Chapter 19 #3
“Hell yeah!” Santiago cheers. “Thanks for everything you do for us, Denny.”
Dennis shudders, adjusting his sunglasses once more, curling in on himself. “Just Dennis is fine…”
“Yeah, thanks a bunch,” Ray adds, and Gene says his thanks as well.
Their manager gives them a wave, walking off back toward the stairwell.
Butterflies frizz in Ray’s chest as he realizes he’s still hugging Gene.
Now would be the appropriate time to part, but honestly, he doesn’t want to.
Carol isn’t here to try to shrug him off.
Santi is already somewhat suspicious from catching them almost about to kiss on the bus, so maybe they should part so he doesn’t question it even further.
But they’re all still rather high. Maybe Santi is feeling too good to really care about such things.
And Stefan, well, Stefan never seems to comment on anything they do, so he’s fine.
Though Ray is so damn happy at the good news.
The Dusty Brooms are bigger than he’d ever expected—not only in the US, but now they’re getting heard internationally.
This little rock band that all started with him and Gene playing blues covers in the bedroom is becoming a worldwide sensation.
Gene has been the one with him every step of the way, from the very beginning writing songs, to now, performing to stadiums filled with thousands of people.
Every time Ray thinks they’ve ‘made it’, he only gets proven wrong—there’s still so much more yet to come.
“I still can’t believe it. It’s so fucking cool,” Gene says, giving Ray’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “And we’re not even done with this tour, yet.”
“Yeah.” Ray nods, his head rubbing against the side of Gene’s. The touch sends sparks throughout him. “We’re gonna record more, too, like the new songs we’ve written. So maybe by then, we’ll have another album out.”
“If we get things done in time, yeah. And also if we don’t take another long break.”
“I think we can do it. I have the most fun when I’m playing with you guys. When I’m performing, making music, and writing songs with you, Gene…”
“Aw, you two look like such a cute couple,” Santiago comments.
“Wh-what?!” Ray sits up straighter, moving his hands back to his lap.
“Uh…” is all Gene says, though he keeps his hold on Ray.
“I said what I said!” Santi chuckles, leaning forward toward them. “Don’t even think that I haven’t been paying attention to you two cuddled up like that.”
“Oh, uh… yeah.” Ray gulps. “W-well, we’re just being friendly, y’know.”
Santi raises an eyebrow. “Riiiight.”
If Santiago was suspicious of them before, he has even more right to be now.
Especially when, honestly… Ray doesn’t want to argue further.
Santi isn’t ridiculing them for ‘acting gay’; he’s merely trying to call things as he sees it.
Should Ray be dishonest with him, when Santi has always proven to be their most trustworthy friend?
Gene certainly thinks he can push it, with how he finally pulls his arm off Ray’s shoulders, only to grab him by the hand instead. “Maybe I have fun being a bit daring with Ray sometimes.”
He lifts Ray’s hand—kissing his knuckles, right in front of Santi.
“Gene!” Ray stammers, his cheeks coming to a boil.
“What? You like it, right?” Gene asks, acting innocent. He must really be feeling buzzed if he’s being so bold.
“Well, um, I mean…”
Santi laughs, slapping his knee, making both Ray and Gene turn their gazes toward him. “Sure, I can see how friendly you guys are being. As I said: cute couple.”
“Glad you think we’re cute,” Gene chuckles. He stands, pulling Ray to stand up with him by tugging at his hand. “Say, Ray, you want to… jam with me in my room? I’m still feeling pretty awake.”
“Your room?” Ray’s eyes widen, staring at his handsome best friend. “But—I don’t know, I was wondering if I should get back to Carol…”
“I’m not going to keep you all night. Well, unless you want me to, that is.” He smirks, still holding onto Ray’s hand.
“You guys need a room. Take his offer, Ray,” Santi throws an arm out, laughing as he does so.
Santi’s not going to chastise me, if he thinks I’m cheating on Carol with Gene?
Unless… he thinks we’re just joking around?
That could be the case, but the twinkle in Santi’s smile tells him otherwise.
There’s a deeper understanding there, one that he knows he’ll have to talk to Santi about later.
But not tonight, not when more than anything, he wants to spend time alone with Gene.
True alone time—nestled under the bed sheets, only the two of them, skin against skin…
“Alright, alright. Sure, I’ll jam with you. Let’s go, Gene.”
Gene smiles, and damn, does that smile light up Ray’s soul. Only he can do that to him in a way no one else can.
“For sure. We’ll see you guys later, then,” Gene says, waving his free hand to Santi and Stefan.
“Don’t have too much fun, now,” Santi teases.
“We’ll be good.” Gene laughs, giving Ray’s hand a small squeeze.
“See ya,” Stefan says, getting in the last word before Gene pulls Ray toward the stairwell.