After the laughter died down, André tossed his napkin on the table. “I’ll see you all later.”
If he had his way, it promised to be an evening no one would ever forget.
***
At three thirty he returned to the house to find it in a frenzy of party preparations. Flower arrangements were being set up throughout the house, and Dottie was in full general mode, directing the caterers to the back, where huge white tents were erected on the wide expanse of lawn. Tables and chairs had been arranged under the shade and a DJ booth had been placed on the side. Several bars were already in place, with bottles and glasses set up. Workers were setting up a temporary white dance floor under a second tent.
“Perfect,” he said to himself. He spotted a figure walking up from the beach and across the lawn. As the man drew closer, he could see it was Wolf.
“What’re you planning?” Barefoot, Wolf trekked up the stairs to join him on the deck. He wore a plain black bathing suit, and he’d acquired a healthy tint of color on his face. A pair of Ray-Bans rested on top of his head in his damp hair.
“Planning?”
It was rare to see Wolf relaxed and smiling. “You have a look in your eyes like there are a million thoughts running through your mind.”
Not a million. Just one big one.
“Well, I have to make a speech tonight, so I’m trying to think of what to say. Have a nice day in the sun?”
“I did. A rarity, but it felt good to turn it all off and simply sit by the beach and listen to the waves.”
André could relate. “Sometimes we need to recharge.” He figured he might as well go for broke. “Can I ask—what’s the deal with you and Spencer?”
Wolf’s expression turned into a stone mask. “Deal? There’s no deal. He and I are on opposite ends of the food chain.”
“But you’re friends.”
Wolf gazed out at the vista, where Spencer appeared from around the bend with Dottie at his side, pointing and laughing.
“Friendship has different meanings to different people.”
When Wolf said nothing further, André realized there was little else he could do to pry any more information from him.
“I’d better go get ready.” He clapped Wolf on the shoulder. “See you at the party.”
Wolf nodded but continued to stare out over the yard.
Inside the house, he heard laughter, and when he stopped by the kitchen, his eyes lit up.
“Martine.” He hugged the woman close. “I’m so glad you came.”
“You think I could stay away when I heard the news?” Her eyes twinkled, then grew soft. “I’m so happy for you both. I always hoped you two would take the next step.” She kissed his cheek and gave him a playful shove. “Now let Dottie and me finish. We have lots of goodies for you and your guests that only the two of us know how to make. Special for you and Chess.”
He gave her another hug and kiss. “I love you.”
André left them to take a shower, and he wondered where Chess was, as he hadn’t seen him since he’d come home from town. About to text him, the door to the bedroom burst open, and a laughing Chess walked in.
“There you are. Dottie and Martine told me you were getting ready. When I didn’t hear from you all day, I thought maybe you’d run away from me. Where’d you go?”
“I had some errands to take care of. What did you do? I couldn’t find you either.”
Eyes sparkling, Chess sauntered up to him. “I got you a present.”
André cupped his elbow and drew him near enough to kiss his cheek. “You did? Tell me what it is. Or better yet, show me.”
Chess ran his nose down his cheek. “I’m debating whether to hold out until the party or do it now.”
André slipped his hands under the elastic waistband of Chess’s basketball shorts. “I’m all about instant gratification.” As always, the fire simmering between them flared, and André pressed his lips to the strong cords of Chess’s neck, loving how he sighed at the touch.
