by Jake Biondi
“Because it’s better for you. I’m thinking only of you.”
“You’re thinking only of yourself! You’re using me!”
Rachel picked up her robe and wrapped it around herself. “I think you should go.”
“Until you want me to fuck you again? I am not your sex toy!”
“Hugo, you’re scaring me. Please calm down or go.”
“Scaring you? Like Keith scared you?” Hugo walked toward the window. “My God, what a fool I’ve been!”
“I do care about you, baby.”
“You don’t know what it means to care about anyone but yourself. Jensen was right. You are a selfish bitch!”
“Jensen is an opportunistic piece of white trash. I know you love him, but it’s true. I’d be careful around him if I were you.”
“Jensen has more class in his little toe than you’ll ever have.” In one swift motion, Hugo flipped over the desk in front of him, sending paper, pens, and a lamp all over the room.
Rachel jumped at the sound of the desk and its elements crashing onto the floor. “Hugo!”
“For the first time since I met you, I’m seeing things clearly. Seeing you for who you are!”
“I’m going to take a shower and when I’m done, you had better be gone,” Rachel said. “We are finished.”
“Finished? Apparently, you never thought we ever started. But don’t worry, you won’t have to deal with me anymore.” Hugo picked up his shirt from the floor and pulled it on. “And when I’m done telling my father what kind of woman you are, he won’t even be looking at you anymore, let alone marry you.”
Rachel walked toward the bathroom. “We’ll see about that, won’t we? Be very careful, Hugo. You’re out of your league. I’d stick to football if I were you.” Rachel entered the bathroom and slammed the door closed behind her.
“We’ll see, Rachel,” Hugo mumbled as he got dressed. “We’ll see...”
At the Boystown Athletic Club, Emmett Mancini was finishing his workout when Keith Colgan approached him. Emmett finished his set and stood up.
“I can’t believe you’re here. If it were my restaurant opening tonight, I’d be a nervous wreck.”
“I am,” Emmett replied. “That’s why I’m here...to decompress a bit. The calm before the storm. So I’m not really in the mood for any drama right now, Stormy,” Emmett added, invoking Michael’s nickname for Keith.
“I didn’t even know you were here. But since you are, I’m just checking to see how you’re doing.”
“As I told you, I don’t need you looking out for me.”
“Is this about Max again? Look, I told you that I’m sorry for going off on him. I jumped to conclusions too quickly and I apologized.”
“Telling him that we were back together was a little ridiculous, even for you,” Emmett said. “Although maybe it was a good thing because it was a reminder of what being your boyfriend used to be like.”
“We were good together, Emmett.”
“Not today, Keith. Please. I can’t handle much more.”
“I’m not trying to pressure you. But there is still something special between us. Look how easily we fell back into that mode.”
“You did, not me. And you still haven’t even spoken to Michael yet.”
“He won’t talk to me,” Keith declared. “I’ve tried. Maybe tonight at the opening I can pull him aside. But, Emmett, life rarely gives you a second chance -- and we have one now. We were engaged to be married once, remember?”
“Let me be clear. I am not making any decisions about my personal life anytime soon. I just can’t.”
Keith put his hand on Emmett’s shoulder. “Just focus on tonight and enjoy it. You have put so much into this place that you deserve an amazing night.”
“Thank you,” Emmett said. “I have to go. See you tonight.”
Emmett quickly hugged Keith and then headed down the stairs to the men’s locker room. He walked over to his locker, opened it, and stripped down in preparation for his shower.
With a little towel wrapped around his waist and wearing flip flops, Patrick Provenzano was returning from the showers to his locker. Upon seeing Emmett, he approached him.
“Emmett, how are you?”
“Patrick,” Emmett replied as he quickly checked out Patrick’s body.
Chiseled and hairy, Patrick’s body was a sight to behold. His muscular chest and flat abs were covered by perfectly-groomed, dark hair. His damp body sparkled a bit under the bright locker room lights as he opened his locker. Then he pulled the towel from his waist and towel dried his hair and beard, his large dick hanging between his legs.
“Excited for tonight?”
“I am,” Emmett replied, trying not to stare.
“Me, too. Can’t wait for the big announcement about the youth center.”
“It should be one of the highlights of the evening.” Naked, Emmett wrapped a towel around himself and locked his locker. “Are you bringing a date?”
“Me? No. I’m new in town, remember? I don’t know many people here yet. How about you?”
“I’ll be running around like a crazy person all night. I’d just be neglecting my date if I had one. Besides, with Max there, it would be pretty awkward.”
“I’m sure,” Patrick replied, taking some clothes from his locker.
“I need to get going, but I look forward to seeing you tonight.”
“Absolutely,” Patrick said as Emmett walked away toward the shower. Smiling and biting his lip, Patrick watched him until he disappeared behind the shower area doors.
As Patrick got dressed, David Young sat in his living room staring at the blank wall above the fireplace where his mother’s painting once hung. Dressed only in a pair of sweatpants and sipping coffee, David sat silently in a daydream.
