I pressed my palms against my cheeks unable to stop cheesing so hard. Like my face literally hurt but I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t control it.

“I legit can’t believe you guys are here.” I whispered excitedly. Emotional tears threatening to spill over. Joseph grinned that adorable boyish grin of his.

“We missed you.” Marcel stated as he faced me. He reached out, slim warm fingers caressing the back of my neck.

I felt an immediate jerk. I hadn’t been touched in three months. Oh my God. I hadn’t realized how much I longed for human touch or should I say a touch from my boys this much, and all it took was just a caress to the back of my neck.

“OH Ellie didn’t tell me you guys were coming.”

My mom’s presence in the kitchen startled me and I moved away, Marcel’s hand dropping.

Whoa easy Lee, careful, you’re home, don’t even think about anything but pure thoughts.

“Well, I didn’t know they were coming either mom, which is why I’m pleasantly surprised.” I stated with a large smile plastered on my face.

Virginia sucked her teeth and continued serving the guys her famous peach lemonade. I mean I can’t lie her lemonade is bomb!

I smiled proudly, watching her serve them. Seeing them smile at her politely and thank her as they each accepted a cold glass.

They were here. They were fucking here in our kitchen, drinking my mom’s lemonade like if this wasn’t a fucking big deal. Holy shit! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been surprised like this before. Hence the inability to stop cheesing.

“So what are you guys doing in Texas of all places?” My mother asked.

If you haven’t picked up, she’s nosey. Very nosey.

For some reason I shifted on one foot as I saw the two guys shoot themselves a look.

Wait. What were they doing here? Was it…was it truly just for me, yooo when did I get so vain? Of course maybe Marcel had an art exhibit or something.

“We really missed our girl—“ Marcel started.

My heart dropped.

“We’re just visiting.” Joe spoke a little louder.

Is it possible for my heart to sink further and rise and then sink again in the split of 1 second? Because that’s how I felt.

Happy and scared, relief and then happy and a bit scared again.

Holy shit, was he going to say what I thought he was? I loved him dearly but my dear, dear Marcel could not read the room for nothing. What would we do without Joe?

I licked my bottom lip as Marcel gave Joseph a look.

Maybe it was because I knew them or I’m used to their interactions, but Joseph smiled brightly and put an arm around Marcel’s lower back affectionately.

I stared at them curiously. All of that in a span of a couple seconds.

I missed them. I missed them so much. Right now I wanted to lay my head on Joe’s shoulder. His was the perfect. Marcel was a little too tall for my head to rest on his perfectly while standing.

Marcel smiled at my mom. “We’re visiting and…happened to be in the neighborhood and remembered that Eloise was from…from around here.” He turned to me and I smiled softly at him.

Marcel smiled but lowered his gaze.

Shit. He wanted to say something. I could see it. Please don’t. Don’t. Let me talk to you for a minute without my nosey mom in the way.

“Eloise?!” Virginia laughed loudly and clapped her hands. “Good Lord, you must be godsend if my daughter allows you to call her by her god-given name. Lord!”

“Okay.” I smiled and tilted my head at my mom. “Let’s take it down a couple notches mom, yeah.”

“Oh let me see.” Virginia put her hands on her hips and stared pointedly at them. “Hummm…you’re the painter who owns the house. “ she pointed proudly to Marcel. “And you’re the handsome musician.” She beamed at Joseph.

I frowned, it wasn’t that difficult. They looked nothing alike and I’d told her Marcel’s hair was wavy and dark and Joseph’s was blond. Why did she feel so accomplished?

“Handsome musician?” Marcel mused. “Not handsome painter?” He cocked his head to me.

I giggled and shook my head. “More like brooding painter.”

“Brooding?” Virginia stepped in. “I don’t see it, he’s a doll.”

Marcel beamed and Joseph and I chuckled at him looking like a little boy under my mother’s praise. Marcel stepped forward and took my mom’s hand. Bringing it gently to his lips, he kissed her hand and smiled charmingly at her. “Oh you’re quickly becoming my favorite person in the room Mrs. Grady.”

To my utter surprise my mom blushed and shooed him away with a giggle. “Ohh, I like these boys.”

