Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 9

locked in a dance, hurtling toward the inevitable apex of a final act they both knew was coming, but neither wanted to discuss. They spent New Year's Eve together lying in the sand next to a fire at Eli's beach house. A month and a half later Cole made a surprise trip to Cincinnati for Michael's birthday. The look on Michael's face when he presented him with an Aquaman cake he designed based on his childhood wish was priceless.
    The Easter holiday was spent, once again, in Ohio with Michael's family. Cole had grown to love Michael's mom and Angela as his own, but he was ready for the two of them to be a family and create their own holiday traditions. By the end of April, the push and pull of the dance was beginning to wear on them. Both knew what the steps were, but neither could decide who would lead and who would follow.
    It was May now, and Michael had driven to Jersey to spend a long weekend celebrating Cole's birthday with him. Normally he would have flown, but he needed the time alone to calm his nerves and churning stomach. He was going to ask Cole to move to Cincinnati. He was tired of the dancing hippo in the room. He wanted Cole with him, always, and since he was the one with a family to think about, Cole's moving seemed like the best choice.
    It was Friday night, and the bakery gang had thrown together a small party in Cole's honor at Johnny Utah's, a local western-themed restaurant complete with a mechanical bull. Surprisingly, it had been Zach's suggestion, and as much as Michael still didn't care for the kid, he had to admit it was fun. Even Elijah had driven down from New York to take part in the festivities.
    They ate steaks and drank beer, laughing over stories of Cole and his mishaps. When their food had settled a little they all decided to try their luck at riding the mechanical bull. By the time they were done, their asses all hurt, and not in a good way. "Damn," Eli joked, "watching all those hunks of meat ride that metal bull has me all hot and bothered. I need a sexy cowboy to ride now. At least I'd get an orgasm to go along with my sore ass."
    They all laughed and gingerly walked back to their tables. "I think we could all use a fresh round of drinks after that," Cole announced.
    "I'll grab us all some. You sit here and start opening your presents," Michael ordered.
    "I'll come with you," Eli offered. "Mine's the one with the big pink bow. Don't open it until I get back."
    When they got to the bar and placed their order, Eli turned to him and said, "Okay. Out with it. You've been a nervous-nelly all night. What are you up to?"
    "Nothing," Michael lied. When Eli crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his hip, giving him the stare down, he caved. "All right. I've got a very special gift for Cole, and I'm nervous about what he'll say."
    "Oh my God. You're asking him to marry you?"
    "No. Well, not quite. I'm asking him to open a new bakery. In Cincinnati. And move in with me."
    "Oh."
    'What do you mean 'oh'?"
    "Well, have you guys talked about this? Is that what he wants to do?"
    "No. We haven't. That's the problem. We both keep avoiding it, but the long distance thing isn't working any more. I love him, and I want to be with him every day. I just figured I have my mom and sister and the business, and he just has the bakery, which he was talking about opening another one somewhere, anyway."
    "Okay. Well, have you thought about the idea that the bakery is his family? These people obviously mean a lot to hime and vice versa. Plus, you know what he went through just to establish Sweetmeats and make it on his own." Michael looked at Eli like he had just kicked his puppy. "Look, I'm not saying it's not a good option, I'm just saying you have to talk to him about it. I don't think putting him on the spot to make such a big decision is a great idea. Take your gift home and give it to him in private."
    "Yeah," Michael sighed. "I guess you're right. I think I know he's not going to love the idea, and that's why I wanted to do it with witnesses. Thanks, Eli. You should write an advice column for gay relationships."
    "You ever notice how most of those people are perpetually single? No thanks. I'm still holding out hope."
    Michael grabbed their drinks from the counter and turned to head back to their table. "Well, I did notice Zach looking your way quite a bit. And I didn't think he had eyes for anyone but Cole."
    Eli laughed. "Yeah, right. That kid looks like he'd go running if I said as much as hi to