I want to say thank you for sticking with this story. I know it's taking FOREVER but fingers crossed, this will get done by the end of the year Alrighty, here is chapter 87, enjoy!
Chapter 87
John looked out the kitchen window while he sat down and enjoyed his morning coffee. The past few weeks have been absolute bliss for him. His marriage with Phil was great. They just loved being with one another even more so now that they're husband and husband. And the sex was terrific too. Almost like clockwork, they would wake up, have sex, breakfast, shower, sex in the shower then Phil would go off to work on his tattoo shop and John would go to the gym to his part-time job. After work, they would arrive home, have dinner, watch some TV then go to bed and more sex which could last anywhere from 30 minutes to almost 3 hours.
Yes life was good for John and Phil right now. He even made some attempts to contact his dad and Jeff.
The larger man let out a contented sigh and looked across from him. He watched Phil read his comic book while eating his cereal. He smiled when he saw some milk dribble down his chin and couldn't help but be grateful for this moment.
Phil then looked up, sensing that John was watching him and smiled back.
"You're watching me eat again aren't you?" Phil asked jokingly.
"I can't help it. You're cute when you eat."
"Well apparently I'm cute whenever I do anything around you." Phil said as his smile widened.
John chuckled and leaned over for a kiss on the lips.
"Hey, I can't help it if you're cute and sexy all the time. In fact, I wouldn't mind having my way with you right now on this table." John whispered the last part, sending shivers down Phil's spine.
"Oh, you know I would love that but not today. I gotta get ready for the shop. I can't believe it's the grand opening. It just went by so quick. I hope people come."
Phil has been working so hard to get his shop ready in time. He wanted everything to be perfect and he was able to find some great artists that he knew from previous appointments. He even hired a student to work on the shop's online site and social media, two things he had no clue about. But he was glad he made that decision. In the short time that they set up a twitter account, he already has 10,000 followers and growing. But that was just a side note for him. He was more worried about the business getting back on its feet.
John placed his hand on his husband's and looked at him with soft eyes.
"Hey, you're gonna do great today. People will come and you're a very talented artist."
"Cute. You forgot cute."
"Yes of course, cute as a button."
"You're gonna come to? After your meeting with Wade?"
"Yup. I'll be there the whole day to support you."
John wanted to be with Phil for the first customer but Wade called him for some emergency meeting and needed to talk with him ASAP. He wasn't sure what the topic would be but it was either something really good or really bad. He was hoping for the good part.
They both finished up their breakfast and walked towards the front door. Since John needed the car for his appointment, Phil was going to get a ride with Eve. As John opened the door, Phil took his hand, making the larger man stop what he was doing.
"Hey John…ummmm…I just want you to know that I'm happy that you're in my life right now."
"Well, I'm happy to."
Phil bit his lip, looking at John's face and continued.
"It's just…these past few months have been really stressful for me and there were times when I wanted to give up. But when I thought about you and what you had to go through and how you bounced back…I couldn't disappoint you John. You're my inspiration and….and…I love you so much."
Phil then quickly pressed himself against John, wrapping his arms around his neck and squeezing tight. A bit dumbfounded, John slowly embraced Phil as the two men held onto one another for a few moments before letting go.
Clearing his throat, Phil smiled quickly and opened the door, not allowing John to react to his comment and went to Eve's house.
John watched, still stunned, as he went over to the car and climbed in. He could feel his eyes water and smiled at the reaction.
'I'm his inspiration'
John thought to himself. He started the car and kept on thinking back to what Phil said on the way to the gym. Yes, life was good for John right now. Very good.
John walked into the gym and greeted his two co-workers who were manning the reception area. He asked where Wade was and pointed to his office. Thanking them both, John walked towards the office and knocked on the door before he heard a British accent respond on the other side. John opened the door and was greeted with a smile from Wade.
"John! I'm glad you made it. I promise this won't take long so you'll be able to enjoy Phil's opening of his business. Please take a seat." Wade gestured to the empty chair across from him and sat down.
The larger man looked around and waited as Wade was finished up with his paperwork. He stood up straight when he noticed the other man put everything away and sat there without saying a word.
"John, as you know, there has been a lot of changes going on at the gym lately. I've been working hard to get this business going and looking at other venues to open up a few more facilities."
"Yes, and I know you'll be able to do it."
"I know I will. In fact, I just found out yesterday that a building not too far from Phil's shop will be the property of Barrett's Gym."
"Congratulations Wade. I know it will be a great success."
The other man stood up and went over to the window."
"Well, that's the thing John. I don't know how successful it will be. I can't be there all the time plus manage this gym. I will need someone that I can rely on, who is responsible and can take care of the clients and other issues." Wade turned around at that moment to face John.
"Oh ummmm…you can probably put an ad in the paper. Or maybe get Heath to work there."
Wade only smiled and went back to his desk.
"John. I know things can go over your head sometimes so I'm going to just be blunt. I want you to be manager of the new gym. You're great with people and dependable. This will be a step up for you. I promise."
