Save Your Kisses for Me

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Sitting at his best friend’s kitchen table, Jamie worked methodically through the invites which were still to go out, and the few from close family that had come back first. Josh and his fiancé Aroha sat on the sofa, still deciding on color schemes and bridesmaids’ favors.

Stopping for a moment, Jamie gazed at them. Their heads were almost touching, Josh’s sandy-brown hair such a contrast to Aroha’s black tresses. They’re such a cute couple, and so in love.

Jamie took a deep breath as the thought of coming face to face with Josh’s big brother came to mind. He shivered pleasantly. He’d had a long-held crush on the older man, which he hadn’t even confided to Josh.

But Scott had gone to nursing college, and Jamie had been so set on a career as a chef that he’d never had chance to ever let Scott know. But, at the wedding, just maybe I stand a chance.

His real job for the couple was the catering, but until Josh knew what his brother was going to do, he was helping as a temporary stand-in best man. Not that there were many duties to do for Scott if he accepted. Just a stags’ night. Nothing difficult there either. Josh hardly drinks, so a decent meal out will do the trick, and the speeches.

With a smile, Jamie picked up the next envelope and on reading the sender’s address, he froze for a moment. This is from Josh’s brother. He glanced up at the couple.

“Hey, Josh. You may want to open this one yourself, bro.”

“Why? Wazzup?” Josh twisted around to see as Jamie held up the envelope.

“It’s from Scott.”

“Bring it over, Jamie.” Aroha waved a hand and Jamie hurried from the table to where the couple sat, to hand it to Josh.

“Has he contacted you over being best man yet?” Jamie asked and Josh shook his head.

“No. But this has come back almost immediately. Look. He didn’t post it.”

Now that Jamie was looking properly, he saw there was no franking on the stamp.

“Well, open it silly.” Aroha pushed Josh, who seemed unwilling to move.

“What if he’s declined?” A worried frown creased Josh’s forehead.

“You won’t know unless you look at it.” Jamie shrugged. “Surely if he was refusing, he would speak to you directly. You and Scott keep in touch. The family…disagreement as you describe it, wasn’t between you and him.”

“You’re right.” Josh slowly sliced through the envelope, removed the reply to his invitation, then stared at it.

“Well?” Jamie asked, anxiously waiting to hear if he had to pick up a lot more arrangements.

“He accepted.” With a wide grin, Josh looked up at Jamie and Aroha. “And he’ll be my best man. He’s working nights, so wants to jack up a time that suits us both to go through what’s expected of him. Yes!” Josh fist-pumped the air and Jamie laughed out loud.

“That’s awesome.” Jamie sighed his relief. Organizing the catering was enough of a job. And he hated speaking in public. Thank all the gods his big brother will be the best man. I remember Scott as being very family orientated, and a good man. Jamie’s smile turned wolfish. And as sexy as f**k. Not that he’d remember a skinny, geeky thing like me. Six years is a big gap between a mature nineteen-year-old and a freckle-faced, gap-toothed thirteen-year-old.

“Oh, Josh, that’s wonderful.” Aroha leaned in to peck a kiss on Josh’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you. I know it means a lot to you to have Scott as your best man. Now we have to hope that your dad behaves.”

“Yeah.” Josh nodded. “This was only half the battle. I still have to tell Dad about my decision. But if the choice comes down to Dad or Scott, then I’ll choose my brother, and Dad will have to live with the consequences.”

“Good for you.” Jamie slapped Josh’s shoulder. “Being gay isn’t a choice. How you react toward your friends and family is.”

“Exactly. I think Dad had the whole, marriage, kids, usual family life thing all plotted out for Scott. Everyone said how similar they were. Then Scott showed no interest in sport, preferring to study. And the notion of Scott being some high-flying business exec or lawyer was then in Dad’s mind. He never expected his son to be a nurse or gay.”

“Double-whammy. Still, no excuse.” Jamie shook his head. “And Scott’s done so well for himself. He’s a nurse specialist.”

“Exactly.” Aroha stood up and stuck her hands on her hips. “I have gay cousins. They’re as much a part of my whanau as anyone else. We need to work on your dad.”

“We will.” Josh nodded and rose to stand beside his fiancé. “This is our day. No one is going to spoil it for us.”

“And I’m glad that I can focus on the catering.” Jamie wrapped his arms around his friends. “I’d have proudly been your best man, but you know I hate being the focus of attention. Giving the speeches would have near killed me.”

“You’d have been wonderful.” Aroha leaned closer to plant a light kiss on his cheek. “And I can’t wait to see your menu for our wedding breakfast.”

“I’ve been working on it, but I haven’t quite finished it. I still want to think a couple of things through. I’m so pleased for you, bro. I’m looking forward to seeing your brother again.” Maybe he won’t think me too skinny or geeky now. At least, a man can dream.