Chasing the Sun

by Nikki Mathis Thompson

  Then stop making the sounds in your head you hard dick.

  Luckily it just looked like he was carefully contemplating his response.

  “You have a way of making people feel welcome. You put them at ease without them even knowing. That, my friend, is a talent.” She had a strange look on her face. If he didn’t know better there was a little moisture in her eyes. But that couldn’t be, right? Trey was a tough-ass. And just as quickly as that thought entered his mind she schooled her expression and winked.

  “Thanks. I’ve been honing those skills since I was a kid. When your name is Trevia Swartz, your dad sports a yarmulke, and you live in a small Texas town—you have to work a little harder to earn the acceptance of your peers…and before you even go there, no Space Balls references or I will cut you.” She lifted a little knife she had behind the bar for affect.

  He laughed. “What? That didn’t even enter my mind…well until you brought it up. I don’t even like that movie…much.”

  He slid off his perch, his ass sore and legs a little numb. He pulled out a fifty and placed it on his bar. It was well over 20%. He waited tables in college and he knew how it felt to have your livelihood hinge on the generosity of patrons. Plus he took care of his friends.

  “Thanks, Trey. Be careful going home…and… ‘May the Swartz be with you.’”

  He laughed at the look that came over her face. She was trying so hard to be annoyed, but failing miserably. It was so cute. He got halfway to the door and then remembered something.

  “Hey, I was going to take Ruby to the park tomorrow—there’s an art festival. Do you want to go? Not a date or anything. I know you probably have a rule about customers and all that.”

  Her nose crinkled a little. She had the most expressive face, he just wished he knew what the expressions meant.

  “Well, I have to be here at 4, but I could go for a little while. I usually sleep in after closing the bar, but after four cups of coffee and a plate of Migas I’m usually ready to go.”

  “Cool. Here’s my card, my cell’s on there. Text me or whatever.”

  She nodded and put the card into her back pocket. He waved one last time and walked out the door.

  “Ian, you have one fine derrière,” Trey mumbled. She wouldn’t even get started on his eyes.

  Chapter Five

  Ian walked onto the sidewalk, Ruby trotting faithfully beside him. The weather was hot, but there was a flutter of wind swirling about, making it almost pleasant. He loved that he could walk to almost any destination—in Dallas he had to drive everywhere. The Jeep was great and all, but being outdoors on his own two legs, there was nothing like it.

  Trey was standing by the designated street sign where they’d agreed to meet. She lounged against the metal pole in a short white skirt and a yellow tank top. Her dark curls were flowing well beyond her shoulders from what he could tell. He’d never seen her hair down. She looked hot—and it wasn’t from the weather.

  What? Friend or no, guys have a one track mind. And that track led right between the legs.

  “Hey there, handsome, who’s this?” She put her sunglasses on top of her head and crouched down as best she could, nuzzling Ruby’s head. She did the ‘who’s a sweet dog’ thing in that voice people use when they’re talking to dogs and babies.

  He found it endearing.

  She ruffled the appreciative pup’s furry ear one last time and stood up to give Ian a kiss on his cheek. He hugged her small frame into his side.

  “May I present, Ruby. Next to my mom and sister, she’s the only woman I trust.”

  “That sounds about right. Women are manipulative bitches.”

  He liked that she didn’t say “what about me.” She was confident, it was almost a swagger like a guy would possess. Ian supposed that was one of the reasons they’d bonded so quickly. She was like a dude, but with a nice rack. He meant that in a totally non-tranny kind of way.

  “So now that you have me out of bed and amongst the day walkers, where should we start?” she asked, putting her sunglasses back on her freckled nose.

  “Well, how about there?” Ian pointed towards a row of tents to their left.

  She looked down at the dog. “Lead the way, Ruby.”

