by D. C. Hall
“Where is my son?” Came a woman’s voice. He turned to see a rather irritated, but very well dressed woman standing in the doorway. She had blonde hair and sunshades covering her eyes.
“Who are you?” Nathan asked, a bit shaken by the situation.
“Betty. Now, where is my son, Eugene?” She questioned again, tone never wavering.
“Oh… He’s at work in the factory.” Nathan answered. The irritation on her only seemed to grow stronger.
“Why is he at the factory? That's what he has workers for.” Betty stated. Nathan finally stood and found that she was about the same height as him.
“Sometimes, it’s good to have a hands on approach.” He replied, and watched as she reached into her purse, which he assumed cost more than everything he’d ever owned.
“Perhaps, but not when you have a family image to uphold. No one, needs to see him sweating and filthy. Besides, it seems as though he’s forgotten everything I've ever taught him.” She continued. Nathan was beginning to feel overwhelmed. It didn’t help when she threw down a magazine in front of him. He looked down to see the front page. He stiffened when he saw pictures of him and Williams at dinner. There were two photos. One showed them sitting at the booth with their hands locked. The other was them sitting his car, lips pressed together.
“Can you tell me all the things wrong with this?” She asked, gesturing around the entire page. Nathan just stared at her with his mouth hanging open in shock. “No? Let me break this down for you. First off is you.”
“Wait a damn minute!”
“Firstly, you’re a man. Second, you come from very little money. Third is your sense of fashion, or lack there of.”
“Okay, I guess we're going the homophobic route.” Nathan glared at her.
“I personally don't care, but the public eye is a very fickle thing. You'll have the support of some, but the majority would be much happier seeing him out with a woman.”
“I guess they'll have to get over it.”
“Regardless, I want to know who let him go out wearing plaid. That is a tragedy. And the choice of food. It's so… plebian.” She said the last word with disgust. “He should know better. He isn't skinny enough to eat greasy food without public repercussions.”
“Can we stop dragging Eugene, please?” Nathan practically growled. He couldn't see it, but he was sure that she rolled her eyes.
“I see you're on a first name basis with him. Would you mind telling me what your relation is to him?” He could feel her scrutinizing him.
“I would mind, actually. Now, why are you here? Is this really over a stupid magazine cover?” Nathan questioned. He was almost sure that Williams hadn't seen her since his father died.
“I'm here because of the cover, yes. But, I'm also here to see what sort of man got caught sucking my son's face in public.” She responded.
“I’m… I’m his accountant.” Nathan scratched the back of his neck as he said it. The cold stare he was getting didn't waver. He shifted uncomfortably. He pointed to the door. “You know, I’m sure he'd love to know you’re here. I should let him know.” He slipped out all the way out the front door before pulling out his phone. He dialed quickly. Williams took a long moment to answer.
“I can't really talk right now. Can I call you back?” Williams asked.
“Um, this is kind of important.”
“I already know about the magazine.”
“Your mom is here.” Nathan blurted. He heard a long sigh from the other side
“Of course, she is. Like this day couldn't get any worse.” Williams groaned. “Can you keep her busy for a little while? I have to take care of things here. There's orders being cancelled left and right. And more pop up just as quick. I don't know whether to feel accepted or not.”
“I'll do my best, but I'm going to be honest, she kind of scares me.” Nathan answered. If he listened close enough, he could hear some of the chaos from the other side.
“Thank you. I'll be home as soon as I can.”
“I'll see you later.”
“Alright, bye. Love you.” Williams said. Nathan froze with the phone to his ear and heard the call end quickly. His heart felt like it had stopped. He was jerked out of his mind when the phone rang still next to his ear. He answered it and didn't even get his mouth open before Williams started frantically talking.
“I didn't mean to say that! I don't love you!” He was obviously flustered. “I mean I value you very much as a person and a friend, but i-“
“Dude, your face is really red.” Came another voice over the line.
“Shut up, Tom!” Williams sighed. “I have to go.”
“Can I point something out?” Nathan asked, a grin crossing his face.
“What?” Williams responded, exasperated.
“Remember that conversation we had about who would say I love you first? I think I win this one.”
“That doesn't count!”
“Hey, you’re the one who said it.”
“I hate you.”
“That's not what you said a minute ago.”
“Goodbye, Nathan!” Williams said and was gone again. Nathan smiled down at his phone. He wouldn’t tell the other man, but that had made dealing with Williams's mother worth it.
Williams on the other hand was standing in an office with scarlet across his cheeks. Tom was leaned over a computer, typing in what he needed to make labels for the order he had been working on. He was a tall man with olive skin and shaggy black hair.
“I'm guessing that's not how you wanted to tell him?” Tom asked, glancing at him.
“I am not in love with him!” Williams snipped.
“Okay,” Tom responded, hitting print. Williams ran a hand over his face and groaned when the phone in the office rang. This was going to be a long day.
***
Once Williams made it back home, he was exhausted and starving. He'd ended up staying for both shifts. The t-shirt and jeans he was wearing was covered in saw dust, and there was a tear in his pants over his knee. Nathan gave him a concerned look when he got into the foyer and pulled his coat off.
