Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together

by Ari McKay

  Laughing, Tomy touched his glass to Jason’s. “Does this mean you’re heavily in my debt?”

  “Absolutely. Anything you want from me, it’s yours,” Jason replied easily.

  “That’s a dangerous offer to make, don’t you think?” Tomy shot a questioning look at him. “I could take shameless advantage of your generosity.”

  “But you won’t.” Jason took a sip of his wine. “That’s not the kind of person you are. I feel perfectly safe offering you whatever you’d like, because I trust you.”

  Tomy smiled, pleased and flattered that Jason recognized that he wasn’t innately a taker, and he hoped he remained worthy. Part of him wished he could let himself trust so freely again, but he was afraid to after giving Sean his heart without reservation only to have it thrown back in his face.

  “I’ll have to consider my options carefully, then.”

  “Of course. Having carte blanche is a big responsibility. But I have no doubt you’ll make a wise decision.” Jason held out his hand. “Shall we mingle? I’d like to introduce you to my folks once they break free.”

  “Sure, let’s mingle.” Tomy clasped Jason’s hand and smiled up at him.

  For a moment, Jason stood looking down at him, an odd intensity in his pale eyes. Then he smiled and began to wind through the throng of guests, stopping behind another tall blond man.

  “Hey, Jeff,” he said, and the man turned. “I want you to meet someone. This is Tomas Peralta, my date. Tomy, this is my older brother, Jeff.”

  Jeff wasn’t as tall or broad as Jason, and he wasn’t quite as handsome either, in Tomy’s totally unbiased opinion. He looked to be around Tomy’s age, and he had the confident demeanor of a successful man.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Tomy said, offering his hand. He felt a little odd being introduced as Jason’s date, since they weren’t actually dating, but he didn’t correct anything. Part of him didn’t want to.

  Jeff’s smile was friendly, and he took Tomy’s hand in a firm grip. “Nice to meet you too,” he said, then gave Jason an evil grin. “Jason told me you’ve been teaching him to dance. Hopefully my little brother hasn’t been stepping all over your toes.”

  “I still have all ten in good working order,” Tomy replied, chuckling. “Jason is a very good dancer. Hopefully he’ll show everyone what he’s learned today.”

  “Jennifer is counting on it.” Jeff turned to the woman next to him. “Suze, this is Tomy. You know, the dancer Jason has been going on and on about? Tomy, my wife, Susan.”

  Susan looked up at Tomy, and he could see her eyes were as dark as his own. Barely five feet tall, she looked like a little doll standing next to the Winters brothers. “Oh, it’s great to meet you at last,” she said, holding out her hand to him. “Jason has raved about how wonderful you are.”

  Tomy shook hands with Susan, then turned to Jason, one eyebrow raised, only to find Jason blushing. “Has he really?”

  “Oh, yes. He said he’s never seen anyone who moves as gracefully as you do,” Susan replied. She glanced at Jason, then looked back at Tomy. “He said it runs in your family too. That your sister danced, and your cousins?”

  “Yes, my grandparents opened the studio after they immigrated to Atlanta from Argentina,” Tomy explained, growing enthusiastic as he talked about his family. He was proud of everything they had accomplished. “Then my parents took over. My brother was never really interested in ballroom dancing. He’s an accountant. My sister competed and taught while she was still in school. Now she’s an assistant professor in the World Languages and Cultures department at Georgia State. I’m the only one from our branch who’s stayed in the family business, but a few of my cousins do work there as well.”

  “It’s nice to work with family,” Jeff replied, sliding an arm around his petite wife. “I started at my dad’s accounting firm right after college, and I met Susan when she started there two years later.”

  “It’s nice if you’ve got a head for numbers,” Jason said, making a face.

  “Ha! Don’t let him fool you, Tomy,” Susan replied, shaking a chastising finger at Jason. “There’s more to Jason than meets the eye. Don’t buy any dumb jock act he tries to pull on you.”

  “He runs his own successful business, and he knits lace. There’s definitely more layers,” Tomy agreed, squeezing Jason’s hand.

