Fun in the Sun

Chapter 3

The boys rented a car and took a drive down the highway that skirted the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The day was slightly overcast which helped to keep the temperature down to tolerable levels. Brian was driving as Justin sat back and watched the countryside go by.

“Hey, Bri, did you ever want to own a motorcycle?” Justin asked as about the tenth bike whizzed by.

“Yeah, for about fifteen seconds but then I decided it was much safer to do a biker rather than own the bike.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can’t break my neck falling off a biker, can I?” Brian snarked, making Justin crack up.

“You’re incorrigible, do you know that?”

“So I’ve been told. I do look good in leather, though,” Brian said immodestly.

“That you do. Hmm.”

“What?”

“I’m trying to picture you in leather chaps and nothing else.” Justin waggled his eyebrows.

“Keep dreaming, Sonny Boy. You, on the other hand have the perfect ass and dick for chaps!” Brian grinned, his jeans suddenly feeling at least three sizes too small. He stole a lascivious look at his mate.

“Eyes on the road, old man. You can dream about my wardrobe later,” Justin said as he patted Brian’s thigh.

“You could help me with that,” Brian said indicating his hard on.

“And get arrested for lewd behavior? I don’t think so. Just think cool thoughts,” Justin helpfully suggested. He laughed when Brian grumbled a curse. “Pull over,” Justin requested after a few minutes. Brian slowed down then pulled up behind a long line of cars that were also parked on the side of the road.

“What’s going on over there?”

“Sand castles,” Justin announced with awe as he got out of the car. They carefully crossed the two lane highway to get to the beach where dozens of people were watching artisans turn the beach sand into magnificent structures. “Beautiful,” he murmured.

“Do you mind if we watch for a while?” Justin asked Brian with a childlike abandon. Brian simply smiled as he donned his dark glasses then made a “go-ahead” gesture with his hand. Justin took off to explore; the artist could not resist.

Brian watched Justin wander down the beach and spend time at each exhibit. After a while Brian bought a couple of bottles of water from a street vendor and brought one to Justin.

“Thanks,” Justin said as he took a good long swig. “Wow, this is so good.”

“Coming from you, that’s a real compliment,” the artist said when he realized who the admirer was. “I love your stuff,” the young man said.

“Thanks. Justin Taylor,” Justin said, sticking out his hand.

“Warren Grimms,” Warren said returning the handshake. “Are you here for a show?”

“Vacation,” Justin stated.

“The judging is in two days. If you’re still around, maybe you’ll vote for me,” Warren said with an award winning smile. Justin laughed as he shook the hopeful sculptor’s hand and then walked to the next sand castle.

“You wouldn’t think there’s enough sand on this beach to make these,” Brian commented as they leisurely strolled to the next construction.

“There isn’t,” Justin said as he pointed. Brian followed Justin’s finger. “Apparently they truck it in then after the contest, they truck it back out. They try not to upset the surrounding eco system.”

“And how do you know all this?”

“I asked,” Justin said smugly.

When they came across an exhibit that featured a very well built muscular man, Brian expressed his appreciation.

“You do know it’s only sand?” Justin murmured as he nudged Brian with his shoulder. Brian snorted as he led the way toward the last exhibit. Justin giggled loudly when he noticed the distasteful expression on Brian’s face.

“The gods are against me, Sunshine,” Brian sighed as they sidled up to a huge sand bullfrog! Justin laughed even louder.

*****

 

“Well, look what the cat dragged in!” Seamus announced aloud as Brian and Justin let themselves into the communal kitchen at the end of their day. Searching the refrigerator for something cool to drink, they found a large pitcher of homemade lemonade. The guys poured out three glasses. “Had a good day, did ye, lads?”

“Very nice,” Justin replied with a satisfied smile as he took a sip.

“Not bad,” Brian stated blandly as he held the cold glass to his forehead. He drank down his lemonade in one long gulp then quickly washed out his glass. “I need a shower,” he grumbled as he placed the glass in the dish rack then left the kitchen.

“What bit his ass?” Seamus asked with an amused smile as he watched Brian stomp away.

“He had a run in with a very large sandy frog,” Justin said as he laughed. He then explained the joke to Seamus. Brian smiled to himself as the sound of Justin’s gleeful laughter followed him up the stairs and toward their room.

 

*****
 

“Where shall we go for dinner tonight?” Justin asked as he breezed into their room.

“Where would you like to go?” Brian asked with a low rumble. He was freshly showered and stretched out on top of their bed in all his naked glory. Justin came to a sudden halt, taking in the sight of his still picture perfect spouse.

