Loyalty, Love, & Vermouth by Eric Peterson

Author:Eric Peterson [Peterson, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635559989
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-11-01T14:41:16+00:00

Chapter Ten

The same week Freddie and I officially parted ways, Tucker announced plans to throw Jack a big party for his thirty-fifth birthday. It was adamantly not a surprise party, as Jack hated surprises almost as much as he hated parties.

But Tucker was determined not to let the occasion pass without celebration. He wanted something perfect: the food classy but not pretentious, with just enough booze to keep things lively, but he didn’t want a room full of falling-down drunks. Also, he needed enough people to let Jack know how much he was loved, but not so many it became more about the party and less about the birthday boy. Most importantly, he wanted the right people there, people who were invested in celebrating his husband, not in looking for their next hookup or creating any kind of drama.

Sadly, his plans were not to be.

About a week before the party, he called with some delicate news, too delicate for a text it would seem.

“What’s up, buttercup?”

“You tell me,” I said.

“Well, it’s about the party on Sunday.” This was not surprising news. Everything in the past two weeks had been about Jack’s party. From the vantage point of a newly single man in the midst of a bad breakup, it was both sweet and terribly annoying.

“What about it?” I asked, forcing a smile into my voice, secretly hoping he noticed the effort.

“Well…Freddie’s coming. To the party.” This was also not a surprise. When we had announced our split to our friends, we insisted on civility and promised they would not have to choose between us.

“That’s fine, Tucker. I don’t mind. Really.” Of course I minded, but I was determined to keep my word.

“Okay, sugar. It’s just that…”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“Freddie’s not coming alone. He’s bringing someone.”

“Probably Carol from his office. It’s okay. She’s cool.”

“His name is Edwin. And Freddie mentioned he was excited for us to meet his new…um…”

“Boyfriend,” I said.

“That was the word,” Tucker said. “Sugar, I’m so sorry.”

“Fuck.” It was the only word that sprang to mind, I’m afraid. Freddie had moved out of my house less than three weeks before, and had already found my replacement. “Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.”

“I can talk to Freddie. Tell him to bring Edwin over some other time when it’s just the four of us?”

“No,” I said, “don’t do that. Might as well rip the bandage off while the wound is fresh, right?” My metaphor made no sense, I realized. Probably because this was a really bad idea, but I was going to take the high road, and I would still get to Scotland first, goddammit.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, it’s fine. Really.”

“Listen, sugar, don’t take this personally.” I exhaled in a huff, creating an audible roll of the eyes. “I know that’s a tall order, but I’ve known Freddie since BC—Before Charlie. He doesn’t do ‘single.’ It’s a wonder he lasted this long. It’s not about you, honestly.”

“Tucker,” I said, processing everything I was hearing. “Was Freddie single when he met me? Tell me the truth.

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