by Gerald Lopez
“Where’s my daddy?” Amy said.
“He’s sick and the doctors are helping him get better in the hospital, honey,” Bart said.
“My mamá and Uncle Joe made him sick, didn’t they?”
“Yeah,” Bart said.
“What’s gonna happen to me and my brother?” Amy said, tears coming from her eyes.
Bart walked to her. “Look, see how I’m feeding your brother,” He lifted a spoon that had baby food on it before feeding Milo. “And you’re eating Froot Loops. My friend Jeremy and I are going to take care of you and Milo for a little while. Just until your daddy is all better. Then you and your brother will go back to your old home with him.”
“OK. My mamá and Uncle Joe were really bad people, weren’t they?”
“That’s for sure,” Simon said, which earned him a glare from Julia, and a slap on the shoulder from Reese.
“Amy, sweetie,” Bart said. “It’s OK to talk to us about what happened when you need to, but it’s probably better you don’t mention things to anybody else… including your friends.”
“OK,” Amy said, then went back to eating her cereal.
“I have some time before I need to go to the salon and spa,” Julia said. “Why don’t you and I go to the store and buy you a pretty new dress, Amy. Then you can have tea with me and my business partner Mrs. Lisa.”
Amy smiled from ear to ear, and nodded her head.
“Hang on, who’s gonna watch the kids?” Simon said. “I’ve got two morning tennis lessons to teach.”
“I thought you said you were perfectly capable of handling things on your own,” Julia said, then smiled.
The baby in Julia’s arms burped loudly. Simon laughed, then spoke. “That’s my boy, responding just like I would to that comment.”
“I have the late afternoon shift today,” Reese said. “I’ll watch the babies.”
“Do you know how to feed them and change their diaper, Reese?” Simon said.
“Yes,” Reese said. “And thanks to you, I know how to change a baby boy without getting peed on.”
Bart laughed, Amy looked up at him… then laughed too.
“This is so eerily normal,” Bart said. “I mean, all things considered—it’s strangely normal.”
“Life goes on, dude,” Simon said. “At least, for the living.”
“Can I watch the kids here, Bart?” Reese said. “Their crib, bottles, and other things are here, so it’d be easier.”
“Damn!” Simon said. “We looked at strollers last night, but I forgot to buy one.”
“Get with it, Simon,” Reese said. “I went back and got the two-seater one before we left the store. We just forgot to bring it up last night. It’s still in the trunk of my car.”
“Reese, it’s not a problem for you to watch the babies here,” Bart said. “I’ll be in and out all day, so I can give you a hand feeding and changing them.
“I don’t have any late afternoon classes or lessons… only one class to teach tonight, but it’s late, and Julia will be back by then,” Simon said. “I’ll swing by after my morning lessons are over to get the kids’ things, and move them to my place.”
“Julia’s place is bigger,” Reese said.
“Are you dense?” Simon said. “I wouldn’t let my kids step foot inside that apartment. That place would have to be fumigated and completely redone. Even then, I’d be worried they’d get a drug habit from just sniffing the air in there. Julia can move in with me.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Julia said.
“If the night Rachel tossed the cocaine into the air was any indication of life in your apartment… I can see why you wouldn’t want to raise kids there,” Bart said.
“Rachel wasn’t always quite that extreme,” Julia said. “Otherwise, I couldn’t have lived there. It was just near the end that things took a turn for the worst.” She wiped her eyes with her hand. “Well, there’s no time to dwell on old times with all there is to do.”
BEFORE LEAVING his apartment, Bart helped Reese change the babies, and left him his extra apartment key. He then got Reese’s car keys and went to get the stroller. While heading back to the employee apartment complex, he saw the judge and Mrs. Haymond walking his way. They were dressed in shorts, sneakers, and matching light blue Polo shirts.
“Hey, stranger,” Judge Haymond said, walking up to Bart and shaking his hand. “How are you and the others doing this morning?”
