Debts to Clear (1/2)
A week later, the search for Matthew’s father was complete. Gordon printed the results and was about to message the kid, when Matthew conveniently showed up at his door.
“This is for you,” said Matthew, as he handed Gordon an unopened bottle of premium whiskey.
“What … is this for?”
“I felt bad about always drinking your alcohol, so I got you a bottle.”
“You didn’t have to … but thank you,” said Gordon, who was taken aback by the thoughtful gesture.
“You’re welcome.”
“Let’s open it up. I have some good news to share. In fact, I was about to message you.”
“You … found him?”
Gordon nodded. “I always thought your father was an only child, but it turns out he has a stepbrother, though they are estranged.”
When Gordon handed him the report, the kid declined to take it.
“Keep it for me,” said Matthew.
“You don’t want to have a look?”
Matthew shook his head, then went to the bar to retrieve two glasses with ice.
“Even if I read it, I can’t act on it now,” explained Matthew. “I’m not ready to see him yet.”
“I see.”
“I guess last week’s reward was effective?”
Gordon understood what Matthew meant when he referred to last week’s reward, which involved the kid pulling his pants down. The “reward” was to compensate Gordon for the cost overrun associated with the search.
“It was a good motivator,” acknowledged Gordon.
“Did you end up paying the private detective more?”
After some back and forth, Gordon reluctantly admitted to paying an additional bonus to expedite the search. This was on top of the 20% cost overrun.
“How much was it?” asked Matthew.
“Don’t worry about it. You’ve already paid me enough.”
Since Gordon refused to say how much, Matthew decided to change the subject.
“Why do you think I want to find my father?” asked Matthew.
“You want to know if your father was aware of your existence, and if he knew, why didn't he look for you all these years?”
Matthew shook his head. “I don’t really care if he tried to look for me. Since my mom remarried, I didn’t lack a father figure.”
Gordon looked perplexed. “Then why do you want to find him?”
“I plan to tell him I slept with his former classmate, who he used to bully in high school.”
Gordon: “...”
“I also plan to tell him I slept with his younger brother.”
Gordon’s expression suddenly turned into pure shock.
“Wait … you met your father’s stepbrother?”
Matthew nodded. “When I met him, I didn’t know we were related.”
Gordon was beyond disbelief. He flipped through the investigation report. Indeed, Thomas Hubbard lived in Georgia. In addition, Tom’s photo was shocking. Like Daniel Law, Matthew’s father, Tom was hot. For a moment, Gordon couldn’t decide if he was more jealous of Tom or Matthew.
“You must be really upset at your father, if you plan to tell him those things.”
“My father was a playboy and didn’t care about what he did to others, so why should I? I wanna see the look on his face when he realizes I followed in his footsteps, that I am no different from him ….”
Gordon understood Matthew’s frustration and felt bad for him.
“I’m only telling you this because I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“Did … something happen?”
“I need to fly back to attend a trial that involves my best friend.”
“Is … everything okay?”
Matthew nodded.
Gordon’s mind was still processing the kid’s admission that he slept with his father’s younger brother. Though it was a social taboo, he couldn’t deny that it was also somewhat hot.
“Did you really have sex with your uncle?” asked Gordon.
“To be honest, I’m not comfortable talking about it. In fact, you’re the only one who knows I slept with him ….
A lot of things happened when I was in the States. Part of the reason why I’m back in London is to try and forget what happened.
In truth, I wasn’t planning on returning home for the foreseeable future. I’m only going back now because of the trial, which I only found out about today.”
“I understand.”
Matthew went to the bar to add more ice and whiskey to his glass.
“Isn’t tomorrow laundry day?” asked Matthew.
“Damn, that’s right.”
Tomorrow was laundry day and Gordon had been eagerly anticipating another private show.
“Since I’m leaving tomorrow, do you want me to iron your clothes today?”
“Matthew, don’t worry about it. You’ve already done enough.”
Since Gordon didn’t want the kid to worry about ironing his clothes, Matthew changed the subject.
“How’s Jeremy? Did he ask about me?”
Gordon looked exasperated. He didn’t know what to say or where to start.
“He’s super jealous that you’re staying here,” said Gordon.
“That’s understandable. Did he ask if you had sex with me?”
“Yes! He was furious.”
The look on Gordon’s face was priceless. Matthew could tell that Jeremy had given Gordon a lot of grief over it.
“Good. That means he’ll appreciate you more when you’re officially a couple.”
“You’re such a bad influence,” scolded Gordon.
“Do you wanna make him more jealous?”
Gordon paused. His interest was suddenly piqued.
“What … do you have in mind?”
“Do you still have the birthday present I gave you?”
“Yes.”
“Go get it.”
Gordon went to retrieve the pair of handcuffs that Matthew had previously gifted him on his birthday. When he got back, he handed it to the kid and sat down.
Matthew casually examined the handcuffs before placing them on the side table next to Gordon. Then, instead of taking a seat, the kid approached his former landlord and quietly stood in front of him.
“What … are you doing?” asked Gordon, who stared up at the hot teenager towering above him.
“Getting ready to help you make Jeremy jealous ….”
* * * * *
To be continued.
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