Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #24 (7.4)

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.

Ryan has barely begun his job, and is already being told what he can't do. What secrets lie behind Aiden's words? Will he run into other roadblocks? And when will he get the chance to tell Ben how he feels? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

In Pieces #24 (7.4)

“Now I think I’m ready to face the day,” Ben said with a smile. “Has Aiden been cooperative?” His fingers lightly stroked along Ryan’s arm, but his glance was for Aiden.

“What? Oh yes, very much so,” Ryan quickly said. “He was just telling me how you met, and the other bands you’ve been in together.”

“Hey Ben, what was the name of that first band we were in?” Aiden asked. “You know, back in Frisco? I told Ryan it was something like Bad Vibrations, but I couldn’t remember for sure.”

“Not exactly.” Ben gave a little snort. “Harmonic Hazard. Should have been toxic hazard. Rowan was pure poison.”

“Yeah, he sure thought the sun rose and set on him, didn’t he? I wonder where he is now?”

“Probably serving five to ten somewhere,” Ben said lightly. His glance shifted back to Ryan. “Did you eat yet? I was going to get some breakfast, but I wanted to make sure you ate. Did you?”

Was that Ben’s way of changing the subject before it got to Prime Wisdom, and his mother?  “Um, no, not yet,” Ryan admitted.

“I distracted him with a cup of coffee.” Ryan laughed. “And then we got to talking. Book stuff, you know. Trying to be helpful, like you told us to be.”

“Glad to hear it.” He glanced into Ryan’s cup. “Looks like you could use a refill. C’mon, let’s see what there is to eat.”

There was more Ryan wanted to know about the break-up of Prime Wisdom, and what Liza had to do with it, but he decided to wait. He wanted to know what he was dealing with before he broached the subject in front of Ben. He needed to gauge how potentially painful it might be, just in case.

“Sounds like a plan,” he agreed, following Ben inside. Just before he stepped through the doorway, Ryan turned on impulse to find Aiden watching them with a knowing look. Flushing, he forgot what he’d been about to say, and hurried after Ben, closing the door behind him.

The refrigerator was recessed into the wall. The pecan wood-paneled front was a direct match to the walls. Ice and water were available to be dispensed through the door. Ben was already rummaging inside. He emerged holding several pieces of fruit.  “Can you grab the coffee and I’ll take this to the table?” he asked Ryan.

“Yeah, sure. How do you take yours?”

“Black,” Ben replied.

Ryan watched Ben  as he sashayed in the direction of the breakfast nook, his hips swaying enticingly. For a moment, Ryan forgot what he was supposed to be doing. Oh yeah, coffee. He wrenched his gaze away from Ben’s ass, grabbed a second cup from the mug tree and filled it, then poured more for himself. He’d thought Ben took sugar and cream in his coffee, but obviously he was mistaken. He carried both cups carefully to the table and set one in front of Ben then took a seat beside him. Ben took a long appreciative sip of the hot brew, a pensive look in his expressive blue eyes.

“You okay, Ben?”

Ben didn’t answer immediately. His brows furrowed, as if in thought. Then he set down the mug and raised his eyes to meet Ryan’s. “What did Aiden have to say about… my mother?” he said at last.

So he had overheard that part of the conversation.

Ryan set his own coffee on the table and scooted closer to Ben. He laid his hand over Ben’s, warm from the steaming brew. “He said she was responsible for the break-up of your group, Primary Wisdom. That’s all.”

He felt Ben flinch at his words, felt him start to draw back. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm about Ben’s shoulders and pulled him close, kissed the top of his head. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. “I won’t ever let her separate us again. I promise you.”

Ben shuddered beneath his touch, then relaxed with a long sigh, nestling against Ryan. “I don’t want to lose you again, Ryan. Please… promise me we’ll stay together.”

“Always,” Ryan vowed in a fervent voice. “Forever, Ben. You and me.”

Ben turned in his embrace, and Ryan wrapped his other arm about him, cocooning him in his warmth. He began to rub gentle circles on Ben’s back, breathing in Ben’s scent.  “Ben, I lo—”

“Morning, y’all. Looks like it’s going to be a glorious day.” At the sound of Cameron’s voice, Ben stiffened, then drew back, out of Ryan’s embrace.

“It is going to be a glorious day,” Ben replied, his voice sounding a lot more confident than before. 

Ryan hoped he’d helped him with whatever doubts and fears had momentarily assailed him. Why did Cameron have such shitty timing, though? The words he’d wanted to say would have to remain unspoken for now. But he would say them soon, and that was a promise.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers have done!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Johayan

Nephy Hart

Sarah Hayes

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #20 (6.4)

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.

Just as Ryan thinks he's about to get his chance with Ben, drama strikes in the shape of Abby! Why is she upset? What can they do to help? 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 #20 (6.4)

“Abby, what’s wrong?” Ryan asked. His question was immediately echoed by Ben, who was already moving toward the distraught girl. Ryan quickly followed in his wake.

Abby seemed surprised to see them. Maybe she’d assumed everyone was in bed by now.  She swiped at her cheeks, but said nothing. Ryan thought he heard her sniffle. Maybe she was trying to pull herself together before she said anything.   Or maybe she just didn’t want them to know what was going on. When she did speak, it was in her usual calm voice.

“I didn’t know you guys were still out here,” she said, which was not an answer at all. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt anything.  I’ll just go back in.”

Before Ryan could think how to respond, Abby had quickly spun back toward the house. She reached for the door, but at the sound of Ben’s voice she drew up short.

“Don’t go, Abby,” Ben said.

Abby froze. She took a deep breath then turned back toward them . “Did you need me for something, Ben?” she asked softly. “I was just about to go to bed. We have a lot to do tomorrow, don’t we?”

Ryan noticed she didn’t look at Ben, even though she was speaking to him, her gaze seemingly fixed on the distant stars.