“Hello, Eugene.” Came his mother's voice.
“Hi, mom.” Williams responded before dropping into a seat. “I'm guessing you saw the photos.”
“I did.” She answered. Betty was holding a glass of wine. Williams knew that he didn't have any in the house. So, she must have brought it with her. “Did the magazine sink the factory? I doubt you work this late everyday.”
“Honestly, I think it came out about even.” He replied, getting a nod. There was silence for a moment. “So, what's the deal, mom? Are you gonna berate me for not being paparazzi ready?”
“I've already given my notes to your friend. Maybe, I just wanted to see my son.”
“You haven't called me since dad died.” Williams responded.
“You haven't called me either.” Betty sipped her wine and Williams clenched his jaw. She was technically right about that. However, he couldn't see her answering the phone if he had. She looked over to Nathan. “Would you mind giving us a moment, Nathaniel?”
“It's just Nathan, but sure.” Nathan said, getting a sour look in return. He didn't comment before walking away. Once he was gone, Betty turned back to him.
“He's very protective of you.”
“Yeah,” Williams responded. “Now, what are you doing here, mom?” He watched as she seemed to think of the right words to say.
“I've realized something over the past year.” She started. “Without your father there to constantly have something to say, life is… quieter. It's silent, almost.”
“I mean, I guess that's true. What does that have to do with me?”
“I decided that I wanted to try to reconnect with you. I saw those pictures of you, and I realized a lot must have happened with you since last year.” Betty explained. Williams sat in silence taking in what she had said. It made him feel queasy.
“I… I don't know what to say.” Willia
ms stated. It was the truth. Part of him was hopeful, but the larger part said this was a trick of some kind. Still, could he push away his mother?
“I’ll be in town for the next few weeks. If you decide you’d like to, we can talk.” She said before standing. Williams followed suit and stood. “My number hasn’t changed. Call me, if you'd like.” She looked like she was going to pat him on the shoulder but thought better of it when she saw how dirty he was from work. Without another word, she was gone, leaving Williams confused.
***
“What do you think I should do?” Williams asked. He was laying face down on his bed with his shirt off. He'd gotten something to eat before taking a shower. Now, Nathan was straddling his lower back and massaging his back.
“That's a little bit of a tough one.” Nathan responded. His palms pressed into the other man's shoulders, feeling knots from the long day at work.
“What would you do?” He grunted when Nathan found a particularly painful spot. Nathan eased up a little before continuing.
“See, I'm not sure because my mom has never been estranged to me for the majority of my life and shown up when the media caught me kissing my b- accountant.” He chewed his lower lip. Hopefully, Williams wouldn't catch onto that he almost said boyfriend. Williams had already slipped. He didn't need to do it too. One issue at a time.
“You’re not helping.” Williams grumbled. He felt the hands slid down his back, making him shiver.
“Maybe, you should worry about this tomorrow. You've had a long day.” Nathan said, tracing his fingers over the skin before him. He watched the way the muscles seemed to flex under his touch. Nathan could tell how his body had started to change from working so hard. Williams still had the softness on his body, but the muscle underneath had gotten stronger and more defined. Nathan was sure that Williams could pick him up and throw him if he wanted.
“Nathan?” Williams asked when Nathan went quiet.
“Hmm? Sorry, I got lost in thought.” Nathan said. One finger traveled back up to the scar on his back. He traced it gently before going back to rubbing his back. “What do you think she'd say about your scar?”
“Trust me, she knows about the scar.” Williams replied and felt the hands still.
“Why does your mom know about us having forest sex?” Nathan asked, perplexed.
“Huh?” Williams tried to look over his shoulder before it dawned on him. “Oh, I forgot about that. I thought you meant the one on my neck. She’d probably just say that it's a good thing it was away from cameras.”
“You never told me what the one on your neck is from.” Nathan started massaging his lower back, pressing down gently. Williams let out a soft moan at the feeling. He was sure that some of it was due to how tired he was, but he felt more comfortable around Nathan than he had at the cabin. So, he had little problem telling him what happened.
“It’s actually where one of my mom’s rules came from. Only drink fast enough for a buzz. Don't ever get drunk. Oddly enough, if I had followed that advice, me and you would probably have a very different relationship.” Williams commented and heard Nathan give a small chuckle. “Long story short, my parents were arguing when I was still really young. Mom threw a wine bottle at my dad. She missed, but when she did, the bottle hit the wall over my head. It didn't cut me too bad, but I know it scared her.”
“That’s… not good.” Nathan commented. Williams could feel the tension in the accountant. “Maybe, it wouldn't be good for you to reconnect.” Williams thought back to earlier when his mother said Nathan was protective of him. Nathan shifted down to where he was laying on top of Williams, legs spread to keep his weight off of him for the most part. He kissed behind Williams’s ear before pressing his lips to the back of his neck. “I'm gonna let you get some rest, okay?” He asked softly, words tickling the back of Williams’s neck. He was about to move when Williams responded.
