by Z. Allora
His brothers had texted their thanks, but Andrew added his: “Very thoughtful.”
Justin bumped into Jordon’s side. “Thanks. Makes me feel even guiltier I’m late with the story.”
Jordon rolled his eyes. “No big.”
Megan tapped her aqua talons on the table. “I’ll schedule to have them shipped home. I can—”
Shaking his head, Jordon said, “No need. Everyone should just bring them to the concierge. They’ll ship them home.”
“What?” Dusty asked.
“What?” The shock on everyone’s faces reinforced what Jordon’s therapist had told him. He needed to expect people noticing the difference in him and not knowing how to take the change. Jordon altering his behavior meant they’d need to adjust their perceptions of him and it wouldn’t happen overnight.
Zack stared at him. “You took care of that?”
“Yes, all by myself. I’m having them shipped to the studio for easy pickup.” Geez, it wasn’t like he brokered a Middle East peace deal. He laughed, but it was kind of sad how surprised they were. Though taking this little bit of responsibility was a step in the right direction.
“Dust, our little boy is growing up,” Zack snarked.
Jordon’s pancakes were cold, so he waved the waiter over. “May I have two scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon?”
“Of course,” the waiter said. He returned with the food almost immediately.
“So you’ve been spending a lot of time with Tian Di,” Dusty stated.
With a mouthful of bacon, Jordon nodded and crunched.
Dusty sat straighter in his chair, appearing to get ready for a lecture, grilling, or both. “I—”
“Oh, Dusty, would you help me do a walkthrough of our hotel room? I’m sure I forgot something.” Justin stood.
Dusty showed his intelligence by letting his fiancé drag him out of the breakfast room.
Zack took over where Dusty left off. “Well, now that the tour is starting, Tian Di won’t have a lot of time for you.”
Andrew inhaled sharply and stared at Zack.
“I mean he’ll be busy, right, and we can start hanging out again.” Zack didn’t read or chose to ignore Andrew’s reaction and his.
Jordon didn’t think Zack tried to drive daggers into his heart, so he simply said, “I think Tian Di will still find time to hang out with me, but you’re right. You and I haven’t seen each other much.”
Zack’s mouth dropped open.
“I miss you too. See you in a bit.” Jordon stood and gave him a hug before leaving the room.
JORDON MADE sure his bags were loaded onto the bus, though he couldn’t deny the opportunity to drink in the sight of Tian Di through the bus window. The man casually sat on a damned tour bus, but he looked like a prince receiving accolades from his subjects.
When he noticed Jordon gawking at him, Tian Di grinned and waved.
Jordon’s heart somersaulted.
“Jordie!” Zack ran out of the hotel. “Where’s your stuff? I went to your room, and you were gone.”
Pointing at his bags, Jordon said, “I packed myself.”
“All of it? Do you have your—”
Jordon pulled out his passport. “I really am an adult.”
“Hmph.” Zack piloted him onto the tour bus as though he required assistance navigating the steps.
Tian Di gave Jordon a mischievous smile.
Jordon started to sit next to Tian Di, but Zack chirped, “No need to share. There’s plenty of room on the bus.”
Zack steered him into another seat.
Glaring at Zack did nothing. Why am I letting him control me? I’m an adult. If I want to sit with Tian Di, I will.
Jordon flipped Zack the bird, got up, and plopped his ass right next to Tian Di. The warmth of pressing against the man’s side burned through him, settling the nerves that had been stirred by Zack.
“Hello,” Tian Di said.
Jordon decided to go bold and whispered, “I came super hard thinking about you.”
Tian Di touched his heart as a blush tinted his cheeks a dusty pink. “I think Indigo heard me in the shower.”
“Why, what did he say?”
“Nothing, he simply high-fived me.”
Jordon chuckled. “Nice.”
Tian Di smirked and pointed at Jordon’s shirt. “Lick Me, I’m Delicious. Is that a suggestion?”
Excitement and nervousness skated through him. He’d always wanted to try that. “Maybe… at some point.”