  He watched Jeff and Susan with a bit of wistfulness. Obviously they adored each other, and he wished he had someone to look at him that way. He couldn’t ever remember seeing Sean look at him as if he’d hung the moon.

  “It looks like they’re finally ready to introduce the bride and groom,” Jeff said. The maître d’ was making the rounds, starting to herd people toward the main ballroom where dinner would be served.

  Jason once again slid his arm around Tomy’s shoulders. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said quietly. “I just want to make sure no one tries to steal you away.”

  “No, I don’t mind.” Tomy hesitated, then slid his arm around Jason’s waist in return, marveling at how well he fit against Jason’s side. “We might as well be convincing, right?”

  “Certainly.” Jason hugged him close, then steered him in the direction of the ballroom.

  The colors for the wedding were deep pink and emerald green, and there were huge bouquets of roses in marble urns around the perimeter of the room. The head table was perched up on a raised dais, and Jason led him to one right in front of it, which had been set aside for the bride’s family.

  Soon everyone had taken their places, and the newlywed couple was announced as they crossed the ballroom to thunderous applause. Society wedding it might be, but Jason’s sister looked blissfully happy, and her dark-haired groom seemed to have eyes only for his new bride. The couple took to the floor for their first dance. The small orchestra began to play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and the bride and groom seemed oblivious to the hundreds of people watching them.

  Then it was time for dinner, and it was quite a spread, with a soup course, salad, and a surf-and-turf entree, interspersed with breaks for dances for the bride and her father, and the groom and his mother. Marian Winters was seated to Tomy’s left, and she and her husband, James, asked him a lot of questions about the dance studio and his days in competition.

  “I should see about signing up for some of your classes,” Marian said, a dreamy expression on her face. The blue of her eyes was nearly identical to Jason’s, though she had laugh lines at the corners. “We have our fortieth wedding anniversary coming up, and I’d love to be able to do one of those sexy Latin dances.”

  “We’d be happy to have you,” Tomy replied. “I’m sure Jason has you two to thank for his natural ability on the dance floor, so you could probably master any dance you wanted.”

  “You really think so?” She smiled widely at him, obviously pleased. “I think it would be fun. I saw Strictly Ballroom, and I loved it.”

  Tomy smiled, not surprised. They had that movie, along with Dirty Dancing and Dancing With the Stars, to thank for a considerable number of their students. “I think it’s fun, but I’m biased. Still, there’s nothing quite like dancing with a skilled partner you trust. It can be very intimate.”

  Marian nodded. “I can believe it. Some of those lifts and such… you’d have to be very sure of the person holding you, because you’re putting your life in their hands.”

  “Exactly,” Tomy agreed. “A little wobble, and you’re both on the floor. Believe me, I’ve seen my share of dance-related injuries. I’ve sustained a few too.”

  “I can imagine.” She looked past Tomy, at where Jason was in conversation with Susan. “I imagine your mother worried, even if she was a dancer herself. I know I worried myself sick about Jason. I was thankful it was his knee and not his head or his spine.”

  “She did,” Tomy admitted with a wry smile. “She still does. I’m thirty-two years old, but she thinks of me as her baby.”

  She patted his arm and smiled. “And you always will be, just as
Jason will always be mine.”

  Apparently Jason heard his name, for he leaned slightly across Tomy. “Is it time for our dance, Mom?”

  “I do believe it is,” she said, nodding. “I want a dance from you too, young man,” she added to Tomy. “You’re too handsome for me to let you get away without your name on my dance card!”

  “The pleasure would be all mine, Mrs. Winters,” Tomy replied, smiling warmly at her.

  She laughed, and then Jason swept her off to the dance floor. He showed off some of the moves Tomy had taught him as they whirled around the floor in a waltz, and more than a few heads turned to watch them. Tomy watched as well, mesmerized by the sight of Jason’s long legs and narrow hips as he moved smoothly across the floor. He did a masterful job of leading his mother in the waltz, and Tomy couldn’t help but be proud. Marian preened a bit as applause greeted the end of the dance. Jason escorted her back to the table, then held out his hand to Tomy.

  “Shall we?” he asked, a mischievous light in his eyes. “I had a word with the orchestra leader earlier, and they’re going to play a fox-trot.”

