“Ahhh! Look at what the cat dragged in!” Tweetie yelled from next door. “Someone looks like they had a good time. I just came home to grab me another Dr. Pepper. I’ll be right back. Sam is already in there. Don’t you tell your momma a thing, I want all the details first!”

Tweetie let her screen door slam shut. Sway stood with his mouth hanging open, his car door only half closed. He glanced across the street and saw the two elderly men who came out with their newspapers every morning giving him sly grins. Sway’s face had to be fifty shades of red. Did the entire neighborhood have to know he was just getting home? Gotta love the south.

Sway grabbed his book bag and hurried into the apartment. He had just enough time to shower and change before he had to be back at Brian’s. He had the entire day off and when he woke in the man’s arms this morning to find him staring quietly at him, he’d known exactly how he’d wanted to spend that time.

Sway rushed down the hall to his room to drop off his bag. His mom called after him before he had a chance to get into the bathroom. “One sec. I’ll be right out, Mom!”

“Hiya Sway.” His name was sing-songed from the kitchen.

Sway winced. He knew that sappy voice. It was his mom’s stand-in nurse. Since Tweetie had worked respite last night, she didn’t have to report in in the morning. Anytime Tweetie was off, or took a personal day, Sam was her replacement. Sam had been a runaway at sixteen, to avoid going into the system after his mom had died of a drug overdose right in front of him. Being homeless and gay on Atlanta’s streets was dangerous. The young man had some real horror stories and some inspiring testimonials, but he was one aggressive tomcat when he saw what he wanted. And he’d made it clear months ago that he wanted Sway in every capacity he could get him. Sway had persistently reasoned that he couldn’t go out with someone who worked for him. Regardless that Sam wasn’t there to care for him, he was still employed in Sway’s home and he didn’t believe in creating an uncomfortable environment. However, Sam was relentless. No matter how many times Sway turned him down, he kept coming right back.

Sway adjusted the knobs on the shower, letting the water heat up before he stepped into the small tub. A smile quickly spread across his face when he’d thought about showering at Brian’s. He would’ve if they hadn’t lain in bed until the absolute last minute. He’d needed to get home and check on his mom, since Tweetie’s shift ended at seven.

Sway had just popped the cap on his body wash when he heard the door creak open slowly.

“Did you need a towel, Sway?”

What the fuck? “No, Sam. Get out of here, I already got my towel.” Sway peeked from behind the curtain, not surprised to see Sam’s sly grin. The guy was all pearly white teeth and dimples. A baby smooth face that couldn’t even produce fuzz on his chin. But, those wide gray eyes told the story of the life he’d lived. Sway didn’t care how mature Sam was, he was too damn young and not Sway’s type.

“I can help with your back,” Sam whispered just loud enough for Sway to hear him over the running water.

“You’re way overstepping again, Sam,” Sway warned. Now, get your twenty-year-old ass out of here while I’m naked, jailbait! Sway’s serious tone was enough to make Sam hurry back out of the bathroom.

Sway waited a moment to be sure Sam didn’t try to pull a fast one—he had before. He picked up his bottle of shower gel and poured some in his washrag, just putting it up to his neck when he heard Tweetie bang on the door.

“Hurry out of there! I wanna know how it went!”

God, can I just have a moment to bathe? Sway finished washing, and cinched his robe around his waist before he stepped into the hallway. Sam was right there at the linen closet pretending to refold the few towels and rags inside it. The space was narrow, and in order for Sway to get into his room, he had to either rub past Sam or ask him to move.

“Sam, let me get in my room,” Sway grumbled.

Sam turned feigning surprise to see him standing there dripping wet. “Oh, sure. Sorry.” Sam’s eyes lingered on Sway’s mouth as he moved to the side, but not quite far enough. He could’ve sworn he felt a hand brush his hip, but he ignored it and slammed his bedroom door and locked it behind him. He couldn’t hide forever in his small sanctuary. He put his few dirty clothes in his hamper, and replaced the ones in his book bag with another set. He wasn’t staying at Brian’s again tonight, but he kept spare clothes in his car in case there was ever an emergency and he had to stay at work.

Sway dressed in a pair of jeans and his best sweater. It wasn’t designer or anything, but it’d been washed enough until it felt as soft as cashmere, and the deep beige went well with his brown boots. He decided against more cologne and instead went all natural. He wanted Brian all over him, the same way they’d slept last night. Wrapped around each other. Sway picked up his cell before he realized it to see if he’d maybe missed a text in the time he’d driven home and showered.

Damn. He was getting bad already. He hadn’t even been gone an hour.

Tweetie’s southern twang penetrated the thin walls. “Sway are you avoiding me?”

Like that’s possible. Sway put a little styling gel in his hair to tame the deep waves and checked his outfit one more time before leaving his room to face the music.

“Well. It’s about time. I thought my social security would get here before you.” Tweetie laughed, his mom following right behind her. “So. Start from the time you entered through his door and don’t leave out a thing.”

Sway groaned but he couldn’t stop the smile. The two of them really were something else. Two modern Golden Girls. Tweetie took a large gulp of her Dr. Pepper while his mom sat on the far end of the couch—her scooter within reach— drinking probably her second cup of coffee from her favorite mug.

“Can I at least get a little breakfast, first? Two little gossiping hens is what you are.” Sway loved the scowls they gave him.

When he came back with his coffee, Sam was just leaving his mom’s room with her bed linen. He gave Sway a discreet pucker of his lips and inched past him to drop the freshly dried sheets onto the small dining table to fold.

