Summer Surprise

by Curtis A. Cooper

  “I’ll try to make it up over the fourth,” he said.

  Jeanine smiled, still holding him tightly. “I’ll prepare the fireworks for you.”

  Aaron laughed. “I’m sure the town will do exactly what you want.” He kissed her quickly when the driver returned to his seat, and she stepped up onto the bus.

  When Jeanine got off the bus, Jay was waiting and walked over to hug her. His five foot nine inch height was a little closer to her height, so she was able to place her head on his shoulder without much of a stretch. His solid stature made it slightly difficult for her to reach all the way around him when she returned the hug.

  “Welcome home,” he said.

  “Thanks. It’s nice to be home.”

  “Battle Creek hasn’t been the same without you.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it survived.” She smiled.

  “Yes, it did, but it still wasn’t the same.” He returned the smile.

  She stood back and looked closely at him. “When did you decide to grow a mustache?” She looked at the pencil thin hair under his nose. The color matched his brown hair, which he kept short and parted on the side. Being so thin, the mustache made his face look even rounder than it was. He’d changed to wire-rimmed glasses since the last time she was home.

  “I got tired of shaving above my lip. Not sure that’s a good excuse, though. It takes more work to keep it up.” He snickered.

  “Well, it looks good on you, and I like the glasses, too. Much better than those Buddy Hollys.”

  “Thanks. I thought so, too. How many bags do you have?”

  “Just one. There it is.” She pointed to the black suitcase the bus driver had removed from the storage compartment.

  Jay grabbed the suitcase and carried it to his car. Jeanine followed close behind. After placing it in the trunk, he unlocked the passenger door and opened it for Jeanine. As he got in and closed his door, he asked, “Do you want to stop off for a drink, first?”

  “Sure,” she answered.

  “I know this great bar off Kendall.”

  “Right, Jay. You know I’m not twenty-one, yet. Neither are you, for that matter.”

  He laughed. “I wanted to see your reaction. Let’s stop by our famous diner.”

  “You mean the one that’s world famous for its grease burgers?”

  “The one and only.” They both laughed. Jay drove them over to their old stomping ground.

  The restaurant was almost deserted, being so late at night. They took the second booth next to the window, sitting across from each other.

  “Everything patched up between you two?”

  Jeanine contemplated her answer, trying to decide if she really wanted to discuss Aaron with Jay. She had been rolling it around in her head the entire bus ride. All she’d concluded was uncertainty. Since Jay was her best friend, she decided to give in a little.

  “I’m not really sure.”

  “Care to elaborate?”

  “I don’t know, Jay. It’s...” Her voice trailed off.

  “Hey, we don’t need to talk about it. I was only curious in case you needed your friend.”

  “Thanks, Jay. You know I appreciate you. Technically, I think everything’s fine.”

  “Technically. That’s not a word I usually hear to describe a relationship. Makes it sound like it’s manufactured.”

  “What I mean is he hasn’t acted like anything’s wrong.”

  “So what you’re telling me is that your intuition is picking up some nuances in your relationship.”

  “It might be because we’ve been together as long as we have. This is the longest I’ve had a boyfriend.”

  “I see. Some of the romance has taken a vacation?”

  “Yeah, a little.”

  When the waitress came over, they both ordered a chocolate shake and waited in silence until she returned with the drinks.

  Jeanine changed the subject to get the conversation off her. “Are you seeing anyone? You never talk about yourself when I call.”

  “There’s not much to say. You pretty much know all there is about me. And no, I’m not seeing anyone.” He smirked.

  “Why not? You’re a good catch.” She thought for a second. “Come to think of it, I’ve never seen you go out with anyone. What’s up with that?”

  “I guess I just need the right girl.”

  “You have to look, too, you know.” Jeanine smiled wryly.

  “I know what I want, Jeanine. When that girl finds me, I’ll be complete. Until then, I’m content to be on my own.”

  “I don’t want you to be on your own.”

  “Then stay here.” He smiled.

  “I’m serious. You deserve to be happy, Jay.”

  “I am happy. I haven’t given up on that girl finding me, yet.”

  “You’re the guy. You’re supposed to go after her.” Jeanine grinned.

  Jay smiled. “That’s right. I’m supposed to be the chauvinist. What was I thinking?”

  “Come on, Jay.”

  “Why should I be the one who has to wonder if the girl wants to be with me? I figure if she finds me, I’ll know.”

  Jeanine didn’t like that answer, but she let it slide. They finished their drinks and flagged the waitress over for the check.

  “Have any plans while you’re here?”

  “Not really. I’ll probably spend a few days at home... maybe through the weekend.”

  Jay took care of the bill, and they left the restaurant. He drove her home and pulled the suitcase from the trunk. Before she reached for it, he asked, “Want to do a movie or something next week?”

  “Okay. Sounds good.”

  “Great. I’ll call you on Sunday.”

  “Good night. Thanks again.” She gave him a peck on the cheek.

  Jay smiled and let her take the suitcase from him.

  Chapter Four

  “What are you still hanging around here for?” asked Ron. “I thought you were going home last week.”

