Chapter 33 – When Stars Align
For the second time that day Emerson was roused from thoughts by a knock at the door. Having finally come to a decision, the contents of the package had been neatly tucked away and he’d spent the last half of the morning lost in his own memories. Walking to the door he leaned down to look through the peep hole to see who else could possibly be bothering him.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had this many visitors. It was a little unnerving that so many people seemed to know where he lived.
Looking through the people, he sighed and rested his head against the door before opening it. “Hello Duncan”
The other man stood there a moment longer unsure of himself. “Hi.”
The two stood there for a moment longer. Duncan, trying to formulate a good reason for being at Emerson’s doorstep, and Emerson, uncertain whether to send him away or let him in.
Finally Emerson thought better of it. He opened the door a little wider. “Won’t you come in?”
“I would like that very much. Thank you” Duncan nodded before walking past Emerson into the apartment.
Walking into the apartment the first thing Duncan noticed was how dark the apartment was, had it been that way last time? He couldn’t really remember.
“It’s awfully dark in here? Mind if we open some of the windows?” He asked.
“Be my guest.” Duncan replied. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Just some water thanks.”
The two parted ways off to their respective tasks. Emerson,playing the good host, in what felt like a very odd and formal fashion. Particularly given the two had spent more than one night intimately in recent days. It’s not like he’s a stranger Emerson thought. Duncan was busy pulling up the blinds to reveal what in fact was a beautiful day outside. Already on a roll, he took his responsibilities a step further and threw-up the window as well. Some fresh air would do them both good. The job completed, he retreated to the comfort of one of the leather bound chairs. Though he felt anything but relaxed.
Emerson stopped for a moment as he walked back in the room, noting the open window. It looked as if he were about to say something about it, but thought better of it. Handing one of the glasses to Duncan. Emerson then took his own seat in the chair opposite him.
“So, what brings you to this side of town?” Emerson asked, more because he was at a loss for what to say than anything else.
“I, I’m not sure really. I hadn’t heard from you in a couple of days I guess? And then with the funeral and all. You looked upset, but I hadn’t been able to talk to you. And then no responses to my message. And I knew you were close to the Aquitaines. I, I guess I just wanted to see if you were all right.” Duncan cringed even as he said it. He knew precisely how crazy he sounded. He’d known the man less than a week, and yet here he was fawning over him like a worried lover. This was awkward.
Emerson watched as the excuse fell out of the man’s mouth one after another, trying to create a plausible excuse that didn’t sound crazy. Truth was had it been any other day he might have turned Duncan away, but after the walk down memory lane earlier that morning. He was happy to have some company as a distraction.
Duncan had worn himself out of excuses by this point. Completely regretting having ever knocked on Emerson’s door in the first place, he made to stand up and excuse himself, for disturbing him, when Emerson started to speak.
“I’m sorry for not returning your messages. You are right I’ve known the Aquitaine family for quite some time. Henry especially, he was the first to employ me when I came to this city. I’ve been with him ever since.” Nothing Emerson had said was a lie, it just wasn’t all together true.
Duncan breathed as Emerson apologized, Glad to see he had not made a complete fool of himself. He spoke. “I had not realized it had been that long. This must be hard for you, especially given the manner of his death. Not only unexpected, but grim as well.”
“I was in complete shock, Henry had been a pillar of the community, I just can’t imagine who would have done such a thing to him.” OK, one of those statements was a lie, but Duncan couldn’t know that.
Getting up from his seat, he made to move closer to Emeron. Sitting beside him, he put his hand on his knee trying to imbue some empathy to the man. It was then he had realized the slight redness in the man’s eyes. Had? Had Emerson been crying? “I didn’t realize the man had meant so much to you.”
Realizing Duncan was scrutinizing his face, it occurred to Emerson some remnants of this morning’s outburst, must have still registered there. “What?” He said. “Oh no, haha that is just the cat. It appears I’m allergic to the animals.” He laughed wiping at his face.
“Oh” Duncan laughed. “I see. Still haven’t found his owner?”
