Chapter 3
He didn't breathe a word to Eric for the rest of the afternoon. Instead, Jack just threw dirty looks his way whenever Eric interacted with Marshall. Rachel spent most of her time dunking Jack in the pool and gabbing with Marshall and Eric. She regaled them with her story about her engagement and how long she had waited for Jack to ask her. The entire time Eric raged inside, resenting Rachel for stealing part of Jack from him while he resented himself for stealing a part of Jack from her. Ironically, Eric was also grateful that he met Marshall and focused on him as much as he could without drawing any suspicion from Rachel or Jack. Marshall was very attractive to him. His body, his eyes, his smile and personality were so full of honesty and vigor. Marshall didn't seem the type to play games or try to manipulate anybody. Eric found that especially attractive.
A few hours later, they left the club and returned to the apartment. Jack kissed Rachel goodbye, with some small talk about plans for dinner and a movie. Eric and Marshall sat on the couch and watched TV while Jack went into the bedroom to gather up a load of laundry.
"So you have any plans for tonight?" Marshall asked nervously. Their knees were casually touching. He had been afraid to move, fearing that Eric would shift or put his foot on the floor if he drew attention to it.
"Nothing... you feel like going out?" Eric didn't move.
"Sure, what do you feel like doing?"
"...you guys can come with Rach and I to dinner and a movie. We had a lot of fun today, so you're welcome to hang with us, Marshall." Jack interrupted before heading to the laundry room. He looked at Jack and then at Eric. Eric gave Jack a skeptical look and turned to Marshall, "Whatever you feel like."
"Sure, that'd be great. What time do you plan on going?" Marshall inquired politely.
"Uh, in a couple of hours?"
"Does that sound good to you, Eric?" Both men paused, waiting for Eric's answer.
"Yeah, sure. Where are you going for dinner?"
"Carmichael's, have you ever been, Eric?" Jack asked with a hint of disdain. Marshall watched Eric's eyes drop to the floor as he became visibly uncomfortable.
"No," he said quietly. Eric's cheeks became flush with anger and embarrassment. Jack knew he couldn't afford to eat at such an expensive restaurant. Eric thought it a cheap shot and immature if this was some form of retaliation.
"That's okay, Eric. Dinner is on me. You invited me to go swimming today, so tonight will be my treat." Marshall interjected. Eric looked at Marshall, still uncomfortable, then at Jack.
"Well, whatever. We'll be leaving around 7:30 tonight. I'll call Rach to have her change the reservations to include you guys."
"You sure it's not a problem, Jack? If you and Rachel want to be alone..." Marshall offered.
"No, no. It's no problem at all. It would be fun to have you. Both of you." Jack smirked and left.
"Look, we can go somewhere else if you want, we don't have to eat there, or do dinner at all, or see a movie... today was a lot of fun and you don't owe me anything..." Eric fumbled his words, trying to express himself without causing further awkwardness.
"Eric, it's cool. Don't sweat it. Carmichael's is a good restaurant, you'll love it if you love Italian food." Marshall put his hand on Eric's knee. He stared at it, and then looked into Marshall's eyes. He smiled at Eric and stood up. "Well, I better go home and get ready. Don't wanna smell like chlorine all night..."
Eric stood up and followed him to the door, "Yeah, I should get changed too. Don't wanna be too big of an embarrassment to ya. Then you might not go out with me again." A smile was burgeoning on Eric's lips. Marshall winked at Eric and leaned forward, kissing Eric on the cheek.
"Thanks for today, I had a good time. I'll be back in a few hours." Eric closed the door and leaned against it, lightly touching his cheek where Marshall had kissed him. He had longed to kiss those lips all day. He wanted to feel their soft heat pressing against his own mouth. Eric laughed at himself, jogged through the bedroom and into the bathroom. He sang long, loud and a trifle out of tune as he jumped into the shower.
"Marshall! You goin' up?" Rachel looked puzzled as she held the elevator door. He quickly stepped inside.
"Yeah, Jack invited Eric and I to dinner tonight."
"Cool! We had so much fun today at the pool, it'll be like a double date!" Rachel grinned and winked at Marshall.
"Alright, now I have to ask, because I'm not 100% sure... is Eric gay?"
"He is, but I don't know if he's comfortable enough about it to come right out and say it to any of us... he should know better than to think we would judge him, but I respect his space and privacy." She glanced up, staring at the row of floor numbers that lit in succession as they passed each floor. Marshall stood there in silence, thinking. The doors opened and Rachel stepped out, followed by Marshall. She knocked on the door as she turned to him, "I have a key, but I like to give them a chance to look decent."
"That's considerate of you."
Eric opened the door and admitted his friends into the apartment with a hug. Rachel began to call for Jack, immediately heading for the bedroom. Eric turned to Marshall and smiled. He stepped forward with a smile of his own and embraced Eric tightly. Eric held on for a moment longer than he felt it appropriate, blushing as he slowly brushed cheeks with Marshall when they parted.
