《Muddy Matchmaker》


 Chapter 1

    Charlie put the finishing touches on the March audit, then leaned back in his office chair, gazing out the window. Two years after begging the division VP for more work and no additional pay for the perk of working from home, he was living a dream. Instead of a dreary beige cubical, his office was the second story loft in a log cabin nestled in the backwoods of Epsom, New Hampshire. It was early April, and the leaden sky was spitting snow after two days of straight rain. The trees were still, leafless, moss-covered sentinels with trunks a shade of gray darker than the cloud cover.


    As controller for Benton Plastic¡¯s east coast facilities, the first eight days of the month were piled high with heavy workloads and tight deadlines. He felt only a small fraction of the stress as his woodland view was instant valium. Prior to the pandemic, Charlie worked in the Chattanooga facility with a view of the chemical tanks and loading docks instead of a verdant forest and wondering chickens.


    Carlos Rodrigo Guillermo Diaz found life more tranquil in the cabin, thousands of miles away from his family and Dalton, land of Baptists, moonshine and football.


    The mere thought of his family had Charlie rubbing his neck.


    The youngest of five, Charlie¡¯s parents were immigrants looking for a better life for their budding family. Not long after settling in the small town, the Diaz family shed their native names and enforced new Anglo characteristics to ensure proper assimilation. The loss of his native culture was a pinprick in his heart. At least he still had his grandmother¡¯s recipes and the knowledge he gained cooking side by side with her on those yearly visits.


    With a wheeze and a cough, Charlie stood and stretched out his stiff muscles, then chuckled at the Australorp hen who chased the Barred Rock rooster away from his pecking spot. Poor rooster. His clumsy mating practices made him persona non grata in the entire brood. Watching the chickens dodge each other and the fat snowflakes sent a wave of warmth along Charlie¡¯s frazzled nerve endings. He felt the stress of month-end reporting slowly drain from his body like a lazy river.


    A rusty ¡°ding-dong¡± came from the barely used doorbell.


    What the hell?


    The foreign noise set his heart to racing. Near the end of a dirt road, most of the homes in the neighborhood were seasonal residences or people like him, recluses who believed doorbells were for decoration only. Pressing his chest to prevent his heart from leaping out, Charlie made his way down the stairs and to the front door.


    The peephole revealed an indecently beautiful man, broad shouldered with black hair peppered with snowflakes. Dark impatient eyes, extra thick brows and aquiline nose gave him a very regal and imposing air, kind of like Chen Zhen from Fist of Fury¡­¡­he loved that movie.


    With that thought, Charlie opened the door with an abundance of caution and a small amount of hero-worship.


    ¡°Oh, good. Someone is home.¡± The stranger¡¯s voice was warm and mellow, like a cup of tea with a profusion of cream. ¡°The stupid car is stuck at the bottom of my driveway, and I can¡¯t get mobile service to call for a tow truck. I saw the smoke from your chimney and lights on and figured someone was home.¡± A not quite sincere but stunningly brilliant smile flashed. ¡°May I please use a little of your internet service to contact a tow company to haul me out of that mess?¡±


    Charlie looked over his shoulder and through the trees. A stunning red Porsche was sitting lopsided in the next-door neighbor¡¯s goopy driveway.


    Nope. Not Chen Zhen or Bruce Lee. Chen Zhen didn¡¯t drive a Porsche. Other than movers, Charlie never let anyone into his house¡­..ever. But the air was chilled, and the poor man appeared to be overly damp. Reluctantly, he widened the opening and motioned the stranger in.


    The unfamiliar person brought in with him the smell of a New England forest, all damp pine and spice.


    ¡°You are a lifesaver.¡± The man took off his shoes at the front door and stacked them neatly as if it were second nature.


    This startled Charlie, who¡¯d never seen such a thing. Growing up with five children in a house a little larger than his tiny cabin was a hot mess. It wasn¡¯t uncommon to find shoes scattered from front to back and all manner of dirt and debris littered the floor right along with the shoes.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ki Roberts. K-I instead of K-E-Y.¡± One could tell he¡¯d explained such a thing often. ¡°I¡¯m moving in next door.¡± He stuck a damp hand out, paused, wiped it on the smooth wool coat, then poked out the large hand again.


    Hesitation and confusion darkened Charlie¡¯s brows before he slowly shook the offered hand.


    ¡°My father was Winston Roberts, your former neighbor. He recently passed and the ridiculous driveway is mine.¡± His voice showed a modicum of emotion before dropping the other man¡¯s hand.


    Social niceties stumped Charlie. The bitterness pill force fed from his family had taught him he was unqualified to function properly in humanity. Yet, Charlie was a bit saddened to lose such a consistently absent neighbor. Good neighbors such as that were hard to come by.


    Charlie¡¯s features showed concern and regret, but his tongue was tied in knots, keeping him silent.


    Touched by the emotions exhibited across the fascinating features of the other man, Ki was enchanted. Genuine emotion was a scarce commodity in his world. He ducked his head, opening his phone, hiding his own thoughts.


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    ¡°Aiya, it looks like I need a password.¡± He handed the phone to the silent man.


    With deft fingers, Charlie entered the secondary password, one he could quickly change if things went awry. Without a word, he returned the expensive phone.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± With a brush of his fingers, he took the phone and searched for tow trucks. ¡°I¡¯ll be a minute.¡±


    Tightening his tingling fingers, Charlie made his way to the tidy kitchen where habit had him fill the kettle. It was time for a late afternoon snack. Part of him longed to make tea and cookies for two. Something so simple as sitting at a table with another human being was a double-edge sword for someone like Charlie, both tempting and painful.


    The hermit part of him longed to push the other man out the moment he completed his call. Small talk was a skill Charlie never mastered, and surely the man¡¯s car could provide protection from today¡¯s nasty weather. A glance at his digital temperature display told him the early spring temperature was dropping. It would freeze solid tonight.


    Hearing his grandmother¡¯s admonishment to care for those in need echoed in his head, Charlie pulled out a second mug. Soon, hot tea and small cookies were placed before two chairs at the kitchen table. Moments later, Ki made his way around the smallish cottage to where he heard the clang of dishes.


    ¡°Oh, tea.¡± Pleasure crossed Ki¡¯s dark handsome features. ¡°I am freezing.¡± He sat down and took a sip, then closed his eyes. Pure pleasure washed from his broad forehead down to his tippy toes. Lazily opening his eyes, he looked at the other man. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I forgot to ask your name.¡±


    Ki scanned the small serviceable kitchen area. The warm yellow walls had open shelves filled with cast iron and pottery, all serviceable and sturdy. A sink was piled high with dirty dishes, which tickled his fancy.


    Was his new neighbor a slob?


    Why was that a little¡­..cute?


    Pausing, Charlie took a small sip of his tea. ¡°Ch-ch-cha-Charlie.¡± The sound was rough and raspy, like sandpaper rubbing against river rock. He subconsciously cleared his throat.


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re getting a cold, Charlie.¡± He smiled.


    Charlie veiled his eyes and was non-committal. ¡°Hmmmmm.¡± He bit into a cookie and racked his brain for any reason to flee to the office upstairs.


    ¡°The tow truck will be here in about an hour.¡± Ki bit into a cookie and scrutinized the man across from him.


    Poor Charlie. He should never play poker. A dose of fear and no small amount of confusion was crystal clear on his face¡­.a neon sign. With years of experience as a criminal lawyer and decades of living with parents that were polar-opposites, Ki read people like a newspaper. His spidey-sense told him that Charlie was less than open and very uncomfortable with Ki¡¯s presence.


    The professional Ki assessed and dissected: introvert, probably diagnosed agoraphobic and judging by the symmetrical furniture placement and highly polished everything except the dishes, was an attractive mix of OCD meets adolescence.


    Ki¡¯s analytical skills and a bit of humor contributed to his success as an attorney. Tapping into those skills, Ki began to entertain. Without a doubt, if he didn¡¯t distract his poor neighbor, he¡¯d find himself waiting for the tow truck in a cold car mired in mud. Certainly, he¡¯d faced harder challenges.


    Gazing into dark eyes, not unlike his own, Ki began.


    ¡°Dad used the house next door as a kind of hunting lodge. I rarely visited and if I did, the driveway wasn¡¯t the mess it is now. I suppose he only came up here once or twice a year after I graduated high school and never noticed what a quagmire it was, literally.¡± His face animated and open. ¡°That old mud pit driveway is completely impassible this time of year.¡±


    Charlie blinked unaccustomed to a guest, let alone a conversational one.


    ¡°My parents settled in Boston after they met. My father was working as an attorney for a human rights organization that took him to Asia. There he met my mother, who wanted to be rescued.¡± Ki grimaced. ¡°My father always pictured himself another Batman or Professor Xavier out to save the downtrodden, oppressed. Well, he saved my mother, alright, but it was more difficult than he anticipated, merging two distinct cultures.¡±


    Wonder bloomed in Charlie¡¯s eyes. Asia was home to all those awesome Kung Fu movies¡­¡­.so cool.


    Ki saw victory. Maybe the other man was a sucker for a good story.


    So cute.


    For the next half hour, Ki shared the story of his mother¡¯s people and hardships they faced, to the point of extermination. He shared the tale of his parents¡¯ marriage, a grab-bag of ups and downs until Ki was a teen with a mind of his own. His father wanted him to explore and discover the wonders of the world. Ki¡¯s mother wanted him to carefully study and be a shiny beacon of religion, hers, of course.


    Once the genie of self-determination is out of the bottle, there¡¯s no putting it back. Ki loved his mother¡¯s culture and religion but knew a fundamental part of himself was in direct conflict with both. Ki¡¯s father arranged for him to attend a prep-school not too far from the tiny hamlet of Epsom, where he found a comfortable vacation home. Not long after, he quietly divorced his wife and set her up comfortably in the community of her choice.


    Utter fascination sprinkled with croaks of ¡°Mmmmmm¡± seeped out of Charlie like a baby kingfisher being beak-fed dinner.


    ¡°Not much money in human rights anything. With an ex-wife and teenage son to support, my father left his passion and became a partner in a friend¡¯s law firm specializing in criminal law. I suppose he figured many of his potential clients were misunderstood and needed saving. Too bad for him, it was during the federal crackdown on the crime syndicates, really society¡¯s dregs. More than a decade was spent working with gangsters and white-collar criminals.¡±


    Frowning, Ki took a gulp of the Assam. Through half-closed eyes, he observed the other, such a handsome face and bright eyes full of curiosity. His lips made an upward slope on his wheat colored face, a half-smile trembled on soft lips¡­..so cute.


    He hesitated just a moment to see if the silence would force the adorable creature across from him to speak. One, two, three¡­¡­Ki counted to thirty and not even a twitch from Charlie. Worse, he was probably contemplating how to evict Ki from his house.


    In the game of social chicken, Ki lost and continued storytelling. ¡°It wasn¡¯t difficult for me to see that my father was not happy in criminal law. Even after he became a partner, more money never assuaged his need to help on a global scale. Fifteen years of investments was enough to set my mother up to be self-sufficient, help me through law school, and enough left for him to retire on.¡±


    With a piercing gaze, Ki continued, ¡°Pops was the one who encouraged me to be true to myself. What an incredible father. He didn¡¯t even blink when I came out as a teen. My mother¡­..not so understanding and thinks it¡¯s a fad, like baggy jeans or the Macarena.¡± He paused.


    The reaction was so slight. If he wasn¡¯t paying attention, he would have missed surprise and delight before the tea mug blocked it. Ki found the response a bit of a thrill.


    ¡°Mmmmmmm.¡±


    Carting his empty mug over to the sink, Ki began loading the dishwasher and chatted on and on about his mother¡¯s culture while rinsing and stacking. Yep. No doubt about it. Charlie was just¡­¡­. enchanting.

 Chapter 2

    The afternoon was almost hot. Almost because it was April and April in New England was not typically warm except for three-point-five days. This day was one of those. The rain had left the night before and longer daylight hours meant the earth had thawed.


    Charlie could smell it, practically taste it. The earth. In the winter, there is only ice, violently chilled. Summer and fall are ripe with aromas both clean and spicy, heady in such a place covered from top to bottom in nature. But in spring, there was only the smell of dirt, the ground warming up from the long cold slumber. He loved the smell of rich loam, decaying leaves and warmed granite.


    Is this what heaven¡¯s like? All promise and potential?


    The chickens worshipped spring as well, pecking and scratching, outright wallowing underneath his hammock. It was strange to find such tranquility watching the top-heavy creatures zip around the yard like plump roadrunners jabbing and screeching at each other. The rooster was still the unfortunate Lothario, but he seemed to get the job done, much to the consternation of the hens.


    Leaving the pleasant melee in the backyard, Charlie made his way to the garage. Some chickens followed as if children to a mother. Minutes ago, a familiar delivery truck pulled into the drive. Perhaps his refill order of achiote and coriander had arrived a little early, yet there wasn¡¯t a notification on his phone. No matter, he had a freezer full of locally raised pork and a strong desire to make a mole before the heat of summer hit.


    The nights were still below freezing and Abuelita, his little grandmother, tutored the younger Charlie on the long slow bubble and simmer of mole. Just right for heating the house and his stomach.


    Yum.


    Stupefied, he stopped short. A large blue delivery van slumbered in the driveway with the driver jogging back from Charlie¡¯s front door, package in hand.


    ¡°Great! Glad someone¡¯s home.¡± The barely adult driver motioned to a frozen Charlie, ignoring the birds swarming around his feet. ¡°Dude, that driveway next door is too much. Almost got stuck for good. No way I¡¯m getting up that pile of shi-i-ah-crap.¡±


    The delivery person didn¡¯t notice two chickens nearby dropped their own pile. Charlie found that rather poetic.


    ¡°This delivery requires a signature. Would you be willing to sign this for me?¡± Oblivious to the poop, the young man shoved a small box into Charlie¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Mmmmmm.¡± Charlie hummed noncommittally.


    ¡°What¡¯s the last name?¡± He pulled out a small device from his bulging khakis.


    Eyes focused on the package and not the delivery man, Charlie whispered.


    ¡°Diaz.¡±


    Without a second look, the driver typed something into the piece of technology, and then turned back to the vehicle, stepping over a brown hen, who pooped in greeting.


    ¡°Thank you, sir. You¡¯re a lifesaver.¡± Came the farewell with a careless wave.


    The van had disappeared before reality hit Charlie.