  “Wanting to show off, huh?” Tomy teased as he clasped Jason’s hand and accompanied him to the dance floor.

  “Well, maybe a little.” Jason grinned, then nodded to the leader of the orchestra. He pulled Tomy into the fox-trot hold, then led him off as the band launched into a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “The Best is Yet to Come.”

  They had to be careful at first because they weren’t alone on the dance floor, but it wasn’t long before the other couples edged out of the way, more interested in watching Tomy and Jason than in dancing themselves. They were on the receiving end of a few shocked or disapproving looks as well, but Tomy ignored it. Jason was light on his feet and provided a strong lead as they moved around the dance floor, and Tomy relaxed and enjoyed himself. There weren’t any judges, and he didn’t have to be a teacher this time. For once, he was dancing purely for fun, and it was a nice change of pace.

  Jason was smiling, seeming oblivious to anyone watching them, his entire attention focused on Tomy. “I love this song,” he said. “My grandmother told me it was what she and my grandfather danced to at their wedding. It always makes me think of true love.”

  “It’s a good song,” Tomy replied, smiling wistfully. He was familiar with the lyrics, and while part of him still hoped for the kind of love they described, he was cynical about it ever happening in the real world. “Maybe one day you can dance to it at your wedding.”

  “I’d like that,” Jason replied. He spun Tomy around, then turned him inward so they were gliding side by side. “You’ll be happy again too, you know. I have no doubt there’s a man out there who is hoping and praying you’ll notice him and give him a chance to make you happy.”

  Tomy snorted and shook his head. “I don’t see any lines forming.”

  “That’s because you aren’t quite ready to see them yet.” Jason spun him out again, then pulled him back into a close hold. “But I think you will be soon.”

  A denial was poised on the tip of Tomy’s tongue, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to utter it. A couple of months ago, he wouldn’t have hesitated to dismiss the idea of ever dating again, much less falling in love, but he was far enough along in the healing process that he was beyond saying “never again.” He wasn’t quite ready to jump in with both feet either, though, so he shrugged and smiled and said, “We’ll see.”

  “Oh, yes, we will.” Jason nodded solemnly at him. “I’m willing to bet money on it.”

  Tomy gave him a disbelieving look but didn’t say anything, focusing on the dance instead. There was a smattering of applause for them when the music ended, and Tomy chuckled as they headed back to the table.

  “At least we didn’t get tossed out for that.”

  “I wasn’t worried,” Jason said as they took their seats. “I warned Jennifer ahead of time, and I figured if she was cool with it, then it was no one else’s business.”

  Dessert was served almost as soon as they returned to the table, and then it was time for the speeches, followed by the cutting of the cake. Jennifer was very ladylike about feeding her groom his piece, and Beau returned the favor. There was more dancing, and Marian did claim a waltz from Tomy as she’d promised, while Jason danced with his sister.

  At last the festivities drew to a close, with only the throwing of the bouquet and garter and the final dance to follow. Jennifer mounted the orchestra dais, hefting her heavy bouquet of roses with surprising ease. Tomy stood with Jason and the other bachelors behind the mob of laughing young women who were waving their arms hopefully.

  “This should be interesting,” Jason murmured close to Tomy’s ear. “Jenn pitched varsity softball in high school, and she played left field in college. She has a killer arm.”

  “Good thing I’m not up there with the bachelorettes, then,” Tomy murmured back. “I hope the groom has worse aim.”

  “Now what fun would that be?” Jason chuckled and shook his head, just as Jennifer wound up and lobbed the bouquet over her shoulder.

  The mass of flowers went sailing over the heads of the women below, who were shouting and pushing like small children trying to grab the best treat out of a piñata. Jason hadn’t been kidding about his sister’s strength, but Tomy was even more surprised when Jason launched himself upward, capturing the bouquet passing overhead as neatly as if it had been a football thrown to him. He landed, then looked at the bouquet in surprise before bursting out into laughter.

  “Some instincts never die, I guess,” he said, glancing at Tomy with eyes filled with amusement. He held the bouquet aloft as people began to join in the laughter. “Don’t get any ideas, people! I may be gay, but I’m sure not going to wear a dress to my wedding!”

