Page 10 of Perfectly Wrong

FIVE

BISHOP

“He’s growing up so fast,” Rocco says, handing me dirty plates to load into the dishwasher.

“Yeah.”

I catch his eyes, studying me. “Tell me the truth, Bishop. Is something going with you and him?”

I pause for a moment, then put the plate in the dishwasher. “No.”

He stops, leaning on the counter. “I don’t believe you.”

“It’s the same thing as before, Rocco. He’s attracted to me. I’ve told him nothing can happen, and he accepted it. That’s it.”

“Because if something happened today I would just rather know now.”

I pick up a plate and put it in the rack. I’ll ruin everything if I tell him. “He asked if he could come over tonight. I said no. Told him to enjoy Trinity and his friends.”

“Did you want to say no?”

I meet his eyes. “What do you want me to say, Rocco? That I want to fuck your son? What good would it do to have a conversation like that?”

Rocco gazes down at the floor, his jaw twitching. After a moment, he looks up. “Can I be honest?”

“Always.”

“I’m torn here. Tristan is an adult and so are you. I shouldn’t be involved. I should be okay letting him navigate his own life.”

“But it’s different. He’s your son, and I’m your best friend. I get it, Rocco.”

He nods. “It’s just that the two of you have something tangible. I can’t ignore it even though I want to.”

“I’m not going to follow through on it. He’ll leave to college again, and you won’t have to worry.”

“Am I dick? Should I give my blessing and let you two just figure it out?”

God, please say I can. “You’re not a dick. You’re a great father.”

“If I said it was okay…?”

I would call him immediately. I would fuck him insane all night long. I would throw him down on the island and kiss him in front of everyone. I would do everything I could not to hurt him. I meet Rocco’s eyes.

He nods. “I see.”

“You see what?”

“You would pursue. The attraction isn’t one-sided.”

“No.”

“You’re resisting because of me.”

“I value our friendship, and frankly, I would never want to hurt Tristan. Those two reasons are enough to keep me from pursuing.” Further anyway.

Rocco steps forward, wrapping his arms around my waist. I hold him, rubbing his back. “Thank you,” he whispers. “I’m sorry.”

I step back, gazing into his eyes. “Sorry for what?”

“Not being okay with it. Maybe I’ll get there.”

I cup his face. “You don’t need to get there. Tristan will go back to school, and I’ll be fine.” I lean in and kiss his forehead. “I know you just have everyone’s best interest at heart.”

We both turn when Tristan enters the kitchen. His eyes shift between us, clearly noticing the closeness between me and his dad. Rocco motions for him to come over, pulling him close. Tristan’s arm rests around my waist and his dad’s.

“We were just talking about you,” Rocco says.

“About?” Tristan asks.

“I was apologizing to Bishop because I just can’t be okay with the two of you being romantic.” Tristan’s eyes widen. “Yes, it’s obvious you’re both attracted to each other.”

I look at Tristan in a way I hope he understands.

“He assures me nothing has happened between you.”

“Apologize?”

“Yeah,” Rocco continues. “I want you both to be happy, but not together, and I’m sorry for being the reason Bishop won’t pursue you.”

Tristan nods as his arm slides away from me. “I see.”

“I hope you can understand.”

Tristan’s big blue eyes settle on his father for a moment before shifting to me. “So you two adults made all the decisions about my life without discussing with me. Cool.” He steps back. “I’m going out with Trinity.”

“Where are you going?” Rocco asks.

“I can make that decision on my own. Or do we need to ask Bishop first?”

“Come on, Tristan,” Rocco says, while I remain silent. “It’s not that.”

“Whatever, dad. I’ll see you later.” His eyes linger on mine. “Bye, Bishop.”

He walks out, but Rocco chases after him. I finish loading the dishwasher. Rocco’s right. Getting involved with Tristan is nothing but trouble. No matter how much I want him.

Hours later, I’m startled awake by my ringing phone. I grab it from the nightstand.

“Hello?”

“Bishop?”

“Who’s this?”

“Trinity.”

I sit up in bed. “What’s wrong?”

“Tristan is wasted and won’t come out of the men’s bathroom.”

“Why are you calling me?”

“I can’t call his dad. He’d be so pissed. Besides, we’re downtown.”

I sigh. “Where are you?”

“Nexus. It’s on 6th street.”

“I know it. Is he okay?”

“Just drunk and mad.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

I climb out of bed, throw on some jeans, a sweater, a baseball cap, and some sneakers, grab my keys and head out. I’m about five minutes away. God only knows what kind of mess I’m going to find.

