Raw Deception

by Lee Quail

  “What’s wrong, darling?”

  “You knew where to find my dad and you never said anything, in all those years?”

  “I didn’t think it was important, Ed. I didn’t think you’d be interested in seeing him.” Angelica said, reaching for his hand. Edward stepped away and collided into Raw.

  Raw whispered in Edward’s ear. “Babe, take it easy.”

  “You knew and you assumed on my behalf?”

  “Please, babe. It’s our weekend. Remember, nothing is going to stop us from having a great time,” Raw tried to convince him.

  “I’m trying to wrap my head around this, Boxer. You went to the air base and met my dad?”

  “Maybe we should talk about this later, darling?”

  “You said nothing. All this time I’ve been yearning for my father, you said nothing. I could have had him in my life years ago, but you said nothing, Angie.”

  “I don’t know what to say, Ed. I’m sorry. Just sorry.”

  “I think we should sort this out later. Let’s get Angelica settled and cool down,” Raw said.

  Edward nodded. He understood now was not the time to be a drama queen.

  “Raw, will you show Angelica to her bungalow?” Edward asked.

  “Sure, babe. Just calm down. Please. For me.”

  “I’ll be okay. “

  Raw led Angelica away and helped her fetch her luggage from the car, the old Anglia she had always relied on.

  For a moment there was silence on the patio. Frustrated, Gregory swept a hand through his hair. “When we met the first thing I asked was how you are, Ed. I asked if she had a photo of you maybe on her cell phone and she said no. But that you were well. I was crossing the tarmac to the flossy when I was called back and there was no time for me to do anything and I couldn’t…I couldn’t…I couldn’t ask the right questions because of the pressure and all I wanted…wanted to…wanted to ask was about you and I told her to please tell you…please tell you that I love you…and I never heard from her again. I didn’t even have time to ask where you were.” He wiped the tears from his eyes and looked away. “Every song I have written is about you. About what I’ve missed.”

  “I’m not blaming you, Greg. It’s just that we could have been together five years ago if only she had told me.” Edward’s throat locked.

  “Don’t blame her. She did the right thing by trying to find me. At least she tried.”

  Edward couldn’t control his emotions as it poured out along his cheeks and lips.

  “I feel as if I’ve been deceived. Robbed of quality years with you.”

  “I know. I feel the same, but there’s nothing we can do about it. We have each other now. Let’s celebrate that. Don’t hate her. She doesn’t deserve it.”

  ***

  “You must believe me, Raw.” Angie insisted on the way to the bungalow. Raw carried her luggage and a few odd packets.

  “I’m not going to take sides in this squabble, Angie,” he said, unlocking the front door.

  “I have my reasons for not telling Edward. I thought it best not to say anything, ever.” She stepped into the bungalow and stood at the door. “Oh my, this is lovely. Love the pristine white of the walls and curtains. Oh, and that mosquito net hanging over the bed is beautiful.”

  “Edward’s idea. Every bungalow has a net. The mosquitoes here are especially bloodthirsty. You’ll see.”

  Raw placed her luggage on the round table beside the bed and stepped back. “How are Curisco and Maria? Have you seen them lately?”

  She unzipped her suitcase. “They’re in Italy. Coming back in a few days. They keep to themselves.”

  “I see. And the gym, how’s it going?”

  “Some new staff. More members. You would have heard by now if there was something amiss.”

  Raw shrugged and headed for the door. “When you’re ready, come up to the patio and join us for a drink. It’s good to see you again, Angie.”

  “Likewise, darling. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Walking still tired him out, so he took it slow towards the main house and he yearned for the day when he wouldn’t need the walking stick. The doctors said it would take about two to three years for him to walk without an aid. When he walked at a slow pace, his limp wasn’t visible, the faster he walked, the more he limped and it irritated him. He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the shouting coming from the house.

  What the fuck is going on now?

  He limped the rest of the way, almost breaking into a broken run and when he got to the house he found Gregory with his hands in the air, pacing the front patio, with Edward following every step he made.