“Nowhere,” Justin replied as he quickly stripped then pounced.

 

*****
 

It was minutes to ten at night when the boys realized that they really needed supper, their stomachs giving them loud reminders. They quickly showered, threw on clothes then raced down the stairs. They were stopped at the door by a note taped to the glass.

“This was a quiet, respectable establishment before you boys came to visit. Now if you be finished shoutin’ down the rafters, there be a pair of chicken salads with your names on ‘em in the refrigerator. Eat them quietly and with my blessin’s. I think they heard you two in Daytona! 

S.”

Justin blushed as he reread the note.

“He’s onto us, Sunshine,” Brian giggled softly as he pushed Justin toward the kitchen.

The boys found their salads then proceeded to chow down on their feast.

 

*****
 

“I’m surprised you’re up so early after the day you had yesterday,” Seamus stated as he walked into his kitchen to prepare breakfast. Brian was sitting at one of the tables sipping coffee. “Where’s your better half?” Seamus asked as he gathered up all the fixings.

“Sleeping,” Brian replied as he pointed toward the ceiling.

“Not surprising, you wore the poor lad out,” Seamus said as he cracked a few eggs into a large bowl. Brian twitched as he readjusted himself a little in his chair to get more comfortable. “What?” Seamus asked, noticing Brian’s movements.

“He wore me out,” Brian said with a straight face and a wink. Seamus stared at Brian for a moment then burst into laughter. Brian nodded and went back to his coffee.

After a while, Seamus presented Brian with a tray. On it was a coffee service and breakfast for two.

“What’s this?”

“Isn’t it obvious or has all the blood drained from your head to pool in other parts? It’s breakfast, you daft man!”

Brian rolled his eyes. “I can see it’s breakfast but I didn’t think breakfast in bed was included in the vacation package,” Brian said as he took the tray.

“Seeing as I own the place, I can include whatever I damn well please. And it pleases me to have you bring up a tray to your young man up there who’s probably wasting away from the workout last night,” Seamus said with a very stern face.

“What about me?” Brian asked indignantly. “I got a workout too!”

“Do ye not see there be two omelets?” Seamus asked with hands on hip and an exaggerated brogue. Brian got an overwhelming impression of Debbie; a Debbie who was Irish and male. He snorted then turned to go when Seamus made a shooing motion with his hands. “And make sure the lad eats all of it!” he called out to Brian.

“Yeah, yeah,” Brian grumbled as he shook his head then headed up the stairs. Leaning the tray against the wall, Brian gingerly opened their bedroom door.

“Hey,” a sleepy voice greeted Brian.

“Hey,” Brian replied. “Hungry?” Brian asked as he entered the room, shutting the door with his foot. He set the tray down on the dresser while Justin sat up in the bed.

“Starving.”

“We can’t have that,” Brian said as he helped Justin fluff up the pillows then set down the tray.

“Mmm. Looks good.”

“Seamus outdid himself.”

“I didn’t think breakfast in bed was part of the service.”

“I’ve been informed and I quote, ‘Seeing as I own the place, I can include whatever I damn well please.’ End quote.” Justin smiled brilliantly then took a bite out of his toast.

The boys ate their breakfast in bed at a leisurely pace then indulged in high protein desserts.

 

*****
 

“What should we do today?” Justin asked when he opened his eyes for the second time that morning.

After their large breakfast and some rigorous after breakfast activities, they fell back to sleep. Brian woke, took the tray down and returned with more coffee. He was sipping the brew while quietly sitting in the chair by the window. He was in no hurry to go anywhere or to wake Justin. Brian was pleased when Justin woke up all on his own.

“I have nothing in mind but whatever we do it won’t be outside.” Brian cocked his head toward the window. It was bleak and raining.

“Is there any more coffee?” Justin asked as he sat up. Brian got up to share his cup.

“There’s a fresh pot downstairs when we want a refill,” Brian commented. Brian sat back in the chair and stared out the window. “I guess we can ask Seamus if there’s someplace interesting to go to. We have the car for a few more days.”

“Can we just stay here?” Justin asked innocently as he polished off Brian’s coffee.

“Here?” Brian asked with a grin.

“I mean in this house not necessarily in this bed,” Justin patiently explained.

“Tired of me already, Sunshine?”

“Never, but I wouldn’t mind a quiet day reading or sketching,” Justin said with a sigh.

“Then a quiet day we shall have. Seamus showed me another one of his improvements today.”

“What kind of improvement?” Justin asked, suspicious of his somewhat naughty spouse.

