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Considering we’d just spent Christmas — as well as the better part of the following week — in Toronto, I thought his answer was surprising.
“I mean, I know they’re probably mad at you for missing Christmas dinner,” I said. “Brock and Kade told me you go each year no matter what. That it’s always been a big thing over there, and—”
“Not this year.”
I sank down on the bed beside him. For the first time I recognized some of the soccer photos hung about the room were of Valerio himself. His perfect body was contorted in all manner of positions as he spiked, kicked, and headed the ball.
“Why not this year?” I asked.
“Because they’re down in Argentina right now,” he said. “They went down for the holidays.”
I slid an arm around him and began rubbing his back. It was broad and hard, with ridges upon ridges of deeply-athletic muscle.
“So why didn’t you go with them?” I asked.
“Because I wanted to be with you.”
His answer was as pure and genuine as he was. The innocence of it made my heart melt, even as it caused me to become wracked with guilt.
“But your family…”
“They went down one last time to settle things,” he went on, “so they’re all set when they come down for good.”
“Forgood?”
My lover nodded sullenly. “They told me the other day. They want me to come with them, to go ‘home’ as they put it. Only Argentina’s not my home. It never was.”
He looked at me, and his eyes were full of sorrow. Sorrow but not regret.
“It’s just a place I vacationed while growing uphere.”
I could relate, actually. More than he ever knew.
“My own parents moved south, pretty much ditching me here,” I said. “I guess I could’ve gone with them, rented my own place. But I was born and raised here. I didn’t want to leave.”
Valerio turned to look at me, perhaps taking some of my strength. There was a deep admiration in his eyes.
“I love this town,” I went on. “I love the feel of it, the people. Shit, I even love the weather.” I slid my arm further over his shoulder, adding a smile. “Maybe notalways,” I said. “But most of the time, anyway.”
“Do you miss them?” he asked.
I thought about it for a second, then nodded. “Most of the time I don’t,” I admitted. “But right now, around Christmas… yes. Yes I do.”
He was staring down, but I pulled his gaze back to meet mine. This close, his eyes were stunning. Everything about him was so beautiful.
“I miss the time we spent together, doing holiday things,” I went on. “I miss my father’s smile. The smell of my mother’s cooking.” Squeezing him close, I sighed wistfully. “It’s okay though,” I continued. “There’s nothing wrong with missing these things, Valerio. It keeps them precious. It keeps them alive, up here where it matters.”
I tapped the side of my head, indicating how I locked these memories away for safe keeping. Before I finished the motion however, he was kissing me. Softly. Sweetly.
Just as quickly, he broke away.
“Do you want to go with your family?” I asked him gently. “To be with them? Tell the truth.”
Valerio’s answer was immediate. “No. I don’t.”
“Then stay,” I breathed, my smile widening. “You have Brock. Kade. Letthembe your family.”
His eyes narrowed as he regarded me carefully. “And you?”