When I pull up to the club, I see Trinity sitting out front alone. Fortunately, it’s a notorious gay club, so she’s safe here. I pull into valet, get out, and walk over to her. When she sees me, she jumps up and throws her arms around my neck.

“Thank god you’re here. Security said if he doesn’t come out in ten minutes, they’ll throw him out and call the cops.”

I exhale, frowning. “He’s still in the bathroom?”

“Yep. No one can get him out.”

“All right. Stay here.” I walk up to the bouncer, explain the situation, and he lets me in without paying the cover. I head straight to the back and enter the bathroom. “Tristan?”

He opens the stall door, gazing up at me with bloodshot eyes. He looks awful. “What are you doing?”

“Go away, Bishop.”

“Negative. You need to come out before you get thrown out.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I want you to.”

He rolls his eyes. “You’re a pussy, Bishop.”

My eyes widen. “Really? That’s how you talk to me?”

“Fucking pussy. You just do whatever my dad says, but you want me. I know you do.”

“Not right now, I don’t.”

Tristan crosses his arms. “Leave me alone.”

I grab his arm and pull him from the stall. “You’re coming home with me. If you give me shit, I’ll leave and you won’t see me again.”

Tristan glares at me for a moment before dropping his shoulders. “Fine. Where’s Trinity?”

“Oh, now you care? You fucking left her out there by herself.” I grip his wrist, dragging him to the bar, motioning for the bartender. “Does he have a tab?”

“Yeah.” The bartender turns around to the register and comes back a minute later with Tristan’s credit card and a bill for three hundred bucks.

I look down at it. “Did you buy drinks for the whole fucking bar?”

Tristan shrugs while the bartender leans in. “He and a woman ordered two bottles of champagne and a bunch of shots.”

“Thanks, man.” I shake my head, making Tristan sign the slip. “Let’s go.” We make our way through the club and outside where Trinity is waiting with a worried look on her face. “Did you guys drink enough?”

She frowns. “His dad made him really mad. Both of you did.”

“Whatever. Get in the car.” Trinity climbs in the back while I help Tristan in the passenger seat. After I buckle his seatbelt, I grip his chin. “If you throw up in my car, I’ll kill you.”

He nods. “I’m not sick.”

I climb in the driver seat then tear off for my place. Tristan has the window rolled down with his face in the cool night air. He looks like he’s been crying. I put my hand on his thigh as he glances at me. “You okay?”

He nods. “Yeah.”

We pull up in front of my place and walk inside. Trinity and Tristan both stand looking around.

“Fuck,” Tristan says.

“What?”

“It’s too nice here. You sexy fucker.”

I laugh softly. “Really?”

“Where do I even sit?”

Trinity nods. “I agree. It’s like a showroom.”

“Sit wherever. You guys are dumb.” I put my keys down. “Water or coffee?”

Trinity sits on the armchair. “Water.”

“Same,” Tristan says.

“All right.” I walk in the kitchen and grab two bottled waters. When I bring them out, Tristan is sitting on the floor. “You look like shit.”

“Feel like it too.”

“I think you need a shower.”

He nods. “Bathroom was gross.”

I shake my head. “Come on.” I glance at Trinity. “You good for a few minutes?”

She nods. “I’m good.”

I help Tristan up and lead him down the hall to my bathroom. After turning on the water, I turn around to find him sitting on the toilet.

He gazes up at me with the saddest eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“For?”

“Making you come rescue me.”

“Put your arms up.” He does, and I pull his t-shirt over his head, then kneel so we’re eye to eye. “You sure you’re feeling okay?”

He nods. “A shower will feel better.”

I unbuckle his belt. “Stand up.” He does and I tug his jeans down, revealing his nudity underneath. Ignoring it, I pull his sock and shoes off. My eyes shift up as he gazes down at me, his dick bouncing between us. Exhaling slowly, I stand and put my hands on his shoulders. “I’ll be right here.”

“Join me?”

“Can’t. I’m a pussy.”

Tristan grins, shaking his head. “Yeah, you are. You’re letting my dad boss you around even though I know you want me.” His hands slide down my chest. “Here I am.”

“You think I want to fuck you after how I just found you?”

“Yeah.”

I laugh softly. “Your girlfriend is in the other room.”

Tristan searches my eyes, leaning in for a kiss, but I gently push him back. “Shower. Then you can brush your teeth. You smell like bar and sweat.”

Tristan sighs and steps into the shower. I sit on the toilet watching him wash as he watches me. He runs soapy hands over his torso then down to his dick, fully erect, stroking it like I wish I could. He needs to learn a lesson though. He can’t pout or seduce his way out of this situation.

A few minutes later, he steps out and I point to the toothbrush on the counter. He doesn’t hesitate, taking it and brushing his teeth. When he’s finished, he turns to me and smiles. “Better?”

