Page 110 of Catching Kyle

“White Christmas,” Michael says.

Seeing how handsome he is, I take a selfie of us with the lanterns in the background. Then, I hold him close as the melody plays on, so grateful for this time with him. Grateful that he came to Glamour Springs, that I met him. Before I met him, I never knew that this was the life I always wanted: love with a man, a cozy night on the porch surrounded by twinkling lights and perfect music.

Inevitably, our lips find each other. Michael and I have made a lot of love, and we’ve tended to have a way of doing it. One of us takes charge, and the other obeys. But tonight, I wanna try something a little different.

I kiss him harder, and he wraps his arms around my neck. Something vibrates in my pocket—my phone, likely—but I ignore it.

“I wanna improvise tonight,” I say. “I want both of us to call the shots. I want to listen to each other, a back and forth. Like we’re dancing in bed.”

“Has anyone told you how poetic you are?”

I smirk. “You, just now.”

My phone rings again, and this time, Michael notices.

“You need to get that?”

I roll my eyes. “Probably my mom saying we forgot something.”

“She gave us enough dessert to last us until the end of time,” I say. “I think we’re both good.”

But when my phone rings again, both of us get uneasy.

“Maybe it’s something urgent,” I say.

“You’re probably right.”

I pull my phone out, and when I see the name, I regret not having made a wish. Because I could really use some courage right now.

“Who is it?” Michael asks.

I stand up. “Timmy,” I say. “I’ll handle it.”

“I’ll stay here and watch,” he says.

I nod and make my way inside, my heart racing. I take a deep breath, then pick up the phone.

“Hey, Timmy. What’s up?”

“You little shit,” he says.

And my stomach sinks to the floor.

“You almost had me fooled,” he says. “But I know everything now.”

Chapter 36

Michael Cunningham

Iwatchtheflickeringlanterns until my eyelids get heavy. This trip has been nothing I expected and instead everything I wanted.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a Thanksgiving where I’ve had so much fun. Where I’ve felt so loved. I had a great friendsgiving with my writing group friends back in college, but even that pales into comparison. Who would have thought that I’d spend the holiday with one of the greatest football players of his time, his mom, and two gay country men?

When I catch myself nodding off, I realize I’ve been alone for a long time now. Kyle had to take a call with his agent, but he isn’t back yet.

I glance back in the cabin behind me, expecting to see him there. But he’s nowhere inside.

I furrow my brow and stand up. I look all around, but I don’t see him.