Sean
SEAN
They somehow made it through breakfast without further incident, to ’s mild surprise. It seemed the best way to keep Blake from starting trouble was to give him food and let him graze for a while. He’d always known it about Eric, but he filed it away for later in case he needed to keep Blake distracted.
“So, what’s the plan today?” Eric asked, looking at .
Blaine shot Blake a warning look. “Today, you and I are going to go into the nearby town.”
Eric blinked. “For what?”
“To enjoy whatever they have, I hear they’re having a festival, something about beavers. But I hear they’ve got some great food put out for it, and then we’re going up the mountain to enjoy the sights,” Blaine added.
watched his brother and could picture the gears in his head moving in overdrive. Everyone but Eric had discussed that it would be good to take Thursday and let Blaine and Eric enjoy themselves in a more relaxed setting. Blake and could take care of things at the lodge, and Eric needed the time to decompress.
“There’s...a lot to do,” Eric said evenly.
didn’t trust the calm tone. “Blake and I can take care of quite a lot. Lord knows the man has energy to spare.”
“And if anyone can keep my brother from getting into trouble, it would be yours,” Blaine added with a grin.
Blake frowned. “Hey.”
“After all, we’ve both been helping as it is and know what needs to be done. Blake’s job involves juggling thirty different things at once and ensuring it all gets pulled off without a hitch. And you know me well enough to know I’ll make sure everything is taken care of as well,” told him.
Blake shot him a grateful look, and winked at him. The man was a joker and sometimes didn’t know when to ease off the gas, but he was dependable. He and Blake hadn’t worked together yet, but considering even Eric hadn’t voiced a complaint, knew the man had to be doing well.
“C’mon, Eric,” Blake coaxed. “Let your brother and I deal with things here. We’ll get shit in line.”
Eric looked between the three of them. As his eyes darted around, they narrowed, losing their worried mien and becoming suspicious instead.
“You three planned this.” Eric accused, “when I wasn’t around.”
Blaine’s expression softened, and he reached to take Eric’s hand. “I asked them if they would be okay with taking over for one day. That way, you and I could have time, just you and me. Starting tomorrow, things will get crazy, and I want us to have a chance to breathe before we dive headfirst into it.”
was not in the least surprised to watch all the suspicion drain right out of Eric. Blake caught ’s eyes before taking his plate to the sink and covering up his grin. knew what the man was thinking, or at least, it was probably the same thing he’d been thinking. For all his fussing and bitching, Eric was an absolute sap underneath. And no one could bring it out of him quite like Blaine.
“Okay,” Eric finally relented. “But you guys will call if you need us, right?”
gave him a wink. “If we do, we absolutely will, right, Blake?”
“Yeah, man. We’re not going to ruin this for you guys. Go on, have a good day. And bring me back something beaver related so I can make some really bad jokes about it,” Blake said cheerfully.
“I am absolutely not doing that,” Eric said as he stood to take his plate.
Blake was faster, grabbing his plate and everyone else’s. “Go on. You two get ready. We can handle some dishes along with the rest of the list.”
Eric eyed Blake suspiciously but did as he was bid. With Blaine in tow, Eric made his way up the stairs to the bedroom where they’d be staying.
When they were gone, Blake chuckled. “Blaine is totally going to get me something, even if Eric won’t.”
“I’ll deny ever having said this, but truth be told, I think Eric actually likes it when you joke. Maybe not the teasing, though,” added.
Blake laughed, turning the water on and grabbing the dish soap. “I wouldn’t tell him anyway. There’s no way in hell he’d ever believe me.”
pushed himself up from the table. “True. Let me fetch my tablet and I’ll start browsing what we need to do today.”
Blake looked up from the sink. “Ah, there’s a landline here. You might want to use that if you’re going to start making calls.”
waved to him as he jogged up the stairs. “Duly noted.”
He smiled as he watched Eric and Blaine slip out the front door, Blaine’s arm wrapped around Eric’s shoulders. Even when they’d been teenagers, only friends at the time, he’d thought they looked sweet together. had never considered whether it could be more, but months later, when the suspicion struck him, he realized it made sense. Watching them as full-grown men who had gone through two separate lives and come together again, he thought they made sense again.
Now, he just needed to make sure their wedding went off with as little fuss as possible.
* * *
Six hours later, he wondered if life was intent on ensuring no plan went off without a major hitch. Sprawled out comfortably on one of the couches downstairs, he’d been going over plans with Blake, constantly checking emails or messages from the guests for last-minute changes and checking in with the various businesses.
He’d had a bad feeling when he called the florists, and they reported they didn’t have the wedding listed on their schedule. Thankfully, the poor, flustered woman had been looking at the wrong year and had hastily confirmed their appointment. Then, while reviewed the inventory of decorations delivered at noon, Blake called about the tux rentals.
Honestly, he felt good, even if there was a fair chance he was irritating the companies by calling them all multiple times in a week. Then again, all of them had dealt with more than their fair share of weddings, and he was sure they were used to people double and triple checking everything.
