by C. E. Knipes
“True. Would you like me to leave?”
“No.”
“Is Max inside waiting for you?”
“No. I just texted him that I wasn’t home yet.”
There was an awkward moment of silence.
“How come, Evan?”
I wasn’t going to lie to Sebastian.
“I don’t want to see him tonight. I’m feeling melancholy. I was wishing it was you waiting for me to come home and not him.”
There, I’d said it, and there was no taking it back.
He took a few hesitant steps toward me, and I came around to the front of the car. He reached out and brushed the snow from my eyelids. I just wanted to take him in my arms and hold him.
“Thanks for the ornament. I love it. I was surprised to find it. It seemed like you’ve been ignoring me all week.”
“I have, but not for the reason you think. I was so embarrassed and mortified that I punched you in the face. I thought for sure you were through with me.”
“I’ve been hit before. And I’m not through with you. I called you today before I left to tell you that I loved you. I chickened out when I got your voice mail.”
“If you love me, then please give me another chance.”
“I’d like to, Sebastian. Now there’s the issue of Max.
“Do you love him, Evan?”
“I thought I did. I tried to. But I knew before I left school that’s not the case. I grew up with Max. I care for him very much. But no, I don’t love him. But I needed someone to fill the void you left.”
“Does he love you?”
“I don’t know for sure. But I don’t think so. I think I was a distraction for him as well.”
I hated myself for asking, but I had to know.
“What about that guy we saw you with at the Inn Between that night? You told me you were seeing him.”
“I lied. That was my cousin, Michael. I did it just to make you jealous.”
“It worked.”
“Have you seen Brent?”
“Only in class. He’s texted and called me numerous times, but I haven’t returned any of them. I want to be with you, Evan, not him. I still don’t know what happened that night before Thanksgiving. I did not invite Brent into my bed. I remember being at the Inn Between with the guys from the soccer team. I texted you that I was having a good time and wouldn’t be out
too late.”
“I got that text. But then a second one came.”
“I never sent another one, Evan. What did it say?”
“I’m still out with the guys. Don’t wait up. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Oh my God. I never sent that. It had to have been Brent. He showed up right after I texted you. He offered to buy me a drink, but I turned him down flat. I told him to get lost. He was angry, of course. He didn’t leave my vicinity, though, but I ignored him. I remember having several more drinks and Brent still being there. The next thing I remember, I was waking up when you knocked him down. He sure had a nice shiner after that. Boy, was he pissed. He considers himself a consummate boxer. You knocking him down like you did sure bruised his ego.”
“He’s lucky I held back.”
“That’s the second time you’ve bested him. Did you take professional boxing lessons?”
“More or less. My dad was big on his sons knowing how to defend themselves. Sebastian, I think you’re right that Brent drugged you that night. Somehow he walked you home and staged that scene the next morning. He was positive I’d show up at your room looking for you.”
“I think you’re right, Evan. It’s the only explanation that makes sense.”
“What else do you remember from that night? Did he buy you a drink? Was he sitting close enough to you to slip something in one of your drinks? You certainly went to the bathroom. You’re a constant pisser when you drink.”
He smiled at my easy familiarity with his habits.
“You know me so well. And you mean pisser in a good reference, correct?”
“Yes.”
“He didn’t buy me any drinks, but he certainly had ample opportunity to slip me something. But enough about Brent. Let’s talk about us getting back together. I’ve missed you terribly. I didn’t realize how much I cared for you till I saw Max at your door that night.”
“Yes, and that night turned out so well.”
“Not one of our finer times, was it? Still, after everything that’s happened, Evan, I love you. Very much. I can’t imagine being without you.”
“I love you too, Sebastian.”
He stepped to me and held out his arms. I stepped between them and hugged him tight. The warmth of his body and his smells were so familiar and reassuring.
“Okay. I’m going to find a motel and get a room for the night. It’s snowing too hard to drive to Lockport this evening. Would you like to join me?”
“Why don’t you stay here tonight, Sebastian? You can meet the rest of my family and leave first thing in the morning. That will get you home by Christmas Eve for sure. Does that sound like a plan? That is, if you would be comfortable staying here.”
“I think I would be very comfortable. If you think your parents won’t mind.”
“I’m positive they won’t.”
It was my older brother Rory I needed to worry about. Fortunately, he wouldn’t be here till tomorrow. Long after Sebastian had left for Lockport.
“Great. Let me grab my bags.”
I grabbed my two duffel bags from my car and waited while Sebastian grabbed his as well. We met at the sidewalk in front of the house, and Sebastian followed me up the steps of the porch to the front door. As was customary, I knocked and went right in.
I could hear voices coming from the kitchen.
“Is anyone here? Mom? Dad?”
“Is that you, Evan?”
It was my mother.
“It is. I’ve brought a friend with me.”
I met her in the hallway, and she enveloped me in her arms. As always, she smelled of cooking and her favorite lavender perfume. My father was right behind her. He shook my hand and then gave me a big hug.
When my mother spotted Sebastian, she kissed him on both cheeks and gave him a big hug.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Sebastian.”
