Page 39 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“Thank you.” Dennis is taken aback, admiring the generous offering.

“Robbie was kind to invite me. We only chatted for a few minutes in the store.” Todd takes a seat next to Dennis.

“That sounds like Robbie. He makes friends anywhere he goes.” Dennis boasts.

Matthew reclaims his seat at the far end of the table and sips his mimosa. He studies the stranger’s gym-muscular physique and flawless smile. Tanned skin that sheens in the sun and charismatic charm that captivates Dennis and Perry. His squint eyes float about, sizing up his surroundings and back to the charmed admirers. Dazzling them with compliments for the stunning property.

“Hungry?” Perry invites him to the scraps of cold brunch.

“No Thank you. I’m going to catch up with my husband.”

“Sorry, we didn't get to meet him.” Dennis bites into a doughnut.

“We’ll probably all run into each other at the fireworks tonight. Robbie told me about the gathering. We’ll be there.”

“Excellent! They put on a great show up here.” This is our fifth year?” Dennis stares at the sky, counting flips of his fingers. “They turn it into a whole event with snack vendors and tables selling various memorabilia and sparklers.”

“This is our first time. I may have to buy a place up here. It's amazing. I never expected to find other gay folk so far out in the woods.”

“We love it!” Dennis grins. “Maine surprises you.”

Todd rises from the chair. “It’s great meeting you all. I should get going, but I’ll look for you tonight.”

“I’ll let Robbie know you stopped by. He’ll be sorry he missed you.” Dennis shakes his hand again.

“I’m sorry to miss him too. If you’re around all weekend, we should get together.” He jingles keys in his pocket.

“We’re headed back to Portland tomorrow afternoon, but will probably have a last-night’s bonfire this evening. You should join us after the fireworks!” Dennis lights up.

“I’d love to.” Todd smiles. “I’ll see you all later.” He rounds the house and leaves on the same crunching gravel that alerted his arrival.

”Robbie—” Perry giggles, shaking his head. “He loves to collect new friends.”

“I love that about him.” Dennis swigs his mimosa.

”We all do.” Matthew gnaws a cold slab of bacon.

***

”Your hot new boyfriend stopped by while you were down at the lake.” Dennis bites his lip.

Robbie unwraps the beach towel from his waist and hangs it over the stone wall.

Dennis slaps a hand on his hip and shifts weight to one side, tapping his toes impatiently.

“What are you talking about?” He asks.

Eli’s face drops.

“Todd—from the store.”

Robbie busts with laughter. “Oh.” He wraps around Dennis’ shoulders and kisses his cheek.

Dennis melts and giggles.

“He is hot thought, isn't he?” Robbie teases.

“Smoking.” Perry chimes.

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