Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #88 (20/6)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

They say it's always darkest just before the dawn, and things are looking pretty dark when Liza turns up unexpectedly on Cassie's doorstep, waiting for Ben to return. But Cassie turns a potential disaster into a win-win situation. See what happens in this week's chapter of In Pieces. This is the end of my tale. I hope you've enjoyed it. I plan to sub it to a publisher soon. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #88 (20.6)

“If you’ll have me, that is,” Cassie quickly added. “It’s your decision, of course. I’m sure you’ll need time to think about it, but I’m totally serious about this. I believe in Salvation. I think the band is going places. But most of all, I believe in you and Ryan.”

“But how… I mean… That’s very sweet of you, but…” Ben stammered. “I can’t ask that of you…”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering,” Cassie said, gently but firmly. “And if you’re worried that I can’t afford it, don’t be. Your dad left me very well off. Not to mention that Marge said you’re generating a good amount of income yourselves now.  We had quite a long discussion about your future, as well as your financial stability. She’s as much a believer in you as I am, and we’re both in this for the long haul.”

Ryan couldn’t believe his ears. A sudden lump formed in his throat, and he knew he was about to cry. This was like a dream come true.  A true deus ex machina in their hour of need. With Cassie’s patronage, they could do without any financial assistance from Liza, and she wouldn’t have the emotional leverage against them she thought she had.  Ben never had to see her again, not unless he chose to. That would be his decision. Ryan understood that despite everything, she was Ben’s mother,  and no doubt he loved her, but she’d abused that bond between them for so long that it was hard to tell Ben might choose to do in the future in regard to Liza. He just knew that whatever happened, he would be there for Ben.

He glanced at Ben, who seemed just as thunderstruck as he was, his eyes glistening with tears.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Ben managed to say, taking a swipe at his face. “What can you say to someone who’s just saved your life, not to mention all your dreams?”

Ryan couldn’t help but notice Cassie’s blush at Ben’s words. He wished his dad could have been there. He would have been so proud of her, and would undoubtedly have backed her decision without hesitation. He missed his dad so much. He wished that he could share in the joy Ben brought to his life.

A sudden thought struck him. How could he have forgotten that Ben had agreed to marry him? In his own defense, that was when the shit had really hit the fan. Even so, this was momentous news that he wanted to share. He took Ben’s hand in his and kissed it gently.

“Cassie,” he said. “Ben and I want to get married.”

“Oh. My. God.” Cassie leapt up and crossed the short space between them, enveloping them in a group hug. “That’s the best news I’ve heard tonight! That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! Hold on just a second.” She rushed out of the room. Ryan heard clattering from the direction of the kitchen, cabinets opening and closing, before she hurried back in, a bottle of something in her hand as well as three glasses. Ryan’s eyes widened as he recognized it as some sort of vintage champagne. His dad had collected a few over the years, setting them aside for special occasions.

As if reading his mind, Cassie set the glasses down. “I can’t think of a more special occasion than this,” she said. “Except maybe when you sell your first million albums.” She unwound the wire from the top of the bottle, then pushed off the cork with her thumb with a loud pop. Pouring the champagne into the glasses, she handed one to each of them.

“To Ryan and Ben, who’ve gone through so much but never lost sight of what’s important in each other. I know you guys can get through anything because you have true love!” She raised her glass and they followed suit, taking a drink.

Then Ryan turned to Ben. “Ben, I thought I’d never see you again, and I thought my heart had died because of that. But now I know that nothing can keep us apart, and together we can do anything. Ben Coulter, I love you, now and forever.”

“And I love you, Ryan Fremont,” Ben replied. “You’ve always had my heart and soul, and I never want to lose you again.”

Ryan twined his arm through Ben’s and they drank, then kissed. He could taste the champagne on Ben’s lips—nothing had ever tasted so sweet. He knew that as long as he had Ben, he could do anything. Including returning to his first love, writing.

The future had just turned very bright indeed.

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #87 (20.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben are spending time on the band's break with Cassie in St. Louis when Liza shows up unexpectedly on Cassie's doorstep, still attempting to drive a wedge between Ben and Ryan and take Ben home with her. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to look for the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #87 (20.5)

Liza visibly flinched at Ben’s words, as if she’d been struck. She pressed one hand against her bosom in a melodramatic expression. But her eyes told the true story, battling between barely repressed anger and shock.