Zack poked in between the two of them and asked, “What are you two talking about?”
“What’s your deal? I’m talking to Tian Di.” Jordon glared, pissed at himself for letting Zack’s appearance stop him from grabbing Tian Di’s hand.
“Yeah, but about what?” Zack probed.
“Nothing.” Jordon resisted the urge to smack Zack. He was an adult….
“Oh, ’cause—”
Josh tapped Zack on the shoulder. “I’m sorry to bug you while you’re trying to insert yourself where you don’t belong, but could Robin speak to you about your crew?”
Zack stood upright, focusing his attention on Josh. Funny but predictable how he went red alert on all things roadie related. He took his job super serious. “My crew… yeah, of course. Robin, what’s going on?”
Josh steered Zack back to his own seat, which was close enough to Robin to speak. “Well, I just think they need to double-check my secondary keyboard. I know I don’t use that one until the second half of the show, but—”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Jordon glanced over at Tian Di.
Tian Di wore a small secretive smile and held his hand open.
Jordon didn’t wait. He slipped his hand into Tian Di’s. A completeness filled him.
The hand holding his felt different. Studying it, Jordon asked, “Where’s your ring?”
Tian Di cleared his throat and raised his other hand. “I moved it.”
What did that mean? Was he saying he was open to being married to more than music?
A thermos was thrust between them, and Indigo asked, “You want some tea?”
Tian Di glared at Indigo. “No, thanks.”
“You should protect your instrument.” Indigo shook the bottle.
Glaring, Tian Di asked, “Did you poison it?”
“Of course not.” He stared at Jordon, then directed his gaze back to Tian Di. “Make sure you don’t either.”
Guilt swamped Jordon.
“Subtle much?” Tian Di said to the vanishing Indigo.
THE DARK Angels exited the bus and tramped up the jet’s steps, heading to Beijing without much fanfare. They’d boarded a private plane like this one a thousand times over the years.
Jordon hung back and fell into step with Made in China. Excited bits of Mandarin bounced around the group.
Jin grabbed on to Styx’s arm and whistled.
Indigo slapped Styx on the back and spoke to him in Mandarin. Tian Di translated for Jordon. “He says he’s going to take some promo shots and will send one to Styx’s father.”
“Why?”
“Last year, Styx almost had to leave the band, but Indigo got him out of a forced marriage and future family obligations with money, along with promises of fame. These pictures will give Styx’s family face.”
Jin gave Styx’s arm a quick squeeze and nudged him toward the steps.
Made in China’s success meant more than just living their rock-and-roll dreams of fame. Each of them needed the band to succeed for personal reasons.
Was his relationship with Tian Di putting that in jeopardy? Tian Di’s smile chased most of the guilt from Jordon’s head.
Indigo took pictures and videos of each of the guys mounting the jet stairs. He had them turn around on the top stair and wave, as if a huge crowd sent them off.
Angel stuck his head out of the plane to call down to Indigo, “Your dad would be proud, Indigo.”
Indigo shrugged and snapped a picture of Angel. “It’s a
great photo op.”
Angel gave a quick wave and ducked back inside the plane.
Jordon offered, “I’ll get you going in.”
Indigo handed him his camera. “Thanks. Just press here. Hold the lens straight. I can edit the pictures later.”
Jordon did as instructed and then entered the plane.
Zack waved to Jordon, gesturing to the empty seat across from him and Andrew.
Tian Di smiled at Jordon. He sat across from Robin.
Robin grinned and guided Jordon into the seat next to Tian Di as if he were unaware of Zack’s calling out Jordon’s name. “There you are. I was telling Tian Di I had downloaded Lace & Frills on my iPad. You guys will really love the animation.”
Robin skirted back to Josh, who immediately grabbed him into a hug as if he needed to scent-mark Robin as his, or perhaps he was simply looking for any excuse to touch him. Maybe for the first time ever, Jordon understood Josh’s need.
Trying not to glance at Dusty, Jordon failed.
Dusty’s eyes narrowed like he wanted to say something, but Justin cuddled into him. “Dust, have you seen the bathroom?”
