Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #60 (15.1)

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.

The boys have arrived in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and first order of business is a meeting with their manager, Marge. She texts them to meet her at a Mexican buffet not far from their motel. Ryan is a little nervous, wondering what Marge is like. She seems nice on the phone, but appearances can be deceiving. See what's up 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 #60 (15.1)

The restaurant wasn’t very far at all from the motel, probably one of the reasons why Salvation’s manager had chosen to meet there. Even Keanu had to admit it wasn’t a bad walk, but the admission had come after a certain amount of cajoling from Deacon. The interior was dark and cool, and the décor reminded Ryan of a Mexican cantina. Colorful serapes and sombreros decorated the walls, and piñatas hung from the ceiling.  Two large buffet tables formed an L shape in the middle of the room. The most enticing aromas were coming from them. Ryan’s mouth began to water in anticipation.

“Over here, guys!” a brassy voice called out from the far side of the restaurant.

“There’s Marge. C’mon, I’ll introduce you.” Holding Ryan’s hand, Ben led him toward the rather large woman who was vigorously waving at them. Even from this distance, her enthusiasm was contagious, as was her large smile. They had barely reached the table at which she sat when she enveloped Ben in a large bear hug, lifting him from his feet, forcing Ryan to relinquish his hand.

“Hi honey,” she greeted him as she set him back on his feet with a kiss on his cheek. She turned to each of the members of Salvation in turn and accorded them the same treatment. Ryan noticed not one of them seemed surprised by her actions, or taken aback in any way.  Once she’d greeted them all, she turned to Ryan, who felt suddenly shy.

“This has to be our writer. Ben, you sure picked a looker.” She winked at Ryan, whose face suddenly flamed. Before he had a chance to react, she’d hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. “Nice to meet you, Ryan!

Ryan couldn’t place the scent which clung to Marge, but he found it comforting and soothing, much like her touch.  “Nice to meet you too, Marge.”

Marge turned to Deacon and Keanu. “Mind pushing that table over here so we can sit together?” she asked. Moments later, she got her wish, and they all seated themselves.

Right after that, a waiter bustled up with a tray full of water glasses, which he distributed to them. “Hi, my name is Julio, and I’ll be your server today. Are you here for the buffet or would you like to look at the menu?” he asked.

“Buffet,” everyone said in unison, then laughed.

“What about drinks? We have a special on margaritas, if you’re interested.”

The general consensus was that everyone was interested.

“Excellent.” Julio nodded. “I’ll have those to you in just a few minutes. Help yourself to the buffet. Plates and utensils are at the end of each table. If you need anything else, please let me know.” He withdrew, presumably in the direction of the bar.

“Let’s get some food and then we can gab,” Marge said, and no one argued with her.

Ryan and Ben hung back a little, letting the others get in line first. Marge stood beside them, also waiting. She gave Ryan a speculative look. “So, what do you think of them so far?”

“I think they’re amazing,” Ryan blurted out. “They’re all fantastic, and their music, it’s…. it’s awesome. Especially Ben. He has an incredible voice…”

Ryan let his voice trail away, wondering if he’d said too much, but somehow when it came to Ben, he couldn’t help himself. As if he was making up for lost time between them. But he honestly believed in the band, and he found it hard to contain his enthusiasm. He noticed Marge glance between him and Ben. Was it his imagination or was Ben blushing too?

“These guys are my favorite clients,” she confided. “They are a great band and they’re gonna go places, I just know it. This is only the start of something big, you’ll see.”

“I think you’re right,” Ryan said. “Salvation’s headed right to the top.”

“You might be a little prejudiced,” Ben said shyly. Ryan wondered if maybe he should exercise a little common sense and skip the PDAs for now, to keep from embarrassing Ben. But then he felt Ben’s arm wind possessively around his waist and that plan went right out the window.

“You have no idea how excited Ben was when you agreed to take the job,” Marge said. “I’ve never seen him smile so much. I knew then you must be special to him.”

Marge’s words went straight to Ryan’s heart. Everything was working out so perfectly. What could possibly go wrong now they were together?

“C’mon, let’s grab some grub.” Marge headed to one of the buffet tables.

 Ben didn’t move immediately, though. He leaned in to Ryan and whispered, “She’s right, I’ve never been so happy, Ryan. I love you so much.” He kissed Ryan’s cheek gently. “Let’s see if this tastes half as good as it smells.”  Ryan’s head was spinning as they headed to the buffet and lined up behind Marge.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #57 (14.2)

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.

