Mainstream

Wrap Party

"Upshur."

"Hey, Miles, it's me," said Waylon, closing the sliding glass door behind him. He walked onto the patio near the pool and sat on one of the pristine turquoise recliners.

"Hey muffin," said Miles, making two quick kissy noises into the phone. "I miss you. How ya been? This a social call?"

"Kind of," said Waylon. The bright morning sun turned the windows into mirrors, but Waylon detected some movement behind the glass. "I'm calling to invite you to a party."

"Do I need to remind you what tends to happen when you plan parties?"

"I'm not planning this one, it's the wrap party, for the film," said Waylon, turning to stare out over the clear pool waters, a steady breeze painting ripples on the surface.

"Ah, so you want me to show up and take pictures."

"You're welcome to bring your camera, you're a photographer and it's an industry party, but listen, I'm inviting you as my friend." Waylon took a deep breath. "I want you to meet Eddie."

"I've met Eddie," said Miles.

"No, really meet Eddie," said Waylon. "I want to introduce him to you as my boyfriend, and I need your help explaining our...relationship."

"Oh, sure, easy, nice to meet you Mr. Executioner, I'm Waylon's sugar-daddy, fuck buddy, friend, roommate, idol."

"You're not my idol," said Waylon, before amending, "And I wouldn't joke about that other stuff, either. Eddie has a jealous streak and he punched my dad at Lisa's wedding so..."

"He did not," said Miles, cackling over the phone. "Oh, please, I wish you'd brought me, I would die to see that."

"The whole thing was a disaster, Andrew had to take a redeye, drive all night, just to write a check my father tore up in his face." Waylon shook his head, staring at his own reflection in the window. "I got to visit mom."

"Yeah, and how'd that go?"

"About as expected," said Waylon, smiling at himself. "She looks worse, thinner, but the nurses assured me they're doing everything they can for her, and since I check in and send the money I believe them."

Waylon paused, holding the phone away to blow out a long breath. He had cried enough at his hospital visit to carry him for months. No need to cry again.

"I mean, that's all pretty expected, considering how far along her Huntington's is," said Miles, not unkindly.

"But, ya know what? Eddie was there, and somehow, it made everything better. I haven't felt that satisfied from talking to my mom in a long time. Even if she didn't respond, I kinda felt like, she got it, that I was happy, and that's more than enough..."

"You need a hug? You sound like you need a hug."

"Save it for the party," said Waylon, chuckling to himself. "I'll see you there?"

"Can't wait to meet your boyfriend, cookie."

—

Waylon's lips looked swollen. Kiss-bitten. His eyes dark; pupils blown.

Eddie cupped Waylon's face and pulled him in for another crushing kiss. The familiar and exciting feel of lips sliding together ignited every nerve.

The first kisses were calculated. Soft presses of lips, exaggerated head turns and grasping hands. But kissing Waylon was setting an open flame near gasoline. It was only a matter of time before Eddie got burned. When he leaned in for the next kiss, he pushed his fingers through thick, blond curls, pulling Waylon closer.