“What? No, but it’s probably like all the other jet bathrooms, right?” Was Dusty being dense on purpose?
Justin trailed a purple-painted fingernail along Dusty’s neck. “I think you should take a look at this one.”
His big brother actually blushed. Jordon could almost see the lightbulb over Dusty’s head turn on.
Justin winked at Jordon as he strutted toward the back of the plane.
Dusty tripped past to follow his fiancé, not even sparing Jordon a look.
Robin engaged Zack in another conversation with Indigo about roadies.
Divine intervention needed to be appreciated. Jordon kissed Tian Di’s shoulder and then snuggled close, with the excuse of seeing Robin’s iPad screen, as well as sharing earbuds.
ONCE THEY landed in Beijing, Jordon grabbed his bags and slid in Tian Di’s taxi.
Tian Di grinned. “Indigo and Li told me I can relax until dinner. Would you like to see something in Beijing?”
Zack’s text buzzed Jordon’s phone. Want to go to the National Museum?
Nah, but I’ll see you at dinner. To Tian Di he said, “I’d love to.”
After a quick stop at their hotel, Jordon and Tian Di caught a taxi right outside. “You said you’ve been to the Forbidden City already.”
“Yeah, on a trip here a few years ago. Zack took me to the Beijing art museum and the Great Wall.”
“Would you enjoy seeing the Temple of Heaven? This is the temple complex where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went to pray.”
“I’ve seen pictures of the primary-colored holy buildings, but I never made it to the Temple of Heaven. I’d love to go with you.”
Tian Di spoke to the driver and the taxi zigzagged through traffic.
Pointing, Tian Di said, “You changed your shirt.”
Jordon grinned and looked down at his pink shirt, which stated “I Like Boys” in white letters, and shrugged. “I thought this would be less suggestive.”
Tian Di snorted.
ONCE THEY were inside the compound, Tian Di played sexy tour guide. His deep, rich voice swirled around Jordon, making him want to kiss and cuddle Tian Di. “They started building the Temple of Heaven complex in 1406 and finished in 1420, which fell in the Ming Dynasty. The emperors came here to pray for gratitude and good harvests.”
Yet again Jordon was impressed by the facts Tian Di had at the ready.
Tian Di gestured to the grounds. “The entire complex is based on the cosmic laws of the time.”
“How do you mean?” Jordon studied the red circular buildings, topped by a black shingled roof with yellow, blue, green, and red trim racing around the balconies of different floors.
“The most powerful number is nine, so everything is laid out in multiples of nine. Though one hall has twelve inner columns that represent the months, and twelve outer ones that are for the twelve hours of night and twelve of daylight.”
“Interesting. Many artists rely on mathematical equations to create artistic symmetry, but these builders took that concept a step further here.”
They hiked numerous white steps to reach the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
“This is the largest hall and was made completely without nails.”
“The craftsmanship is incredible.” Jordon couldn’t take it all in.
“Make sure you step all the way to the other side of the doorjamb with your right foot. Don’t let it touch.” Tian Di, ever the gentleman, making Jordon’s heart flutter, held out his hand to assist Jordon over the threshold.
Not for the first time Jordon asked himself, how can Tian Di be real?
Jordon made sure to clear the two-foot-high stumbling block. “At the Forbidden City, they said this was a barrier against floods, and we were told if we stepped on it, we’d be inviting obstacles into our path.”
Tian Di nodded.
“You and I don’t need anything else in our path.” Jordon didn’t even think about how that sounded.
Tian Di nodded. “Agreed. I’ll be right back.”
He purchased a bundle of joss sticks, walked to a space in the row with praying people, and lit them. Raising the incense bouquet between his steepled hands, he waved the sticks until they smoked. He put the incense high against his head. His hair fell around his face as he offered what seemed like a heartfelt prayer. He bowed three times to the temple altar, then repeated the bows in all four directions. Lastly, he planted the smoldering joss sticks in the bronze urn and gestured toward the door with his head.
Jordon followed him outside. “What did you pray for?”
