Page 102 of Something Like Winter

He was deep into one of his evening painting sessions when he heard a car pull in the driveway. He shot out the side door in seconds, hoping to see Ben smiling at him through the windshield. Instead he found a huge man getting out of an even bigger Rolls-Royce Phantom.

“Hello, my handsome prince,” Marcello said theatrically.

“Hey,” Tim replied, forcing his eyes away from the car. Whenever Marcello came around, he made some excuse to enter the house. Tim understood why. Others visited graves, but he and Marcello were lucky to have this piece of Eric left behind.

“It’s hotter than Satan’s butt crack out here.” Marcello dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief. “Please tell me you have the air conditioner cranked up to the max.”

“Of course.” Tim led him inside to the living room before fetching drinks from the kitchen. He always kept a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator for Marcello. Tim popped the cork, grabbing a glass to go with it and a bottle of beer for himself. When he reentered the living room, Marcello was glancing around as if at an exhibition.

“The parties that used to take place here,” he said as Tim poured his champagne. “You know, I don’t think a single party at my house has ended without someone getting into an argument, but here people behaved respectably. Ah, thank you!”

Tim raised his bottle in a quick toast, took a swig, and sat in the chair opposite Marcello. “It was Eric. People never argued here because they didn’t want to upset him.”

“Quite so.” Marcello nodded. “Do you ever think about continuing the tradition?”

Tim shook his head. “It wouldn’t be the same.”

“I suppose not. Well, speaking of parties, guess who’s turning fifty?”

“Your nephew?” Tim teased. “I know it can’t be you, because I was at your fiftieth last year.”

“And that wasn’t my first.” Marcello took a dainty sip of his champagne, the light catching the glass and the rings on his fingers. “I’m having a real bash this year, no expense spared.”

“If you want me to jump out of the cake, you can forget it.” “I’d rather you jump out of those clothes.” Marcello chuckled at the idea, then tutted when Tim didn’t look amused. “You seem tense tonight.”

Tim sighed. “Sorry. Don’t take this as a hint, but I’m sexually frustrated.”

“Easily cured,” Marcello said. “I can’t imagine you having trouble attracting bees to the flower. Or if you’re tired of the scene, I’d be happy to send over one of my boys.”

Tim shook his head. “There’s only one guy who can scratch my itch.”

“And? Has he never laid eyes on you?”

Tim smiled at the compliment. “It’s Ben’s boyfriend that’s the problem.”

Marcello waved a hand dismissively. “That’s only a problem if you get caught.”

“It’s more than just sex,” Tim said. He took another swig. “Have you ever been in love?”

“I’ve always been in love with the idea of being in love, if that counts.”

“Seriously.” Over the years, Tim had seen a number of guys on Marcello’s arm, most of them young and gorgeous. And they didn’t seem to be there under duress. At first Tim thought it was the money, and maybe it was for a few of them, but others seemed to genuinely findsomethingabout Marcello appealing. “You never seem to have trouble getting what you want.”

“Success in love comes much as it does in business. Aggression and persistence will get you most of the way, with a little sweet talk to seal the deal.” Marcello appraised him. “In your case, a pair of Speedos should do the trick. My birthday party is at Splashtown this weekend. I won’t be swimming, but I always enjoy the view. I have the whole park reserved for me and my friends.”

“Isn’t that down in San Antonio?”

Marcello nodded. “I have two party buses reserved to shuttle us all there. Why don’t you come and bring this Ben person with you?” Tim leaned back. “I doubt his boyfriend will allow that.” “Bring him as well.”

Tim snorted.

“I’m serious.” Marcello leaned forward. “Do you really think he can compete with you?”

That was a tricky question. Tim avoided conversations about Jace, so he didn’t know much about him. From the photo he had seen, he was an okay-looking guy. Handsome in an offbeat way. But Tim had taken good care of his body, and it wouldn’t hurt to remind Ben of his assets. “When Ben sees you and this other person together,” Marcello said, “one of you is going to pale in comparison. I wouldn’t bet a penny on this boyfriend of his. If it doesn’t work out, I’m inviting the handsomest boys in Austin. I’m sure you’ll find someone to soothe your broken heart.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

When it came to advice, Marcello made a poor replacement for Eric, but he might be on to something this time. He knew how to get what he wanted, and Tim sure as hell wanted Ben.