“It seems like life’s back to normal,” Bart said. “It’s just so strange how everyone is moving forward with their lives. Everybody spent the night at my place, except for Frank and Jenna. This morning, things seemed so normal. Even with George’s daughter Amy. She wasn’t crying too much, or hysterical… or anything.”
“Be grateful for that,” Mrs. Haymond said.
“Everyone’s probably a little numb from things still,” Judge Haymond said. “The little girl may need some help when there are less people around, and everything that happened fully hits her. She’s got a great support system in place, though. She’ll be alright.”
“Feel free to call me, if you need any help in that regard,” Mrs. Haymond said.
“Thanks,” Bart said. “I’ll hold you to that. You two seem to know a lot about what happened here last night.”
Judge Haymond spoke as they walked to the entrance of the employee apartment complex. “I asked Frank to call us when things were over, and he filled us in.” He stopped, placed a hand on Bart’s shoulder, and looked him in the eyes. “Remember what I told you a while back in my kitchen. You’re not superman, Bart Farrow. When everything finally hits you, allow yourself at least a moment to ‘feel’ again. If anyone knows how much you’ve had to hold in and turn a cold eye to while you’ve been here, I do.”
“Yes, Judge,” Bart said.
Mrs. Haymond looked at the stroller and smiled. “Let’s hurry up and go inside, I just can’t wait to see those babies.”
“She’s just here for the babies, we don’t matter, you know,” Judge Haymond said.
“Oh, I know,” Bart said.
ONCE THE judge and Mrs. Haymond were settled in with the babies and Reese, Bart left to see James in his office. They went over paperwork and resort business for a while, before James remembered something he had to tell Bart.
“Shoot! I’m so sorry Bart, I forgot to mention that Jeremy’s brother Walt checked into the resort about twenty-minutes ago.”
“I’ll find out which room he’s staying in, and catch up with him as soon as I can,” Bart said.
Gabriel walked in, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. He gave James a long kiss on the lips, then walked to Bart and gave him a peck on the lips.
“How are my two favorite men doing?” Gabriel said.
“I was doing ‘good’, but after that kiss, I’m doing ‘great’… and feeling slightly hot and bothered,” James said.
“That’s a bold statement coming from you, James,” Bart said. “Our business is done, so I will wish you both a bon voyage and be on my way.”
“Wait,” Gabriel said. “I have two things to say before you go.” He handed Bart a thick manila envelope he was holding. “From my uncle for you to give George. There’s only the one copy. My uncle thought George might like to personally destroy it.”
“Your uncle didn’t have to burn down the lawyer’s office to get it, did he?” James said.
“No. The lawyer was so cooperative that my uncle even put him on retainer to deal with things for him, should the need arise. He’ll be handling the paperwork regarding Simon and Julia’s adoption of the babies.”
“What’s the second thing, Gabriel,” Bart said.
“You’re my very best friend in the world, after James,” Gabriel said. “Would you be my best man when James and I have our ceremony?”
“I’d be honored,” Bart said.
Gabriel hugged him, and James joined them.
AS BART walked toward the lobby, he spotted two familiar ladies. The older one
went up to him, kissed him, and gave him a hug so tight that he struggled to break free.
“Not in the workplace, Mom, you’ll ruin my reputation as a hard ass.”
“I’m your mother, it’s my right to hug and squeeze you in public.”
“Hello, Jenna,” Bart said. “What’re you two doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you both.”
“Julia was nice enough to give us coupons for a free massage, facials, manicures—the works,” Jenna said. “We wanted to stay and help with the patients, but you know what a bully Tara can be. She and the other doctors insisted your mother and I take a break…so here we are!”
“It’s funny hearing you call someone else a bully,” Bart said.
“What’s funny is seeing you here, instead of with Jeremy?” Dr. Farrow said. “And here I was hoping to be invited to another wedding, commitment ceremony—what have you.”
“I was planning on going by the hospital to see Jeremy after lunch,” Bart said.
