The Sweetest Scent Part 28

They stopped at once, and looked at each other. G.o.d, we need to get back in sync G.o.d, we need to get back in sync, Bro thought glumly. From Bradley's morose expression he must have thought the same.

Eddy stared at them, frowning, perplexed, and a bit suspicious. "Um... okay...."

Bro sighed sadly. There really was no way out of this conversation-again. "Come on. Let's go outside. I need to talk to you."

Without waiting for Eddy to accept, Bro walked toward the back door. It wasn't until he walked outside to the large backyard with its trimmed lawn, tall trees, and winding footpath that he realized how late it really was. Stars shone in the black sky, but Bro saw no sign of the moon, and the back terrace lights didn't offer much illumination. A few small groups of people stood or sat nearby, but none farther out toward LeDroit Park.

Bro headed for the privacy offered by the park. He stopped under a tree, staring at the dark emptiness across from their little shelter of nature. No one was about, not even on the footpaths. A clamorous city was not far from their seclusion, but here all was still.

"You okay, brother?" Eddy asked, concerned. Only then did Bro notice the guy had indeed followed him out, as requested, or ordered, more like. "Have I done something wrong?"

Bro needed a moment to collect his thoughts. He didn't want to end their friends.h.i.+p, but if Eddy insisted on pursuing this line of so-called a.s.sociation....

The silence dragged on, and Eddy fidgeted. "What is it?" When Bro still didn't reply, he moved into Bro's line of sight, facing him. "Talk to me."

Looking straight into Eddy's eyes, Bro asked slowly and steadily, "Did you ask me here tonight to... to make a pa.s.s at me?"

Eddy blinked hard and bit his lower lip. That told Bro tons. "I...." He looked down, and then everywhere else but at Bro, until finally the dam broke. "I'm sorry, Bro. It's true. I did ask you here so I could see if we-"

"There is no we, Eddy," Bro cut in, reining in his temper. How could he get mad at his friend, who was caught in the throes of unrequited love? "I'm with Lacey. She and I are meant to be. I love her."

Eddy cleared his throat, still staring down at his feet, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "But isn't she a little... you know, not manly? I mean, you're gay, and she's-"

"I may refer to her as she, but Lacey's not not a girl. She's a man. My man. I honestly don't know how to make this any clearer." a girl. She's a man. My man. I honestly don't know how to make this any clearer."

Eddy looked even more forlorn, and Bro was having a hard time staying angry at him for meddling and for this attempted frat-boy seduction routine. "But you two have nothing in common," Eddy argued. "You're going in different directions. You think she's gonna stay in DC just for you if she gets all famous and s.h.i.+t? She's gonna travel, and you're having trouble not seeing her during the day as it is. What if she moves to another town, or another country, or abroad to Europe? That's where musicians like her get noticed. What are you going to do then? Follow her around while she gets to live her dream as a violinist, and you drop your dreams of a career in football in favor of all that? Come on, Bro. Be serious. That can't be good for either of you."

Bro had to hold his head. His forehead was hot and he felt feverish. Why the f.u.c.k was this so d.a.m.n hard?

And why did his p.r.i.c.k of a friend have to start making sense? It wasn't like Bro had never asked those kinds of questions himself in the dark, lonely hours of the night when Lacey was at his side. Yeah, he did fear losing her, and there was no chance he would stand in the way of her dreams.

But what about my dreams? Bro sighed inwardly. Apart from Lacey, he didn't even know if he had any dreams. Football was fun-but as a career? Bro sighed inwardly. Apart from Lacey, he didn't even know if he had any dreams. Football was fun-but as a career?

Bro could be driven, he could be pa.s.sionate. He loved football, but to be a professional football player required extraordinary skill, and the career expectancy wasn't very long. There would be injuries. One busted knee or shoulder or whatever, and he would have to kiss that career good-bye. And in all likelihood, that could happen at a very young age, and then where would he be? What backup plan did he have to fall back on?

Not to mention the fact that he was gay. Openly gay football players had a hard time fitting in no matter how great their skills, stamina, and strength of will. Bro had already seen his share of hate for being gay. How much more would there be ahead of him if he wanted to be allowed to be who he was and live and work the way he desired? Hatred, bigotry, and discrimination ran so deep in society, it was daunting, and in sports it was doubly, even triply, so.

Bro sighed again. He felt tired. It was almost midnight, and he longed to hold Lacey in his arms. He didn't need any answers, then. She was answer enough for him.

"Bro, did you hear me?" Eddy asked, his voice at once shaken and insistent.

"Yeah, I heard you, man." He locked gazes with Eddy, stern and decisive. "But that's not gonna change my mind. I'm with Lacey. And as far as my career plans go, well, they're my business, and no concern of yours."

Eddy looked hurt. "I was just trying to point out how different you guys are. In the long run, commonalities are better for a relations.h.i.+p-"

"Yeah, I know that, okay? I know." Bro stifled a growl. "But the knowledge doesn't affect my feelings for Lacey." He exhaled. "Yeah, maybe she and I will go our separate ways one of these days. But that day isn't here yet. And I love her. I'm not gonna push her away just because we might might break up one day down the line. That's just stupid." break up one day down the line. That's just stupid."

