Something Like Rain (Something Like... Book 8) (40 page)

“You’re a rock star,” William said affectionately.

“More like a wedding singer. I also take requests.”

“Play something that makes you think of me.”

“A song that represents you,” Jason said, nodding musingly. Then he started strumming while singing, “Bicycle! Bicycle!”

William made a face, but started laughing because the song was about a guy who wanted nothing more than to ride his bicycle. “That’s not a real song,” he said when Jason was through.

“That’s Queen! You’re not serious…”

William shrugged. “I’ve never been into music. I just listen to whatever’s on the radio.”

“What station?”

“Anything that plays pop.”

Jason groaned. “That’s not music. That’s fast food. Disposable forks and spoons. People use it and throw it away. I’m talking about timeless classics.”

He launched into another song, this one about wanting to rock all night and party all day. William had heard it before and thought it was cheesy, but his laughter only encouraged Jason to play it up even more, banging his head to the music and making heavy metal faces. At the end he stuck out his tongue as far as he could. William looked confused. Jason shook his head. “Gene Simmons? Kiss! No? You’re hopeless.”

“At least I knew that one. Now play something softer.”

“Okay.” Jason resumed plucking at the strings, freestyling again or maybe searching for the right tune.

William watched him, wishing their time together would never end, but it would. Sooner than he liked. They still had good times ahead, one in particular he was especially looking forward to. “I’m excited about prom. Are you?”

“Honestly?” Jason cocked his head while strumming. “I’m a little nervous. I take it you’re out at school?”

“Yeah,” William said, propping himself up. “Since forever.”

“And nobody gives you shit for it?”

“People have called me names…” William pulled back his shirt sleeve and flexed an arm, loving how Jason looked impressed. “But for some reason, no one’s tried to pick a fight.”

“In that case, I hope your muscles are still visible beneath your tuxedo.”

“Did you rent yours already?”

Jason nodded. “Ben wanted to buy me one, but I insisted I could handle it on my own.”

William flopped back in the chair, feeling as melancholy as the night sky above them. “This dance will be our grand finale. For now, at least.”

The guitar let loose an ugly note and went silent. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“My enlistment in the Coast Guard,” William said, swallowing against the words.

“So? That’s still months away.” Jason sounded panicked. “Isn’t it? I figured it was like school. You get the summer off and…”

William sat up. “I ship out to Cape May the week after I graduate.”

“I don’t even know where that is.”

“New Jersey.”

“And how long will you be gone?” Jason looked hurt, maybe even betrayed.

“You’ve known about this since the beginning.”

“How long?” Jason said, voice raspy.

“Four years.”

Jason carefully set down the guitar. “You’ll come back though, right? You’ll have—I don’t know—shore leave or whatever.”

They should have talked about this sooner, or at least in more depth. William explained how he’d be back only for the occasional holiday, which only made his heart ache more because it wouldn’t be enough to sustain a relationship. “I know four years is a long time, Jason. Too long for me to expect you to wait.”

“I don’t care. I’ll wait.”

William felt a surge of affection for him. “I won’t let you.”

Jason scowled. “You don’t have a say in it!”

“I do. Becoming a rescue swimmer is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s going to take absolutely all of my willpower and attention, and frankly…” William’s throat ached, not wanting to speak the truth, but he had to. “After all that time with Kelly, trying to make someone else happy instead of taking care of myself, I need a break. I can’t go to the Coast Guard and think about how sad you are, sitting here for years and years while waiting for me. What if you meet someone or just want to screw around? I can’t worry about any of that. Not if I’m going to do what I need to do.”

“So don’t join the Coast Guard.” Jason crossed his arms over his chest and jutted out his chin. “If it’s a choice between me and leaving, then stay here.”

“This is my dream we’re talking about. You know that, right?”

Jason nodded, once and final. “Yeah.”

William thought about it, returning to a mental space he had once shared with Kelly. No more dreams. They had both abandoned them at one point, which had felt like a prison, but surely it would be easier to share that cell with Jason. “Okay. If you want me to give that up for you, I will. That’s how much I love you.”

“Good,” Jason said, looking away, his jaw clenching a few times. “I’ll remember that when you’re gone. When it hurts the most, I’ll remember that you would have stayed for me.”

William leapt to his feet, pulling Jason to his so he could hold him. “I’m sorry.”

Jason shook his head against his shoulder. “Don’t be. You just become the best rescue swimmer they’ve ever had.”

“I’ll try. I promise.”

“Four years!”

“I know.” William sighed. “Of course, you could join too. Be my bunkmate.”

Jason disentangled himself. “I’ve never done well with authority, and I doubt I’d even pass the physical. I don’t think I’d make it.”