“Honey, he left the hospital over half an hour ago,” Dr. Farrow said. “Walt picked him up, and was going to bring him straight here.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Bart said, agitated.
“Calm down, baby,” Dr. Farrow said. “You look tired. Jeremy wanted to surprise you.”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Bart said. “I feel like things are starting to catch up with me—big time.”
“That’s understandable, honey,” Dr. Farrow said.
“Before you take off to find Jeremy, I have news about George,” Jenna said. “He’s awake, stable, and recovering. In a week or so, he’ll be able to go home.”
“Can he have visitors?” Bart said. “His daughter Amy probably needs to see him to make sure he’s alright.”
“I agree with you.” Jenna said. “Bring her by sometime tonight. “We need to run… we have important appointments to get to.”
“Happy hunting,” Dr. Farrow said, then kissed her son on the cheek.
Bart started walking back to his apartment, then broke into a run, and entered his living room out of breath.
“Whoa, little doggy,” Judge Haymond said. “The kids are all sleeping, so speak low.”
“Where’s Jeremy?” Bart said. “I heard he’s here at the resort?”
“Your friend Reese took him down to the beach, we’re supposed to meet them there,” Walt said from the kitchen.”
“Then let’s go,” Bart said.
Walt followed him outside then grabbed him and hugged him tightly as he whispered in his ear.
“Calm down, my brother.”
Bart suddenly realized he was practically hyperventilating, and he squeezed Walt back as hard as he could. Walt kissed his neck then rubbed his back with one hand.
“You can squeeze me as hard as you like, Bart, I can take it. You’ll have to be a little more gentle with Jer, he’s still pretty weak, and needs help getting around until his legs get their strength back.” He felt Bart squeeze him harder. “I love you, Bart. I’m sticking around for at least a couple weeks, maybe more. The department’s OK with me taking however long is needed to get my brother back in shape.”
“If anyone can help him, you can,” Bart said. He let go of Walt and looked at him. His tight tank top and snug shorts showed off his muscular body; and he was wearing flip-flops, which were a vacation must for him. Bart slapped Walt’s ass and smiled. “Looking hunky as ever, bro. That ass alone will drive the women, as well as some of the men, here wild.”
“Good, because since Brenda and I broke up three months ago, I’ve been horny as hell.”
They walked as they talked.
“And… what?” Bart said. “Don’t tell me a stud like you can’t find a woman.”
“No, but I can’t find an uncomplicated one,” Walt said. “I just want to relax and have some fun… nothing with strings-attached, for now. I even called an old jack-off buddy of mine, but that didn’t work out.”
“Let me guess… he’s married.”
“Worse. He’s celibate. The guy won’t even masturbate, and he’s joined a crazy cult.”
“That is pretty bad,” Bart said, then smiled. “I may have just the cure for what ails you. Have you met Reese?”
“As a matter of fact, I have. And he’s quite the stud.”
“Not only that, you two have things in common. He likes the ladies too, but doesn’t mind no-strings fun with the boys.”
“Are you playing matchmaker, Bart?”
“That may be too strong a word, but he’s a nice enough guy. Maybe you two will hit it off.”
When they entered the lobby and passed the restaurant, Bart spotted Lisa having tea with Julia and Amy.
“I need to say a quick hello to the owner lady. C’mon, and I’ll introduce you, Walt.”
They went inside, and Bart introduced Walt to everyone. Amy looked up from her scone long enough to say hello and smile.
“Is everyone behaving?” Bart said.
“I’m being a good girl,” Amy said.
“I know,” Bart said. “I was referring to Miss Julia and Mrs. Lisa. They haven’t been slapping each other around have they, Amy.” He smiled, and Amy giggled.
“I’ve decided to take over as Julia’s partner in the salon business,” Lisa said. “Marcus won’t be around to continue that partnership. And since Julia and I already co-own the two salon and spas here in Maynard Shores, it makes sense that I’d go in with her on the salons-only venture, too.”
