Happy New Year

Featuring Brad and Justin from Trust:

Justin Lowe looked at his watch for the tenth time in an hour. His stomach twisted and the food he’d ate soured. He rose from the easy chair and went to the front door of the house he shared in suburban Los Angeles with his lover, Brad Callahan.

He opened the door and looked out into the night. For being New Year’s Eve it was almost eerily quiet. Again, he looked at his watch. 11:45. Brad wasn’t going to make it home by midnight.

Brad had told him his shift at the fire station ended at four that afternoon. Justin had planned a romantic New Year’s Eve dinner. Steaks, baked potatoes, champagne, even a coconut cake for dessert, Brad’s favorite.

At six, Brad called to say he had been delayed with emergencies. Justin hadn’t gotten to ask any questions before the call was disconnected.

Eventually, he’d put the food in containers in the fridge and ate a bowl of cereal. He spent some time on the computer working on his latest mystery novel. It was due the first of February. Justin had gotten a good amount done but stopped at 11:00. He still hadn’t heard from Brad.

They’d already missed Christmas because of Brad’s work. They’d had it a couple days later, but still.

Justin sighed and came back into the house closing the door behind him. He just hoped Brad was all right. He went and turned on the television figuring he might as well watch the ball drop.

At 11:55, he heard a car door slam. Trying not to get too excited, Justin rose from the couch and went into the front hall. It could just be Mrs. Nash from next store getting home.

Footsteps approached the door. He heaved a sigh of relief and opened the door before Brad got to it. His lover stopped when the door opened and smiled.

“Brad,” Justin exclaimed, his heart fluttering like the first time he ever saw Brad all those years ago. He threw his arms around Brad. “You’re home.”

Brad’s arms tightened around him. “Of course I’m home. I’ll always come home to you.”

Justin kissed him and tugged him into the house. “I thought you’d never get home.”

“I‘m sorry. There are a lot of accidents out there.”

“Are you hungry?”

“Starved.”

“I made dinner. I’ll reheat it.”

Brad followed him into the kitchen. His gaze rested on the coconut cake. “Oh, my God, you’re the best.”

Justin laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”

Brad brought him close and pulled him against him. “I do. I love you so much, Justin. More than anything in the world. I hope you know that.”

Justin buried his face in Brad’s neck. “I do. I feel the same about you, Brad. I love you.” He pulled back slightly when he heard the ten second countdown to midnight. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, Justin.” His lips covered Justin’s in a thorough kiss of promises to come.