I was too surprised at my mom’s reaction to even acknowledge what she said. She wasn’t like this around guys. Friendly, playful, letting her guard down. But then it hit me. It was because she thought they were gay. Therefore no threat to the virginity she loved to believe I still held on to until my wonderful wedding in the near future to a handsome god-fearing man.

Let’s completely ignore the fact that we’d had endless arguments upon arguments that I was somewhat a believer but by no means religious at all. All those prayer circles was not gonna lock me into a loveless marriage with a supposedly god-fearing man.

Can’t trust them Christian boys mama. Been telling you that since I was 15. Who do you think stuck their hand up my skirt during youth service.

“By the way, is Mr. Grady doing alright?” Marcel asked releasing my mom’s hand. “We heard he took a terrible fall—-“

“Oh he’s fine, he’s fine.” My mom waved the comment away with a smile.

No mom, no he’s not. But one thing mama hated more than boys giving me their attention. Was anybody outside our immediate family knowing our business. Trust me, she barely even told anything to her 2 sisters.

“I was cutting his nails and he just fell asleep. Just a bit tired. You know we’re not as young as we used to be.”

I resisted a sigh and stared at the ground. At what point do I burst my mother’s balloon of denial? I forced a smile on my face and looked up. I met Joseph’s blue eyes watching me carefully. I smiled and he smiled back warmly. Tilting his head slightly to the side.

“Anyways, are you two far from here? If we’d known you were coming we would have set up the guest room—-“

“Oh no, ma’am it’s no trouble at all.” Joseph spoke up. “We wouldn’t want to inconvenience. It was a surprise.”

“Oh but you poor things, where are you staying?” Virginia Grady asked innocently.

But I knew my mom, I knew what the real question was. She was trying to figure out how deep their pockets were. Why was she like this? I have no idea. But the deeper the pocket the more respect they managed to get out my mother.

“Uhm—the Ritz Carlton about a 20 minute drive from here—-“

“Oh! Well nice! Nice indeed.” My mom beamed. “Must be nice…all cozied up in that nice hotel. Well I tell Ellie, if she weren’t so busy being a wandering spirit she could have had Ritz-Carlton money right now. Did you two know she studied electrical engineering—-“

“Mom!”

“—-and then the last year she had left, she just dropped it. Just like that. Said she wasn’t interested in it anymore.” Virginia continued even louder.

I will never live this down. At my funeral this would be her speech. If only she had continued on with her electrical engineering, she wouldn’t be laying dead in this coffin.

“Mom, I think dad’s waking up—-“

“Ruined her life, I’ll say.”

“I didn’t ruin my life.” I interjected putting my hands up. “Seriously, it’s been years, let it go—-“

“And then she runs off to these islands like some hippie child—-“

“MOM!” I yelled feeling frustrated tears build up. “Stop.”

Virginia finally turned to me and shrugged. “Anyways, are you two hungry?” She beamed.

I exhaled and shook my head, catching Marcel’s green eyes. He smiled softly and brought his hand up to rest on my shoulder. “Aww our little engineer..”

“No ma’am, thank you, we ate earlier.” Joseph spoke up. “The lemonade is delicious by the way. You have got to give me the recipe.”

“Oh sweetheart, it’s a family secret.” Virginia beamed.

“Guess, we’ll just have to marry Eloise for it.” Marcel squeezed my shoulder softly.

My mom, threw her head back and laughed. Joseph choked on his drink. I nudged Marcel because he played too much, even though his comment brought a smile to my face.

“Let me see what I can cook up for—-“

“Mom, it’s okay.” I spoke up. “Can I….Can I be with my b—-friends? Can we have a moment?” I asked pleadingly.

Virginia grabbed her chest. “Well damn, okay didn’t mean to intrude on friendships.”

“Don’t do that.” I shook my head at her.

“Well, my own daughter kicking me out my own kitchen, let me go double check on my husband. Make sure he’s still breathing.” She marched out.

I sighed and rubbed my temple. “I’m sorry, guys, welcome—-“

I was cut off by Marcel’s arms around my shoulder, pulling me into a tight embrace. I blinked feeling tears threatening to fall. I brought my arms up and wrapped them around his slim body. I closed my eyes and inhaled the scent I’d missed so much.