  “How could you do that, Ed?”

  “Uncle Steve isn’t the monster here, Greg.”

  “Oh, so I’m the monster?”

  Raw gripped Edward from behind and pulled him away to one side.

  “Whoa, baby. What’s the problem?”

  “He isn’t happy that we invited Uncle Steve.”

  Gregory, calming down now, said, “I don’t have any say over who you invited, Ed. But I know Steve. He’s not any kind of person I’d invite to a party.”

  “There’s nothing we can do. He’s on his way. It’s my fault. We should have told you earlier that Uncle Steve is coming.”

  “We had no way of knowing there’s bad blood, Greg,” Raw said.

  “I was his friend before I met Sue. Best friends. When he found out that we’d slept together he went crazy. I’ve tried to stay out of his way all these years because he said he never wanted to see me again. He said he ‘d get me one day. This was a big mistake, Ed. You inviting me here. It’s as though all these ghosts are haunting me and I don’t know how to handle it. First Shane, then Angelica, and now Steve.”

  Raw approached Gregory and grabbed him into a tight hug. “Gregory, listen to me. Listen to me. If any person here this weekend doesn’t like our guest list, if any person has a problem with you, they can screw it. Make a U-turn. Go back to wherever in hell they came from. We should have let Shane go. You are Edward’s dad. We love you and they will respect you.”

  Edward stood to one side with his head buried in his hands. Raw beckoned him closer. “Come on, Ed. Come join us in a hug. Your dad’s okay. You’re okay now, right Greg?”

  Gregory silently nodded.

  “I’m sorry, dad.” Edward clutched Gregory’s hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Ed. It’s okay. I got carried away, I’m sorry.”

  No sooner had Gregory apologised than Julia, Joshua, their two children ran into the drive, dancing and singing, and waving at the car just pulled up.

  “It’s Uncle Stephen.”

  ***

  Stephen climbed out of the car and greeted the little ones first, hugged Julia and shook Joshua’s hand. Edward and Raw approached him and before they could greet, he looked up, gazed right into Gregory’s eyes, and said, “What is he doing here?”

  “Hold the phone, Uncle Stephen. He’s my dad. We don’t want friction here this weekend, okay.”

  “No friction, Ed. I promise.”

  “Good, now you’re going to come in and shake everyone’s hand and whatever is going on in your mind, you’re just going to have to forget. Okay?”

  “Sure.”

  He didn’t have much luggage. One suitcase and a couple of bottles of hard liquor.

  “Hi, Gregory.”

  “Hi Steve,” Gregory extended a hand but Stephen ignored it. Gregory slowly retracted. “How have you been?”

  “Good thanks, and you?”

  “Good. Good. Ed get me a whiskey. I’m in this and might as well dance.”

  “Dad, you want something to drink?”

  “No thanks, Ed. I think I’ll just get some exercises in. I’ll see you guys shortly.”

  Gregory walked off in the direction of his bungalow to change into shorts and a t-shirt while Edward went to pour Stephen a drink.

  “Here’s to a good weekend, Uncle S
tephen.”

  “Thanks, Ed.”

  Raw glared at him. “Whatever is going down between you and Gregory best you forget this weekend, Uncle Steve.”

  “There’s nothing to worry about, Raw.”

  “Are you sure? Because Gregory doesn’t think so. He’s mad that you were even invited.”

  “So how come you two are enemies?” Edward asked.

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Dad says you’re bitter because he slept with your sister. Is that so?”

  “Don’t have a clue what he’s talking about, Ed.”

  ”I think you do, Uncle Stephen. Best tell us now, the weekend is still ahead of us. You were his best friend, right?”

  “We were inseparable. I still believe a best friend doesn’t sleep with his buddy’s sister, and that’s what Gregory did. And then it all came out that it was nothing but a one night stand.”

  “This upset you?”

  “Hell, yes! My best friend sleeps with my sister. Wouldn’t you be upset?”

