by GA Hauser
“Yes. Let me close my eyes. When we wake up before dinner, I’ll savor you.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
Brodie wrapped around him, tangling their limbs. Resting his head on the pillows, hearing Julian’s breathing deepen, Brodie allowed them their rest.
Chapter Ten
Brodie wore black slacks and a soft, black, wool v-neck sweater. Stepping into his shoes, he perked up when Julian came out of the bathroom. A flash of their intercourse, Julian riding him like a pony ten minutes prior to them getting showered and changed, rushed over him like a streamroller. “Wow.”
Julian smiled sweetly in reply. “Acceptable for our casual-dress night?”
Strongly attracted to him, Brodie couldn’t resist approaching him on the pretext of straightening his chocolate-colored shirt collar. “You are so incredible. I am so fucking lucky.”
“If you toy with me, I’ll show.” Julian pointed to his light brown slacks. “I should have brought my black ones like you did. Unfortunately Amelia picked out my wardrobe. I can’t say she included any of my favorites, but she was determined to pick out hers.”
“They have a men’s shop onboard. You want me to pick you up a pair?” Brodie stuffed his room key into his pocket. When he didn’t hear an answer, he spun around. Julian had a screwed up expression on his face. “What?”
“I can buy my own clothes.”
“Don’t take it that way.” Brodie wanted to be able to give him things. When Julian’s expression was slow to change, Brodie stood nose to nose with him, hanging his arms around Julian’s neck. “You’re not my kept boy. I love you and the idea of buying you gifts makes me feel nice.”
Julian’s pout relented. “I know. I’m sorry. I’m used to playing the man in my relationships.”
Brodie waited. Julian’s sharp grin finally appeared. “You were the man. In bed a minute ago.”
“I was, wasn’t I?” Julian puffed out his chest proudly.
Unable to help it, Brodie ran his hand over Julian’s crotch.
“Shit, is the men’s shop open? You’re going to tease me all night.”
“We can have a look before dinner.” Brodie checked his watch. “Because I will tease you.”
“Go.” Julian nudged him to the door, shaking his head.
Grinning at getting that wicked gleam in Julian’s eye, Brodie stood in the hall, closing the door behind them. “Uh, shops are on…” he tapped his lip as he tried to remember, “one level below the promenade deck.”
“Lead the way.”
They took the stairs, avoiding the long lines at the elevators. As Brodie tried to find the shortest route, he came upon a large roadblock of passengers. Excusing himself through them, Brodie noticed a photographer taking posed shots. Couples smiled happily, families grouped for portraits, and friends stood side by side as the lens captured their gleaming smiles.
Brodie lowered his head, making his way beyond them to the empty hall where the shops were located. He felt Julian tug on his hand. Stopping, Brodie tilted back to see him.
“Ya…uh, you want a photo?” Julian asked.
“Like that?” Brodie pointed behind them.
Julian shrugged shyly.
“Glenda and Marlene took one of us in front of the glacier.” Brodie tried to read Julian’s expression. “You sure you want to stand there like that?” A flutter of nerves passed through Brodie’s stomach.
“No. It’s all right.” Julian waved at him to keep going.
Imagining posing in front of that huge crowd, together while they were snapped by the ship’s photographer for some reason unnerved Brodie. Gesturing to the men’s clothing shop, Brodie paused, looking back at the crowded hallway and the bright lights as Julian entered the store. There were too many people there all standing and watching the sappy heterosexual couples and their children. He wasn’t sure he was ready for that.
Shaking himself out of the slight feeling of terror it had created, he found Julian inspecting a pair of black pants on a hanger. Moving behind him, Brodie asked, “You trying them on?”
“I should, but I always wear the same size, thirty-six waist, forty length.”
“Up to you.”
“I’ll try them on quick.”
“Okay.”
Julian disappeared into the dressing room. While he waited, Brodie investigated a few items but had little interest in them. The curtain parted and Julian stepped out. “They look all right?”
