Page 28 of Embers Glow After the Fire

Perry chuckles.

“Behave.” Matthew stands in place, folding one arm across his chest and finger-tapping his lip while he tries to recollect the hazy traces of his steps last night. "I don't think it's down here. We should head back."

"Eli and I will keep looking." Phoenix sheds his top and tugs Eli's t-shirt up. "We're going swimming."

"Thank you, boys." Matthew leads up the trail.

Dennis and Perry scout the bushes and kick at piles of dried pine needles scattered along the way.

The morning breeze warms under the sun, carrying the loamy scent of earth evaporating with morning's dew. The cold soil under his bare feet defends Matthew's body from overheating as last night's tequila and rum blunder release from his pores.

“Jamie and Nathan are searching back at the cabin. They may have better luck than us.” Dennis offers hope.

”How are things back home Matty?” Perry changes focus. They live in the same city but work schedules get in the way of socializing. They catch up somewhat during Perry’s monthly haircut but this getaway gives more time to chat without the bustle of the busy salon

”Good.” Matthew steps over a tree root. “The salon is doing amazing. We’re up for the Best of Atlanta this year.”

“That’s brilliant,” Perry chimes.

“My new manager Daevon has really stepped up and helped me organize the staff. That’s been the hardest part without Adam. The business side was always my domain while he handled the social dynamics.”

“He was definitely the Yin to your Yang.” Dennis chuckles.

Matthew smiles. “It’s getting easier.”

“What about your social life?” Perry digs. “Have you put yourself out there again?”

”I tried going on a few dates,” He shrugs. “That was a couple years back now I guess.” It hadn’t dawned on him until now, how much time was actually passing by. “I’ve thought about getting a dog.” He laughs. “But I’m not sure that’s the best idea with how much time I spend at work. It probably wouldn’t be fair to the poor thing.”

“It’s a great idea. Bring it to the salon with you.” Dennis kicks a rock into the forest. “People do that all the time. The staff and clients would probably love it.”

“Maybe.”

“So… you put the moves on our Brendo?” Dennis isn’t ready to let that go.

“Just a kiss.” Matthew flushes. “He stopped it from going too far.”

“He’s a sweet guy.” Dennis campaigns.

“He’s going through his own shit.” Matthew adds.

“Right—The husband.” Dennis remembers. “Rob mentioned that to me last night before bed. We had no idea he was married, he never said a word about it.”

“Seems to be a toxic relationship.” Matthew folds over to check a shiny stone that isn't his pendant. “He mentioned it this morning—“ He ends the sentence before having to reveal they’ve been sleeping in the same bed for two nights. “He’s trying to get away but the guy won’t leave him alone.”

“Oh.” A bulb triggers in Dennis. “That’s why he’s been on edge—He’s changed his phone number a few times too.” His Papa-Bear brow furrows. “Why wouldn’t he tell us about that?”

“You’re his boss.” Perry states the obvious.

Dennis chews his cheek.

“He’s probably embarrassed. Its not easy for grown men to admit they’re in an abusive relationship.” Matthew ponders. “We’re gay but the patriarchy still has a hold of us too. Men can’t be weak and we’re shamed for appearing so.”

Dennis grunts.

”Weren't you supposed to be bringing someone else with you Perry?” Matthew aims the discussion away from himself.

“Salvador—He wanted to come but he’s in Spain for a family matter.” He stumbles over a fallen limb. “It's new. I met him at a conference in Quebec two months ago and we’ve gotten together a couple of times since.” He repositions glasses on his nose. “So I made Phoenix come—He just got dumped by a couple he’d been seeing. They decided they don’t want to be a throuple anymore and he was the odd man out.”

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