“No, not at all. You need to keep him as far away from potential gay sex as possible. He gets caught up in that and he’s signing his ticket to hell. Not trying to be judgy, it’s just the way it is. I didn’t make the rules.”
Brian nodded. “I know. It’s a hard line to walk but we have to walk it. I totally get it if he’s craving companionship—we were created to desire love and relationships… just not with the same gender.”
“Maybe if he wants companionship bad enough, he’ll consider the alternative.” Robby smiled at Brian. “You did.”
“He doesn’t know about that.”
“No, but it’s working for you, right?”
“I’m getting there. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone. I want a family and I’m willing to work for it.”
“Good for you. Who knows, maybe this thing with Derek will turn out to be a blessing in disguise and prove to Patrick how much he wants someone in his life. But he knows he can’t havethatkind of relationship—ever—so it might just turn him in the right direction.”
“I hope so,” Brian whispered. “I think he’d do very well in the program. And I think I’d do even better if he was there, too. Both of us working together, encouraging one another. I keep praying that God will create an opportunity for me to talk to him about it.”
“MaybeDerekis the answer to those prayers. God works in mysterious ways.”
“Yes, he does. But he also helps those who help themselves. I think it’s time to put our love for Patrick…” He dug out his phone. “… into action.”
. . .
“This is hopeless.” Derek tossed his phone on the coffee table and flopped back against the sofa. “Maybe I should get a fucking clue.”
“What clue?” Bailey asked.
“That God is blocking me from getting anywhere near Patrick. Do you really think he’d choosemeas Patrick’s partner? Aporn star?Right. I’m a fuckingheathenin God’s eyes. He isn’t going to give me someone like Patrick—so fucking beautiful andperfect.” He stood up and grabbed his phone, stuffing it in his pocket. “Can I get a ride home with you?” he asked Gideon. “I need a fuckingorgy.”He headed for the front door, his stride stiff and shoulders tense. “Maybe all the guys together canfuckhim out of my system.”
Gideon let out a soft sigh and rose to his feet.
“Is he going to be all right?” Bailey murmured.
“Yeah,” Gideon whispered. “He will. He’s just frustrated right now… and afraid he’s going to lose Patrick for good.”
“What do you think?”
Gideon shrugged. “I can’t say for sure. But I’m betting on them getting together.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Digging out his keys, Gideon glanced after Derek, then looked at Bailey and smiled. “You going to come out to the house and participate in theorgy?”
Bailey chuckled. “Nah, I’ll pass this time. Maybe next time.”
Gideon laughed softly. “All right.”
“But I want footage,” Bailey said. “So, make them do it in the free-for-all room.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Gideon grinned. “I’m sure the viewers would love that footage as well.”
“Hell yeah.”
Derek was waiting by the car when Gideon emerged from the apartment building. “Bailey wants video footage of the orgy.”
Derek chuffed. “Sure, why not.”
“Don’t stress this stuff, son.” Gideon unlocked the doors and the two men climbed inside.
“I don’t know hownotto stress it.” He laid his head back and closed his eyes. “I feel like a fucking fool.”
