Let It Beatle Box Set - 7 Gay Romance Stories

by J. D. Walker

  I laced up my boots, grabbed the messenger bag on the bed, and headed to the kitchen, now empty. I shoved my cellphone and keys into random pockets and walked out the front door, locking it behind me. I saw Trent and Shirley standing next to their bicycles.

  “See you all at the store,” I said with a wave and began my trek down the street. I wore an old top since I didn’t want my work shirt to become sweaty. Before I’d taken ten steps, Trent and Shirley rode up next to me and kept pace.

  “I’m sorry about earlier, Bill,” Shirley said. “I just worry about you, is all. Trent and I have each other, but you seem so alone and I want more for you, you know?”

  I looked at her and smiled. “It’s okay. I know you mean well. You guys go on. I’ll be fine.”

  Flashing me a grin, Shirley winked at Trent and the two of them took off down the road.

  By the time I arrived, the store was already open. My shift wouldn’t start for another half hour, so I’d taken my time getting there. I greeted Austin, standing at the cash register. Trent and Maury were already stocking books, and Shirley was likely in the back, checking on orders.

  The day went quickly, with a brief stop for lunch at the diner. Murphy made the best food I’d ever tasted, though to be fair, I wasn’t a picky eater. Still, others had the same opinion of his cooking, and Austin had gotten himself a gym membership just to keep the pounds at bay, or so he claimed. Maybe I would do the same one day. I was in no hurry.

  On the way home that evening, I walked along the beach, boots and socks in hand as my feet sank into the sand and water ran over my toes. It was warm enough for people to be stretched out on towels or frolicking in the waves. I waved at the folks I knew but didn’t stop, not wanting to intrude.

  It was almost seven-thirty when I unlocked the front door to the house, and the sun had just set. I could hear Trent and Shirley upstairs, and their T.V. was on. After a quick shower, I reheated the beef stew I’d made a couple days ago and settled in the living room on the couch to read. I didn’t have a T.V.

  I was on the early shift the next day, so I’d need to be at work by seven. I took care of the dishes, brushed my teeth and went to bed, the thoughts of Thorn that I’d kept at bay flooding back to haunt my dreams.

  * * * *

  Memorial Day weekend was busy, as expected, and with Maury, two retirees who helped out from time to time, and myself, we were run off our feet. But that meant sales, and sales meant job security, so it was all good.

  Monday wasn’t the busiest day because everyone was either watching the parade, lounging at the beach, or enjoying the huge barbecue fest. That evening after we closed the store early, Maury went to the shore to hang out with his boyfriend, and I grabbed some barbecue to take with me for dinner.

  When I arrived home, there was Thorn Blackstone, sitting on the steps leading to my door, a small, ragged duffel bag next to him. I stood there, gaping at him, not sure what to say.

  The bruises had faded, but he looked gaunt. His clothes were far from clean and his skin was dirty. He had leaves in his hair, and there were holes in the battered Converse he wore. I wanted to feed him ten thousand meals, wash him from head to toe, and tuck him into bed, right next to me.

  After a long staring contest, Thorn got pissed and stood, though he wobbled a little. “You said I could come here if I needed a place to stay. Was that a fucking lie or what?”

  I finally snapped out of my daze. “No, it wasn’t. Come on.”

  I walked past him and unlocked the front door. I led the way inside, moving immediately to the kitchen when I heard his stomach growl. I turned on the light and set the barbecue on the table.

  “I know you’re hungry, so wash your hands and have a seat.” As he did so, I took out a plate and set it down, along with utensils and paper napkins. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and tossed it at him. “If you’re still hungry when you’re done with that, I can make you something.”

  Thorn’s stomach growled again, but he didn’t look at the food, only stared at me, his expression confused and wary of hope. “What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?” It was sad to see so much suspicion and distrust in someone so young. But I understood it.

  “It’s just food, Thorn, no strings attached. You can leave right after you eat, if you want. Or you can stay and sleep on the couch. I will never ask anything from you in return. Never.”

