“Don’t apologize. I just… is everything cool?”
Graham stared straight ahead, hands jammed in his pockets. “It’s fine. Hunter and I are going through a rough time. But we’ll get through it. We always do.”
Brent made an assenting noise to cover his dark thoughts. Fucking Hunter. He never seemed to be around. Okay, he had a reason right now with the elections coming up, but when Brent thought back to the office parties he’d attended over the last few years, Hunter had been a perpetual no-show. In fact, despite hearing about Graham’s “boyfriend” since Brent had started working at Washington/Arts, Brent had never seen Hunter until he’d caught Graham kissing him through the car window three months ago. The guy couldn’t be that busy. Graham deserved to be treated better.
They settled at a table in Kramerbooks and had an enjoyable evening. After Graham helped Brent complete the Buddy Guy piece, they celebrated with more wine for Graham, a beer for Brent, and some appetizers. Graham seemed to have shaken off his upset over Hunter and entertained Brent by acting out scenes from bad movies, causing Brent to laugh so hard he almost spit out his beer a few times. They’d been there for over an hour, talking and laughing, when Brent felt his phone vibrate.
Brent stared at Cody’s name in dismay. “Crap, I totally forgot.” He pressed the button to connect the call. “Hey. Sorry, man, have you played? Aw shit, I can’t believe I missed it. I was finishing something for work and lost track of the time. I’m still in Dupont Circle.”
“It’s cool,” said Cody’s voice in his ear. “Bette and Aurora came and we’re going out to eat now. Want me to come over later?”
Relieved that Cody wasn’t upset, Brent said, “Sure.”
When he set the phone down, Graham raised his eyebrows. “Need to go?”
“No. A friend had a gig but I missed it.”
Graham looked contrite. “Oh, that’s too bad.”
“What can I say, man? You said you wouldn’t distract me, but you so totally do.” Jeez Louise. Brent felt his cheeks flame at how suggestive that sounded.
Graham’s cheeks grew slightly pink as well, but he seemed amused. “Mr. Granger, you say the funniest things.” He picked up his wineglass and took a sip. “So, tell me about what you’ve been writing lately.”
Brent relaxed, leaned forward, and started talking about his latest poems, while Graham listened, avid interest in his eyes.
Chapter Eleven
Brent shivered and zipped up his jacket as he walked from the Metro to pick up Cody. The air had gotten nippy. He stared at the red and gold leaves interspersed among the green, outlined against the brilliant blue sky. He loved October in DC. With the humidity gone, the whole city seemed to wake up and get moving again.
The Saturday morning sunshine matched Brent’s mood as he anticipated the fun weekend ahead. He and Cody were going to hang out all day, then tomorrow he and Graham were taking in a Hitchcock double feature at the E Street Cinema. Brent wasn’t sure which he was looking forward to more. And he planned to be productive too, and finish his current poem. He might even do more research on creative writing programs.
When he pushed open the door to the graphic arts studio, Bette looked up from her computer. “Brent! How are you, honey-pie?”
“Great. You?”
“Fabulous. You lookin’ for your man?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m looking for Cody.”
“He’s in the back.” She turned to yell, “Cody! Get your butt out here, Brent’s waiting.”
Cody emerged from the back room with a wide smile on his face. “Hey there.” He walked over and made as if to kiss Brent on the lips, but Brent turned his head.
“Ready?” Brent smiled to make up for his kiss-avoidant tactics.
“Sure. Let me get my bag.” Cody picked up his messenger bag and kissed Bette on the cheek. “See ya.”
“You boys have fun, now.”
“Bye, Bette.” Brent gave her a wave as they left the studio. They walked along the sidewalk, shoulders bumping.
“Anything new?” Cody asked.
“Naw. Well, I’m looking into creative writing programs.”
Cody stopped to stare at him. “So you’re really going for it?”
“Yeah, yeah. I thought about what you said, you know, jump in and the net will appear and all that. So what the hell, I’m jumping in. I’ll figure out the rest of it later.”
“That’s great, babe!” Cody hugged him right there on the sidewalk, and Brent didn’t pull away this time. “Which programs?”
