The boys are headed to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they'll stay at a motel while they play a few gigs in the surrounding area, then head back toward Lafayette. Life is good! Everything is going great. Their manager is going to meet them when they get into town, and maybe there will be time to play! See what's happening in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!
As the afternoon progressed, Ryan was enjoying the drive so
much that he almost hated to see it end. He’d offered to take the wheel for
Aiden, but Aiden had graciously declined his proposal with a knowing look,
telling him to just sit back and relax. So Ryan and Ben had done just that.
They kissed and cuddled in the backseat and listened to the soft jazz that
flowed through the car’s speakers, not saying much. But every touch spoke
volumes.
At one point, Abby turned around from the front seat to face
them, phone in hand. She wore a mischievous
grin as she regarded them. “Want me to take a picture of you guys for the book?
Just the way you are now? Ryan can add it to his love on the road chapter.” She
winked at them. Ryan had to laugh in spite of himself. He felt too good not to.
He knew there was no such chapter— unless, of course, Ben told him he wanted
one, and then that was a different story. He stole a glance at his lover. Ben
was unfazed. He stuck his tongue out at Abby then asked. “Want that as part of
the picture?”
“Naw, you can keep that for Ryan,” she riposted. “But thanks
for the offer anyway.”
“Hey guys, I think we’re here,” Aiden interrupted.
Already? Ryan had lost track of their surroundings. He hadn’t
realized they’d reached Lake Charles already. Not only that, they were turning
into the motel parking lot, just behind the equipment van. He and Ben
straightened from their slumped positions to get a first glimpse of the motel.
Ryan wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but he was surprised at what he saw. The
motel had a definite southwestern vibe, both in style and color. Yellow stucco walls, with turquoise and brown
accents. Colorful earthenware jars, as well as a variety of cacti with pink, red, and purple blossoms. An
expansive parking lot, with plenty of room. And in the midst of it all…
“Swimming pool!” Aiden cried in obvious delight. “Thank you,
Jesus!” He pulled Cameron’s car up beside
the van. Deacon and Keanu were just getting out. From their broad grins, Ryan
guessed they’d seen the pool too. The water did look inviting, he had to admit.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been swimming.
“Anybody up for a swim?” Keanu asked. “Last one in’s a
rotten egg!”
Ben shook his head. “Sounds good, but we can’t. We’re
meeting Marge, remember? Besides, we have plenty of time to have fun after we
see her. We’re not playing tonight.”
Before Keanu had time to even think about pouting—which Ryan
was coming to realize was his favorite method of dealing with situations he
didn’t care for— Deacon forestalled him with, “That gives us time to get swim
suits too. I’m guessing none of you packed those, right?”
And there was the reality of the situation. Ryan knew he
hadn’t brought one. Why would he think to do that? The idea had never occurred
to him that he’d need one. He was pretty sure he wasn’t the only one.
“We could always skinny-dip,” Keanu suggested, but one arch
of Deacon’s brow brought him back to earth. “Just an idea.” He shrugged.
“An idea that could get us arrested in public. A private
pool is one thing, but not here. You want me to cool you off again? Instead of
just your head, how about your whole body? Right in the pool, clothes and all.”
Deacon’s words elicited laughter from everyone, even Keanu.
Ryan had the feeling he’d never actually go through with his threat, but at
least the situation was easily diffused. The two men might be volatile, but not
in any way that made him uncomfortable. They complemented one another very
well. Keanu was energetic and outspoken, and Deacon was laid-back and sensible.
But it was obvious they came first with each other.
Ryan was about to ask Ben something when he noticed Ben’s
eyes were raking up and down Ryan’s body, as if he were taking his
measure. “What would you think about a
Speedo?” he asked.
Ryan felt his cheeks grow warm. He couldn’t be sure if it
was Ben’s words or the look he was giving him. Whatever
he’d been about to ask was quickly forgotten. “I don’t think so,” he stammered.”I
don’t really have the body for it.”
“Some people might disagree,” Abby said, which only
increased the heat in Ryan’s cheeks. Ben patted Ryan’s inflamed cheek gently.
“Don’t worry, you have the body for it, but I’m not about to
share that. We’ll find something not quite so….”
“Skimpy?” Aiden suggested.
“Exactly.” Ben winked at Ryan then pulled his phone from his
pocket, typing swiftly. When he was done, he pocketed it again. “I just texted
Marge. I have no idea where she is, so while we wait to hear from her, why don’t
I get us checked in?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Aiden agreed. “I think I’m gonna
stretch my legs a little. Wanna come with, Abs?”
“Sounds perfect,” she agreed. “Scout out the area a little
bit while we’re at it.”
“We can guard the van,” Keanu offered.
Ben looked pointedly at the back of the van then back to
Keanu. “Seriously, dude? As hot as it is?”
“I never said that.” Keanu held up his hands in protest. “You
just have a dirty mind.”
“And who gave him the idea in the first place, hmmm?” Deacon
folded his arms across his chest and gave Keanu a pointed look.
“I’m not that much of a horndog!” Keanu attempted to defend
himself.
“Yeah, right, tell that to someone who doesn’t know you.”
Aiden laughed. “We’ll be back in maybe twenty minutes or so. Text us your room
number so we can get our key.”
“Will do,” Ben said. “C’mon, Ryan.” He took Ryan’s hand and
headed toward the motel office, leaving the two men to their own devices.
to be continued
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