“A very nice improvement. Why don’t you shower and get dressed then join me in the kitchen. We’ve slept through lunch but Seamus told me we’re welcome to raid his fridge.”

“Okay,” Justin said, handing back the cup then getting up to go shower. Brian took the cup and himself down to the kitchen.

“How’s he doing?” Seamus asked. He was squeezing lemons to make more lemonade.

“Better. He wants a quiet day. I’m going to show him your little paradise in paradise,” Brian stated looking slightly distracted.

“What is it, lad?” Seamus asked gently.

“He’s always been the most energetic person I’ve ever known. I don’t like him looking so tired. And not just from our ‘workouts.’”

“From what you’ve told me, he’s been going nonstop for almost a year now. Not surprising he’s stressed. Brian, I have no one booked until the Labor Day weekend. Other than myself and my permanent resident, you have the whole house to yourself. I consider you family, not just paying guests. You may cook for yourself if that’s your wish or call for takeout. My house is yours for as long as you want.”

“Thank you, Seamus. I appreciate that more than you know,” Brian stated, somewhat relieved.

“I do know, lad. All work and no play, or some such. He just needs a quiet cozy spot to rid himself of unnecessary noise and allow himself to reconnect with what’s really important,” Seamus said wisely.

Brian stared. “You’ve been kissin’ that Blarney Stone, haven’t you?”

“Well, I am Irish but you do understand what I’m gettin’ at?”

“Yes, I do,” Brian acknowledged with a nod. “Which is why I wanted to get away and not just stay on the lane.”

“Far from the temptation of doing something work-like,” Seamus confirmed.

“Exactly.”

“And if I’m not mistaken, you can benefit from some time away from it all as well.”

“Yes, but not as much as he needs it.”

“But it pleases him to have you with him, enjoying the quiet too. If you’re relaxed and at peace, he will be too.”

“You’re a wise man, Seamus Griffin,” Brian declared with a thick brogue.

“Aye, and you’re still daft!” Seamus pronounced. “Now be gone with you, shoo! Go take your young man out back and when this is ready I’ll bring you out a couple of glasses of fresh lemonade and some nibbles.”

“Sir, yes, sir!” Brian saluted his host. Justin was coming down the stairs as Brian left the kitchen. “Come on, Sunshine, let me show you the Piece of Plenty secret garden.” Brian took Justin’s hand and led him toward the garden path.

 

*****
 

Justin gasped when he saw the small but visually ornate garden at the back of the house. Seamus had decided to sacrifice most of his parking lot to create a tropical paradise that could be enjoyed from a glass enclosed solarium. The solarium was cooled by the new central air system and by a large ceiling fan. One could sit in cool comfort and still enjoy the Florida sun.

“When did he do this?” Justin asked as he practically pressed his nose to the glass.

“A few years ago. It was one of those improvements he consulted John about. Seamus wanted something similar to our sun porch,” Brian explained.

“This is amazing! On cooler days you can sit outside and on really hot days stay in here,” Justin said with approval.

“Or on rainy days,” Brian added. It was still raining outside.

“But it doesn’t detract from the beauty. He created a sanctuary,” Justin exclaimed with a sigh as he made himself comfortable on an overstuffed chaise. He quietly gazed out of the large windows, watching the jewel-like raindrops bounce off brightly colored flower petals and deep green leaves.

“I wish I had my sketch pad with me,” Justin murmured.

“Your wish is my command, Sunshine,” Brian stated as he produced Justin’s messenger bag containing the ubiquitous sketch pad and pencils.

“Thank you,” Justin beamed as he took out his pad and pencils and began to draw.

 

*****
 

“Here ya go,” Seamus began as he entered the solarium carrying a tray.

“Shhh.” Brian held a finger to his mouth. “He just dropped off,” Brian whispered.

“Ah, did you wear the lad out again?” Seamus teased as he set the tray down on a table and sat close to Brian.

“He wore himself out.” Brian pointed to the pad that had slipped out of Justin’s hand and landed on the terra cotta tiled floor. Seamus picked up the pad and began to flip through the drawings.

“You’ve been out here only a few hours and he did all this?” Seamus asked with amazement. “Unbelievable.”

“Your garden inspired him. He does his best work when he’s left alone with his own imagination.”

“Even in black and white you can almost imagine a hummingbird wantin’ a sip of nectar. He has a true gift,” Seamus said with awe. Seamus reached over to give Brian a pat on the hand then he left the solarium.

Brian sat back on his own chaise to indulge in a little Sunshine watching until he too fell asleep.
 

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