Eddy nodded slowly, worrying his lower lip. "I guess you don't wanna be my friend anymore."

"That's up to you, man. If you keep doing this...." Bro shook his head, hands raking through his hair angrily. "I get it that you're into me. But it's a crush, right? There are plenty of other guys out-"

"You want Lacey. I want you." Eddy sounded more adamant now, even stubborn.

Bro didn't know if he was angry or sad. "You don't even know me-"

Eddy chuckled at that. "I do know you, Bro. We've got a h.e.l.l of a lot in common. We hang out together all the time. We run, exercise, talk, even eat alike. We could be good together. I think you know that too, and that's why you're declaring your love for Lacey so loudly. A part of you wants-"

"Don't even think of finis.h.i.+ng that sentence!" Bro ground out, resisting the urge to grab the guy by the collar, lift him up, and shake him till his teeth rattled. "I've tried being nice and understanding, but you-"

Eddy kissed him. A firm press of lips. .h.i.t Bro right smack in the mouth, and then a tiny flick of tongue followed, coaxing Bro to open up.

Bro yanked back and shoved Eddy off hard with both hands on the guy's chest, making him stumble back a step or two. "What the f.u.c.k, man?"

But Eddy was looking over Bro's shoulder, a wealth of emotions on his face.

Bro felt the hairs on his nape stand as he turned around and saw three people he loved standing on the terrace steps. With his arms crossed over his chest, Bradley looked calm even though he was frowning, but Audrey had her hands on her hips, and she was seething mad.

Only Lacey looked blank, just staring, blinking.

But the moment their eyes met, it was as if a switch was flipped on in Lacey, and she came to life. She walked over to them, glancing between Bro and Eddy.

When she stopped, just short of touching distance, Bro opened his mouth to speak.

But Lacey got there first, addressing Eddy. "Hi."

Swallowing hard, Eddy fidgeted in place. "H-hi...."

"You do know that was my boyfriend you just kissed, right?" Her voice was neutral.

Eddy's lips thinned as he tried to control his emotions. "Yeah. I know."

Bro observed Lacey, who for some reason looked older tonight, more tired and weary, and definitely sadder than before. She couldn't think he would ever...? Could she?

Lacey smiled ruefully. "Look, Eddy. Unrequited love's a b.i.t.c.h, and-"

Eddy snorted out a disdainful, broken laugh. "How would you know?"

Lacey let out a breath, looking down. "Because for years I've loved my father, and he does not love me back. In truth, he hates me-"

"He hates you 'cause he's nothing more than a drunken, violent, h.o.m.ophobic a.s.shole who hits his defenseless queer son," Bro cut in, furious.

The shock was evident in Eddy's face for a moment. "He... hits you...?" Then shame and guilt replaced the surprise, and he lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Lacey." His shoulders slumped, and he looked about as defeated and dejected as a whipped dog in the rain.

But Lacey touched his arm gently. "It's all right." Then she harrumphed. "Well, it's not all right, obviously. Me being hit by my dad is hardly the same thing as you loving Bro."

"I'm not...." Eddy looked about ready to deny it, but it was as if the words refused to come out. He let out a breath, and the broken, pained look returned. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

"At the risk of sounding like a cliche, the heart wants what the heart wants."

Lacey's sympathy was obviously too much for Eddy, who turned away, wiping his eyes with the backs of his hands. Yet not a single sound emerged.

"Eddy, you and Bro are friends. I don't want to come between that. If you respect and care for me as well, you won't try to come between me and Bro either."

She sounded so different to Bro. To be honest, she reminded him of the time when she spoke to her father at their high school football field, after he had attacked her. The same strength, almost casual in its indifference, was present now. And Bro wasn't a fan of this side of her. It wasn't that he needed her to be weaker so he could protect her. No, it was her odd emotional detachment that clinched it for Bro. She spoke with sympathetic words, and yet her face betrayed no feelings underneath. Not really.

Eddy looked up at Lacey, confused. "You mean.... If Bro forgave me, you wouldn't mind if he and I were still friends?"

"I don't make decisions for him," Lacey replied, and again the empathy was there, only aloof somehow, like the light of a distant star. You could see the light, but it was cold, no warmth to be had. "Bro's a big boy. He can take care of himself. We all can. Yes, I admit it did hurt seeing you kiss him-especially when I know you saw me before before you did it." you did it."

"What?" Bro gasped in shock.

Eddy cringed, shame coloring his cheeks until they bloomed red, and his gaze darted away. "I'm sorry. I just wanted.... Just once, you know."

Lacey sighed, sadly. "Yes, I know. I've felt that way about Bro since the day we met. I wish my father loved me, too, and it hurts to be the only one doing the loving." Then she straightened up and visibly collected herself. "But now I know better than to hold my breath waiting for miracles to happen. I'm moving on with my life. This may sound harsh, Eddy, but you might want to try doing the same."

Frowning, Eddy closed his eyes for a moment. "You and Bro, you're so different. You want different things. Me and Bro? We're a lot alike. We could make it last."

