Advent Calendar Day 5

 

Good morning! As promised, we have fiction to share from one of our generous and talented friends, Byron Beach. Those of you who belong to my Patreon will recognize Byron as the guy who posts all those interesting and insightful comments about the stories, as well as sharing snippets from his own work.

Today we have a quickie coda for Griff and Pierce from Stranger on the Shore. This is actually a prequel to a coda we're going to get next week.

Here's how Byron explains it:

A Pirate's Christmas Eve takes place ten years on. Griff and Pierce have a son named Nick ( after Nick Carraway - from Gatsby). It deals with Griff finally being able to start his book about the kidnapping.    But to do this I felt the need to write a set up one, Wisconsin Reunion, this takes place one month after the events in the book and it is about Griff's feelings of giving up his old life and the impact of his new one.  

Wisconsin Reunion takes place one month after the events in the book and it is about Griff's feelings of giving up his old life and the impact of his new one.  

WISCONSIN REUNION

Griff stood, lost in a quiet contemplation of wealth and waiting. Did those with deeper pockets truly spend fewer moments in idle anticipation, or was this languid drag of time universal? The hum of activity at Dane County Airport painted a picture of mundane comings and goings, and amid it all, he tried to pinpoint Pierce's potential flight. Though Pierce had hinted at touching down around 11:30, the board displayed no New York arrivals fitting that bill.

 

He retrieved his phone, thumb skimming their recent texts, looking for a flight reference. Yet he consistently found himself sidetracked, captivated by the blend of playful and intimate messages they'd exchanged. Like Pierce's light-hearted note on mastering the art of blueberry pancakes in preparation for their shared Sunday mornings. He’d chuckled at that text more times than he'd care to admit. And that snapshot of a pale blue tie, patterned with sailboats and anchored with a gleaming oar tie clip.  That pic was now was his screensaver, a soft reminder of their bond.

 

Leaving Long Island behind a month prior, Griff had sought a respite, asking the Arlingtons, and Pierce, for room to breathe and recalibrate. They had understood, giving him the space, he yearned for. But soon, the weight of longing nudged Griff to send a single heart emoji, only to receive in return an image of Pierce's favored cologne bottle. That simple exchange bridged the miles between them. And now, after weeks and myriad messages, they were on the cusp of a long-awaited weekend together.

 

Griff glanced again at the arrival board, Would Pierce even appreciate the simplicity of Janesville? What would he make of Griff's circle of friends? Alvin, his cousin and a ghost from the past, flashed through Griff's thoughts. Their paths, and outcomes had diverged so starkly when it came to the Arlingtons. Shaking his head, Griff tried to shove the dark thoughts aside. He was just about to dial Diana when the familiar and intoxicating scent of Pierce's cologne enveloped him. Before he even saw him, a warm breath brushed his neck.

"Hello, handsome stranger."

 

The ambiance momentarily shifted, and in the next second, Pierce was there, embodying the elegance of a bygone era, as though they were characters from a 1930s black-and-white film meeting at a train station. Griff leaned in, nestling his face in the curve of Pierce's neck, the familiar embrace evoking a swell of emotions.

 

Their lips met in a gentle, longing kiss. Drawing back, the playful twinkle in Pierce’s eyes was evident. “Such a reception,” he quipped.

 

Griff smirked, “Didn't want to risk you getting lost. Imagine where you might have ended up.”

 

Pierce shot him a teasing look. “I had your bedroom in mind, to be honest.”

 

A light blush warmed Griff's face. “Easy there. Luggage first, plans later.”

 

Swinging his modest bag with a flourish, Pierce’s grin grew. “I always pack with intent.”

 

Navigating their way to the car park, Griff felt a flicker of self-consciousness. Pierce had never been a passenger in his vintage Karmann Ghia. Despite its meticulous engine rebuild, it was, a bit dented and rough on the outside, a far cry from the sleek lines of Pierce's Boxster. Yet, this car was Griff’s, an emblem of his identity, or at least, the identity he once held dear.

 

“Ready to indulge in some bona fide Wisconsin delicacies?” Griff queried, hoping to divert his own attention.

Pierce's lips curled into a teasing smile. “My appetite is insatiable today.”

 

Griff chuckled, yet he could feel the weight of an impending conversation. He was purposefully evading the topic of their accommodations. Much as he tried, Griff could not imagine Pierce, with his polished leather bag and black silk boxers, in his studio apartment, with its stunning view of the Janesville mall. Taking a steadying breath, he shared, “I've reserved a room at the Edgewater in Madison. It's central, and the view of Lake Mendota is breathtaking. Thought you’d like it.”

 

Pierce gave him a thoughtful glance. Instead of delving deeper, he offered, “If you're there, it's bound to be special.”

 

Once on the main thoroughfare, the drive to Madison unfurled before Griff. A route he had traveled innumerable times suddenly appeared fresher, every detail accentuated, thanks to his new co-pilot.

 

Pierce’s penetrating gaze was hard to miss. Meeting those amber eyes, Griff sensed an undercurrent of both humor and inquiry. "Been keeping yourself engaged? How's the book shaping up?" Pierce’s question, subtly touching on the Arlington mystery and Griff's newfound heritage, hovered in the air.