Tian Di smiled at him and led him off to the side of the building. “Us.”
“Us?”
Nodding, Tian Di whispered, “I love you.”
“You what?” Jordon’s cry drew some attention, but the tourists soon resumed their tourism.
Tian Di stared deep into Jordon’s eyes and articulated each word. “I love you.”
Joy ripped through Jordon.
He hadn’t concealed how he felt but wasn’t sure if he should, though one look at Tian Di’s sincere and vulnerable expression had him blurting out his own truth. “I love you too. I know it’s selfish with the danger to your career, and crazy ’cause we’ve just met, but I do.”
They stared at each other for a long moment. Jordon swallowed hard. He wanted to hold Tian Di. Megan and his brothers had warned him against any public displays of affection. They were frowned on in China, but at a temple, they were forbidden.
However, where there was a will, there was a way. He suggested, “Selfie?”
Tian Di’s eyes sparkled with understanding. He threw an arm around Jordon and dragged him close.
Jordon breathed him in as he pretended to fuss with the camera. To be close enough to melt into him was everything.
“Ready?” Jordon asked when he couldn’t justify prolonging the activity any longer.
Tian Di purred, “Yes,” then planted a soft kiss on Jordon’s cheek.
Jordon clicked the picture.
With his thumb, he caressed the skin around Tian Di’s index finger.
Tian Di took Jordon’s hand and returned the gesture that felt much more like a promise when he vowed, “Someday.”
JORDON COULDN’T stop smiling. Tian Di loved him. He loved Tian Di. His brothers, Tian Di’s singing, his art, and living half a world apart seemed like distant issues. They needed to figure out a way to make it work.
They spent the rest of the afternoon meandering around the temple complex and trying not to kiss.
Jordon showed the taxi driver the text Zack had sent him with the address of the restaurant where everyone was meeting for dinner.
Tian Di slid his hand into Jordon’s, and they grinned at each other all the way to the restaurant.
Jordon helped Tian Di out of the taxi and paid the driver.
&
nbsp; After giving the waitstaff their names, they were marched down a long corridor toward a private dining room. The closer they got to the end of the hall, the more the colors dimmed and the music changed to gloom and doom. But that was silly.
Jordon opened the door and stopped short.
Tian Di stumbled into Jordon.
Every conversation in the private dining room stopped. All heads turned to study Tian Di and him.
Zack waved Jordon to the empty chair next to him.
Indigo called out, “Tian Di, come sit with your band.”
They were being separated. Their places on opposite sides of the table weren’t just symbolic, but a representation of the literal gulf between them. Geez, love made you uber dramatic.
Sighing, Jordon leaned into Tian Di so he could get one last touch as he passed. Desperate much?
Zack frowned at Tian Di, then asked Jordon, “Did you have a nice day?”
“Yeah, we went to the Temple of Heaven.” Jordon allowed his gaze to find Tian Di’s, and he couldn’t stop the smile from morphing his face.
He loves me. Tian Di loves me. I love him.
“You missed Styx eating a live scorpion,” Zack informed him.
“Ew! Thanks, brain bleach please.”
Zack snorted. “I ordered you beef with broccoli.”
“Um, I thought we had this discussion.” Jordon would not make a scene, but fuck!
Rolling his eyes, Zack said, “No for the table. I made sure we ordered one plate of the beef with broccoli. I wasn’t sure if you’d like anything else that was being ordered. Though the chicken with scallions and ginger is delicious.”
Right, at these things usually the plates are ordered at the beginning. Easy to jump to conclusions but he guarded that boundary. Go him. Defender of independent food ordering. “Oh, um, thanks.”
Angel was at one end of the table telling a story about their first troubled tour. Dusty and Darius added bits, and Josh reined in their embellishments. As funny as the tale was, Jordon kept staring at Tian Di.
His movements were fluid. He was simply beautiful and graceful, but it was more than that. The realization coldcocked him in the face. Tian Di was the living embodiment of everything Jordon could have wanted in a partner, and he loved Jordon.
