“Or, that it isn’t great having you back,” Mason added, reminding Sky that they were in the middle of a conversation.
“Fine. It’s actuallynicebeing back and reconnecting now, despite my mother,” Sky conceded. “Even though, I would be miserable if I had to live here.”
“You know, as mayor, I take that personally.” Mason lowered and rested his elbows on the island and leaned closer.He still smelled perfect—clean boy, with a hint of something like lavender or bergamot—Sky noted begrudgingly. “There isn’t a lot here as far as entertainment and Roseview doesn’t really have a gay community yet. But we could! This town has come a long way and we love our gay neighbors.”
“All six of them. What about you?” Sky challenged and this time, Mason didn’t hesitate.
“Nope. That would be a scandal because I’m married to a woman and it would reinforce all kinds of stupid stereotypes. And people wouldn’t support me if they thought I was a liar and a fraud. No one’s ever said that about you, though. People love to brag about you being from Roseview, even if they say you’re too good for us now and a stuck-up celebrity.”
“Fuck off. I’ve never acted like that and you know why I’ve never fit in.” Sky’s eyes widened.
“You’ve never fit in because Roseview’s stuck up and you were too smart and too creative for everyone to get their heads around, but they see it now.”
Sky gagged and rolled his eyes. “Stop it. I don’t know why you’re flattering me but?—”
“I mean it!” Mason insisted, but he did wince at his beer. “It’s a lot easier to admit I’ve missed you and that I’m a fan after four of these, but I always knew you were too good for Roseview. That’s almost empty. How about another?” Mason nodded at Sky’s bottle.
He shook his head. “I’m barely hanging on as it is.”
“That’s right, you’re wasting away out here in the dick desert.” Mason raised his beer and hummed as he drank. “I find that toys help. You could order some,” he said, shocking Sky.
Why? He wasn’t sure. Lots of gay men had toys but Sky couldn’t imagine Mason fucking a Fleshlight or drilling himself with a dildo.
And yet he was!
Sky stared over Mason’s shoulder, simultaneously imaginingbothscenarios. “Okay. I’ll take another beer for the road,” he said weakly, his mouth had gottenso dryall of a sudden.
“Gotcha!” Mason turned toward the fridge. This time, Sky leaned and got a good look as he bent over and reached for the bottom shelf.
Bless that big, beautiful hockey butt.
“I thought I was staying at my mother’s house, so no, I did not pack any toys. I checked Grindr on the way back from Mom’s place,” he confided and thanked Mason when he passed Sky the bottle. “Truly a dick desert. I can’t wait to get back to the city.”
“I’ll take it up with the town council at our next meeting and see what we can do about that. Can’t have the world thinking we’re a dick desert or that we don’t care about our most famous resident,” Mason said seriously, causing Sky to cackle.
He grabbed the counter as it burst from him, his first honest laugh since he’d arrived in Roseview. It felt good, and Sky felt lighter. Like he could survive another ten days with his mother.
“Thanks, but I’m hardly the most famous resident or the wealthiest. I should probably finish this in my room.” He backed away with his beer, turning for the stairs. “Have a good night.”
“Have a good night, Sky.” Mason smiled and offered a salute, but Sky could feel the heat of his gaze.
It followed Sky up the stairs and he was confused on so many levels.
Was Mason flirting with me?
Did Sky mind?
He stopped outside his door and wondered what might happen if Mason was and if they had acted on their impulses before, all those years ago. Then, Sky considered theconsequences: the nightmare that would ensue if they were caught or the possible emotional turmoil if either of them developed even stronger feelings.
“Fuck, no.” He shook his head as he opened the door, quickly shutting it behind him.
Don’t make this any messier.
He jumped when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
There was a text message from Mason.
Mason Cartwright: Cheer up. There might be an oasis in the desert.