Cassie spoke up, filling the void. “You have ten seconds to get off my property before I call the police,” she said. “I don’t think they’ll be impressed when you tell them you lived here ten years ago. If I have to, I’ll get a restraining order against you. Don’t think that I won’t.”

Liza opened her mouth, then seemed to think better of it and quickly closed it again. She drew herself up to her full height, with what dignity she could muster. She made one final attempt, reaching out one hand toward Ben, as if she intended to stroke his cheek. He drew back, out of reach. With a final glare for Ryan, she pushed her way past him, headed toward a dark sedan parked on the street. 

Entering it, she quickly drove away.

Ryan released the breath he’d been holding. He wanted to believe they’d heard the last of her, but he had a bad feeling she wouldn’t give up quite that easily. They would deal with that later, right now he was more concerned with Ben.

Once Liza was out of sight, Ben collapsed against Ryan, as if all the strength had run out of him. Alarmed, Ryan wrapped his arms around his trembling lover and held him tightly.

“Come on, let’s get inside,” Cassie said, ushering them toward the house. Moving swiftly, she reached the door before they did, unlocked it and held it open as Ryan helped Ben inside and onto the sofa in the living room. There they sat together, arms around one another, as Cassie turned on the lights. She left the room but quickly returned, bearing a bottle of quality bourbon and three glasses. She set the glasses on the table, poured a little in each one, and handed theirs to Ben and Ryan. They downed them neatly. Ryan felt the burn of the liquor in his throat, but it was a good burn, warming him inside.

“Everything’s going to be all right,” he assured Ben. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.” He gave him an encouraging smile.

“I’m proud of both of you,” Cassie said. “I’m so sorry that happened. When I suggested you come back to St. Louis, I had no idea she would ever come here looking for you. I’m sorry, no offense, but there is something not quite right with her.”

“None taken,” Ben quickly replied. Personally, Ryan thought saying Liza was not quite right was putting it mildly. The woman was flat out crazy. But he wasn’t going to be the one to voice that. No sense in rubbing salt in Ben’s wound.

“I’m sorry that happened too,” Ben continued. He drew in deep breaths, sitting up straighter, his voice a little stronger. “I’ll understand if you want me to leave. You don’t need—”

In reply, Cassie threw her arms around both young men and hugged them. “Never,” she said fiercely. “We’re your family now. I don’t want either one of you to leave, especially because of someone like her.” She kissed each of their cheeks, then returned to her seat, pouring three more glasses of whiskey before she did. They drank them down without argument.

“I know I promised you dinner on the Hill tonight,” she said, “but I’ll totally understand if you’d rather stay here instead. We can always order in, go to the Hill another night. Up to you.”

Ryan and Ben exchanged looks. Ryan would agree to whatever Ben felt comfortable with. He was just afraid of Liza following them and maybe causing a scene in public. He was more concerned that Ben might not be up to going out.

“Would you mind if we stayed in?” Ben said at last.

“Of course I don’t mind,” Cassie assured him. “We can go another time. What sounds good?”

They decided on pizza and chicken wings and salad, and Cassie placed the order online before turning back to them. “Before dinner gets here, I wanted to talk to you. Maybe this is a good time for that, in light of what just happened.”

Ryan was mystified at her words, and he knew Ben was just as confused as he was. But he trusted Cassie implicitly. Whatever she had to say couldn’t be bad, even if there was some time to Liza. He took Ben’s hand in his and took comfort from Ben’s warmth.

“I didn’t say anything to you sooner, but I’ve been talking to Marge,” Cassie began.

That was a huge surprise to Ryan. “I didn’t know you knew her?” he said at the same time Ben said, “You know Marge?”

She smiled at them both. “I do now. I think she’s a pretty wonderful person, and she thinks the world of you both. And Salvation.”

Soothing words badly needed.

“Marge is a very wonderful person,” Ben agreed. “I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

That thought was sobering. The question now was what were they going to do without Liza’s backing? Disband Salvation temporarily? Maybe even… he tried not to think it, but he couldn’t push away the idea of a permanent break-up.

“Like I said, she and I have been talking, and I understand your situation. Financially, I mean.” Cassie took a deep breath. “And I’ve decided to become your new investor.”

Did she just seriously say that?

to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

J Alan Veerkamp

Cia Nordwellj

Wednesday Briefs:In Pieces #86 (20.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

After having a great time in Forest Park, Ryan, Ben, and Cassie return to find Liza waiting for them. She acts as if everything is fine. Will Ben be able to stand strong? Will Ryan resist the urge to punch her? 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!

