Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

gets uncomfortable with compliments." He winked at TJ.
    "Oh, well then," Hazel's eyes danced. "Mum's the word. What can I get you boys to drink?"
    "Coke for me. Thanks," Cory answered.
    "I'll have a Sprite."
    "There you go." Hazel handed them cold cans. "Enjoy. And thank you for coming, Cory."
    They sat down to enjoy a delicious breakfast. TJ looked around the room at the families and friends gathered enjoying each other's company. There was a pleasant energy about this place, a warmth that permeated him. It was like he could feel a pleasant, humming vibration in the energy around the room. He looked back at Cory, realizing why this community must be so special to this man. He felt a bit overwhelmed with emotion all of a sudden to be experiencing such an important event in this man's life with him. It somehow made this evening feel more important than a simple first date. Rather than being frightened or put off by this, he found himself feeling excited by the prospect and, frankly, a little awed by his reaction.
    Cory froze, about to take a bite of his syrup soaked pancake. "What?"
    "This is really— lovely." He groped for a way to describe what he was feeling. "Thank you for bringing me," TJ didn't want to frighten Cory with talk of energy and emotions. But he had a good feeling about this place and an even better feeling about Cory for bringing him here.
    Cory chuckled. "I'm sorry. It isn't Richards, that's for sure," he said.
    "What's Richards?"
    "The hottest gay bar in town."
    TJ set down his fork and waited for Cory to look at him. "I'm serious. I'm really glad you brought me here. This is much more my style than Richards," TJ admitted.
    Cory's shoulders slumped in relief. "Really?"
    "Really. I've never felt comfortable with the meat market thing."
    "Me either," Cory admitted. "I mean the scene is all right if you really need to scratch an itch, I guess."
    "I suppose. I've always been of the mind that I'd rather suffer a little discomfort and get to know someone before I let them scratch me."
    Cory laughed out loud. "Oh really?"
    TJ blushed remembering the other night. "Well, usually, yes."
    "So, what, like I'm kind of a special case?"
    "You could say that," TJ chuckled.
    "You couldn't stop yourself from letting me scratch, could you?" Cory's eyes danced.
    "You were like the worst case of poison ivy I've ever experienced," TJ mumbled, his whole body felt hot, now.
    "Oh, my. So romantic," Cory winked and grinned. "I don't think anyone has ever swept me off my feet with charm quite like yours, Dr. Delicious."
    The way he looked just then, his cheeks rosy, his eyes sparkling with mirth, made TJ's heart flip flop in his chest. This man was beautiful, stunning inside and out. TJ began to squirm in his seat. Of course, Cory noticed. TJ felt Cory's foot under the table as it brushed against his ankle. "I like making you itch."
    TJ was very glad to see Cory relaxed and looking so happy. He wanted nothing more than to keep him that way. When Cory continued to rub his foot higher under the hem of TJ's pant leg, he made eye contact and took a suggestive bite of his pancakes. He moaned at the flavor for effect. When Cory chuckled, TJ realized with a start that he could grow to enjoy flirting with Cory, quite a lot, in fact. He felt more comfortable with this man than he had with anyone in a long time.
    "What is this flavor?" TJ asked. "It's delicious."
    "It's elderberry. Apparently, it's very popular around here."
    "I can see why. It's sweet with a hint of spice, just the way I like it." TJ winked at Cory.
    "Why, Dr. Delicious, I do believe you're flirting with me," Cory said as he clutched his imaginary pearls in a fantastic southern belle imitation.
    TJ burst out laughing. They continued to flirt and laugh through the remainder of dinner. TJ felt like he was walking on air by the time they entered the main hall for the memorial service. The huge great room of the converted mill was packed with people all standing around a raised stage. They were quietly watching a slide show of Pierre and Ben at various times in their lives together. It was obvious from the images that these men lived well and were loved by many. TJ found himself smiling up at the men, wishing again he could have known them.
    When an image of Ben and Pierre with Cory flashed on the screen, Cory sucked in a sharp breath. They were all smiling, standing in front of the lion exhibit. Tears immediately began to spill down Cory's cheeks again. TJ wrapped an