My father shook hands with him.
“Yes, nice to see you again, Sebastian.”
“He was headed to Lockport tonight, but it was snowing so heavily he decided to stop off in Lancaster for the night. I told him it’s okay if he stays here.”
“Of course it is, Evan. We’re happy to have you, Sebastian. The weather forecast is calling for continued snow. It may be you will spend Christmas with us as well.”
I could almost hear the wheels turning in my mother’s head. She gave me that mother smile that plainly said, “There’s more to this story than you’re telling me, but I’ll play along.”
“Hang up your coats and leave your bags here for now. Come into the kitchen. Ian is there, and Colin and Margaret, and Brandon. Rory called, and he, Madeline, and the girls will be here soon. They left early due to the storm.”
We hung our coats on the rack in the front hall and set our bags against the wall, out of the way. My mother shepherded us down the hall, barely able to contain her excitement at having Sebastian here. When we entered the kitchen, it was in somewhat of a disarray in preparation for the big meal in two days.
My father took his usual seat at the table. Ian was to his immediate left; I didn’t recognize the woman sitting next to him. My mother had not informed us about her. This meant she didn’t pass muster. I wasn’t surprised. Ian was typically dating one or two women at once. Usually for never more than a few months. My mother was convinced he would never produce any grandchildren for her. I was betting he would, although most likely of the unmarried variety. Colin and Margaret were next to her.
Numerous empty beer bottles stood on the counter by the sink. Two opened bottles of whiskey were on the table. Half-filled
glasses were in front of everyone but Margaret. And my mother. She drank only wine.
Brandon rose from his chair and hugged me and shook hands with Sebastian.
“It’s good to see you, Sebastian. I hope you can at least stay through Christmas.”
“Thanks, Brandon.”
Aunt Katherine and Uncle Robert were also present. When hugs and handshakes had been exchanged with all of my relatives, I introduced Sebastian. Everyone greeted him warmly. Ian’s latest was introduced as Sherry. I wondered briefly what her stage name was, then silently chided myself for being judgmental. Although, Ian was well known for his poor taste in women.
“Sit down and have a drink with us.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
There was no denying my father when it came to partaking of whiskey. I sat next to Margaret, and Sebastian sat to my right.
There began a lightning round of questions regarding school. My mother asked how Jessica was. I gave her an update and told her Jessica’s parents had sent their well-wishes.
After my family was caught up with me, they moved on to Sebastian. They practically wanted to know his life history and grilled him for a good twenty minutes. He took it with grace, humor, and charm. I watched my mother throughout this process; her eyes never left Sebastian and she was almost beaming with pleasure. When my family was satisfied Sebastian was top-shelf quality, my father asked the question I had been dreading.
“So, how long have you two been back together?”
You could have heard the proverbial pin drop in the room. All eyes turned at once to Sebastian, then to me. Sebastian looked at his watch.
“Going on ten minutes, Mr. McGarrity.”
Everyone burst out laughing at Sebastian’s response. I knew he was going to fit in well.
“Thanks, Dad, for embarrassing me.”
“That’s what dads are for, Evan. Sebastian, please call me Shaun.”
“On that note, I think we’ll go upstairs and unpack and rest before dinner.”
Mother rose from her chair.
“We have a full house tonight, so you and Sebastian will need to double up in your room.
“Thanks, Mom. We’ll manage.”
“I’m sure you will, little brother.”
This remark came from Ian. A chorus of laughter again filled the kitchen. Sebastian and I couldn’t help but join in. My mother tried to keep a straight face as she turned on Ian.
“Ian Michael McGarrity. You mind your manners. Sebastian is a guest in this house. You apologize to both of them!”
Yes, Mother. Sorry, Evan. Sorry, Sebastian.”
“No worries, Ian. We’ll do our best to keep the noise down. We’ll see you at dinner.”
As we turned and left the kitchen, more laughter erupted behind us.
“You’re incorrigible, Evan McGarrity!”
“Aren’t I though.”
Sebastian followed me down the hall and we grabbed our bags. I showed him the upstairs bathroom before grabbing towels for each of us from the linen closet in the hall. We went back down the hall to my room. I opened the door and waved Sebastian inside.
“I love it. It’s like stepping back in time, the time before I knew you.”
My mother keeps all our rooms pretty much the same as when we moved out.”
I set the towels on my desk.
“There are extra blankets in the chest at the foot of the bed if you get cold. Dinner is at six. I’ll wake you at five so we can shower beforehand.”
“Thanks, Evan. I sincerely doubt I’ll get cold with you lying beside me.”
“True that, Mr. Tantalos.”
Sebastian undressed down to his briefs and crawled beneath the covers. I slid in beside him. I could feel the warmth of his body. His scent filled my nostrils. He turned on his side and faced me. I turned my back to him, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His chest hair tickled my back. The head of his cock poked the back of my right leg. There was no place in the world I’d rather be.
“I thought I’d never hold you again, Evan.”
“I thought the same thing. Sleep tight.”