In Pieces #86 (20.4)

 “Darling, you’re looking well,” she began. “I was hoping I could have a little of your time. I know the band’s on break right now. I guessed that you might come here. There’s so much we need to talk about.” She ignored Ryan and Cassie, as if by doing so they didn’t exist.

“Excuse me,” Cassie began in a belligerent tone, “but this is my property and you are not welcome on it.”

Liza gave Cassie a disdainful stare. “I was living here long before you were even a blip on my ex’s radar, little girl. I wasn’t aware he was in to cradle robbing, but somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”

Ryan clenched his fist at the insult to his father, and he noticed Cassie drawing herself up as if to strike, but Ben’s voice diverted them both. Ryan wanted to protest. He wanted to throw himself between Liza and Ben, use himself as a shield to keep Ben safe from her. Be a barrier between them, one she couldn’t get past. But he didn’t, and he knew he shouldn’t. Ben was an adult and he was capable of dealing with the situation on his own. But that didn’t mean Ryan wasn’t going to support him in every way possible. Even if he had to step in to do it.

He was pleased when Ben took his hand and clasped it in his own as he strode toward the house, a determined look on his handsome face. Liza had risen from the lawn chair and was gliding toward them with a welcoming smile. One which became a scowl as she took in the sight of their joined hands. But the next moment, she quickly shrugged it off, focusing on Ben.

“Stop right there, Mother,” he said. “You have no right to insult either Cassie or Dad—”

“He wasn’t your Dad!” Liza snarled. She took a step toward Ben, who stood his ground.

“He was the only Dad I ever knew and he loved me!” Ben retorted.

“If he loved you so much, why did he throw us out?” Liza countered, hands on hips. Ryan expected to see lightning bolts shoot out of her eyes at any moment.

Ryan was confused at her words, and he could see that Ben was as well. How dare she say that Dad threw them out when she was the one who sneaked away, like a thief in the night? He felt Ben squeeze his hand and he returned the squeeze reassuringly.

“That sounds like revisionist history to me,” he accused her. “Dad never did that, that was all on you. You’re just trying to make Dad look bad and make yourself seem like the injured party, but it wasn’t like that, was it?”

“How would you know? You were just a child.” Liza tried to skirt around Ryan in order to get to Ben, but he wouldn’t allow it, placing himself in between them. Cassie quickly stepped to Ben’s other side.

“I was eighteen, hardly a child,” Ryan said. “Is that what it was? You saw something, didn’t you? You knew how Ben and I felt about each other, and you didn’t like it. Jealous much?”

When Liza blanched, Ryan knew he’d hit the mark and pressed on. “You couldn’t handle the idea that Ben was able to love someone other than you. You wanted to keep him all to yourself, but you saw me as a problem.”

“Ben belongs to me, I love him. What mother doesn’t love her child?”

Ryan read the fear in her eyes as glanced between the three of them. “Because your kind of love isn’t natural.”

“And yours is? Ben’s your brother—”

“Stepbrother!” Ben quickly interjected. “No blood, mother. We’re not related in any way. You and I, on the other hand…”

Liza winced as if his words had physically assaulted her. “That’s different,” she protested. “We’ve always been different, you and I, Ben. We had something special…”

“Special? Are you really going to justify what you did to me like that?” Ben asked incredulously. 

“What you did was wrong. You led me to believe that Ryan only wanted to use me, and that he wasn’t good enough for me, but your love for me was right in every way… even that way…”

Ryan knew what speaking the words aloud must be costing Ben. His face was turning red, as his voice rose from his exertion.

“You abused me,” Ben continued. “You twisted our relationship into something horrible and wrong. I don’t think you even cared me that much, not until you realized that Ryan did. And you couldn’t handle the idea of someone else coming first in my life. Someone who wasn’t you being loved by me.”

Liza was struggling not to blow up, Ryan realized, her face contorting in rage. Perhaps she knew it wouldn’t help her case any, not with Ryan and Cassie right there. Although nothing would, not now, not ever.

“You were just a child, I was afraid he’d hurt you,” she said in a pseudo-tender voice.

“I was a child?” Ben echoed. “That’s not what you said when you took me into your bed after you took me away from Ryan and Dad.”

Liza took a step back from Ben’s anger, then another. “Perhaps this isn’t a good time,” she backpedaled. “You’re under an undue influence here. These two”—she glared daggers at Ryan and Cassie—“have filled your head with false notions about me. You should come home, take some time to yourself and clear your head—”

“My home is where Ryan is,” Ben interrupted. “I have nothing more to say to you.”

