5. Five
Five
“ H ow are midterms going?” Kellet James’s face was one of fatherly love and concern as he peered at his son via the video chat call.
“Contract law was a bitch, but I’m pretty sure I nailed it. Economics was good.”
“You know Miles will help you out if you need it on the contract side of things,” Jamie, his father’s husband, said, his face coming into view on the video call.
“Hey, Pa. Yeah, I know. I spoke to him earlier in the semester, and he helped me with a couple of points I wasn’t understanding.”
“That’s good,” Jamie replied with a smile. “You’re coming home for spring break, aren’t you?”
“Pa, do you really think I’d miss Eclipse’s album launch party?” Wil deadpanned.
“And here I thought maybe you’d like to see your parents,” his father said dryly.
Wil winked and grinned at them. “Dad, are you feeling lonely? Pa, are you neglecting your husband?”
Jamie grinned and slung an arm over Kellet’s shoulder, planting a wet kiss on his cheek. “Am I neglecting you, Drummer Boy?”
The heated look Kellet shot his husband had Wil mock gagging.
“Ugh, do you two mind?”
“Not at all,” Jamie assured him brightly with a wicked grin.
“So, other than midterms, anything else happening?” Kellet asked.
Wil paused a fraction too long.
“Wil?” Concern colored his father’s tone.
“I was wondering if I could bring a friend home with me. Over the break?”
“Is this a special friend?” Jamie asked, waggling his eyebrows.
Wil sighed and dropped his chin to his chest, mentally chastising himself. He knew better. He really did. Raising his head again, he shrugged. “Maybe. Hopefully.”
“What’s their name?” Jamie asked excitedly.
“You know, you’d think that being the lead singer of one of the world’s most famous bands would mean that you weren’t a gossip hound,” Wil mused.
“I’m not a gossip hound. I’m showing a healthy and natural interest in our son’s life,” Jamie retorted.
“Daaad,” Wil whined, dragging out the syllables. “Pa’s picking on me.”
“Of course you can bring your friend home with you,” Kellet said, steering the conversation back on track. “Does he know who your parents are?”
“Ah. No. Not yet. We only met a week ago and haven’t even really had a proper date, what with midterms and all.” Wil held his father’s gaze. “But I really like him, Dad. I think we have a connection, and he’s a fan of Eclipse, and I know he’d be blown away to be able to go to the album release party.”
Kellet and Jamie exchanged a look, communicating in the way that parents did. “If you feel he can be trusted, then I know Miles and Liam won’t have a problem with you bringing him to the party.”
“Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Pa. I don’t even know if he has plans, but I’ll ask him when I see him next.”
“Alright, son. Don’t let this boy distract you from your studies, and we’ll see you soon.”
“I won’t. He’s just as busy as I am. Love you both.”
“Love you too.”
With a last wave, Wil disconnected from the video call and slumped back against his pillows. He’d been debating whether to invite Ben to LA with him to go to the party. In one of their many conversations, Ben had mentioned how much he liked their music. He’d also mentioned Larkspur, the band his fathers had founded in their teens before separating just after Wil was born.
A few people on campus knew who his famous parents were, but he tried to keep as low a profile as possible. Thankfully, the band had welcomed his father back as the drummer the summer before Wil started college, so only a few people knew that Wil’s father was also a member of Larkspur.
Picking up his phone, he sent a quick message to Larkspur’s bass guitarist, who also was the mentor for Eclipse.
Hey Liam, can I bring a friend to the release party?
Liam
Of course. Just send me their name so I can put them on the list and get them credentials.
Thanks. I haven’t asked him yet, but I’ll let you know in the next few days if he’s coming or not.
Liam replied with a thumbs-up emoji, and Wil switched over to his text thread with Ben.
Are you free for a lunch date on Sunday?
Ben
I can be. I have a weekly call with my parents in the morning, but I can move it to earlier.
How does 12.30 sound?
Ben
Sounds good. Where are we going?
Not sure yet. Any preferences?
Ben
No. Happy to be surprised.
Any allergies or food you won’t eat?
Ben
No allergies, but not a huge fan of mushrooms.
