Chapter 21 #2
Wyl grabbed Rod’s face between his powerful hands. Rod struggled to turn away, but couldn’t.
“Let me go!” Rod’s shout filled the air as he struggled to break free.
“Not until you listen to me, Rod Sterling,” Wyl said.
“You’re my husband. We are married. I wear a wedding ring that seals the deal.
Nobody but nobody is going to come between you and me.
My life is nothing without you. Do you hear me?
Stewy grabbed me and kissed me. What you witnessed was me desperately trying to push Stewy away.
I told him you are the only man for me, and the only man I ever want. ”
Rod stopped struggling, and his lower lip trembled. His eyes teared again. “Really?” His watery, red-rimmed hazel eyes met Wyl’s.
“Really,” Wyl said. He stroked Rod’s cheek with his thumb to wipe away a tear.
“Oh, babe, I’m so sorry I overreacted.” Rod opened his arms. “I never expected to see you in the arms of another man.”
Wyl pulled him into an embrace. “I was not in the arms of another man. I wanted out of those arms. I didn’t like it at all.”
Rod buried his face in Wyl’s shoulder and let the sobs break free. Wyl held him and let him cry it out.
“I love you, Rod Sterling,” Wyl whispered softly in his ear as Rod shook with sobs. “I love only you. I am attracted only to you and never want anyone but you.”
“I’m glad you came after me, Wyl. You and Stewy were best friends. Seeing you together like that, my brain went where it shouldn’t have, and I thought you might have been high school sweethearts. I felt so devastated, I didn’t know what to do.”
“Baby, I wouldn’t have stopped searching until I found you.” Wyl held Rod in a tight embrace. “I can’t live without you.”
Rod composed himself, and Wyl kissed him. That spark still existed, and the vibes they both felt helped to heal Rod’s wounded emotions.
“Are you okay?” Wyl still held his arms around Rod.
Rod sighed. “I am now. Our habit of going after each other still works.”
Wyl chuckled. “Good. Let’s go back to the condo and talk to Stewy and Matthew. They need to communicate, and we’re the ones who can get them to do it.”
“Okay. After they leave, can you hold me all night? I need you.”
“Holding you is one of my favorite things in the world.”
They walked back to the condo arm in arm and rode the elevator up. Stewy had finished grilling the steaks. Matthew had dished up the roasted potatoes and made sure everything was on the table.
They exited the elevator at 7:45, Rod’s arm around Wyl’s waist. “Guys, I apologize for leaving. I hope I didn’t spoil the evening for everyone.”
“Not at all.” Matthew came over and gave Rod a hug.
“After you left and Wyl ran after you, Stewy and I sat down for a heart-to-heart. I admitted to him that I didn’t like the idea of an open relationship, and he admitted that he didn’t either.
We want to try to be like you two. When Wyl panicked over your departure, we felt inspired.
Your talk at Glide made us realize what we wanted, and your actions tonight made us realize what we needed.
Your act of true love is an example of commitment that Stewy and I need to follow. ”
“Wyl, I’m sorry I approached you like that,” Stewy said. “I was out of line and deserved to be punched in the face.”
“Stewy, forget about it. You and Matthew focus on each other. You’re both great guys. Rod and I can see you’re a happy couple, but you need to talk to each other. You’ve been saying what you think the other person wants to hear. Be honest, and you’ll discover the love you kept buried.”
“Let me splash cold water on my face, and we’ll eat,” Rod said. “Babe, would you make me another martini?”
“Will do, love. Olives or twist?”
“Do you need to ask?”
“Twist it is.” Wyl headed for the refrigerator.
“You two are amazing,” Stewy said. “You know each other so well and feed off each other.”
“You and Matthew can do that, too,” Wyl said. “Like I said, talk to each other. Grovel if you must, but communicate.”
Rod returned from freshening up. Wyl set his martini at his place, and they sat and enjoyed an excellent meal.
Matthew was a fascinating guy with a great sense of humor.
Wyl could see why Stewy found him attractive.
And Stewy had changed from the high school jock Wyl remembered.
His successful career in Silicon Valley provided well for the two of them.
After dinner, they retired to the living area. Rod flipped the switch to light the fireplace, and they enjoyed a cognac as they chatted.
“Stewy, it’s almost 10:30 in Texas. I know it’s late, but go call your dad. Now! There is a phone in the bedroom. Down that hallway.” Wyl pointed.
“Yes, sir,” Stewy said. He left the room to make the call.
“Wyl, I admire you for not decking Stewy when he put the moves on you.” Matthew sipped his cognac.
“After you left, I told Stewy I wanted our relationship to be like yours. He said he wanted that, too. I wondered why we ever agreed to an open relationship. Neither strayed sexually outside our bedroom, but we were each afraid to say anything.”
“Matthew, tonight Rod and I set a goal of getting you two to talk. Maybe Stewy’s move on me was more about you than me.”
Matthew focused on the amber liquid in his snifter, gently swirling the cognac as he pondered Wyl’s words. “I never thought of it that way.” He glanced at Wyl. “Thanks.”
Stewy came into the room ten minutes later.
“Mom and Dad both cried on the phone, overjoyed that I called. I told them you and Rod persuaded me to make contact. They are flying out tomorrow and want to see you both while they are here. Matthew, they especially want to meet you. I can hardly wait to see them again.”
Matthew stood. “Wow. I’m surprised you mentioned me, honey.” An uncertain expression crossed his face as he said, Honey.
Stewy winked at Matthew. “Of course, I mentioned you. You’re my partner. My only partner.”
Matthew blushed. “I’m glad. You’re my only partner, too.”
Stewy turned to them. “You two did more for Matthew and me in 24 hours than anyone else did for me in 30 years. You not only gave us the incentive to talk, but you also reunited me with my parents. I don’t know how to thank you.” Tears welled in his eyes.
Matthew rushed over and pulled Stewy into a warm hug. “Come on, baby. Let’s go home. I want everything to be perfect for your parents. There is a lot to do.”
Matthew and Stewy left, and the quiet solitude wrapped around Wyl and Rod like a warm blanket.
“Whew…what an evening,” Rod sighed. “When we stepped off the plane at SFO four days ago, I didn’t realize we’d be mobbed on Castro Street, treated like celebrities at the support group session, and acting like marriage counselors for your best friend in high school.”
“Kinda makes the drama back in Blackfield seem insignificant, doesn’t it?”
“Boy howdy!” Rod laughed. “Now help me clean up the dinner dishes so we can go to bed.”
With everything cleaned up and put away, they headed for the bedroom. They stripped and slipped between the sheets, and Wyl spooned Rod in his arms.
“Babe, I love you so much it hurts,” Wyl whispered to his husband.
“Ditto,” Rod mumbled as they both drifted off to sleep.