Page 151 of Pride High

No pressure! The front door opened as they were coming up the walkway. At first glance, Anthony thought it was an older woman at the door. It wasn’t until he heard the smoky voice that he reassessed the scene.

“Oh, how darling!” Charles declared. “Two little ducklings are waddling up to my door. Come in! I’ll run the bathtub and throw in chunks of bread for you to nibble on. You’ll feel right at home.”

Cameron laughed.

Anthony couldn’t help staring. Charles had dyed blond hair that went just past his shoulders. Laugh lines crinkled next to his gray eyes, the skin of his face just as wrinkled, although the powder and base helped to obscure this. He wore lipstick and mascara as well, which were so skillfully applied that he could be mistaken for an elegant older woman. His frame, despite not being heavy, had enough curves to support this illusion. The light blue gown paired with navy leggings was playful, and daring, if he normally dressed that way.

The breath was short in Anthony’s throat as they approached.

“Charles,” Cameron said, sounding proud. “This is my boyfriend.”

Anthony stumbled forward. “You’re so beautiful,” he blurted out.

“Well well,” Charles said appraisingly, drooping his hand before him as if expecting it to be kissed. “I’ve only known him a few seconds, but I think you’ve found yourself a keeper!”

“I really have,” Cameron guffawed.

Anthony wrapped his hand around the delicate fingers held out before him, noticing long painted nails, a wedding ring, andlight-brown arm hair that hadn’t been waxed. Which somehow only made him happier. “Hi,” he managed, before adding, “Hey. I’m uh… Anthony.”

“Not much of a talker either,” Charles murmured. “You might be the perfect man. Get inside, both of you, before I swoon with delight.”

As they were ushered inside, Anthony felt as if they’d been transported back through time. Antique furniture and decorations filled the small living room. In the center was a couch covered in emerald velvet with curved arms and carved feet. The table in front of it was dark marble, laden with hardbound books and an aged globe on a bronze stand. A heavily weathered statue of a mermaid filled one corner. Anthony’s restless gaze noticed an old chest of drawers, lamps with stained-glass shades, and an old phonograph that was currently playing opera. The wooden floors creaked beneath their feet. The walls were covered in jade and gold patterned wallpaper and an endless array of framed paintings.

“Wow,” Anthony breathed. “This place is…”

“A mess?” Charles asked. “Just wait until you meet the owner. Oh! Here he is now.” He waved at his reflection in a mirror so old that it was dark and murky around the edges.

“I can see why you’re friends,” Anthony said. “This is like your room, Cameron, except cranked up to twenty.”

“Oh really?” Charles asked, seeming genuinely interested. “He’s never had me over. I can only imagine what his parents would think of me. I’d love to do a full inventory anyway.”

“Antiques are definitely what brought us together,” Cameron said.

“I’ll tell him all about it in a moment,” Charles said. “Why don’t you wait for me on the terrace, darling? We’ll have brunch!”

“Okay,” Cameron said. “Not too much for me though. I already ate.”

“Brunch is about socializing more than the food. As long as we’re all working our jaws, the morning will be a success.” Charles guided them to a kitchen where he remained.

Anthony followed Cameron out the back door to a sunroom filled with houseplants, a cast iron table, and matching ornate chairs.

“I love it here,” Cameron murmured. “Try the rocking chairin the corner over there. It’s my favorite. The craftmanship…” He shook his head, as if overwhelmed.

Anthony sat down in it, if only to benefit from whatever aura captured his attention so. “Is this what our home would look like?”

“If we got married?” Cameron asked, sitting at the table. “Would you like that?”

“Yeah! It’s so cool here. Can we just move in with him?”

“You couldn’t afford the rent,” Charles said as he came through the doorway with a tray, “and the landlady can be an absolute nightmare, believe me. He’s always letting things fall into disrepair. Oh! Thank you!”

Anthony stood to take the tray from him. He set it on the cast iron table before sitting next to his boyfriend.

“I hope you like tea,” Charles said as he set delicate cups on the table. “If not, I have enough accompaniments to make it taste like lemonade, or whatever young people drink these days. What do you usually order from the soda fountain? Diet Rite?”

“You’re notthatold,” Cameron said with a laugh.

“I’m not old at all,” Charles replied. “What you mistake as age is merely patina. The greening of copper. Beneath the surface is a beautiful young man. Although you’d need a hammer and chisel to reach him.”

---