As was typical of Steve and Casey, their frustration with each other didn’t last long, and shortly after dinner I caught them in the front yard, hugging and making up, having had what was clearly a much-needed discussion. I couldn’t say as much about Frederick and me.
“I cannot believe you waited until this dinner party to announce that to me,” I chastised him as we found a spot in Nance’s backyard where we could have a proper fight.
“I wouldn’t have done you the dishonor of announcing it from Parlaisa, and I figured you would have an easier time digesting it around others when you remembered that, just like your reasons for seeing Keegan initially, and regardless of your brother’s intentions, it ultimately benefits everyone.”
I huffed in annoyance.
“And considering your situation with your mother and Sharon, do you honestly think your brother truly stands against this any more than you do?”
I knew better than that.
“If only you weren’t so damned smart, Frederick. What really bothers me is that my own brother was planning to go around my back to make this happen.”
“He told me to handle it, O. It’s hardly behind your back.”
Again, another valid point. Lucas had plenty of others who could have helped arrange his visit. He had told Frederick because, even though we weren’t on the best terms, he wanted me to find out. Surely if I tried to convince him not to come, he would respect my wishes. Although, I would have been working against the very thing I fought for since I’d begun my whole convoluted scheme with Keegan.
The scheme that led to something so much more than the ridiculous plan we’d set out on.
In my entire life, I had never expected to meet a guy like Keegan Kruse. And as we slid into my rental car, he proved just what an amazing man he was as he took my hand and asked, “Everything okay, dude?”
“Yeah,bruh.”
He laughed at my tease.
“It’ll be fine. We already have more than enough support. If anything, the King attending an event to sanction his brother’s relationship with a man and take a stand on the upcoming bill will give us that last push we need. I shouldn’t be stressing about something so positive when I’m anxious enough helping Nance with the bake sale.”
“And your boyfriend with the pet-adoption zone!”
“Yes, that too, of course.”
“I know it’s hard to see this right now, but I do think it means he cares,” Keeg said.
I paused at his remark, reflecting on our childhood. “Somewhere in me, I know you’re right. We used to have a very different relationship. I remember falling off my horse when I was little, and he was there to help me stand back up. He made sure I was all right, but then encouraged me back on. He encouraged me to face my fears. He was always about facing fears, and now I hardly even recognize the man he’s become.”
“I’m sure you’re very different than when you were a kid too, but you’re still a pretty awesome guy.”
“I only show you the awesome parts because I like you so much.”
“I don’t believe you, O. But as long as you’ll keep fucking me, I’m fine with you going on thinking that.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. Now give me what I’ve missed so much tonight.” I leaned forward, and he responded with a kiss.
It was a calm, tender kiss, unlike so many of the frenetic ones we shared in the bedroom, or shower, or bar, or back seat of the car…anywhere we could christen with our ever-growing affection for each other.
31
Keegan
“Sawyer, Sawyer… Keegan, have you seen Sawyer?” Carter asked.
I was on my knees, inspecting the pup pen I’d just installed in the adoption zone I was helping head up. We only had another day before the kickoff of our festival, so there was plenty of work to be done.
“Over here!” Sawyer called.
Carter glanced around, looking more like he was chasing some imaginary fly than looking for a person. “Where are you? Where the hell is this disembodied voice coming from?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
