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Brian: I may be a little late. There’s a key inside the first stone in the flowerbed.
Brian chewed on his lip before he finally pressed send. It wasn’t a big deal for Sway to be at his house waiting for him when he finished with work, but deep down, Brian was buzzing with hope. That’s something he’s wanted all his life. He hoped Sway didn’t see it as a step they weren’t quite ready for. His phone buzzed against the table but for some reason Brian hesitated to pick it up. What if Sway said, never mind, some other time, then? He didn’t want to admit how much that would sting. Not only because of the reality of it, but because he really wanted, needed, to see Sway tonight.
Brian was still pondering when he saw his server come out the back with a man in a stark white chef’s coat and black baggy pants. He had trendy stubble that matched his spiky hairdo. When he got close enough to Brian’s table he noticed the man was rather tall and had striking blue eyes.
“Evening. I’m John LaRoy. Was everything all right with your meal, sir?” The man asked cautiously, but with a pleasant smile.
Brian glanced down and noticed he’d left quite a bit of food on his plate. That was rare, but it was because he’d been working, not there for a true dining experience. Of course, he couldn’t say that. He nodded, hoping that would suffice but it didn’t—the chef still appeared unconvinced. He stared at the barely eaten food as if Brian had offended him. “Would you like to try something different, perhaps?”
The waiter’s assistant moved quickly to retrieve another menu but Brian halted her as well.
Dammit. Brian opened his app and typed. “It’s delicious. I’ll take this to go.”
The chef did what everyone did when Brian spoke through a computerized voice app. They stared in confusion, then surprise, then they looked sorry for him. And right on cue, there went the pity in the chef’s beautiful eyes. Eyes that were bluer than the sky were now dark with storm clouds. Brian sighed inwardly and typed again. “May I have the check, please? I really need to go.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your dinner.” The chef pulled a card out of his coat pocket and a pen. He began scribbling something on the back and handed it to Brian; a glimpse of something appearing now. “There’s no bill to pay. I hate for anyone to leave my restaurant unsatisfied.”
I said it was delicious. What’s with these people?
Two free entrees of your choice, was written on the thick card stock with the chef’s name scribbled illegibly at the bottom. On the front of the card was the restaurant’s information and logo. Classy. “Your next meal is on me. Let the hostess know you’re here. I’ll prepare you something I’m sure you’ll love, if you like lamb.” The chef gave Brian an appreciative once-over. “Maybe bring your significant other?”
Brian didn’t take the bait. Instead he gave a curt smile and stood, towering over the chef. He glanced up, surprised at Brian’s height but maintained his composure. Brian put a generous tip on the table and took his food from the assistant, she’d wrapped for him in foil shaped like a swan. Brian didn’t spare a glance at the man at the bar, not wanting him to make eye contact. He’d see him soon enough. The chef walked Brian to the front of the restaurant, out of either politeness, or he wanted to watch Brian leave.
“Hope to see you again soon.” He said boldly, standing in front of his establishment.
Brian didn’t respond. He doubted he’d be back. Unless he was decked out in all black and leather. The chef may have found him attractive, interesting even. Brian was an intriguing experiment gone wrong that men liked to investigate. There was only one man that had yet to run after knowing Brian for more than two weeks. Sway. The pushy chef couldn’t hold a candle to his compassionate nurse…who was hopefully at his house waiting for him.
Sway was really hoping that somehow Brian had beat him to his house, but he hadn’t. The driveway was dark and empty, so was the house. He thought about waiting in the car but he could only imagine how Brian would look at him if he pulled up and saw him sitting … refusing to use the proffered key and go inside.
Sway sighed. “This is stupid. Go in.” He’s my boyfriend. Sway grinned and got out of the car. The motion-sensor lights activated, and he was able to find the one stone that was fake. Sway climbed the couple of steps and pushed the key into the lock as if it was his own home. A warm and fuzzy feeling encased him before he could stop it. This wasn’t what it felt like. This was a mirage.