 

Griff hesitated momentarily. "I’ve been pulled into a different direction lately. I'm uncovering some unsettling truths about the foster care system," he ventured, adeptly sidestepping the topic that still felt raw. "There are allegations of fraud and manipulation, especially in institutions that house numerous children."

 

The seriousness in Pierce's demeanor was unmistakable. "It's a disturbing and I've heard all too often. Vulnerable children, compromised by the very guardians meant to shield them. It's grievous how these stories get buried."

 

Griff's expression softened into a playful smirk. "You do have a knack for defying my perceptions, huh?" he teased. Beneath their light-hearted exchange, Griff felt a bond, a shared empathy for the less fortunate.

 

“I thrive on defying your expectations," Pierce said with a sly twinkle in his eyes, "and I plan on keeping it that way for quite some time. But speaking of defying expectations, this car of yours...”

 

"What's wrong with my car?"

 

Pierce chuckled softly, letting his fingers trail over the dashboard. "Absolutely nothing. I rather admire it. From the outside, it might seem a bit, um, seasoned, but its performance? Absolutely athletic. The interiors, efficient, direct, honest and devoid of any unnecessary pretense, much like its owner."

 

Griff shot Pierce a wry look, "I've always believed in maintaining what's important."

 

Pierce's response was a contemplative hum, his fingers now coming to rest on Griff's thigh. "So, how's work been since you got back?"

 

Griff's grip on the wheel tightened momentarily. "For the most part," he responded feeling a hint of tension in his voice "Things have been... different. People treat me like I've become a character from a story, not the colleague they've known for years."

 

"You had to expect some change, right?" Pierce ventured.

 

"I get it, I do. But it's the silence that gets to me most. Friends tiptoe around the Brian thing, never addressing it outright, yet there's this underlying assumption that I should suddenly play the magnanimous heir or always have a solution ready. And then there’s Marleen in finance. We used to exchange laughs, had this easy camaraderie. But these days, she pores over every detail, questions every expense, insisting on repeated documentation. It's as though she’s suddenly skeptical of every move I make. She even held up my paycheck, demanding I use my 'true' name on a W9 – as if my identity has become this big question mark. It's exhausting."

 

Pierce, leaning slightly closer, seeming to choose his words with care. "Griff, your return has rewritten the story for everyone. It's unsettling terrain for all involved. But if you ever need any help, especially with paperwork, just-"

 

"I appreciate the offer," Griff interrupted, softening his tone. "But I need to find my way through this. On my own." Seeking a change of topic, he ventured, "How about some food before we check in?"

 

A playful glint returned to Pierce's eyes. "Let’s drop my bag at the room and then get something to eat. If we get settled in that room, I suspect we’ll find other... diversions."

 

As he pulled into the circular entry of the Edgewater Hotel, Griff's chest tightened, and not just from the splendor it represented. The hotel, grand as it was, embodied the tug-of-war Griff felt inside.

 

The hotel was elegant and the nicest in Madison. He had been here often, but always to interview some official and always on an expense account. But today, accompanying Pierce, it was as if he was seeing it all anew. Every tiny imperfection, be it a slight mark on a baseboard or flowers past their prime, seemed to stand out starkly. He couldn't help but wonder, would Pierce view these details with a critical eye? Would this setting seem less than luxurious to him?

 

His apprehension deepened as he handed his credit card to the receptionist. Those recent, unreimbursed expenses weighed heavily on his mind. His worst fear materialized when the clerk uttered, "I'm sorry, sir. Your card seems to have been declined."

 

Before the weight of embarrassment fully settled, Pierce, ever the picture of poise, intervened. "Let me handle this," he offered, laying his own card on the gleaming counter. The card's significant weight and emblem signaled privileges Griff was unaccustomed to. And then, the kicker: "Could we possibly upgrade to a lakeview suite, if available?"

 

Though Pierce’s intention was purely to ease the situation, Griff couldn’t help but feel a blow to his pride. He wasn't prepared to lean into the Arlington privilege, an unchecked bounty that didn't demand effort or accountability. Yet, as they moved toward the elevator, Pierce's reassuring wink reminded Griff that the quality of their room wasn’t what mattered in the grand scheme of things.

 

Stepping into the luxurious suite, Griff's spirits plummeted as he spotted Pierce removing a thick bundle of legal papers. The juxtaposition of the intimate setting with formal documents made him feel suddenly trapped, caught between the pull of romance and the tug of independence.

 

“Now, Pierce? Really?”

 

Pierce appeared genuinely taken aback. “I assumed you’d want to get these out of the way?”

 

Frustration clouded Griff's mind, tension palpable in the air. Struggling to maintain composure, he challenged, "Did you fly out here solely to pressure me into these signatures? What's your actual agenda?"

 

Pierce's face betrayed a flicker of hurt, possibly even regret.

 

“Which hat are you wearing today, Pierce? Lawyer or lover? Because you can't be both.” Griff’s heart thudded, fiercely protective of the boundaries he was trying to establish.