  The grassy lanes were filled with people from every walk of life. Dogs dressed in costumes. Sticky handed children with painted faces. Zydeco music wafting from the other end of the park. They stopped at every booth and chatted about nothings and somethings, easily and naturally. Most of the tents were filled with artisan jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and photographs.They laughed at the urinating dog made of metal that was supposed to decorate a lawn. That was almost as ridiculous as the donkey painting priced at three hundred dollars. They told the artist, who they later named the hippy Santa, how much they liked it. Ian even went as far as saying that he’d never seen an ass quite so realistic before. Trey made a weird sound in her throat, somewhere between a cough and a choke, before escaping to the next display.

  Trevia modeled large sun hats and a hideous tie-dyed vest. Ruby sampled organic dog treats. Ian watched them both with affection. Ian offered to buy her a small necklace that grabbed her attention. It was a dainty copper chain with an antique Tibetan medallion hanging from its middle link. She refused his offer, but seemed to appreciate the gesture.

  “That’s so sweet of you to offer, but I can’t let you do that.”

  Ian was a little surprised. “Since when did girls turn down jewelry?”

  He’d thought that was kind of their thing, jewelry and shoes or whatever.

  She smiled and put her hand on one hip. “Since guys think it gives them license to get their penises massaged.”

  He laughed. “I’m not like that.” He could barely keep a straight face. No matter the situation, a guy would opt for a dick massage.

  “How do I know that? I haven’t known you very long, so I’m going out on a limb, pal. Jewelry equals you expecting me to touch your penis or you wanting to touch my boobs.”

  “Uh, news flash—of course I want to touch your boobs, but me buying a necklace has nothing to do with that. And if you want to caress my dong, I won’t stop you. Again, no purchase required.”

  The side of her mouth lifted and she laughed softly. “Come on, handsome.What I need is food.”

  She pulled his hand towards the long line of food trucks with every kind of food one could think of and a few he would have never imaged. For instance the one they decided on served Asian tacos. Ian didn’t know there was such a thing, but here they were.

  “I think I want the seared tuna with wasabi mayo,” Trey pondered. Ian was leaning towards the shredded pork and kimchi slaw. He was feeling adventurous.

  “It just proves a theory I’ve had for a long time,” Ian said as they waited for their order.

  “And that would be?”

  “That if you put it in a tortilla, people will eat it.”

  “Really? That’s your theory?”

  “What, you were expecting something profound?”

  “Yeah, like… the prolific influence Asian food has had on the culinary world…something like that.”

  “That’s what I meant to say.”

  They found an open picnic table nearby and dug in.

  After taking a large bite, Ian said, “Confucius say these are muy bueno!”

  She may have snorted.

  “Thank you for the amazing day. I’m so glad you invited me. I would have lazed around all afternoon,” Trey said. She was standing on the curb and Ian was in the street so they were almost eye level.

  “You’re welcome. Thanks for the company. I think things are always better when you can enjoy them with a friend.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad I could fill in until you go back home.”

  “Hey, you’re no fill-in and don’t think you’re getting rid of me just because I live in another city. You’re stuck with me, shortie. I’m one of the few guys who can have a hot girl as a friend.”

  It was true,
he could…though he still pictured them naked and wondered what it would be like to have sex with them. Come on. Male evolution has its limits.

  She gave Ruby a snuggle and hugged Ian. He noticed that she had a good hug. And by good he meant that her large breasts smooshed up against his chest. He may have gotten partial wood as a result.

  See…limits.

  “Have a good night at work.”

  “You’re not coming in?” she asked.

  “My buddy from college lives here and he wanted to grab a drink.”

  “Well, grab one at the Royal. We have an amazing singer tonight.”

  He thought about it for about half a second and agreed.

  Chapter Six

  “Did you water my plants?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you lock up when you left?”

  “Yes.” That yes came out a little more annoyed than the first. “Ian, I’m not an idiot. I can handle a few tasks…By the way your plant in the hall died. Oh, and I took a pair of your boxers.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Well, my thong was wet and I didn’t feel like going commando.”

  Ian sighed. “Do I even want to know?”

  “Probably not.”

  He smiled to himself. He missed that whack job.

