Page 29 of Sins of the Flesh
“Honey, is the food alright?”I blink and look at Ally.
“Yes of course it's fine, just fine.”I answer distractedly.
“Then why aren't you eating it.”She looks at me skeptically.I take a bite and play up a moan of pleasure and she rolls her eyes at me going back to her conversation with Besty Flores sitting to the other side of her.I force myself to focus on my meal so I can talk to Cole later.
After everyone finishes eating, they begin to mingle and chat in small groupswhile soft music plays in the background.I'm in the middle of a conversation with Mrs.Wallace about her cats when I notice Cole across the room standing near the dessert table, again with Mason Atwood close by.Cole throws his head back in laughter, his green eyes sparkling.Something twists in my gut - why are they so familiar with each other has Cole slept with him?
Whoa where did that thought come from?It's not my business who Cole keeps company with but Mason might not be safe.I need to at least make sure he's informed don't I?I try to shake it off, but I can't tear my eyes away from them.Mason leans in close to Cole, saying something that makes Cole grin widely.That twisting sensation intensifies.The idea of Cole being hurt that’s what's happening right now.I care about his safety.
"Father Nichols?"Mrs.Wallace's voice pulls me back to the present."Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, of course," I manage, offering her a smile that feels tight even to me.She continues, right as I catch Mason gripping Cole's shoulder.
“Will you excuse me Mrs.Wallace?”I say interrupting her and walking briskly towards Cole and Mason.I'm halfway there when Ally intercepts me, her hand gentle but firm on my arm.
"Caleb?Where are you rushing off to?"I blink, suddenly aware of how tense my body has become.
"I just...thought I should check in with Cole about the...the repairs for the west entrance."Ally's eyes flick over to where Cole and Mason are standing, then back to me.Her expression softens with understanding.
"Honey, everything's taken care of.This is a celebration.Let him enjoy himself."
"But Mason-"
"Is a grown man, just like Cole," she says quietly."Come help me serve Mrs.Peterson some pie.She's been asking for you."
I allow myself to be guided away, but my attention keeps drifting back to them.The way Mason leans in closer to Cole, the easy banter between them as if they’ve been close for awhile...it bothers me in ways I don't fully understand.I force myself to focus on serving pie, on smiling at Mrs.Peterson.
People pull my attention left, right and center for the next hour.I covertly track Cole and Mason the whole time while also focusing on the other people around me.
I'm running a mental marathon to maintain my composure.When I see Mason and Cole heading towards the door I know it's time to act.I stride to them half running in hopes no one stops me."Cole," I say, my voice coming out a bit sharper than intended.Both men turn to look at me, Cole's eyebrows raised in question."I, uh, need to speak with you about the west entrance repairs before you go."
Mason glances between us, then smiles and winks at Cole."I'll catch you later then.Text me."
"Will do," Cole replies with an easy grin that makes something twist in my chest.Once Mason leaves, Cole turns to me expectantly.
"What's up?Something wrong with the west entrance?"
“Are you sure it's safe to be hanging around Mason Atwood?”I blurt.
Cole's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and something like disappointment flashes across his face."Excuse me?"
I shift uncomfortably, suddenly aware of how my question sounds."I just...he has a reputation in town.I'm concerned, that's all."Cole studies me for a moment, his green eyes narrowing slightly.
“Since when do you believe rumors?”Cole shoots back.I open my mouth, then close it again, feeling caught.
"I don't," I finally say, my voice softer."I just..."
"Just what, Caleb?"Cole asks, crossing his arms.
“Is Mason gay?”Cole's expression shifts, a mixture of confusion and something else I can't quite place crossing his features.He stares at me for a long moment, and I immediately regret my question.I try to back peddle, this is coming out all wrong "I'm sorry.That was out of line."
Cole regards me carefully.“Mason is straight if you must know.”The immediate relief that rushes through me tells me these emotions I’ve been feeling all night were never concern at all.I apologize again and Cole leaves.As he drives away my body is thrumming with nerves what's happening to me?
In my office I sit down heavily in the chair behind my desk, running my hands through my hair.It was jealousy the whole time.Pure, raw jealousy.The realization hits me like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and disoriented.
I've never felt jealousy like this before, not with Ally, not with anyone.The intensity of it scares me and leaves me with questions I don't know the answers to.I sit in the silence of my office, my head in my hands.What am I doing?These feelings make no sense.
A soft knock on my door startles me.I quickly compose myself, straightening my rumpled shirt and clearing my throat."Come in," I call, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel.The door opens to reveal Charlotte, dressed in a form-fitting designer red dress that seems entirely too provocative for a church potluck.Her lipstick matches her dress perfectly.
