Smoldering Desires

by C. E. Knipes

  Traffic to Buffalo was light, and we were soon pulling up in front of the first rental shop. When we entered, I half expected Brent to be trailing us. But thankfully, he did not appear. A salesman was immediately at our side.

  “Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Charles. How may I help you?”

  I let Sebastian take the lead.

  “Hi, Charles. I’m Sebastian and this is my boyfriend, Evan.”

  “Very pleased to meet both of you.”

  “Thank you, Charles. We’re looking for tuxes for our Fall Formal this Saturday. I understand it’s a little late in the game. This is our first formal event together as a couple. I’d like it to be extra special. I want nothing but the best.”

  “I understand completely. Please follow me.”

  I fell in line behind Sebastian. I was still all warm and fuzzy because he’d called me his boyfriend. I think this was the first time he had used that word publicly.

  After ten or fifteen minutes under Charles’s expert supervision, Sebastian had picked out a Michael Kors black jacket, vest, pants, and shoes. He chose a teal wing-tipped pleated shirt with a silver cummerbund. To this he added a paisley silver bowtie and a silver paisley pocket square.

  “Your turn, Evan.”

  I also chose a Michael Kors black jacket, vest, pants, and shoes. However, I chose an ivory pleated mandarin shirt with a yellow vest. I also selected a paisley silver bowtie and a silver paisley pocket square.

  “Excellent choices, gentlemen. This way to the changing rooms.”

  “I’ll try mine on first.”

  Sebastian disappeared into one of the rooms. When he emerged moments later, I was dazzled. He was so incredibly handsome. He looked simply stunning. Sebastian turned to Charles.

  “I’m going to need the suit taken in a little in the jacket. The pants will need to be shortened a bit as well.”

  “Very good, Sebastian.”

  He smiled at me as Charles took numerous measurements. When Charles was done, I took several pictures of Sebastian with my phone.

  “Your turn, Evan. I’m going to leave my tux on so we can see how we’ll look as a couple.”

  When I emerged from the changing room, Sebastian let out a long, low whistle.

  “You look incredible.”

  “Thanks. I feel like a prince. Or a princess.”

  Even Charles laughed at my lame joke.

  “Charles, I will also need alterations in the jacket and the pants.”

  I waited while Charles took his measurements. I then stood next to Sebastian.

  “How do we look, Charles?”

  “You’re a very handsome couple.”

  “Will you take a few pictures of us?”

  “Certainly.”

  I handed Charles my phone then stood to Sebastian’s left. He put his left arm around me and placed his right hand on my forearm.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes, Charles,” we answered simultaneously.

  “Smile.”

  Charles took several pictures and returned my phone to me. I scrolled through them with Sebastian looking over my shoulder.

  “What a handsome couple, if I do say so myself.”

  “Your modesty is overwhelming, Sebastian.”

  “I’d have to agree with him, Evan,” Charles piped in. “You two are a striking pair. I can have these ready by Wednesday. Will that work?”

  “That works fine,” Sebastian assured him.

  We followed Charles to the register, and Sebastian paid for the tuxes and accessories. He neatly folded the accessories and placed them in a store bag. We were just heading to the door when Brent and Mike walked in.

  Chapter Four

  I saw them the same time they saw me. Neither one of them was surprised. I knew immediately this was no accident. They had followed us.

  “Look who’s here.”

  As Sebastian turned around, Brent and Mike made a beeline for us.

  “What the hell are you doing here, Brent? This can’t be a coincidence.”

  “Of course it isn’t, Sebastian. They followed us here. I saw them come in. Neither one of them was surprised to find us here. Your stalker ex-boyfriend is back in action!”

  I knew I shouldn’t have said that. But I was getting tired of Brent and his bullshit. I certainly struck a nerve. He came right up to me and got in my face.

  “What did you say to me?”

  “I said his stalker ex-boyfriend is back in action. Did you hear me that time, dickhead?”

