one is a lonely number

 

Declan wanted to be in a better mood, but things were quite miserable at home. Like Reese and Adam were off on a vacation in the Virgin Islands.

"How can they possibly be having any fun?" He fretted. Seriously, it was the worst chili. Where was the meat? He nursed a beer and pecked at the bowl of rice topped with chili and a sprinkle of cheese. God, he hoped it was real.

"Of course, they are having fun," Yuki smiled as if she knew exactly what Declan thought of Remi's chili. "They've got money to burn."

Remi told her to keep quiet, but Declan wasn't really listening. He was just annoyed. His life was so annoying. 

Of course, he hadn't read any of the books Yuki picked up at the library for him. No way could he keep still enough to read nor write at home. Now to be there all by his lonesome made him even more envious.

He'd heard Simon and Chevy went to Florida. He hated the idea of them together, but he couldn't stop thinking it. He couldn't. They were probably having the best time of their life.

Oh hell, he drank the whole beer and asked for another.

"But, but you have to drive home tonight," Yuki looked at him like a loyal puppy.

"What do you mean? You don't want to take care of me?" It was only a playful remark, but he knew Remi wasn't that amused. She ripped a flour tortilla and gave him half. He stuffed it in his mouth to keep quiet. 

Yuki got a text. She hesitated to read it but then smiled.

"Brandy's bringing food."

"Brandy?" Declan made a face of disgust. God, were they going to have a threesome?

"Brandon." Remi cleared the air.

"Brandon?" Well, that didn't sound right either, thought Declan. 

"Somebody she went to school with," Remi shrugged and started on her third beer. It was as if she was not going to let Declan out drink her. After all, he'd brought the twelve-pack over. 

"He got on at the Soap Factory," Yuki told him.

"Great," Declan said under his breath. No way did he expect much from this loser.

"He's a chef," Yuki told him.

"He's got nowhere to go," Remi said in the next breath. Declan looked at both of them. This had to be a setup. Declan had a good mind to bolt for the door but instead came a knock.

Yuki got up and let Brandon in. Of course, Declan couldn't take his eyes off of him. Gustan from Beauty and the Beast came to mind. Why was he thinking of a musical?

Of course, he wasn't looking Declan's way at all. He uncovered the foiled toast and the dipping tomato sauce. There was actually meat in that sauce. It was a meal in itself.

"Oh, my god, that smells wonderful," Remi smiled.

"I'm glad someone likes it," Brandon smiled. He said no one wanted to taste it.

"Well, I'm eating it," Remi said. The girls grabbed some buttery toast. Declan grabbed a slice too. Even if he wasn't a fan of garlic, he might as well be swooning.

When they hit the first air pocket on the plane trip to Miami, Chevy thought he was a goner. He took Simon's hand and squeezed it tight. What if..oh, he didn't want to think it. He kept his eyes shut tight, but then he opened them slightly so he could see Simon's face. Honestly, this was their last chance, wasn't it?

Why did he have to have his way of thinking set in stone? Couldn't he have a little fun with Simon? He knew Simon enough to read him well. It was true, he wanted Simon too, but he felt he couldn't move to make it happen. Perhaps frozen in time.

Not that he ever imagined it would be him. There was no one. It was like a religion. Or was he just lost?

Of course, he didn't know what he'd stumble into once they got to the hotel on the beach. It was all out of his element. What was he going to do? Say he hated the beach, the sun, and that beautiful hotel room so close to the sea. It was breathtaking.

"You do look a little..." Simon felt his forehead.

"I'm fine." Chevy decide as he took Simon's hand. He only smiled at him as he was much braver than Simon could imagine.

"Let's get something to eat," Simon said they could call room service.

"No, I don't want to." He hadn't come here to eat in a hotel room. There was the beach. Besides, there were still protein bars in his backpack. So they quickly changed and got into their shorts and tanks. Finally, they met the sand and the humidity. Honestly, Chevy felt himself stumble.

"Are you OK?" Simon grabbed on to him as if this was all too much. Chevy nodded. Somehow, he'd suffice. No way was he going to let Declan win now. He winced hard thinking about why he'd think of Declan now, but he knew if Declan was with Simon a lot more would be happening in that hotel room. Chevy took Simon's hand. And when he leaned in, to Simon, Chevy knew two was much better than one.