Oh my God, what was wrong with me?

I squeezed him tight and a faint uncontrolled whimper escaped my lips as my head burrowed against his chest.

“I missed you Eloise.”

Hearing the crack in Marcel’s whisper undid me. How? How do I breathe after this?

Marcel. Dear, dear Marcel, how I’ve missed you.

A couple seconds passed and we slowly parted. I looked up at Marcel’s soft smile as he moved away from me. Instantly Joseph’s hand took over.

I smiled at the warmth I saw in those blue eyes. It created a trail of flurries from my head to my toes.

I expected a hug and was preparing for it but to my surprise, Joseph cupped my face. He tilted his head and I automatically followed suit. My own eyes closing in anticipation as he kissed me hard.

I clung to his hands. Sweet Mary, mother of Jesus. These two were going to be the death of me.

No seriously they were.

Mom was going to kill me. No is, she is going to kill us.

I kissed Joseph back with the same passion.

He chuckled as our lips parted, pressing our foreheads together.

“Lee, I’ve missed you,”

I didn’t want to cry. I wasn’t going to cry. No. No.

I moved away from them, taking a couple steps back. My bottom lip trembling from the sheer willpower to hold it together.

“Aww don’t cry.” Marcel pouted. “You still have time to become an electrical engineer.”

I couldn’t help it,I burst out laughing as the tears cascaded down my cheeks. “Shut-up.” I wiped my face. “You guys…awwww you guys…” I whispered emotionally as I stared at them.

Marcel rushed his thumb against my bottom lip as Joseph wiped a tear off my face.

“You lied.” Marcel whispered. “You’re not okay.”

I sighed.

“What’s going on?” Joseph ran his hand down my arm.

“It’s just a lot.” I shook my head and exhaled loudly. “It’s a lot…but this…this…” I pointed to them. “This makes it better.”

It did. It truly did. Because for the first time in 3 months it felt like I could breathe. I grinned. “So tell me! How is everybody? How’s island life?” I looked back and forth between them. “I talked to Lady last week and she said she hadn’t seen or heard from you guys and I was so worried.” I laughed. “But it was to surprise me.” I took both of their hands and gave them a squeeze. “How long are you guys here for? A couple of days?”

“However long it takes to convince you to come back with us.” Marcel answered blatantly.

“Marcel not now.” Joseph turned to him and sighed.

To my surprise, Marcel simply looked away, avoiding both our gazes.

I sighed. “I don’t think….I don’t think I can go back yet.” I whispered.

Marcel ran his thumb over his bottom lip.

“We know.” Joseph spoke up.

I turned my gaze back to him.

He offered a reassuring smile. “I can tell whatever’s going on with your dad isn’t easy. But we’re here. For support.” He turned his head to Marcel. “Right?”

Marcel stared back at him.

“Because anything else we wanted to say can…wait, hold off until we’re sure Lee, is good.” Joseph emphasized.

I smiled. Lord, nothing had changed.

“I’m not being selfish.” Marcel spoke up defensively. “I’m just…” he blinked rapidly and shifted in one foot. “I’m just happy to see you.” He muttered, lowering his head as he turned to me.

What? What was this? Who was this? This was not Marcel Remy Duchamp.

I looked from Marcel to Joseph and back again. “Okay what’s going on because you two keep looking at each other and talking in codes or something that I don’t really get—-“

“We said that we would be mindful of your situation. Whichever situation that was.” Joseph explained. “And no matter how much we want you to ourselves, we needed to realize that we were now stepping into your domain, so we’ll follow your lead.”

I beamed at Joseph. “Joe, have I told you how amazing you are?”

“About once or twice.” He admitted grinning.

“What’s wrong with your dad?” Marcel asked urgently. “What can we do? Do you need money? Should we send him to another doctor. I know a specialist—-“

“We don’t know.” I cut Marcel off. “Apparently he hadn’t just fallen down the stairs like mom told me. He had a stroke.” I informed them. “And I found out it hadn’t been his first.” I sighed. “His nerves are haywire. Sometimes he can’t even move, other times he can run a mile. He loses function randomly, and its been test after test, after fucking tests and nobody can tell us what’s going on and meanwhile I have to watch my bear of a dad fucking deteriorate in front of me—-“

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Marcel whispered quickly covering me as if to shield me. “Fuck…fuck…”

I felt another hand rub my back in comfort and knew it was Joseph.