“Did something happen to upset you?” Ben persisted, despite Abby’s obvious reluctance to discuss whatever had driven her outside at that time of night, in that condition.

“Nothing worth talking about,” she said lightly. “I just went downstairs to get a drink of water and I thought I saw something, that’s all.”

“What did you think you saw?” Ryan asked. He had the feeling she wasn’t being strictly honest with them. That whatever had upset her was something they needed to know about, maybe to resolve.

“Was it something or someone?” Ben asked.

“Maybe both, who knows?” Abby shrugged. “I hear these old Southern mansions are haunted, you know?” She raised her chin, staring at Ben almost defiantly, as if daring him to prove otherwise.

“So you think you saw a ghost?” Ben never paused.

“There are ghosts and there are ghosts,” she said enigmatically.

“How long since you’ve talked to Brandon?” Ben asked. Ryan couldn’t help but notice that Abby flinched at his question.

“A while,” she replied evasively. “We’ve both been busy.”

Who’s Brandon? Ryan wondered.

Perhaps it was the power of suggestion, but Ryan thought he saw a shadow move inside the house. He released an involuntary gasp, just as the door opened, and a figure emerged. With a sigh of relief, he realized this was no ghost, just Abby’s twin, Aiden.

“Abs, I was looking for you. Are you all right? What’s going on here?” His words were directed toward his sister, but his accusatory glance was for Ben and Ryan.

“I’m all right, there’s no need to worry.” Abby assured him as she touched his arm lightly. “Just had a slight scare, that’s all. Nothing to make a fuss about.”

“If you say so.”

Ryan didn’t think Aiden sounded convinced, but whatever Aiden was really thinking, he was keeping it to himself, at least in front of them. Hopefully, Abby would confide in her brother, even if she didn’t want to tell Ben and him what was bothering her. Ryan wasn’t really buying her sketchy ghost sighting. But unless she chose to break her silence, he realized they would likely never know the true story.

“We were just going in too,” Ben said. The twins seemed startled, as if they’d forgotten they weren’t alone. Ben’s words  werethe signal to head inside.

The house was eerily silent around them as they ascended the stairs to the second floor. At the end of the hall, Abby retreated quickly into their shared room, without a word. Aiden lingered for a moment. “See you guys tomorrow,” he said. “Thanks for looking out for Abby.” Then he too disappeared, closing the door behind him.

What had they actually done for her, though? Ryan felt as though he’d stepped into the middle of a scene out of a soap opera, with no clue as to what was going on, or how everyone related to everyone else.

He followed Ben into their room, which was just next door. Ben switched on a small lamp on the table between the two beds.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom they shared with Deacon and Keanu, as well as muffled sounds and moans. Looked like someone was having a good time.

An unexpected wave of shyness flowed through Ryan. He busied himself with cleaning off the bed, moving his stuff to the floor for now. He could finish unpacking tomorrow, it was too late now. He just wanted to crawl into bed and get some sleep, although paradoxically he wasn’t sure he’d be able to, every nerve ending on fire with the excitement of the day and being with Ben again.

But most of all he was afraid if he went to bed and closed his eyes, Ben might disappear before he got up. How silly was that?

Once the bed was clean, he set his laptop beside the head of the bed, in its case, where he could easily reach it if he needed it, then took a seat on the bed.

“Bathroom’s occupied, guess we’ll have to undress here,” Ben said. “I can step out, if you want…”

Ryan appreciated Ben’s thoughtfulness, but it wasn’t like they hadn’t undressed in front of each other, many times. Just not recently.

Ryan knew what he wanted more than anything. He wanted the closeness and warmth they’d once shared, and he was fairly sure if he said something, Ben would admit he wanted it too. So why not just come out and say what he wanted?

“Ben…”

A light knock interrupted him. Cameron poked his head in.

“Ben, can I get a moment of your time, please?”

Damn, what horrible timing that man had.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers have been up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Johayan

Carol Pedroso

Sarah Hayes

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #18 (6.2)

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.

First encounter with Salvation's angel/backer, and Ryan isn't sure what to think. Everything is overwhelming right now. It's been quite a day, hasn't it? The action continues 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 #18 (6.2)

Ben didn’t say anything as they trudged across the yard, so Ryan didn’t break the silence. He couldn’t read Ben’s mood, and he didn’t want to say anything potentially upsetting. This day already contained too many ups and downs for his liking, and he wasn’t sure where he stood, to be honest. But that’s what life was about, wasn’t it? Wasn’t this what he wanted, to actually live? To do more than exist? To become the writer he was sure he could be? Then he’d have to accept that not everything would be pleasant. Life wasn’t all about rainbows and unicorns and happiness, the bad happened too and you learned to deal with it.

Wow, how intense was that?

At least he was with Ben again, and that’s what really mattered. The rest could be handled.

By the time they joined the rest of the band, they were clustered around Cameron in the sitting area. Cameron sat at one end of the couch, while Deacon and Keanu perched on ottomans. Aiden and Abby sat together on the love seat directly across from everyone else. Ben waved Ryan toward the open end of the couch, and took the space between him and Cameron, almost protectively. Ryan couldn’t help but remember how he had been the one to look out for Ben when they were younger. He felt a warm glow inside knowing Ben was there for him now, even if he wasn’t quite sure why he seemed intent on guarding him from his investor. He was probably reading into things. Writer’s imagination, right?

Cameron was in the middle of telling a story, and since Ryan had missed the whole beginning and had no frame of reference for what he was talking about, he used the moment to surreptitiously observe the members of the band.  These weren’t characters he was creating, these were real people, and the more he got to know and understand them the better.

Both Keanu and Deacon were listening attentively, laughing at appropriate moments. Whatever tension had existed before between Keanu and Ben had apparently dissipated— he seemed as relaxed as his boyfriend. Ryan shifted his attention to the loveseat, where the twins sat. He noticed that Aiden sat slightly forward, almost on the edge of the seat, as if ready to spring up at any moment, and Abby’s hand lay in his. Abby seemed to be watching Cameron, but not in the same way the others did, although why he thought so, Ryan wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the pensive expression he saw play across her features. Or the way she had backed herself into the corner of the loveseat.