“What about your precious band? If I cut you off, all that’s finished.”

Ben took a deep breath, rising to his full height as he stared into her eyes for a long moment. “I.Don’t. Care.”

As he started to step around her, she reached for his arm. He drew back.

“Fuck off, Mother,” he said.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #85 (20.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben are visiting Cassie in St. Louis, and they spend a great day together. Surely only good things are in store for them, right? See what's happening in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #85 (20.3)

The weather turned out to be every bit as gorgeous as promised. Their first stop once they reached Forest Park was indeed the Art Museum where they headed straight to the Impressionist rooms. Ryan remembered Dad had brought the two boys there when they were maybe twelve and nine respectively, and they’d spent a great deal of time sitting in front of Monet’s huge Water Lilies, admiring its beauty—Liza hadn’t accompanied them, but that was hardly surprising since she seldom went anywhere with them after about the first year of their marriage. Once they’d paid sufficient homage to Monet, Degas, Matisse and the others, they visited the modern art, and a few of the other sections, as well. But they couldn’t linger too long in any one place and didn’t have time for them all, regretfully.

“We’ll be back,” Ryan promised Ben. “We can take more time then.” He squeezed Ben’s hand as he looked into his eyes, wanting to reassure him.

“Sounds like a plan,” Ben said. Ryan was happy that Ben wanted to come back here too.

They made a quick trip through the St. Louis Zoo, located near the Art Museum, which was considered to be one of the finest zoos in the country. Arriving just in time to catch the chimpanzee show, they all laughed at the limber animals’ antics, and pronounced the little chimps to be adorable. Afterward they bought food from one of the vendors and ate it at one of the picnic tables located in Forest Park and watched the boaters pedal around the lake. Once they had finished eating, Cassie drove them to the Science Center. The exhibits were amazing, many of them pro-active. Once again there was too much to see and do and too little time. They vowed they would return there as well.

Driving back to the house, Cassie said, “I thought we could get dinner down on the Hill tonight, if that’s okay with you.” The Hill was an Italian-American neighborhood known for its great Italian restaurants.

Okay with them? Ryan’s mouth was already watering just at the idea. Who didn’t love Italian food? And some of the finest was to be found down on The Hill. Still, he felt obligated to say something. “You don’t have to fuss over us,” he began, but Cassie broke in before he could complete his thought.

“I want to fuss over you,” she insisted. “You guys are so busy with the band and everything, I don’t know when I’ll get another chance like this.” She pulled into the driveway of her house and parked. Turning to face them, she added, “Don’t worry. You can play host sometime when you’re big shot musicians and touring all the major cities.” She winked at them. Ryan started to remind her he wasn’t actually a musician, or even part of the band, but that didn’t really matter. He felt as though he was a part of Salvation. More importantly, he was a part of Ben’s life, and that’s what really counted.

“Absolutely,” Ben spoke up. “Once we get things sorted out and get back on track…” Ryan noticed a slight frown crease Ben’s forehead but it quickly passed.

“About that,” Cassie began. “There are some things I’d like to talk to you two about, if you—” When she stopped speaking suddenly, Ryan cast a curious glance toward her, but her attention was focused on the front door. “Who’s that?” she said. Ryan followed her line of vision and his heart sank.

Liza was there, sitting in a lawn chair on the front porch, as if she had every right to be there. No sense in asking how she found the house, since she’d lived there once upon a time. The question was what did she want now? Ryan was afraid he already knew the answer to that one. How naïve to think she’d given up on her obscene quest to snatch Ben away from him. He glanced uneasily at Cassie, but she seemed to have already sized up the situation.

“Maybe you guys should wait here,” Cassie said. “I can deal with this.” She opened her car door and eased out. Ryan was surprised to hear the other door open at the same time.

“I can’t and I won’t run from her forever,” Ben said. “I want this to end. Now.”

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the oter Briefers:'

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #84 (20.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben are in St. Louis with Cassie, who welcomes them with open arms. Is this the sweet respite they need or the calm before the storm? See what's happening in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's happening with them. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

In Pieces #84 (20.2)

They sat out on the patio and talked for a while, giving Ben and Cassie a chance to get to know one another. Ryan was very happy that his two favorite people in the world could finally meet. Afterward, they carried in their luggage and took it to the room they’d once shared. Cassie had made a few changes in the room in the short time Ryan had been gone, but they were good ones. She’d taken out the two single beds and replaced them with a full-sized bed with matching furniture. Ryan was just as surprised as Ben.

