Page 99 of Poolside

Tommy kissed him then, as if his lips could tell Chuck everything he couldn’t yet put into words. Together, they stripped their clothes away, taking the time to appreciate each new bit of revealed skin while the shower warmed up.

And when Chuck came down Tommy’s throat with a shuddering sigh, Tommy wasn’t thinking about the hard tile under his knees or catching his breath.

He was staring at the man above him, realizing that loving him was the easiest thing he’d ever done.

CHAPTER28

INEVITABLE, REALLY

CHUCK

“It sounds like Guatemala was incredible.”

Miguel smiled at Chuck, their skin a deep, golden tan perfectly set off by the vibrant golden-yellow workout set they were wearing as they walked together down the gravel paths of West Ashley Greenway. “It was amazing, but I’m ready for the new school year. I get bored with all of this free time. Richard can’t wait to be rid of me.”

Chuck scoffed. “That’s bullshit and you know it. That man is obsessed with you in a totally healthy and not at all overbearing way.”

Miguel threw their head back and laughed. “I’m going to tell him you said that.”

Chuck smiled. He’d woken up feeling a little low, and after a half-hour of wallowing, he’d decided to reach out to his friend. It was Miguel’s idea to go for a walk by the river.

Miguel had just gotten home from their summer in Guatemala, and, now that the final weeks of summer were approaching, they were both shifting into the mindset of the upcoming school year. For Miguel that meant planning classes, writing research grants, and getting up to date on a new group of incoming students who Miguel had been paired with as an academic advisor. For Chuck, it meant confirming travel plans and class assignments with the incoming class of swimmers, getting a few transfer students in touch with the right departments, and starting to schedule meetings with the rest of his coaching staff.

“How are you really doing, amor?” Miguel placed a soft hand on Chuck’s bare, sweaty shoulder. He was wearing short, blue running shorts and an old t-shirt of Tommy’s he’d cut the sleeves off of, and Chuck had cropped it so it barely reached his belly button.

“I’m honestly good.” Chuck took a slow breath, scratching the rolled bandana he’d tied around his wild hair. “Switching back to the old meds feels like it’s working, and with the lower dose I feel a little more present in my body. Makes me wish I’d just done this in the first place, rather than trying something new.”

Miguel waved their hand. “I’m so sorry, Chuck. I cannot imagine going through something like that. But I’ve known you for years, and I’ve never seen you like this. You look free, and happy, and you’ve got a beautiful relationship that is just beginning! What more could someone ask for in life?”

Chuck nodded, lost in his thoughts as the trail followed a bend in the river. “I still can’t believe how great Tommy has been,” he finally admitted.

“Why? Haven’t you known him forever?”

“Yeah, but it’s different to be bros with someone than to date them.”

“Shame. All these years I’ve been fantasizing about what you jocks get up to in those locker rooms,” Miguel trailed off with a laugh. “But really, Chuck. From what you’ve told me about Tommy over the years, it’s not surprising to hear that he’s consistent and committed. Are you really so shocked he’s like this with you now that you’re dating?”

“I guess not.” He walked closer to Miguel, throwing an arm over their shoulders. Chuck was a good bit taller, and it was easy for him to plant a loud, smacking kiss on Miguel’s buzzed head. “Thank you for this,” he said, giving Miguel a gentle squeeze. “I’m lucky to have friends like you in my corner.”

“We’re lucky to have you, amor,” was Miguel’s response.

* * *

“Chuck. Do we need to have a conversation about sunscreen?”

Chuck let out a laugh, shaking his head at Dr. Anderson. He’d forgotten to put sunscreen on that morning before his walk with Miguel, and now the pink skin on his shoulders and nose bore the evidence of his neglect. “I went for a walk with my friend Miguel this morning and I forgot.”

“Walking is good. I’m glad you’re getting out of the house.”

Chuck nodded, sinking back into the couch. “Me too. I almost hesitated to reach out, but then I thought about everything we’ve talked about, about not isolating myself and letting my community in, and I’m really glad that I did.”

Dr. Anderson smiled. “I’m so glad to hear that, Chuck. Tell me how you’re doing with intimacy.”

Chuck wrinkled his nose. “I know we’ve been at this for ten years, Doc, but it doesn’t get any easier to talk about my sex life with you.”

“Do I need to remind you that I’ve participated in the conception of multiple biological children or that I had a phase of bi-curiosity in the seventies?”

“No, please, not again,” Chuck said, already laughing. “Once was more than enough.” He let out a loud breath, gathering himself. “I’m feeling…aroused again. It’s still a little bit quiet, I guess I’d say, but there’s something about Tommy that has me feeling…” He waved his hands around, unable to put a finger onexactlywhat it was about Tommy that was reviving his physical desire. Tommy was stupidly attractive, of course, but there was something more.

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