Abby turned her head toward him in that second, and their eyes met. Was that annoyance he saw there? Or something a lot stronger? She glanced away from him, toward her brother, and he began to doubt he’d seen anything at all. She was probably just anxious to get back to rehearsal. That must be it.

“Well, Ben, it’s about to happen, isn’t it?” Cameron relaxed back into the couch and crossed his legs.

 “Your first gig is what… Thursday, right? Thibodaux?”

“That’s just a private party,” Ben replied. “First real stop is in Houma, an underground club.”

“Underground club? Sounds kinky.” Keanu laughed.

“Party? What kind of party?” Aiden asked. “I didn’t think we were doing those anymore.”

Ryan felt Ben tense up beside him, but before he had a chance to react, Ben had already relaxed, facing Aiden with a confident smile.

“It’s a birthday party, that’s all. The birthday boy’s a huge fan of ours, apparently. How could I say no?”

Aiden and Abby exchanged looks, but Ryan had no idea what they were thinking. Keanu was still smiling, and Deacon seemed his usual laid-back self. Ryan knew they’d been playing together, at least for a little while, maybe in private venues. Why would this be a problem all of a sudden? They’d have to do all kinds of jobs, wouldn’t they, until they were noticed and made the big time? They were a unique act, and they were very talented. If it was him, he’d do everything in his power to get the band’s name and music out there. Everyone had to start somewhere.

“Besides, these are the same kids who’ll be screaming to get tickets for Houma,” Ben finished. 

“Consider it advance publicity. At least for now.”

“Marge knows what she’s doing. I trust her,” Deacon said, giving Ben a lazy thumbs up. Oh yeah, that was the manager’s name. Marge. She’d seemed very nice when he’d spoken with her on the phone. Ryan thought Ben would appreciate the vote of confidence, and that would be the end of the matter. When Ben didn’t reply immediately, he shot him a quick look. Something in Ben’s expression told Ryan Ben was holding something back. What that might be, though, he had no clue.

“Marge is great,” he said at last. He squeezed Ryan’s hand before rising from the couch.

“So,” he said, “let’s go over our sets. I’m thinking of making a couple of changes.”

“Well, boys, that’s my cue to go.” Cameron laughed. “I have a little business to take care of, but I’ll be back for dinner. Let’s take Ryan someplace nice for his first night, whaddya say?”

The general consensus seemed to be that was a good idea. At least no one argued against it. Cameron approached Ryan, who quickly stood and grasped the older man’s outstretched hand. “Good to meet you, Ryan,” he said. “Welcome to Salvation.” He left with a backward wave for the band, letting in a momentary glimpse of Louisiana sunshine on his way out.

“Okay then,” Ben said. “Let’s get to it. Ryan, how about for now maybe just take down your impressions of the music and stuff? You can quiz us all later about more personal information.” He gave Ryan a quick wink, as the band headed back to the stage.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #17 (6.1)

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.

A new player has entered the field. Will this be a good thing or a bad? See what's happening in this week's 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 #17 (6.1)

The speaker was an older man, somewhere around Ryan’s dad’s age, maybe, although he could have passed for a lot younger. His dark hair was thick and wavy, barely touched with a hint of gray, falling just to his shoulders, and his forehead showed just the slightest signs of a thinning hairline. His hazel eyes exuded good humor, while the lines around his full pink lips showed a man who smiled a lot. Like now. The man was very casually dressed in a pair of relaxed jeans that looked well-worn and comfortable, and a T-shirt emblazoned with a picture of the Mona Lisa.

“Hope I didn’t startle you,” he went on, when Ryan didn’t immediately answer, too taken aback by his sudden appearance to string two words together. “Why don’t I start then? My name’s Cameron Pope.” He held his hand out to Ryan.

Of course. Duh. What more normal than the man of the house be in his own home. He reached for the proffered hand, rising at the same time.

“Sorry, Mr. Pope. I’m Ryan Fremont.”

“I had a feeling you might be. And please, call me Cameron. Or Cam. So you’re the writer Ben’s been so anxiously awaiting?” He released Ryan’s hand, his eyes traveling up and down Ryan’s body, as if taking measure. Ryan felt slightly uncomfortable at his scrutiny.

“That’s me,” Ryan admitted. “And you’re Ben’s angel, right? This is your house?”

“That I am,” Cameron replied. “And yes it is. You know, Ben’s got one hell of a group there. I believe Salvation’s going places, and I’m honored to be a part of getting them launched on their journey to fame and fortune.”

Cameron’s voice was a little gravelly, but not unpleasantly so, and he spoke with a soft, unhurried drawl. At the same time, there was something almost electrifying about the man, something that seemed to burst with energy. A man constantly on the go, maybe? Also, considering his apparent wealth, a man accustomed to getting what he wanted? And why did Ryan find that thought somewhat annoying?

“I just heard them for the first time, but I was very blown away by what I heard,” Ryan said. “I think they’re phenomenal. And Ben’s got a beautiful voice. Not only that, but his lyrics… they’re amazing.”

“That they are,” Cameron agreed. “That they are. I was just on my way back to surprise the boys. I’m guessing they’re rehearsing, right? Care to join me?”

“Oh yes, yes, I just came in to get my lap top. I told Ben I’d come right back.” Ben must be wondering what was taking him so long to run a simple errand.

Almost as if on cue, he hear a step on the stairs, heard Ben’s familiar voice floating up to him.
“Ryan, you okay? I wanted to make sure you didn’t get lost or some—”

Ryan could see Ben now. He stood just behind Cameron, in the doorway, clearly surprised at his unexpected appearance. For a split second, Ryan thought he saw something unpleasant flash in Ben’s eyes, something more than the unexpected sight of his backer might elicit. Anger? Jealousy? Or something deeper?