  College had let out for the semester a week earlier. Aaron had plans to go home for the summer, yet he was still in Fort Wayne. Ron had placed the seed in his head right before the end of the term. So he found himself flooded with questions—issues he had successfully blocked out of his mind a long time ago—or so he thought. Suddenly, they came to the surface, and he was unable to ignore them any longer.

  “I’ll probably go home next week. It’s just that where they live is a town I’ve never lived in. I don’t know anyone other than my folks,” he replied.

  “Is that why you’re still here?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Okay, but why have you holed up in this room all week? Missing your girlfriend?”

  “No—yes.”

  “That narrows it down.” Ron smiled.

  “We go so well together. I mean, look at her slender body and hourglass figure. Granted, she’s a little light on top, but she has those soft curls of sandy-brown hair surrounding that innocent face with just the right amount of freckles crossing the bridge of her nose. And the guys that dare turn their heads after she passes see those teardrop shaped hips... absolutely captivating. Of course, I miss her.”

  “I’m sure you do, but something’s on your mind. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have made that Freudian slip.”

  “What slip?”

  “I can tell you don’t want to talk about it. That’s okay. I think I know what it is, but I’ll let it slide.”

  “No—tell me what you think it is. I’d really like to know.” He looked at Ron inquisitively.

  Ron turned his head away for a moment, then turned it back to face Aaron. “Well, I’m pretty sure you started asking those questions again.” He put up his fingers in mock-quotations. “I surprised you the other day, and you haven’t been able to put it to rest.”

  Aaron stared at him, his lips pursed. Ron had hit the nail on the head, and he knew it.

  Ron continued. “The que
stion becomes whether or not you want to act on those questions. Or are you afraid of the answer?” He waited for a response.

  Aaron said nothing for a couple minutes. The mere thought of allowing fantasies he had buried deep inside to come to the surface was scary. He sought to rationalize it away. “I have a girlfriend, remember?”

  “Oh yes, her. The one you hid your feelings from. The same one I suspect you’re finding difficult to maintain the pretense with.”

  “What do you mean?” Aaron had an overwhelming sense of what Ron was driving at, but he still wanted him to spell it out.

  “I’ve been watching you these past few months. Even Jeanine recognized it, though she must have been telling herself she was imagining things. The passion just isn’t there. You keep holding onto her, but it’s over... all but the parting kiss. Tell me, how many times have you called her since she went home?”

  “We’ve only been apart a week. We’ve talked a few times.”

  “And how many of those calls did you initiate?”

  “She calls me.”

  “Exactly. She’s called you on every single one of those occasions, am I right?”

  “So... look, this is all immaterial. I can’t see myself going out to look for a guy, and I can’t believe you would want me to. Seriously, would you be able to handle a gay roommate?”

  Ron walked over to Aaron and sat beside him. He looked into Aaron’s eyes. Then he grabbed Aaron behind his head and pulled him to his face, holding Aaron’s lips to his for a few seconds before releasing him.

  Aaron stared at Ron, dumbfounded. His eyebrows rose in astonishment. He said nothing.

  Ron smiled and grabbed him again. That time, he forced his tongue into Aaron’s mouth.

  Aaron let his lips part and curled his tongue up to block entry. Their tongues danced as they weaved back and forth between each other’s mouths. Aaron got caught up in the moment, wrapping his arms around Ron. Though slightly nervous, he started to take stock of what was happening. Ron’s tongue felt the same as Jeanine’s. There was no real difference. However, he felt a new sensation in Ron’s semi-bushy mustache touching his shaven upper lip.

  Ron pulled away and gazed into Aaron’s eyes. “Today, you get all your questions answered.” He reached for Aaron’s belt and unfastened it.

  Aaron froze, allowing Ron to do what he wished. After his zipper had been pulled down, he pushed himself up to allow Ron to slide his jeans down. His boxers dropped along with them.

  He felt himself harden as Ron touched him. He watched as Ron dropped to his knees beside the bed. Closing his eyes, he felt a kiss on the end of his manhood, and then moist lips engulfed it. He sensed the tongue as it slid up to the base of his hood and back down the shaft, taking most of its length. Ron’s lips were firm against him. He lay back on his pillow and started breathing erratically.

  Ron let go and climbed on top—his pants having been removed while he tongue-tickled Aaron. Moving into position, he straddled Aaron’s head and resumed working his erection.

  Aaron opened his eyes to find Ron’s member hovering over his face. Mimicking Ron’s movements, he latched on with his lips, dragging his tongue along the top side of Ron’s shaft. In the heat of the moment, he reached up and grasped the soft cheeks of Ron’s butt. He heard a moan. That aided in bringing his excitement to climax. When he exploded, jerking uncontrollably, Ron returned the favor. Aaron tasted the warm, salty liquid entering his mouth. He took Ron as deep as he could and tightened his lips to draw out as much from inside as he could. He found it to be a little slimy, but it didn’t taste bad.

  Ron got off him, but before he could go for a tissue, Ron’s lips were again on his. They had shared each other’s fluids before Ron pulled away with half still in his mouth. Aaron watched him swallow. When Ron gestured with his eyes, Aaron did the same.