“This looks great,” he kept saying, and Cassie beamed.

“I was hoping you would like it,” she said with a knowing glance between the two. It wasn’t hard for Ryan to follow her logic, that the two of them would be more comfortable in one big bed than crowded into the ones they’d shared as kids. Not to mention they would be able to make new memories.

Cassie ordered pizza for dinner, and they spent the evening quite happily, eating pizza and drinking a few bottles of beer from a local craft brewery. Ben had never tasted that particular brand and pronounced it quite delicious. Cassie brought out a couple of photo albums, and they took a trip down Memory Lane. Ben appreciated the photos that were taken after he’d gone, of Ryan and Dad and Cassie. Ryan was grateful that none of the photos that predated that time included Liza. He suspected Dad had gotten rid of those a long time ago. Only pleasant memories here.

By the time they went to bed, they were exhausted from a strenuous day and fell asleep in the new bed, wrapped around one another. But they made up for lost time the next morning by making love then taking a long shower together.

“Did you have anything you wanted to do while you’re home?” Cassie asked. She’d made omelets for breakfast, filled with cheese and ham and bacon and a touch of spice, along with hash browns and biscuits. They ate in the family room, which was just the way Ben remembered it, comfortable and familiar. A photograph of Cassie and Dad and Ryan held a place of honor on the wall.

Ben and Ryan exchanged glances.

“We really hadn’t thought about it,” Ryan admitted.

“Just being here is wonderful,” Ben added. They sat side by side on the soft brown sectional, Cassie seated on the adjoining piece.

“Having you here is wonderful,” Cassie said with a smile. “I have some ideas, if you don’t mind…”

“Of course we don’t mind.” Ryan grinned. “Lead on, MacDuff.”

“The weather is supposed to be gorgeous,” Cassie said. “And I can just hear Forest Park calling to us. Can you hear it?”

Ben cocked his head, as if listening. “I do,” he said. “It says it’s waiting for us to have some fun.”

Ryan loved how easily Ben fit in with Cassie, the three of them like old friends already. The night before, in bed, Ben had confessed to feeling jealous of Cassie at first but now he realized he had no reason to and he thought she was great. “Which part is calling us?” he asked, wondering just what she had in mind, although he had a good idea. They’d spent a lot of time in Forest Park, where the World’s Fair had been held in 1904. Only one of the original buildings remained, and that one was his most favorite of all.

“The Art Museum, of course.” Cassie winked, as Ryan cheered internally. Just what he’d hoped for. 

“Then maybe some lunch in the park, by the lake. Then, if you guys are up to it, we can check out the Science Center?”

“Sounds wonderful!” Ben and Ryan both exclaimed, then laughed.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #83 (20.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

After an unfortunate encounter with Cameron, Ryan and Ben are on their way to St. Louis to spend some time with Ryan's friend/stepmother Cassie. Maybe this is just what they need, a chance to get away from things, focus on themselves. Will it last? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #83 (20.1)

The flight to St. Louis was uneventful. Cassie had managed to book them a non-stop flight, luckily. It seemed as though they had barely left New Orleans when they were already arriving at Lambert. Cassie picked them up in the parking garage for Terminal One, where arrivals were being diverted due to construction. Ryan spotted her car immediately as she pulled to the curb and jumped out, squealing excitedly at the sight of him. Rounding the front of the vehicle, she enveloped him in a warm hug, then turned to Ben and did the same.

“I’m so happy to meet you at last, Ben! I’ve heard so much about you from Ryan!”

Ben seemed much more relaxed, now that they were out of New Orleans. He returned Cassie’s hug without hesitation. “I’ve only heard nice things about you. Thank you for allowing me to stay with you.”

“Well of course, you’re family too! Those all your bags?” She pointed to the luggage at their feet.

“Yeah, I have it,” Ryan quickly interjected. “Can you pop the trunk for me?”

“Sure, sweetie.” She clicked her car fob, and Ryan opened the lid, stowing their things.

“Let’s get out of here,” Cassie said. “You guys want a drink or something?”

Ryan and Ben exchanged glances. Ryan knew just what Ben was thinking. “Coffee sounds good, if that’s okay with you.”

“Coffee it is,” Cassie said cheerfully. She waved them toward the front seat. “We can all fit.”