  Tomy laughed, amused as much by the comment as by the image it evoked. “It wouldn’t suit you anyway.”

  “Oh, Lord no,” Jason agreed, then smiled wickedly as he looked at the other bachelors around them. “I guess this puts me out of the running for the garter, eh, boys? So which of you guys are man enough to still try to catch it now?”

  There was more laughter, and more than a few rather sheepish looks, but Jason shook his head, moving toward the dais where Jennifer still stood before the group of rather disappointed-looking women.

  “Try again, sis,” he said, handing the bouquet back to her. “This time, don’t throw it like you’re trying to toss out someone attempting to steal third base, okay?”

  “Ha-ha, brother mine,” Jennifer replied, but she took the bouquet. As Jason made his way back to Tomy, she tossed it again—much less energetically this time—and a small, dark-haired young woman in the middle of the pack squealed with delight as she caught it.

  “Well, even though I gave it back, I take catching it as a hopeful sign,” Jason said when he reached Tomy’s side. “Perhaps there will be wedding bells for me in the not-too-distant future.”

  “It does seem like a good omen,” Tomy replied, trying not to be envious of a boyfriend who didn’t even exist yet.

  “Then while my luck is running high, I’m going to do something I’ve been wanting to do for weeks.” He turned toward Tomy, his expression serious. “Would you go out on a date with me, Tomy?”

  Tomy stared up at Jason, stunned by the question and uncertain how to answer. His head was telling him to say no. They were friends, and Tomy didn’t want to mess that up. He wasn’t sure he was ready to date again anyway. But his heart lurched and pounded hard with delight, urging him to say yes. It was a huge risk, one Tomy had taken before. What if he chose wrong again? What if his judgment about men was still way off, like it had been with Sean?

  Something plopped on his head, startling him, and he reached up to find the blue and white garter, a delicate lace piece that Jason had knitted for his sister. He held it up, smiling wryly. “My grandmother would probably say this is a sign.”

  People around were chuckling, but Jason’s smile lit up his whole face. “Can
I take that as a yes?”

  Tomy drew in a deep breath and released it slowly, a mix of excitement and trepidation roiling around in his stomach as he nodded. “Yes, I’ll go out with you.”

  “Thank you.” Jason captured Tomy’s hand and squeezed it. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”

  “I hope not.” Tomy’s answering smile was a bit crooked, but he squeezed Jason’s hand in return. He’d taken a huge step… for better or for worse.

  Chapter Eight

  JASON CHECKED the weather report for the fiftieth time since waking up that morning, but fortunately nothing had changed. He’d picked something special for his date with Tomy, but bad weather would put an end to all his carefully laid plans. After all the effort and anticipation, he was nervous that something would go wrong and their first date would also be their last.

  It had been an impulsive decision to ask Tomy out at the wedding reception. He knew Tomy was still healing, but the timing had been too perfect. Jason had listened to his instincts and issued the invitation, then had two weeks to plan and prepare—and worry.

  His feelings for Tomy had been growing deeper for months, especially after the tango they’d danced together. Certainly they had chemistry, and Jason wanted a chance to explore that, but there was more to it. Jason also liked and respected Tomy. They had a great deal in common, too, including a commitment to their families and an appreciation of the small joys in life. The more time Jason spent with Tomy, the more time he wanted to spend with Tomy, but he knew he still needed to move slowly and carefully. Jason would rather wait until Tomy was ready rather than try to rush him into another romance too soon. That would only backfire in the long term, and Jason was definitely thinking long-term.

  That was one reason why he’d decided to risk involving Ana Lucia in his plans. He knew Tomy’s mother liked him and seemed to approve of him, but she was also protective when it came to her son. Fortunately she hadn’t minded his casual questions concerning Tomy’s likes and dislikes, and she gave her wholehearted assistance, even offering to aid and abet his plans for the date. Which was why he now had a large picnic hamper packed and ready to go, and as he showered and got ready, he found himself daydreaming about future dates, about the things he’d like to do with Tomy, about the things they could share if Tomy would give him a chance.