    Horror¡­..joy¡­.wait! Why did he care?


    Knots began to form in the pit of his gut. Absently, he rubbed his belly. Its just contacting his neighbor not calling the police. A text would do, no need to telephone the poor man.


    The two had exchanged contact information after their first meeting. In all honesty, it was Ki who insisted that neighbors should be able to contact each other in an emergency.


    ¡°Its the neighborly thing to do,¡± Ki said before he left, with a ridiculously charming smile.


    At the time, Charlie felt that it would likely be much less painful if he played along. Plus, who would reject a man who did dishes?


    Mopping, scrubbing, even washing the windows were better options than doing the dishes.


    A¡­man¡­.who¡­.did¡­.dishes.


    Who was he kidding? His neighbor was both saint and demon wrapped up in one package, a veritable feast for the eyes, all chiseled angles and dark charm. Entertaining stories and the ability to do dishes¡­¡­.sublime. Bruce Lee¡¯s Chen Zhen wasn¡¯t half as charming.


    CHARLIE: Your driveway was impassable. A package delivered here. I signed for it.


    NEXT DOOR: NGL It sucks! I can¡¯t get pavers in before next month.


    CHARLIE: Um¡­.package?


    NEXT DOOR: 2M2H. Construction on roads hasn¡¯t begun yet, so I don¡¯t see why I have to wait an entire month and pay a small fortune, mind you.


    CHARLIE:       Um¡­.package?


    NEXT DOOR: UR the best. I owe you one.


    CHARLIE:       I¡¯ll leave it by the front door.


    NEXT DOOR: Take it inside. Don¡¯t want it to be stolen. OMW See you soon.


    With weakened knees, Charlie set the package aside and plopped on the porch, pulling his fingers, watching the chickens peck and mumble in the yard. His brain checked out with each beat of the beaks sinking into the warmed earth.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to see that Ki wanted to visit with him again. The only thieves in this neck of the woods were foxes and coyotes.


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    Not quite an hour later, Charlie was knee deep into vendor reports up in his office when he heard the doorbell. Strange how something so chilling the previous week had lost that ominous feeling.


    Grabbing the small package, Charlie didn¡¯t bother to reflect why it was easier to open the door today or why his heart began to race like a Lamborghini. The beautiful man stood before him all decked out like a Neiman Marcus model in a designer suit and tie. Chen Zhen never wore Neiman Marcus. Charlie gulped.


    ¡°I clean up well, don¡¯t I?¡± His lips widened into a flashy smile. Ki¡¯s cheerful eyes just glowed. ¡°I had court today, so I had to put on my big boy clothes.¡± He struck a pose.


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Charlie shoved the box in his hands and gave a single nod, and shielded his eyes. Damn, he was just plain stunning: all dark hair, dark eyes, and golden skin, and all those positive vibes oozing from his pores.


    ¡°Come see my new car.¡± Ki warmly invited. ¡°Sadly, I gave up my sweet Porsche for this behemoth. It was the only way I could ensure I could get up the driveway during mud season.¡± He pointed to the mud pit next door.


    Surprised, Charlie followed him around the house. His cabin faced east and west, with the driveway positioned at the north of the house. This meant he rarely knew if someone drove up his driveway, not that anyone really did. Delivery trucks and his next-door neighbor were the only exceptions.


    Walking down the curved paved walkway leading from the front door to the driveway, Charlie saw a bright aqua high-end SUV behemoth that likely wouldn¡¯t have problems traversing small rivers and sandy dunes, let alone Ki¡¯s mire of a driveway.


    ¡°Think this will make it up today?¡± His bushy brows bobbed up and down in a happy motion.


    Charlie gave another nod.


    ¡°Aiya, do you like the color?¡±


    Abuelita loved bright sunshiny colors and surrounded herself with them, whether it was clothing or dishes. Ki looked to be the same. The bright blue was the same color as her best Sunday dishes.


    This time, Charlie gave him a double nod.


    ¡°Oh ho. I picked well if my good neighbor Charlie likes it.¡±


    Charlie warmed at the genuine praise.


    With a snick of a key fob, the driver¡¯s side door opened. Ki tossed the package into the passenger seat. Charlie couldn¡¯t help but imagine the places the high-performance machine could climb. His eyes danced over the shiny automobile.


    ¡°Wanna go for a spin? The range road across town is a veritable cesspool of mud and runoff. We can officially break this baby in and cover it with mud before the sun sets.¡±


    For a second or two, Charlie hesitated, then shook his head. There was something about Ki that drew him like a lodestone. For one shiny moment, the thought of playing in the mud with the oversized toy pricked something inside long since buried under his broken vocal cords and the shell of isolation.


    Ki¡¯s breath caught. He counted two. For two seconds a sweet never-before-seen innocent boy-like creature seemed to radiate out of Charlie and in those two seconds, that creature contemplated playing in the mud ¡­..a victory of sorts for Ki. He had a curiosity streak about a mile wide when it came to this handsome creature, and he wanted nothing more than to figure out what made this adorable creature tick.


    ¡°Ah, another day then.¡± He looked down at his impeccably tailored and frightfully expensive suit and the almost equally costly custom-made pair of shoes. ¡°It is for the best. Not like I¡¯m dressed for playing in the mud.¡±


    Again came another shake of the head.


    Ki felt the challenge of getting an articulated word out of the other man¡¯s mouth. Looking around, he spied the frolicking poultry birds.


    ¡°You have quite a few chickens, Charlie.¡±


    ¡°Mnnnnnn.¡±


    A few were a rich golden-brown color; some were black with white dots. There were a couple of gray ones that stuck together like twins, and one with a yellow head that glowed like gold. Ki pointed to a pure black one pecking around Charlie¡¯s feet.


    ¡°What kind of chicken is that?¡±


    ¡°Australorp.¡± The voice was small and gravely, a little hard on the ears.


    Ki paused a heartbeat. Last time, he thought Charlie had a cold. It appears that was his everyday voice. Filing away that piece of information, he beamed.


    ¡°And the black with the polka dots?¡±


    ¡°Barred Rock.¡± The sound was a little louder, a little more engaged. ¡°They are reliable layers.¡±


    ¡°What interesting information. I¡¯ve never had chickens before. Growing up, we lived in Charlestown, not far from the navel yard. No room for chickens in the city. Pretty sure it was against zoning laws.¡± Ki meandered over to the yellow-headed fowl, who hurried away.


    With a laugh at the silly bird, Ki sat down on the top step of the front porch and watched the other man panic. It wasn¡¯t hard to decipher his expression.


    How do I evict this guy without having to open my mouth?


    ¡°Did you have chickens growing up?¡±


    Pushed off center, Charlie frowned at that question and shook his head.


    ¡°So many. And they are quite pretty. Did you grow up in a city like I did?¡±


    Again came the headshake.


    Leaning against the railing, Ki watched and wondered. Dark expressive eyes with the complete and utter lack of ability to hide his emotional self, including the frustration he currently felt from the neighborly invasion. From the looks of things, Charlie couldn¡¯t yet be thirty, his face free from lines. Smooth golden skin made Ki¡¯s fingers itch to caress his face.


    But if this fox wanted to invade the henhouse, he¡¯d need to be sneaky to avoid his prey bolting just like the yellow feathered bird moments ago.


    ¡°Did you go to college?¡± It was an inane question, but Ki had a theory that Charlie loved hearing stories.


    A nod and a bit of curiosity.


    ¡°Me too. But you can guess that since I¡¯m an attorney.¡±


    Another nod, hesitant, but his eyes became wide and engaged.


    ¡°What a ride. My mother wanted me to focus on religion and become a doctor. My dad encouraged the exact opposite, to experience all that being in college offered. I mean everything, like an unfortunate experience at my first kegger.¡±


    Ki didn¡¯t think Charlie¡¯s eyes could get wider, but they did. The sense of victory coursed through his veins, but he kept his smile placid.


    ¡°You ever been to a kegger, Charlie?¡± He pointed to the other man.


    As expected, a head shake.


    ¡°Well, let me tell you, you¡¯re better off for avoiding that pit.¡± Ki watched Charlie lean just a smidgeon, so minor that it almost wasn¡¯t noticeable. And those expressive eyes and lifted chin, a dead giveaway. He was hooked.


    Voice mellow and tone calm, Ki spent the better part of an hour on the porch regaling Charlie with university stories filled with half-truths and exaggerations. Halfway in, Charlie¡¯s legs were tired. He took a seat. There was only one spot available¡­¡­.next to Ki on the porch.


    Banked fires flared in Ki¡¯s wolfish eyes when Charlie sat down.


    Cute.


    Cute.


    Cute.


    Like a lamb to the slaughter or, in this case, chicken.


    When the stories moved towards the intense study in law school, Ki could sneak a hair closer to the other man. He couldn¡¯t stop himself from a deep inhale and a pause for dramatic effect.


    Warmed earth. Charlie smelled of warmed earth and lemon-lime body wash. He didn¡¯t think he¡¯d ever smelled anything so intoxicating.


    ¡°Aiya, I don¡¯t think I slept more than four hours a night until I was out of law school a year.¡±


    This time, the ¡°Mmmmmmmm,¡± had a warmth to it.


    Ki decided to take a risk and get personal. ¡°Did you have a lot of sleepless nights in college?¡± He couldn¡¯t keep the huskiness from his voice.


    A mental door slammed shut with a BAM! Ki watched the other man go from rapt attention to freezing solid, the light of curiosity dying in his eyes. Not quite a minute passed before Charlie responded, and it was a reluctant nod.


    Understanding dawned with Ki that Charlie¡¯s sleepless nights had nothing to do with partying, studying, or even a stereotypical turbulent college love life. Across Charlie¡¯s expressive eyes flashed a desolation, so deep that Ki¡¯s heart hitched watching it ooze and drip from the other man¡¯s body like a festering wound.


    Deep in his twisted soul, he knew that whatever drama he had with his mother, it could not compare to the hell that could cause the visceral reaction with this delightful neighbor.

 Chapter 3

    Ki had the flu. Not the kind that has one doubled over the toilet barfing up intestines but the kind of feverish aches, coughing, feel like death knocking at the door kind of flu. He called his secretary and canceled all appointments for the next three days. This was not some twenty-four-hour bug that he¡¯d be as good as new the next day. In his mind, he was sure he was would be dead by breakfast.


    Ki wanted to give up the ghost right there on the couch. He hurt everywhere, even his toes.


    The television was playing an old spaghetti western while he contemplated texting Charlie to bring him chicken soup. A half-eaten package of saltines just wasn¡¯t cutting it.


    Would it be outside his comfort zone to deliver chicken soup to a dying neighbor.


    Ki cursed. Even if he could, there was no way the introvert could get up the cesspool of a driveway unless he had a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Mud was killing the mood and killing him at the same time.


    He never hated his driveway more than he did at that moment. Just when he thought he couldn¡¯t be in greater despair, he heard the squawk of a chicken.


    Great. Ten seconds of thinking about the fascinating neighbor next-door, and he hallucinates.


    Moments later, he heard the rustle of feathers and more bird cackling. With all the energy he possessed, Ki dragged himself to the front door. Sure enough, at the bottom of his porch, were two of Charlie¡¯s flock.


    Curios.


    KI:                   Hey neighbor. I think two of your chickens are in my yard.


    Peering out, he saw the two black birds had moved from the steps and made their way onto the porch, suspiciously eyeing his window boxes. Still no response.


    KI:                   R U okay?


    KI:                   If I don¡¯t hear from you, I¡¯ll come over.


    JUST CUTE:  Busy. Fox troubles. I¡¯ll get them later. Sorry.


    Fox troubles? He imagined Charlie chasing a fox around with a broom. The visual was partially funny but mainly alarming.


    Don¡¯t foxes bite?


    Pulling on a heavy jacket and muck boots, Ki grabbed the sad package of crackers and staggered out of the house. Breaking a saltine into pieces and dropping it at his feet, he felt a bit of satisfaction as the chickens jumped down from their high perch and nibbled. With such minor success, he walked into the forest that separated his property from Charlie¡¯s.


    Step by tortuous step, he led the birds along with the crackers. Luckily, it wasn¡¯t summer. The charcoal shingles of Charlie¡¯s roof stood out like a dark beacon. A feverish Ki focused on the dark roof, needing a guide through the woods. Every five minutes or so, he would stop and rest, battling the urge to faint, while the chickens jabbed and poked around his feet.


    It felt like hours as he worked his way through the densely packed trees but was probably much less when he broke through the tree line into Charlie¡¯s backyard. The two hens spotted their owner and sprinted towards him.


    Not even a thank you cackle¡­.the ingrates.


    Unable to hold his head up any longer, Ki dropped to the low rock wall that separated the properties. Weak and helpless, he trembled on his perch. Body aches turned into shards of pain all over. His head felt two minutes past the point of implosion and, to top it all off, chills shook his body like an earthquake. There wasn¡¯t much hope that he¡¯d be in any condition to walk back home.


    Where was Charlie? Shouldn¡¯t he be running towards him in gratitude?


    A smile bloomed on Charlie¡¯s face as he saw the chicken¡¯s mad dash towards him. The fox had zeroed on the flock and picked them off one by one. He lost a rooster and two hens. The joy of seeing two additional hens returning home after a frantic escape rang in his heart.


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    During winter, he didn¡¯t keep the electric fence charged. Most animals were in hibernation and left the flock alone. But the cold spring led a fox on a desperate search for breakfast. Herding the two remaining birds back into the enclosure, Charlie secured the gate and turned on the electricity.


    No animals in and no animals out, equal peace of mind, at least until the hens complain.


    Gratitude swelled in his chest as Charlie thought of the city-boy neighbor leading the birds across the forested property. The man deserved a home cooked meal or at least some tea and cookies for his effort.


    Looking around, he saw no sign of Ki. After circling the yard, he found a human lump on the old rock wall.


    Charlie made his way towards the man slumped over in an odd c-shape, arms wrapped around his torso. As he neared, Charlie heard moaning and a strange clicking sound.


    It was teeth. Ki was shivering.


    Reaching out an intrepid hand, Charlie felt the other man¡¯s forehead.


    Hot!


    And not in the healthy sign of life way.


    ¡°You¡¯re sick.¡± Charlie accused with his gravelly voice.


    ¡°So cold.¡± The words were barely a mumble.


    Thinking of the hideous driveway, it wasn¡¯t possible to bring Ki home. Besides, the fever seemed pretty bad, probably worsened by the trek through the forest. Only an ingrate would send Ki away at such a moment.