Ryan sat between Cassie and Ben. He took Ben’s hand in his and held it on top of his leg.

“How’s the tour going?” Cassie asked. She’d taken the interstate that led to the area of St. Louis County where she lived, where Ryan and Ben had both lived. Although early evening, the summer sun held sway, and a number of people were out and about, taking advantage of the warm but not overly warm August weather.

“The tour’s going well,” Ryan said. “I can’t wait for you to hear the band. They’re amazing. And Ben has the most amazing voice.”

“You might be a little prejudiced,” Ben said modestly, but Cassie stopped him.

“No, he’s right. You have an amazing voice. I bought a copy of your CD, been listening to it.”

“Thank you, I’m flattered,” Ben said. Ryan glanced at him to find the color rising in Ben’s cheeks. Without his make-up and contacts, he still looked incredibly sexy, and at the same time somewhat innocent. Just looking at him made Ryan’s heart swell.

“I can’t wait to hear you live,” Cassie continued. “I’m not sure if I can wait till the tour gets to St. Louis, though. I might just have to take a road trip or something.”

“Are we playing St. Louis?” Ryan asked. He’d never seen a full copy of the itinerary, he realized. It had never mattered to him where the band went, just as long as he could be with Ben.

“We are,” Ben confirmed. He cocked his head to regard Cassie. “How did you know? I didn’t think there was any advertising yet?”

“Oh, a little birdie told me.” Cassie gave them a swift glance and a quick wink before turning back to the road before her. She signaled a turn and exited the highway. “I know just the place. You guys want coffee or something else? They make a really good Frappuccino. Sea salt caramel with a touch of fudge and lots of sprinkles.”

“Frappuccino sounds good,” Ben said, and Ryan agreed.

“Then three Frappuccino it is.” Cassie turned into a nearby coffee shop and headed to the drive-thru, where she placed their order. Within a few minutes, they’d received their drinks and were on their way.

When they reached the old neighborhood, Ryan cast an anxious glance at Ben, wondering how he would be affected after all these years. He seemed to gaze with interest at their surroundings. Some things had changed, of course, over the last ten years, but he didn’t seem troubled by anything. Not even when Cassie pulled up into the driveway of their childhood home.

“Want to drink these on the back patio?” she asked. “We can bring in your bags later, if that’s okay.”

That sounded like a good plan. Carrying their Frappuccino, they followed Cassie inside the house and through it, to the back. She unlatched the sliding glass door, and they stepped out onto the patio. A white wrought iron table with a glass top sat there, with matching chairs beneath a pale blue umbrella.

“This is new!” Ben exclaimed.

“Dad and Cassie did this,” Ryan said. “Cassie planted all the flowers and bushes too. There’s a pond in the back, with a little bench beside it. Just perfect for two.” He gave Ben a significant look he couldn’t possibly miss.

“I can’t wait to see it,” Ben said. “This is so beautiful, Cassie. You’ve done wonders with this.”

“Thanks,” Cassie said with a smile. “I’ve become very fond of this place. For many reasons.”

Ryan knew just what she meant. He couldn’t imagine what his life or his dad’s would have been like without her. He thanked his lucky stars that they had met and made her part of their lives.

They took seats around the table, Ryan and Ben pushing their chairs close together, across from Cassie. Ryan was grateful that the humidity was uncommonly low for August in St. Louis. A pleasant breeze was blowing, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and all was right with the world. He couldn’t help but wonder how long would this last?

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #82 (19.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben want to get away from Cameron's house as quickly as possible,all things considered. But where to go? Ryan's stepmother has the perfect solution - a trip to St. Louis! Can they get away from a bad situation unscathed? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #82 (19.5)

“I guess we’ll Uber to the airport,” Ben said. Aiden and Abby had taken the van for the trip to Atlanta, and Deacon and Keanu had already taken an Uber to the airport. The keys to Cameron’s sedan sat on an end table in the foyer, where he could easily find them.

“Sounds good,” Ryan agreed. He was happy that Ben seemed as delighted as he did at the prospect of going to St. Louis to stay with Cassie. He’d been apprehensive, considering Cassie lived in the same house where he and Ben had lived as boys, unsure what bad memories might linger from that time. But when Ben had finished using the Uber app, and Ryan mentioned his misgivings, Ben just shook his head.

“That’s the place where I fell in love with you, Ryan,” he said, almost shyly. “Those are the best memories, you and me together.”

