“That’s okay,” Ricky said, taking his hand to stop him. “I like that you baked for me, but I don’t think drugs are my thing.”
Diego looked surprised before shrugging. “I have a six pack in the trunk.”
Ricky laughed. “I don’t need to get high or drunk. All I want is you.”
“You’ve got it,” Diego said, rolling onto him again. He kept going, taking Ricky with him, until he was tangled up in his arms and legs. “What’s this nerd stuff you’re watching? He looks like the new mechanic we hired.”
“That’s Worf,” Ricky said. “You know, a Klingon?”
“Is that like a hard-on that you cling to? Because I can help you there.”
Diego started grinding against him while trying to shove a tongue in his ear, which made Ricky squeal with laughter. They were wrestling when someone cleared their throat.
Ricky raised his head and blinked. His mother was standing by the now-open door. “Are you boys hungry?” she asked while looking concerned.
“I think we’re going out to eat,” Diego said, turning his head toward him but not letting go. “Aren’t we?”
“Yes,” Ricky said, gently untangling himself so he could sit up.
“That sounds expensive,” Ami said, still wearing the same worried expression. “You parents must give you quite the allowance.”
“I’ve got a job,” Diego said easily.
“Doing what?”
Ricky didn’t like where this line of questioning was going.
“Repairing cars,” Diego replied, putting his hands behind his head.
He was still stretched out in bed. Ricky wished he would sit up. Especially because his mother’s forehead had creased.
“That sounds like serious work,” she said.
“It’s the family business,” Diego explained. “I work in my dad’s shop.”
“Oh.” Ami perked up at this and seemed to relax. “That’s nice!”
“I’ve always liked messing with cars,” Diego explained.
“Okay. Well, I’ll let you boys have fun.” And yet, she didn’t go away. “It’s a school night, Ricky.”
“I’ll be home before ten,” he said. “I promise.”
This seemed to finally appease her. She left, but without closing the door.
“Want me to shut it?” Diego asked, rolling to his side and grabbing Ricky around the waist.
“No,” he said tersely. “Let’s go.”
“Cool. What do you want to do? Besides eat?”
Ricky gnawed his bottom lip, not wanting to ruin the festive mood, but he was his mother’s child and had worries of his own. “Should you be driving when you’re high?”
“I got you home last week.”
‘Yeah, but still…”
Diego flopped onto his back. “Fine. I’ll let you drive.”
“I don’t know how!”
“Then I’ll teach you.”
Ricky grinned. “Really?”
“Yup.”
“I get to drive Frankenstein?”
Diego laughed. “Yeah. Don’t worry about wrecking him. I can fix anything.”
“Oh my god!” he said, leaping to his feet. “This is going to be amazing!” He glanced toward the open door. “Just don’t tell my mom, okay?”
Diego got out of bed and pulled him close. “My lips are sealed,” he said before pressing them against Ricky’s own.
If this was how his weekends were going to be from now on, Ricky would be so high on love that he would never come down.
— — —
Cameron pulled up to a cottage on the east side of town and felt as though he was returning home. Charles was like family, despite not being related—an honorary uncle or aunt. On his mother’s side. Cameron couldn’t picture his father having such a cool sibling. Or one who was so queer.
When he answered the door, Charles was wearing white slacks and a pale yellow cardigan a shade lighter than his long blond hair. His pink lips smiled at Cameron, the subtle eyeshadow accompanied by good-natured crow’s feet.
“Oh my goodness!” Charles declared, clasping his hands together in delight. “Who left this adorable puppy on my doorstep? Won’t you come in? I’m certain that I have a saucer of milk for you.”
Cameron laughed. “You’re thinking of cats.”
“I’ve never been one for musicals,” Charles said, ushering him inside. “Either you want to see a play or you want to go to a concert. Make up your mind, people! And don’t get me started on dinner theater. What’s wrong with one thing before the other? Are people in such a hurry to return home?”
“I guess that depends how into each other they are,” Cameron said ruefully.
“Spoken like someone who is still drunk on love’s nectar,” Charles playfully responded while leading him through a living room filled with antiques. “How is Anthony? I half expected to see him with you. Aren’t you inseparable?”
“Shared custody,” Cameron said with a shake of his head. “He’s with his straight boyfriend today.”
Charles paused in front of the refrigerator. “Oh? Surely you don’t mean an open relationship.”
“No. That’s just how it feels sometimes. Need any help?”
“Thank you, but no. Take a seat and tell me about this straight boy.”
“Anthony was madly in love with his best friend when we met,” he explained. “And still seems to be. Sometimes I catch him looking at Omar with… I dunno know. Longing, I guess. Which doesn’t feel right. Just don’t tell him I said so.”
“I would never betray your confidence,” Charles said, placing a pie on the counter. “Although I wouldn’t worry too much. If this boy is as straight as you say, then surely he doesn’t pose a threat.”
“I guess not.” Cameron was momentarily distracted by a narrow table that he hadn’t noticed before. Which was odd considering that it was painted bright blue. “It’s not like I wasn’t aware going in. But I thought things would have changed by now. We’ve been together four months!”
“Why, it’s practically forever!” Charles said as he set saucers and tea cups on the table.
“It’s a long time to us,” Cameron replied sullenly.
“And for some people twice your age. I shouldn’t tease. Especially when I’ve experienced the same thing with Lover Boy.”
“You have?” Cameron asked in surprise. Partially because it was rare that Charles spoke of his husband at all. Cameron had never met him, and didn’t even know his real name. Out of necessity, Charles claimed. His husband had some sort of high profile job that made it important for him to remain anonymous.
“Oh yes,” Charles said. “Such things are quite normal during the dewy dawn of a new relationship, I assure you. I wouldn’t let it trouble you too much.” He held up a knife. “We have tart cherry pie this week. I hope that’s okay.”
“Have I ever complained?” Cameron’s mouth was already watering!
“No, you’re always such a grateful guest. Just one of the many reasons I enjoy your visits.”