Page 46 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“Right.” Matthew wishes he had stayed with him at the lake.

“He probably just needs a minute.” Robbie reads the tension in the air.

“Mm-hmm.” Matthew hums.

The pale blue moonlight gives way to the warm glow of string lights wrapping the pergola rafters as they reach the grassy knoll.

Dennis hands off the rolled blankets and asks Robbie to grab matches and lighter fluid from the cabin. He crouches to build a pyramid of kindling and logs in the firepit.

Matthew helps, passing him wood from a covered pile as Perry, Jamie, and Nathan claim chairs.

Robbie returns with the requested items and a red igloo cooler with clinking glass bottles inside.

Dennis has a roaring bonfire lit in seconds and drops into an Adirondack lounger with a proud grin across his furry face.

Matthew accepts the dripping cold craft bottle Robbie taps against his elbow. He twists the cap with the hem of his shirt until it pops away and swigs the sour blueberry-lemon beer.

“Mmm—this is delicious.” He swallows. “Thank you.”

“It’s from a local brewery. Billie recommended it.” Robbie beams, passing bottles around the circle.

The fire crackles, floating sparks into the air that fade on twirling smoke. An owl calls from the dark forest as they stare into the dancing flames.

Chapter 19

Christian

Whispers and giggles echo over the lake’s rippling surface. The dark saves Brendon from baring witness to the boys’ debauchery. He rubs his temples with the pads of his fingers, trying to still the tornado of thoughts swirling his mind.

Maybe he shouldn’t have left Christian the way he did.

He had a meticulously planned a script. It had taken months to craft the final words he wanted to express with his husband for getting closure on a long-dead relationship. Then again, Christian would never let him go peacefully. He’d have broken more than a mirror over being abandoned fully. That night hadn’t been the first time rage shattered the fragile silence of their home.

Water droplets splash over his forearm and across his lap. He turns to Phoenix leaning back on the log next to him, displaying his glistening washboard belly with legs sprawled out and crossed at his ankles, propping his tight package in a purple speedo between sinewy thighs.

Pale and freckled Eli plops down on the opposite side of the bronze twink. They both have a mischief their eyes.

“Hey.” Phoenix charms.

“What’s up?” Brendon quirks a brow.

Phoenix turns to Eli. Wraps an arm around his shoulders and pulls him into a deep kiss. Their tongues explore each others mouths and Phoenix’s free hand climbs onto Brendon’s thigh, squeezing at flesh too close for comfort.

Brendon slinks away and hops to his feet.

“Oh, c’mon,” Phoenix pleads.“ Play with us.” He ruffles Eli’s sopping spikes.

“I’m good—I’m going to bed.” Brendon hands Phoenix the flash light. “I’ll see you boys in the morning—have fun.” He starts up the hill.

The boys dive back into each other.

Brendon pulls his phone from his pocket and cues its LED light. The trees whisper on a gust of warm air crossing the path. He stares at the illuminated spot of ground ahead of his feet, stepping over stones and tree roots. The rustle of fallen debris from the darkness startles him. He imagines a nocturnal critter is watching him trudge through their territory and he picks up his pace.

The curious little spirit seems to follow him in parallel up the foothill. He shines light in it’s direction and catches a fluffy striped tail scurrying deep into the forest.

His shoulder slams against a tree while his head is turned toward the vast blackness past the light’s reach.

“Brendon.” The tree speaks.

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