“Johns Hopkins and maybe U.Va.”
He and Cody took the Metro to Eastern Market and began to wander around the stalls. They were still talking about creative writing programs when someone bopped Brent’s shoulder. Ari stood grinning at him, his girlfriend Lexie at his side.
“Hey, man!” Ari said. “What’s up? I haven’t seen you after work in, like, ever.”
“Hey. Not much, just wandering around the Market. What’re you guys doing?”
“Same.”
Lexie gave Brent a hug. “Brent! I haven’t seen you in so long. You look great. Life must be treating you well.” She smiled at Cody. “Hi, I’m Lexie.”
“Oh, sorry,” Brent said, remembering his manners. “Um, Ari and Lexie, this is Cody, a, uh, a friend.”
“Hello,” said Cody, standing somewhat apart from Brent.
“Hi.” Ari gave Brent a playful nudge. “You been holding out on me, man. I thought I knew all your friends.”
Brent glanced at Cody, whose bland expression gave him nothing to go on. “Um, I met Cody when I was researching that Georgetown article. He’s… he’s a musician. So, what’s new with you two?”
“Not much,” Ari said. “We’ve been working on the house. But I told you that.”
“We have to get together. Did Ari tell you I have a hot prospect for you?” Lexie asked.
“A—what?” Brent cut his eyes to Cody again, but he’d turned away and was checking out the wares on a nearby table.
“This girl is so sweet, Brent, she’s twenty-three, a music major, blonde. I think you’ll love her.” Lexie frowned at Ari. “You were supposed to tell him.”
Ari pouted. “How’m I s’posed to tell him anything when he’s busy all the time and can’t even come out for drinks anymore?”
“Hey, I still make poker nights at Darrell’s.”
“Once a month.”
“Anyway,” Lexie continued, “when would be good for all of us to go out? She loves Thai food, too.”
Brent had no clue what to say. Cody still had his back to them, but Brent could tell he was listening to every word.
“Um, that, uh, give me a call, and we can talk about it.” Brent made a show of consulting his phone. “Oh, man, we have to be going. We have a—a thing in about half an hour.”
“Thing?” Ari asked, wrinkling his brow.
Cody turned to face them. “What he means is we’re going to a gig. My friend’s band is playing tonight, and we’ve been invited to sit in on their rehearsal.”
“Oh. Well, have fun. See ya at work, buddy.” Ari launched a fake punch at Brent’s mid-region.
Lexie smiled at Cody. “Nice to meet you. Brent, call with what days work for you, and we’ll get something set up.”
“Yeah, okay. See ya.”
Brent snuck a peek at Cody as Ari and Lexie walked away. “Thanks for getting us out of that,” he murmured. “Sorry.”
“For what?” Face tight, Cody wouldn’t meet Brent’s eyes, a first since they’d started seeing each other.
Jesus. Way to fuck up, Granger. “You know for what. I’m, I guess I’m not ready for people to know.”
“I get that. But I don’t know if I’m ready to be back in the closet.” He started walking and Brent followed, feeling queasy.
“I don’t know what to say.” Brent disliked the pleading note in his voice. Man up, asshole.
Cody stopped and met his gaze, arms folded. “Well, I don’t know either. We�
�re spending most of our time together, but you won’t even kiss me in front of Bette, of all people, and you barely acknowledge me in front of your friends. I mean, I know this is your issue, not mine, but it feels pretty shitty to me.”
“I….” Brent regarded Cody’s troubled face, surprised. He hadn’t realized Cody cared that much. Cody had always seemed so chill, willing to go at Brent’s pace. He’d been a patient lover and a great teacher; Brent could hardly wait to get home most nights to receive another lesson. And Cody was a good friend, interested in Brent and his life, encouraging him in his writing. Brent felt like a real shithead in comparison.
He reached for Cody’s hand. “Sorry, man. I should’ve thought about how this is for you.”
Cody had recovered his easygoing expression. “Oh, I’ll be okay. Hey, better watch it. You’re holding my hand in public.” He grinned at Brent.
Brent’s heart opened up. “You’re great. And patient.”
“Oh, I’ve got a lot of patience, babe.” Cody leered at him, and Brent laughed.