    Why did it just feel¡­¡­right to bring Ki home?


    Grabbing one of his arms, Charlie draped it across his shoulders.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Charlie groaned under the almost dead weight. ¡°You must walk, move those feet. I can¡¯t do this alone.¡±


    Ki mumbled into Charlie¡¯s neck. Strange¡­it sounded like he said, ¡°just cute.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    The ticklish sensation almost made Charlie giggle.


    Was he nuzzling his neck?


    ¡°Aiya. You¡¯re just cute.¡± Another shudder racked his body. ¡°So cold.¡±


    With a pinch of giddiness in his heart, Charlie half dragged, half staggered his way into the house with the feverish lump glued to his side.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡± Charlie maneuvered the half-conscious baggage into the only bed in the house, his.


    ¡°Hold on a little longer.¡± He tried for soothing but the best that could come from his voice box was a whispered croak.


    Once he settled the patient onto the bed, he removed his boots and jacket, then promptly smothered him with quilts. ¡°I¡¯ll be back with some tea and analgesics.¡±


    After a few minutes, Charlie returned to force hot liquid and pills down Ki¡¯s throat, then used a cool washcloth hoping to bring the fever down faster. As he drew near the patient, he could smell damp pine and spice. Ki¡¯s scent was comforting.


    ¡°Why does your voice always sound like you¡¯ve got a cold?¡± Ki¡¯s fever-burned eyes singed a hole through Charlie.


    ¡°Permanent damage to my voice box.¡± Charlie brushed a stray lock of hair away from Ki¡¯s flushed face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Why? Its not your fault.¡± Charlie flipped over the cloth to the cooler side.


    ¡°I hurt so much.¡± Ki¡¯s voice became a whine.


    Rubbing Ki¡¯s hand soothingly, Charlie whispered. ¡°Relax, the meds should kick in soon.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t long before Ki fell into a fevered sleep.


    Charlie¡¯s active brain spent the remains of the day alternating between worrying about the chickens, keeping the ill man in his bed hydrated, and stifling any thoughts or feelings he had about the entire situation. As evening approached, he stole a peek at the comatose patient. Messy hair poked up like a little ebony hedgehog. Wrapped taco-style, the beautiful man¡¯s breathing was slow and calm.


    Charlie touched his chest as he felt a gentle scratch against his heart.


    A soft flow¡­..almost an emotion¡­..something warm rubbed against his nerve endings and muddled his thoughts.


    Leaving the darkened room, Charlie made his way to the kitchen, where he pulled out a crock-pot. The act of making the steel-cut oats with sweet milk and spices distracted him. The serenity lasted all the way through the evening until the moment he crawled into the nest of sleeping bags and quilts on his office floor.


    He would be lying to himself if he did not admit there was an attraction with his neighbor. Admitting that seemed to open a floodgate of emotion.


    Charlie looked for the panic amongst those boiling feelings, but it did not appear.


    When did it cease to be fan-boying a fictional Chen Zhen and become something less superficial?


    Into the wee hours of the morning, Charlie tossed and turned, telling himself that the lack of sleep was because of the bed on the floor rather than his conflicted emotions.


    The next morning, the barely rested Charlie fed a not quite recovered Ki. The patient could barely keep his eyes open during the healthy breakfast. After more tea and meds, Charlie promptly taco-wrapped him back in the soft gray comforter and put him back to bed.


    In his lucid moments, Ki remembered the pet turtle his parents gave him as a child. The creature was shy and often hid in his shell. When he thought no one was looking, he kept busy finding food and making a nest, industrious but alone. Charlie, very much, reminded him of his beloved pet turtle.


    Two days after doctoring the sick patient, Charlie kicked him out on the grounds that Ki¡¯s fever had abated, and Charlie had work to do.


    Ki found it adorable that the introvert sent him home with two days¡¯ worth of food and an extra warm quilt the color of marigolds. Keeping the fact that he had a closet full of blankets a secret, Ki decided there was no more precious blanket in his vast collection. After all, blankets were easy to get in this world, but genuine care and concern were not.


    Ki insisted on doing the dishes before he left.

 Chapter 4

    <div>


    Four days. It had been four days since Ki had been inside his neighbor¡¯s house. It was eating at him like acid. At first, he told himself it was because it was lonely living by himself, and that¡¯s why he had the overwhelming urge to see Charlie.


    The logical part of his brain pointed out his premise didn¡¯t make sense. He¡¯d lived alone most of his adult life.


    Next he told himself that this desire to return to the neighbor¡¯s house was because Charlie needed a keeper¡­.but did he really? After all, the recluse survived living in the middle of nowhere much longer than he had. Not to mention, Charlie¡¯s driveway was in much better condition.


    Not long after recovering from the flu, Ki realized he wanted a relationship with Charlie¡­..the committed type of relationship that required¡­¡­.work. He wanted to eat with Charlie, fight with Charlie, do the dishes with Charlie¡­¡­and sleep with Charlie. Maybe not the dishes. Charlie wasn¡¯t good at that.


    Ki was a realistic man. Since about puberty, he knew he differed from others. With his mother¡¯s culture and religion, it became uncomfortable to share his sexuality honestly at home. After heart-to-heart talks with his father, he came clean with his mother and his friends.


    With his mother¡¯s not-so-positive reaction, his father sent him to a shi-shi private school in New Hampshire where his sexuality was not as dramatic of an issue as it was with at home. He not only received a top-notch education at a school full of the wealthy elite, but he learned to accept his sexuality and his family as just two parts of a bigger whole.


    His logical brain and his artistic brain came to a consensus at the same time. He wanted a boyfriend, Charlie. The pursuit was on.


    Day one, Ki took back Charlie¡¯s cleaned food containers. On the spacious front porch, Charlie thanked him and reminded him he could have tossed them out as they were disposable.


    CHARLIE DID NOT INVITE HIM IN!


    Ki felt deflated but didn¡¯t let that defeat him.


    Day two, he tried texting.


    Ki:                   What are you doing today?


    Just Cute:      Working.


    Ki:                   Are you very busy?


    Just Cute:      No more than usual.


    Ki:                   How are you doing?


    Just Cute:      Fine


    FINE?


    How could he work with this kind of wall? Ki suppressed the urge to give that man a brutal cross-examination which would either bring Charlie to tears or alienate the poor man all together.


    Day three, time for stalking. Charlie typically picked up his mail after he finished the workday. Ki drove the massive four-wheel-drive vehicle down to the bottom of the mud pit. Bouncing up and down along the ruts, he was rewarded with the sight of a man with dark hair, dark eyes, and a navy windbreaker making his way towards the group of mailboxes.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Charlie.¡± Ki rolled down the window. ¡°It¡¯s a lovely spring day, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Charlie looked longingly at the mud-caked vehicle and its dashing driver and sighed.


    ¡°Would you like to try the range roads in this baby? I haven¡¯t given the new machine a proper mud-baptism.¡± Ki flashed him his patented charming lawyer smile that worked on many a corrupt CEO.


    With a shake of his head, Charlie whispered a faint, ¡°No.¡± With a flick of his wrist, he closed his mailbox and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Ki hopped out of the vehicle. ¡°How about dinner? You are always cooking for me. How about I return the kindness and make you dinner?¡±


    A pause, Ki felt a thrilling sense of accomplishment. For one magical moment, Charlie considered coming to dinner. And then, defeat. After another shake of his head and a wave, Ki watched Charlie make his way back to the small log cabin.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    What just happened?


    Again?


    Was he rejected three days in a row?


    Flummoxed. That¡¯s the word Ki was looking for. Standing in the mud and muck of his driveway, he felt utterly flummoxed with rejection after rejection.


    AND HE JUST RUINED HIS FAVORITE PAIR OF DRESS SHOES!


    For the rest of the evening, he pouted. At first, he decided Charlie was NOT worth all this time and trouble. Next, Ki considered calling up a friend or two for a night out¡­.well not in Epsom. There wasn¡¯t such a thing as a night out in the tiny town unless it was around a bonfire. That meant a drive to Boston. Not his favorite thing to do on a weeknight but the idea had merit.


    Maybe the Bruins were playing. A good hockey match, complete with a little bloodletting, sounded exhilarating after his three failed attempts with the neighbor. He opened his phone and searched for tickets.


    Unfortunately, his heart wasn¡¯t in it. Ki had to be honest with himself. He wanted to spend more time with the hermit next door¡­..not his friends screaming obscenities in a cold stadium.


    What to do?


    Scrolling through his phone, he saw an ad for the ASPCA, and a lightbulb went off in his head. This was just daring enough it might work.


    Next door, Charlie was castigating himself for the four-hundredth time. What kind of ingrate rejects dinner with a friendly neighbor?


    Charlie Diaz, that¡¯s who.


    His grandmother would be so disappointed. Abuelita always told him to follow his heart and not to listen to all the noise. Charlie¡¯s heart told him to let go of his fears and spend time with the new neighbor, get to know him, understand him¡­¡­okay¡­..date him. Charlie was honest enough with himself to admit there was an attraction.


    Not his head. His head said to run as far away from the charismatic lawyer as fast as possible. After all, Charlie¡¯s experiences taught him that personal relationships seemed to bring way too much conflict.


    Charlie was afraid.


    The approaching spring evening was awash in pastel colors. Charlie felt the fresh and chill of the dying day as he hauled out the buckets of chicken feed. The smell of the earth and the trickle of the lazy stream calmed his chaotic thoughts.


    The purpose of moving from the south to New England was to be alone, and his head told him that was how things would stay. He smothered the impulse to text Ki to see if he¡¯d recovered sufficiently or even ask how he was doing.


    A few days later dawned full of sun, but the chill lingered. Spring was trying desperately to flourish in the frigid northeast. Charlie was pleased to see the lazy brook was more of a flowing stream, a sign the snow further up the hill was melting. The grays still overpowered the greens outside, but the grass in the front yard had switched from dull brown to vibrant green almost overnight.


    Opening the chicken enclosure, he heard a car in the drive. It was too early for deliveries, nor was he expecting one today.


    The familiar jewel-toned SUV rested in the driveway. Ki¡­again.


    Charlie squelched the happy thoughts¡­..tiny pockets in his heart overflowed with joy with the persistent neighbor.


    The man in question jumped out of the front seat dressed in silver tailored slacks and a collared lively red shirt. He looked like a walking stop sign.


    ¡°Oh good. You¡¯re already outside.¡±


    ¡°Ummmmm.¡± Charlie was at a loss for words.


    ¡°I had this great idea¡­.okay, no, it was more an impulse. Living out here on my own and I decided I needed a companion.¡±


    Charlie¡¯s eyes bulged.


    A companion?


    Ki opened up the back door of the vehicle and spoke with a coaxing voice.


    ¡°Come on, boy. You can do it.¡±


    In mere seconds, a mid-sized dog covered with a creamy colored coat of fir, coal black nose and golden eyes landed on the driveway with a clang of a dog leash.


    ¡°Here, hold this.¡± Ki grabbed the leash and handed it to Charlie while the dog sniffed his feet. ¡°I thought of you and your chickens when I went to the shelter. Apparently this mutt is part Anatolian Shepherd. How the shelter knew that was beyond me. They said he¡¯s quite good with chickens and will even help protect in fox attacks.¡±


    ¡°I¡­,¡± Charlie opened his mouth to refuse.


    ¡°Now I know what you¡¯re thinking. You don¡¯t want a dog and that¡¯s fine. I do. But I want one that will be a good neighbor¡­¡­like me.¡± Ki¡¯s wide smile showed a plethora of teeth.


    ¡°But¡­.,¡± A confused Charlie watched Ki pull out dog food and a tote with bowls and bags filled with treats and chew toys.


    ¡°The problem is that I couldn¡¯t pass up this opportunity. He¡¯s perfect for us¡­.well, me with you as a neighbor.¡± Ki walked towards the front porch and emptied his arms of all the dog paraphernalia. ¡°I completely spaced that I have to stay with my mom this weekend. Ramadan starts, and she¡¯s a stickler for family gatherings at all the major holidays.¡±


    Ki leaned down to pet the velvety fur. The silly dog promptly dropped to the ground and thrust out his belly.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good boy.¡± He ruffled that softness. ¡°His full name is Deng Pao which roughly translated is lightbulb. Just call him Lightbulb if you can¡¯t remember Deng Pao.¡± He stood up and smiled again at the muddled man holding the leash. ¡°Deng Pao won¡¯t be happy at my mother¡¯s condo. No space and too much judgement. She¡¯s pretty intense, if you know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°De¡­.¡± Charlie started.


    ¡°Deng Pao.¡± Ki completed. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d love it if you¡¯d watch him for a couple of days. According to the shelter, he¡¯s already fixed and has his shots, and, cross your fingers, house trained. At least I hope he is.¡±


    Charlie looked down at the dog, who just rolled across his shoes.


    ¡°He should get along great with the chickens, and I promise to treat you to a yummy thank you dinner when I get back on Monday.¡± Ki patted the dumfounded man on the shoulder. ¡°Thanks so much for your help with this. Don¡¯t forget to text me pictures of the adventures you two have over the next few days.¡±


    ¡°Uhhh.¡± Charlie¡¯s scratchy voice raised then choked.


    Jumping into the large SUV, Ki waved, driving away before Charlie could complete a sentence.


    ¡°Why do I think I just got conned?¡± Charlie spoke to the dog, who took great pleasure jumping up on him with two legs, his ridiculous tongue hanging out his large grinning mouth.


    A chipper bark came from the lightbulb.

 Chapter 5

    NEXT DOOR: It hasn¡¯t even been a full twenty-four hours yet. Mom¡¯s already annoying. Quick send me pictures of Deng Pao.


    CHARLIE:


    NEXT DOOR: What is that? Your slipper? Oooops. Bad dog.


    Charlie truly didn¡¯t care. It was rather satisfying snuggling up to that warm doggy body in the bed during the night, waking up to that goofy face and a half-eaten slipper. He reached up to touch his face. The ear-to-ear grin was a foreign sensation.


    NEXT DOOR: I hate the fasting part. Why is it I can think about anything but food while working? But Ramadan with my mother means all I think about is cheeseburgers and nachos.


    CHARLIE: ?


    NEXT DOOR: I don¡¯t practice, but when I celebrate Ramadan with her, I fast and it sucks. I¡¯m starving. I need some food porn. Send me a picture of what you are having for lunch.