  “So you sound like you’re doing great and you’re new friend sounds awesome.”

  “Why did you say friend like that? Seriously Mads, we’re just friends.”

  “Uh-huh. It’s okay to get ya some.”

  “I know that. But she’s not a hook up type of girl. I like her. She’s like you, except normal.”

  “Well, that sounds boring as shit.”

  He laughed and decided to drop it. “Mads, you owe me a plant…And water it this time.”

  “Oookay. Dude you’re kind of being a bitch about all this greenery.”

  “And for a self-proclaimed tree hugger you sure have a way with living things.”

  “Hey! I didn’t kill your fish. He totally committed suicide. Seriously, he slit his fins…it was really sad.”

  “I miss you, you fruit cake.”

  “I miss you too, Ian. And hey, have fun down there…and please, for the love of God, let someone play with your pickle.”

  “Um, I’ll work on that. I’m going out tonight, so I’ll make sure to let it hang out of my zipper.

  “Hmm, 3-D advertising. I like it.”

  “Bye, Mads.”

  “Bye-bye, pumpkin.”

  Ian waved at Trey as he took his usual perch in front of the bar. She brought him a beer and chatted as long as she could before being called away.

  “Sorry I’ve been neglecting you. It’s been crazy tonight. Rory always brings in a big crowd. Your friend still coming?” she asked, shaking a drink vigorously then pouring the mixture into four shot glasses.

  “You haven’t neglected me, and yes, he was just finishing up with bath time.”

  “Helping with bath. I like him already.”

  His buddy Lucas arrived when Ian was on his second pint. They did the bro-hug and Lucas ordered a boilermaker so he could catch up. Ian hadn’t seen him in over five years but remembered their times in college fondly. Like the time they had to stay up all night studying for their trig final—each one armed with a water gun prepared to squirt the other if their eyelids started to droop. At some point in the night, soaking wet, exhaustion had disarmed them both. Or the time they threw a party in their apartment pool. Yes, in their pool. There was no water but they made everyone wear their bathing suits. The slip and slide had been a bad idea…ten stitches later. That place was a dump but held even more great memories, most of which involved alcohol and eviction warnings.

  Lucas was a party animal back in the day, but time and family had seemed to mellow him out. They still threw down. There were just no beer bongs or tequila shots involved. No, they partied like grown-ups. Which meant by ten, Lucas was yawning.

  “Sorry, man. I can’t hang like I used to.”

  “No worries. I never stay out very late these days.”

  “Man, it was good to see you, Ian. It’s been way too long.”

  “I know. Funny how years pass by without you even realizing it. Life happens.”

  “You have to come over and meet the kids. Viv is dying to see you, too.” Ian loved Lucas’s wife Vivian. They all met in college. She was one of the coolest women he knew.

  “I would love that. Kiss Viv for me…with tongue.”

  Lucas laughed. “Will do. I almost don’t want her to see you. She’ll make me join a gym. Really, it’s not fair.”

  “Whatever, dude. You look just fine.” It was true. He had a few more inches in the belly and a little salt in the hair. Other than that he looked the same.

  “Said the male model. Were you this good looking in college? I thought you would have gotten laid a lot more if you were,” Lucas teased.

  “It was good to see you, brother.” Ian grinned and they shook hands one last time.

  As Lucas was leaving, he turned and said that he’d call him soon. Ian hadn’t realized how much he needed some male bonding time. Trey was really cool, but sometimes he just needed to hang with another guy.

  “Hey, when is the music going to start?” Ian asked when Trey dropped off another beer.

  “Setting up now. You want anything to eat, handsome?” She smiled and ruffled his hair. He grabbed the towel that was over her shoulder, and as she leaned to grab it, he kissed her on the nose.

  “Hey! No touching the help, asshole.” She was trying to sound stern, but she was smiling too big to pull it off. She swiped back her towel and shook her head, mumbling as she walked away. He was glad she was wearing her extra short shorts tonight.

  “Stop looking at my ass, Ian!”

  Busted.