“Yes. Fine.” Brodie wanted him again. Would he ever feel he’d had enough?
“I figured. Okay.” Julian allowed the curtain to fall in front of him.
“Can I help you?” A woman approached Brodie.
“Yes. There’s a man trying on a pair of slacks in that dressing room. I want you to put it on my room number. I want to give them to him as a gift.”
“Certainly, sir.” She walked behind the register and took out a familiar looking slip of paper, one he’d seen every time he ordered a drink. He told her his cabin number, adding, “He’ll give you his room number. Just ignore him.”
She smiled in a conspiratorial way. “He’ll see the wrong room number on the paper.”
“Use a blank one. Let me sign it now. Toss out the one he signs.”
“Good thinking.”
Brodie scribbled his name quickly, standing back as Julian approached.
“I’ll take these.” He set them on the counter.
“Certainly, sir. Your cabin number?”
As Julian gave her his information and signed the slip, she placed his slacks in a bag and handed them to him. Before they left the store, Brodie winked at her. She showed him the paper she was tearing up. Smiling happily, Brodie knew Amelia was already putting a dent into the poor man’s budget. It was the least he could do.
“I need to head back to the room to drop these off.”
“Okay.”
They avoided the jam in the hallway with the photographer and used a different route back. Since it was clear on the other side of the boat it took ten minutes to walk to the room. Brodie used the key, pushing back the door when they finally arrived.
Julian hung the slacks up in the closet.
“Not going to wear them?”
“No. Tomorrow night. Bet it’s another formal.” Julian took the receipt and tucked it into his suitcase.
As he paused, Brodie wondered what was taking so long. Sneaking up behind him, he was surprised to see a photograph of him and Melanie in Julian’s hand. “Where the heck did you get that?”
Julian spun around. “The gallery.”
“Let me see it.” Without hesitation, Julian handed it to him. Catching the complete indifference on their faces, the fact they didn’t even know they were being photographed, hit Brodie over the head like a mallet. “Do you believe I didn’t see it coming? Her walking out on me? Look at us. We look like combatants in a war zone.”
“I know. But I couldn’t resist.”
Brodie lowered the photograph, looking at Julian’s crisp blue eyes. After handing it back, Brodie asked, “You ready?”
“Yes.” Julian stuffed the photo into his suitcase.
After he locked the door, Brodie held Julian’s hand. When he bypassed the dining room level, Julian tugged at him. “Where are you going?”
“You’ll see.” Brodie found the line had dwindled down as the dining room had opened.
“Brodie?”
Smiling at Julian’s surprised expression, he asked, “Yes?”
“You sure? It’ll be up in the gallery. Everyone will see it.”
“I know. Make sure you get to it before Amelia does. She’ll most likely tear it up.”
“Shit.” Julian shook his head. “You’re right.”
When their turn came, Brodie swallowed his intimidation and asked, “Can we go next?”
“Yes, of course.” The photographer looked up from his camera and his smile appeared strained. “Just you two? Or are we waiting for two more people
?”
Knowing what he was insinuating, Brodie replied flatly, “Us two. You got a problem with that?”
“No!” came the quick response. “Step in front of the backdrop.”
Knowing he was now scowling in annoyance, Brodie waited for Julian to stand next to him.
Once they were where they needed to be, Brodie heard Julian whisper, “Say cocksucker.”
Instantly a big grin found its way to Brodie’s cheeks. The man snapped his camera lens. Still laughing, Brodie gave the photographer his room number. Julian reached out for his hand and Brodie took it.
“You ready for our debut? Hand in hand?” Julian asked, moving towards the dining hall.
“Uh, no. But I’m starving.”
Julian released his grip on Brodie’s fingers. “We don’t have to prove anything, right?”
“Nope.” He was glad Julian had done that. He wasn’t quite ready for another public spectacle. Leading the way, passed Julian’s old table where everyone stared at him as they passed, Brodie wondered how Julian was holding up.