“You too.”
Now that I was back with Sebastian, what would that do to Max? I knew he had a temper. We would have to play this by ear.
My phone alarm went off at five. Without looking, I knew that Sebastian was awake. He wasn’t making any of his regular sleep noises. I turned and found myself staring into his eyes.
“Hello there.”
“Hi.”
“Why don’t you have first dibs on the shower? I’m going to call Jess.”
“Okay.”
He got out of bed and slid off his underwear. He went to the desk and grabbed a towel. However, instead of wrapping it around his waist, he came back to the bed and stared down at me. His lust was palpable.
“Grab my cock.”
When I did, he was fully hard within seconds. I released his cock, spit into my hand, and slathered his cock with it. I began short, quick strokes, alternating these with long, slow ones. I kneaded his balls with my left hand. After several minutes, I moved to quick strokes only.
“I’m going to come.”
I increased my strokes even more. I took everything Sebastian had to give. When he was spent, I stood up and kissed him.
“You best get in that shower before we’re late for dinner.”
After Sebastian had headed for the shower, I called Jessica. I quickly brought her up to speed on what had happened since I dropped her off. She was incredulous. She also shared my concerns about Max.
“If he gets wind of Sebastian being at your parents’ house, you know there could be trouble.”
“I know, Jess. But I couldn’t turn Sebastian out in the snow.”
“I know. I know. He could have gone to a motel. Right?”
“Truth be told, I didn’t want him to. We’re back together, Jess. I love him. I’ll have to tell Max as soon as possible.”
There was such a long pause on the other end I thought my call had been dropped.
“Jess, are you there?”
“I am. Sorry, my mom was calling me from downstairs. I have to say I’m glad you finally came to your senses. And of course I’m so happy for both of you. I truly believe that nothing happened between him and Brent. That was just too convenient. Too planned out. And not something I think Sebastian would have done. I think he would have been upfront with you. Something is just not right about that night.”
“Sebastian and I were just talking about that. He still doesn’t remember much from a certain point that night. We’re both now pretty sure Brent slipped something into one of his beers. Unfortunately, as you said, it’s too late to test for anything.”
“When are you going to break the news to Max?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. What are your plans for tomorrow during the day?”
My mother wants to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. That is, if the snow accommodates us.”
“Is Sebastian leaving first thing in the morning?”
“That also will depend on the snow.”
“Okay, text me with an update before you go to bed.”
“Will do. Good night.”
“Good night, Evan.”
As soon as I hung up another call came in. It was Max.
“Hi, Max.”
“Hi, Evan. Are you home yet? I heard the interstate closed and will be for the next twenty-four hours.”
Thankfully, he hadn’t called the house. Or decided to drop by.
“I just got home about an hour ago. I winced at the small lie. Sorry I didn’t let you know. Things have been a little hectic here. I got off the interstate at an earlier exit and took the backroads home. It was rough going, but thankfully, I have four-wheel drive.”
“Good to hear. What are your plans for tomorrow? I’m anxious to see you.”
“I’m anxious to see you as well.”
God, the lies were certainly beginning t
o pile up.
“I was planning to spend the day with my family, and then it will be Christmas Eve. We’ll have Christmas Eve dinner and then Midnight Mass.”
“What about you?”
“I’m working at the store during the day tomorrow. Then I’ll be at the bar. I’m doing Christmas Eve dinner with the family, but I’m going to skip Midnight Mass.”
“Okay, I’ll see you at the bar tomorrow night.”
That would probably work out for the best. Oh, what a mess I was going to have on my hands come then.
Sebastian entered the room wrapped in his towel.
“It’s your turn, lover boy.”
“I wish you were joining me.”
“Me too.”
I gave him the rundown on Max’s call.
“With the interstate closed that means I will be here till at least Christmas Eve.”
“That’s the best Christmas present ever, Sebastian.”
I hurried through my shower, not wanting to be late for dinner. When I entered the bedroom again, Sebastian was standing by the window, illuminated by the streetlight outside. He was wearing only his briefs. He turned to face me.
“I just talked to my mom and told her the interstate has been closed and will remain so for at least the next twenty-four hours. They will hold Christmas till I get there. Do you think your parents will mind?”
“Please. My mother is ready to burst she’s so happy to have you here. I think in her mind she’s already planning our wedding.”
“Come here,” he growled softly.
I went to him and he took me into his arms. His smells washed over me and overwhelmed my senses. Suddenly, his lips were on mine, and his tongue was probing inside my mouth. His right hand was on my ass, kneading my cheeks. His left was pressed firmly against my cock. He squeezed it vigorously, making me hard. He undid my towel and let it drop to the floor. He grabbed my cock and began stroking it slowly. At the same time, he began kissing my neck. I moaned softly and pressed against him. I began pumping my hips slowly, enhancing the efforts of his hand.
Just then I realized I had left the bedroom door unlocked.
“I have to lock the door so no one walks in on us.”
I had just reached the door when my mother hollered up the stairs.
“Evan. Sebastian. Dinner.”