Great. See you then.
***
Ben leaned against the stone wall that flanked the steps leading into the dorm. It was a mild spring day, and he tilted his face towards the pale sunlight, allowing its warmth to envelop him. He glanced over towards Bryant House, which sat across the massive quad from his own dorm. It amazed him he and Wil had never bumped into each other during their time at Wyndham, which had been almost four years.
He straightened when he saw Wil’s tall figure striding towards him, with what looked like a cooler bag in his hand. Ben walked towards Wil and met him halfway. Wil gave him a wide grin in greeting, and then they both hesitated, neither sure what the protocol was for meeting with someone you’d kissed twice, but this was your first date.
Ben solved the problem by popping up on his toes and pecking a kiss on the corner of Wil’s mouth. In return, Wil slid an arm around his waist and gave him a squeeze.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” Ben parroted back. Nodding towards the bag, he asked, “Whatcha got there?”
“Seeing as it’s a nice day, I thought we’d have a picnic, if that’s okay with you?”
“I’d really like that. Where are we going?”
Wil slipped his hand into Ben’s, threading their fingers together and sending a thread of excitement through Ben.
“Is this okay?” Wil asked, lifting their hands.
“More than okay,” Ben said to him, and allowed himself to be led along the path.
“I thought we could have lunch over by the formal gardens. There are some sheltered spots that are perfect for a Sunday picnic.”
Ben nodded his agreement, and they took their time, meandering across the quad and then further into the grounds towards the formal gardens that were designed and maintained by the horticultural and landscape design students. Wyndham University was known for having a wide and varied liberal arts curriculum and was proud of its award-winning grounds.
“Why did you choose to come to Wyndham?” Ben asked Wil as they followed the crushed gravel path towards the far side of the gardens.
“Originally, I was going to major in music, and there’s a great musical program here, but then the summer before I started, I… ah… had a couple of life-changing experiences, and I found I wanted to do a more business-focused degree, which thankfully, Wyndham offers.”
“Sounds like there’s a story there,” Ben hinted but didn’t press further when Wil gave him a tight smile.
“There is, and I’ll tell you more over lunch.”
“Wil, you don’t have to share stuff you’re not comfortable with if you don’t want to.”
“Nah. I actually have a proposition for you, but you need to have some background before you decide whether to accept it.”
“Well then, Mr. Man-of-Mystery, let’s find a place to sit and you can proposition me all you want.”
Wil threw back his head and laughed at Ben’s teasing. “Oh, Seth is going to love you,” was all he said, and Ben wondered who he was talking about.
They reached the gardens and weaved their way past neatly trimmed box hedges and raised flower beds that were showing early spring growth.
“How about over here?” Wil asked, leading them to a small rise next to a fishpond that had a bubbling fountain in the center.
“Perfect,” Ben agreed and helped Wil spread out the large plaid blanket he’d brought for them to sit on.
As they got settled, Wil pulled several containers from the cooler bag.
“We’ve got grilled chicken, a potato salad, and a coleslaw salad.”
“Did you make all this?” Ben asked as he popped open the lids. He took an appreciative sniff of the chicken. “This smells divine.”
“Yeah, I made the salads and grilled the chicken, but I cheated and got red velvet cupcakes from Eta’s. I can cook, but I’m not a great baker.”
“Eta’s baking doesn’t count as cheating. My mother is one of the best cooks and bakers I know, and it doesn’t hold a candle to what Eta produces, so don’t feel bad for buying dessert.”
“And I got a couple of bottles of soda, water, or juice, so take your pick.”
Ben snagged a bottle of water, along with a plate and cutlery and helped himself to the chicken and salad. They ate in companionable silence for a few moments, before Wil laid down his plate and took a drink of water.
“I know we’ve only known each other a week, and that this is technically our first date, and I’ve really enjoyed messaging and talking to you in between exams,” Wil said. “I know this sounds really fast, but I feel a connection between us. A connection I’d like to explore more.”
Ben put down his now empty plate and reached over to take Wil’s hand. “I feel it too,” he admitted. “I, ah, told my parents about you this morning when I was talking to them, and my mom told me I should trust my instincts, and, if it feels right, to go with it.”