 

Pierce, attempting to defuse the tension, raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Griff, my only reason for being here is you. I genuinely believed getting these documents settled would offer you some closure."

 

Meeting Pierce's gaze, feeling the depth of their shared history his heart started to race. "I need some air," Griff murmured, turning quickly, and making his way toward the exit.

 

Pierce was quick on his heels, their steps echoing in the Edgewater's opulent corridor. "Listen, Griff, I'm here for you, not paperwork. You are the one I cherish." Planting a gentle kiss on Griff’s lips, he playfully added, “How about a proper lunch date? That's what decent boyfriends do, right? Admittedly, I'm still getting the hang of it."

 

Griff's breathed, took a moment wanting to make things work, "I guess we both could use a little boyfriend practice."

 

The streets of Madison welcomed them with a radiant splash of sunlight, casting a warm glow on their path. As the fresh air enveloped Griff, it seemed to whisk away the weight bearing down on him.

 

Wanting to open up and slowly finding the words, Griff began, "Pierce, learning that I'm Brian Arlington... it didn’t grant me clarity. Instead, it's cast a shadow over everything I once knew. It's as if every memory has been tainted."

 

Pierce's gaze met Griff's. "Your foundation has been shaken. I understand."

 

Interrupting, Griff pressed on, "I grapple with identity every day. Is the name on my driver's license a façade? Even considering a new name feels like I'm turning my back on my history." He paused, taking a breath. "I don’t expect you to have all the answers. In fact, I don’t want you to."

 

Pierce tightened his embrace around Griff. "All I can offer is to stand by your side, in whatever capacity you need."

 

Returning the gesture with a tender kiss, Griff smirked, "You’re scoring major boyfriend points, Mather. Keep this up, and you might just find me permanently attached."

 

Pierce entwined his fingers with Griff's, a sense of longing in his gaze. "I wish you'd come back with me to Syosset, even if just for a day.  I know Jarrett would love to see you. It would lift his spirits immensely."

 

Griff nodded seriously. "I care about Jarrett and I do want to properly get to know my grandfather," he affirmed. "It's just finding the time isn’t that easy. I've already been off work for over a week; taking another so soon is not feasible."

 

Pierce's eyes twinkled with a golden hue, a fervent hope simmering in them. "What if we made it just a flash visit,, even, say, tomorrow? We could share a leisurely lunch there. It's about a 90-minute flight; you’d  back by early evening."

 

Griff's eyes widened, momentarily overwhelmed. "Tomorrow? Pierce, it's a bit whirlwind, don't you think? Even assuming I could secure a flight on such short notice, it's just too much to juggle at the moment."

 

A bashful grin spread across Pierce's face. "Actually, about the transportation..." he hesitated before admitting, "I might have borrowed Jarrett's Gulfstream."

 

A bubble of laughter escaped Griff, the surrealism of the situation finally dawning on him. "So let me get this straight: here I am, barely scraping by with maxed out credit cards and a bank balance that wouldn't impress a squirrel, and now there's a private jet at our disposal? Its….Its, well its absurd.”

 

Pierce's laughter echoed Griff's, a hearty sound that reverberated with genuine joy. "You are singular Griff. The poorest rich man or the richest poor man I know, yet unfailingly yourself through it all."

 

Griff straightened up, "Alright, counselor, for this arrangement to work," he gestured grandly between them as if encapsulating their shared universe, "I have some stipulations."

 

Pierce raised an eyebrow in jest, playing along. "By all means, let's draft a mutually beneficial agreement."

 

"First order of business, I require an attorney whose scent doesn’t derail my thoughts whenever they enter a room and does not have skin which I need to explore every inch of."

 

Pierce smirked, "The attorney bit, I can find you someone else in my office. As for my resisting the urge to explore you – that clause is void."

 

Griff, playfully rolling his eyes, landed a swift peck on Pierce's lips. "Second, I'm game for visiting Jarrett tomorrow, I truly miss him. However," he held up a finger, "YOU are covering our exorbitant parking fees at Dane County Airport. Their rates border on criminal."

 

"I reckon that's well within my designated boyfriend duties," Pierce quipped.

 

"Thirdly," Griff drew closer, his voice softening, "I love you." He sealed his words with a gentle kiss on Pierce’s smiling mouth.

 

"Fourth – If you ever drag me to a country club luncheon with individuals named Bunny or Skyler and they solely prattle on about yachting..."

 

Pierce raised his hands in mock surrender, "In their defense, they occasionally delve into equestrian discussions, but point taken."

 

"And lastly," Griff said earnestly, "Before any move to Long Island, I need to secure a job. I need my work; there are stories out there begging to be told."

 

As Pierce's embrace enveloped him, his deep voice whispered reassuringly, "There's an abundance of news outlets that would vie for your talent, and countless tales awaiting your voice. But the only narrative that I care to hear is the one we're writing, together."

 

Griff's smile radiated genuine warmth, the weight on his heart significantly lighter.

"On that note” said Pierce, “let's make lunch quick. Because I have some... conditions of my own to lay out once we get back to the hotel"

“We could do room service?”

Pierce smiled, grabbed Griff hand and ran.