Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Flashing lights and shining dresses. The tension was palpable before the announcement then Dave and Martin smiled at each other and stood up from their seats, heading for the stage while people were clapping. Giving two pecks on the cheek of the pretty brunette woman Martin took the award smiling a little shyly. Dave started thanking for the support and the encouragement he and his partner got from the bands and his agents during their work. They’ve got the award because of the successful lyrics they wrote together to several music bands. Finally both of them could feel that they achieved something they’ve been longing for. This was a big night for both of their carriers. Finally they could feel that their art was acknowledged.

Martin felt a tingling warm feeling inside when David put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it with a radiating smile. The blond man “just” had to wait more than twenty years and go to New York City to fulfill the dreams he used to have in that blurry gay bar back in Basildon. It’s been a long road but now he dared to be happy. On David’s side. He could be finally free, even if they didn’t announce their relationship in public. They just wanted to write songs and lyrics while living a peaceful and still exciting life with each other – and now with the girls, too, because it seemed that they’ll stay a little longer until Justine and Ellie’s father will be dealt with. The boys didn’t mind, they had plenty of room and could have their privacy.

David was on cloud nine as he was standing next to Martin and shook hands with dozens of people. He barely knew any of them, but he didn’t care, Jonathan took some business cards for them for possible future works. Now Dave just enjoyed their success and that he had a great partner to celebrate with. It felt so good to hold this award in his hand while chit-chatting with others. Even if he had to leave his family in NYC, this new exciting life was full of surprises for him. He wouldn’t have thought that once he’ll find the male love of his life back in London. But now here they were. And he could not have been happier. His new family was here with Martin – and the girls they took in.

It seemed that in the future they won’t have to fear that their father will appear again, because the police found some fake prescriptions by him as well, and from the girls’ tearful statement his violent and abusing nature came to light, too. They were only waiting for the verdict and the boys assured the police once more that they will take care of the girls, who meanwhile moved into the other side of the now huge apartment Dave and Martin owned.

With a deep sigh Martin leant back on the backseat of a black taxi. As David closed the door and the driver gave gas, the flashes and all the noise faded away. He was holding the award in his hand, staring at it with shining eyes. Dave just watched his lover with a satisfied smile as he was sitting next to him. In the dark he stroked along the object then slid his hand on Martin’s and squeezed it lightly, letting his fingers rest on the warm skin.

“Are you happy, Martin?” he asked barely audible, stroking down his own tie with the other hand.

The blonde curly man turned his head to him and watched the dark-haired musician with a little smile in the corner of his lips. His head was still dizzy from all the people and the noise of the event. He could still hear the clapping and saw the bright lights as the two of them walked up on stage. Letting their fingers interwove on his thigh he slowly nodded, looking deeply into Dave’s now dark eyes. “Yes, I am, David” he whispered quietly, too. “With you.”

The other man smiled and nodded quietly, not letting Martin’s gaze go for a long minute while his thumb caressed his warm and dry hand. Then he nodded as well and looked forward as the taxi slowed down by a red lamp. When it soon turned green, he felt a sudden good and exciting feeling inside of him as the green light lit the raindrops on the windshield while passing under the lamp. This will be an exciting new adventure with his curly love.

THE END