“We will though,” William said, feeling the force of his conviction. “Just like Ben and Tim. All those years went by and they still found each other again. And if some hot guy sweeps you off your feet in the meantime, I’ll be happy because I’ll know that you’re loved. But someday, even if we’re both in an old folks’ home and have lost our husbands, we’ll find our way back to each other.”

Jason forced a smile. “So what now?”

William took a deep breath and released it. “Now we make the best of the time we have left.”

Jason turned to pace the patio. “We’ve got two weeks left, maybe three. I can quit my job. We’ll rent a cabin. No, never mind, a hotel room. A suite! We’ll have everything we need. Room service, a bathroom, a bed.” He spun around. “Don’t worry about laundry because you’re not going to be wearing any clothes. I’ll pay for everything. I have a little saved up. I think it’ll be enough. If not I’ll get a loan, probably from Marcello. Hey! Maybe he’d be willing to let us stay in that room again.”

William laughed. “You’re not serious!”

“Try me!” Jason said, expression earnest. “Why not? If I’m barely going to see you the next four years—”

“I still have to graduate.”

“Home schooling,” Jason said. “I’ll be your teacher.”

“With an emphasis on physical education?”

Jason grinned. “You read my mind!”

William walked to him, grasping his shoulders so he’d stop pacing. “What I want most is for things to keep going the way they are. I want to see my family and friends. I definitely want to see you as much as possible, but not at the expense of avoiding everyone else. I’ve tried that, and it doesn’t make me happy.”

Jason frowned, looking him over like he wouldn’t have another chance to do so. “Whatever you want,” he said. “I’ll take what I can get.”

“It’s not just about me,” William said. “What do you want? I mean now. Say it and it’s yours.”

Jason bowed his head and gave it thought. “I want to hold you. Actually, I don’t want to stop touching you at all. Not for the rest of the night. We can go inside and eat ice cream or watch TV, just so long as you stay close to me.”

William smiled. “That’s an easy wish to grant.”

“You say that now,” Jason said, “but just wait until you need to use the bathroom. It’s going to get weird, but I don’t care. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“We could leave the bathroom door cracked and hold hands through the gap.”

“Not good enough. If you’ve gotta poop, I’ll be sitting on your lap.”

William made a face. “That’s disgusting.”

Jason was shameless. “Do we have a deal?”

“Here’s my counter offer. I get private bathroom breaks, and in return, I’ll call my mom and tell her I’m spending the night. If she won’t let me break curfew, I’ll officially run away from home.”

“Deal,” Jason said. “Are you a light sleeper?”

“No. Why?”

“Because I’m going to brick up the door to my room from the inside. I’m not letting you get away.” He made it sound like a joke, but his grip on William’s hand was tight, his eyes earnest. They loved each other. If only time wasn’t so precious and scarce. William wished he could rewrite their story, find Jason when he was still on his own in Houston and begin there. That way they could have had years together instead of mere months. He felt cheated, even though his own decisions were to blame. All he could do is remind himself that it wasn’t over. Not quite yet.

Chapter Seventeen

“Look at my little man! He’s so handsome!”

William stopped on his way down the stairs to roll his eyes at his mother’s words. Even if he did feel handsome. This was his first time in a tuxedo, and he was having visions of being in a high-end casino, rolling dice and flirting with hot waiters. His mother calling him “little man” made him feel considerably less cool. Spencer and Errol snickering from the couch didn’t help either. He stomped down the rest of the stairs, glaring at his brothers.

“Wait, honey!” his mother said, hurrying forward. She had her camera out. “Go back up the stairs for me and pose.”

William glowered, then did what he was told.

His mother snapped photos, gasping in delight. “Okay, now walk down the stairs, but slowly.”

“Like one of those girls from the Deep South,” Errol said. “What are they called?”

“Debutantes,” Spencer supplied helpfully, nudging Errol. “Willy is our own southern belle!”

They both went into fits of laughter, Errol toppling over and practically weeping.

William shifted his glare from them to his mother. “This is embarrassing!”

“Won’t Jason be thrilled!” she replied, oblivious to it all. “You look so beautiful.”

“I’m not a girl!”

Kate lowered the camera. “No, but I’ve never had a daughter, so humor me and smile while you walk down the stairs. I want a video of this.”

Errol and Spencer lost it, howling now. William stomped down the stairs, not hiding his misery. Then he heard a car outside and hurried forward to check the window. A black stretch limo!

“He’s here!” William said, bad mood vanishing. He turned to his family, who would no doubt spoil the magic. “I’ll meet him outside. See you later!”

“No!” his mother cried. “I need photos of you together!”

He jabbed a finger at his brothers. “Then make those two leave the room!”

“We’ll be good,” Spencer said, elbowing Errol so he would stop snickering. “I know what a big night this is for you.”