Salvation has arrived at Lake Charles, which will be their base of operations for a few nights. To their delight, the motel their manager has booked them into has a pool! And they don't have to work that night. Maybe they'll get a chance to have some fun. See what's happening in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's going on with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #57 (14.2)

Checking in was easy, since Marge had pre-registered the band. All Ben had to do was show his ID and sign the guest register and the smiling desk clerk gave him three key cards.

“Your rooms are in the back, first floor,” he said, motioning with his thumb in that general direction. “Just follow the parking lot around and you should be able to get a spot right by your rooms. We’re not really very full right now.”  He reached for a colorful brochure from a stack on the counter and handed it Ben. “This lists some of the nearest restaurants,” he told them. “And things to do in Lake Charles too. If you have any questions, or need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We have a breakfast buffet that opens at six o’clock.”

“Thanks, we will.”

Ryan and Ben walked out of the office, hand in hand, headed toward the car. There was no sign of Keanu and Deacon, but Ryan wasn’t surprised. He could understand wanting to be with someone so badly you couldn’t wait the extra few minutes until you received access to your room. Sometimes, the need was too immediate to be denied.

“Let’s grab our bags and go to our room. They can come get their keys after that,” Ben said. Sounded like a great idea to Ryan.

When they reached Cameron’s sedan, Ryan waited for Ben to open the trunk. “Marge seems very nice,” he commented. “At least from the little I’ve talked to her.”

“She is. Very. Salt of the earth,” Ben replied as he reached into his pocket. “She takes very good care of us. And she’s on top of everything that has to do with business. Shit!”

“What’s the matter?” Ryan war alarmed at Ben’s sudden exclamation, but when Ben began to laugh, Ryan relaxed.

“My bad. I totally forgot Aiden’s got the keys. Guess we’re not going to our room right now, are we? Sorry about that.”

“No big deal,” Ryan assured him. He took Ben’s hand in his and squeezed it. “If that’s the worst that happens to us, we’ll be fine. Besides, they said they wouldn’t be long. Why don’t we text them, and while we wait, we can go sit by the pool?”

“Good idea. I like the way you think.” Ben squeezed Ryan’s hand in return. “The boys can join us here if they like. If they decide to come up for air or something.”

Acting on impulse, Ryan wrapped his arms around Ben and kissed him. He felt as well as heard Ben’s moan as Ben parted his lips. His tongue entered Ryan’s mouth, gently probing and exploring. They drew back only to breathe.

“What brought that on?” Ben asked. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”

“That was just because I love you,” Ryan said. “More than anything in the world. And I don’t ever want you to forget that.”

Ben’s beautiful blues eyes sparkled, his smile both shy and radiant. He didn’t speak immediately, color rising in his cheeks. Ryan couldn’t help but think how beautiful he was, and how much he liked him without the contacs.

“You know I feel the same way too, don’t you, Ryan?” His voice vibrated with emotion, as though he was on the verge of tears.

Ryan nodded, not trusting to his own voice at that moment.

“Nothing can separate us ever again, right?” Ben continued in a low voice. “Promise?”

Ryan was both touched and alarmed at Ben’s question. Why did he seem so… desperate? What did he think could possibly separate them, now they had found each other, now they were finally together? Pushing aside his concern and focusing only on alleviating Ben’s fears, Ryan responded in heartfelt tones. “I promise,” he vowed. “You and me forever.”

 A wave of relief passed across Ben’s handsome features, his sunny smile returning once more. “Let’s go to the pool,” he said, twining his fingers together with Ryan’s.

As they strolled toward the pool area, Ryan thought to himself that he would reassure Ben as often as Ben needed him to, whatever it took to make his sweet prince happy. And if that made him the princess, then so be it. Or maybe this fairy tale just happened to have two princes after all.

to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #56 (14.1)

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.

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!

In Pieces #56 (14.1)

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

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to:

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #55 (13.3)

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.

On the road and feeling fine! Salvation is driving to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to begin the next leg of their tour and won't be back to Mandeville for a while. The weather's lovely, food is good, and they have each other... who could ask for anything more? See how the boys are doing 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 #55 (13.3)

“What time is Marge meeting us?” Ryan asked. 

“I’m supposed to text her when we get in,” Ben said. “I think she said she’d meet us at our motel. Late afternoon, if I remember correctly.” He took a big bite of his sandwich then moaned, as though he’d just died and gone to heaven—sort of the way he sounded when they made love. Ryan thought he could watch Ben forever. Especially when he made faces like that.