~
Oh God. Julian didn’t know what to do. Jenny and Paul, Joe and Elaine, all four of his co-dining couples were gawking at him. The two chairs where he and Amelia had sat for the last few nights stood vacant. Julian hadn’t a clue where Harry and his big Polish family were located, and he didn’t want to know. Forcing himself to smile, though he could imagine it was as pinched as he felt, he nodded as he walked beyond them to another table. It wasn’t much better. Though Glenda and Marlene were there, greeting them, most of the company was gray and gnarled.
“Hello,” Julian whispered to them shyly.
As he sat down, Brodie said, “This is Julian.” That was it.
“Hi guys!” Marlene giggled in excitement. “I’m so glad you’re joining us.”
“Thanks, Marlene,” Brodie said sincerely. The waiter immediately poured wine for them for them. Giving him a big smile, Brodie produced a ten and stuffed into the man’s vest pocket. “He’s the best,” Brodie told Julian.
“Thank you, sir.” The water nodded gracefully.
Gulping the wine as if he was dying of thirst, Julian hated the fact that he was facing his old table. They were staring at him, leaning over to talk amongst themselves. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what they were discussing. The eye contact and pointing unnerved him.
Glenda asked, “Did you guys do anything after the sauna?”
“Not really.” Brodie shrugged. “Are you taking one of the tours to Skagway tomorrow?”
“We just figured we’d wander around, like we did in Juneau. How about you?”
Brodie shrugged. “We haven’t decided yet.”
One of the old women asked Julian, “Did you just board the boat?”
Confused, Julian asked, “Excuse me?”
“I just wondered if you just came on. That seat’s been empty before now.”
Under his breath, Brodie snarled, “Shut up, you old crone.”
Julian nudged him to be quiet. “No. I was seated at another table. You don’t mind that I joined you, do you?”
Trying to help, Marlene said, “They’re friends, Rita.”
Before he could add anything, Julian watched the last couple sit with them at their table. He recognized them from somewhere.
As if Brodie read his mind, he whispered, “Hot tub.”
“Oh, right.” Julian nodded.
“They’re on their honeymoon.”
“Ah. That explains it.” Julian finished his wine. A bottle appeared and filled his glass instantly. “Wow.”
“I told you. We’ve got the best waiter in the room.”
“Thank you, sir.” The shy waiter nodded again.
“He certainly keeps our wine glasses full.” Sandy laughed, gulping hers. “I’m Sandy, and this is my new husband, Bob.”
“Hi. I’m Julian. Nice to meet you.” Julian reached for their outstretched hands.
“Where did you come from?” Bob asked.
Tilting his head, Julian asked, “You mean originally?”
“No. I mean, did you board late?”
Hearing Brodie’s exhale of disgust, Julian replied, “No. I just changed tables.”
“Really? You can do that? Didn’t you like who you were sitting with?” Bob asked.
Servers rolled out and the waiter delivered salads to the ring of diners.
Julian didn’t know how to answer him.
Glenda said, “They’re friends,” as if that explained it. It made Bob’s expression worse.
As if Brodie had enough, he set his fork down and said, “Look. We met on board. Okay? He wants to sit here with us. Is that going to be a problem?”
His face going red at the force in Brodie’s voice, Julian felt like crawling under the table.
Marlene shouted, “Brodie! No one minds. Julian is welcome! Right?”
A slow murmur of consent rumbled around the circle.
Julian didn’t meet anyone’s eye. Lifting his full glass of red, he noticed Amelia had stopped at their old table. She leaned on it with both hands, talking to them, then to Julian’s acute horror, she pointed straight at him. “I don’t believe her.”
“What?” Brodie leaned over to him, chewing his wild greens and blue cheese salad.
Julian nodded to where Amelia stood.
“What’s she doing?” Brodie whispered.
“Outing me.”
Brodie choked on his food.
With a satisfied grin on her face, Amelia stood tall, gazing at him. All eight people at the table twisted around in their chairs to look at him.
“Shoot me.”
“Calm down,” Brodie whispered.
“Christ, Brodie, she’s coming this way.”