Ryan’s cheeks warmed at Ben’s words. “I couldn’t agree more. Want to wait for our ride outside?” The sooner they were out of this place the better, he couldn’t help thinking. They might not know where they would go after St. Louis, but he sure as hell wanted to forget where they’d been.

“Good idea,” Ben said. Carrying their bags, they exited the house, locking the door behind them. “No reason to go back here ever. Good riddance…”

“I see a car at the end of the drive,” Ryan said, shading his eyes to squint into the distance. “That was fast.”

Ben frowned. “I thought he said fifteen to twenty minutes. Maybe he was closer than he realized.” He too looked toward the approaching vehicle. “Shit, shit, shit. That’s no car, it’s a truck.”

Ryan realized his mistake immediately. Cameron was back. Well, they could put up with him for the few minutes they had to wait until their Uber arrived. With any luck, and a little bit of common sense on Cameron’s end, maybe he would avoid them completely.

No such luck, of course.

Cameron parked his pickup and hopped out. Rounding the bed of the truck, he strode straight toward them, a huge smile of greeting on his lips. “Hey guys, almost missed you didn’t I?” He glanced at the luggage on the ground at their feet.

“Bad timing on our part,” Ben said wryly.

“No harm done,” Cameron said jovially. “You guys will be back in a week or so. We can catch up then.”

Ryan tried to keep from showing the amazement he felt at the older man’s words. Was he really that clueless? Or was he playing some kind of game?

“We’re not coming back,” Ben said. “Ever.” Ryan was proud to hear the note of confidence in Ben’s voice. As if he’d faced his demons and didn’t have to worry about them anymore.

For just a moment, Cameron’s smile slipped, but then he recovered himself and playfully punched Ryan’s arm. “I know you’re just kidding me, aren’t you? Can’t fool me.”

“Don’t touch him!” Ben almost snarled, moving protectively between Ryan and Cameron. “Never touch him. Or me.”

“I’ve never laid a finger on you,” Cameron protested. “Your mama warned me you were off-limits, but she never said anything about the rest. This one’s a cutie, don’t you think?”

“I think you’re disgusting is what I think,” Ben replied. “Pretending to be our friend all this time. Our benefactor. When all along you knew it was her, and you never said a word. Not to mention, you haven’t left Abby alone since you met her. I don’t even care which team you play for, but you sure as hell need to leave every one of us alone. You read me?”

“Loud and clear,” Cameron said smoothly. “But before you get all high and mighty on me, I know about you and Liza, so just don’t. Not that I care. I have my own kinks, and Abby answers those pretty well. I mean, just knowing what that pretty gal has been her legs makes me want to —“

Whatever his desires toward Abby might be, Cameron never got to say, interrupted by Ben’s fist pounding into his mouth. Cameron staggered backward, but didn’t lose his balance. His hand flew to his face and came away bloody.

“Son of a bitch!” he swore. “Seems like you have more of your mama in you than I realized. She can be a real spitfire too. Especially in the bedroom. Go on and leave if you like, makes me no never mind. But just remember this. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. And know that she’ll find you, wherever you are. You can’t hide from Liza.”

Ryan was ready to punch the miserable bastard himself, but Ben laid a restraining hand against his chest, clearly in control of the situation. Luckily, just then their Uber arrived.

Perfect timing.

The driver jumped out of the car and opened his trunk so they could put their bags inside. He gave Cameron a curious look but said nothing. Opening the passenger door, he returned to the driver’s side. Ben waved Ryan inside, then followed him. Just before he took his place inside, he looked at Cameron and said loudly, “Fuck off.” Then he settled on the back seat, closed the door, and told the driver they were ready. Probably picking up on the tension in the air, he asked no questions, just stepped on the gas, heading around the circle and back up the drive.

Neither Ryan nor Ben looked back. Ben took Ryan’s hand in his. Their glances met. “Now we live our lives,” Ben said.

Ryan hoped that was true. But the question was did they still have Liza to contend with?

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #81 (19.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ben and Ryan find an unpleasant reminder of Liza in their motel room, but Ryan deals with the situation. Will they always have to be looking over their shoulders for her? What will it take for her to leave Ben alone? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #81 (19.4)

“I’ll take care of that,” Ryan said. He moved past Ben and snatched up the offending bouquet. “Be right back.” Leaving the motel room, he hurried across the parking lot to the huge dumpster that serviced the motel, lifted the lid and tossed the flowers inside. Then he hastened back to the room. Ben sat on the edge of their bed. He looked up at Ryan’s entrance.