“True.”
They stood there, smiling at each other, as the wind picked up and a few golden leaves drifted down.
Chapter Twelve
“Man, Graham was in a shit mood today. I’ve never seen him snap at anyone before in a staff meeting.” Ari lounged on the extra chair in Brent’s cubicle, waiting for him to finish up so they could go to lunch.
“I know. I wonder what’s wrong. I mean it’s hard to get the magazine out the week before Thanksgiving, but—”
Cindy, the magazine’s receptionist, stuck her head in and said in a loud whisper, “He broke up with his boyfriend. Or, the other way around. And by the way he’s been moping, I’d say it’s the other way around.”
Brent stared at her. “True facts?”
She gave a solemn nod. “Don’t ask me how I know, but yeah, it’s true. Stupid Hunter, what a jerk.” Like most of the magazine staff, Cindy was fiercely loyal to Graham.
“Fuck.” Brent couldn’t believe it. The elections had happened a few weeks ago, Hunter’s congresswoman had been reelected, and Graham had been so happy, anticipating Hunter’s homecoming.
After lunch, Brent walked to Graham’s office. The door was uncharacteristically closed, so he knocked, trying to ignore the pounding of his heart.
Graham opened the door, looking harried and impatient.
“Oh. Brent. Come in.” As Brent walked in, Graham ran a hand through his hair, muttering, “You’re about the only one I can stand right now.”
Brent felt a lump in his throat at those words. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“How I’m—? Oh. News travels fast around here.” Graham sat back down, shoulders slumped.
“Um, tell me if I’m butting in. I’ll go away.”
“No, don’t go. I… it’s nice you’re checking up on me. Thanks.” He studied his desk instead of Brent. Then he said in a low voice, “It’s hard. But I’m dealing.”
Being this close to him, Brent noticed the circles under his eyes, and felt a wave of anger at Hunter. He waited, but Graham didn’t offer anything else.
“Well. Um, let me know if you want to hang out or… or anything.”
Graham gave a tight nod. “Yeah. I’d like to do that. Sunday? Or will you be away for Thanksgiving?”
“No, I’m staying. Darrell and I have to go to the Sorenson’s for their fancy Thanksgiving soiree. Kill me now.”
Graham laughed. “You’ll survive.”
“What about you? Are you gonna be okay? I mean, do you have a place to go?”
“Of course. Mother is overjoyed I’m coming home to New York City for once. Don’t worry about me.”
“Okay. Well… see you Sunday.” Brent walked toward the door.
“Brent.”
He stopped and turned around.
“Thank you.” Graham’s mask slipped for a moment, and he bit his lip, appearing young and lost, before recovering his composure.
Brent couldn’t stand it. He clenched his fists as the words burst out of him. “He’s an asshole! Anyone who’d leave you is crazy!”
Not wanting Graham to see the sudden moisture in his eyes, Brent got out of there and fled to his cubicle, wishing a painful death on Hunter for making Graham look like that. He threw himself on his chair and smashed the keys on his computer, pretending they were Hunter’s face.
Chapter Thirteen
Christmas music floated in the air.
Brent sat at his desk, typing like a madman, trying to get his article finished before deadline. It didn’t help that the noise in the office had been escalating steadily as the staff finished for the day and started getting ready to head out for their annual holiday party. Everyone was in a festive mood, so festive that some had started the party early, breaking open the booze and passing around a platter of Christmas cookies.
Graham came sailing through, singing along to the music in an incredible voice. Of course he’d have a great voice too, thought Brent. Unreal.
Graham paused at Brent’s cubicle. “Still working? Hurry it up, Granger, don’t want you to miss the party.”
Brent couldn’t help but smile when he saw the holiday touches Graham had added to his outfit. His glittery Santa hat and neon reindeer tie made him look ridiculous yet somehow glamorous in a way only Graham could pull off. He’d even put on eyeliner, which highlighted his striking eyes, not that Brent was thinking about Graham’s eyes. Much. Okay—yes, Brent had to admit he loved Graham’s eyes as much as he loved Graham’s outrageousness. It was good to see him in a better mood these days.