I hit Marcel’s chest. “I didn’t want to cry. I’ve cried too much already.”

“I fucked up.” Marcel turned me around and faced me towards Joseph. “Here.” He pushed me forward.

Joseph caught me and I laughed at the ridiculousness of it all.

I missed them. How can I miss two people so much?

“We’ll stay as long and as short as you need us to.” Joseph promised me.

I smiled. “Sweet, sweet Joe.”

He blushed, blinking rapidly. “Not that sweet unfortunately.

“Oh, Ellie, your father just woke up. He’s feeling great.”

I turned to my mom’s loud steps making their way back to the kitchen. She poked her head. “Come and introduce your friends.”

And so I did.

And mom was right.

He nap had done him good.

He seemed relaxed.

He was able to talk and shake hands.

I watched them sitting on the couch together as mom talked up a storm.

Dad was actually following the flow of conversation.

They were good luck. My boys were good luck.

I noticed Marcel was watching my dad carefully, with a certain concentration I wouldn’t have expected. But it was only for a couple minutes, then he would look away and make a comment that would have my mother burst out in laughter.

She liked them.

But then again. I knew she did because she thought they were gay.

I smiled where I stood and sighed.

It wouldn’t be Joseph if he wasn’t the center of attention and I was grateful. He always was a great storyteller, and right now, he had my mother on the edge of her seat as he told the story of his mom at a church bake off and the sabotage that ensued.

Nobody came between church ladies and their baking.

I turned my head and noticed my dad had fallen asleep halfway through. I made a move to get up from my seat to adjust his blanket that was falling but I stilled.

Marcel was closer to him and I watched as he carefully adjusted the blanket on my father’s chest as my mom was engrossed in the story.

I watch a sad look pass through Marcel’s face as he stared at my dad’s sleeping face.

I couldn’t take it. I quietly got up and left the living room. Turning the corner and pressing against the wall. Tears running down my face.

“I was there when my dad passed away.” Marcel whispered.

I lifted my head from his chest to stare into his eyes. Thelight of the moon spilling into my bedroom, illuminating his face.

“I knew he was old. I knew he would die but it didn’t make it any easier.” He sighed. “People can say whatever they want about my mom, but they didn’t see her heart shatter with he took his last breath. I did. I had to pull her off his body.”

Marcel’s look confirmed what I was trying to deny. No, no he was wrong. Dad would be okay. He was strong. The doctors will find out something and everything will be alright.

I took a deep breath and composed myself. Everything will be fine. I turned and went back into the living room determined to enjoy the best night, I’d had in a long time.

**

“Aww you two beautiful souls. Thank you for taking in my daughter.” Virgins hugged Marcel and Joseph as she told them goodbye. “I’m glad she landed on good people and got away from that heathen Tyler—-“

“You loved Tyler.” I interjected.

Virginia wagged her finger. “No, I told you there’s something off about that white boy.” She sucked her teeth. “But Mrs Dowry’s nephew that I introduced you to last week——“

“Okay mom.” I said loudly stepping in between her and the boys.

“She needs a man.” My mother insisted looking at my boys for agreement. “A good Christian man in her life—-“

Marcel cocked his head to the side.

Joseph shifted from one foot to another an unwavering smile on his face.

“Mom we’re not talking about that at all.” I spoke up. “Let me say goodnight.”

Without waiting for anything else, I almost pushed my mom back inside as I closed the front door.

Sighing heavily I turned back to the two guys watching me on the front porch. “Sorry about that.” I smiled. “She hasn’t changed a bit, still trying to marry me off to the highest bidder.”

Marcel moved his jaw but didn’t say anything.

“What?” I asked.

He shook his head.

I turned to Joseph, who looked away from Marcel to me.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Joseph said quickly. “Nothing.”

“I’m not interested in Mrs.Dowry’s nephew if that’s what y’all are thinking. I’m not at all.” I shook my head and laughed. “Come on, let me walk you guys back to your car——a Lexus? Really? Joe? Was this your idea to flaunt like this?”