Our motel. How Ryan loved the sound of that. He couldn’t wait to get Ben alone in a room of their own.  Not that he didn’t like being around the other guys, but he was always mindful of their close proximity at Cameron’s house. He liked the idea of complete privacy.

They’d stopped at a roadside park just outside of Lafayette to eat lunch and stretch their legs. A number of other travelers, some with small children, were taking advantage of the warm day as well, Ryan noticed, but they had no problem in finding an unoccupied picnic table. When their stomachs began to growl,  Ben had mentioned having a craving for a muffuletta and was shocked to discover no one else had ever heard of them much less eaten one. Hearing that, Ben made it his mission to procure some of the delicious sandwiches, which he said were filled with all kinds of meats and cheeses along with a special olive salad. Luckily, finding muffulettas wasn’t hard to do in Louisiana. They’d found a diner just off the highway that specialized in them, as well as spicy homemade chips.

“You think she’ll come watch you play?” Ryan asked. He sat so close to Ben on the bench that their legs touched.  Aiden and Abby sat across from them. Deacon and Keanu had chosen to lie in the grass, Keanu’s head in Deacon’s lap. Ryan noticed Deacon occasionally feeding Keanu bits of his sandwich.

“Marge? Probably. She likes the way we play.” Ben swiped his finger through some of the olive spread on his sandwich and held it out in front of Ryan in a tantalizing manner, as if enticing him to take a taste. “You love this, don’t you? C’mon, you can admit it,” he teased.

Ryan wasn’t sure whether Ben meant the food or his finger, but the answer to both was a resounding yes. Instead of replying, he took Ben’s finger into his mouth and sucked on it, his eyes locked on Ben’s as he swallowed the spread. He was gratified to find that Ben was just as turned on by his action as he was. Too bad they were hours away from going to bed, and miles away from the motel.  He didn’t think it would be polite to blow off the group’s manager just for a little afternoon delight, although the idea was a tempting one.

“Guys, we’re almost at the hotel.” Abby’s amused voice broke into Ryan’s reverie. “Can you maybe hold out until then? I’d suggest using the van, but I really don’t think there’s room in the back, with all our stuff. Not to mention it’s not exactly romantic. And kinda gross, actually, for what you two have in mind.”

Ryan’s cheeks grew warm as Ben reluctantly took back his finger and winked at him before replying to Abby, his eyes never leaving Ryan’s. “What do you know about having sex in the back of the van?” he teased. “Is there something you want to tell us?”

“I’ve been in the van,” she answered him, never missing a beat. “I know how much room there isn’t back there. Doesn’t take an engineer to figure out how uncomfortable that would be. If you want to know for sure, though, why don’t you ask them?”

That got Ryan’s attention. He glanced toward Abby, who was pointing toward the grass where Deacon and Keanu lay. They grinned back, obviously not embarrassed in the slightest at her accusation, and certainly not denying it either.

“It’s quite cramped,” Keanu offered. “But it’ll do in a pinch. If you’re very careful and don’t get your—”

Deacon laid his fingers gently across his lover’s lips. “No need for an anatomy lesson, I think they get the picture.”

Abby laughed, followed by Aiden, then they were all laughing together.

Keanu motioned to Deacon that he wanted to get up. Deacon stood, then offered Keanu a hand up from the ground. “I think I’m gonna hit the men’s room. Wanna come?”

“And hold your hand?” Deacon smirked.

“No, my dick,” Keanu said with a straight face. That set off another round of laughter. Deacon just shook his head.

“Incorrigible, that’s what you are.”

“And you wouldn’t have me any other way,” Keanu said. “C’mon, big boy.” Deacon rolled his eyes but he didn’t say no, and the two strolled off, hand in hand.

Ryan looked between the others. “You don’t think they’re gonna… I mean… Really?”

“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Aiden said. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“But there are kids around,” Ryan protested. Doing it around grown men was one thing, but kids? Not cool at all.

“They’ll be careful,” Ben said. “Don’t worry. Deacon has too much common sense to get them caught with their pants down. This isn’t the place for that.” He wrapped an arm about Ryan, nestling Ryan’s head on his shoulder. “He’ll probably give him a dose of reality, actually, and remind him we’re almost at the motel.”

Ryan hoped he was right. The last thing they needed was to have two members of the group get arrested for indecent exposure, or anything worse. But his fears were allayed a few minutes later when the two returned. Keanu was pouting, and Deacon seemed more than a little smug. Not to mention Keanu’s hair was wet. What had Deacon done to cool him off?

“Time to go,” Ben announced as they gathered their stuff and hit the road once more.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp