Buzz Bedazzled Read online

  Dad shook his head, frowning at Eduard who grinned stupidly. Georg just laughed openly, “Give the boy a break, Ed,” he said, “He’s only just got here.” He stood up and stuck his hand out to Buzz, “It’s really good to meet you,” he said, “I’m Georg and that idiot over there is Eduard and believe it or not, we are happy that our little brother has finally found someone that’ll put up with him.”

  Buzz nodded and force a smile back at Georg. He was being such a trooper... “It’s good to meet you guys.” He said, sounding as though he genuinely meant it, when, in reality, he must have hated every homophobic moment of it. I knew I did...

  Suddenly I couldn’t take the smell any longer. Buzz was being far too nice to everyone and getting very little in return and I wanted to vent about at least something... I glared at Eduard and Georg who were taking up the whole of the three-seater between the two of them, with their sweaty feet up on a footstool each – effectively leaving us with absolutely nowhere to sit.

  “Oh, my God.” he said wrinkling my nose for effect, “Don’t either of you slobs wash?”

  “Fuck off.” Georg’s deep timbre was tinged with amusement, “I’ll have you know that I had a shower this morning, princess.”

  I scowled at him for bringing up the stupid nickname that he’d saddled me with at about the age of ten and I immediately reverted to my fourteen year old self and found myself in the middle of a heated bitch-fest, “The idea is to put on clean clothes after bathing.” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, “And you know – normal people wear deodorant too.”

  Georg frowned at me while surreptitiously sniffing his armpit, “I did put deodorant on.” He grumbled, “I like smelling nice.”

  Dad had obviously heard enough of our childish argument and clearing his throat, he addressed Buzz, “So, Buzz,” he said, “I hear that you’re in security?”

  I winced. I might have upgraded his status a little when I told Dad about him.... Buzz raised an eyebrow at me and I blushed furiously. He smiled, “That’s right,” he said, turning back to Dad, “I’m a doorman at an exclusive nightclub with a mainly gay clientele. It’s usually pretty quiet – but the owner has had a few issues in the past and there’s some weird stalker after him so right now, I’m acting as a sort of bodyguard...”

  Holy hell, that conjured up some erotic images...

  Dad nodded, clearly satisfied with Buzz’s explanation. Georg looked totally impressed. It was just Eduard that was still being a total wanker.

  “What’s for dinner?” I asked, sniffing the air. Nothing seemed to be cooking.

  Dad shrugged, “Well, I bought a chicken...”

  I smiled, “But no one showed it the oven?” I asked.

  Dad smirked and shrugged, “I’ll get around to it when the match finishes.”

  I shook my head, “No, it’s cool, Buzz and I love cooking. We can do it.” I said, looking at Buzz for his agreement.

  He beamed back at me and turned back to Dad, “It really would be my pleasure to be allowed to cook in your kitchen.” He said, making me swell with pride. What a total sweetheart he was.

  “He’s an amazing cook.” I gushed.

  Dad just shrugged, “Whatever you want to do, son.” He said.

  Buzz took my hand in his and we headed for the kitchen.

  “Well, that went better than I expected,” I let out a massive sigh and dropped into one of the chairs around the table in the kitchen diner as Gumdrop sniffed me and wagged her tail.

  Buzz cocked his head to one side and raised his eyebrows at me, “I thought it went fine.” He said.

  I made a face, “Yeah, because Eduard was really pleasant to you.”

  Buzz just shrugged, “Meh, he was just like a mosquito buzzing around my head.” he said, “Nothing more than a slight irritation.”

  I grinned. We’d get through this and then we’d be able to head back home – taking Gumdrop with us – and spend the rest of the night showing each other how much we loved each other without any snide remarks from my Neanderthal brothers...

  Chapter 30 –The wedding of Harley and Alfie

  Buzz

  Christmas had been amazing. The best one I could ever remember, because as much as I enjoyed Christmas every year with the guys and then spending Christmas night with my brother and sister every year, it was still a whole lot nicer having someone to spend it with that I actually loved romantically. Watching all of my other mates meet and fall in love had been nice – for them... For me it had all been a little bittersweet. I so wanted to find my forever guy... and now, surprisingly but in a really, really good way, I had.

  Since Christmas, Franz had been staying with me on a more or less permanent basis and even though we weren’t calling it living together – because he still had his room at the uni house, we really were – and we were blissfully happy too.

  Franz was back at uni following his Christmas break and he was working really hard since his exams were coming up and I was working quite a lot at the club but I was always looking at jobs that I could do using my degree. I was, after all, able to do more than just man a door at a gay club... Having said that, I really enjoyed working at the club and I was reasonably well paid – I could afford the mortgage on my flat and still have plenty of money to spend. I was reasonably happy doing the job – I just felt a little inadequate against my brainy boyfriend – and the hours were a little unsociable.

  Franz didn’t seem to think it was a problem and when he said it wasn’t a problem, I believed him – it was his friends – and his family that I was more threatened by and I knew it was stupid, I just couldn’t help the way I felt. Going to see his dad and brothers at New Year was the most nerve-wracking night of my life since I’d come out to Dad, although, to be fair, Franz’s Dad was perfectly accepting of me even if I was just a doorman at a nightclub. It was his brother, Eduard, that had been the main issue and not because I wasn’t intellectually on a par with his brother either. He was just a homophobic arsehole...

  Going to see his dad and his brothers also reminded me that I hadn’t sorted out a dinner date with my parents after promising Dad that I would – that was something I really was going to have to get around to doing before much longer.

  Anyway, as much as New Year’s night, and getting around to sorting out a dinner date with my own family had given me food for thought – it was definitely something to worry about another day – because today was Alfie and Harley’s wedding day and we were all totally buzzing about it. I’d gone along to the club to see if there was anything I could do to help while Franz had a facial from his friend, Quentin. Quentin was studying History but he also loved beauty and was doing an additional course in that – and using all of his mates as his guinea pig for his facials and manicures. I had no complaints. I loved Franz looking good and I was, after all, kind of the muscle of the group of us so it was obvious to me to go and help out...

  I walked into the club and was utterly amazed at the transformation of the place. It was already kind of classy for a pole-dancing club – but with the soft lighting and the material drapes making the ceiling look like we were in a fancy marquis, well, it was utterly stunning.

  River, who was already there with Jodie and Rob, looked up and grinned at me, “It looks really cool, doesn’t it?”

  I nodded, “It’s incredible.” I agreed, “How long did this take to put together?”

  He shrugged, “Well, I can’t lie – we had a lot of help – but it only took a few hours once we’d closed. Jodie and I added the finishing touches first thing this morning before we totally crashed.” He grinned at me, clearly proud of their efforts – as they should have been.

  I chuckled, “How are the grooms doing?”

  He smiled, rolling his eyes, “Alfie is very excited.” He said.

  I had to smile. Alfie was adorable and I wasn’t in the slightest bit surprised that he was as excited as a puppy. “And Harley?”

  River’s grin widened, “I think he’s still in the bathroom – with an attack of nerves.”

  I winced, “Poor bastard.” I mumbled, “It’s gotta be nerve-wracking...”

  River nodded, “Can’t wait till it’s our turn.” He said gazing fondly at Jodie. Turning to me he gave me a nudge, “How about you? Are you gonna be popping the question to Franz?”

  I blinked. We’d only just exchanged promise rings. I did want to get married one day but I hadn’t seriously thought that far ahead. I honestly thought that Franz was still too young to be wishing to be tied down – but it didn’t feel like that. It felt perfect to wake up with him every day... I grinned, “Maybe,” I said, absently twirling my promise ring around my finger, “watch this space.”

  River grinned and nodded, “I will.” He said.

  *

  The wedding was actually really well done at Studs. God only knows where they got all the seating from – but I suspected they’d been brought in from one of Peyton’s other venues. Those establishments were well posh.

  We were all sat when the music started. It was “A thousand years” by Christina Perri. Franz grabbed my hand and turned to me with tears in his eyes. “Oh, God.” He breathed, “I love this song.”

  I nodded, “Me too,” I whispered back to him, and giving his hand a loving squeeze.

  Harley and Alfie made their way down to front where the minister was waiting for them with a big smile on her face, “Ready boys?” she said when they reached her.

  They looked at each other and smiled and nodded, “Let’s do this.” Said Alfie.

  Everyone laughed.

  I looked around. Everyone that meant anything to them both was here.

  Joel, Harley’s younger brother was looking on with the sappiest grin on his face I’d ever seen. I guessed it was his mother and t
he rest of the family that were sat with Joel. There were plenty of young children sat with them. It looked like they were a very ‘family’ orientated bunch and I wondered how long it would take before Harley and Alfie were considering raising a family of their own.

  I allowed my mind to drift into that unknown territory. Would Franz be interested in having kids? I’d always kind of wanted them but had never really thought it would be possible being gay. I know other gay guys had kids – but it seemed to me to always be rich or famous people and they could buy anything they wanted – even kids...

  I never thought I’d meet someone that I wanted that sort of a life with...

  I glanced sideways at Franz. He was breathtakingly handsome and had the most adorable smile on his face.

  The minister started to welcome the congregation and I jumped slightly. It was time to listen...

  Their vows were beautiful. Alfie’s mother was in tears and his dad looked pretty close, too.

  His brother and his brother’s boyfriend were stood, holding hands, watching on, completely enraptured. I noticed that Joel wasn’t watching his brother. His eyes kept darting across to the other side of the room. Who was he looking at, then? I followed his gaze and then I realised who he had in his sights. Well, he might as well give that up right now. He was looking at Seth, who I had to admit, looked damned fine in his tuxedo. He really scrubbed up well.

  All too soon it was all over and we were on our way outside for the photographs. Lucky for us there was a massive expanse of grass with a beautiful backdrop of trees only a short walk away from the club. It was a beautiful day for the time of year but we’d still had to put carpet down on the grass for us to stand on – well, it was January and that meant lots of wet grass, which would turn to mud under so many feet.

  Once the photos had been taken we went back inside to a glass of champagne.

  Rob had pulled out all of the stops. Peyton had a lot of friends in the catering business and had borrowed his chefs from his Diamonds and Lace restaurant for the day.

  The food was absolutely awesome. I could cook – and I loved to cook – but I wasn’t anywhere near this standard.

  Franz closed his eyes as he took a bite of the guinea fowl, “Oh, my God.” He groaned, making my dick twitch in my trousers as he chewed, “This is absolutely incredible, Buzz.”

  I nodded, “It’s amazing isn’t it?” I agreed, “I’ll have to try to recreate this.”

  He nodded, “I’m sure you can.” He said sincerely.

  Harley stood up and tapped his knife against his glass to attract everyone’s attention.

  Everyone’s eyes were on him. He smiled around at everyone. “I just wanted to thank you all for coming to celebrate our special day with us. I want to thank Alfie for agreeing to marry me.” He looked at Alfie and the love on his face for his new husband was clear for all to see. He looked around, “For anyone who’s thinking of doing the same thing – I can wholeheartedly recommend the chefs, Gianluca Toscano and his partner Sam Fletcher – let’s give them a big hand.”

  The room erupted into cheers and then the two red-faced, smiling chefs made an appearance to thank us for the appreciation. They looked adorable together as they stood in the doorway, hand in hand and looking embarrassed at all of the attention.

  They disappeared back into the kitchens almost as quickly as they’d appeared and the speeches moved on through to thanking Alfie’s parents for organising everything with them. Harley’s Mum was also thanked for her part in the proceedings and she beamed around at everyone, clearly very proud of her son.

  I swallowed. This was all I’d ever wanted – acceptance for who I was... I guess the failing wasn’t mine but my parents’...

  Franz nudged my arm, “Hey, baby,” he said, peering up at me in concern, his beautiful hazel eyes looking golden today behind his gorgeous Ray Ban’s, “are you okay?”

  I nodded, “I’m absolutely fine.” I said, pulling myself together and smiling at him, “What about you?”

  He nodded, “I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to getting you alone later on. I’m having all these dirty thoughts about you and I really want to try them out.”

  I blinked, “Wow.” I said, “You really are the sexiest man on the planet.”

  He winked at me, “I know, right.” He said.

  *

  As the day wore on, more people arrived that hadn’t been invited to the meal and the room was once again transformed to what I was more used to seeing. This was the Studs and Steel nightclub I knew and loved.

  The DJ welcomed everyone and then said the words that I’m quite sure had all the straight men desperate to go and hide, “The first dance – ladies and gents, a big had for our grooms.”

  Alfie dragged a laughing Harley up to the podiums, “Up you go.” He shouted excitedly.

  Shaking his head, Harley climbed up to the podium with a very excited Alfie right behind him.

  The DJ started their song, which made me smile. It wasn’t something they could really writhe about to – which I’m sure half of the partygoers were thankful for. It was McFly, “The heart never lies.” They managed to do a few moves but generally spent most of the time kissing each other and just holding each other close. It was beautiful.

  A few others had drifted onto the dance floor, Alfie’s parents were dancing together and looking cute, as were Harley’s sisters with their husbands, or partners – I had no idea if they were married or not – not that it made any difference.

  Their kids were running around, completely oblivious to the fact that they were in a gay nightclub.

  I spotted Joel at the same time as Franz did because he turned to me and asked, “Who is that guy?”

  I grinned, “That’s Joel,” I said, “Harley’s kid brother.”

  “Wow,” he said, “He’s stunning.”

  I shot him a mock wounded look, “Oh, I see – I’m good enough until a young, hot, fit stud comes along to take my place, huh?” I was teasing him but the look he gave me showed me that he was completely and utterly mine. I smiled. “Kidding.” I said.

  He nodded, “I know you were – but I wasn’t interested in him anyway – I was just wondering who everyone was.”

  I nodded, “Well, like I said, he’s Harley’s younger brother. He’s around eighteen or nineteen, I think. He’s unemployed at the moment – dropped out of college because he didn’t feel it was meeting his expectations.”

  Franz grinned, “Brilliant.” He said, “I love the honesty.”

  I smiled and nodded, “Yeah, I guess.’ I agreed, “But I think Harley’s mother puts a lot of pressure on him as the older brother to keep young Joel in line.”

  Franz shook his head, “Why do they do that?” he murmured, “Like they’re capable of running their sibling’s life. It’s stupid.”

  I took his hand in mine, “No one can try running your life for you anymore.” I said softly, “You’re totally your own man.”

  He nodded, “Yeah, I am.” He said, “But I’m also your man.”

  I grinned, “Of course.” I agreed, “And I’m yours.”

  *

  “I’ve come to the conclusion that there are three stages in a guy’s life,” I said, rather sagely for me, I thought – but to be fair I was on my third shot of vodka...

  Franz looked at me in amusement, “Oh, yeah?” he asked.

  I nodded, “Happy-go-lucky little boy.” I looked at him for confirmation that he was following my very profound statement. He nodded with the ghost of a smile on his face, “Angry young man.” he nodded again, “And grumpy old bastard.”

  His jaw dropped, “Oh, c’mon’ he whined, don’t be such a pessimist…”

  I shrugged and chuckled darkly, “Look around you.” I said.

  Franz frowned and looked around at the assembled groups of men and women. There were little boys that belonged to one of Harley’s sisters all running around and laughing and getting on everyone else’s nerves. The sullen teenagers were all stood together in a group. And the old bastards who were their grandparents were grouped at the bar – probably assuming there was safety in numbers and that they couldn’t catch gayness if they all stuck together, looking at everyone else menacingly...