They had no idea, but explaining it to them would only make them laugh harder. For William, this wasn’t just about going to prom. He wanted tonight to be the memory he and Jason held on to while they were apart. His recruitment officer had called with his departure information. The remaining time he and Jason had left together was slipping away.

“Just one photo,” his mother pleaded.

“In and out,” William replied.

Errol snorted. “That’s usually what happens on prom night!”

“I just don’t want to be late!” William snapped at him.

“Then you better make sure he wears a condom,” Spencer said, shoulders shaking.

“You guys suck.” William raised a fist. “And if you make that into a joke, I’ll beat the living—”

The doorbell rang, and suddenly he no longer cared about his brothers. William opened the door, imagining Jason in a tux similar to his own, his hair slicked back. Instead Jason’s hair was unruly as ever. He hadn’t even shaved, the scruff a stark contrast to his formal attire, although the metallic blue bow tie, the gray piping lining the lapels, and the jacket tails all asserted his nonconformity. William looked him over, feeling a little weak in the knees. Currently Jason was holding out a flower.

“Is that a corsage?” Errol called from the couch.

Jason’s eyes flicked to him and back, then remained on William as he stepped forward. “It’s a boutonnière,” he said, voice low. “The florist said a red tulip would be best, since it symbolizes romance, but I thought the white would look better on you.”

“What does white symbolize?” William asked, cheeks flushing as Jason pinned it to him.

“Purity.”

Their eyes met, then they both snorted.

“Should I have gotten you a bouton—What was it?”

“Boutonniere, and no. I don’t do flowers.” Jason smiled. “I’m not even sure I do dances.”

They became aware of a camera clicking, Kate moving to capture them from multiple angles. When she looked over the lens, tears were in her eyes. “Could you stand by the fireplace?”

“Sure,” Jason said, offering his arm.

They paused on the way so William could introduce his brothers, bracing himself for more dumb jokes, but Errol seemed a little emotional too. Spencer remained composed, shaking William’s hand after Jason’s. “You look great together. It’s going to be a magical night.” No repressed amusement or leering smile. Just sincerity.

“Thanks,” William said, nodding his appreciation.

His mother took an ungodly amount of photos, but he was glad, since he wanted them too. Just not as much as he wanted to be alone with Jason.

“We should probably get going,” he said.

“You boys have fun.” Kate followed them to the front door. “Don’t drink. Or do drugs!”

“Mom!” Spencer said, putting an arm around her. “He’s an adult now. Let him be.”

His mother seemed unwilling to accept this, but she nodded, breaking free to kiss William on the cheek. Then they were outside. Jason hurried to open the limousine door for him. William slid inside, amused by the long seats and mini-bar.

“Just so you know,” Jason said, sitting next to him, “I didn’t pay for this. I asked Tim if I could borrow the Bentley, and he offered to rent us a limo instead.”

“He’s so nice!”

“He didn’t want me dinging up his car again,” Jason said. “But yeah, he’s also nice. I couldn’t talk him into stocking the bar with real booze, but I’m willing to share a Mountain Dew with you.”

William tried his best to look debonair. “I take mine on the rocks.”

Soon they were sipping neon green liquid from wine glasses, one of which had ice in it, and that felt about right. Neither of them had an appreciation for the finer things in life, and a couple of rented tuxedos and a limo wouldn’t change that. They goofed around, Jason stretching out on one of the seats in an attempt to hog all the space. William played bartender and combined a number of drinks to make the grossest possible combination. Then he dared Jason to drink it. Which he did.

“What was in that?” Jason asked, eyes watering.

“Tomato juice, Coke, black pepper, grape juice—”

“I don’t want to know the rest. Here, you try it.”

“Uh, no.”

“Then come give me a kiss,” Jason said, taking another sip of the brew.

“So you can spit it in my mouth? No thanks.”

Jason shook his head adamantly, expression innocent, but he didn’t speak, proving his true intention. Then he swallowed and stuck out his tongue. “Blech! Holding it in was even worse!”

William laughed and pulled out a pack of gum. “Here. I
will
be kissing you tonight, but not until you chew one of these. Actually, make it two.”

They felt more reserved when they reached the hotel ballroom where the dance would take place. Limos were everywhere, the parking lot filled with teenagers trying to look their best, and for the most part, succeeding. The energy was frantic, but in the best way possible. William felt like he was going to a mass wedding. Jason seemed a little less enthusiastic, eyeing the crowds warily and standing stiffly at his side when they had their photo taken. He relaxed when they entered the actual ballroom.

“This brings back memories,” Jason said.

“Of your own prom?”

“This
is
my prom. I dropped out before I could go to my own, not that I would have had a date. No, I was thinking of Marcello’s fundraiser and what that night led to.”

“Play your cards right and you might get lucky again,” William said. “Wanna dance?”

Jason looked around, brightening up when he spotted someone. “Hey, there’s Lily and Isaac! Let’s go say hi.”