  Brent clenched and unclenched his hands. His face was turning an unusual shade of red. I felt certain he was going to launch himself at me. Or take a swing at me. My first thought proved correct, as he made a lunge toward me. Without hesitation, Sebastian stepped between us. Brent hit him so hard with his body he rocked Sebastian on his feet. But my stalwart boyfriend remained standing. It was Brent who bounced off his chest like a rubber ball. He hit a rack of dress pants, and both he and the rack went crashing to the floor.

  Charles came storming over, outraged.

  “We do not fight in this store, gentlemen. Whomever started this altercation needs to leave. If they don’t, I won’t hesitate to call the police.”

  “No need to do that, Charles. We’re leaving. Come on, Evan.”

  I trailed Sebastian out of the store. I half expected Brent and Mike to follow, but they didn’t. Sebastian was silent when we got in the Jeep.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. But I think I’m going to go to the police station tomorrow and get some advice. Maybe I have enough now to file a report. That will be the first step toward a restraining order.”

  “I’d be happy to go with you. I could be your witness.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. But are you certain you want to get mixed up in this? I mean legally?”

  “I’m in it this far. Let’s go all the way and see what can be done. I think I’m starting to want Brent out of your life more than you do.”

  “Not yet, Evan. But I can certainly understand your viewpoint. Now, let’s put all that behind us.”

  “How do you feel about Mexican food for dinner?”

  “I love Mexican food.”

  “Great. I know a little place near here that makes the best margaritas in Buffalo.”

  The restaurant proved to be only a ten-minute drive. I was pleased to see it was not one of those Mexican chains. It touted authentic Mexican food. As authentic as you could get in Western New York. As soon as we were seated, Sebastian ordered margaritas for us. They were delicious and strong. We had them finished before the waiter returned with our chips and salsa. Sebastian ordered two more. I chose arroz con pollo, with refried beans; Sebastian ordered mole chicken, also with refried beans. We snacked on homemade tortilla chips and fire sauce till the second round of drinks arrived. We ordered, and while we waited for our food, I sent the tux pictures to Sebastian. We both reviewed and critiqued our tux choices.

  “We’re going to be the handsomest couple there, Evan.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  When the food arrived, we ordered a final round of drinks. Sebastian still needed to be sober enough to drive back to college. Mine was absolutely delicious. Sebastian allowed me a bite of his, and it was also amazing. After three margaritas, my thoughts once again turned to what was to take place after the formal. I was tingling with anticipation. We skipped dessert, both because I was full and I was also anxious to get home and meet up with Jessica.

  We were just pulling away from the restaurant when Sebastian turned to me.

  “Damn, we forgot to get cuff links. There’s a little shop close to the mall. I’ll run in quick and buy us each a set. That is, if you trust my taste.”

  “I do. You have excellent taste. Plus, I know nothing about cuff links. I don’t even own a pair.”

  Within minutes, we were pulling up in front of the shop. True to his word, Sebastian was in and out in less than ten minutes.

  “Can I see them?”<
br />
  “Can you wait till Saturday night? I want you to be surprised. Since it’s your first pair.”

  “Okay. You know I like surprises.”

  I texted Jessica on the way home. She and Calvin were still at dinner. They would meet us at the Inn Between as soon as they were done.

  When we returned to campus, we smoked a quick joint in my room. We then headed to the Inn Between. As we exited my dorm, snow began to fall. By the time we reached the Inn Between, it was snowing heavily. When we entered, I scanned the bar for Brent or Mike. There was no sign of either one. Jessica and Calvin were not there yet either. I chose a booth near the pool tables. It faced both the bar and the door.

  “What do you want to drink, hot stuff?”

  “My usual beer, plus a shot of tequila.”

  “Going all night, are we?”

  “You know it, mister.”

  I watched Sebastian walk to the bar. I realized then I was in love with this handsome man. Was it too soon? Did love have a timetable? If I shared this with him would he panic and break up with me? Or want a timeout?

  He hadn’t yet returned with our drinks when Jessica and Calvin walked in. They saw me and headed over. I stood up when they reached the table.

