Page 243 of Seasons of Love
I got up from the sofa, taking time to adjust my erection in my underwear, and went to open the door.
The guy on the other side looked to be in his early thirties, almost my height and build but with blond hair and brown eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in months.
"Can I help you?"
"Hi, is Tiago in?"
"Fred!" At the guy's words, Tiago jumped from the sofa, ran toward him, and enveloped him in a hug.
I tried to squash the little tinge of jealousy that sprang up. I'd never been a jealous person, but our relationship had a much different dynamic than what I'd grown used to with Dri. Not to mention that this other guy, apart from being physically very attractive, was also Tiago's good friend.
Tiago pulled Fred into the apartment and guided him to the sofa. I thought I'd give them some space, so I went to the kitchen, thinking I could plan what we were going to have for dinner tomorrow.
I was surprised when Tiago came in a minute later straight into my arms.
"He doesn't look well."
He ran his fingers through his hair, and I kicked myself for letting my doubts and lack of confidence get to me earlier.
"He's here now, so you can look after him, see what he needs. Let me make you guys a coffee and then I'll leave you alone to talk."
"No, please, I need you. Will you join us with the coffee? Can you also make him a sandwich? He looks like he hasn't eaten in days."
"Anything, baby. I'll be out there in ten minutes."
I wasn't sure what to make of the feeling of relief that Tiago needed to lean on me so he could help his friend. It was a feeling I hadn't had for a long time. Even Mateus had been fiercely independent since he was a child. I knew he'd have moved out of home after he finished university if it hadn't been for Dri getting sick.
While I waited for the coffee to finish, I dropped Mateus a text.
Hey son. Thanks for the words of wisdom over the weekend. I thought that was my job, but you've clearly got the touch. I'd love to introduce you properly to my boyfriend soon. Love, Dad xx
When I came back to the living room, Tiago and Fred were on the sofa facing each other. I wasn't listening to their conversation, but I caught a few words and knew Tiago had told Fred about our relationship.
I put the tray on the coffee table.
"Hi, Fred, I'm Vítor." I put my hand out and was glad when he shook it back.
"Hi, nice to meet you."
Tiago looked at me and smiled. I placed a kiss on his head before I sat on the other side of him. When he leaned back on my chest, I gladly put my arms around his waist.
Fred inhaled the sandwich and drank his coffee like a starved man. "Thanks, guys, this really hit the spot. I haven't had much to eat since… well, I can't even remember."
"What's going on, Fred? I've been worried sick."
Fred looked guilty, but before he answered Tiago's question, he looked at me and paused as though he was making an assessment.
"First," he said to Tiago, "you're going to explain to me how you went from poster boy for the gay single life to loved up in three-point-five seconds." He turned to me. "And you, you're going to promise me that you won't break his heart or I'm going to forget I'm an officer of the law and kick your ass so hard you're going to end up in France with no pit stops in Spain."
I held my hands up and away from Tiago who took them and wrapped them around him again.
"Don't worry, babe, I'll protect you," he said, looking at me and placing a chaste kiss on my lips.
"Ugh, another loved-up couple. Am I the only one left now?" Fred groaned.
Tiago leaned forward and put his hands on Fred's. "He's out there, Fred."
Fred looked into Tiago's eyes but then looked away. I saw regret and something else I couldn't name. Was he in love with Tiago?
