What Happens on the Cruise

40. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Austin sat at his mother's house surrounded by family and family friends as The Sing-Off finale reached its conclusion. He imagined in this moment all the people scattered across the country who were watching this -- friends and family of the different groups, strangers who'd become enamored of one or the other of the ensembles. Were there families where a friendly or not-so-friendly rivalry was playing out? He pictured them all as points of light -- his former castmates, college friends, people who'd seen them in concert, then Tim's wide network of singers and songwriters and friends and all his kin, then Rob's, and Chris's and Adam's. All the homes, this house, the Ruby Tuesday just down the road, a high school in Nederland, and church in Mankato, suddenly lighting up with joy as Nick's words from three months ago were finally broadcast -- "Home Free!"

His mother let out her breath and cheered along with all the whoops and hollers from the rest of his family. He chuckled. "Mama, you knew we won. Why were you holding your breath?"

She swatted him on the arm, then hugged him. "I just got caught up in the moment. Oh, I'm so proud of you!"

He kissed the top of her head, then accepted hugs and back pats and handshakes. "I'm running in to the Ruby Tuesday. Thanks for being here with me."

***

"Hey, sweetie," Austin greeted Tim as his lover answered his phone.

"Hi!" Tim answered.

"How was your night?"

"Everyone was ecstatic. When they announced the winner, the whole place exploded."

"Everyone at mom's went nuts, too. And folks at the Ruby Tuesday were still going crazy when I walked in," Austin said. "I don't think I've ever been hugged so much in my life. Not even my high school or college graduations."

Tim chuckled. "It was amazing."

"Yeah."

They fell silent for a moment, then Austin sighed. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too," Tim said. "Mom says hi, by the way."

"Yeah. Dad says hi, too."

"Bet he was proud."

Austin chuckled. "When I hit those high notes at the end, he told everyone that was my gospel side coming out. He was beamin'."

"Have you got a ride to the airport tomorrow?"

"Yeah, Mom's taking me." Austin groaned. "I have to get up at, like, five AM."

"I love talking to you, but you should really get to bed," Tim told him.

"I know. I'm just really wound up."

"Are you undressed yet?"

"No. Why?"

"Go get undressed," Tim instructed, "and get your headset so your hands are free. Also go dig out your toy. I know you packed it."

Austin let out a shaky breath as he realized what Tim had planned. "Okay. Give me a sex... er, a sec." He scrambled to comply, undressing and finding the needed items quickly then climbing into bed, headset connected.

"All set?" Tim asked.

"Yeah."

"Okay. I'm going to tell you what I want to do to you when you get home..." Tim's voice was low and dark and hungry.

Austin closed his eyes and gave himself over to Tim's fantasy.

***

Austin disembarked the small commuter flight and looked around for Tim. He spotted his lover in a small knot of people.