Two Arrivals from Europe
Sebastian rose to his feet, and waited for the room to fall silent before he spoke. "Well, how on earth do you top a personal greeting from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth? I mean, I do have one here from the lady that I affectionately refer to as my Auntie Bette, but it isn't quite the same… So, moving on, I was tasked with obtaining the second of our collective gifts. Again, the remit was that it had to be a tin, and the suggestion was cookies, but really fine imported ones. It appears, however, that those two concepts are alien to each other, and so I am afraid that our resident cookie monster…" - He paused, and sure enough they all heard little Wes go "Cookie! Cookie!" in a perfect imitation of the show character - "will have to make do with something else…"
"I decided therefore to obtain them something much more refined, one of those treats that are craved around the globe by those in the know. I know that they both like macrons, and the best in the world are produced in Paris by Laduree. Some of you will point out that they have a facility here in the city, but those produced there are in my opinion, slightly inferior to those from the company's birthplace. I went online, and decided to order a tin containing several of their finest…" There were murmurs of approval from around the room, but then Sebastian continued…
"That is when I encountered a further obstacle. It transpires that although the company can export those macrons in a wonderful, art deco inspired tin to any location in Europe, Asia, Oceania or South America, they cannot send one to North America. This is because of an arrangement with said facility here in Manhattan. I was determined to find a loophole, though, as I was not going to fail in my task, and whilst it was tempting to fly to Paris myself to buy a tin, it just wasn't a viable option given the time frame and my show schedule. Then it occurred to me; what if I reversed the thinking? So, I made some calls, and have arranged for the tin to be delivered by hand…"
At that, the door behind the table he was sitting at opened, and heads swivelled round to see what was happening. There, standing in the doorway, clutching a truly beautiful tin box, a work of art in itself, in his hands, was none other than François…
"Joyeux dixieme anniversaire de mariage, me chers amis!" he said as he stepped forward, and handed the box to Nick, who having admired it, placed it carefully on the table to join Jeff in hugging their French friend warmly…
It transpired that François had not come alone; he had with him a younger man by the name of Yves, who he introduced to them all as his boyfriend. Sebastian had known of his existence, and had seen photographs, but this was the first time he had met him in person, and he had to say that from first impressions, he was absolutely perfect for his friend. He was soon joining in the conversation, and was talking animatedly with Jeff about art, having studied it at the Sorbonne, and having a job at the Musee d'Orsay. As they talked, and Nick listened, François motioned to Sebastian, and they moved to a quieter spot to talk.
"I hope that nobody will mind, but we need to leave in a very short time. I want to take Yves to the Statue of Liberty, and we have a timed sailing to make."
"Nobody will mind, trust me, but why the rush? I thought that you were here for the whole weekend?"
"We are, mon ami, and I am looking forward to our dinner together on Sunday, and seeing the show tomorrow, but well, as you know, Yves and I have been together now for several years, and so I have decided to ask him to marry me, and where is more appropriate for me in the city of New York than at the foot of that great gift given to this city by the people of France?"
Sebastian was a little shocked, but he was genuinely happy for his oldest friend. "I guess that will be pretty special, and Liberty Island will be a little less crowded than the observation deck of the Empire State Building! I am pleased as punch for you, not that I am showing that right now of course, as that might give the game away to your intended…"
"I will let you know what he says as soon as I can afterwards," replied François, and then, with a shadow flitting across his face, he continued, "My one fear is that he says no, because that could make this a very long and awkward weekend!"
"If he does, then he is an idiot that does not deserve you! Look, should the worst happen, you know where the theatre is; come there, and I will take care of you, okay. It's what old friends do…"
The lunch party finally broke up at around 4pm, exactly the same time that François was due to board the boat to Liberty Island with his boyfriend, in the hope that they would return as fiancés. When they had left the restaurant, Sebastian had shared his intentions to with those that knew the Frenchman best, and he had promised to let them all know what the outcome was as soon as he did. He had to leave soon after himself, as he had the theater to head to, via Penn Station, from where he would send his husband back to Maplewood. Dave was still using his elbow crutch, but he would not be doing so for much longer; his physio was more than happy with his progress, and had him walking now with a cane in their sessions instead. He could have used it that day, but he did not want the attention that would bring to distract from the happy couple that were the focus of the day.
As they stood at the entrance to Penn Station, Dave turned to his husband and said, "I heard today that you suggested that we should go back to Vegas for out tenth anniversary… Were you being serious?"