  Thorn stared at me for a few more minutes, then gave me a small nod and focused on eating. It didn’t take long for him to finish the barbecue, so I made him some sandwiches and gave him more water.

  In the meantime, I made lasagna for tomorrow’s meal, enough for two people should Thorn still be around. By the time he was full, I was out of bread, sandwich meat, and sliced cheese. Where he put it all, I didn’t know, but I was happy to give him that much. We didn’t say a word to each other, but I could feel his eyes on me as I moved around the kitchen.

  It was close to eleven when he started nodding off at the table. I hadn’t heard Shirley or Trent return from their trip, but they were working tomorrow, so they’d likely be home soon. I had the day off.

  I briefly touched Thorn on the shoulder to wake him. He startled and jumped out of his chair, fists up. I backed away, hands in the air. “You were about to do a face-plant in your plate. Are you staying or going?”

  He lowered his fists, eyes uncertain. “I…” He started to fidget.

  I took a deep breath. “The couch is yours. There’s a bathroom down the hall to your left. It has towels and soap in there. If you need a toothbrush or toothpaste, or whatever, I have extra in the cabinet above the sink. I’ll bring you a blanket and pillows so you can set yourself up.”

  Not waiting for his response, I moved around him, keeping my distance as I gathered what I needed and quickly made up the couch. I heard him come into the living room. “You can shower now, if you like, and do laundry in the morning.” I hoped he would, since he smelled like he hadn’t had a bath in a few days, not to mention the scent of stale cum.

  “I don’t have to work tomorrow,” I continued, “so we can talk some more about what you want to do.” I cleared my throat and willed myself to stop babbling, those clear eyes of his searing into mine. “My bedroom is down the hall from the bathroom. If you need something, just knock.”

  When he didn’t say anything further, I turned to walk away. “Good night, Thorn.”

  I heard a softly mumbled, “Thanks,” as I left the room.

  After washing up in the other bathroom, I brushed my teeth and settled in bed. I listened to Thorn moving around beyond my door. Maybe I was crazy having a stranger in my house. I mean, what did I really know about him? He could be a thief or drug addict, and I, the biggest fool in the universe. But somehow, I didn’t think so. He reeked of desperation borne out of bad circumstances and possible abuse. I thought he simply needed time and the chance to find his way again.

  * * * *

  I woke to what sounded like an argument and threats of bodily harm. It was a female voice, which would mean Shirley. Uh-oh.

  I jumped out of bed and ran into the living room to see Shirley being held firmly against Trent’s chest as she berated and kicked at Thorn, who was yelling right back at her.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” I snapped, loud enough to get their attention, and everyone froze.

  “Who the fuck is this, Bill? We go away for a few days and come home to find this”—she wrinkled her nose in disgust—”punk on your couch. He smells like a garbage dump. What, are you fucking strays now? You can’t be that desperate.”

  “Shirley!” Trent hissed, shaking her a little. “Calm down. This is none of our business.”

  “Of course, it is! We share this house, and what’s more, my dad owns it. As his representative, I have a say in who or what gets to stay here.” I saw Trent wince at her snotty tone.

  I was pissed. “Since when? I pay rent, same as you. You have no right to tell me what I can or can’t do in my hom
e. You don’t even know what the hell this is about!”

  “Bill…” Thorn said.

  I looked at him in surprise. “I didn’t think you knew my name.”

  He blushed. “Fred gave it to me.”

  Well, that made sense. I wasn’t thinking too clearly right then.

  Thorn added, “I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble. I can leave—”

  “Hell, no! You’re staying put.” I turned to Shirley, who still looked ready to kill. “And as for you, Shirley, you have definitely overstepped. You need to apologize to Thorn, who has done nothing to you and about whom you know nothing. How dare you come in here and cast aspersions on someone’s character just because of the way he looks or smells? You don’t know anything about this, and I am ashamed to know you would act this way toward another human being. Apologize or get out. Right. Now.”