“Much. Where do you want to sleep?”

“What are my choices?”

“The couch or my bed.”

“Your bed, duh.”

“But we’re not having sex. You’re sleeping.”

He nods. “Can Trinity sleep with us too?”

I step closer, searching his eyes. “Tell me the truth, Tristan. Do you want her? Are you bi?”

He rolls his eyes. “God, for being so damn beautiful you’re fucking stupid. I do not want to fuck her. I have never wanted to fuck her. I will never want to fuck her.”

“Then what’s the deal? Why are you guys so close? I saw the giggles and whispers. What the fuck is it about then?”

Shaking his head, he turns and struts out of the bathroom. I follow him, surprised when he goes to the living room. Trinity is sitting on the couch, sipping water and looking at a gay porn magazine I had sitting around.

“Trinity?” She looks up, making no expression seeing Tristan naked. “Come to bed.”

“Okay.” She stands and walks toward both of us, but I don’t get it.

“Can I get an explanation?”

They both look at me as Trinity giggles like she does. “You didn’t tell him yet?”

“No. Because he’s dumb and thinks I want to fuck you.”

Her eyes open wide. “Oh please. He doesn’t want to fuck anyone but you, Bishop. Since the day he met you.” She grabs her boobs. “In case you haven’t noticed, not only am I not you, I’m a girl.”

“I did notice. I just don’t understand the relationship between you two.”

Trinity tilts her head, stepping toward me and wrapping her arms around my neck. “Oh, Bishop. What do we do with you?” I start to speak, but she puts her finger over my lips. “No one turns him on anymore. No one but you. So…” She smiles. “All the giggles and whispers are about you.”

“About me?”

“What you say. What you’re thinking. How you look. Everything is about you.”

I search her eyes. “I guess I’ll buy that.”

“It’s true.” Trinity smiles, letting her arm slide down my chest. “I’m just a confidant.

” Her gestures are so intimate with me, just like she treats Tristan.

“No one matters to Tristan except you, Bishop. So no, he hasn’t fucked me.

He hasn’t fucked anyone. You can take care of that tonight. If you want to.”

“But he won’t,” Tristan says. “Right, Bishop?”

“Everyone is drunk right now.” I step back from Trinity, hoping my obvious erection from listening to her talk about Tristan wanting me isn’t noticeable in the dim room. “Let’s not make decisions right now. Both of you can sleep with me, but that’s it. Sleep. You understand?”

Trinity’s brow furrows while Tristan looks pissed. I find the whole thing slightly amusing.

“Boring,” Trinity says. “I was hoping for a show.”

I pinch her chin, causing her eyes to widen. “Trust me, doll, if I fucked Tristan in front of you, that’s it. You’d never find anything more exciting than that.”

“I’m cool with that. If you both would just fall in love, I could be your permanent voyeur. I could tape that shit. Can you just imagine what the two of you look like on tape?”

I can. I clear my throat. “To the bedroom.”

We walk down the hall and once we’re there, Trinity peels her clothes off.

She’s standing in front of me in her bra and panties, obviously secure being with two gay men.

She jumps in bed, snuggling under the covers.

Tristan gets in next to her. I watch them both for a moment before popping into the closet to throw on a pair of sweats. I climb in next to Tristan.

“No messing around. Just sleep. I’ll text your dad and tell him you’re here with Trinity and safe so he doesn’t worry.”

“I don’t care,” Tristan mumbles, his eyes heavy with sleep.

“Hey.” He looks at me as I roll to my side. “Don’t be mad at him for caring about you.” I cup his cheek, leaning in and kissing him softly. “He just wants the best for you.”

“But not if that’s you.”

“I’m not the best for you. I’m not.”

Tristan wraps his arms around my neck, kissing me hard. I meet Trinity’s hungry gaze as she watches, but quickly lose myself in Tristan’s kiss. His hand moves down my back, grabbing my ass. I want him so much, but…

“Tristan,” I whisper against his lips.

“Please,” he moans. “Please, Bishop. I need you so bad.”

I brush his hair from his forehead, then kiss him softly. “Sleep. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Tristan nods, giving into sleep. Trinity lies her head on the pillow but reaches over Tristan and squeezes my hand. “He’s a mess over you.”

“I know.” I offer a slight smile. “Get some sleep.”

She closes her eyes, and I pick up my phone to text Rocco.

Tristan is here with Trinity. Got a little drunk. Trinity called me for help. All is well. He’s asleep and I promise he’s safe with me.

Thanks, B. I know he’s safe with you.

I glance at him one more time before closing my eyes.