He grinned. “Okay, true, I chose the car.”

“Aayyyyeee.” I nudged him as we walked to the driveway

“So when are you going to tell your mom we’re not gay?” Marcel spoke up behind us.

There it is. There it is indeed. I knew it. I knew he was holding on to that sentence for the entire time he was in the house. I knew in my heart that Marcel Remy Duchamp was not going to just let it slide.

I sighed, but to my surprise, so did Joe.

Standing by their car, I turned to Marcel. “Never.” I admitted honestly. I shrugged. “If you want my mom to like you and act exactly how she was today for your entire life, then you are gay to her. Completely and utterly gay. No questions asked.”I turned to Joseph and nodded. “You don’t mind do you?”

He shook his head. “No, no of course not. I get it.”

Marcel crossed his arms. “But if we’re gay, where do you fit in?”

I sighed again. “Marcel….”

He nodded. “Right.” He moved over to the driver’s door.

“Seriously?” I asked. “That is the least important thing right now, it’s just….technicalities—-“

He slammed the driver’s door shut and I turned to Joseph.

“I’ll talk to him.” Joseph assured me. “He just wanted the reunion to go a little differently.” He took my hand. “Me too, by the way.” He added softly. “But I get it.”

I smiled just to keep from crying.

Marcel opened the driver’s door and climbed out, making his way over to us. His hands in his pocket. “Well there be a time where you’ll tell your parents about us?” He asked seriously.

I swallowed hard. “Truthfully?”

“Yes, Eloise. Truthfully.”

I looked at Joe and then back to him. My bottom lip trembled again. “They wouldn’t understand, I mean even I don’t understand sometimes.” I chuckled lightly. "it’s too complicated…right.” I looked back and forth at them again. “I need you two to be my gay best friends. It’s so much easier that way. At….at least in front of my parents.”

Marcel leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Okay we’ll see you tomorrow.”

Wait that is? No arguments? No fussing? But I already knew I’d hurt him. I was hurting too. It wasn’t easy to lie. I had to. Trust me. I had to.

“I don’t know, tomorrow is basically booked with appointments.” I whispered regretfully. “My dad needs a couple check ups.”

“We’ll go with you….” Joseph spoke up.

“I’d rather not go to the check ups.” Marcel stated somberly. “I’ll keep your mom company.”

“You guys really don’t have to do——“

“We came to be with you Lee.” Joseph took my hand.

“Yeah….” Marcel turned and smiled. His hand up as he waved. “I guess we’ll take what we can get.”

I turned to see my mom’s nosey ass waving happily from the kitchen window.

Joseph slowly released my hand.

“So….I’ll see y’all tomorrow?” I smiled softly as I stared at them, standing a safe distance away.

They both nodded. We all three stood awkwardly for a couple seconds before laughing and giving brief hugs.

I hated it. I hated it so much. Because we all three lingered. Our expressions matching. We wanted more. Wanted to express ourselves the best way we knew how. 3 months and yet I stood a foot away from them.

“Okay, bye. See you tomorrow.” I waved. Feeling sadness linger over me.

Joseph, nor Marcel moved.

“Maybe….maybe you can, show us uptown at night?” Joseph suggested.

I inhaled sharply. “Maybe for like an hour or two.” I whispered.

They both nodded. I turned and rushed back into the house. “Mom, I’m going to show them a little bit of Dallas okay? We’re gonna go uptown next to their hotel and probably just grab a beer. I’ll catch an Uber back in 2 hours. Call me if anything happens to dad.”

“Keep your phone on you.” Virginia nodded. “And don’t go into that gay bar, you know the one that got shot at—-

“Okay bye.” I cut her off and rushed out. Just two hours, just two hours of freedom.

**

I giggled as we walked back towards the car. Who knew a cocktail was good medicine.

“Honestly I’m so happy you guys are here. I still feel like I’m dreaming.” I laughed. “I’m so happy.”

“So are we.” Joseph squeezed my hand as he swung it back and forth playfully.

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck. To my surprise, he immediately turned his head and kissed me. We stopped walking for a couple seconds as our mouth moved over each other.

“Come on, keep walking.”

I felt Marcel’s hand on my ass pushing us forward.