"Honestly?" said Sebastian. "Not really. I am older now, and a little wiser, and I can see now why the prospect of a group of Warblers descending on the strip used to be Wes' worst nightmare. In any case, by the time that we reach that momentous date in our lives, we will be living in Ohio, in my dad's big old house, so we could accommodate everyone there quite easily instead. It would be a combination of a housewarming and an anniversary party. Of course, we don't tell anyone about this quite yet. If anyone asks, we can tell them that we are intent on Vegas, and that I have my heart set on renewing my vows, soberly, in front of Elvis. The main difference this time is that we will be having the nude ceremony, and that will include the guests…"
Dave laughed, then said, "None of them will ever fall for that one, Sebby!"
"They won't, at least until they get the e-mail from the venue, a few weeks in advance, reminding them of the dress code for the ceremony. Trust me, if you know the right people in my industry, anything is possible…" Dave shook his head at his husband, but smiled as he did so, then with a kiss, they went their separate ways…
Back in the West Village, Thad had headed back from the restaurant with Nick and Jeff to their home. He had left his bag there that morning when he arrived, and now had to head to Penn Station himself to catch his train to Boston. He would not be making the journey alone as it happened, as Mitch had also made his way to the party, and by chance was booked to head home on the same train. He was one of the few people that had not attended the original wedding that had been there that day, and he walked along behind the couple and Thad, little Wes keeping him company.
On reaching the house, Mitch was happy to head down to the kitchen, where little Wes wanted to show off his latest skill at origami; as he did, Nick and Jeff took Thad to one side in the former's study. "Now, you are certain that you don't want company in Boston?" asked Nick. "One of us can easily pack an overnight bag and join you on the train…"
"And separate Niff on your anniversary? The offer is appreciated, but I will be perfectly okay. Mitch will be with me on the train, and once I am in Boston, well, to be honest, some alone time would be good. I will have an early start in the morning, as I have promised to meet Angela for one of his favourite breakfast bagels before we go to that spot… I also have a feeling that Gabriel will be there, and in all likelihood Mitch and David too, although they will all keep a distance. I did happen to overhear the latter talking with Mercedes about their schedule for later on, and it transpires that they aren't staying in town after she finished performing tonight. He will be back home late, but I still expect to see him at that junction at 8.47am. It is only right, because he lost as much as me that morning…"
"Well, we will be sitting here, thinking of you both at that moment; silently recalling what we all lost a decade ago…" replied Jeff.
"Don't dwell on it the whole day though; I wouldn't want that, nor would Wes, so it's a direct order, okay. It is forecast to be a beautiful summer day, so take your boy to Coney Island. He's at that age when he will appreciate it the most."
"That's true," responded Nick, and seeing the look of happiness on his husband's face at the mention of the place, he continued, "I think my husband is also at that same age, and in all honesty, I hope that will never alter…"
Jeff shook his head, and commented, "Some men would be offended by the implications of that statement, but I personally see my eternally youthful outlook as a blessing…"
"As do I, my love," replied Nick, before kissing the man that had stolen his heart, even if he could not bring himself to admit it at the time, on his first day as a student at Dalton Academy…
Later on that day, the train had barely emerged from the long tunnel under Manhattan when Thad's phone buzzed and there was a message from Sebastian to say that François now had a very delighted fiancé, and the Head Warbler smiled at that news. He showed the message to Mitch in the seat next to him, and he nodded, then said, "If I was in your position, all of this today would not have been at all easy to bear. I know that technically you are married to him, but I still have to admire your fortitude…"
"If there was one thing that Wes taught me," Thad replied after a moment, "it was that you have to put the needs of other people first, and to put on a smile, no matter how much your own heart is breaking. Of course, in a way, I already knew all about that, thanks to my parents. The plain honest truth is that I am very happy to see that Niff are still going strong, and I am pleased to hear that François is embarking on a marriage with the man that he loves. I am also looking forward to the day when you and Gideon become husbands too. I am enjoying see all of the others' children grow; little Wes is nowhere near as little anymore, and quite a personality, and my own nephew is coming on in leaps and bounds…"
He paused, then said, "Plus, I am married to him, to a man that changed his own name for me. We have all had our tough times, and losing Seth was nothing short of tragic, but we get through them all, together. I'm not saying that tomorrow will be easy; far from it. However, I do know that he is waiting for me, whenever my time may come, and that is all I need. When a man has friends, and a degree of faith, then he can deal with anything life throws at him…"
Thad had declined offers from both Mitch and Gabriel to stay the night with them, and had turned David down too, when he had said that he could tell their nanny that he was expected. He wanted, indeed needed, to spend the night alone, and to that end he had booked a room at the Charles Hotel, close to the place that he would be heading the next morning. He checked in swiftly; as he did so, he could hear the sound of the music being played at the jazz club that was on the premises. Part of him was tempted to head there and just lose himself for a while in the music; he had always been a fan of traditional jazz, and that was what seemed to be being played that night…