The next second that had passed, and Ben wore a big welcoming smile.

“Cam, didn’t expect to find you back so soon. I see you’ve met Ryan.” As Cameron turned to greet him, Ben managed to slide past him into the room. He quickly took up a position beside Ryan, facing Cameron, and slid his arm around Ryan’s waist. A gesture which was impossible to miss, which Cameron didn’t. A wry smile crossed his lips.

“I just did, Ben, I just did,” Cameron said. “And I have to say, you have great taste in… writers.”

Somehow Ryan knew that wasn’t what he meant. Indignation bubbled in his chest, but he held it in. This was not the time or place. Especially since it was Cameron’s house. And even more especially because he could be totally wrong and reading into things that didn’t exist. Right now, his emotions were too much of a mess for him to remain objective. Time to just shut up and listen.

“Ryan is a very special writer,” Ben said, tightening his grip on Ryan just a little. “He’s perfect for Salvation. You’ll see.”

“I’m sure I will. I was just about to go out back and see what’s going on with you guys. Shall we go?”

“Absolutely,” Ben said. “We can talk about the tour and get some rehearsal in.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Cameron winked. “Meet you two out there, then.” He nodded at them both, before giving a brief two fingered salute, before pivoting. As he headed down the hall to the stairs, Ryan heard him whistling something, but couldn’t place the tune.

He felt Ben heave a deep sigh. He released his hold on Ryan. Taking his hand instead, he looked up at him with his amazingly crystal blue eyes. Ryan had the feeling there was something Ben wanted to say. He held his breath, and waited.

“Let’s just join him, shall we?” was all that Ben said. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, before Ben broke the gaze and they headed toward the stairs.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are doing!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #16 (5.4)

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.

Ryan got a big surprise last week when he listened to Salvation play, especially when he learned that Ben composed the music and the lyrics. There is no doubt in his mind that he's still in love with Ben, even if he isn't sure what to do right now. But things have changed, right? They're both older now. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Then go visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to!  Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

In Pieces #16 (5.4)

By the time Ryan reached his room, he decided sitting down was not only a good idea, it was required. He grabbed his laptop from his luggage and tossed it on one of the beds, then took a shaky seat beside it while he collected his thoughts. Everything seemed to be catching up with him at once. His dad’s death and funeral. Getting a new job and having to postpone his first day. The flight to New Orleans. And the biggest shock of all—running into the person he’d wanted to see more than anything in the world.

Cassie would flip when she heard the news. She’d be very happy for him too, he knew. He’d confided in her as much as he dare reveal about his feelings for Ben. He’d still been sorting everything out at the time Ben had disappeared. Cassie was very perceptive about things like that, as well as being very kind-hearted. No wonder his dad had been drawn to her.  She never sat in judgment on him, simply listened, and provided a strong shoulder to cry on, when needed. If Ryan was into women—and if she hadn’t been his stepmother—he could see himself with Cassie. But his heart belonged to Ben, and had for a long time.

Not that he hadn’t dated anyone after Ben left. He was only human, after all. There’d been a few guys over the last ten years. Nothing serious. And nothing physical. That had usually been the kicker. The straw that broke the camel’s back. Not like Ryan hadn’t been interested, or hadn’t tried to do what he thought they wanted. But his body refused to cooperate, as if it knew better and wouldn’t settle for second-best. His few boyfriends had given up in frustration and a certain amount of disgust. Some belittled him for his failure to properly respond to their charms—in blunt terms, for not being able to get it up with them— and some accused him of being everything from a eunuch to asexual or a woman in disguise.

The truth of the matter was that in the privacy of his bedroom, Ryan had no problem in getting hard… when he thought of Ben. And that was the problem. No one else moved him the way Ben had, and his heart refused to cooperate, his body following close behind. Eventually, he gave up and resigned himself to a solitary existence.

And now here Ben was. Surely that was some kind of a sign that they were meant to be?

Even in the short time since their reunion, it was more than obvious to Ryan that Ben felt the connection between them as much as ever. Things had changed drastically, but in a good way. Ben wasn’t fifteen any more, and the three year gap in their ages wasn’t nearly as wide as it had been then. Back then, Ryan had been all too aware that Ben was still young—a minor, in the eyes of the law, and in Missouri they spelled that statutory—so nothing had happened between them.

Nothing except for a whole lot of kissing, furtive glances, and deep sighs. And “accidental” touches which frustrated far more than they satisfied. Torture of the sweetest variety, which all ended abruptly the morning Ryan arose to find Ben gone, leaving him with an unbearable pain in his heart. One he’d had to deal with alone, since he couldn’t burden his dad with it. Not when Dad was going through so much himself, with the loss of his second wife. So Ryan pushed everything deep inside and focused on being there for his dad. It wasn’t until Cassie came into their lives that he was able to find any relief from his pain. That and writing his book. How was he to know that Brothers would be the key to their reunion?

So what was he so freaked out about? Ben was here, they were together. He was going to write another book. Everything he’d ever wanted in his life seemed to be coming true for both of them.

He knew what was bothering him, without having to analyze the question too deeply. If he were to be honest with himself, he was afraid all of this would turn out to be an illusion. A temporary fix for what ailed him. One that would only end with Ben disappearing again… maybe for good.

Ryan didn’t think he could take another heartbreak.

The very thought was enough to bring tears to Ryan’s eyes, along with a sudden trembling.  He squeezed his eyes shut, and worked at controlling his breathing. Stay calm, everything’s going to be all right.  He couldn’t return to Ben until he overcame this, whatever this was. He didn’t want Ben to think he doubted them in any way. He only wanted what he had always wanted— to make Ben happy. But he had to be in his life to do that, right?

What was that? He raised his head in alarm. Was that a door? Had Ben come to see what was taking him so long? Ryan hastily swiped at his eyes and cheeks. He began to formulate excuses in his mind for what he was doing, although he wasn’t sure any of them made sense. Jumping up, he grabbed his laptop and took deep even breaths.

