Page 68 of Embers Glow After the Fire

He lucks out with a row of seats to himself after no one sits next to him and the attendant announces the plane is prepared for liftoff.

He sinks into the seat and stares out the window as Portland falls away underneath him.

It’s just after noon when the plane lands at the Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The dusty familiar landscape stretches for miles outside his window. His nerves vibrate with the sudden realization that he’s back to face the past he wishes he could just forget.

The pilot thanks the passengers for a smooth flight as everyone exits single file off the plane, spilling into the expansive steel building abuzz with people rushing toward their destinations.

A tall handsome man in a grey suit and trim beard stands in the middle of the floor holding a sign over his chest reading Porter.

Brendon steps up to the gentleman, “I think you’re looking for me?”

“Brendon Porter?” he queries.

“Yes.” He blushes.

“Great to meet you sir. I’m Aaron. Do you have anymore luggage to retrieve?” He reaches for Brendon’s bag.

“Nope. I just brought the carry-on. I’m not going to be here long.”

“Excellent. Shall we?”

Brendon hands over his shoulder bag and follows Aaron through the airport and to a black SUV parked in the garage’s pickup zone.

Aaron holds the back door open for Brendon to slip in and tucks his bag into the trunk.

The ride starts slow as traffic is tight on the interstate but they reach Tumbleweed Tower before 1 pm.

Brendon piles out of the SUV before Aaron can gather his bag and make it around to his door.

“Do you have Venmo or Cashapp? I want to tip you but I didn’t bring cash with me.” He blushes again. He had just planned to order ride shares while he’s in town for one night.

“No need sir. That’s already been taken care of.” Aaron waits to follow him inside the building.

“Oh… okay.” Brendon reaches for his bag.

“Are you all set from here?” Aaron checks, before handing it over.

“I am—Thank you.” Brendon second guesses walking into the condo alone.

“I’ll be back soon to take you to Mr. Devereau’s office.” Aaron hops back into the SUV and pulls away from the curb.

Brendon tilts his head back and stares up the glass and steel grid wall, counting the floors to twenty-six, where he shared a chaotic home with Christian for the past six years. His husband preferred the condo to houses out in the suburbs. Brendon came to realize it was for the quick trysts with closeted neighbors in the gym steam room after he’d discovered the secret Gaydr app and profile on his phone. The rush of memories turns his stomach.

He trudges into the lobby.

“Hi Mr. Porter.” The stout doorman behind a tall marble reception desk is excited to see him.

“Hey Charlie. How are you?” Brendon smiles.

“I’m good. I’m so sorry to hear about Christian.” His face drops. “It’s good to see you though.”

“Thank you. It’s good to see you too.”

Charlie scoots from behind the desk and taps the elevator button. Waving an arm to invite Brendon in after it arrives.

Brendon closes his eyes as the door shuts behind him. He inhales the scent of steel and wood paneling as the suspended closet kicks into gear. The climb feels slower than he remembers but his heart beats faster with each soft ding as stops pass by. When the elevator halts and the door slides open he steps into the hall and his head spins for a moment.

He pulls his phone from his pocket and thumbs up Matthew’s number.

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