Adam Miranda, wearing only a pair of gym shorts, entered the kitchen from his bedroom and poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Good morning,” Adam said somewhat softly.
“Oh, hey,” David said, returning from his daydream.
Coffee in hand, Adam walked into the living room and sat down in the chair across from David. “Missing the painting?”
“I guess you could say that. But it belongs with the rest of my mother’s collection at the Ciancio estate. That’s why I had it shipped out there.”
“Makes sense,” Adam said, sipping his coffee. “Maybe you and I can pick out something to replace it? It’s the perfect spot for artwork.”
“That would be great. Our first joint purchase as house mates.”
Adam smiled. “I really love living here with you. Thanks for being so cool about it. I’m sure you still miss Tyler.”
“I do, but life goes on. And, to be honest, he and I didn’t know each other any more when we became roommates than you and I do now. We grew to be best friends...and I hope you and I will, too.”
“But you were brothers, too. I’m pretty sure you and I are not related,” Adam joked.
David smiled. “I’m pretty sure, too.”
“You’re a good man.”
“Thank you,” David said, sipping his coffee. “Ready for tonight?”
“Nervous,” Adam admitted. “But I think everything will be awesome.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Everyone is. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“Just show up and have a fun time. Are you bringing a date?”
“My friend Michael and I are attending together. But we’re just great friends, that’s all.”
“Well, sometimes people start as friends and end up lovers. That’s what happened to Dustin and me.”
“Actually, Michael and I did that in reverse. We dated first and, when that didn’t work out, became the best of friends. His heart belongs to someone else anyway.” David took another drink from his cup. “And what about you, Adam? Are you over Dustin?”
Adam nodded, “I am. It’s funny. I moved here to Chicago to try to get him back, just like he moved here to try to get Derek back. Bu
t as soon as I got here and saw him, I knew it was over. I mean, I wish him all the best, but he no longer holds my heart. He is a good person, though.”
“Max seems to think so.”
“I’m not sure what’s up with those two.”
“I’m not sure they even know,” David added. “Doesn’t matter much now anyway. Dustin will be gone for a while. I hope he gets the help he needs and emerges as the man you’ve told us that he could be.
“Me, too,” Adam agreed, sipping his coffee. “Max tells me that Cole and you used to date. What happened?”
“It’s old news. Things didn’t work out. He loves someone else, that’s all.”
“Derek.”
“Yes, Derek.”
“That man seems to have magnetic powers. He drew Dustin here from the other end of the country.”
“Dustin didn’t stand a chance. Derek and Cole are meant to be.”
“Were you upset?”
“Derek is my half-brother and Cole is a dear friend. I’m happy for both of them.”
“But you’re alone.”
“Alone and lonely are two different things, Adam. I have my work and the new wellness center project to keep me plenty busy. And I have a great new friend now, too. So life is good.”
“Thank you,” Adam said. “I’m glad you’ll be there tonight. It’ll be fun to share the experience with my new roomie.”
“I’m excited to share it with you, too,” David replied, raising his cup in a toast to Adam.
Above The Boys and the Booze, Emmett arrived home from the gym to his new residence. He entered the living room as Jensen Stone was emerging from his bedroom in a pair of shorts and flip flops.
“Hey, how are you?” Jensen asked. “Excited?”
“You could say that,” Emmett said, tossing his gym bag onto a nearby chair.
“Everything is going to be awesome tonight. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I know...just nervous.”
A knock came to the front door.
“Can you get that?” Emmett asked Jensen as he disappeared down the hallway.
Jensen opened the door.
“Derek,” Jensen said. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Is my little bro around?”
“Sure, come on in. I’ll get him.”
“You must be excited about tonight. I know how hard you’ve worked on planning it.”
‘Thanks, Derek. To be honest, I’m most grateful that I’m healthy and able to be a part of it.”
“You’re very lucky,” Derek said. “That accident could have been a lot worse.”
“I’ll get your brother.”
Jensen headed down the hallway toward Emmett’s room as Derek inspected the new condo. He walked through the living room, checked out the furniture, and stopped to look at the photo of his family on the mantle.
“What do you think?” Emmett asked as he entered the room behind Derek. “I’m sorry I haven’t had time to invite you over.”
“It’s beautiful,” Derek said. “And I know how busy you have been...moving in and planning the opening.” Derek paused. “It’s funny. I miss having Jensen and you staying with me. My place seems so quiet and empty now.”
“I can’t thank you enough for letting us stay with you all that time.”
Derek smiled. “No more fires, okay?”
“Deal,” Emmett said. “So, what’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you about something. Get your permission, actually.”
“My permission? For what?”
“Tonight’s your night...and Max’s, too. You both have put your life into getting the place ready for tonight’s opening and I don’t want to do anything to steal the spotlight or your thunder.”
“Tonight’s a celebration about a lot of people, not just me. So what are you talking about exactly?”
Derek reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. “This.”
“What is it?”
Derek opened the box to reveal a men’s ring.
“Oh, my God,” Emmett gasped. “You’re going to ask Cole to marry you.”
Derek smiled. “Yup.”
