadn’t been out of the city for years but the thought of going away with Solomon lightened his mood considerably, “I’d like that very much.”

  CHAPTER 27

  It took a couple of weeks for them both to arrange to have the same time off. Solomon’s office needed coverage while some co-workers had scheduled holidays. Mathieu had to finish the Tarot card submission and some research projects for work.

  Solomon had rented a silver Vauxhall Insignia for the four hour drive. They agreed on Woolacombe as their destination for two reasons; one being that the number of tourists decreased as the weather got colder and two being that Mathieu liked referring to the seaside town as ‘Wooly’. The couple was booked into a small, bed and breakfast with views of the sea from every bedroom.

  Mathieu’s body molded into the black, leather car seat like it was made for him. As Solomon drove the artist played; heated seats were turned on then off again when he started to sweat, he moved his take-away coffee from one cup holder to another and back again, he moved his seat up and back crossing and uncrossing his legs, he dug around in the glove box but found only the operators manual, he reached behind his head to adjust the head-rest up and down, the climate control went from cooler to warmer as he used the car’s touch-screen feature and he drove Solomon to the edge of crazy by turning the radio to different stations never letting any song play all the way through. The only thing the brunette didn’t touch was the cars navigation system.