Page 12 of Julian Shared
As Julian wanders off, I nudge Manuel’s side. “I think I just got that promotion.”
“Shit, you lucky dog.”
It ain’t luck.
I smile fondly as I watch Julian weave through the party. Smiling. Laughing. He’s not the rose among thorns anymore,not in such a pleasant and safe place like this, but he’s the prettiest rose in the garden.
And he’s mine. All mine.
Not because I plucked him, but because we’ve grown together over the years.
“You ever have a vegan patty?” I ask Manuel, pointing my spatula at the stack I’ve kept warm on the side of the grill.
Manuel pulls a face, probably much similar to the one I made when Julian said the word vegan earlier. “Fuck no.”
“Wanna try one with me?” I grin. “I made ‘em spicy.”
“Fuck yeah.” Manuel doesn’t hesitate. We don’t bother with plates or even fixings. He picks it up and tears it apart with his fingers, shoving his mouth full as he passes me the other half.
“Hey, that’s not bad.”
“Ain’t bad at all,” I agree, eating it in quick bites.
“Could use some hot sauce though.”
Chapter 4
Julian
In the daylight hours, the view from our bedroom boasts a picturesque look at the cacti-spotted desert and looming red rock formations cradling Fort Cactus. It's almost easy to ignore the high cement walls and chain link fence crowned by barbed wire. To focus only on the beauty of the natural landscape and forget about the military-grade fortifications.
Nightfall paints a different picture.
In the darkness of the desert, the security floodlights switch on. It shines a spotlight directly on the pools and patios of every house on the lane. They turn every late-night activity into a public show…and tonight I’m an avid watcher.
I don’t want to go to bed. Not yet. I’m still too jazzed up from the sweet taste of success from the day’s bake sale and this evening’s party.
It wasn’t perfect, of course, but it almost was. I’m wide awake and buzzing with energy, my mind still racing with thoughts and ideas.
And some worries.
"Mi amor, come to bed,” Joel calls to me.
“Not yet,” I tell him. “Something is going on next door…something weird.”
I hold the curtain open as I watch Cameron’s house.
They’re home. The lights are all on and there’s an extra car in the driveway. Trevor’s out in the backyard…at the grill. Wearing nothing but swim trunks.
And there’s way too much food being cooked for just two people.
That sweet taste in my mouth is quickly replaced with bitterness. Instead of trying to swallow it away, I puff out my cheeks. I can’t believe Cameron and Trevor are having their own party after skipping out on Joel and I’s anniversary barbecue.
"What's weird about it?" Joel’s honey-rich voice rises above the din of the television. "You're the weirdo peeping at folks."
"I'm not peeping, " I protest with a huff as I turn away from the window to shoot Joel a glare, “I’m observing.”
I smooth out the collar of my paisley-print silk robe and glance at the clock. It’s a quarter to midnight.