Come on, dude, Ben’s waiting. Don’t let him see me like this.

Too late. Someone was already standing in the doorway. But it wasn’t Ben.

“Well, well, and who do we have here, you little cutie?”

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Nephy Hart

J Alan Veerkamp

Sarah Hayes

Michael Mandrake

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #15 (5.3)

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.

In Pieces continues as Ryan hears Salvation play for the first time. What the heck is church metal? Join us and find out! Then don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

In Pieces #15 (5.3)

Ryan had never heard a sound quite so glorious in his entire life.  The single note was plaintive and yet intense. As Ben’s voice began to rise in tone, the sound flowed around him and through him. It seemed to penetrate into the depths of Ryan’s soul, to places that had been untouched for a very long time. He couldn’t explain the feeling, but neither did he attempt to fight it. Rather, he embraced it.

He couldn’t keep from staring at Ben as he sang. Ben’s eyes had closed, an expression of utter serenity suffusing his face. Ryan thought he looked almost like an angelic choir boy.  Paradoxically, the single note was sensuous and enticing, producing an almost palpable ache inside of Ryan which was a far cry from angelic.

Ben’s acapella solo continued for close to half a minute before being joined by the voices of the other members of the band.  “Glorioso,” they sang. “Glorioso luminos.” The rich harmonies soared for maybe another thirty seconds, and then the keyboard made its entrance, followed by the lead guitar.

Ryan closed his own eyes and floated bonelessly on waves of pure pleasure. Salvation’s music evoked a myriad of images both religious and irreligious. In his mind’s eyes, he saw a lofty buttressed cathedral filled with rows of priests, knelt in prayer.  Ethereal angels descended from on high above them. They struck provocative poses, enticing the priests from their orisons. The angels were all male, and they were all most gloriously endowed.  Priests and angels began a seductive dance to the music which swirled about them, shedding clothes along with inhibitions. Ryan was both fascinated and shocked by what his mind had conceived.  His hand began to reach down to assuage a growing ache…

With a start, he snapped his eyes open to find Ben’s piercing blue gaze fixed upon him. At that moment, a short burst of drum beats announced Abby’s entrance into the fray, a sound which was echoed by Keanu’s throbbing bass guitar. And suddenly Ryan understood why they called it church metal. This was the most amazing thing he’d ever heard, an erotic combination of piety and sensuality. He’d become so absorbed in what he was listening to that he’d almost forgotten himself to the point of wanting to masturbate in public. One look at Ben, and Ryan knew he understood completely.

Ryan brought his thoughts and his breathing under control as the song continued. It was the story of an angel and a priest, and it spoke of innocent sins and wanton desires and passions. If this song was indicative of what Salvation could do, Ryan had no doubt this group would go far.

The song ended with a flourish and then died away. Ryan could have kept listening for much longer, given the opportunity. No one said anything. Ryan realized with a start they were looking for some sort of reaction from him.

“That was amazing,” he said honestly. The momentary tension dissipated, and everything was at it was before.  Ryan glanced at Ben, and was surprised to catch a flash of uncertainty in his beautiful blue eyes. Without thinking, Ryan held out his hand toward him. Ben leapt off the stage and grasped it.

“Did you really like it?” Ben sounded almost shy.

“Like it? I loved it. That song… your voice… everything was…” For being a writer, Ryan found himself unexpectedly at a loss for words.  “I’ve never heard anything like that. I can’t wait to hear more.”

Ryan’s words seemed to relieve Ben. His sunny smile returned, his cheeks more than a little flushed. “I’m glad you liked it, Ryan,” he said. “That was the first one I wrote. I’m kind of partial to it.”

“You… you wrote that?” Ryan was even more impressed than he was before. “I didn’t know…I had no idea you wrote music.”

“You probably don’t remember, but I wrote poetry when I was younger, back in the day. Lyrics are just poems set to music.”

That’s right. He remembered now. How could he have forgotten Ben’s lush poetry? They’d read them together in their room in the middle of the night. Ben hadn’t wanted his mother to see what he’d written, so those became private moments between Ben and him.

“I still have some of your poetry, actually,” Ryan said. “I always thought it was beautiful.”

Ben pinked even more. “We have a lot to catch up on, don’t we?” he said, dropping his voice.

Ryan swayed toward Ben, tempted to kiss him, wanting to kiss him so badly he could taste his desire for Ben. How could he have ever doubted his feelings for Ben had changed? He’d kept them alive all through their separation, and now they were as strong as ever. The difference was that now there was no one who could separate them ever again.

But he was paradoxically aware that they were far from alone. And much as it pained him to do so, he forced himself to put on the brakes, to slow himself down. Then he remembered they were sharing a room. Their time would come. Later.

“We do,” he said. “I should probably grab my laptop and my camera and get to work. I can get some pictures of you while you rehearse. Some behind the scenes stuff. I thought I’d talk to everyone individually get some background. What do you think?”

“I think that sounds like a great idea. Go get your stuff. We’re not going anywhere.”

For a second, Ryan thought Ben might initiate a kiss, and he felt his own lips part involuntarily. But then Ben turned back toward the band, the moment had passed, and Ryan seized the opportunity to head back toward the main house.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Nephy Hart

Wednesday Briefs: August 1, 2018

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 is finally meeting the rest of the band, Salvation, but he hasn't really had a chance to put his thoughts into any semblance of order. It's hard to think when Ben is around. Especially after finding out Ben read his novel. See what's going on 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 #14 (5.2)

 “It’s about time,” Keanu muttered.

Ryan shot an anxious glance at Ben, afraid of what his reaction might be. He braced himself for another show of dominance, or at the very least a scathing retort. But Ben ignored Keanu’s words entirely. His good humor seemed to have been completely restored. Keanu’s boyfriend spoke instead.

