He was right about so much, and I need to tell him how lucky I am to have him as a friend.
“Yeah, I get it,” I say, putting the plaque back in the bag. Cam hands me my bottles with a grin and I put everything together in the gift bag.
“Thanks,” I say genuinely. Alex glances at Cam, his gaze serious.
“Take care of my fucking brother, you hear me?” he says. “Because I’m all out of crises at this point.”
Cam chuckles. “Won’t be a problem.”
Alex nods with a grunt. “Good. Because if you break his heart, I might have to dent that perfect jawline.”
“Alex!” I say, my entire face flushing with heat. Alex laughs.
“God, you are so easy!” he says, giving me a shove. Cameron laughs too, and pretty soon so am I. I shake my head as I shove him.
“Asshole,” I mutter.
Alex flashes me a smile. “Don’t I know it.” He looks to the right, his shoulders tensing.
“I wish I could stay. Wish I could take my baby bro and his boyfriend out for a drink for his birthday, but… I have a bus to catch and we’re off to Vermont.” He sighs, and I don’t miss the weariness in his voice.
“I get it,” I say. Cam wraps his arm around me and pulls me close, which makes me blush… again, but Alex doesn’t seem to care. If anything, he looks kind of sad. Wistful, even.
But what would Alex have to be sad about? He just won his game!
“Thanks for the tickets, Alex. Have a safe trip.” Cam extends his free hand, and my brother takes it, shaking it before letting go.
“Anytime, man. And thanks.” Just as I think he’s about to turn away and leave, he pulls both of us in for a hug. It’s a little awkward, I’m not going to lie, but it’s nice too.
I don’t think I’ve ever hugged my brother this much until I got divorced.
Funny how once my life fell apart, it came back together so much stronger than before.
“Alright, you kids have fun,” he says, turning away. I don’t miss the glimmer of what looks like a tear in his eye, but he hides it well.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he says as he flashes a perfect, toothpaste-commercial grin, and I realize it’s a mask. Like the one I used to wear.
I want to ask him what he’s hiding, or more aptly what he’s hiding from, but I know better. My brother is mostly an open book, but if there are things he needs to keep private, I more than anyone understand. I’ll tell him later if he needs to talk, he can talk to me. Not that I think he would, but…
It feels like the right thing to do, and if I can return the favor, for him being there for me, I will, any way I can.
Cam leads us out into the cold air, never once taking his arm from my shoulders.
“You ready for your birthday present?” he asks, grinning wickedly.
“Yes,” I say, turning in his arms. I gaze up at him with interest, thrusting against him with a chuckle.
He kisses me softly on the lips before kissing me on the nose.
“Good, because I’ve been waiting all day for this,” he says, and excitement blooms in my chest and my cock.
The ride back to Cam’s isn’t long. He’s much closer to the city than I am, after all.
He leads me up, the butterflies in my stomach taking flight. When he opens the door, I’m met with all the memories of this place.
Of us.
He closes the door softly as I walk in, once again marveling at the gorgeous view. I can hear him walking behind me, opening the fridge. I expect him to ask me if I want something to drink, but he doesn’t.