  “I don’t have to do a damn thing. I don’t want him here. He could be a drug dealer, for God’s sake. I wouldn’t feel safe if he was around.” With murder in her eyes, she broke free from Trent and came toward Thorn, but I stepped between them.

  “You aren’t the fucking landlord! Your dad has to decide—”

  “Daddy will do whatever I want,” she snapped. “It’s my word over yours, especially since I had to convince him to rent to you in the first place, because you’re bla—” She faltered, eyes wide as her hands flew to her mouth. Wow.

  Trent stepped away from her, looking appalled. “Shirley, you…Bill’s been your friend—our friend—for years. How could you…?” He stared at his girlfriend as though he’d never seen her before.

  I would have never thought to see the day…“You know what, Trent? It’s okay. I’ll find another place to stay. I have today off, and I can probably get Austin to give me another day, too. Tory will have room at the motel for a little while, now that most of the tourists have gone, for the moment. I have some money saved up I can use.”

  I turned to Thorn. “You can come with me, if you want. I don’t want to see you back on the streets. It’s no way to live. We can find you something to do to earn your way, if you like. I’ll talk to Tory and folks in town. We’ll take care of you.”

  Thorn looked miserable, all the fight gone out of him. “I didn’t mean to come between you and your friends. I’ve been awful to you and all you’ve ever done is try to help. I don’t deserve—”

  I placed my hands on his shoulders. “Yes, you do! We all deserve trust and a chance to build our lives from scratch, no matter our background.”

  He sniffled and nodded, staring at the ground.

  I addressed Shirley. “I don’t have that much here, as you well know. Most of it is books. My lease was month to month, and I’ve already paid for this one. I’ll be out by tomorrow and contact your father, who actually owns this property.”

  She flinched, as if she’d been slapped. Perhaps it was finally sinking in, what had just happened. “Bill…” She swallowed. You don’t…you’re not really leaving, are you? How will you—?”

  I ignored them and set about moving out, not caring whether they stayed or left. I had phone calls to make.

  * * * *

  Tory didn’t ask any questions, just handed over the keycard for a room at the far end of the complex. He didn’t make any comment about Thorn, but nodded and gave him a smile when he was introduced.

  Thorn seemed startled by his reception, but he nodded cautiously and followed closely behind me as we left. I unlocked the door to our temporary home and stepped inside. I heard Thorn close the door behind him before sitting on one of the two beds. He really needed a shower.

  “Why don’t you clean up?” I said. “I need to finish moving out of the house and then return the car to the rental agency.” I set the food and other items I’d brought from the kitchen after cleaning out the fridge and cabinets at the house, along with some water and soda, on top of the chest of drawers.

  “Are you sure you want me here, Bill?” Thorn’s voice was small and shaky. “I’ve ruined your life and you don’t even know me. I’m not worth all this.”

  I kneeled on the carpet, taking his hands in mine. “I know enough, and yes, I want you here. You are worthy of everything in this world, and one day, I hope you believe that. I want to help you get back on your feet. You have a lot of potential, you know? To use your wits to survive on the streets takes courage and intelligence. How about we find a way for you to use those skills to keep a roof over your head without turning tricks?”

  He wiped his nose with a grubby hand. “Okay.”

  I gave him a small smile. “Good. Now, I’ll be in and out the rest of the day. I’ll figure out something for dinner. Maybe you can set things up in here as I drop stuff off, yeah?”

  I left him sitting there, looking uncertain. At least my soon-to-be former housemates weren’t around when I arrived, which was a relief. I could be mad at how things had gone, but perhaps it was for the best. Maybe I’d become too comfortable and complacent. I, more than anyone I knew except Thorn, knew how quickly things could change for good or bad.

  It was sad how little I had accumulated, except for the books. There were piles upon piles of those. Two pots and a frying pan belonged to me, along with plastic containers, a few plates, cups, and utensils. I would need to buy paper plates to tide us over for the time being. Clothing fit into a couple boxes; shoes, I threw into the backseat. It took all day, but I got it done.

  I left the key on the kitchen table after cleaning the place and stripping the mattress. When I returned to the motel, Thorn had done his best to arrange our living quarters, except for the books.

