Gordon, Solara - Jet Lag Blues (Siren Publishing PolyAmour) Read Online Free PDF Page A

air when I open the door.”
    “Just a moment,” he stated, watching Mason scramble into the shirt. He sidestepped as he opened the door. A gust of wind whipped in, sprinkling snow across his bare feet.
    “Sorry to disturb you,” the gray-haired gentleman explained. “We don’t expect a power outage. But to be safe, I brought extra blankets and a couple of flashlights.”
    “Thanks. We appreciate it,” Mason replied, reaching for the items.
    “One more thing.” The manager stepped back out and retrieved a large plastic shopping bag. “Clean towels and sheets for you. Storm’s stalled. Hate to ask you to do your own housekeeping.”
    Darryl laughed and took the bag. “Gives me a chance to practice my hospital corners.”
    As the manager turned, he pointed to the TV. “With the wind, reception is limited. Channel eight is running an old movies marathon. Have a good night.”
    Locking the door, Mason turned. “Where are we picnicking?”
    Darryl glanced around the room. Only one area could accommodate them comfortably, the section closest to the bed. Talk about an obvious innuendo.
    “Grab a couple of pillows off the bed and spread a blanket nearby. I’ll check on Val.”

    * * * *

    Mason stepped back from the picnic area. Two blankets, one on top of the other, formed a lopsided square. Pillows and glasses sat along the end closest to the door. The heater kicked on. Its whine and groan almost matched the wind’s external noise.
    “Nice.” Darryl’s voice caught him off guard. Mason jumped, startled.
    “Sorry about that,” Darryl began. “You sure you’re all right?”
    Mason shrugged. Blurting out an answer would destroy anything he had already said to reassure them. If he didn’t answer, Darryl would start asking more questions he wasn’t sure he could answer or wanted to. Yet they were stuck together for what now appeared to be two days, thanks to the damn storm. He’d better say something and sound convincing.
    “It’s been a while since the three of us got together. Just seems different, I guess.”
    Darryl’s muffled chuckle made him turn.

    * * * *

    Darryl sat on the edge of the bed. Mason’s rigid shoulders and preoccupied look screamed of his edginess with things. Letting him speak might get his issue out in the open. “Look, something’s bugging you. Spill it.”
    Mason’s sigh punctuated his sideways glance. The last time he’d appeared this agitated was after his argument with his high school best friend.
    Darryl sucked in air. His stomach flip-flopped, sending an anxious ripple racing through his gut. His hands grew sweaty. Had he assumed when he needed to be direct? He rose as Mason sat facing him at the table. Clearing his throat, Darryl made sure he had Mason’s attention. “Tell me straight. What’s going on?”
    Mason’s tight lips and shrug didn’t help. Another belly flop and heart palpitation made him want to pace. “Want me to take a stab at it?”
    Mason shook his head. “No thanks. I’m not sure I can put it into words.”
    “Okay, give it a try before Val comes out.” Anything was better than knowing nothing. Right?
    Mason’s nod slowed the agitation churning in his stomach and working its way into acidity lapping up his throat. Their friendship ranked in importance as much as his and Val’s relationship. One more fast glance from Mason and he’d yell.
    “All right, here it is,” Mason started, rising and moving closer. The lock on the bathroom door clicked.
    Shit, please don’t let him clam up! Darryl stood still, waiting to see if Mason continued.
    “You and Val are a couple. We’ve hung out very little since you began dating. Most times, I meet you at Val’s or you stay behind. It’s awkward.”
    Darryl rubbed his hands across his shirt, hoping to dry their sweatiness. He reached out and clasped Mason’s shoulder.
    “Val’s your friend. So am I. Just because we date hasn’t changed that. Okay?”
    “I guess. But...” Mason’s voice trailed