“That’s a good idea, on your part,” Bart said. “Julia’s a pro.”
Julia smiled. “She’ll be a silent partner, since she’ll be too busy redoing the resort.”
“Really?” Bart said. “You’re redoing the resort?”
“It’s time this place had a slight overhaul,” Lisa said.
“We’ll talk more later,” Bart said.
“It was nice meeting all three of you ladies,” Walt said.
Walt and Bart finally got to the beach, and could see Reese standing next to Jeremy, who was sitting in a beach chair. Bart ran to where they were and just stood looking down at Jeremy who smiled at him.
“Hey, stranger,” Jeremy said. “Surprise!”
Bart laughed, hugged Jeremy, then kissed him on the lips.
“Reese, I think Bart can help Jeremy get back without our help,” Walt said.
“I’ll carry him back, if need be,” Bart said.
“That won’t be necessary,” Jeremy said.
“Jeremy, your brother’s pretty hunk—er, I mean beefy,” Reese said. “I bet he can help you build some muscle on your frame while he’s here.”
“Probably,” Jeremy said.
“I could stand to gain more muscle myself,” Reese said.
“You look fine from where I’m standing,” Walt said.
“Why don’t the both of you lend each other a helping hand with things?” Bart said.
“Damn, son, you don’t have to be so obvious about it,” Walt said.
“You did say you wanted some uncomplicated fun while you’re here,” Bart said.
“Are you saying I’m uncomplicated fun?” Reese said, then smiled.
“Will you two just get the hell out of here, and leave me and my man alone?” Bart said.
“Reese, let’s go check on those babies,” Walt said. “Then when their daddy comes back, you can help me find my way back to my room. Goodbye, fellas, see you two later. Hopefully, much later.” He put his arm around Reese’s shoulder and they walked away.”
“I think we just lost our houseboy,” Jeremy said, then chuckled.
“Did I just see an actual love connection happening between those two?” Bart said. “I know your brother will basically screw anything that’s breathing when he’s horny, but the way he looked at Reese was pretty damn intense.”
“So was the way Reese looked at him. Although, I don’t think either one of them would ever classify themselves as gay.”
Bart and Jeremy kissed for a long while, then Bart got q
uiet and stared into space. Jeremy broke the silence. “There’s going to be a lot to do around here, with Lisa wanting to remodel. She talked to me about it when she went to visit George and me. Things won’t exactly be quiet around here.” He saw tears rolling down Bart’s eyes.
“I’ve done things while I’ve been here, and met people that made my stomach turn,” Bart said. His voice faltered and he knelt down on the sand in front of Jeremy, took his hand, and looked him in the eyes. “All I know is I love you, Jer. I may have done some questionable things, but I’m not sorry I did them in order to have you back with me. You’re my world… and… and….”
‘I’m here. I love you too. And I’ll make an honest man out of you. I’ve already talked to James about having a double ceremony with them. Is that OK?”
“Yeah. I like the idea of being hitched to you.”
“We’ve always been hitched together. Since the first day we met, our souls were one,” Jeremy said. “It just took time for our flesh to catch up.” The tears were coming down faster from Bart’s eyes, and Jeremy kissed him on the lips. “It’s all over now and it’s alright to let go. No one’s around to see.”
Remembering what the judge had told him, Bart laid his head in Jeremy’s lap,
and… he wept.
# # # # #
Contact the author
Thank you for reading this book. If you liked it, please consider leaving a review on the website of one of your favorite retailers.
Gerald loves to hear from his readers, and may be contacted by e-mail at
[email protected]
Follow his blog for information concerning forthcoming books
http://geraldlopezauthorpage.blogspot.com/
Gerald and fellow author Etienne have started to issue a regular newsletter, which will keep readers and fans updated as to forthcoming books and events. The newsletter is published on a monthly basis. If you would like to receive the newsletter, send your e-mail address to [email protected] and ask to be included on the list.