    CHARLIE:


    NEXT DOOR: Isn¡¯t that chilaquiles?


    CHARLIE: You¡¯ve heard of chilaquiles?


    NEXT DOOR: Of course. Bet you make your ranchero sauce from scratch.


    CHARLIE: Yes


    NEXT DOOR: <begging.jpg> Please make that for me.


    Is there a comfortable way of answering this?


    Charlie wasn¡¯t sure how to proceed. Ki would never leave him alone if he didn¡¯t follow through on a promise of home cooked food. Once he invited him in for a meal, it was over.


    Who could reject the neighbor that could charm the feathers off a chicken?


    For the next five minutes, Charlie typed yes¡­.deleted it¡­..typed no¡­..deleted it.


    Dithering.


    CHARLIE: Okay


    NEXT DOOR: Acknowledged and recorded. Mom¡¯s calling. Gotta go.


    For the rest of the day, Charlie pushed himself to finish the spring chores while Lightbulb danced around his legs. Truthfully, he just wanted to play fetch with the dog and ponder what the neighbor was up to.


    Sliding into the old leather booth, Ki smiled at the couple sitting across the scarred wooden table. A frothy beer standing tall waited for him to sink into. He felt a twinge of envy as he noticed their ten fingers entwined.


    ¡°Four years and two kids and you still hold hands like you did in college.¡± Ki¡¯s voice dripped with bitterness.


    ¡°Stop sulking and find yourself a proper boyfriend.¡± The woman stuck her tongue out at Ki.


    ¡°What? Are you flirting with me in front of your husband?¡± Ki sipped his beer and frowned.


    Avery was right¡­..he was sulking.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Suck it up, buttercup. Stop picking on my wife.¡± The other man held up their clasped hands and kissed the back of hers. ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been ten minutes and we can both tell you are broody and unpleasant. This is not the Erkin Roberts we both know and love.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha.¡± Ki wondered if he was lame enough to cry in his beer.


    ¡°Well, bless my soul,¡± Avery drawled in a lilting southern accent. ¡°Eric, honey, our sweet Ki is lovesick.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Both Eric and Ki looked perplexed.


    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m lovesick?¡± Ki couldn¡¯t help but use his camera phone, checking his face for any kind of sick.


    ¡°Other people¡¯s displays of public affection annoy you.¡± The woman accused.


    ¡°I¡¯ve watched you two hold hands for four straight years. Can¡¯t I be a little annoyed?¡±


    With an evil grin, Avery answered. ¡°It never bothered you before.¡±


    His internal defense attorney awakened. ¡°That couldn¡¯t even count as circumstantial evidence.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re defensive when quizzed on the subject of lovesickness.¡± Avery didn¡¯t give up.


    ¡°I am not!¡± His response was heated and highly emotional.


    ¡°Damn. She¡¯s right, son. You¡¯re lovesick.¡± Eric¡¯s voice held surprise.


    Frowning at the other man, Ki¡¯s chin raised. ¡°I don¡¯t even think I know the symptoms of such a disease.¡±


    Avery snorted and sipped her tonic water. ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ki¡¯s words were almost a whisper.


    ¡°Lovesickness. You are confused, cranky, probably because your love life is out of control. As a certified control freak, that makes the Ki we know and love unhappy, ergo, you mope.¡±


    ¡°What kind of ridiculous twaddle is that? If you used logic like that in the courtroom, you¡¯d be drummed out of the DA¡¯s office. Didn¡¯t we go to the same prestigious law school?¡±


    ¡°Avoidance and misdirection. Another sign of lovesickness.¡± A long ebony fingertip glossed with eye-popping neon blue nail polish pushed against his forehead.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, son.¡± Eric flashed him a toothy grin. ¡°Now stop fighting with my dear wife and tell us who the lucky guy is and why haven¡¯t you brought him around to meet your most respectable friends?¡±


    ¡°Respectable?¡±


    ¡°Stop evading and spill, attorney Roberts. We want to know about the man in your life.¡± Avery poked his head again.


    ¡°Aiya. Stop your poking.¡± Ki shooed away her hand. ¡°There IS a guy, but I can barely get him to respond to my texts, let alone get him on a date or bring him across state lines to meet the likes of you two.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhhh. Baby¡¯s heart is hurting.¡± Avery¡¯s voice softened.


    ¡°Why would my heart hurt? I haven¡¯t even suited up for the game, let alone make it to first base.¡±


    ¡°You see sugar. Because things aren¡¯t moving at your pace, you feel some serious rejection?¡±


    Ki pondered that. ¡°You¡¯re saying that I feel rejection because of Charlie?¡±


    ¡°His name is Charlie?¡± Eric popped a pretzel into his mouth and had a sip of beer.


    A small smile crossed Ki¡¯s face.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± Avery massaged the back of Eric¡¯s head, her long fingers playing peak-a-boo in the golden tresses.


    ¡°It was like a light.¡± Eric answered and twisted his neck to give his wife more access to his scalp.


    ¡°All it took was the word Charlie, and he practically glowed.¡± Avery smirked. ¡°He¡¯s got it bad.¡± She moved her fingers a little higher.


    ¡°Can you two speak English?¡± Ki growled. ¡°And can you tone down the PDA? Us single dogs don¡¯t appreciate being constantly reminded of our unfortunate status.¡±


    ¡°Hon. You light up when you think of your Charlie.¡± Avery¡¯s shiny blue fingertip came out again, and Ki dodged.


    ¡°He¡¯s not my Charlie.¡± Ki thought of the man with dark, thoughtful eyes. ¡°Not for lack of trying.¡± He grumbled.


    ¡°He¡¯s your Charlie because you care about him already.¡±


    Ki didn¡¯t even bother to deny that much. After all, he¡¯d spent the better part of a week just trying to get Charlie to talk with him¡­¡­.live and in person. Just when he thought it wasn¡¯t worth his time, he thought of Charlie¡¯s hesitant smile looking at the sloppy dog, his quiet kindness, his shy demeanor¡­..he was just¡­..so adorable. Everything about Charlie made him itchy, like a kitten was scratching at his heart.


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s gone. All we did was say the word ¡®Charlie¡¯ and he retreats to some inner monologue, probably saying Charlie this and Charlie that and he¡¯s so sweet and I just can¡¯t wait to see Charlie again.¡± Laughter cascaded out of Avery.


    ¡°Cut him some slack. I¡¯m pretty sure I was this bad when we met.¡± Eric kissed her smooth cheek.


    ¡°But of course, darlin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°So have you mentioned Charlie to your mother?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes were full of concern.


    The small smile on Ki¡¯s face faded and replaced with a dark scowl.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a no.¡± Eric deadpanned.


    ¡°Some point soon, my mother will need to choose between having a loving son in her life or knowing she¡¯s shed herself of all things evil. No matter how many blind dates she tries to set up for me, it won¡¯t change who I am, nor be lockstep with her moral code.¡±


    ¡°Come now, darlin¡¯. You aren¡¯t evil.¡±


    ¡°Tell that to my mother. With the way she behaves, sometimes I feel like the devil incarnate.¡±

 Chapter 6

    <div>


    The heavy rain washed everything away, much to the chicken¡¯s delight. Precious grubs became easy pickings near the clear cool water gushing down the stream behind Charlie¡¯s house. The chickens, incessantly clucking, ran around the yard pecking at bugs and each other¡­.pure happiness, not just for the chickens.


    Lightbulb was giddy right along with them. Sniffing rotting logs, digging next to moss-covered trees and running circles around the hens. After the harsh winter, spring storms were a welcome change for animal and human alike. Charlie finished work for the day, then stacked wood while the animals frolicked. He couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    The late afternoon sun sparkled down reflecting on the glassy surfaces of the remaining rain dripping from the budded branches. The heady smell of nature energized the soul. Charlie put his face up to the sun, his arms full of chopped wood. Perfect. Could this moment be any more perfect?


    Ki.


    He hadn¡¯t heard from him in almost a day.


    Charlie felt a twinge in his stomach. A dull ache. Not uncomfortable, but this feeling appeared whenever he thought of his neighbor.


    Unloading his arms, Charlie heard a delivery truck. Lightbulb made a beeline towards the vehicle, barking along the way.


    The delivery person looked warily at the happy canine.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t bite.¡± Charlie¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, but the man must have understood because he gave a hesitant nod.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get up your neighbor¡¯s driveway¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No one else can either.¡± Charlie signed and took the small package.


    The driver took another hesitant look at the dog and drove away.


    Hunching down, Charlie stroked the goofy mutt licking his hands, returning his own goofy dog-like grin.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Who couldn¡¯t love such a beautiful dog?¡±


    The dog did not seem to mind his gravelly voice.


    Charlie:          Another package delivered for you here.


    Next Door:     LOL Worked from home today to avoid the stupid driveway.


    Charlie:          You can pick it up anytime. Don¡¯t you want Lightbulb back?


    Next Door:     Next weekend¡¯s the last of the holiday. I¡¯ll be with my mother again.


    Charlie:          Oh.


    Next Door:     Is µÆÅÝ behaving?


    Charlie:          What is that?


    Next Door:     The characters? It reads Deng Pao or lightbulb.


    Charlie:          Do you read and write Mandarin?


    Next Door:     Yep.


    Charlie:          Impressive.


    Next Door:     Impressive enough to make me chilaquiles?


    Charlie squeezed the phone and took a deep breath.


    Charlie:          Yes.


    Next Door:     REALLY!! <celebration.jpg>


    Charlie:          ¡­.


    Next Door:     Too desperate sounding?


    Charlie:          Maybe. Come over tonight and pick up your package. I¡¯ll feed you.


    Next Door:     6pm okay?


    Charlie:          Yes


    That one affirmative had Ki dancing around the living room like a loon. By the time he calmed down, he was sweaty, out of breath, and in desperate need of some water. While he gulped down the icy stuff, he felt the vibration of his phone.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Hey mama.¡± Ki felt a rivulet of sweat roll down his temple.


    ¡°Erkin. How is my son?¡±


    ¡°Fine. Mama. I just left you yesterday. You can¡¯t be missing me already.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Auntie Zhang down the street just introduced me to her niece. She¡¯s a nice girl, a lawyer just like you. I think you knew each other as children.¡±


    ¡°Mother.¡± Ki¡¯s tone was full of warning.


    ¡°Auntie down the street says she¡¯s too smart for just any male. I couldn¡¯t help but think of my son. Ivy league graduate, accomplished lawyer¡­..¡± Her voice was full of hope.


    ¡°Mother. We¡¯ve been through this a million times. Stop with the blind dates. I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°Who knows? Maybe if you met the right woman¡­.¡±


    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m gay. I have been my entire life. When are you going to accept me as I am?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You don¡¯t know that. God doesn¡¯t¡­..¡±


    ¡°If you believe that God creates all lives, then you need to accept that there is a significant percentage of these lives that are not cis-gendered, not heterosexual.¡±


    ¡°There you go, using those words again. Do you hate your mother that much?¡±


    Rubbing his forehead, Ki responded. ¡°We¡¯ve had this conversation a million times, mom. I¡¯m not interested in your blind dates. I¡¯m not marrying any of the pleasant, educated, beautiful, elder-respecting women you met through your church friends.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that you haven¡¯t met the RIGHT woman.¡±


    ¡°ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Mother, you are an intelligent woman. You know deep down in your heart, it¡¯s not about meeting the right woman. Why bother spouting such nonsense?¡±


    Ki heard mumbling in his mother¡¯s native dialect.


    ¡°Mama, remember dad and I learned every language you speak. I understand everything you¡¯re saying.¡±


    ¡°Pei.¡± His mother made a spitting sound. ¡°Good. You need to know when you¡¯ve broken your mother¡¯s heart. What did I do to deserve this? I left my homeland barely alive, grasping onto my heritage with my last breath, only to lose it with the next generation. Your dead grandparents are looking down on me in despair.¡±


    ¡°I never rejected your heritage, mother. I will gladly pass on what I know to the next generation.¡±


    ¡°What next generation? If you¡¯re only interested in men, there won¡¯t be any babies.¡±


    ¡°Oh please. I can have babies. What about adoption, surrogacy¡­..good grief? These days, I don¡¯t even need to be married to provide you with grandchildren.¡±


    ¡°Pei. Pei. Why do you say such things to hurt your mother?¡±


    Ki pondered the cleanliness of her phone with all the spitting.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do. Why can¡¯t you try again? Why won¡¯t you at least agree to meet this woman? A filial son would do this for his mother.¡±


    Less than an hour after hanging up with his mother, he was well on his way to a perfect state of inebriation. He started with a glass of wine¡­¡­in hopes to find some serenity. Then added an enormous package of Cool Ranch Doritos. The satisfying crunch drown out his mother¡¯s words banging around his brain like a sledgehammer.


    You aren¡¯t a filial son.


    You don¡¯t love your mother.


    Why did it feel like his mother¡¯s love was so¡­¡­conditional?


    Self-medicating didn¡¯t stop the pain.


    The ranchero sauce was simmering on the stove. The air was redolent with fruity roasted peppers and mysterious spice. Charlie used his Abduelita¡¯s recipe¡­..lots of ancho chiles.


    She used to say, ¡°The secret is a pinch of sugar, Carlito. A little sweetness signaled the sauce was made with love.¡±


    Charlie felt almost joyful as he swirled in a little brown sugar, secretly wondering if Ki would taste the sweet. Shadows darkened the kitchen, forcing him to turn on the lights. Night was descending like a wet towel.


    Where was his neighbor?


    It was after the agreed upon time.


    Charlie:          Are you still coming?


    Rather than a text, Charlie received a voice reply.


    ¡°Hey cutie.¡± The voice somewhat slurred. ¡°S-s-s-s-s-stuck. Ouch! Damn branch. S-s-s-s-stuck at the wall.¡±


    Grabbing his jacket, Charlie motioned to Lightbulb. The two sprinted out of the house, running towards the old rock wall separating the two properties. Ki¡¯s house was at least a quarter of a mile back from his own home.


    It didn¡¯t take him long to find the lump. Charlie¡¯s heart stopped when he saw the other man sitting on the low rock wall, slumped over as if he were asleep.


    ¡°Ki!¡± He couldn¡¯t suppress a cry of alarm at the same time, Lightbulb licked Ki¡¯s fingers.


    Gradually, the other man¡¯s head raised.


    ¡°Jus-s-s-s-s-s-t Cute. Aiya.¡± Ki held up both of his arms.


    Confused by the powerful sense of relief he felt at that moment, Charlie ran towards the other man.


    Daylight had long since moved to the other side of the world. Charlie could barely make out his face as he neared. Even more surprising, he smelled him. The stink was overwhelming.


    ¡°Are you drunk?¡±


    Waving his arms, ¡°Aiya, s-s-s-s-s-so what.¡± When Charlie stayed frozen on the spot, Ki dropped his arms and patted the dog¡­¡­.on the nose, on his eyes, pretty much anywhere than where one should pat a dog. ¡°Deng Pao. Deng Pao. I really wish-sh-sh-sh-sh you were truly a Deng Pao.¡±


    ¡°Come on. It¡¯s no use sitting here. Let¡¯s go back and get you sober.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t move.¡± Ki clasped Charlie¡¯s hand and gave a jerk. ¡°Foot hurts.¡±


    Stumbling, Charlie fell into Ki¡¯s arms. His eyes watered from the strong alcohol stench.


    ¡°Can you let me go? I can¡¯t breathe.¡± Charlie tried to push his way out of Ki¡¯s arms that strangely multiplied. It was like being tethered to an octopus.


    Running his fingers through Charlie¡¯s hair, ¡°Nic-c-c-c-c-e. Your hair is so soft.¡±


    Charlie was able to prop his chin on one of Ki¡¯s broad shoulders, inhaling deep gulps of clean fresh air.


    ¡°Let go.¡± Charlie made a mental note to resume strength training as he shoved the rock-hard chest in front of him.


    ¡°Why do you keep rejecting me? Am I that distasteful?¡±


    Warm breath feathered along Charlie¡¯s neck¡­¡­and felt rather nice.


    ¡°Charlie-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e.¡±


    Now his neck was being nuzzled¡­¡­..and THAT felt even better.


    ¡°What?¡± Charlie ceased struggling.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you like me?¡± The words came from Ki¡¯s heart, and Charlie felt them as he burrowed in his neck.


    ¡°I like you.¡± Charlie croaked.


    ¡°I like you too.¡±


    Did Ki just lick the skin on his neck?


    Ignoring the tingling sensation, Charlie tried moving again. ¡°Yes, we both like each other, so can we go back inside where we won¡¯t freeze to death?¡±


    ¡°Sprained my ankle.¡± Ki weighed heavily on Charlie.


    Using whatever fitness resources he could muster, Charlie half carried half dragged the drunken man, following the dog back to the warmly lit house.


    First things first, Ki needed a shower. That poor man smelled like an uncomfortable mixture of cheap wine and Doritos. When Charlie finally dragged Ki over the threshold, he hauled him straight to the bathroom.


    ¡°You need a shower.¡± Charlie deposited him on the toilet and turned to leave.


    The slurred whine came from behind. ¡°Can¡¯t raise my arms-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s. Help me take my clothes off-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f.¡±


    Oh, dear.

 Chapter 7

    The April morning sun shone through the bedroom window and pierced Ki¡¯s eyeballs.


    ¡°Owwwwwwww.¡± He pushed his fingers into his eyes hoping to keep them from popping out of his head.


    Wait! He felt around. Where were his silk sheets? Who replaced his feather comforter with fleece?


    Then he realized. ¡°Shi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake.¡± Charlie poked his head in the room. ¡°Come eat breakfast.¡±


    Not one to suffer from drunken amnesia, the embarrassment washed through him from his ears to his toes¡­¡­at least until the throbbing in his head started again. It was as if the blood coursing through his veins carried tiny icepicks.


    ¡°Oowwwwwwwww.¡± He moaned, pulling himself out of bed and dragging his unhappy body to the kitchen. He slumped into the chair where a large glass of water, a larger bottle of Gatorade, and a couple of analgesics waited on a sunny yellow cotton placemat. Just looking at it made his eyes burn.


    Obediently, he drank as he watched Charlie putter at the stove.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Ki mumbled between gulps.


    ¡°For what?¡± Charlie¡¯s hoarse voice was a balm to his sensitive ears.


    ¡°For last night.¡±


    ¡°Once I got you inside, you weren¡¯t that hard to deal with.¡±


    ¡°I threw up.¡± Ki grunted.


    ¡°At least it was in the toilet.¡± Charlie set a colorful plate of chilaquiles with a perfectly fried egg on top.


    ¡°I made you help me shower.¡±


    Charlie froze.


    The sound of the dog happily gobbling up breakfast in a corner of the kitchen broke the silence. Ki watched Charlie¡¯s ears turn red as he made another plate of food.


    ¡°You were drunk. It would have been irresponsible if I¡¯d left you to your own devices.¡±


    Was the little cutie¡¯s voice a little huskier?


    ¡°These chilaquiles are insanely delicious.¡± Ki deftly changed the subject.


    Charlie returned to the table with his own plate of food.


    ¡°The ranchero sauce is my abuelita¡¯s recipe.¡±


    ¡°Abuletia? Little?¡±


    ¡°Little grandmother. My abuelita was a very loving woman. She taught me how to cook. Taught me the recipes from her childhood.¡±


    ¡°I never had one of those.¡±


    ¡°One of what?¡±


    ¡°A grandmother, big or little. My grandparents on both sides died before I was born. That type of memory sounds lovely, but I can¡¯t relate. You¡¯re fortunate to have that gift from your family.¡±


    ¡°Mmmmmm.¡± Charlie felt a minor discomfort.


    Ki noticed anytime comments veered towards family, they became pain points. Besides his abuelita, Charlie never mentioned other family members.


    ¡°Tell me about your abuelita.¡± He shoved a fork full of saucy egg and chips between his lips. ¡°Mmmmm. Charlie, every bite is heaven.¡±


    Ki noticed that Charlie¡¯s ears turned crimson again, and his eyes darted anywhere but on him.


    Why was it so fun to make Charlie squirm?


    Taking a sip of tea, Charlie, in his rough and worn voice, spoke. At first, his words were a little stilted and quiet, but as the stories about food and a loving grandmother spilled from those full lips, Ki grew more and more fascinated.


    Charlie was good-looking to be sure, golden skin, straight thick mahogany hair, slight upturned nose, dark eyes, and voice of a demon all packaged together with a sort of quiet solitary feeling that opened up Ki¡¯s chest and laid bare his beating heart.


    Ki wondered if Charlie could see that exposed organ beating just for him.


    It was a surprise to Charlie that he had so much to say. How many years since he had just sat and talked about anything other than work? It was hard to remember the last time he felt such warmth and comfort in conversation.


    He spoke of the good times and the not-so-good times when abuelita would come for a visit. Ki asked many questions, which prompted more memories. The recipes, the music, the warmth she shared with all her grandchildren¡­.but especially Charlie.


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    ¡°She seemed to know that I differed from my siblings. I didn¡¯t fit in. I wasn¡¯t normal.¡±


    ¡°Normal?¡± Ki was surprised by the word spoken without expression.


    ¡°My family is extremely religious.¡± Charlie began.


    ¡°I can relate. My mother drives me nuts with hers.¡±


    ¡°They are quite comfortable with their Mexican social norms and those in the small southern community where we lived.¡± Charlie¡¯s tone was matter of fact, as if giving directions.


    ¡°Sounds stereotypical.¡± Ki¡¯s voice dripped with irony.


    ¡°I knew from a young age I wasn¡¯t like them¡­¡­I¡­¡­¡± Charlie choked on his words.


    ¡°You did not ascribe to their cis-gendered hetero-normative world?¡±


    Feeling the heat rise in his face, Charlie bowed his head in shame. Cool smooth fingers clasped his chin and raised it.


    ¡°Charlie Diaz, are you ashamed?¡±


    Ki felt rather than saw the tiny nod.


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°I was raised to believe¡­..THAT was deviant, those thoughts and behaviors. Not normal. I¡¯m not normal.¡±


    Those chilled fingers gently stroked Charlie¡¯s chin.


    ¡°There¡¯s that word again.¡± Ki¡¯s heart bled. ¡°Look my friend. We¡¯ve progressed as a society¡­..sort of. We¡¯ve learned to question our ideas normal. Normal is no longer¡­¡­singular. No one group of people has a corner on the market of normal.¡±


    Unshed tears gathered in Charlie¡¯s eyes as he focused on the fierce black eyes of the man across from him.


    ¡°I wish you¡¯d drop this belief that something¡¯s wrong with you.¡± Ki calmed him with each stroke of his chin. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid that will probably take years of therapy to undo that type of nonsense. Did you come out to your family?¡±


    Ki¡¯s hand dropped from his chin and clasped Charlie¡¯s hand.


    Again, Charlie nodded. Breath lodged in his throat as he remembered. His free hand flew up to his neck as if to protect it. A snippet of the old fear feathered across his nerves.


    ¡°From the looks of you, it didn¡¯t go well.¡±


    Charlie shook his head and took a deep cleansing breath. He felt Ki turn over his hand and massage his palm with his thumb.


    ¡°Want to tell me about it?¡±


    ¡°It was after college.¡± His hoarse voice dropped to just above a whisper. ¡°I was on a scholarship to a university outside Chicago. Somehow, I felt free there. No parents, no siblings, just me. Between work and school, there was very little time for a social life. Besides, I already knew¡­¡­I found men attractive. There was a compulsion to hide it from everyone. I grew up in a small town in Georgia¡­¡­It was better to hide it.


    By the time I was a junior, I had very few friendships. The opportunity to be a finance intern at one of the local businesses became available. It involved a bit of genuine work and research. I met someone, a recent graduate himself. He realized right away that I found him attractive. He reciprocated. We began dating. We were together until I graduated. I thought this was it for me. He was charming and ambitious. By the time I graduated, he had been promoted a few times. He was building prestige at the firm. What more could one want in a partner?¡±


    Ki could think of two or three other things that are necessary in a successful relationship, but he intelligently kept his mouth shut and let the unusually talkative neighbor continue.


    ¡°Before graduation, we planned a big meet up at our apartment with my family.¡±


    ¡°Did they know you were gay when you invited them over?¡±


    ¡°I told them before my senior year in college over the phone. They were angry and didn¡¯t talk to me for months. Towards the end of my senior year, they reached out. I thought they approved. Maybe that was why they were reaching out.¡±


    Charlie fell silent.


    ¡°Then what happened?¡± Ki prompted.


    ¡°It started out rather normal. We were sitting around the living room making introductions, talking. It was rather uncomfortable, and my parents and siblings were obviously furious, but it was still just talk¡­¡­.¡±


    Ki used both hands to massage Charlie¡¯s hand. He rather doubted that Charlie felt his hand or anything at that moment. His hand seemed to grow a little cooler, as if his blood were freezing within his veins.


    ¡°One minute we were talking, then my family became enraged, then they started beating us both¡­¡­punching, kicking¡­¡­so painful. My boyfriend called the police before he was knocked out by my father¡¯s blow to his head. My brother almost strangled me to death before the police finally arrived.¡±


    A cool finger brushed across Charlie¡¯s neck. ¡°He permanently damaged your voice box, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Again, Charlie nodded.


    ¡°But you¡¯re here and not with your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°In the hospital, he tearfully explained that he couldn¡¯t associate with such a violent family. This was too much for him. I could tell that he wondered¡­..by the way he looked at me. Would I grow violent just like my father¡­..my brothers? I could see the fear in his eyes. All of them¡­my mother and sisters just watched as if this type of thing happened every day.¡±


    ¡°Was it?¡± Ki interrupted. ¡°Had you experienced beatings before?¡±


    That dammed nod, broke Ki and his heart erupted with fury.


    ¡°My parents checked me out of the hospital and dragged me back to Georgia.¡±


    ¡°How did law enforcement let that happen?¡±


    ¡°My boyfriend refused to file charges fearing publicity. Hate crime tends to make the news. He was aiming for a partner position and being part of such a controversial case would have delayed his progress. I didn¡¯t have the mental where-with-all to even realize I could file charges. By then, I was across the country.


    It took me quite a while before I was well enough to look for a job. I was too afraid to return to Chicago, so I settled for something in Tennessee, near my family but far enough away that I didn¡¯t live with them. There I quietly lived. Sometimes my parents or siblings would drop by to check on me. As long as I was alone, they didn¡¯t kick up too much of a fuss. But I knew I had to escape. Abusers don¡¯t need an excuse to erupt.¡±


    ¡°How did you make it to New Hampshire?¡±


    ¡°COVID. I know the pandemic was hard on so many people, millions, but for me, it was a blessing. The offices were closed. Once I could prove my ability to handle several east coast facilities from home, I negotiated with my boss for a move to New Hampshire. My company has a plant in Portsmouth, so technically, I am based out of that location.¡±


    ¡°Did you tell your family you were leaving?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Have they contacted you since you left?¡±


    ¡°They tried. Just as I was leaving Tennessee, I mailed them a letter cutting all ties with them. It stated to never contact me again or I would involve the local law enforcement. Hopefully, they have no idea I moved to New Hampshire.¡±


    Ki stood and walked over to Charlie, gently pulling him up and into his embrace. The heated embrace both soothed and worried Charlie.


    The two fell silent as they hugged, slowly their surroundings intruded, breaking the spell. Heavy rain beat on Charlie¡¯s metal roof, both loud and comforting. Deng Pao was snoring quietly from his bed.


    Ki smiled into Charlie¡¯s dark silky hair.


    ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Ki asked.


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Came the standard Charlie answer. It was a downpour, hard to miss.


    ¡°My driveway is surely more impassable with this storm. I¡¯ll have to beg you, my precious neighbor, to allow me to stay another day and enjoy your hospitality.¡±


    Charlie looked into those dark eyes. His own full of uncertainty. ¡°Okay, but it is your turn to walk the dog. And¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And what?¡±


    ¡°Could you do the dishes again?¡±

 Chapter 8

    Back and forth, Ki appeared to travel between heaven and hell several times with Charlie. Two days of Charlie¡¯s company, Charlie¡¯s cooking, and Charlie¡¯s companionship. It was so heavenly that Ki couldn¡¯t help but blurt out over a bowl of steel-cut oats topped with brown sugar and blueberries on the second morning.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    This was no ordinary ¡°I like you.¡± It was fraught with emotion, said with gleaming eyes and sultry voice. Probably the most serendipitous romantic moment he¡¯d ever created.


    Then all hell broke loose when Charlie dropped his spoon filled with sugary oats to the floor with a loud clang. The ever ready Deng Pao rushed over and lapped up the sweet warmth at the same time Charlie clutched his throat making the universal choking signal.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t tell me you aren¡¯t the least attracted to me.¡± A thin sheen of sweat crossed his brow. ¡°Not even a little? Have you seen my six-pack?¡± He raised his shirt to show off the well-earned washboard.


    ¡°I-I-I-I.¡± Subconsciously, Charlie reached out a hand while he struggled to get words, any words, out of his mouth.


    Pushing away from the table, Ki paced around the small living and kitchen area. ¡°I didn¡¯t even think about the attraction part. Am I too tall, too handsome, too Asian, what?¡±


    ¡°I-I-I-I-I.¡± Charlie blinked as he stuttered.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not your type.¡± Ki mussed the hair on his head. ¡°Do you prefer the silent type? Maybe you prefer those more intellectually challenged. Are you looking for a dumb blond?¡±


    With great force, Charlie croaked. ¡°You¡¯re the most handsome, most intelligent, and most compelling man I¡¯ve ever met.¡±


    The voice was harsh, but the words were sincere and music to Ki¡¯s ears. By the time Charlie finished his sentence, Ki had pulled him into his arms like a boa constrictor with a hapless goat.


    ¡°I can¡¯t breathe.¡± Charlie squeaked.


    Cupping his face, Ki kissed Charlie¡¯s forehead. ¡°Does this mean you like me too?¡±


    Dark eyes were a little watery, filled with fear and something else, staring at Ki peering into his soul looking for traces of sincerity. Charlie made an almost imperceptible nod.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Ki embraced him again, but this time with less force. ¡°You have plenty to be wary of in the land of relationships. Between your family and your last boyfriend, you¡¯ve been trained to not trust any type of loving relationship. Despite our sharing a child, you have trouble putting any kind of trust in the likes of me. I¡¯m insulted.¡±


    Ki felt Charlie¡¯s nod at the same time Deng Pao stood near the two and whined.


    ¡°Deng Pao, you really are a lightbulb.¡± He let go of Charlie and grabbed a leash. ¡°I¡¯ll take him out to do his business. It¡¯ll give you a minute or two to adjust.¡±


    ¡°Adjust to what?¡±


    ¡°The idea of you being my boyfriend. You like me and I like you. We are attracted to each other. By definition, this means we are boyfriends.¡± With a click of the leash, man and dog left the house.


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    ¡°Boyfriends?¡± Charlie plopped into the chair.


    The word swirled around his brain like a buzzing bee, stinging his nerve endings and leaving flutters in his stomach, some pleasant, some not so much.


    Was it possible?


    A real live human choosing to be with him and only him.


    Did Ki believe in monogamy? There¡¯s no way this would work if he didn¡¯t. There was no way he was interested in an open relationship.


    Wait!


    He¡¯s already defining the relationship before he¡¯s even committed to it. Oh! He¡¯s got it bad.


    Ki was beautiful inside and out. And yes, his hormones were dancing a jig on his nerve endings just looking at those heavenly abs.


    Hope began to bubble and pop inside of Charlie like a big pot of simmering mole releasing a spicy scent of love. Charlie¡¯s lips curved up and his heart felt submerged in warm water.


    Boyfriends.


    He could live with that. It meant time spent together, someone to care if he was doing well. The very idea of another human in his life, day in and day out. The emotions, the commitment, the intimacy, it was¡­¡­¡­too much to even contemplate for a Thursday morning.


    Boyfriends.


    Charlie¡¯s heart froze with an ignoble cocktail of fear and incredulity. But what if¡­¡­


    What if Ki¡¯s mother didn¡¯t approve?


    What if it damaged Ki¡¯s career?


    What if he disappointed Ki like he disappointed his family, his ex?


    What if Ki¡¯s dissatisfaction led to revulsion?


    What if Ki eventually had no feelings for him in the future?


    Removing the colorful leash, Ki noticed Charlie at the table with his head in his hands.


    ¡°Considering we just started a relationship less than ten minutes ago; you seem rather sad about it.¡± Ki drawled from the front door.


    Worry-filled eyes raised up and watched Ki squat before him.


    ¡°Did it take you less time to talk yourself out of this than it does for me to pick a tie? Do I mean so little to you?¡±


    Charlie could hear the annoyance.


    Shaking his head, he took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m unsure.¡±


    ¡°Of me? Of us? Of the future? Of logistics?¡± Ki stood up and pulled Charlie with him. ¡°Be a little specific here.¡±


    ¡°You know my past. I have a lot to fear.¡± Charlie accused.


    ¡°Will you let fear stop you from something that could change your life forever? Something so beautiful that angels weep for it. So memorable that endless amounts of people over the centuries write over and over about it. So colorful that museums are filled to the brim with art inspired by it.¡±


    Licking his lips, Charlie contemplated the man before him. Fire burned eyes the color of midnight.


    How could something so dark give off so much heat?


    ¡°I fear the pain.¡±


    Dropping his hands in frustration, Ki stomped towards the back window.


    ¡°Screw the pain, Charlie. People plus affection equal pain over and over. There is no escaping that. Hell, if I wanted to avoid pain, I¡¯d have cut ties with my mother long ago. Sometimes there is no avoiding the ache of relationships if we want to be a part of humanity.¡±


    A flood of irritation rose within Charlie. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with setting up healthy boundaries? The world would be a much better place if we took our time before making messy commitments that could lead to heartbreak. Good grief, Ki, I met you less than a month ago and now you are my boyfriend.¡± His heart raced at the word. ¡°Can you be a little patient if I¡¯m not ready to fill out a bridal registry yet?¡±


    Ki snorted and returned Charlie to the anaconda squeeze. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯re right. I¡¯m rushing things.¡± Resting his head on Charlie¡¯s shoulder, he let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to be my boyfriend. We¡¯ll talk about marriage some other day.¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Of their own volition, Charlie¡¯s own arms settled around Ki¡¯s waist.


    ¡°I won¡¯t push it. But Charlie?¡± He could smell his lemon-lime body wash on Charlie¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± His eyes were closed, enjoying the warmth generated by the other man.


    ¡°I would like to point out that you had no problems standing up to me when I irritated you. At least you don¡¯t fear me as a person.¡± There was a smidgeon of hope in his voice.


    Leaning back in the embrace, Charlie kissed Ki¡¯s chin. ¡°No. I don¡¯t fear you. Can we take this a little slower?¡±


    ¡°Can I still call you boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Charlie nodded, a little shyly.


    ¡°Can I introduce you to my friends as my boyfriend? How about my mother?¡±


    Charlie stiffened. ¡°I have to meet your mother?¡± His voice raised.


    ¡°Too soon?¡±


    Pushing the bigger man away, Charlie grunted and carried dishes to the sink.


    ¡°Ahhhh, Angel, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ki followed him to the sink and began rinsing and loading.


    Charlie froze at the nickname. It was¡­.a bit¡­¡­fun¡­.and thrilling. No one had ever called him Angel before.


    He rather liked it.

 Chapter 9

    Spring rain had left a mess. No longer able to ignore it, Charlie spent his Monday afternoon using precious vacation days to install a pipe to drain the water away from the foundation of the house, strenuous work to be sure. Surrounded by chickens and mud, sinewy muscles worked the shovel repetitively until there the beginnings of a trench took form. He was so immersed in the hard labor; he almost didn¡¯t hear the car pull into the drive.


    The sleek European sedan looked classic and expensive. A female opened the driver¡¯s door. The woman was drop dead gorgeous. Her peaches and cream skin glowed with a soft pink hijab wrapped around her slender neck. Startlingly blue eyes framed by dark long lashes and even darker sculpted brows that were down-turned. Those plump red lips pinched in displeasure.


    Charlie almost didn¡¯t notice the older woman who opened the passenger door. Her beauty was more understated. White hijab, colorful dress and a friendly smile.


    It was Ki¡¯s mother.


    That heroic nose, broad forehead and golden skin were so similar, Charlie didn¡¯t even need an introduction. Leaving his shovel upright in the muck, he removed his gloves and walked to the driveway.


    ¡°Mrs. Roberts?¡± Charlie was filthy and couldn¡¯t decide what to do with his hands, so he settled on stuffing them in the back pocket of his jeans.


    Kindly midnight black eyes scanned him from top to bottom. Her lips curved up, not unlike her only son.


    ¡°You know my Erkin?¡± Her words carried a lovely lyrical accent.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Willing to be Ki¡¯s boyfriend, Charlie was not willing to tell others, especially his new boyfriend¡¯s mother, who was not accepting of his sexuality.


    ¡°His driveway¡­..¡± Her voice stopped as if looking for the words.


    ¡°Not even a tank could make it up that mess.¡± The woman in pink grumbled. ¡°Good afternoon. My name is Hala.¡± The woman nodded to Charlie. Her voice was accent free but no less lovely despite the annoyed, pinched look on her face.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    The dog was calmly sniffing the new arrivals.


    ¡°Deng Pao, come.¡± Charlie shifted his weight from leg to leg until the dog rubbed up against him. Crouching down, he stroked the dog, avoiding any social niceties. The idea of inviting them in for tea made him fretful and a bit nauseous.


    For the first time since getting out of the car, the young woman looked amused. ¡°Your dog¡¯s name is Deng Pao?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He stood, more comfortable discussing the dog than Ki.


    ¡°Is he yours?¡± Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled.


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Probably not a good time to tell the mother they share a pet.


    ¡°Do you speak Mandarin as well?¡± Ki¡¯s mother asked, her eyes full of curiosity.


    ¡°No, mam¡¯.¡± The strangeness of the situation brought out the southern manners.


    ¡°Do you know what the name means?¡± The older woman asked with suspicion.


    What is with the third-degree?


    ¡°Lightbulb.¡±


    What was the big deal about the dog¡¯s name?


    It took a fraction of a second before a wide smile full of beautifully white teeth spread across the young woman¡¯s face. The quick change of demeanor frightened Charlie even more.


    ¡°Did my son name your dog?¡± Ki¡¯s mother¡¯s countenance darkened.


    Looking at the drastic change between the two women, Charlie was growing concerned.


    ¡°Ummm. Yes.¡± The word was quiet. His hands went to his neck, making the universal choking symbol.


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    Unable to keep it in, the young woman doubled over in laughter.


    ¡°Really, Hala.¡± The older woman rolled her eyes in disgust. ¡°Is this really a laughing matter?¡±


    Sizing up Charlie with a glance, the young woman turned to Ki¡¯s mother.


    ¡°I told you Auntie that Ki is not¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, he¡¯s my son.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t even get up the driveway. This is hardly a successful ambush.¡± Her voice was full of humor.


    Charlie was more confused than ever.


    ¡°Ambush?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hala walked towards him and held out her hand. ¡°Let me introduce myself again. My name is Hala. What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Charlie.¡±


    ¡°Well, Charlie,¡± she giggled. ¡°When I saw you working outside, I had hoped to use your internet access to call Ki. This burg appears to be a dead zone.¡±


    ¡°And now?¡± Where was the missing punchline?


    ¡°Now I think we¡¯d should get back in this car and drive back to Boston before it gets too dark.¡±


    Again, with those sparkling sapphires and a winning smile.


    Was she a lawyer like Ki?


    ¡°I disagree. I want my son now.¡± The once friendly older woman appeared inconvenienced and was sliding towards full-on angry.


    ¡°Auntie. What is the purpose of seeing Ki now?¡±


    ¡°To talk about the wedding.¡± She crossed her arms in frustration.


    ¡°What wedding?¡± Charlie¡¯s voice raised as much as his destroyed vocal cords allowed. An unknown fire began churning in his belly.


    ¡°This is his future wife.¡± Ki¡¯s mother spat out belligerently.


    ¡°Oh, Auntie.¡± Hala shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± She placed her hand on Charlie¡¯s arm. ¡°She¡¯s full of bluster. I won¡¯t be marrying Ki.¡±


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t be marrying Ki.¡± Charlie¡¯s face was flushed, and his hands clenched into tight fists. ¡°Not¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t be the evil pretty girl who tries to break up the star-crossed lovers,¡± Her voice was a whisper. ¡°I¡¯ve read enough danmei to recognize if I¡¯m the evil white lotus.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so confused.¡± Not just her words. Now there was a lava pit of jealousy burning him from the inside out. Very uncomfortable.


    ¡°Um, it¡¯s your dog.¡±


    ¡°My dog?¡± The question marks were popping before his eyes.


    ¡°His name.¡±


    ¡°What does his name have to do with¡­¡­..uh, the star-crossed lovers?¡±


    Another frilly giggle released. ¡°Oh, I am shipping the two of you.¡±


    Charlie felt her squeeze his biceps. This woman was just a little too free with her hands.


    ¡°In Mandarin, lightbulb or Deng Pao is slang for a person who interrupts a romantic couple. So essentially Ki named your dog third-wheel.¡±


    Charlie was stunned at the revelation. She moved one of her hands from his arm to just below his shoulder blade. No doubt about it, this woman was trying to cop-a-feel.


    ¡°What are you saying, Hala?¡±


    The mother¡¯s angry words woke Charlie out of his trance.


    ¡°Mrs. Roberts.¡± Charlie began.


    ¡°Call her Auntie.¡± Hala whispered.


    ¡°Auntie.¡± He turned to the young woman. ¡°But we¡¯re not related.¡±


    ¡°Where she¡¯s from, the older generation is called Auntie and Uncle.¡± Hala emphasized her words by patting his chest with a naughty hand.


    ¡°Auntie.¡± Screwing up all his courage, Charlie coughed as if he could repair his damaged voice. ¡°Auntie, Ki and I are in a relationship.¡±


    With the admission, his chest felt light and warm, as if a heavy foot had been removed and replaced by a comfy electric blanket.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± the woman barked in English, then muttered words he had no clue as to their meaning.


    Clapping his chest with one hand and back with the other, Hala screeched with joy. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. This CP is the genuine thing.¡±


    Confused, Charlie faced the woman molesting him. ¡°What is a she-pee?¡±


    ¡°The letter C and the letter P. In China, it is pronounced xi-pi, slang for a couple which you just admitted to loud and clear.¡±


    Not sure where to go with that, he turned to Ki¡¯s mother and tried to keep his damaged voice as kind as possible.


    ¡°Auntie. Ki is my boyfriend. He won¡¯t be getting married to a woman in the future.¡±


    The older woman¡¯s face darkened with anger while the young woman tittered. Her hands kept up the assault moving to the other size of his body.


    ¡°Nonsense. My son is going to marry a good woman and give me grandkids.¡±


    ¡°No. Your son will never marry a good woman, but that doesn¡¯t mean he won¡¯t give you grandkid¡­..s.¡±


    Charlie couldn¡¯t decide who infuriated him more, Ki¡¯s mother who wouldn¡¯t accept her son, or the young woman who was staring way too intently at his buttocks.


    Where was Ki?


    Wasn¡¯t it his fault that he was stuck in this mess?


    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯ll text Ki and see where he is. Maybe you can talk to him about grandkids, but don¡¯t bother with the women. Even if he wasn¡¯t my boyfriend, you need to get used to the fact that he¡¯s gay. It may not be what you wanted, but the more you push women at him, the more you push him away. Ki just lost his father. He shouldn¡¯t lose his mother, as well.¡±


    ¡°Well said.¡±


    Grabbing his phone from his shirt pocket, he typed two sentences as quickly as possible.


    Charlie:          Where are you? Your mother is here with your fianc¨¦!


    Not ten seconds later came the reply.


    Next Door:     WTH! I¡¯m at the office. I¡¯ll be there in 25 minutes.


    Then came:


    Next Door:     Not my fianc¨¦, angel. There¡¯s only you in my heart.


    Charlie¡¯s lips twitched. Sneaky, rogue. Lawyers were too talented with words.


    ¡°It looks like Ki will be here in less than a half hour. Since you are his mother, please come inside for a cup of tea while we wait.¡±


    Grabbing the hand that had inched towards his abs, he turned to Hala. ¡°And if you stop with your sexual assault, there¡¯s a cup of tea for you two.¡±


    Clapping her hands together. ¡°Ooooh. This is fun. Who knew such an interesting BL storyline would play out right in front of me?¡±


    ¡°BL?¡±


    ¡°Boy Love. What? You never read danmei?¡±

 Chapter 10

    The sky flooded with the last gasp of orange from the spring day. Charlie moved from stuffing the sink with pots and pans to feeding the dog. He¡¯d do anything to avoid that awful smug look that hadn¡¯t left Ki¡¯s face since his mother announced to everyone within earshot that he break up with his boyfriend. To make matters worse, next to his ear, Hala cooed and tittered like Jim Nantz at the Olympics. Her non-stop random comments about the world class drama playing out in front of them were annoying and funny.


    She was very entertaining.


    ¡°Ooooh. The demand. This is a classic mother-in-law move from the dramas.¡±


    ¡°Boring text book response. ¡®I¡¯m old enough to make my own decisions.¡¯ Pei, he could do better.¡±


    ¡°The threat of disowning is a bit overdone these days.¡±


    ¡°Ouch. that ¡°promise¡± just cut off Auntie at the knees.¡±


    ¡°Any self-respecting mother-in-law should throw money at the unwanted daughter-in-law. Where is the money throwing? The scene just isn¡¯t the same without that check.¡±


    Turning his head, Charlie glanced at the strange creature with the sapphire blue eyes.


    ¡°Is that truly necessary?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°I¡¯m a thirty-year-old woman with a master¡¯s in psychology and a PhD in Gender and Sexuality Studies, unmarried in a culture where I am fast approaching worthless in the eyes of my community, and¡­¡± she made a dramatic pause. ¡°I simply have no desire to be married. There is little doubt I¡¯m not far away from MY ultimatum that very well could separate me from my family for the rest of my life. My coming here today is a preparation for that moment, if not a subconscious reaffirming that my decisions are based on sound reasoning, not emotional misconceptions, as I move forward in my journey.¡±


    Hala gave him a wide smile was rather lovely and tinged with the scent of melancholy.


    ¡°Plus, I¡¯ll take my entertainment anywhere I can get it. What are the odds that I get to watch my very own live action-drama appear before my eyes ever again?¡± Hala clapped her hands once. ¡°Oh. I hope there¡¯s a kissing scene before it ends.¡± She fluttered her eyelashes at him.


    The day couldn¡¯t be more bizarre yet thought-provoking.


    After experiencing the mother, fianc¨¦, and the man, it was as if someone pressed the restart button on his brain.


    How focused on himself was he that he did not notice those around him living under similar circumstances and doing so beautifully? What a fool to believe he cornered the market on familial ostracism. Charlie cut himself off from humanity for what? His chosen solitude prevented him from seeing that he was not the only one dealing with pain.


    His ah-ha moment couldn¡¯t have been so shocking if he¡¯d been hit on the head with a hammer. Humans needed relationships in order to thrive. Ki embraced all the parts of what made him¡­¡­.Charlie. He, too, should accept others where they are, instead of hiding from the world with his chickens.


    In the dim light of the kitchen, Charlie acknowledged Hala¡¯s strange inner beauty, feeling as if a part of him resonated with a part of her. Words bubbled up and spilled out loud and clear in that gravelly voice.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    ¡°Oh sweetie. I like you two.¡± She gently smacked him on the chest.


    The arguing mother and son both stopped mid-sentence.


    ¡°Are you eating his tofu?¡± Ki complained.


    ¡°What? I can¡¯t cop a feel?¡± Her beautiful face fell into a scowl. ¡°For thousands of years, we women have been fending off unwanted advances of the male species, both verbal and physical. Frankly, you dominating males owe us. Besides, it¡¯s not like I touched his butt. Not that I wasn¡¯t tempted¡­¡­¡± Her fingers curved and straightened like cat¡¯s claws.


    ¡°Hala dear. That man is gay. He¡¯s not attracted to you at all.¡± The old woman admonished.


    Seeing the humor in the absurd, Charlie turned to the young woman with a smirk. ¡°Ki and I would love to have you over for dinner sometime. You ARE very fascinating; and I¡¯d love to hear more about the tofu, the danmei and the lightbulb. I don¡¯t understand anything you are talking about, but it sounds¡­¡­fascinating.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Ki was at first incensed, then¡­¡­¡±Hey. His voice smoothed like a nicely paved road, all dark and warm. ¡°We¡¯re now entertaining together?¡±


    Ki warmly hugged his mother. ¡°You are the best, mom. I figured it¡¯d be a better part of a year before I¡¯d get him to admit to anyone that he had a boyfriend. You managed it in less than a week.¡±


    Pushing and pinching, Ki¡¯s mother tried to escape those anaconda arms as he pecked at her cheek like a chicken.


    ¡°Stop that, now. Erikin!¡±


    ¡°Now mom. You promised never to call me that in public.¡±


    ¡°How is this public? We are alone with your boyfriend and your fianc¨¦.¡±


    ¡°Really, Auntie. How can I be his fianc¨¦?¡± Hala giggled. ¡°Who am I to come between two mandarin ducks?¡±


    With Charlie¡¯s newfound optimism, he was a little sad to send the two women on their way back to Boston.


    That left him in the house.¡­alone¡­¡­with Ki. The two women had left in a cloud of perfume and noise, not even understanding their impact on Charlie. In a matter of hours, his world flipped upside down. Hala left behind her contact information before she dragged Ki¡¯s mother away. Her parting consisted of a kiss on the cheek and a whisper of ¡°Go get ¡®em, tiger.¡±


    ¡°Um, boyfriend.¡± Ki couldn¡¯t suppress the huskiness in his voice.


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Charlie¡¯s eyes were everywhere, on the dog, on the sink full of dishes, even noticing the dust bunnies growing in the corners of the living room. Everywhere, but on Ki.


    ¡°Shall we make plans to entertain friends? Since you¡¯ve become besties with Hala, I¡¯d love to introduce you to my other friends.¡±


    A bit of panic and a bit of hope swirled in Charlie¡¯s dark eyes. The conflict made Ki¡¯s heart break. When faced with a future, that poor man truly was a mess.


    Handing Ki the leash, Charlie answered the only way he could. ¡°Take the dog out. I¡¯ll start dinner.¡±


    Understanding settled into Ki¡¯s chest. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll take Deng Pao out.¡±


    Charlie stiffened hearing the dog¡¯s name. ¡°And when you come back, you¡¯ll explain to me why his name is Deng Pao.¡± His voice was low and gravely.


    The smile was wide and toothy across Ki¡¯s face as he hauled the dog outside into the cold spring evening. This was a promising start.


    After giving Charlie twenty minutes to calm down and the dog to get some exercise, Ki returned.


    The warmth of the house was a foil from the frigid evening, but it wasn¡¯t limited to the wood stove burning in the corner. Comfort appeared in a brightly lit kitchen. It oozed from the calm man mixing broth and spices like an alchemist. The scent of it was found in simmering chicken noodle soup that made Ki¡¯s mouth water. Ki¡¯s heart melted into a puddle of goo.


    This is where he belonged, with the dog, the soup, the man. Ki was intelligent enough to know that chicken noodle soup was easy enough to acquire in this world, but genuine love and affection was not.


    ¡°Any tortillas to go with that soup?¡± Ki gently encircled Charlie¡¯s neck with chilled hands.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s cold.¡± Charlie scrunched his neck, trying to escape the icy fingers caressing his skin.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweetheart? Can¡¯t you warm a man up?¡±


    ¡°Stop messing around.¡± Charlie stirred the soup.


    Ki was all smiles as he pulled the ever so slightly shorter man into his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll show you messing around.¡± The chilled fingers cupped Charlie¡¯s face, then leaned in. First serious kiss. It was warm, sweet, rather innocent, and gentle.


    Both men looked at each other, then Ki¡¯s tactic changed. Second kiss was deep, dark, and wet.


    Warmth wasn¡¯t limited to the wood stove burning in the corner.


    When the two came up for air, panting, their foreheads pressed together.


    ¡°So¡­..may I invite two of my friends over for dinner next Saturday?¡±

 Chapter 11

    The first of May was full of sun and green grass. This was a good omen for Ki. From his office window, he watched the flow of traffic under a clear sky the color of marshmallow Peeps. It reminded him of the stash of his favorite candies during the recent Easter season he had hidden in his desk drawer.


    This was the day the contractors would begin paving his driveway. While he felt exhilarated at the prospect of deliveries to his doorstep, he couldn¡¯t help but harbor undying gratitude for that the mud pit driveway. After all, it delivered him Charlie¡­what a matchmaker. Two star-crossed lovers brought together¡­well¡­..neighbors¡­..now dating¡­..because of a driveway.


    Stupid Mud¡­¡­.thank you.


    Last night, he brought a suitcase to Charlie¡¯s. While the man was still a little resistant to hosting Ki overnight, he refused to let him check into a hotel for the three to four days it would take to finish the driveway project.


    ¡°Are you daydreaming?¡± A cool feminine voice came from the doorway.


    ¡°Hell, yes. I¡¯m contemplating an evening of walking the dog, savoring a home cooked meal, and curling up on the couch to watch the most recent Manchester United match.¡± Ki¡¯s eyes went soft.


    His law clerk frowned. ¡°Last I checked. You can¡¯t cook anything more complicated than instant noodles. Are you holding out on us, boss?¡±


    Ki¡¯s face glowed with happiness and humor. ¡°I still can¡¯t cook.¡±


    It was two heartbeats before a feminine shout was heard in every corner of the office.


    ¡°Boss got a boyfriend! And he can cook!¡±


    The sun was still bright in the sky when Charlie finished the last of his month-end conference calls. Peaking at his phone, he noticed there was plenty of time to pull together a respectable meatloaf for dinner tonight. Unconsciously, the corners of his mouth creeped up as he pulled out the ground meat, the vegetables and spices. The chopping, measuring, forming was more than relaxing¡­¡­it was bliss.


    Food.


    Animals.


    Love.


    Charlie had never thought it could come to this¡­¡­.heaven.


    The rusty clang of the doorbell interrupted the calm.


    Glancing at the clock, it could be Ki. Maybe he lost his key.


    Opening the door with a swoosh, he spoke. ¡°Did you forget your key?¡± The gravely words tinged with humor.


    Which quickly died out with the light in his eyes.


    Jorge and Rudy, his two older brothers with fiercely dark stares, stood¡­..on his porch¡­.in New Hampshire.


    How did they find him?


    Why did they find him?


    Standing between the threshold and his brothers, Charlie dropped his hands to his sides, clenched and unclenched his fists. Charlie itched to strike.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± Charlie kept his voice neutral.


    Jorge was a few inches taller than Charlie and the oldest. Bloodshot eyes and faded irises made him look years older than the four years age span between him and his brother.


    Alcohol? Drugs? Either way, his wife and two kids probably didn¡¯t have it easy at home.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to invite us in?¡± His voice held just the right amount of menace to make the hair on Charlie¡¯s neck stand up.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s not hospitable.¡± Rudy¡¯s nasally voice held just a touch of Southern twang. While the same height as Charlie, Rudy had the distinction of being almost twice the size. Sadly, this mountain was less jolly than Santa and more a malevolent Penguin, without minions and the umbrella. Even his laugh was a bit 1966 Burgess Meredith.


    ¡°How in the world did you find me?¡±


    ¡°My sister-in-law knows someone who works for your company. She helped identify the state. Google and title registration did the rest.¡± Jorge didn¡¯t bother to hide the smugness.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Cursing the free access of information online, he didn¡¯t move. ¡°State your business, then leave.¡± Icicles dripped from every word Charlie spoke.


    With a menacing gleam in his eyes, Jorge spoke again. ¡°We came to bring you home, mijo.¡±


    The ill-placed endearment was like sandpaper rubbed against Charlie¡¯s arms.


    ¡°No thanks. I¡¯m busy. Goodbye.¡± Charlie stepped back in the house and pushed the door closed.


    A booted foot stopped the motion.


    ¡°Do you want me to call the cops?¡±


    ¡°Look Carlos.¡± Rudy thrust his way forward. ¡°It¡¯s like this. Dad had an accident and can¡¯t take care of himself. We need someone to live with mom and dad as a caretaker. You¡¯re a damn queer, no marriage, no kids. The rest of us gotta real life. We figure you move in with the parents. Help mom out with no cost to the family.¡±


    Charlie was at a loss. Who travels across the country to bring home a brother they¡¯ve abused for years to care for their parents? Truly, when they were handing out brains, his brothers were off mugging angels for their trumpets.


    ¡°Are you going to make us take you by force?¡± Jorge appeared excited at the prospect.


    ¡°That¡¯s called kidnapping.¡± Charlie deadpanned and wondered why he had ever feared these stupid creatures.


