Chapter Eleven #2
Joshua stilled, then relaxed against the cushions once more.
“I think I was fifteen when I first realized I was attracted to him. There had been a couple of girls in high school who I’d been interested in, but Hayden?
There was something about him that… pulled me, I suppose, is a good way of putting it.
I loved spending time with him. We’d talk for hours, about anything that entered our heads.
Anyhow, there was a school dance before summer vacation.
We’d just finished eleventh grade. I’d taken Betty Edwards, but Hayden had gone alone.
Turned out, Betty was more interested in getting off with Declan Ridault than dancing with me.
” He chuckled. “Not that I really minded. I spent most of the evening sitting with Hayden, drinking soda and talking as usual. Except that night? You know what I really wanted to do, only I didn’t dare? ”
Greg smiled. “Dance with him?”
Joshua nodded. “Only, two guys dancing? In Alabama? Hell, no. I wasn’t dumb enough to even suggest it.
Anyway, at eight o’clock when the dance was over, a whole bunch of us went over to Pete’s Smokehouse.
It was a diner that played decent music.
We had a great time, only I ate too much.
Their BBQ pulled pork was to die for.” He sighed.
“When the joint closed at nine-thirty, we all left. Most people got their parents to collect them, but Hayden suggested we walk home. It was only a couple of miles.” He smiled.
“I wasn’t gonna say no to that. A stroll in the moonlight? That was romantic.”
“What happened?”
“We set off walking along 231, until we reached Imerys-Gantt’s quarry, where there was an observation point.
We’d been there on a field trip from school, to look at the marble.
Hayden and I walked along the path that ran around the little man-made lake.
He’d brought along a pocket flashlight, so I began thinking he’d planned this.
” Joshua had a faraway look in his eyes.
“It was a beautiful night. The moon was full, and it was shining on the surface of the still water. I think I knew then what was coming.”
Greg had a feeling he knew too.
“My heart was pounding so hard, I was sure he’d hear it.
I kept wondering what he was gonna say, because he just…
stared at me, like he’d never seen me before.
And then… he kissed me.” Joshua’s face took on such an expression of wonder that Greg’s chest tightened.
“It wasn’t what I expected. He was so… gentle.
Not how I thought a guy would kiss, ya know? ”
Greg swallowed. “No, I don’t, as a matter of fact.” He gave a half smile. “Never been kissed, at least, not by a guy.”
Joshua’s eyes widened. Then he nodded sagely.
“Your time will come. Just make sure it’s with someone you really care for.
Kisses like that are too precious to waste on just anyone.
” He chuckled. “Me and your dad sure shared a lot of kisses. That whole summer, I swear we were kissing every chance we got. Of course, the moment arrived when we knew we wanted… more.” The skin around Joshua’s mouth tightened, and Greg stiffened.
“What happened?”
“We had it all worked out. I was going to his place so we could study for a test. His parents were gonna visit some friends. We’d talked about nothing else for a couple of weeks.
I was so nervous, my palms got clammy just thinking about it.
Neither of us had… you know. And as it turned out, we didn’t get the chance. His parents came home early.”
“I think I know the rest.”
“Yep, you do.” Joshua sighed heavily. “I’m sorry things worked out the way they did.
That letter… to know he’d been so close.
God, to have just seen him one more time…
.” Then Greg’s breathing hitched when Joshua shifted across the couch and hugged him.
“Thank you,” he murmured against Greg’s hair.
“At least I finally know that he never forgot me, just like I never forgot him.”
Greg breathed in Joshua’s warm, comforting scent. “I’m glad I decided to deliver it in person. I feel like I’ve gotten to know him a little better.”
How long they sat like that, Greg had no idea. They pulled apart when Micah cleared his throat from the doorway. “Am I… interrupting?”
Joshua smiled. “No, I think we’re about done.” He peered at Greg. “Wouldn’t you say?”
He nodded. “We’re done.” Then he turned to Micah. “You’re just in time to make lunch.” He grinned.
Micah snorted. “How long before you can get around without those crutches?”
“Not until after Christmas,” Joshua interjected. “So you’d best do as Greg says and make lunch.” He winked at Greg. “Besides, all you’ve been doing is painting.”
Micah’s jaw dropped. “All I’ve been—”
Joshua guffawed. “You should see your face. Sit down. I’ll make lunch. You just rest your… paintbrush.” And with that, he got up from the couch and walked out of the living room.
Greg couldn’t help laughing, and it wasn’t long before Micah was joining in. As he composed himself, it occurred to Greg that he cared a great deal for both men, but for very different reasons.