Before she made it closer, Brodie intercepted her.
Julian went pale.
“What’s going on?” Marlene asked Julian. “Is she making trouble?”
“Yes.” Julian swallowed.
~
“Let go of me!” Amelia squirmed.
“Out. Now.” Brodie dragged her to the corridor outside the dining room entrance.
Once they were past the gawkers, Brodie shoved her back. “Don’t you fucking do it.”
“Screw you, faggot.”
Enraged, Brodie body-slammed her to pin her against the wall though he wanted to use his hands to strangle her. Breathing fire as he tried to control his temper, he warned, “Julian has something to fear from you, I don’t. I’d just as soon wring your fucking neck.”
“Get away from me.”
“You’re sucking his money from him. You’ve got yourself another loser to latch on to, leave Julian alone.”
“What the hell’s wrong with you? Both of you? I can’t get why you good looking men don’t like women.”
“Ever look in the mirror?”
“That’s rude. You think you’re helping him?”
“Why are you doing this? What did he do to you? He paid for your cruise, didn’t he? He didn’t leave you, you left him.”
“Come on. He wanted you before I left him. Don’t give me that. All that bullshit about us not having anything in common. I’m not as stupid as you think I am.”
“I’m asking you to leave him alone. This is hard enough.”
“Why? Why should I do that? You don’t think it humiliates me that he’s shacking up with a guy?”
“Please. I’m asking you once. Nicely.”
“Nicely? I’m pushed against a wall.”
Brodie backed up.
She gave him a once over, pausing at his crotch. “Man. I can’t believe you like men. What a waste.”
“Amelia.”
At the sound of her name, she met his eyes.
“Please. Have a little pity. You have no idea what hell this is.”
“It’s your own fault. Society doesn’t really accept it. It’s all just a front for the liberal democrats.”
Brodie rubbed his face tiredly. “You’ve already to
ld your own table. Let us tell ours. Okay?”
“Whatever.” She walked away.
~
Julian had stopped eating. Waiting, he drank two more glasses of wine, which the waiter was so good about keeping full.
“Don’t worry, Julian.” Marlene smiled kindly at him.
“Thanks, Marlene. But you don’t know Amelia. She’s a woman hell bent on revenge.”
“I can talk to her.” Marlene set her napkin on the table, battle ready.
Julian smiled, patting her arm. “I think Brodie’s got it handled. But thanks.”
“What’s going on?” Sandy asked, trying to see out of the door. “Why did Brodie leave?”
“He’s coming back.” Julian watched him strut in. Even the way the guy walked was a turn on.
Brodie glared at Julian’s old table as he passed. Julian could tell he was making sure he met each set of eyes.
“Come on. Just sit down, Brodie.” Julian wished he could hurry him up.
Moving out his chair, Brodie joined them, picking up where he left off on his salad.
“Everything okay?”
“Yup.” Brodie chewed, washing it down with red wine.
“Good.” Julian rubbed Brodie’s thigh under the table.
“Don’t worry about anything, Brodie.” Marlene leaned over Julian to speak to him. “If you need someone to be on your side, I am.”
“Me too!” Glenda added.
“Side?” Sandy set her glass down. “What’s going on? Why are we taking sides?”
“Nothing.” Julian tried to smile at her. When he looked across the table, four sets of senior citizens were staring at him suspiciously. “Oh great,” Julian sighed, finishing his meal.
~
Thanks to Glenda and Marlene the dinner wasn’t a total loss. The two women kept up happy chatter, distracting Julian from his bitter thoughts. Waving at them as they left the dining room, Brodie grabbed Julian’s elbow to stop his progress down the hall.
“What?”
“Come with me,” Brodie ordered and Julian followed. When Brodie ended up at the lobby and the reception desk, he asked, “Why am I here?”
Brodie physically brought Julian to stand at the desk.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes.” Brodie pointed to Julian. “This man no longer wants to pay for his ex-girlfriend’s way. Can you remove her from his credit card and get her to use her own?”