“I’m hurrying. If everyone would shut up and leave me alone….” He paused, realizing he’d just told the boss to shut up, and laughed.
Ari popped up from the other side. “Wow, someone’s feisty tonight. You must be getting some, you’ve been in a good mood for weeks.”
Graham grinned. “He does seem quite chipper these days, doesn’t he? Who’s the lucky girl?”
Brent’s face grew warm, and he kept his eyes on the computer screen, although he’d stopped typing. “No one you know. Now, can you let me finish this damn article?”
Ari let out a whoop. “I knew it! Are you bringing her to the party?”
“Uh, no.” Brent’s hands grew clammy. “Come on, guys, leave me alone.”
“Yes, sir!” Graham gave him a mock salute and walked away, saying over his shoulder, “See you later, then. Don’t be late.”
Ari continued to stand there, regarding Brent with a shit-eating grin. In desperation, Brent turned to him. “Okay, I’ll spill, but after I finish, so, please, go away for half an hour.”
“I’m outta here.”
When Ari came back, the office was quiet, everyone else having left for the party. Even so, Brent stood and scanned the room before gesturing to Ari to join him in his cubicle.
“So? Who is she? Do I know her?” Ari beamed at him like an eager puppy.
“You’ve met him. Once.” Brent waited, watching as Ari’s face grew confused, then wondering.
“Him? Are you telling me…?” Brent nodded. “Holy shit, Brent! You’re full of surprises. Wait, I’ve met him? It’s not Graham, is it?”
“God, no. It’s Cody, the guy I was with at Eastern Market.”
“Oh. Oh, wait, when Lexie was going on about setting you up? Oh, God.” Ari guffawed. “That must have been awkward.”
“Um, yeah. You’re not freaked?”
“A little, man, but what the hell. Whatever makes you happy. And you seem happy these days.”
Gratitude surged through him for the way Ari was taking this. “I am. I’m glad you’re not freaked. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
“Really? I’m honored, man. So, you bringing him tonight?”
“I—no, I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I’m only going for a little while.”
Ari opened his mouth, like he wanted to say something to that, but then shrugged. “Whatever. Come on, before they drink a
ll the booze.”
Cody sprawled on the couch, playing guitar. Brent’s apartment was still. He looked at the clock. 11:30 p.m. Giving the strings a sudden smash, he threw down the guitar and fumed. Brent had said he wasn’t going to his work party for long. That was four hours ago.
“Fuck this.” Cody grabbed his cell and pushed a speed dial number. Bette picked up on the second ring. “What’s up, baby?”
“I didn’t wake you?” Cody lay down, picking at a thread on the sofa cushion.
“Naw, I’m reading, Aurora’s asleep, what else is new? But why are you calling me instead of gettin’ it on with your man?”
“Because my ‘man’ is at his company Christmas party and about three hours late getting home.”
“Ohhhhh. Someone’s jealous.”
“I guess.” Cody shifted to his side and stared at the mess of newspapers on the coffee table. “I had an interesting visitor tonight.”
“Who?”
“Brent’s brother Darrell came over. He wasn’t reaching Brent on his cell, so he decided to pop in.”
“Jeez. What’d you tell him? He still doesn’t know about you guys, does he?”
“No, we’ve never even met. I made something up about being a friend from the magazine, that I came over to work on Brent’s computer. Whatever. He didn’t care.”
“So, what else? You sound upset, baby.”
Cody took in a breath and let it out slowly. “Yeah. He said he needed to reach Brent about the tux for the wedding, and to remind him that their parents are coming in on Thursday for the rehearsal dinner.”
Bette made a surprised noise. “Wedding? Who? Darrell?”
“Apparently. Yeah, apparently, Brent’s brother is getting married on New Year’s Day, Brent is the best man, and Brent’s parents are coming to town, and guess who knew nothing about any of this? Brent’s boyfriend who he’s been sleeping with for the past four months.”
Cody’s throat got tight. He took another deep breath, surprised at the amount of emotion welling up.
“Oh, baby, that sucks. Brent is such a love, but you knew going in this wasn’t going to be easy.”
Wild and Precious Page 4