Some tension eased out of Wil’s shoulders, and he smiled at Ben. “And does it feel right?”
“It does. I’d like to get to know you better, too.”
Ben dropped his gaze, uncertain if he should voice the question bouncing around his brain. A gentle finger tipped his chin up.
“Hey. What’s up? Did I say something wrong?”
“No! Definitely not.” Ben bit his lip and then took a breath. “Do you… I mean….” He paused, and then said in a rush, “Is it too soon to call you my boyfriend, even though this is technically our first date?”
Wil leaned over, and Ben met him halfway, their mouths meeting in a gentle kiss.
When they broke apart, Wil smiled at him. “No. I’d love to call you my boyfriend, but….” his voice trailed off, and now Ben was even more nervous.
“Wil, what’s wrong? If you don’t want to put a label on anything yet, I’m good with that.”
“Do you have plans for spring break?”
Ben frowned at the odd change in subject. “No. I’m not going home. I’m staying here to work on the next stage of my art piece.”
“Would you like to come to LA with me?” Wil asked.
“Come to LA with you? Why?”
“I have tickets to Eclipse’s album release party, and I thought, seeing as you’re a fan, you might want to come with me.”
“You have tickets. To the Eclipse album release party?” Ben was stunned. “How? I mean, those things are like super exclusive. Did you win them or something?”
Wil dropped his gaze and ran a hand around the back of his neck. “Or something?” he said, making it a question rather than a statement.
“Wil James, if we are going to explore being a couple, we have to be honest with each other.” Honesty was one of Ben’s deal breakers. He hated liars, and he was absolutely certain that Wil wasn’t a liar.
“Okay. Fair, and I agree.” Wil took his hand again and gave him a sincere look. “I don’t share this information with many people, because it’s personal.”
“You can trust me, I promise,” Ben assured him.
“I know I can.” Wil took a deep breath and said, “My father is Kellet James.”
“Okay?” Ben was confused.
“And his husband is Jamie Larke.”
Ben looked at Wil, not sure what Wil was telling him, and then it hit him. His eyes widened, and he gaped at Wil.
“And there it is,” Wil said with a chuckle.
“Your… your step-father is Jamie Larke? Lead singer of Larkspur. And… and your dad is Kellet James. The drummer for Larkspur.”
“Yep,” Wil said, popping the ‘p’.
“Oh, wow!” Ben was gobsmacked, and it took a few moments for him to corral his thoughts. “And that’s how you’ve got tickets to Eclipse’s album party. Through your dads.”
“Sorta kinda,” Wil said. “Eclipse is managed by Miles Cartwright, who also manages Larkspur, and I roadie for both bands during their summer tours, so I know the guys in Eclipse.”
Ben blinked at Wil and then stood up, unable to sit still any longer. He caught a flash of disappointment cross Wil’s face, and he rushed to reassure him.
“It’s okay. I just need to pace for a minute. When I get overloaded with information, I need to move to help process it. Just give me a sec, okay?”
Wil gave him a nod and leaned back on his elbows, knees raised, watching him as he paced back and forth. He took a few calming breaths as the erratic thoughts bounced around his brain.
After a few moments, he dropped in front of Wil, who sat up and rested his arms on his bent knees. Ben shuffled forward, forcing Wil to widen his legs. When he was close enough, he rested his hands on Wil’s chest.
“Thank you for trusting me. I can understand why you’re wary about who you tell.”
“I do trust you,” Wil confirmed, visibly relaxing. “I don’t think you’re the type of person to go telling everyone, and also, I think you like me for who I am rather than who my parents are.”
“I do like you, Wil,” he said before wiggling his eyebrows, “but have you seen how hot the guys from Larkspur are?”
“Gross,” Wil laughed as he pushed Ben away, causing him to topple over. “That’s my parents and my uncles you’re lusting over. Ugh, I think I’m gonna be sick.”
Ben righted himself, still laughing. He slung his arms around Wil’s neck. “I only have eyes for you.”
“Glad to hear it,” Wil murmured as he brought their mouths together.