Emmett threw his arms around his brother. “That’s awesome. Congratulations!”
“Thanks, bro.”
“You guys have been through so much -- this is amazing.”
“I’m hoping to ask him tonight at the gala, but I wanted to check with you first.”
“Of course, you can ask him tonight. It’s perfect. Our entire family will be there to celebrate the moment with you.”
“You’re the only one who knows, so let’s keep it a secret.”
“Absolutely,” Emmett agreed, his eyes filling with tears. “Derek, I’m so happy for you.”
“Hey, what’s with the tears? Are you okay?”
“I’m just happy for you, that’s all.”
“Are you sure?”
“This is the best news ever. I’m so excited to welcome Cole to our family.”
“And you’re sure you’re okay with me doing it tonight?”
“It’s perfect.”
“Great,” Derek said, putting the box back into his pocket. “I’ll get out of here then. I know how much you have going on today. I’ll see you tonight at the opening.”
“Derek, thank you for telling me first. I’m really excited for you.”
Derek smiled and hugged his brother again. Then he left the condo and Emmett closed the door behind him.
Overwhelmed, Emmett put his hand over his mouth in an attempt to stifle the range of emotions that were erupting inside of him. He quickly made his way to his bedroom and then threw himself down onto his bed. Shaking, he began to cry.
After a moment, Jensen came to the bedroom doorway. “Hey...are you okay?
Emmett didn’t respond. He just turned away from the door and continued to sob on his bed.
“Emmett,” Jensen said as he walked over to the bed and sat on its end. He put his hand on Emmett’s back. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel so alone...”
“No,” Jensen reassured him. “You are not alone. You have a family and tons of friends who love you, including me. You are never alone.”
Emmett didn’t respond; he just curled up in a ball and continued to weep.
Jensen lay down on the bed and wrapped his arms around Emmett from behind. Spooning with Emmett, Jensen whispered, “It’s going to be okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”
As Jensen held Emmett, Jesse Morgan rolled over on top of Logan Pryce. Both naked, they wrapped their bodies around each other as Jesse pushed himself farther into Logan. Softly kissing the burn scars on his lover’s neck, Jesse spread Logan’s legs apart and thrust even harder into him.
Logan’s fingers dug deep into Jesse’s back and he kissed Jesse’s neck and shoulders. Raising his legs into the air, Logan invited Jesse to grab his ankles, which he did. Logan squirmed beneath his boyfriend and encouraged him with frequent moans.
Jesse became more aggressive, adjusting his legs so his dick could get deeper. Holding Logan’s ankles, Jesse spread Logan’s legs further. His balls slapped against Logan more and more violently as Jesse grew more passionate.
Bracing for Jesse’s climax, Logan pressed his erect dick against Jesse’s abs. Then he ran his hands along Jesse’s arms and tightly grabbed his shoulders. He leaned forward and kissed Jesse’s chest, softly biting his nipples.
As if on cue, Jesse spewed into Logan, pumping rope after rope of cum deep into him. He kissed Logan deeply as he continued to drill.
Just as Jesse finished, Logan’s climax coated their bodies with his cum. His body trembling as he shot his load, Logan kissed Jesse again. Eventually relaxing, Logan embraced Jesse in a hug.
Jesse looked deep into Logan’s eyes. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” Logan replied.
Jesse adjusted his position alongside Logan and ran his finger through the cum on Logan’s chest. “It’s so go
od to have you home and healthy again.”
“I can never express you how grateful I am for you standing by me through all of this.”
“Where else would I be?” Jesse asked. “You are my other half. I’d never want to live without you.”
“Covering for me at work, getting me connected with Patrick -- I mean, you did so much. Most guys would have walked away.”
Jesse kissed Logan. “I’m not most guys. I’m your guy.”
“One in a million,” Logan said. “I still have some work to do.”
“That’s okay. Patrick will help you with that; you two work very well together.”
“He actually is encouraging me to talk to Max so I can have final closure to that relationship. It happened so quickly that I wasn’t able to say some things I needed to say.”
“Funny...my father and I were doing so well and then he cheated on Emmett.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“We met a while back because he wanted to tell me about it in person. Of course, I already knew about it from Cole. Anyway, it didn’t go well. It was like all our progress rebuilding our relationship went out the window with one conversation.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Logan said. “I think it’s important that you two have a good relationship. It’s better for both of you. But I’ve learned that I can’t make that happen for you. You two need to work on that together on your own.”
“Well, there’s no wedding for me to be best man for anymore since Emmett and he are through. I’m sure we’ll work on things over time.”
Logan got quiet for moment.
“Are you okay?”
“My father beat me…”
“What?”
“When I was a boy, my father beat me. Often.”
Jesse put his arm around Logan and looked directly at him. “Aww, baby. Why?”
“I talked a lot about it with Patrick. All the memories and feelings came flooding back. My father never thought I was a real man. He said I acted like a girl and wasn’t interested in ‘boy’ things like sports. He was a drinker, too, and he beat me.”
“I’m so sorry…”
“They are painful memories and these scars are constant reminders of what he did to me.”