  “I don’t know, I don’t have a sister.”

  “It broke me. One day we’re best friends and the next sworn enemies.”

  “Did you know my dad was gay then?”

  “No. Sue only told me some years later.”

  “What else did she say?”

  “Why is this so important?”

  Raw took the empty glass out of his hand. “I saw your face when you arrived and saw Gregory on the patio. You didn’t have the decency to shake his hand.”

  “There’s nothing more to tell.”

  Edward stepped past him and headed for the door. “I’m going to be with my dad. Just for the record, I think you’re wrong, Uncle Stephen.” Edward headed out, down the steps towards the gym.

  Stephen glared at Raw. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Raw. That was never my intention.”

  “Then prove it. You should have moved on by now. It doesn’t look like you’ve forgiven Gregory at all. It’s time you two kiss and make up.”

  ***

  Gregory pounded the punching bag with all his might. It swung high and on its return he kicked it and came in with several left and right hooks.

  Edward watched him for a moment and smiled. “I know where I get my boxing magic from.”

  Gregory continued punching the bag. He had built up a sweat and it poured down his neck and biceps.

  “I’ve been here two days, Ed. In those two days I’ve been nothing but trouble. Shane hates me for not being out and proud. Angelica has a gripe because I didn’t attend the funeral. You’re angry because I didn’t attend the funeral knowing that we could have bonded back then. Now Stephen comes along and he’s crazy mad at me for sleeping with his sister at a time of my life when I was so confused about who I was. I bet he’ll have more to say about it sooner or later.”

  With each statement he pounded the bag and it swung relentlessly in the air.

  “I’m not angry with you, Greg. I’m not angry. I’m not a child anymore. I understand.”

  “That’s just the thing. You should be angry.”

  “I will never question my love for you. If people have a problem with you, it’s their problem, not yours. Not ours. Raw and me will always stand by you. I am blessed. So blessed to have you in our lives right now. “

  Gregory stopped punching the bag. He clenched his fists and raised them in a cross over his chest. Saying nothing, he gazed at the floor. Seeing only sorrow in his father’s eyes, Edward stepped forward and embraced him.

  “I love you, dad. No matter what happened all those years ago, I love you. You’re my hero. You’ve always been my hero. I’ll always care, no matter where you are or who you’re with.”

  “I never wanted to spoil this weekend for you,” Gregory said with a lump in his throat.

  “Let’s take this one step at a time, okay. Come, let’s get you into a shower.”

  Gregory allowed Edward to lead him by hand to his bungalow.

  “You’ll be fine, everything will be okay. Relax and later join us for a sundowner.”

  “Can I ask you, please. I know I shouldn’t ask this but please stay and talk to me. Will you?”

  “Sure. Of-course.”

  Gregory removed his t-shirt and Edward turned to face the other way.

  “Sometimes I feel it’s just me. I miss what I never had. Miss the friends I could have made. Miss the man I could have had and never met.” He removed his shorts and under trousers. “I wish I could have lived more. And above all, I cry because I missed you.”

  He stepped into the shower and Edward turned to face the other way.

  His heart skipped a beat. This man. This man whom he called Dad, was glorious standing naked in the shower, fiddling with the taps to get the right temperature. His muscular frame was hard and strong with all the right curves from his pecs to his thighs.

  “I understand, dad. I think I may have turned to boxing because of my yearning to find strength in myself. I was also alone. Everyone I dated had some excuse. I thought it might have been me. You know, looking too hard for Mr. Right to sweep me off my feet. It didn’t happen until Raw came along. He hated me at first, well, that’s what I thought. But he wouldn’t let me go. He treated me like dirt and maybe I loved it, I don’t know, but soon we fell in love and I’ve been the happiest man alive since then.”

  “You’re so lucky to have him in your life.”

  “I am. I count my blessings every day.”

  Could it be possible? Watching his father shower, washing his groin, watching the white foam fall off his beautiful manhood, could it be possible that Edward had developed a hard on?

  Edward turned away from the sight immediately for it was possible and it was happening.

  “Pass me a towel, please, Ed.

  Edward tried hard to conceal his hard on by stretching his t-shirt. He picked up the towel on the bed and handed it to his father who stood with his back to him.

  Gregory towelled himself down and tied the towel around his waist.

  “I haven’t brought much to wear. Shorts and T’s, not a lot of underwear. Maybe three jeans and three shirts.”

  “You look fine even if you went around naked.” Edward said.

  “You flatter me. It’ll get you everywhere.”

  “Are you having evil thoughts, Colonel?”

  “Nope. But you are.”

  “Do you blame me? You’re fucking awesome and have a great body. If you weren’t my dad I would have joined you in the shower.”

  “And Raw?”

  “Oh shit. Scrap what I just said. It would never have happened.”

  They laughed out loud just as Raw knocked on the door.

  “Come in.” Gregory announced just as he was pulling a fresh t-shirt over his chest.

  “What’s going on?” Raw asked.

  Edward laughed. “I said to Dad that if I wasn’t his son I’d jump his bones and then he reminded me I’m married to the most beautiful man on earth and we both thought that was funny.”

  Raw raised an eyebrow. “Well, let’s see now. If I wasn’t your son in law I’d jump your bones too.”

  Edward turned to Gregory. “See the effect you have on people?”

  “Not all people. Not Shane.”

  Raw pointed an accusing finger at Gregory. “You like Shane, don’t you.”

  “I do like him. But, I’m too old for him, and besides, he’s engaged.”

  “Lucky for you he likes older guys.” Edward said.

  7

  Saturday

  Gregory lugged armloads of logs and placed them in a heap in the middle of the fire-pit. Joshua and Edward followed and added to the heap until it was high enough to burn the entire night without adding more logs. They finished as the light turned into twilight, leaving the red sky with streaks of golden brightness.

  “Has anyone seen Shane today?” Gregory asked, looking around the fire pit.

  Edward placed the last of the logs carefully. “N
ow that you mention it, I haven’t seen him since you got back from your talk with him this morning.”

  “I hope he’s okay. I tried to convince him that I’m not angry. I don’t know if it worked.”

  “I’ll check on him. Hey, dad, are you going to play a few songs tonight?”

  “Do you want me to?”

  Angie came down from the patio and overheard the question. She sidled up to Edward and said, “Of-course, darling. Music in the mountains. So romantic.”

  “Then I’ll bring my guitar and maybe we can all sing along.”

  “That’ll be awesome,” Edward smiled.

  Gregory felt a warm glow come over him when Shane arrived. Edward called Shane over and gave him a glass of wine, and while they spoke, Gregory noticed Shane staring at him from across the way. Shane wore a red, chequered, short-sleeved cotton shirt and a pair of shorts down to his knees. He walked like a Texas cowboy with buckled knees and a slight swagger. During their conversation Edward nodded in Gregory’s direction, Shane turned and headed to him on the far side of the fire-pit.

  “Hi,” Shane said, smiling.

  Gregory jerked his head around and smiled. “Hey.” His entire being went into adrenaline overload.

  “Do you mind if I sit here?”

  “Sure.”

  “It’s an amazing evening.”

  “I think it just got better,” Gregory mumbled, shifting to face Shane. “Last time I saw you was this morning.”

  “I needed to catch up on my sleep. I was exhausted. Lots of emotions. Still can’t believe what a dickhead I was last night.”

  “It’s over. Glad you finally crawled out of bed.”

  Gregory started shaking his knee and rubbing his thighs. “Tell me about your man,” he said.

  “His name is Joseph. We’ve known each other two years now. Last year he proposed.”

  “He must be quite something. Why didn’t he come with you?”

  “He’s a business analyst. He’s in Bloemfontein on business. He goes wherever his job takes him.”

  Shane’s cell phone rang. He reached for it in his top pocket and smiled, “Talk about the devil. It’s Joe. Excuse me while I take this.”