"You look great," Eric blushed even more at the compliment. He looked around to make sure that Jack and Rachel were not in the room.
"You do too... and you smell good too." Eric bashfully responded. He was rewarded with another perfect grin from Marshall, who raised his hand to Eric's face and gently brushed it, moving slowly down his neck. Eric looked into Marshall's eyes and felt his warm smile.
"So, are you hungry?"
"Starving, you?" Marshall sat down, while waiting for Eric to answer.
"I could eat," Eric smirked, sitting down next to him. Rachel walked back into the living room, towing Jack behind her. Eric jumped up and watched them cross the room to the door.
"Everybody ready?" Jack looked to Eric and Marshall for consent. They both nodded. "Oh, is it cool if we drive separately? I've got some stuff in the back seat of my convertible, so I don't think all four of us can fit."
"That's fine, Eric and I will take my car." Eric looked at Marshall, relieved. Jack gave Eric a quick, disgusted glance then turned and escorted Rachel to the elevator.
"If you like, you and Rachel can ride with us... unless you would rather take separate vehicles," Marshall offered.
"That's great! We'll ride with you," Rachel smiled. As they exited the building, the three of them followed Marshall up to an old beat-up red station wagon parked near the corner. He stood there with his back to them, jingling and fumbling with his keys.
"Don't be embarrassed, Marshall. College life is a humbling experience... we can't all drive sports cars," Jack beamed at Rachel and Eric. Rachel smacked Jack on the arm, "Be nice! I drive an old car!" Eric frowned. He had hoped that Jack had better manners than that. He was wrong.
Marshall fidgeted for another moment before turning around to face Jack, with a sly grin on his face. "Oh, that's not my car," he replied coolly. He pointed across the street, "That's my car... I just can't remember which one turns off the alarm and unlocks the doors..." As soon as he finished speaking, he held his keys in the air and pressed a button and the black Lexus SUV across the street chirped and flashed it's lights. The interior lights came on and the doors unlocked. Jack's mouth dropped. Rachel squealed and clapped her hands together, rushing over to ogle the immaculate new ride. Eric, astonished as well, followed Rachel to the car and they both did a lap around it, surveying and admiring. Jack composed himself and walked casually over to the vehicle and opened the passenger door.
"It's just a car, no big deal..."
"Yeah, but it's brand new!" Rachel squealed as she opened her door and slid onto the seat.
"Eric! Leather seats!" Rachel moaned as she caressed the interior. Marshall hopped in and Eric rode shotgun.
"Wow, this is really nice."
"Thanks, Eric. Of course, my dad bought it for me, since I'm 'struggling' through college." Marshall winked at Eric. He reciprocated with a smile. Jack sat with arms folded, looking out the window defiantly, pouting because he had been outdone. It was all Jack could do to keep from yelling at them for making such an ass of themselves over a car. He seethed quietly.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Marshall turned over his valet key to the valet and the four of them headed into the restaurant. Jack stepped forward and announced his name to the maitre d'. After conferring for a moment, Jack returned to the group.
"Rach, I totally forgot to call you and have you add Eric and Marshall to the guest list," he turned to Marshall and Eric. "Well, it doesn't look that busy... maybe you can wait for an available table... it shouldn't be too long."
Eric rolled his eyes. This night can't get much worse. Obviously, Jack was pulling out all the stops. Marshall stepped forward, toward the maitre d', and looked back to Eric, "Gimme a second, 'kay?" Eric nodded. Rachel frowned. Jack smirked at Eric. Marshall returned a second later.
"We have a table, let's go." Both Jack and Eric stared in amazement as they were led to one of the center tables. Marshall continued his confident smile, waiting for Jack to demand an explanation. He didn't disappoint.
"How did you do that?" Jack demanded. His contempt for Marshall was growing rapidly. Eric had a pleased and grateful expression on his face, while Rachel began to discipline Jack.
"Don't be rude! Just be grateful that he was able to fix your screw up!" Rachel smacked Jack on the shoulder.
"Don't HIT me! I want to know how he did that."
"I know the owner, he's my uncle." Marshall piped up. Eric felt Marshall grab his hand and hold it. By this time, he was so frustrated by Jack's attitude that he thought he would explode, but Eric felt a peaceful tranquility wash over him when he Marshall touched his hand. He laced his fingers in between Marshall's and looked at him. He looked at Eric and smiled reassuringly. Rachel continued to reprimand Jack for his behavior until Jack sat silently, staring at Eric.
"So what's good here, Marshall?" Eric asked, trying to break the uncomfortable silence that settled around the table.
"Everything," he stated simply.
"Alright, I'll have one of everything," Rachel chimed in. They all laughed, except for Jack. Jack excused himself and headed for the bathroom before anyone could react. Eric released Marshall's hand and stood up, "I'll find out what's bothering him. I'll be right back." Rachel and Marshall looked at each other uncomfortably and simultaneously reached for their waters as Eric headed for the bathroom.