“Do you want to stay in here tonight?” He asked quietly. Williams could almost feel the smile behind his ear.
“That sounds nice… love bug.” Nathan replied. Williams groaned and buried his face in the pillow. Nathan chuckled and kissed his neck.
“You know what? Maybe you should sleep in your bed, tonight.” Williams said. Nathan shifted to the spot next to him on the bed.
“Don't be like that. I'm just teasing.” He pulled Williams closer.
“Fine, you can stay, but you're on thin ice.” Williams replied, kissing the other man softly. Nathan hummed into the contact and let his hands roam over the exposed skin on Williams. He'd keep it to himself, but he rather liked the idea of calling Williams his, 'little love bug’.
***
A week went by before Williams decided that he might as well see what would happen if he talked to his mother. There was an art exhibit going on in town. He knew his mother didn't care, but it was an excuse to see her without being alone with her for too long. It also helped that Nathan was going to bring his own mother. They weren't going together, but if he happened to run into him, so be it.
Williams had picked Betty up in his car, outside the hotel she was staying in. If things had been a little different, he would have asked if she wanted to start with him and Nathan. There was still something in the back of his mind telling him no. Once they arrived, it took another five minutes in the car for her to make sure that her make up was perfect, that there was no excess nail polish along her cuticles, and that her outfit was smooth. He made a disgruntled noise when she tried to fix his vest.
“Mom, it's fine. Let's just get inside.” He said, stepping out of the car. She huffed but followed suit.
“Just don't complain to me when the media jumps at the chance to point out how wrinkled your vest is.” She responded. They moved quickly to get inside. The weather was chilly, and there would be snow coming in within a few hours. Williams could hear her heels clicking on the sidewalk beside him. Once they entered, Williams sighed. It was so much warmer. Williams took care of the admissions, and the two were set.
“I'm certainly glad you didn't pick that plaid outfit, today.” Betty stated. Williams closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled.
“I knew you wouldn't approve of it.” He responded, keeping his eyes on the art work. It was a matter of time before she started to point out anything wrong or distasteful in the pictures. Until then, he was going to enjoy the paintings.
“So, how is the factory holding up? Did the magazine do any damage to your sales?” She questioned. Williams was not shocked that she was still thinking about the photos.
“The factory is fine. Things have evened out. You don't have to worry about that.” He felt her gaze on him.
“Did your… accountant ever understand the list I gave him about himself?” She asked. Betty wasn’t entirely sure about what to call Nathan. She hadn’t heard Williams call him any definitive title.
“I think he still wonders if you don't dislike him for being gay.”
“It's not like I'm the one who dislikes men being together. It's a societal and media standpoint.” She responded, getting another sigh from her son.
“That doesn't sound any better.”
“If he doesn't like it, then, you two aught to get married.” Betty said before walking to the next painting like she hadn't said anything. Williams’s eyes widened as his gaze snapped to her.
“Can you run that by me again?”
“I said you two could get married.”
“Why would that make a difference?”
“It's simple, Eugene. Right now, to the media, Nathan is just some man you had dinner with. It could just be a dirty fling or a budding romance. Either way, the public doesn't know. Now, if you marry, it's a love story. You’re committed and don't care what the social norms are.” Betty explained. Williams could feel his cheeks starting to heat.
“We can't get married to make other people more comfortable, mom.” He responded. She shrugged.
“It's what your father and I did.”
“What?” Will
iams didn't have time to get an answer when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back to see Nathan smiling at him. Next to him, was his mother. Betty glanced between the two, noting the similarities.
“I was starting to wonder where you were.” Nathan said before glancing at Betty and clearing his throat. “Mom, this is Betty. Betty, this is my mom, Carol.”
“Pleasure.” Betty stated, simply. Carol only nodded. There was a long awkward silence between the group. Eventually, they started admiring the art. Well, most of them admired it. Betty seemed intent on finding the things that were wrong with every painting. Williams had known it was coming, but that didn't mean that he wasn't still irritated by it. Nathan listened to her pick apart a mountain scene and could picture her doing to same to Williams when he was younger.
“You think you could get him away from her for a few minutes?” Carol asked her son. Nathan nodded before getting closer to Williams. He took his hand and pulled him away. Williams only looked at him in confusion, but he still followed. Betty glanced at them as they walked away and noticed Carol moving her wheelchair to sit next to where she stood.
“So, what do you think of the gallery, Betty?” She asked.
“It seems a bit pedestrian.” Betty answered with the same flat expression that she'd had all day.
“I suppose it would to you.” Carol stated. Betty wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a jab at her or not. So, she ignored it. “I noticed that you're very good at picking out the flaws.”
“I guess that I’m getting on your nerves?” She tightened her jaw but showed no real emotion.
“No. I've always thought that you can't improve something if you don't know what's wrong with it. But, I was wondering if you're just as good at picking out the good parts.” Carol answered. The two looked at the painting in front of them. There was silence for a long moment as they looked over the art.