“How do you think she found us here?” he asked.

Good question. Ryan took a seat beside Ben, taking his hand and twining their fingers together. Then the answer dawned on him. “Cameron,” he said. “He has a copy of our itinerary, doesn’t he?”

“Oh yeah, I guess he does.” Ben sounded disconsolate. “Well, at least for the next couple of weeks. Marge doesn’t give them out too far in advance.”

“I’m glad to hear that. We’ll just have to let her know that Cameron’s out of the loop from now on,” Ryan said in a firm voice. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t figure that out for herself. She’s pretty sharp, from what I’ve seen.”

“Yeah, she is. She’s great,” Ben agreed. He leaned against Ryan, and they sat together in silence until it was time to get ready for the show.

The engagement in Lafayette went well. The fans were very enthusiastic and showed their appreciation of the music by buying a good number of CDs. Even better, neither Liza nor Cameron was anywhere to be seen, to everyone’s relief. Still, Ryan was worried about Ben. Even though he performed as well as ever, and gave his audience all he had, he knew that inside Ben was hurting. He wished he could do something to take away his pain.

After Lafayette they traveled to Baton Rouge and spent two nights at a small concert venue. They sold out the rest of their CDs, plus some others Marge had sent ahead of them. The concerts were very successful.  During one of the band’s breaks, they met a music blogger who was planning to write about them and promised to send them a link to his story as well as a music critic for a local newspaper. Ryan had no doubt that Salvation was on its way to stardom.

He kept in touch with Cassie all week, keeping her informed as to what was going on. She was a sympathetic listener. It felt good to talk to her. She made him promise that he’d call once they reached Mandeville, and he swore he would.

Saturday morning they checked out of their latest motel. There had been nothing else from Liza after the first flowers, but Ben was still ill at ease every time they entered their room, as if fearful she had sent something else, or had come herself. Luckily that never happened. Baton Rouge was located less than an hour and a half fromMandeville, so the trip to Cameron’s house didn’t take very long. When they pulled up in front of the house, there was no sign of Cameron’s truck. Ryan hoped that was a good thing and maybe the man was keeping his distance.

Everyone collected their belongings from their bedrooms and then gathered in the living room for a brief band meeting. The group was dispersing for the week. Keanu and Deacon were heading home to San Francisco to visit Keanu’s family, and Aiden and Abby were meeting friends in Atlanta.

“I’ll be in touch,” Ben promised. “I’ll let you know what’s going on, where we’ll be going and where we’ll be staying and stuff. Have a great time.”

Ben and Ryan hugged everyone good-bye as they went their separate ways, until they were alone in the house.

“I don’t know what we’ll do,” Ben confessed. “I haven’t come up with any ideas since I decided we wouldn’t be staying here.”

At that moment, Ryan’s phone rang. He’d texted Cassie on the road and she had told him she’d call back soon. Sure enough, it was her.

“Hey,” he answered the phone.

“Hey yourself,” she responded. “You back in Mandeville yet?”

“Yeah.” He mouthed Cassie’s name to Ben and he nodded. “We’ve already packed up and said good-bye to the others and all that.”

“And you still have no plans, right?”

“Right,” Ryan replied. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”

“You don’t have to,” Cassie said mysteriously. “I already did.”

“What are you talking about?” Ryan asked, puzzled. He glanced at Ben, who was giving him a quizzical look.

“Now, don’t be mad, but I told you I was planning a little surprise for you. I got you two tickets on a flight leaving for St. Louis in about three hours.”

“You did? But why?”

“I think you two need some time away from the road, and I’d love to have you stay with me on your break. I miss you and I want to get to know Ben.” A moment of silence fell between them. “I hope… I mean, I didn’t do something wrong, did I?”

“Wrong?” Ryan quickly said, his heart filling at her words. “God, you’re wonderful, Cassie. I love you. And I know Ben will too. Text me the details, okay?”

Ryan heard relief in Cassie’s voice. “Can’t wait to see you. I’ll pick you up at Lambert, okay?”

“We can Uber,” he started to say, but Cassie interrupted.

“I’ll pick you up, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ryan couldn’t help but smile as he hung up and turned toward the bewildered Ben. “Looks like we’re going to St. Louis to visit Cassie. Is that cool with you?”

Ben’s smile, followed by a long kiss, told Ryan all he needed to know.

to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp