Page 12 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“I’m not much of a swimmer.” Brendon admits. “I grew up in the city and never really learned until I was an adult. —The complex where I lived in Houston had a few pools, but I never used them.” He tracks Eli’s hollow gaze over the water.

The sweet boy’s eyes are glued to the glossy twink sinking and rising from the rippling surface. Mesmerized by the sight of sunshine bouncing off slick muscles and toasted skin. “He’s so gorgeous.” His thoughts fall out of his mouth and his burnt cheeks pinch when he realizes he said the words aloud.

“He is,” Brendon giggles. “You like him. —huh?”

“I think—I want to be him.” The shy ginger splays himself open for the first time since they met. “I dunno.” His eyes dart back to the sunny hunk.

“You’re beautiful Eli.” Brendon’s chest cracks. “Phoenix is no different than you. He just knows how to fake confidence—that makes him charming.”

“He seems to want you.” Eli chews the edge of his lip.

“He’s twenty-something—and horny.” Brendon laughs. “I’m thirty-six—that’s never happening.”

Eli’s frown lifts and his brows cave with relief.

“You have fun—but watch out for yourself.”

The advice seems to ricochet off him. “Why did you leave Houston—and come to Maine?”

Brendon pauses to contemplate his answer. “I was done with Texas and everything that I left behind.” He wants to talk to someone about it all. To release the trauma that's following him—for good. “I couldn't stay there any longer.”

“What happened?” Eli’s focus is solely on Brendon.

He presses his toes into the damp soil at their feet. “I was in a horrible marriage and I needed to get away.” The truth falls out and he can’t take it back.

“Sorry.” The sweet boy looks devastated.

“He still won’t let me go—and it's been almost eight months.” The words keep escaping. “I was hoping he’d just move on by now—but I'm not sure he will.” Brendon pauses. “He has a lot of money and doesn't like to let go of his things.”

“You're not a thing.” Eli’s inflection bites when repeated back.

“He seems to think so.” Brendon can’t stop himself now. Talking about Christian feels like heavy chains lifting off his body. “He always treated me like his possession but made me feel worthless.” Another link breaks. “I like it up here—in Maine.”

“I want to move away.”

“You're young. —Do it.” Brendon is happy to shift the conversation. “Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere.” He seems wrapped in his own set of chains.

“Are you boys just going to sit there?” Soaked and glistening Phoenix is suddenly dripping at their feet.

Brendon looks up into turquoise aviators. Drenched honey-toned curls cling to Phoenix’s forehead like the marble statues of ancient Greece or the renaissance. David, come alive, standing before them.

“We should probably hike back.” He shades his eyes from the glaring sun. “I’m sure Dennis is starting dinner by now.” Brendon rises from the moss-covered tree trunk and claps debris from his palms.

Eli follows and they start up the slope.

Phoenix pulls his tank over his torso. It clings to his wet skin but dries by the time they reach the cabin.

“Hey, boys.” Matthew greets. “How was the water?”

“Matty—these two wouldn't join me.” Phoenix pouts.

“O hun… —maybe next time.” He ruffles the twink’s sunny curls and laughs. “Dennis and Robbie are going to grill for us tonight.” His eyes meet Brendon’s. “Cocktail?”

Brendon grins. “Absolutely.” And the pair stroll up toward the house.

“Hey, Brendo! —How was your swim?” Robbie is shaking a stainless steel tumbler.

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