Surface Tension

Chapter 1-6

It was hunger more than anything else that woke Luke. For a few moments he wondered what day it was, why he couldn’t hear much traffic. Then he remembered. Looking at the clock, he saw it was getting on for two in the afternoon.

Leaving the bedroom, Luke went in search of his boyfriend, but he wasn’t in the flat. Going back into the bedroom for his mobile, he scrolled through his address book until he found Sam’s name. After the call was connected, he listened to the ringing tone. He was about to end the call when it was finally answered. Loud Christmas music was all he could hear. The person at the other end must have closed a door or something, because the music suddenly became much quieter.

“Luke. Are you feeling any better?”

“Huh?”

“Roger said you’d gone back to bed, because you felt unwell.”

“What?”

“He—Roger I mean—arrived a couple of hours ago. When Donnie asked where you were, he said you were ill and had retired to bed.

The lying little bastard. But out loud Luke said, “Oh, uh, no. He must have misunderstood. Have you had dinner yet?”

“Not yet, though it won’t be long. I put the Brussels sprouts on a couple of minutes ago.”

“Oh, right, I’ll get dressed and come round then.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

“Yeah.” Luke hung up and stared at his phone.

Things hadn’t been going well for a while with Roger, but Luke had done his best to ignore the signs, make excuses for his boyfriend’s inattention, his constant lateness. He didn’t know how long he could keep pretending that everything was good between them.

Being Christmas day, there were no buses. As time was getting on and Luke was hungry, he decided to splurge on a taxi. The short ride seemed expensive, or rather more expensive than usual.

Alighting outside Sam and Donnie’s tall Victorian terrace house in Holland Park, Luke paid the fare, but as the Indian driver hadn’t stopped complaining about having to work at Christmas to pay the bills, Luke didn’t give him a tip. Ringing the doorbell and waiting to be admitted, Luke shook off his irritations.

“You made it.” Donnie kissed him full on the lips, as he stood on the doorstep.

Luke smiled. He knew Donnie couldn’t help it. The man was affectionate with everyone. “I’m not too late?”

“Of course not. Come in.” He drew back and allowed Luke to enter the warm hallway. The aroma of roasting turkey assailed him as he took off his coat.

“And Roger’s already here?”

The smile on Donnie’s face slipped momentarily. “He is, yes.”

The meal was excellent, but then, as Sam had trained as a chef, Luke hadn’t expected anything less.

“Come on, you can eat more than that,” Sam said when Luke had helped himself to stuffing.

“Shouldn’t even have had this much. Carbs are evil.”

“You’re always watching your weight. Surely you can let go today. It’s Christmas after all.”

“Leave him alone,” Roger piped up, causing everyone to look at him. “Luke’s body is his livelihood. He needs to keep in shape.”

“Yes, but—” Sam began.

Roger stood and walked behind Luke’s chair. Putting his hands on Luke’s shoulders, he said, “No buts. Lukie is really dedicated to his work. You might not like what he does, but you can’t say he’s not good at it.”

“What? No one has ever said anything about not approving.” Donnie set down his napkin. “And, yes, Luke is a very beautiful young man.”

Luke blushed. He’d had a lot of people pay him compliments, but when it was a friend doing so, it was embarrassing. And what was with Roger? He’d been surprisingly attentive and affectionate ever since Luke had arrived.

* * * *

Later that afternoon, when Luke and Roger found themselves alone in Sam and Donnie’s front room, Roger snuggled into Luke’s chest.

“I’m sorry for being a prick. You know, earlier,” Roger said into Luke’s chest, “I…I know I take you for granted.” Sitting up and running his fingers down Luke’s face, he added, “I really do love you.” Leaning forward and kissing him, a touch of lips, gentle and sweet, and Roger added, “Donnie’s right. You are beautiful and I’m so lucky that you’re mine.”

Luke was overcome. He’d half expected to break up with Roger, but now, as the two continued to kiss with increasing passion, he was glad they’d sorted out their differences. Luke felt he was the lucky one.

“Don’t let us interrupt,” Sam said, coming back into the room.

“Well,” Roger said turning his head to Sam, “when you’ve got the sexiest man in gay porn, you just can’t help yourself.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Either of you want any Christmas pudding?”

Roger moaned. “I’m too full.”

“And I’ve got to watch my weight. I shouldn’t have had any of that bread sauce as it was,” Luke admitted, running a hand down his slightly bulging stomach.

“Suit yourselves.” Sam left the room.

“Think we’ve upset him?” Luke asked, moving in for another kiss.

“Who cares?” Roger kissed him back.

And at that moment, Luke didn’t. He had his Roger, and all was right with the world.