Lacey smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm aware of that." Bro started to speak, his emotions in turmoil, demanding attention. But Lacey once again beat him to it. "I think we've all heard it. The proverbs. Opposites attract, but similarities bind. The thing is, Eddy, what differences exist between me and Bro, they're superficial only. Inside? We're of one heart, one spirit. We love each other. And love, well, it smoothes out a lot of rough edges."

With a soft smile on her lips, Lacey took Bro's hand, and he squeezed back, interlacing their fingers. The constricting feeling in his chest eased, and he could breathe again.

"Yeah. What she said." And he smiled back, centered once more.

"Bro?" Eddy asked, hesitantly. "I did say before it was okay that we'd never be more than friends. Clearly I still have my work cut out for me. Can we... still be friends? Or did I totally ruin it?"

"Yeah, we can still be friends." The truth was, Bro liked Eddy, but things were going to have to change. "But let's be clear. One more pa.s.s at me, and we're done."

Blinking hard, his green eyes glistening, Eddy nodded. "Okay."

He looked uncertain, so Bro brought up his hand and allowed Eddy to b.u.mp their fists together. It was a show of trust and friends.h.i.+p, and he supposed it symbolized all the things between them left unsaid, but now taken for granted. No more f.u.c.k-ups.

With a cracked smile, Eddy moved past them to go inside.

Before he got three steps in, Lacey brushed his arm. "Eddy? You'll find someone. You will. Someone who means as much to you as Bro means to me. And then you'll know it's right 'cause it'll feel right, and not like you're doing something underhanded behind someone else's back. You'll find your Mr. Right. Trust me."

What at first looked like skepticism on Eddy's face soon turned into a kind of tough resolution, and he nodded. "Thanks, Lacey. And, uh, thanks for being so, you know, understanding. I don't think I could've been so forgiving if our roles were reversed."

Lacey smiled encouragingly. "It's during the bad times when you find out what kind of man you really are." Then she leaned forward a bit, as if taking him into his confidence. "I honestly don't believe you would've had it in you, Eddy, to go through with it. Betrayal, I mean. Bro's a good guy, and his judgment is rarely that off." She patted his arm. "It'll be all right."

Eddy nodded curtly, ducked his head, muttered "Good night," and was off, vanis.h.i.+ng into the dorm.

Bro brought Lacey's hand to his lips and kissed it. "How'd you find me?"

Lacey snickered a little, but the sound was halfhearted. "You texted me? Duh."

Audrey and Bradley walked up to them as soon as Eddy was gone.

"You okay, Lace?" Audrey asked, aiming a glare at Bro.

"Fine. We're all fine." Lacey locked gazes with Audrey. "Dree, try to understand him, please? It's no fun feeling less than the object of your affection, especially when being so powerless to prevent your own emotions."

Audrey looked doubtful. "You really believe he wouldn't have tried to seduce Bro all the way?"

Lacey nodded firmly. "I do, yes. In his heart I think Eddy's a good person. But love can make you do strange things." Then she glared at her best friend. "And that kiss wasn't Bro's fault, so give him a break. Bro was trying to let the guy down easy. Surely you can understand that."

Audrey looked away, pouting, but her mannerisms were so exaggerated it didn't take a genius to realize she was already fully placated. "I guess. If you say so."

"I do." Lacey let out a tiny giggle, but again it sounded off to Bro. "So, are we gonna get a drink, or what? 'Cause I'm in the mood for-"

"Sorry, guys," Bro cut in sharply. "But me and Lace are gonna head home. It's late."

Lacey gave him an odd look but nodded in compliance.

Audrey gave Bradley a teasing once-over. "How 'bout it, big guy? One dance before we head home too?"

A widening grin from Bradley would have been answer enough, and when he pulled the naughty minx into his arms tight, that was just icing on the cake. "Come on, baby. Shake that booty for me."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "You did not just say 'booty' to me?"

Laughing deeply, Bradley pulled the affronted lady into the dorm.

But Bro and Lacey? They headed for the car to drive home. And they still had tons to talk about.

Chapter 26.

BUT they had barely made it into the car and eased into traffic when Lacey said, "Bro, I love you, and I trust you. There's no need to talk about what just happened. Eddy made a mistake is all. Could've happened to anyone." they had barely made it into the car and eased into traffic when Lacey said, "Bro, I love you, and I trust you. There's no need to talk about what just happened. Eddy made a mistake is all. Could've happened to anyone."

But clearly Bro wasn't having any of Lacey's distraction tactics. "Wanna talk about what's wrong with you you, then?"

Lacey stiffened. "Me? What do you mean?"

Bro rolled his eyes and let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "I mean why you're so rigid it's as if someone stuck an iron rod up your backside."

"Nice visual, thank you."

"Lace? If you trust me...."

Her boyfriend was right, unfortunately. Lacey didn't want to go into this, and yet she knew she needed to. So she told Bro what had happened between her and Professor Marchand at the party. Once she was finished, she waited for Bro to speak.

The silence lasted a while. Lacey drove on, waiting as patiently as she could. It wasn't easy to sit still.

Finally Bro spoke. "Could he make trouble for you? At school, I mean?"