I smiled stupidly as our lips parted. What had gotten into Joe? The way he stared at me. His touches, even his kisses. My little diva was making me swoon.

Joseph smiled and pulled me towards the car. Turning me around, his hands wrapped around my hips as he kissed me again, this time pressing my back against the car.

Jesus, I was in a drought and now it was a flood.

“I missed those lips.” Joseph whispered. “and these hips.” He roamed further. “And this ass.” I almost puréed at the squeeze he gave my ass.

Marcel opened the back door of the Lexus. “Lovebirds.” He bowed ushering us in.

I barely understood what was happening. It was just like a dream. One minute we’re at a bar, laughing and reminiscing. The next minute Marcel is driving while Joseph and I are tugging at each other’s clothes, in the backseat. Hands groping, clothes slipping. Breathless moans filling the car.

“Fuck…fuck….Lee.” Joseph’s lips crashed against me as his dick slid inside my core.

I grabbed his ass and gasped. This dick man.

Yes,fucking yes. This was surreal. I lifted my eyes only to catch Marcel’s eyes in the rear view mirror glossy with lust watching us.

I moaned.

“I love you.” Joseph whispered so softly, I feel as if I imagined it. But it didn’t matter because he was giving me the business.

God bless this man and the ability to know how to use his dick.

I had such a mighty need.

“Don’t finish her off.”

Marcel’s husky voice rang through my ears.

I don’t know when the car stopped as Joseph had slid out and was currently eating me out. Nor how they had managed to switch so quickly and smoothly.

Marcel hard as a rock as he entered me. “Eloise…” he groaned loudly his hands gripping my ass and lifting me slightly. Whoever said fucking in the backseat of a car was uncomfortable, must have never fucked in the backseat of a Lexus.

The brief time I was able to open my eyes, I realized Joseph wasn’t driving. He’d moved to the front seat but he was turned watching us as he jerked off.

That plus Marcel fucking me like his life depended on it caused my orgasm to hit me like a ton of bricks.

“C’est ca….cum for me Eloise…so fucking wet…Fuck….c’est a moi ton miel.” His low voice rang in my ear as my eyes rolled back.

Yes, to whatever the fuck he was saying. Yes! Yes! Jesus Christ Yes!

“AAH…..fuck….” Joseph moaned.

I moved Marcel’s hand on my neck up to my mouth and slipped two of his fingers in my mouth.

He stared at me mouth open with pupils dilated. He gasped and closed his eyes.

Fuck wait.

“Pull out!

“What?”

“Pull out!”

He gasped and pulled away, grabbing his dick as he came on my thighs, and his hands.

I tried to catch my breath as I explained. “I stopped my birth control. I wasn’t sleeping with anybody.” I gasped, my body still going through temporary spasms. “I almost forgot.”

Marcel closed his eyes and fell back in the seat, still holding his dick. “Well your mom get mad if a gay guy gets you pregnant?”

“Marcel!”

**

I yawned at the sound of the alarm. Sleepy eyes tried to open as I looked at the clock. 7:00. I had 30 minutes until my dad’s appointment.

I smiled as I rolled out of my bed. The best dream I’d had in the longest time. It had felt so real. So fucking real.

I sniffed the air in confusion. I got opened my bedroom door and stepped out.

Mom made breakfast? It smelled delicious. It reminded me of my childhood. She loved to cook.

I grinned and hurried downstairs. Just grab a quick bit and wash quickly. Mom would have already taken care of dad.

“Mom, what are you making? Is it an omel——“

I froze as I stared into the kitchen. Mom standing to the side, staring in appreciation as Marcel flipped the omelette in the air.

Was I still dreaming?

Wake up Lee.

“Hey sleepy head.” Marcel grinned mischievously.

“Ellie! Go get ready! Your friends are here. Joseph said he’s going to give me a day off here with Marcel while you two go to the appointments. Hurry up!”

My mouth dropped open.

“Okay, so it’s the turmeric that gives it that taste?” Virginia asked curiously as she focused back on the omelette.

“Hey Lee, good morning. Your dad can’t find his black scarf, do you know where it is?”

I turned to Joseph in the hallway, my mouth still open.

This was truly happening.