“Come on, you. Quit grumbling and show our author what magic you can make on the keyboard.” Deacon pulled Keanu into a brief hug, gently stroked his hair. As Ryan watched, Keanu’s face visibly relaxed, his scowl disappearing. They clung together for a moment, before heading up on the stage. Abby and Aiden were already in place.

“I want you to hear what we sound like before our concert,” Ben said. “Give you a taste of who we are. How familiar are you with church metal?”

“I never heard of it before I got the job offer,” Ryan said honestly. “I’ve always loved music, you know, I’m just not in touch with what’s in anymore. I don’t claim to be a music expert, by any means, but I go to concerts whenever I can. Mostly local bands. The tickets tend to be cheaper.”

Ben snorted. “Yeah, don’t I know it. We’re not exactly in a position to pull down the big bucks ourselves. But hey, you do what you can, right? Until you make it to the big time, anyway.” As they approached the stage, Ryan wasn’t sure where he should stand. He waited for some kind of sign from Ben.

“Big time, yeah,” Aiden echoed. He stood near the front of the stage, electric guitar hanging before his shoulder, held up by a wide strap covered in what looked like death heads. “Actual concert venues and stuff. People just dying to scalp your tickets for hundreds of dollars over face price. Then you know you’ve arrived.”

Ryan hated people who bought tickets only to force the price up to ridiculous levels. Wasn’t that illegal? It certainly went against the spirit of concert-going. Those people were only in it for the money, they had no appreciation for the music. They didn’t care how hard it was for some people to afford to go at all, much less at such inflated prices. But he held his tongue. He didn’t think the band would appreciate his point of view, and he didn’t want to risk antagonizing them. He just wanted to hold on to this job for as long as he could. He’d worry about what next when the time came.

“You think we’ll play the Hollywood Bowl someday?” Keanu teased. He looked up from his keyboard, where he’d been throwing switches and running his fingers across the keys.

“You know it. And the Greek,” Ben said. “And don’t forget Vegas. We’ll be playing Caesar’s Palace and the MGM too, right up there with people like David Copperfield and Penn and Teller . You’ll see.” He winked at Ryan. “And, of course, the Fabulous Fox.”

The Fox Theater in St. Louis. Memories flooded Ryan’s brain at the mere mention of the venue. Ryan had taken Ben there, just a couple of months before his mother took him away. He couldn't even remember what group it was they’d gone to see. What stuck out most in his mind was how excited Ben was, and how eager to see everything. They’d walked upstairs and down, took in the view from the balcony that overlooked the lobby, rode the old-fashioned elevator with its actual operator—neither one of them had ever seen such a thing before, accustomed as they were to the push-button self-serve kind. The interior of the Fox was as fabulous as its name, all red and gold, plush and elegant, filled with amazing architecture, statuary, and the hugest chandelier Ryan had ever seen, which hung high above the orchestra section.

That had been a special night—in more ways than one.

Ryan’s thoughts were interrupted when Ben squeezed his hand. “I won’t even ask you what you were thinking of,” he said, dropping his voice to a level intended for Ryan’s ears only. “I already know.”

Ryan felt his cheeks warm. Ben squeezed his hand again before dropping it. “Stand as close or as far as you like, it’s up to you,” he said in a more normal tone, turning and taking his place on stage. Ryan decided to stand closer than not. Center stage. Right in front of Ben. He didn’t want to be any farther away than he could help. Not until he got used to the idea that Ben wasn’t going to disappear again. And maybe not even then. Though he wasn’t about to admit it, either. Who was he kidding? He’d never been able to pull anything over on Ben.

His choice of location produced a smile from Ben. When Ben smiled like that, Ryan knew he would do anything for him.  That smile alone made everything worthwhile. Even if the music ended up blasting his eardrums at such close proximity, he’d survive. Hell, he’d been to heavy metal concerts so loud that the bass reverberated through his whole body, and he’d lived through that. Whatever this church metal was, he was sure he could handle it.

“All right, guys,” Ben was saying to his band. “Glorioso.”

Ryan braced himself for something loud, maybe even abrasive. But when Ben began to sing, a single low note, it took his breath away.

to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Nephy Hart

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #13 (5.1)

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.

Last week, Ryan found out a couple of things. First, that he's going to be rooming with Ben, and more importantly Ben knows about his book. The house tour concludes in this chapter and on to meet the rest of the band. See how that goes in this week's In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to! Their links follow my tale!

In Pieces #13 (5.1)

Ryan found his concentration completely shattered by the revelation that Ben not only had read Brothers but had seen through the apparent fictional façade to the heart of what lay beneath. He’d be lying to himself if he said he had no idea what Ben was talking about, because he did. He’d written it, hadn’t he? Maybe at first glance his book was about two actual brothers, which he and Ben weren’t. And maybe nothing had ever happened between Ben and him, which it certainly had in the novel. But there’d been something there between them, something palpable, when they were teens. Something that drew them together.  Which made Ben’s sudden disappearance all the more painful. And why he could never talk about it to anyone. Especially not his father.

Brothers had been catharsis of a sort. It was him trying to come to grips with feelings he didn’t know how to deal with. Maybe he should have published it under a pseudonym. Not that it would have made a difference. He’d had his book torn up by a small group of vicious so-called reviewers on a popular book site. They’d trashed the story and trashed him as well. Never mind that none of them knew him, or had any idea what he was like. One review was particularly galling because it had been written by someone who admittedly hadn’t even read the book, but based it on a friend’s review. They’d called him perverted and sick. Smeared his heritage and shredded his family name.  One person had even accused him of being a woman pretending to be a man.

He didn’t respond to their accusations, didn’t even try to refute any of it. What use would it have been? He kept it all from his father, but Cassie knew and she tried to make him feel better, even if she didn’t know the whole story behind his novel. Nothing he’d done since then had fared very well. Publishers rejected him right and left. The last couple of books he’d had accepted ended up with fly-by-night outfits who took the money and ran. He didn’t know what was worse—not making any money or making it and having it stolen. He’d just about given up on the idea of being a successful author when this opportunity had arisen, a chance to make a fresh start.

