Page 34 of Embers Glow After the Fire

Adam

The clanking of ceramic mugs and whistle of the boiling tea kettle resonates up the hallway of his East Atlanta Village condo. Matthew pushes back the heavy down comforter and swings his legs over the edge of the mattress. The frigid conditioned air shocks his skin as he sits up and stretches his stiff back, inhaling the scent of toasting bread. His belly gurgles.

A familiar voice humming the hook to Adele’s “Set fire to the rain” gains volume as he meanders toward the noisy kitchen, dragging his index finger along the eggshell wall littered with framed photos of friends and fond memories. He rounds the corner into the open concept living space, flooded with sunlight pouring through the three large windows along the far wall.

Adam stands at the kitchen counter, slathering slices of golden-crisp toast with butter and piling them onto a plate. His french-vanilla-streaked dirty blond hair is swept up into a knot at the crown of his scalp with loose wisps falling down the back of his neck. His sleeveless white t-shirt and silk sleep shorts flutter on a soft breeze floating through an open window. A halo of sunlight glimmers all around him in the early morning glow as a pair of pale gray doves sing and flap by outside.

“Good morning.” He pauses his tune and turns back with a glorious smile spanning his dimpled cheeks.

“Good morning.” Matthew’s chest flutters and his face warms in the cast of the sunlight bouncing off white walls. “Are we cooling down the outdoors again this morning?” He strides across the room and presses his body to Adam’s back. Wrapping around him and squeezing the solid frame he’s missed feeling against his belly for so long.

“You know I love the fresh air in the morning.” Adam’s static fingers tickle the hairs on his arm as they glide over his skin.

“Me too.” Matthew nuzzles his face into the nape of Adam’s neck and breathes in the sweet apple scent of a shampoo he loved. There's still a half-full bottle kept untouched in their shower.

Adam lays his head back against Matthew’s forehead and sinks into the embrace. “Hungry?”

Matthew squeezes tighter. “Mmm…” He misses their morning tea and toast. He hasn’t been able to carry on the ritual without melting into an emotional wreck.

‘Sit down.” Adam giggles.

Matthew pries his arms away and spins into one of two rod-iron chairs at their bistro-style dining table set against the wall.

Adam places a plate of toast and a steaming mug of steeping Earl Grey tea in front of him. Then plops down into the opposite chair with his own plate and mug. His blue eyes glitter and crease as his smile lifts his cheeks.

Matthew stares into the comfortable pools he’s ached to gaze at for a decade now.

Adam lifts his mug to his lips and blows across the rippling surface before sipping. “Did you sleep well?” His tapered brows lift.

Matthew has to remember how to speak for a moment. “I did.”

“He’s a sweet man.” Adam smiles.

“Who?”

“Are you happy Matthew?”

“Right now? Yes.” His mind swirls.

“I just want you to be happy.” Adam’s beautiful face softens.

“I miss you.” Matthew chews his lip.

“I know.” Adam reaches over the table and touches his fingers to Matthew’s thumb. “I’m right here.” The static flits through his arm and grips his chest. “I haven’t gone anywhere. I hear you when you speak to me.”

Matthew’s eyes fill. He curls his hand around Adam’s wrist and squeezes.

“You two will be good for each other.” He grins.

“Who?”

Adam bites the corner of his toast. “Happy birthday, love.”

Matthew lays a hand on the side of his face and pulls him over the table to kiss his lips. “I love you.” He sits back against the chair. “Forever.”

Adam rises from his seat. “I’m going to get dressed for the day.”

“Stay with me a bit longer?” Matthew pleads.

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