William was happy to do so, pulling Lily aside so they could squeal in excitement.

“This is so hot,” Lily said. “I didn’t give a crap about prom for all those years, but with us graduating soon and everything coming to an end…”

“It’s epic,” William agreed. “Is it wrong that I want to skip ahead to after the dance?”

“If I can wait, so can you,” Lily said. “Savor the night. They don’t do stuff like this in college. This is our last hokey high school experience, and between you and me, I’m loving it.”

“Me too!”

“Mind if I butt in?” Isaac said, shooting William a wink. “I think it’s time we hit the dance floor.”

Isaac offered his hand, and when it was accepted, he led Lily toward the growing number of shaking bodies. William looked to Jason hopefully, but his date was casting around for another excuse.

“Where’s the punch bowl you always see in movies?”

“I don’t think they do that anymore,” William said. “It’s not hygienic. Besides, after everything we drank in the limo, you can’t be thirsty.”

Jason tried again. “Maybe I should use the restroom. I think I saw one over there. Let’s go.”

William stayed where he was. “You don’t dance?”

“Do you?”

“Not really, but all you have to do is move to the rhythm. You’re the music guy. That shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Yeah, but maybe instead we could—”

“We’re at a
dance
. You knew this was coming.”

“I know, but—”

“Do you love me?”

Jason peered at him. “If I say no, does it mean I don’t have to dance?”

“Yes, but I’ll break down in tears. I’ll be
wailing
. Really loud. It’ll cause a scene.”

“Fine,” Jason said, sounding resigned. “Lead the way.”

“Just stay close to me,” William said. “It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”

For a guy who protested too much, he did just fine. They found their goofy mood again, shaking their hips and not trying to impress. Jason even managed to look cool, his tails catching the air when he spun around. All around them drama erupted, but William ignored it, only having eyes for Jason. He longed for a slow dance, but when that didn’t happen, decided they could be just as close during a fast song, their bodies grinding against each other. That was sexy, but it didn’t last long.

Someone jostled into them, forcing them apart, and it was no accident.

“Oh sorry,” a guy said, breath reeking of hard liquor. “I thought this was a high school dance, not a gay bar.”

William recognized him. Mack Tucker, one of the popular kids. He and the two guys flanking him were on the football team. “You sure you’re not looking for a gay bar?” William retorted. “I don’t see any ladies with you.”

Mack didn’t find this funny, his sneer becoming a snarl. “Shut your mouth, faggot!”

Jason pushed past William and swung. Not the best combination, because he stumbled and missed completely. Two of the guys laughed. Mack looked deeply offended. Nobody in school was dumb enough to mess with him. He had too many friends and muscles, but the high school cliques no longer mattered, and William was in better shape, thanks to his fitness regime. When Mack lunged for Jason, William stepped between them.

“You’re drunk. I’m stone-cold sober. Do you really want to find out who has faster reflexes right now?”

Mack sized him up. William stared him down and prayed that Jason wouldn’t start swinging again.

“Whatever,” Mack said, pushing past them. “Have fun sucking each other’s dicks.”

“We will!” Jason shot back. His chest heaved with indignation, fists clenched at his sides.

William placed a hand on his shoulder, noticing how tense it was. “Just forget about it.”

Jason spun around. “I won’t let anyone mess with you!”

“Thanks,” William said gently, “but I don’t need another hothead in my life. Let it go. The opinion of some random jerk isn’t worth ruining our night.”

Jason exhaled. “You’re right. I just hate when—” He shook his head. “You’re right.”

“Are you guys okay?” Lily had reached them, concern on her face. She wasn’t alone. Many of the other students around them, mostly the girls, were equally upset.

“We’re fine!” William said. “We’re here to dance, right? So let’s dance!”

Doofy, but it worked. He started shuffling his feet, smiling at Jason to encourage him to do the same. In truth, adrenaline was still shooting through his system, but this was a good way of shaking it off. He was relieved when a slow song played and he had an excuse to pull Jason close.

“About time,” William said. “If I got any sweatier, we would have stuck together.”

Jason remained somber. “You were amazing. How you handled yourself, I mean.”

“Thanks,” William said.

“You really know how to keep your cool. That’s important in an emergency. The Coast Guard is lucky to have you.”

William squeezed. “And you really know how to make a guy feel loved.”

“Can we go?” Jason murmured. “Not because of those guys. I just want to be alone with you. We don’t have much time left.”

William felt a lump in his throat. “I want my slow dance. Afterwards…”

Jason complied, holding him throughout the song and not pulling away when the next one was slow too. They kissed, chasing away any thoughts of homophobic nitwits, but William swore he could hear the clock ticking. When the song ended and was replaced by one with a funky beat, Jason pulled away, expression questioning. William nodded. It was time to go home.