Page 55 of Husband of the Year
“Me too.”
She kisses me on the cheek, and I grab Gonzo and head upstairs to bed.
With the morning sunlight filtering into the room, I’m stirred from sleep by the gentle pressure of Gonzo, once again lying on my bladder. Although I desperately need to use the bathroom, I grab my phone and check my email before attempting to get out of bed.
My heart leaps in my chest when I see the message from Olan. I bring Gonzo close to my face, feeling his warmth as we snuggle, give him a few good morning kisses, and open the letter.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
From: [email protected]
Sent: 3/19 at 1:45 A.M.
Subject: Ribbon in the Sky
Dear Marvin,
Breathe. Wherever you are, pause and take a deep breath.
Okay, now another.
One more.
That’s my guy. Gosh, I miss your face. Your head. Your curls. Your dick. Your ass.
The whole ass, by the way. Sometimes, when you’re wearing pajamas, they slip a little, and I get a glimpse of the top, like a way sexier plumber’s crack. I know you’re not trying to tease me, but when I see it, I can’t help but smile, wishing I could yank them down, bury my face in it, and ravage you. Your cheeks, the way they curve under right where they meet yourleg. And then there’s my favorite part—your beautiful hole. Often, when you’re waiting for me to fuck you, I just want to study it. Admire it. Give it the reverence it deserves. Marvin, a portrait of your hole should be in the Louvre.
Now I’m all worked up. We should arrange a video chat sometime. So I can see your masterpiece of an ass. But I digress.
I know having your mother there is a lot, and I’m sorry I can’t be there to be a buffer, but you’re working during the week, and Illona will help in the evenings. If you want to keep her for any of her Isabella weekends, let me know and I can reach out to her. I know she’d understand and be flexible.
Has Sarah informed you how long she plans to stay? I know this is challenging for you. Me being away. Your mother being there—while I’m not. But remember who you are. You’re Marvin Block. Maine’s Teacher of the Year. Your caring nature, strength, and adorableness make you the most exceptional man I know. I try not to preach my AA jargon to you, but perhaps taking this one day at a time would help. Focus on today. Get through today. That’s your goal. If you’re feeling frustrated or need to vent, text me. Even if I’m unable to reply, text me. Know I’m thinking about you. Always.
I’m not sure when I’ll be back. The situation here is too complex to explain fully in an email, but there are important details I need to share with you. Liam’s detox was longer and more uncomfortable than anyone expected. Besides alcohol, he used narcotics. Opioids. He and his girlfriend, Abby, were in serious trouble.
Drugs and alcohol are dangerous enough on their own, but combining the two can be lethal—Abby overdosed about six months ago. Liam was with her but had blacked out and wasn’table to intervene or call for assistance. Tragically, Abby passed away. Liam has immense guilt about what happened and my parents are struggling to cope with the overwhelming nature of the situation. There’s more to explain, but I’d prefer to speak on the phone.
I understand I’m dumping a lot of information on you. Please know things are strained here, and I miss you. So fucking much, Marvin. I know I’m needed here and I know you understand, but I miss every cell in your body. Every atom making up those cells.
Even when we’re apart, you’re with me. In my heart. My body. My soul. Loving you is the best gift I’ve ever been lucky enough to receive. I’ve never told you this, but after Isabella and I split, I used to pray I’d meet someone who would wake me up. Show me love in a way I hadn’t experienced yet. Accept me wholeheartedly, embracing every quirk and idiosyncrasy that I bring to the table. And I realize there are many.
Then I walked into Pelletier Elementary on Illona’s first day. I’d had too much coffee and needed the bathroom. Never in a million years did I expect to see an adorable man experiencing an epic battle with the automatic sinks. But the moment I laid eyes on you, something shifted inside me. I couldn’t name it, but it was like God poked my soul and said, “Hey, you. Pay attention. All that praying you do? This one. Here. With the wet pants. That’s him.”
And God was right. It’s no accident that I relocated to Portland, that you were in the bathroom struggling with the sinks, or that you were assigned to be Illona’s kindergarten teacher. I truly believe there are no accidents in life. The universe has a wayof making things happen, and by the grace of God, it made us happen.
Remember who you are when you’re feeling anxious, lonely, or frustrated with your mom. When you’re missing me. You’re Marvin Block. My blue rose. My person—we share a “Ribbon in the Sky.”
And here’s your lesson about, in my humble opinion, one of Stevie Wonder’s finest songs. The abstract lyrics of the 1982 hit add to its unique appeal. Most people agree the song describes a deep and abiding love that transcends time and space. He’s not singing about a literal ribbon, but rather a representation of a boundless and unbroken connection, much like a band stretching infinitely across the sky. It’s a bond that cannot be broken, a love that will endure for all eternity. It’s almost like Stevie wrote the song about us. You were guided my way, and I will never stop being grateful to have you in my life.
But also, it’s simply an extremely beautiful, romantic song.
Let’s schedule a call soon. Perhaps that video chat? I miss your face. Maybe on Thursday night during Illona’s bedtime? Then we can speak alone once she’s asleep.
All my love,
Olan