“So, what happened on Scandal last night?” Sway sat there sipping his coffee as if he had no clue two pairs of eyes were drilling into the side of his head.

“Boy, if you don’t stop messing with me and start talking,” Tweetie snapped.

“A real man doesn’t kiss and tell,” Sway teased, giving his mom a pointed look. “Un-huh. Isn’t that what you always told me?”

Tweetie shook her head. “No. I think that only means women. You shouldn’t tell about kissing a woman… not a man. You guys don’t mind sharing details.” Tweetie waved at his mom. “My second husband sure didn’t mind spreading details.”

Sway’s mom laughed at Tweetie’s comments. “Sway. What’s his name?”

“Brian. Brian King.” Sway blushed at saying Brian’s name.

“Sure sounds like a strong name,” Sway’s mom said softly.

“He is strong. He was in the military for about twenty years but now he works with Dana.”

“Bounty hunting?” His mom said, her eyes widening. “Why do these men have to do such dangerous jobs?”

“It’s an important job. Someone has to do it, Mom. And, from what I hear, Brian’s really good at it.” Sway was only giving them basic information. Everything was still too new with him and Brian to reveal too much.

“I know. I just…”

Sway reached over and took his mom’s hand when her words trailed off. He was always careful when he touched her, mindful of her achy joints. He patted her hand gently. He knew why she was concerned and what she wasn’t able to finish saying. She didn’t want Sway to go through any more heartache. Dangerous jobs could result in dangerous situations that lead to injuries, and heaven forbid… death. They’d had enough heartache to last for the rest of their lives, they didn’t need more. Either of them.

“I think he’s a good guy, mom.”

“You went on a date last night,” Sam accused incredulously, coming into the room, causing everyone turn in his direction. Sam stared at Sway, not caring who was watching. He looked as if he’d just been kicked in the stomach. “I thought you didn’t have time to date.”

Sway didn’t answer. Sam didn’t give him a chance before he scooped up the pile of folded sheets and hurried out of the room. Sway saw the hurt and betrayal in his eyes, even though it was completely unwarranted. He’d never once given Sam any indication that they could have anything. Sway had never even flirted with him, having been honest from the start.

“Give him a chance to cool off.” Tweetie watched the closed door Sam was behind. “Crushes can be hard. Believe me. I know. Had quite a few myself.”

Sway sat back down at Tweetie’s insistence. He knew he’d done nothing wrong, but he still felt bad that Sam was upset. The young man had been through a lot and he still had so much more living to do. Sway didn’t want to be the source of any of his pain.

“In the meantime. Tell us about last night.” Sway’s mom’s eyes brightened.

“Yes. Starting with the juicy parts.” Tweetie inched forward.

“Tweets, for heaven’s sake. Are you looking for a cheap thrill?”

“Naw, Steph. Not a cheap one, honey.” Tweetie reared back laughing as if it was the funniest joke ever. Sway just shook his head. It made his mom laugh so he simply went with it.

“I hate to disappoint you ladies but I have no thrills to report.” Sway shrugged. “We didn’t do any—”

“I knew it! You didn’t get that stuff I told you that you had to—”

Sway hurried and put his hand up, stopping Tweetie at the same time his mom did. They both looked at each other and laughed. “It had nothing to do with lack of materials.” Sway smiled wistfully. “He was a perfect gentleman. He made me dinner and dessert. We talked for a long time, until we fell asleep fully clothed.”

Tweetie and his mom were hanging on his every word, but Sway had nothing more to say. Everything that had transpired last night was between him and Brian. Sway finished his coffee. “I’m going back over there. We don’t get many days off, so we’re gonna go out for a while today and maybe get some lunch. After Sunday, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go out again.”

Sway’s mom smiled from ear to ear. “That sounds real nice, baby. Then you go and have a good time.” She’d been wanting him to get out, meet people. Have more of a social life but his family was everything to him and they came first.

“I’m going. But first we’re going to watch our show.”

“Those reruns aren’t going anywhere. You better forget about Dorothy and Blanche, and not keep that man of yours waiting,” Tweetie chastised. “I’m going to go back there and talk some sense into Sam. I’ll see you later, shuga’.”

“Bye, Tweets.” Sway was glad she was taking that bullet for him. Tweetie had a way of making people see the brighter side of a dim situation. Sway was sure that by the time Sam came from out that back room, he’d be laughing at something completely inappropriate that she’d said and at least two surefire tips on how to secure a man of his very own.

He heard Tweetie grumble on her way by and down the short hallway. “My cousin said Atlanta is gay man’s mecca. If that’s so, then why are ya’ll all still single, then? I just don’t get it. But, no one wants to listen to me. If I was gay, I’d be on my fifth husband by now.”

“Why does she think the more husbands you’ve had, the better?” Sway frowned, smiling at his mom.

“I have no clue.” She rubbed his cheek and whispered. “I’m happy for you. You look happy. I hope I’ll get to meet him soon. He really sounds like something.”

“Mom. It’s just a tad early, don’t you think? We’ve only been out once.”

“Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m not pushing.” She raised both hands. “But, Tweetie’s right, too. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Sway got up and went and refilled his mom’s coffee. He brought it back in and set it down on the end table beside her. With his own fresh cup and a blueberry bagel, he sat next to her and turned the volume up. “He can wait a little while. Let’s finish our show, Momma.”