And that fresh start turned out to be Ben. Ryan had come full circle to where he’d started. So how would the story end this time?

Ryan pushed the thought aside and followed Ben downstairs, across the veranda, to the back of the house. A driveway wound around from the front of the house. The drive led to a large garage, where an assortment of vehicles was housed in several bays, before it branched off to a smaller building.

“This was just used for storage at one time,” Ben explained. “Cam renovated it for the band’s use, put in acoustics and stuff. He’s a great guy. I’m sure you’ll like him.”

“I’m sure I will,” Ryan said automatically. He hoped his voice didn’t reflect the perturbation that was fighting for dominance in his soul.

Ben opened a small door and beckoned Ryan to follow him inside. The interior was surprisingly dim after the bright Louisiana sun. Ryan stopped just inside the door to let his eyes adjust. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, surely not a light show? He wasn’t even sure who did the lighting, come to think of it. His knowledge of bands was limited to what he’d seen at concerts.

As he grew accustomed to the dimmer light, he noticed a small stage, empty except for various instruments—a couple of guitars, a drum set, and a keyboard. But no musicians.

Glancing around, he quickly spotted the rest of Salvation.  A lounge area had been set up, probably for the band to relax between rehearsals. A comfortable-looking couch, a love seat, and several ottomans. Aiden and Abby sat together on the couch. Keanu paced back and forth before the love seat and the man who lounged there. This must be Deacon, Ryan reasoned by process of elimination. He’d met everyone else, and this man was too young to be Cameron.

“I told you they’d come out here, you worry too much.” Deacon unfolded himself from the loveseat and rose, patting Keanu’s cheek as he passed by.

Deacon was a very striking young man, Ryan noticed, with skin the color of very lightly creamed coffee. Dark curly hair fell to his shoulders in a wave. He moved with a singular grace toward Ben and Ryan. “I’m sorry if my significant other made a bad first impression,” he said, directing his attention to Ryan. “He means well. You must be Ryan, I’m Deacon. Good to meet you.” He held out his hand and Ryan took it. Deacon’s hand was both firm and soft. He had mocha eyes and a killer smile.

“Nice to meet you,” Ryan replied.

“Now you’ve met all of us,” Ben said, reclaiming Ryan’s hand somewhat possessively. “Now you get to hear us play.”

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Michael Mandrake

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #12 (4.4)

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.

Ryan isn't sure what's going on, but he's going along... for now. He's happy just to be with Ben again, as he continues the house tour. They end up upstairs, where Ben apprises him of the sleeping arrangements. Is anyone really surprised? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to check out the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

In Pieces #12 (4.4)

If the living room was the naughty pleasure room, then the family room was the comfort room.  Plump pillows were scattered invitingly across the floor. Ryan could just imagine the members of the band ignoring the more conventional armchair and sofa in order to lounge on the floor, sprawling over the pillows and doing whatever they did to relax between gigs. A large screen TV hung on one wall, inbetween a built-in bookcase and a well-stocked bar. Ryan could see himself writing in this room.  If it wasn’t too noisy, that is. Opening from the family room was a breakfast area and then the kitchen. Ryan half expected to see a housekeeper or cook lurking there, but no such person was in sight. Maybe the band fended for themselves? Or maybe she existed but she was in another part of the house right now.

She or he. Ryan reminded himself not to be sexist. No reason a housekeeper couldn’t be a man, was there? “Where to now?”

“I’d like to take you upstairs before we go out back and join the others,” Ben said. “You can see the veranda then. C’mon, this way.”

“I’m sorry for throwing you off your schedule,” Ryan apologized as Ben led him through a doorway, back into the foyer, and up the staircase he’d seen when they first arrived.

“Don’t pay attention to Keanu,” Ben said. “He gets dramatic sometimes. He also gets over it. We’re fine.”  He shot Ryan a reassuring smile. “There are only four bedrooms, by the way, so everyone’s doubling up. Except Cameron, since it’s his house.”

It had never occurred to Ryan that he might end up with a roommate. He hadn’t shared a room since he was a kid, and they’d put Ben into his room.  He’d hated that… at first. “That brings back old times.” He laughed, maybe a little nervously. Ben didn’t laugh in return. Maybe he was remembering Ryan’s initial reaction to his arrival. How he wished he could take back the actions of his younger, more stupid self.

“Cameron’s room’s there”—Ben waved toward a closed door—“It’s the master bedroom, has its own bath and everything. “Down there”—Ben gestured along the hall to a room at the far end—“is where Aiden and Abby sleep. They have their own bath. We decided that would be best, give Abby a little privacy. Cam said she can use his room when he’s not around.”

“That’s generous of him,” Ryan commented.

“Yeah, he’s like that.” For a moment, Ryan thought he was going to add something else, but he didn’t.

Ben pushed open a door across the hall from the master bedroom. “This is where Keanu and Deacon sleep. This room shares a bath, right through here.” He led Ryan across the room to a small hallway. “Extra towels over there, and bath here, on the other side. Shower in tub.  Only one mirror, I’m afraid. And here”—he opened a door at the end of the hall—“is the fourth bedroom.”

Ryan entered the room, just behind Ben. Two twin beds, two dressers, and two windows overlooking the back of the house. On one bed sat his suitcase. This must be his assigned space. If so, that meant… He glanced at the other bed, and then at Ben. “Does this mean…. Are you and I…?”

“Roommates?  Yes. At least while we’re staying here. I hope it’s not a problem. I mean, Deacon and Keanu are a couple, so of course I gave them their own room. And I didn’t think we should put Abby with anyone but her brother. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Mind? Of course not,” Ryan assured him. What he was saying made sense. Not like they hadn’t done it before.