  Calvin was very good-looking. He stood well over six foot and must have weighed in at no less than 230 pounds. But I was betting it was all muscle. Jessica didn’t normally go for the bear types. He had dark brown hair, closely cropped, as were his mustache and full beard. He resembled a lumberjack in his flannel shirt and Carhartt pants. Calvin’s hazel eyes took in the measure of me in one glance. I could tell by the way Jessica was acting that she was very anxious and excited for the two of us to meet.

  “Evan, this is Calvin. He’s from Montpelier, Vermont.”

  “Calvin, this is my best friend, Evan.”

  Calvin extended his hand and we shook heartily. His hand was large, warm, and strong.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evan. I’ve heard so much about you in the short time I’ve known Jessica. All of it good, I might add.”

  “It’s nice to meet you as well, Calvin.”

  I liked Calvin instantly. Despite his size, I could tell he was gentle, soft spoken, and well-mannered. It was obvious how smitten he was with Jessica. He was extremely attentive to her. She was just as smitten with him. They sat across from me, with Jessica on the inside.

  “Where’s Sebastian?”

  “He’s at the bar, getting our drinks.”

  “Jess, what would you like?”

  “I’ll take an Absolut and cranberry.”

  She watched Calvin walk to the bar.

  “Wow, Jess, you seem quite taken with him. In so short of a time.”

  She reached across the table, grabbed my hand, and squeezed it.

  “I know, Evan. I have such a good feeling about him. He treats me so well and he’s just so nice in general.”

  “I’m very happy for you.”

  “Thanks. That means the world to me.”

  Sebastian returned to the table.

  “You must be Jessica. Hi, I’m Sebastian.”

  They shook hands.

  “Very pleased to meet you, Sebastian. Please call me Jess.”

  “I think I’ve seen you before. Weren’t you the girl sitting in the lounge when I came to meet Evan for our first dinner date? I only remember because you were holding the book you were reading upside down.”

  The three of us burst into laughter.

  “Good Lord. Yes, that was me. I wanted to see what you looked like. However, Evan didn’t want me to meet you so soon.”

  Calvin returned a few minutes later. After he had been introduced to Sebastian, he suggested he and I shoot a game of pool.

  I was just getting up to head to the closest pool table when Brent walked into the bar. He was with a man I didn’t recognize. He was very good-looking. As I watched them walk to the bar, I felt certain Brent and this man were together. As in the biblical sense. As the stranger ordered, Brent turned and scanned the bar. He spotted me almost immediately. He looked like he wanted to confront me, but he held back. I wondered if Calvin had anything to do with his reluctance.

  I had a bad feeling about Brent being here. I was doubly thankful Calvin was with us. Sebastian had seen them as well. I racked and went back to the booth while Calvin broke.

  “He’s here, Sebastian.”

  “Yes, I saw him. Don’t let him ruin our evening.”

  “Who’s here, Evan?”

  I leaned over to Jessica and whispered, “Brent. He’s with a guy I’ve never seen before.”

  “Where?”

  I pointed him out when Brent’s back was turned.

  “Do you think there’s going to be trouble?”

  “I’m not sure. Sebastian has cautioned me several times to be prepared for anything when Brent’s around.”

  When I turned back to Sebastian, I knew by the look on his face something was wrong.

  “Who’s that guy Brent’s with, Sebastian?”

  He didn’t respond. It was as if he was in a trance.

  “Sebastian?”

  He turned to me, startled.

  “I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?”

  I repeated the question.

  “It’s Drake Peterson. He’s the captain of my soccer team.”

  “You’re fucking kidding me!”

  “I wish I was, Evan.”

  “And you had no idea the two of them were seeing each other?”

  “None. I’ve never seen Brent at any of our practices or games. When Mike was with him in the cafeteria and then again at the tux shop, I thought they were seeing each other.”

  Brent kept casting glances in our direction. He tapped Drake on the shoulder and pointed toward our booth. Drake turned and saw Sebastian. He waved and Sebastian waved back. Words were exchanged between Brent and Drake. Suddenly, they were heading toward us. Christ, was this really about to happen? For a moment, anger took hold of me. Why was Sebastian letting this happen? Why wasn’t he putting a stop to it? Fortunately, our booth only seated four. Unfortunately, they sat at the table next to us. Easily within speaking distance. Drake set his beer on the table and came over to Sebastian. Brent was close on his heels.

  “Hey, Sebastian, how’s it going? I didn’t see you when I first came in. Brent did. He said the two of you went to high school together.”

  He glanced around the table.

  “I don’t know anyone else here.”

  Sebastian introduced Jessica and Calvin.

  “And this is my boyfriend, Evan McGarrity.”

  “Nice meeting all of you. Especially you, Evan. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Nice to meet you, Drake.”

  We shook hands.

  “Yes, Drake, Brent and I went to school together in Lockport.”

  Brent stepped forward as if on cue.

  “Hello, Sebastian.”

  “Hello, Brent. I’m surprised to see you. I thought you were going to school in Vermont.”

  What kind of game was Sebastian playing? He was acting as if this was his first meeting with Brent. Was he trying to catch him in a lie? To prove to Drake what a psycho he really was?

  Drake turned to Brent.

  “You didn’t tell me you transferred here from Vermont.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought I had. I realized within the first week that it wasn’t right for me.”

  Amazingly, Sebastian kept his cool during this entire exchange.

  “So, Drake, how long have you and Brent been seeing each other?”

  “For about two weeks. We met when he was watching our soccer practice one day.”

  “Interesting. I don’t recall seeing Brent at any of our practices or our games.”

  “Oh, that’s not surprising. I tend to keep a low profile and blend in.”

  Brent looked pointedly at Sebastian and then me. He seemed to be daring either one of us to cause a scene. I was determined not to. At least, not at
the moment. It was then that I noticed for the first time that Brent was a tad wobbly. Upon closer examination, it was quite evident he was drunk.

  “Who’s up for a game of pool?”

  “I am, Drake. Calvin and Evan are already playing. Brent, you can keep Jessica company. Don’t bore her with any old Lockport stories.”

  Brent shot Sebastian a look of death. He then glared at me as I returned to my game.

  Drake and Sebastian took the pool table next to ours while Brent ignored Jessica and sat alone at his table.

  It was hard to keep an eye on Brent as well as focus on the game. Calvin proved to be an excellent player. All too soon, he was sinking the eight ball. Jessica had next quarters. I placed another pile on their table, as well as Sebastian’s. I grabbed my beer and stood by their table while she and Calvin played. The snub was not lost on Brent. Brent placed quarters on the table Drake and Sebastian were playing on. When he turned to go back to his seat, he almost fell. Drake had been watching and caught him just in time.

  When it was Jessica’s turn to shoot, Calvin offered to get the next round.

  “Why don’t you let me get this one, Calvin? Brent, give me a hand.”

  “Sounds good, Drake.”

  Brent got up, unsteady on his feet. Drake was watching him intently. He got drink requests from each of us, and he and Brent headed to the bar. I stepped over to Sebastian.

  “What the hell is going on here? Is he a psycho or what? He’s now dating the captain of your soccer team?”

  “Yes, isn’t that something. This is typical stalker Brent behavior. Obviously, he hasn’t told Drake that we dated for three years. Let’s just play it cool and see where he takes this. Just be prepared for anything. By the way, I’m betting he’s going to have a hissy fit very soon. He can’t shoot pool to save his own life. That was a big issue for the two of us, as trivial as that seems. He always insisted on trying, but I would always win.”

  “Good to know.”

  Drake and Brent returned with our drinks. As Drake took his next shot, Brent returned to his chair.

  Drake gave Sebastian a run for his money, as they say, but Sebastian was soon sinking the eight ball.

  “Damn, you’re good.”

  “Thanks. A dollar fifty a lesson.”

  “I need another lesson then.”