  Ron pulled his shirt over his head and then unbuttoned Aaron’s. He slipped his arms inside, drawing Aaron close. They touched skin-on-skin as Aaron initiated the kiss. He wrapped his arms around Ron again and lay back on the bed, gently pulling Ron to lie beside him. Together they stared into one another’s eyes without saying a word.

  Aaron finally broke the silence. “How did you know I would let you do that?”

  “I knew you wanted your questions answered. Besides, I’m able to tell if a person is gay or not. The term most often used is gaydar. Kinda corny sounding, but accurate.”

  “How could you see it in me? I didn’t think I displayed any gay traits.”

  “And what traits are you referring to?”

  “Um... I don’t know... I mean—”

  “I’m sure I know what you mean,” Ron interrupted.

  Aaron smiled, glad he didn’t have to insert his foot any deeper.

  “Contrary to popular belief, most gay men prefer masculine to the flamers.”

  “I must say, this has truly been an eye-opening experience.”

  “Did you like it?”

  Aaron nodded. “Does this make me gay?”

  “Oh, I think you still like women. The question is, who do you like more?”

  Chapter Five

  No answer again, Jeanine thought as she hung up. No answer again. Jeanine hung up the phone. It was the third time in the last five calls she’d placed to Aaron’s cellphone. With July only two weeks away, she wondered if he was coming north. She was preparing to go south if necessary, though she wasn’t sure where to go. She would have to get that information from him the next time they talked.

  She dialed her best friend. “Hi, Jay. Do you want to get a bite to eat?”

  “Dinner?” he asked.

  “Right now,” she answered.

  “I’m at work.”

  “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I forgot what day it was.”

  “The advantages of not working over the summer.” Jay laughed. “I get off in an hour. Give me thirty minutes to get home and clean up... say five o’clock?”

  “That’ll be fine.” She hung up. He’s gonna figure out there’s something up. She dialed Aaron again. She got the same result as she had a few minutes earlier.

  * * * *

  Jay rushed home, having left a little early. He could tell by Jeanine’s voice that she was stressed. She’d tried to hide it, but he knew she was upset about something. He had an eerie sense of what was up, but he wanted to play it cool and listen only. He didn’t think his opinion would help her—at least not yet. He reached her home at a quarter to five and knocked on the door.

  * * * *

  “Wow. You made good time.”

  “I skipped out a few minutes early. I wanted to take a quick shower.”

  “Any place you want to go?” she asked.

  “How ‘bout Sally’s Buffet?”

  “Okay.” I can eat myself into oblivion.

  It was close by, less than ten minutes away, so they made it there while the early bird menu was still in effect. After Jeanine had won the minor argument that ensued before she prepaid for both their meals, they selected a booth toward the back. Jay let her choose which side she preferred to sit on, and he took the red, padded bench seat across from her. The waitress was on her game and immediately came over to their table to take the drinks order and drop off some plates for the buffet.

  The two got back up and went over to load their plates—Jay hitting the steam tables, while Jeanine visited the salad bar. Once their plates were sufficiently filled, they returned to their seats. The drinks had been delivered while they were away.

  “You know, I think the last time I was here, I was with you,” he said.

  She looked around. “Not much has changed.”

  “Nope. Fortunately, the food is still adequate.”

  “Good word.”

  Jay smiled. “Like that, did you?”

  She nodded with a grin.

  They finished off their first plates in silence and got up for round two. Jeanine took a clean plate to the entrees alongside J
ay.

  Shortly after sitting back down, Jay broke the silence. “So what gives me the honor of your company tonight?”

  Jeanine’s eyes rose. “The honor, huh?”

  “It’s middle of the week. We usually wait until the weekend. But any night out with you is an honor.”

  She laughed. “Oh, please.”

  Jay smiled. “I had to try.” He asked again, “Did you have something on your mind, tonight?”

  She thought about giving a lame excuse, but she decided against it. “I just didn’t want to be alone tonight.” Her expression deteriorated. She didn’t try to hide it. Jay could have been blind and would have seen through any façade she could put up. They knew each other too well.

  “I’m happy you chose me to be with.”

  “You always have a way of cheering me up, even in the worst of circumstances.”

  Jay acted on her statement. “Did you two break up?”

  “Uh... no... but he’s becoming harder to get hold of. I called twice today, and no answer.”

  “Maybe he left the phone in his room to charge.”

  “Maybe. I doubt it, though. He’d always made a point of charging it at night. I’ve only talked to him twice in the last two weeks.”

  “Is it possible that where he lives now, the reception is bad?”

  “I suppose, but he never mentioned it to me.”

  “Okay, I see this is bothering you, but it’s all speculation. How about forget it for the night, and let’s go bowl a few games. What do you say?”

  Jeanine smiled, eyes watering a little. “I’d like that.”

  The next morning, Jeanine called Aaron. Finally, she caught up with him.

  “Hello?” he answered sleepily.

  “Good morning, Aaron. Did I wake you?” She looked at her watch. It was nine forty.

  “Mmm... yeah. I had a long day yesterday.”

  She heard a man’s voice in the background asking Aaron who he was talking to. The phone suddenly muffled. “Who’s with you?” she asked.