  He grinned and sipped his frothy beer when the mic buzzed, turning his attention to the small stage on the other side of the bar.

  Finally, some music.

  He was starting to get his own case of the yawns, but didn’t want to go home this early. It was Saturday night.

  There still weren’t any drums set up or even a guitar. What kind of band was this? Finally a bald guy with a silver goatee came up with an acoustic guitar. Ian was about to head out when another person walked out into the stage lights. She wore a tight white tank top and a long flowing skirt, the kind Maddie would wear. She looked barefoot, but he couldn’t tell from where he was sitting. He could tell that her hair was glowing under the lights, copper and fire swirling together in a mass of lose curls. She sat down on a tall stool and the tips of her feet touched the floor. She was shod with thin sandals. Her toes were painted bright orange.

  Ian must have been gawping because he didn’t see Trey approach nor did he hear her a-hem several times.

  He finally came to when she said, “Another one bites the dust.”

  “I’m sorry, what?”

  She sighed. “Oh nothing, you just have that look guys get when they first see Rory. She puts men under a spell.” She waggled her fingers. Her voice was teasing, but her eyes weren’t completely with the program.

  “Nah, nothing like that. I was just curious is all.”

  “Okay, if you say so.” She rolled her eyes and walked off.

  What was that about? Maybe they didn’t get along or something. He didn’t think too hard on it. Especially when the woman on stage put her mouth against the microphone.

  “Hey, ya’ll. I’m Aurora Monroe and this talented guy beside me is Dudley. Thanks for coming out tonight.” Hoots, claps and whistles. “This first tune is a little something I wrote after a particularly gnarly heartbreak.” Her voice made his pants tighten. If a bedroom voice had a bedroom voice, this would be it. And that was her just speaking; when she hit the first set of notes he thought he was going to lose his load right there on his bar stool.

  Sultry and smoke.

  Soul and sex.

  He was under her spell all right…The notes became liquid smoke
drifting lazily over the crowd. Only to stop above him—the foggy tendrils seeping into his pants. As far as he was concerned she was singing to him about love and loss. Her hands entwined around the mic stand, eyes closed. He wanted to be that mic and stand so bad he ached. To have her hands wrapped around him, her full lips paying homage to his cock.

  Holy fucking shit.

  There was a slight sway in her shoulders as she sang. And as the last note of the song hung in the air you could hear a pin drop. She made him feel things, things he hadn’t felt in months. He had to meet her, and he knew just the person to make the introductions.

  Chapter Seven

  Ian wasn’t surprised when his museum project was running behind and was going to be over the proposed budget. In the ten plus years he’d been an architect he’d grown accustomed to this fact and also cultivated a go with the flow attitude. The reality was it happened nine times out of ten. The sun was hot on his back, the large un-rolled CAD drawings spread in front of the him. He wiped his hand across his head and prayed they could continue this back and forth in the air-conditioned trailer adjacent to the site. His prayers where not answered, the foreman seemingly unaffected by the scorching heat.

  He tried to focus on the conversation—water features and shallow pools throughout the sculpture gardens—but all he could think about was the sweat running down his back. Some beads breaking the barrier of his boxers. When the horse was dead and beaten, he rolled up his drawings and bid them sayonara. He had to get back to his computer to update the design, get the approvals from the investors, again, then work on his other projects he was juggling. Even though it was trying, even annoying at times, there’s nothing he would rather do with his life. The sun flooded his eyes as he gazed at the iron frame on the back portion of the building. It took him back.

  It was his sixth birthday. There was a present wrapped in He-Man wrapping paper. It was so big his mom had to set it in the corner between a large potted fern and the couch. His parents loudly harmonized “Happy Birthday,” much to his embarrassment, then he ate his cake like an anaconda devouring its prey. When he was finally given the go ahead, he pounced on the gift and tore into the paper with lightning speed. Inside was an erector set with over a thousand pieces. Ian stared, mouth open and eyes wide. That summer, while his buddies were covered in dirt and sweat, he remained pale and clean.