And then he’d called the caterer.
frowned, listening to the man on the other end of the line. Blake was outside, collecting firewood for the firepit. He’d been cleaning up the pavilion area earlier, which involved raking up leaves, washing it down and getting rid of the most egregious of the cobwebs.
“I don’t understand,” said when the man was done. “This was arranged months ago. Two days ago, I called to confirm, and this was simply supposed to be a check-up for the sake of soothing one of the groom’s minds.”
“I understand, sir, and you have my apologies. The problem is, we have the delivery as the home address for both grooms.”
raised a brow. “I understand, but I don’t quite understand how that happened. I have the email right here that confirms everything, right down to the address where the wedding is happening.”
“Well, we would certainly be happy to see the email. After that, it can take up to two business days for us to alter our records,” the man told him.
exhaled as the door opened, and Blake strode in. “Two business days simply won’t work. The wedding is on Saturday.”
Blake frowned quizzically at him as the man spoke. “Well, I’m sorry, sir, this is simply out of our hands. Our schedule is very tight on Saturday, and driving the few hours to your location is beyond what we can do. If this is our fault, we can return any expenses already paid.”
let out a shaky laugh. “No offense, but getting the money back will not help us right now.”
Blake whispered. “What’s up?”
winced, telling the man. “Can you hold one moment?”
“Of course, sir.”
turned to Blake. “Caterers had it down that they were taking the food to Blaine and Eric’s apartment. When I tried telling them otherwise, they said they can’t change their schedule for that day.”
Blake frowned. “It shouldn’t have to be changed in the first place. You’re sure you made the appointment, right?”
snorted. “Trust me, I made sure. I even have the email confirming it. When I told him that, he said it could take up to two business days, and then he offered me a refund.”
Blake cocked his head. “Wait. You guys went through Turner’s, right?”
nodded. “Eric said you recommended it.”
At that, Blake grinned. “You bet your ass I did. Their food is fantastic. But even better, I think we might have a way through this.”
“I’ll take anything because if we don’t get the food here, you and I are going to be cooking our asses off over the next couple of days to keep Eric from having a stroke,” told him.
Blake held out his hand. “Lemme see that.”
Shrugging, handed the phone over. “Be my guest.”
Blake took the handset. “Hello? Ah, yes, no, still for the Edwards/Andreas wedding. No, no, my friend already told me what’s going on. By the way, would Noah happen to be in his office today? He is good. Could you do me a favor and tell him Blake Edwards would like to speak to him? Of course, I’ll wait, no problem.”
eyed him, unable to hide his curiosity. “Do you know this...Noah?”
Blake winked at him. “The owner.”
“You’re pulling the ‘I know the owner’ card?” asked in amusement.
“Know him? Hell, the bastard hired me to negotiate for the building he’s using for his damn company. Saved his ass thousands and recommended him to a lot of rich people looking for good food at parties,” Blake told him.
leaned back in his seat, nodding. “Let’s see your networking skills.”
Blake grinned, pulling the receiver back to his mouth. “Noah! How have you been? Yeah, I bet business is doing great. Just how much business did you get after I made you cater that little party of mine? Ha! Sounds about right, yeah, you’re welcome.”
watched, amused, as Blake's playful energy came out in full force. It wasn’t the same as he’d seen before, which was so much more personal and laidback. This was watching a switch come on, and nothing but charm poured from Blake.
Blake nodded at something the man was saying. “Yeah, you caught me. I’m guessing the poor guy I was talking to already told you, huh? Yeah, look, my brother is getting married on Saturday, Noah. We had this whole thing already set up with your company, including the right address and everything.”
grabbed the tablet he’d been using and held it out for Blake to take. It had the email already on the screen, and Blake looked it over in a flash, nodding curtly. The sharp, businesslike gesture was so at odds with the warm aura surrounding Blake whenever he spoke. realized he was seeing the broker side of Blake, hard at work.
“Right,” Blake said. “Yeah, you guys confirmed it three days ago, including the proper address. I’m not trying to get anyone in trouble here, but let’s be real, we can’t have a wedding and reception without food. Yes, sir, I was the one who told them about you guys, swore it up and down.”
waited, and when Blake’s face broke out into a wide grin, he knew he’d been successful. That the grin was an almost predatory victory didn’t detract from it.
“That’s great. We’d really appreciate it. Yeah, I’ll shoot everything over to your personal email. Still the same as before, right? Yes, good, great. Thanks so much. Sure, I’ll let you know when I’m back in town,” Blake fired off, handing the tablet back. “Of course. You too.”
waited until he ended the call before clapping. “All hail the man with connections.”
Blake grinned, setting the handset on the table. “Just lucky that bastard owes me for what he’s got. Otherwise, we’d be buying a shit ton of groceries, looking up recipes, and praying Eric’s meltdown didn’t result in a hospital stay.”
chuckled. “As his brother, I want to disagree with you on principle, defending him.”
“But?”
“But, as his brother, I must admit that worry is completely valid.”