“I left you half the closet,” Ben said. “But we each have a dresser. You can put your toiletries in the bathroom. There’s plenty of room, at least right now,  although it remains to be seen how that’ll work on show nights if we all try to put on our make-up at the same time.” He winked at Ryan, who couldn’t help but laugh.

“Don’t worry, I don’t wear any,” he said. “I’ll leave it to you guys.”

He glanced around the bedroom. It wasn’t quite as large as the first room they’d gone through, but not by much. The wallpaper was the same small floral pattern interspersed with stripes which seemed to be repeated all throughout the second floor. Everything seemed to be well taken care of. A comfortable enough room for whatever time they would spend here.

Ben had already set a few items on his dresser, including a couple of worn-looking paperbacks. Ryan frowned. Those covers looked familiar. Maybe something he’d read before? He stepped toward the dresser, focused on the books, then stopped in surprise. No wonder he recognized them. They were his books. What in the world was Ben doing with those?

Ryan’s eyes widened as the full import of what he was seeing struck him. Ben knew about Brothers. If the book’s appearance was any indicator, he’d read it, too—more than once. He should have realized Ben knew about his books. He hired him in his capacity as an author, right? He just hadn’t expected him to own a copy of any of them. Especially not the one that had proven to be the most controversial. The one that had all but ruined his career.

“Maybe you can sign it for me,” Ben said softly. He’d come up behind Ryan, who’d been too focused on the books to note. He rested his chin on Ryan’s shoulder and gave a small sigh.

“I’ve been so lost without you, Ryan. I was afraid I’d never see you again. I found your book, and I knew you felt the same way too. I knew we’d end up together again, somehow.” He tilted his face toward Ryan, blue eyes glittering. “Forever, this time,” he whispered.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Nephy Hart

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #11 (4.3)

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.

Ben is showing Ryan around the vacation home which will be the base for Salvation's tour, and shows Ryan some of Cameron's naughty knickknacks.Ryan feels that something is wrong with Ben but when he tries to find out, they are interrupted. See what's happening in this week's chapter of In Pieces. And don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to!

In Pieces #11 (4.3)

A slender young man burst through the doorway with all the force of a tornado. He made a beeline toward Ben, never stopping to draw a breath.

“We’ve been waiting for you, Ben. We need to quit screwing around, we need to practice, dude.”

 Despite his words, Ryan had the impression that he wasn’t upset, just impatient. He gave off definite energy vibes, as if he was overly caffeinated or something. Before Ben had a chance to make any sort of reply, the newcomer had diverted his attention to Ryan. Changing course, he circled him, eyeing him curiously.

“Well, well, what do we have here? Or should I say who? Don’t tell me. You must be that fabulous writer Ben’s been raving about so much. I was beginning to wonder if such a perfect creature even existed.”

Ryan felt his cheeks warm. He couldn’t help but wonder what Ben had been saying about him, but it must be good, right?

“Guilty as charged,” he confessed. “Writer. Not sure about fabulous, and definitely not perfect.”

“Keanu, don’t harass Ryan before you even get to know him,” Ben said. “Give him a chance to get used to everyone without scaring him off, if you don’t mind.” He rose from the couch, all signs of his previous despair having disappeared, and put a protective arm about Ryan. “We just got in from the airport. I was giving him the tour of the house. So cool your jets, please, if you don’t mind.”

Never missing a beat, Keanu turned gracefully toward Ryan and held out his hand. “Then I’ll just introduce myself and play nice. Keanu Nakamura. Aka Bishop. I play bass.”

Ryan took the hand that was being offered and gave it a shake. Keanu’s hand was warm and firm. His dark eyes were slightly uptilted at the edges, giving him an exotic look which matched his golden skin fairly glowed.  Was this band filled with nothing but beauties?

“Ryan Fremont,” he said in return. “Writer. Oh wait, you just said that. Sorry.”

“No worries, it’s all good.” Keanu dropped Ryan’s hand and turned back to Ben. “I can see why you took your time getting back,” he said with a wink. “I would too, if it meant getting to spend time with such a cutie.”

“I wouldn’t let Deacon hear you say that,” Ben retorted, a slight edge to his voice. “He might not understand.”

Keanu laughed. “Deacon is the least jealous person I know. He knows he’s the only one for me. But he also knows I’m not blind. And neither is he. I think we’ll both enjoy spending time with you, Mr. Writer.”

Ryan felt Ben’s arm tighten just a fraction. Surely that wasn’t in response to anything Keanu said? Than again, Ben had always been somewhat possessive when it came to Ryan. Once they overcame their initial antipathy, that is. Ryan found himself leaning in to Ben just a little bit, even if by doing so, he was reinforcing his behavior. He found Keanu to be just a little… overwhelming.

“Where’s Deacon now?” Ben asked.

“Out back, with Aiden and Abby. Rehearsing. We’d sound better if you joined us. Naturally.”

Ben’s grip tightened a little more. Tension seemed to flow through him, sending an unexpected shock through Ryan, which left him speechless. What was really going on here? Other than some strange kind of pissing contest?

Without warning, Ben removed his arm and stepped away from Ryan, toward the bass player. He drew himself up to his full height, standing toe to toe with Keanu. The other man was slightly taller, but something about Ben seemed to create the illusion of height, as if they were actually eye to eye.

A long moment passed as they stared one another down. Then Keanu shifted his gaze to the floor, as if something very interesting there had just caught his attention.

“I’m going to finish giving Ryan the tour of the house and help him get situated. Then we’ll both be out. Tell the others. Are we clear?”

Keanu nodded. “Perfectly,” he said in a quiet voice, a far cry from his earlier cheeky tone. Ryan glanced between the two men in confusion. What had just happened?

Keanu spun on his heel and exited the room as quickly as he had entered, but without any of the bluster. Ryan glanced at Ben. He was all smiles and sunshine. Probably because he’d just gotten his own way.

“Let’s continue with the tour,” he said, taking Ryan’s hand in his.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Michael Mandrake

Nephy Hart