    ¡°Not if we¡¯re related.¡±


    ¡°Ummm. Yes. Even if we¡¯re related.¡± Crossing his arms, Charlie studied the two. They reminded him of the Latinx version of Laurel and Hardy. His father used to watch those shows for hours in all seriousness, hoping to grasp the humor of his newly adopted country. One fat, one thin, neither too bright.


    Confidence began to ebb and flow through Charlie, to the point his fingers tingled. Shoving Rudy back, and nudging the dog inside, he quickly closed the door. Standing on the porch, he glared at the two jokers who beat him unconscious all those years ago.


    On the other side of the porch, apprehension flooded Rudy as he witnessed both Charlie¡¯s words and actions. Charlie had always been the pacifist, never sure of himself, the one he could bully without fear of retaliation.


    ¡°What kind of son are you, not caring for your parents?¡±


    ¡°You mean the same mother and father who had no issues watching their sons pulverize another son until he landed unconscious in a hospital? Parents that had no issue hiding the assault from the police? Those parents?¡±


    A thunk came from the direction of the driveway, but Charlie did not look. Distractions were not an option with these two.


    ¡°You were shacking up with some guy!¡± Rudy countered.


    ¡°And? We weren¡¯t breaking any laws.¡±


    ¡°The laws of this family. The laws of God.¡± Jorge growled.


    ¡°The God I believe in made me this way, so I figure he must love gay people too, even when they live with each other.¡± The smile on Charlie¡¯s face was a little sad. ¡°And for this family, I gave it up years ago. So, get off my property and never step foot on it again, or I will call the police and file charges.¡±


    ¡°You f¡¯in¡¯ fairy¡­..¡± Jorge stepped towards Charlie menacingly with a raised fist.


    With a powerful straight punch, Jorge¡¯s backside fell back onto the porch. A roundhouse kick to the head had him laying on it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for that, brother!¡±


    The fatter slower Rudy charged. Charlie elbowed him in the gut, which had Rudy doubled over with a groan. An elbow to the back of the neck had him joining his brother breathless on the deck floor.


    Less than a second, he whipped out his phone like a pistol and used the emergency button to call the police. Before the brothers could regain their equilibrium, Charlie had given the police his address and a calm, detailed version of the events.


    ¡°Not bad. Not bad at all.¡± Ki¡¯s deep timber came from the bottom of the front steps. ¡°Here, I thought I had to rescue the damsel in distress, but he did it all on his own.¡±


    While his voice seemed full of humor, Ki¡¯s eyes held a fathomless pit of anger.


    ¡°Who¡¯s a damsel?¡± Charlie croaked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done with you.¡± Jorge pushed himself back to standing.


    With a front kick to the back of the man¡¯s legs, Ki knocked Jorge back to the floor. ¡°Oh, yes, you are.¡±


    Crouching down, Ki took the man¡¯s wrinkled collar in his hands. ¡°Listen to me well, brother-in-law.¡±


    Jorge¡¯s eyes grew round with shock.


    ¡°I figure you must be the one called Jorge. I did my research on you and found a record of assault sprinkled in with domestic violence charges. I¡¯ve already drawn the paperwork for a restraining order against you. If you ever come within 300 feet of Charlie ever again, I will see you in jail so fast, you¡¯ll be picking wedding china with your cellmate before you can appeal.¡± He shoved Jorge¡¯s head towards the deck-floor.


    It was rather satisfying to have a witness to him finally standing up to his brothers. Charlie failed to smother a laugh at Ki¡¯s threat.


    ¡°And you¡­..El Chapo.¡± Ki hit the man up the side of the head. I¡¯m not sure which of the brothers you are¡­.¡±


    ¡°Rudy.¡± Charlie offered.


    ¡°Rudy. I didn¡¯t see a record for you, friend.¡± Ki smacked Rudy¡¯s head again. ¡°But good news, after today, you¡¯ll get one. There was a record of the assault on Charlie the first time, but no names. I¡¯ll work with the local police in Illinois and make sure to give them yours.¡±


    Rudy paled.


    ¡°Oh, and brother-in-laws, let me introduce myself.¡± He pulled out two cards and dropped it down their shirts. ¡°My name is Erkin Roberts, esquire. I¡¯m the most successful defense attorney you¡¯ll ever meet.¡± Hitting Rudy¡¯s head, he continued. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you this so you¡¯ll hire me. I¡¯m telling you this so that you understand that I¡¯m a lawyer and I know a lot of really bad people.¡±


    This time, he slapped Jorge¡¯s head. So hard the other side hit the porch railing.


    ¡°If I even see your faces again, I¡¯ll know you came to harass my husband and will act accordingly.¡±


    Wiping his hands, Ki stood and kissed Charlie on the cheek.


    ¡°Hi honey. I¡¯m home.¡±


    Still watching the two groaning men on the floor, Charlie mocked.


    ¡°Husband? We aren¡¯t married yet.¡±


    ¡°Yet.¡± From the back, Ki wound his arms around Charlie and rested his chin on his shoulder.


    ¡°Mmmmmmm. Cheeky.¡±


    ¡°But you love me despite my charm.¡±


    Charlie paused. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Where did you learn to fight like that? Remind me not to piss you off. That roundhouse was pretty amazing.¡±


    ¡°I know it looks like the Diaz family are a group of cognitively challenged individuals, but my parents managed to give birth to at least one person who learned from his mistakes. After my hospital stay, I signed up for self-defense classes.¡± Charlie sniffed. ¡°No way I¡¯d allow something like that to happen again.¡±


    ¡°Mmmmmm.¡±  Ki inhaled the fresh air, the smell of Charlie¡¯s lemon-lime body wash, and felt peace. ¡°What¡¯s for dinner?¡±

 Chapter 12

    June was extremely busy for Charlie. The last month of the quarter had work piling up. Conversely, he found the flow of numbers and reconciliations rather calming. There was nothing as satisfying as a pile of data tied up nicely with a bow.


    Too bad, life couldn¡¯t be so tidy.


    Ki spent the better part of a week in the evenings digging a garden. At first Charlie joined him, but the control freak was obsessed with creating the perfect Mondrian vegetable garden with onions, peppers, potatoes, and Swiss chard. In order to preserve their budding relationship, Charlie cleaned the chicken coop and let the dog chase the chickens around, leaving Ki to himself.


    A few hours later, Ki was back in the house scouring the fridge.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± A niggling sense of fear bloomed in his heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cook dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Charlie truly panicked.


    Two weeks ago, Ki tried to help Charlie make homemade tortillas. Rather than uniform circles or anything that could fold over on itself, the tortillas looked a little too much like Louisiana, while edible, not practical for holding food.


    A few weeks before that, Ki begged to be taught how to make abuelita¡¯s ranchero sauce for chilaquiles. A pretty simple recipe, yet Ki managed to burn all the poblanos and destroy his food processor in less than an hour.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Ki flashed the charming lawyer smile.


    ¡°With my life, not with my food.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that bad.¡± Ki equivocated.


    Charlie just stared.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m that bad.¡± Placing carrots, onions, peppers and celery on the counter, Ki stroked Charlie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But you always cook. And today¡¯s a celebration.¡±


    ¡°What are we celebrating?¡± Racking his brain, Charlie thought of all the milestones. It wasn¡¯t a dating anniversary, not a birthday, not a holiday.


    ¡°The police arrested Jorge in Georgia today.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°Assault with a deadly weapon. He got drunk at a bar and threw chairs. That plus the domestic battery trial with his soon to be ex and a court date in New Hampshire, he¡¯ll be in prison for a while.¡±


    Charlie pondered his feelings. He wasn¡¯t happy his brother would face prison time, more sad, sad at what his life became. They all had the same start, same family, same background¡­¡­what a mess.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± Ki¡¯s warm arms encircled him from behind. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be more relieved.¡±


    He turned around and snaked his own arms around Ki¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I am.¡± He nuzzled Ki¡¯s warm neck. ¡°Prison is serious, and it is where my brother belongs. Still¡­.¡±


    ¡°I know, angel. I¡¯d like to rub your back and tell you everything will be all right, but that would be silly. So instead, I¡¯ll cook you a nice chicken soup.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to make chicken soup.¡± Charlie pushed away from Ki.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen you do it often enough.¡±


    Charlie opened his mouth to list the reasons Ki shouldn¡¯t be in the kitchen, but nothing came out. Excellent chicken soup was easy to find in this world, but genuine love was not.


    Two hours later, after the fire extinguisher was returned to it¡¯s proper place, the couple walked and fed Deng Pao after ordering in Chinese. Snuggling into the couch with their vegetable lo mein and General Tsao¡¯s chicken, they turned on a movie.


    Savoring the sweet, salty of the chicken, Charlie asked. ¡°Does real Chinese food taste like this?¡±


    Ki¡¯s eyes scrunched. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Charlie watched Deng Pao snore in the corner on his fluffy bed. ¡°Will we ever visit China? Do you want to visit where your mother is from?¡±


    ¡°The closest you¡¯ll ever get me to Asia is Japan, maybe Taiwan.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not risk it. I hear the Chinatown in Yokohama is pretty cool.¡± Charlie had never cooked Japanese food before.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to the one in San Francisco.¡±


    Vining his arms around Ki¡¯s left arm, Charlie put his head on his shoulder. ¡°Lets go there first. Less expensive.¡±


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡± Ki popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. ¡°We need to save our money.¡±


    Charlie sat up and poked the side of Ki¡¯s head.


    ¡°Why? For more trips?¡±


    ¡°Nah. Now that there¡¯s a paved driveway, I need a bigger garage and a chicken coop or there¡¯s no way you¡¯ll ever agree to live with me.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you live with me? Have you seen how short my driveway is?¡±


    ¡°Your house is too small. There¡¯s no room for two offices and we need a guest bedroom for mother.¡±


    ¡°Mother?¡±


    ¡°You think she won¡¯t want to visit? And you¡¯ve already made friends with Hala, not to mention my friends from Boston. We can¡¯t expect them to drive all the way out here and not stay the night. No, no. Your place is too small. We should sell it and move you, Deng Pao, and the chickens to my place.¡±


    ¡°But what if we¡­¡­.¡± Charlie didn¡¯t know how to finish the sentence.


    ¡°What? Adopt? Get married? Get goats? Your place still isn¡¯t big enough.¡±


    ¡°Break up.¡± Charlie whispered, then in the next breath found himself squished to the couch by a very dark faced Ki.


    ¡°You plan to break up with me?¡± Ki¡¯s hot breath feathered over Charlie¡¯s long dark eyelashes. ¡°I¡¯m very unhappy. No, I am furious.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you worried about?¡± Ki stopped breathing fire.


    ¡°You breaking up with me. After a while, my emotional baggage might annoy you.¡±


    ¡°At this very moment, I find you highly annoying.¡± Ki laid his forehead on Charlie¡¯s. ¡°There are no guarantees in life, Charlie. I can¡¯t promise you won¡¯t want to walk out after a year, and I can¡¯t promise well still be friends in a decade. But I can tell you I have no intention of setting up a backup plan if this doesn¡¯t work out. I¡¯d rather use all my resources to make sure our relationship lasts this lifetime and any other lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Charlie¡¯s eyes rounded. Those words were rather romantic. Ki really had a way with words.


    Sneaky lawyer.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so worried about a backup plan, why don¡¯t you put the proceeds from selling this place into a fund that you can use to buy another place when you kick me to the ¡± An angry fire burned in his eyes.


    After a deep breath, Charlie pecked Ki¡¯s dry lips. ¡°How about I sell this place and put the money in an IRA for our retirement?¡±


    The two men embraced. Lips and tongue merged; heat grew. Movie was ignored and Chinese food grew cold.

 Extra 1

    It was Mother¡¯s Day, and Charlie was in a panic.


    Charlie and Ki had been together for two years. After a year of dating, they invited all their friends and Ki¡¯s mother to join them in Ireland of all places for a lavish wedding at a castle on the coast of the Irish Sea. Ki declared Ireland neutral territory where neither Mandarin nor Spanish was spoken.


    This was the first Mother¡¯s Day since his marriage and Charlie so wanted to make a good impression on his mother-in-law. The two had invited mother up for the weekend, which she happily complained that it was too far to travel.


    Not taking no for an answer, Ki and Charlie drove down the Friday afternoon, practically dragging mother back to New Hampshire. In order to impress this mother-in-law, he took her to the coast for an ocean side lunch with impossibly fresh fish and stunning views of the rough Atlantic surf.


    ¡°Too bland,¡± she complained as she cleaned her plate of every speck of the buttery baked stuffed haddock.


    For dinner that night, Charlie made his first halal type meal. He had studied for weeks before settling on a beef brisket smoked with his homemade Asian spice blend. With roasted sweet potatoes and garlic green beans and a dessert, his first attempt at baklava, Ki had thirds of everything. His mother cleaned her plate as well, then whined.


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    ¡°Not like my mother used to make.¡± She sniffed.


    The next morning for breakfast, Charlie served homemade granola, fruit and yogurt in bed with fresh squeezed orange juice.


    ¡°Why is breakfast so early?¡± The woman criticized.


    The clouds darkened on Ki¡¯s face.


    ¡°Mother.¡± His tone dripping with warning.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, husband.¡± He pulled Ki out of the guest room, then locked himself in his own bedroom and punched pillows.


    Before lunch, the two men bestowed gifts on the only woman they acknowledged as a mother. When she saw the cream-colored silk hijab, his mother smiled.


    ¡°Thank you, son, it¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    Charlie was a little nervous about his package. The woman looked at the brown paper wrapping as if she were looking at a pile of poop.


    With a scant amount of energy, she opened the gift. A large dark wooden frame enclosed a fan shaped genealogy chart going back several generations with Ki¡¯s mother in the middle. Wonder gathered in her eyes as she gently traced the names of her parents, grandparents, and more. All those long dead¡­¡­one by one, tears plopped onto the glass covering the colorful list of loved ones.


    ¡°How did you do this?¡± Her voice cracked.


    ¡°A friend of mine is a genealogist who has several connections around Asia. I hired him to do the research of your family.¡±


    ¡°This¡­.this¡­¡± Her voice choked.


    ¡°Oh, dear. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Charlie glanced at the other man in defeat. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to cause you pain, Mrs. Roberts. I thought might enjoy seeing the history of you.¡±


    ¡°You did very well, son.¡± Mother¡¯s voice was loud and clear. ¡°And stop calling me Mrs. Roberts. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you call me mom?¡±