Blake laughed, flopping onto one of the other couches in front of the hearth. was struck again by how different Blake was from his brother. Just as he’d told the man earlier, their differences made it relatively easy for someone like to tell who was who. Both brothers were remarkably steady and levelheaded, but where Blaine was cool and collected, Blake took everything like water off a duck’s back and with a joke and a laugh thrown in.
Of course, remembered the conversation had happened while Blake was standing in a pair of form-fitting boxer briefs. They hugged the man’s torso well enough that it left very little to the imagination, something hadn’t been able to help but notice.
For him, it showed just how different the two brothers were. Where hadn’t been affected in the slightest by seeing Blaine in his full glory, seeing Blake in just his underwear and messy blond hair had been more than a little distracting. Just the thought had feeling warmer, and he was glad he hadn’t tried to light a fire in the hearth before Blake had come in.
“You’re so quiet sometimes,” Blake said, breaking the silence hadn’t realized had fallen over them.
smiled, mostly to hide any evidence of his thoughts. There was no point lusting after a man who was openly straight. He’d learned that lesson in his twenties and was content to leave it there.
“Sorry,” said. “Was a little lost in thought.”
“Another family trait?” Blake asked wryly.
hummed. “Yes. As I’m sure Eric would tell you, it can happen at the worst moments too.”
Blake cocked his head. “You know, I asked Eric once, when Blaine was there, if he ever did that overthinking thing when he was having sex.”
snorted. “I’m sure he took that question gracefully.”
“God no, he lost his shit, which is Eric.”
“What did Blaine say?”
“All he said was ‘I sure hope not’ and left it at that.”
“That sounds about right.”
There was a pause, and then, “Well?”
“Well, what?” asked.
Blake sighed. “Does it happen to you when you’re having sex? Wait, I guess I should back up and ask if you even do the whole sex thing or if you live your life like some serene monk under a waterfall.”
Now, that earned a sharp bark of laughter that descended into a fit of non-stop chuckling. “A monk?”
“I mean, it’s you,” Blake said with a vague wave of his hand.
, still chuckling, shook his head. “You’ve been listening to Eric too much.”
“I mean,” Blake said. “As far as he’s concerned, you’re pretty much sexless.”
“A belief I’m more than happy to allow him to hold onto for the rest of his days,” told him.
“So, you do,” Blake continued, looking curious.
smiled. “I do.”
“Huh.”
“Forgive me for completely altering your world view.”
“Like, a lot?”
“This is a rather interesting turn of topics, Blake. Why so interested?”
Blake’s eyes widened. “I-I don’t know. I was just wondering. Being nosy.”
debated for a moment whether to tell Blake the truth. He was sure others assumed, somewhat reasonably, that whenever dated someone, he was sleeping with them. Of course, the detail left out was that he wasn’t averse to sleeping with people without dating. It had trailed off over the years, and being closer to forty than thirty, it had petered off even further.
He snorted, realizing that might be part of why he’d been too aware of Blake’s previously undressed state.
“I think I’ll leave that a mystery,” finally said.
Amusingly, Blake almost looked relieved. “Fair enough.”
It had been tempting to tell Blake that when it came to his bed, was just as happy to have a man as he was a woman. And equally tempting was to tell him he wasn’t exactly reserved regarding his fun. His tendency to keep his business to himself unless given a reason won out in the end.
Blake finally grinned. “Well, I’ll still place bets that you don’t have any problem getting attention, especially when you roll up on that bike of yours.”
rolled his eyes, pushing up from the couch. “You really have been spending too much time around Eric. I haven’t pulled that thing out in ages.”
“Really? That’s a shame. I was going to ask if you’d take me for a ride sometime,” Blake told him.
“Phrasing,” muttered as he walked into the kitchen.
“What?” Blake called after him.
grabbed a bottle of water for each of them. “Eric has informed me I’m ‘too old’ to be such an adrenaline junkie.”
“You’re like, what, seven years older than me?” Blake asked, thanking him for the water.
“About that,” said, opening his water.
“That’s not too old. Hell, you see grandpas on Harley’s all the time, so what’s a man who hasn’t even hit forty yet on a sportbike?”
“Your vote for my freedom to ride around on a bike is duly noted.”
“I also vote that you should be allowed to mountain climb, skydive, base jump, and scuba dive.”
grinned at the list of hobbies he’d picked up over the years. His brother liked to complain that was unnecessarily risking his life, ironic coming from a cop. never bothered to argue with him, knowing Eric’s fear of losing more people he loved motivated his complaints. Honestly, he had waited until Eric was a grown man and stood on his own two feet before he’d picked up most of those.
But he’d always had a bike. He never could give that up.
The door upstairs banged open, followed by a low growl from Eric. cocked his head, waiting for Eric to descend the stairs, probably with a complaint in hand. Instead, he heard the front door close first and then the bedroom door.
Blake winced. “So, in the mood to go clean up outside instead of listening to whatever they’re up to?”
laughed, setting his tablet aside. “Deal.”