However, his brain won out over his heart. He had places that he needed to be in just a few hours time, so he headed instead for the elevator, and his room. His first task was to set the alarm on his phone, then headed for the shower; washed, he put on his night clothes, and slipped into the bed, not that he felt that he would sleep, his head too full of memories. If he closed his eyes, he could almost hear that music from a decade before; see that moment during Nick and Jeff's first dance, to that old disco song, Shame, Shame, Shame, when he had been dancing alone, and suddenly Wes had been there, dancing with him, not caring who saw the two of them together for the first time ever…
He felt a tear forming in his eye as he relived that night in all too vivid technicolor, his dance with Wes eclipsing the newlyweds, and even Trent and Rory's mutual proposal in everyone's mind. It had been the happiest day of Wes' human life…
"But surpassed in my existence by my little one's 30th birthday, when he became my husband, and I became Wes Harwood," came a whisper, and Thad turned to see that Wes was lying on the bed beside him…
"That was the best day of my life as well, Wessie, but of my existence? No. That will be the day that I become Thad Montgomery, and have my wings; the day that I am by your side forever. A day that I will wait a lifetime for…"
Wes smiled at that, and leant over to kiss his husband. Then he wrapped his arms around him, spooning him, and in no time at all, Thad was sound asleep, dreaming of flying with Wes at his side through the heavenly realms, never to be apart from each other ever again…
When Thad's alarm rang out the following morning, he found himself alone again, and that was exactly what he had expected. He rose and switched on the coffee machine; he had a cup before he headed to the bathroom to shower and then shave, as he wanted to look his best for the man he loved. He had chosen his outfit carefully so that it was an approximation of a Dalton uniform; grey slacks, white shirt, but a navy blazer with no crest or piping in scarlet. The fact that he would also be wearing his Dalton tie would be enough in public, given that he was now in his thirties…
He was out of the hotel again by 7am, carrying his overnight bag, and in no time he was at the door to the diner. He recalled the first time he had been there on his own, nine years ago, on the day when three former Head Warblers had been given the shock of their life on hearing Wes speaking to them… That thought made him smile just a little as he opened the door and stepped inside. He saw Angela at once; older now, as indeed they all were, and semi-retired…
"It is good to see you, Thad," she said as he approached. "Punctual, as I expected you would be. Sit down, and get comfortable. There is a Wes' special on its way for your breakfast - and don't tell me that you have eaten, because I know that is a lie."
Before Thad could respond, a young waiter appeared, and placed one of those breakfast bagels before him, along with a cup of coffee. The smell was so heavenly that he could not say no any longer. It was as delicious as he recalled, and he ate it slowly, savouring it, as he chatted to Angela about how they had been since they last met. Then, it was time. Without hesitation or question, the young waiter returned, and took Thad's bag, storing it away for him until the moment was passed. Then he came back with a bunch of red and yellow variegated roses for him to place at the spot where the earthly existence of Wes Montgomery had come to a tragic, early end….
This time it was a Saturday morning, and the area was much quieter than it had been nine years ago. Thad did not do as he had done that time, and stood silently; he was older now, so sitting on the cold sidewalk made less sense. His heart was also hurting a little less. He was pleased to see that the little plaque that marked the spot still shone, and he suspected that might be Angela's doing, and the fact that there were some floral tributes already there was also no shock…
At 8.40am, with 7 minutes to go, Thad was proved right when David came walking across the street, and said nothing as he joined him and Angela in silent remembrance. Two minutes later, Mitch and Gabriel arrived, as Thad had expected, and joined them in their small huddle. There was no sign of Wes, however; it was not the done thing to appear at the place that you passed away on the anniversary, unless of course it was to haunt guilty parties…
Then, with a minute to go, Angela opened her purse, and pulled out a carefully wrapped feather, that she cradled in her hand. Thad smiled as he saw it, noting the look of surprise as the other three stared at it wide eyed, knowing that it was one of those from Wes' wings…
On the stroke of 8.47am, Thad knelt down and laid the bunch of roses amongst the other flowers, bowing his head as if in prayer, eyes closed. When he opened them again, he saw that there was an extra pair of shoes. Curious, he looked up, and froze. He had just seen a face that he had not seen since New Year's Eve in 2015, and it was not one that he had ever imagined that he would see in the United States again…
There was silence around him, as the eyes of all the others there were focused on the fact that Thad was staring at the man that had joined them with a second to go, a man with a tanned complexion, and an increasingly uneasy look on his face. He was the one that broke the silence. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here right now; I should have waited and paid my respects later. Now I have ruined the moment for you, and I am sorry… I just wanted to remember his passing, because he didn't deserve to have his life end the way it did. He was the good one, the one with all the morality that they lacked. My own morals were certainly never as impeccable as his…."