The larger man looked at Wade, shocked that he would even consider him to manage another gym.
"Me? You want me to be manger?"
"Yes."
"I….I don't know what to say."
"You can say 'yes, Wade. I'll take the job.'"
"Yes. YES! I'll take it! Oh thank you so Wade. I won't disappoint you." John stood up and went over to his boss to give him a hug. Wade only smiled, allowing John to squeeze him tight before letting go.
"Okay, okay. Enough with the hugs. Now, this won't happen overnight. I still need to get the building ready but I'm hoping to open it up in the next couple of months. I just wanted to let you know now so we can go over a few things before the transition."
"Of course."
"Good. That's all for now John. I'm glad you took it. You're a good man and I know I can trust you."
The two shook hands as Wade opened the door, allowing both men to leave the room. John walked out of the building feeling better than ever. He couldn't wait to tell Phil the news.
Once John parked the car, he immediately walked over to Phil's new shop. There was some balloons and a sign reading 'Grand re-opening' by the front door. He walked in and saw Eve and Colt by the waiting area while Phil was talking to his new crew. The smaller man smiled when he saw John come in and went over to greet his husband.
"Hey, that was quick."
"Yeah. He just wanted to talk to me about something. Can we go over to the back for a minute?"
"Um, sure."
The two went to back part of the shop, away from everyone else. Phil looked at John with concern, wondering what he was going to say.
"What's wrong? Did Wade say something to you?"
"He did. He's opening up a new gym and he's asked me to manage it."
"Really? That's great! I'm so happy for you!" Phil exclaimed. He wrapped his arms around John's large frame and kissed lightly on the lips.
"I'm so happy too Phil. I can't believe he would want me to do this. I feel so proud."
"You should be. I'm proud of you to…my hubby." Both men smiled as they kissed again.
"Hubby. I like that. I'm gonna use it from now on."
They were about to kiss again when they heard a slight cough. They turned to see Colt smiling at them.
"Sorry to interrupt the love fest here but Phil you got some customers and someone from the local paper."
"Okay, thanks." Phil congratulated John again before going back to the front to greet his customers. John stayed in his spot as Colt walked closer.
"Soooo…you guys eloped?"
"What? No…we didn't do that!" John said, trying not to sound surprised.
"Reallllyyyy? Well, I heard you two say hubby. That's short for husband so I figure….you guys tied the knot already." Colt said smiling.
"Oh that's just a new nickname."
"Uh huh. Okay then." The other man turned halfway before facing John again.
"Oh by the way, this was sent to my parent's house by mistake. It's for you. From City Hall's marriage license registration office. Enjoy!"
Colt then skipped away, chuckling as John's face turned ghost white.
It was close to closing and Phil's shop was a huge success. He was able to get his old customers back and made new ones along the way. He also gave an interview for a national tattoo magazine and took photos with some friends. All in all, it was a great day and everyone was happy.
Phil thanked his new employees and closed the door, locking it as well. When he turned around, he saw Eve with a cake and candle and John and Colt behind her.
"Awwww….cake for me?"
"Well, I know this was a stressful day and I wanted to do something special for you Phil. I'm so proud of you and I know if mom and dad were here they would be too."
Phil smiled, taking the cake and placing it on the counter. They all hugged each other before diving in and grabbing a slice for themselves.
"This cake is good Eve. You make it?" Colt asked as he shoved a piece in this mouth.
"Well, I was able to make time. My friend is babysitting for me for the day so I wanted to do something for my little brother."
"Well nothing says thanks than some chocolate cake." Phil smiled.
They all chatted for bit, mostly about the day before deciding it was time to go home.
As they were driving back, John turned to Phil.
"Phil, I think we got a problem."
"What are you talking about?"
"I think Colt knows about our marriage."
"Huh? No, he doesn't. How can he? I never said anything to him."
"Well, he gave me this." John reached into his pocket and showed Phil the letter from City Hall. The smaller man slammed on the brakes, making the other car behind him blare his horn. He continued to drive until they were at the side street before coming to a full stop.
Phil took the letter with trembling hands.
"Wwwwelll…maybe he thinks….it's for…Eve!"
"I don't think so. It has my name on it."
Phil looked over at John with worry.
"Shit. Colt is the worst when it comes to secrets! I wouldn't be surprised if he told everyone!"
"Well maybe we can talk to him? Let's call him up right now."
They made their way back home and quickly entered the house. They were about to call Colt when the house phone rang.
"Okay this is getting weird. If that is him right now, I swear I'm gonna lose it." Phil went over and picked it up. Within seconds, he handed the receiver to John.
"Who is it?"
"It's Randy. He needs to talk to you about Cody."
"Now? Can't it wait?"
Phil looked back with sad eyes.
"No. He's crying."
Without hesitation, John grabbed the phone and placed it against his ear.
"Randy? Is something wrong?"
He heard some sniffling for a few moments before Randy spoke.
Well, another cliff hanger…big surprise . Thank you for reading and I know it was a long pause in between chapters but hopefully with this one, I'll be able to get back on track again. Until then, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