  “Just how many fucking books do you have, Bill?” he asked, hands on his hips as he looked at the boxes stacked against one wall. He’d taken a shower and wore an old T-shirt and a pair of cut-off jeans. I tried not to notice how they hugged his hips and toned, slender thighs, or the bruising on his legs and arms.

  “I don’t remember. A lot? It’s an addiction, I suppose. Never was much for T.V., and I don’t have a computer or tablet.” I grabbed a box and placed it on one of the beds, choosing a book at random. “I’ve always loved to read. One of the first things I did, once I got my job at the bookstore and access to the employee discount, was buy a book. And then I bought more. I can’t seem to stop. But I’ve read most of them. They seem to fill a hole, somehow.”

  I set aside the book. “What do you want for dinner? We could eat at the diner, and I want to go to the secondhand store a few blocks down. I need stuff for summer, and so do you.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my…I can’t p-pay you,” Thorn stammered, fists clenched and a sort of angry despair on his face as he glared at the floor.

  I attempted to soothe him. “Don’t worry about paying me back right now. When you get a job, and start earning cash, then we’ll talk about it.” But I wouldn’t take his money, no matter what.

  He deflated. “I…I don’t know what to say. Things like this don’t happen to me. Ever.” He picked at a hole in his shorts, pulling on the thread.

  “Well, they do now. Let me shower right quick, and we’ll go eat.” I left him there and returned ten minutes later in a short-sleeved polo shirt, pants, and sandals. “Ready?”

  He nodded, and we left the room.

  “I love it out here,” I said as we sauntered along in the late-afternoon sun, people scattered about in the distance on the beach. “I’d never even seen such a large body of water before I arrived here. It’s so peaceful, compared to what I was used to on the streets. It seemed so…clean, you know?”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thorn nibble on a fingernail before he said, “I used to live in a town six hours from here—grew up there. I had a fake I.D. and would go to the clubs a lot, and being young and willing and stupid, I was real popular with the guys. Then one day, this older guy says he wants to set me up in a house. I’m thinking, this is the gravy train. I give the guy sex, he pays my bills. Except, he wanted things I couldn’t stomach, and he became vi
olent.”

  He stopped and picked up a broken bit of sea shell and turned it over in the palm of his hand. “He broke my ribs, one arm, and busted my face up real good. Then he took me to the hospital, dumped me onto the ground in the emergency area, and drove off. I was there for a month before I snuck out one night. I started walking, ignoring the pain, and didn’t care where I ended up. I whored my way up the coast to the bar where we met, and then got beat up again because some asshole didn’t like it when I said ‘no.’ Again.”

  I wanted to wipe the tears that ran down his face, hug him to my side, and slay his demons. But only he could do that. “You’re still here, though. You’re a fighter, and you keep getting up, no matter what. You should be proud of that.”

  I left him to his thoughts and we strolled along together until we reached the diner.

  Bertha greeted us at the door. “Hey, Bill,” she said with a smile. “Who’s your cute friend?”

  I rolled my eyes. “This is Thorn. Thorn, Bertha, the owner of the diner.”

  “Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Thorn replied with a small smile, charming Bertha right out of her apron.

  “Now isn’t he sweet! I can tell he’s a keeper already.” She patted Thorn’s cheek, which startled him enough that he stepped back a little, but Bertha either didn’t notice, or didn’t care. “Pick a spot and I’ll bring your menus and something to drink shortly. Coffee for you, I know, Bill, but what about you, sweetie?”

  “Uh, water please, ma’am. Thank you,” Thorn replied.

  She winked and said, “Coming right up,” before bustling off.

  I placed my hand on Thorn’s back to propel him forward and got us to a booth near the windows. We seated ourselves and Bertha brought our beverages before handing us the menus.

  Once she was gone, I asked, “You alright? Bertha’s just friendly that way, and despite how you were treated by Shirley, most people in this town have a ‘live and let live’ policy, and they are always happy to help somebody out, no questions asked.”