Thad rose to his feet slowly, then said in a conciliatory tone, "You've got as much right to be here as me, particularly at this significant anniversary, and honestly, I don't mind, I'm just surprised. Nothing has been ruined by your presence. It's just a shock to see you here in Boston, particularly after everything that happened at the end of the following year…"
David's eyes suddenly widened as he realised who the man was; someone he had never met, not even when the Montgomery family had lived next door to him in Ohio, but he had heard so much about him.
"Yes, it wasn't an easy decision to come back stateside, but my paternal grandmother is very ill, and she wanted to see me. The rest of them might be dead to her, but I am not. She hired a detective to find me about five years ago, and the letter that he gave to me from her was not the hate filled missive that I might have anticipated. You see, my grandfather had just passed away then, and he had cursed me for what my actions did, but she could not condemn me for having the same morals as Wes. When I heard she was sick, I knew I had to come home, and introduce her to her living great-grandchildren for the first time. The timing was coincidental, trust me, but once I was here, I knew I had to mark my nephew's death…"
Gabriel and Mitch looked at each other, then just stared open-mouthed as Thad turned to an equally stunned Angela and said, "This is Albert Montgomery. He found out that his half-brother was actually his nephew a week before he ensured that his family would pay for their activities. He had to, to avenge what they had done to Wes, but in doing so, he turned his world upside down, and knew he had to flee to Italy…"
They all ended up back at the diner, talking over coffee. Albert insisted that they all called him Bertie, as Wes had always done. "I curse my brother to this day for the way that he treated his own flesh and blood, his son. I curse the fact that his influence and power over me meant that I also failed to treat the brilliant young man I believed was my half-brother with the kindness and respect that I should have done. I often wonder what might have happened if I had stood up to Randy and told him that I wasn't going to carry on being part of his vendetta against Wes. Would things have worked out differently for all of us?"
"It doesn't do to dwell in the past, young man," said Angela sagely. "The Wes that I knew would have forgiven you, of that much I am certain. He could always tell what was the truth, and well, he would have seen that you were as much of a victim as he was in all of this. In the end, you were the one that helped him to achieve justice, and that is all that really matters when it comes down to it…"
"I can second that," added Thad. "He would be so pleased to see that you were happy, settled and a family man."
Albert smiled, and pulled out a photograph. "My two little girls, who are the apples of my eye. I also have a beautiful, intelligent wife, and a job that I love in Florence, one of the most magical and attractive cities in the world. In a way, I know that I owe all of that to Wes; it was finding out who he really was, and how they had all treated him that made the blinkers fall from my eyes; I suddenly saw just how awful they all were, and how like them I was becoming. It was all a sham, a front for society. For the record, I have no intention of ever seeing my brother again, even though he is in jail not far from here; as for Wes' mother, she is no longer on any of the family's radar. But my dad… I am thinking about visiting him. He is currently in the Pondville Correctional Center in Norfolk. He will be free soon enough, and although I don't want him back in my life for good, I'm informed that his health isn't good, and I have enough regrets…"
"If you want my advice, you should visit him. He didn't treat Wes as badly as the other two; indeed, his actions at least gave Wes the kind of start in life he deserved. So, yes, you should build bridges, and make amends," responded Thad. "I also think that if you get the opportunity whilst you are here, you should head down to New York and see Michelle. She is family too, through Wes, and she has a son of her own these days that would make him a cousin of some variety to your girls…"
They had to part eventually, as Albert had to get back to his wife and daughters, but he did make a call to Michelle at Thad's suggestion whilst he was there, using the latter's phone. She was shocked to hear his voice, even more shocked to find out that he was back in the country, but she was only too happy to extend Thad's invitation to visit. "Put it this way, Bertie; you might not bring your girls back to the United States for a long time, if ever, and to have come all of this way and not seen New York, when the city is the one that most of their friends will associate with the word America? I can get you a good deal on a hotel, and you can do all of the touristy stuff, give them those memories. It would also be nice to see you, and introduce you to my husband properly. After all, you have only ever met him once, and that was on your wedding day! You don't even know exactly who he is…"
"You have a point there!" replied Albert, and then his eyes widened as Michelle told him, and he just stared at Thad, who nodded. "Okay, that settles it, we are coming, so I can ask exactly how that happened. Can I get your number from Thad, and sort things out later, once I have spoken to Celia?"
"Of course, and don't forget, if you are looking for somewhere in Boston to take the family out to for dinner, my parents' place is still the best Chinese restaurant in the city…"
Albert laughed, but he had to admit what she said was true, and it would be interesting to see if the Laus remembered him when he walked in. They were, like Michelle, family of a sort as well. It would be nice if he could head back to Italy having salvaged some sort of family ties back here, people that he could return to visit some day…