As if understanding he was being talked about, Theodore the feline skulked into the room and in between Duncan’s feet, purring loudly. Duncan reached down to scratch between his ears. Before ultimately picking him up.
“He’s such a beautiful kitty, it’s a wonder anyone let him loose. He must have snuck out when they weren’t paying attention.” Continuing to scratch the cat’s ears, he examined its neck for any kind of collar.
“I can’t agree more.” Emerson lied. “But as of yet, no one’s come looking for him.”
“Where did you say you found him again?” Duncan asked, as he continued to feel around for the collar. With all the fur on Theodore, he was certain it was hidden somewhere in there.
“You know he was outside my landing, I heard him mewling one night.” Emerson tried to keep his answers as vague as he could hoping Duncan would soon lose interest.
“How strange? He must be from one of the upper floors. For as clean as he is, he couldn’t have been outside for too long. But he seems to have lost his collar.” Conceding defeat, Duncan resigned himself to petting Theodore’s head, when he realized what he was doing.
“Oh! I’m so sorry Emerson, here you just said you were allergic, and here I am bring the animal closer to you!” Duncan quickly and light put Theodore down. “I’m sorry, let me at least go wash my hands, get rid of some of the dander.”
Emerson smiled. “It’s really ok, Duncan, I’m sure it’s just a mild reaction there’s no need.”
“It will only take me a second.” He replied.
Before Emerson could contest that man was up and headed to the kitchen. He could hear the sound of running water as Duncan turned on the spigot. Emerson sat there alone in the living, surprised by how much he was enjoying the proximity of Duncan’s person. It had been an awfully long time, since he’d allowed himself to care, even remotely.
“My, my, my. Who is this handsome fellow?” Duncan called from the kitchen.
Emerson looked toward the kitchen confused. Uncertain of what Duncan could be talking about. There were no personal effects in the kitchen. He got up to see what Duncan had found. When he walked into the kitchen, he found Duncan holding an old fade piece of paper.
“And who do we have here? Mr. Emerson? An old lover?” Duncan turned the faded photo around to reveal the face of James Aquiatine, Henry’s deceased son.
Emerson stopped in his tracks, surprised to see the picture had not been packed away with the other contents of the packages. It must have slipped under something.
“He’s quite the handsome guy. Though he does look vaguely familiar.” He continued to jibe at Emerson till he realized the man’s demeanor had changed. “Hey, are you ok?”
Refusing to let tears fall for the second time in one day. He took in a breath before smiling at Duncan. “He’s an old friend. I haven’t seen him in quite some time. You could say we drifted apart.“
Feeling like a heel, Duncan quickly put the photo back on the counter. “Hey I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Emerson held up his hand. “No need to apologize, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen the photo. I’d found it earlier while doing some cleaning.”
Wanting desperately to abate the awkwardness that was filling the room. Duncan made a play at changing the subject. “Why don’t we go out tonight? I know you were close to Henry, but maybe we should cut loose for tonight and leave the heavy stuff for another day what do you say?” He smiled at Emerson winningly, hoping he could charm the man.
Emerson smiled softly back. More than happy to be off the subject of the photograph. “ “What do you have in mind?”
Duncan sidled up next to Emerson and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I know this underground music seen that happens in one of the warehouses on the outskirts of town. I haven’t been in ages, but back in the day it used to be a great deal of fun. What do you say?”
“A dance party? You want to go to a dance party?” Emerson asked humourously.
“Come on! It’ll be fun.” Duncan pleaded.
“And how did you of all people know of this dance party. I wouldn’t peg you for going out all night?” Emerson continued his line of questioning.
“I actually used to go out quite a bit with Avery’s cousin, Elijah. He’s actually how I have my job now. Haven’t seen him in quite some time. But used to be a fun guy to hang out with back in the day. So? What do you say?!” Duncan continued to ply.
Emerson raised an eyebrow at hearing Elijah’s name, but made no comment on it.
Making a spectacle of being worn down he finally conceded to Duncan’s plans.
Excited at the prospect of a night out with Emerson. Duncan stood up on his toes and kissed him, before making his exit to prepare for the night.
This Emerson thought, as he closed the door behind Duncan, was going to be an interesting night.