Defined By Deceit

“Baby, I’ll be in my office. I’m gonna go over my blueprints for tomorrow again,” Llew said, climbing out the truck.

“You always do this. You over-plan and over-critique, every time we have a meeting to pitch your work. Your design is beautiful, there’s no way they’ll say no. You’ve designed three buildings already; has anyone said no to you yet?” Shane came around the truck to wrap his arms around Llew. “You’re amazing, and you’re going to wow them at that meeting.”

“I’m not gonna be cocky. I need to be prepared.”

“You are prepa—”

Shane stopped midsentence looking over Llew’s shoulder. He didn’t even have a chance to turn to see who was approaching before he heard the suave voice.

“So I heard if I wanted to have my dream house designed, I should find a great architect to design it.”

Llew’s face split into one of his biggest grins at the sound of the super-composed voice. He turned out of Shane’s hold, his lover’s brow furrowed in curiosity at the two big men walking up their driveway. “No way.” Llew’s voice held the same awe that his face showed. He shook his head in absolute disbelief.

“And I heard that a kick-ass architect lives in Henderson, North Carolina. So, I told my husband, ‘pack a bag, gorgeous, we’re going to Henderson’. Because not only is the man that’s going to design our home there.” Ace stood in front of Llew, looking as handsome as ever. “But my best friend lives there, too.”

“Fuckin’ Ace,” Llew said, so quietly, his voice choked up with emotion. Ace looked like he struggled as well. They threw their arms around each other in a strong hug. Llew couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down his face. The man who had saved his life so many years ago, when he was contemplating hanging himself in his cell with his own bed sheets, and countless times after that, was standing in his driveway. Just as free as he was. He squeezed Ace one more time, making sure he was really there before finally releasing him. “You son of a bitch,” Llew gasped, laughing and wiping the tears from his eyes.

“Llew. Damn. You look great, brother. I knew you’d thrive when you got out of that hellhole. You sure as fuck wouldn’t fit in on D-block now looking as beautiful as you do… not that you ever fit in, anyway.”

Llew blushed under Ace’s approval, like always. He reached back, wanting Ace to see his most precious accomplishment. “Ace, this is my heart, Shane Smith Jr. Shane, baby, this is Ace.”

“You can call me Robert if you want. Only Llew still calls me that.” Ace winked. Shane reached out and shook Ace’s hand.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Robert. I’ve heard such wonderful things. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for him. Without you he never would’ve found his way to me.”

Llew loved what Shane said. Loved that Shane could show Ace so much respect, regardless of where he’d just come from.

“I like him, Llew. He’s fitting for you.” Ace’s smile was genuine, like it’d always been.

Llew looked behind Ace smiling, reaching his hand out only to be pulled into a hard chest for a bone-crushing hug. “How you been, Gardner? You look good, buddy.”

Llew gasped when he was released. “I’m damn good, Jessup. How are you?”

“Happy, can’t you tell?” The big man grinned a megawatt smile, tucking Ace into his chest.

“Yeah, I can tell.” Llew chuckled, beaming at his best friend with his new husband.

“Damn. I guess congratulations are in order.” Llew caught the gleam of the gold bands on Ace and Jessup’s fingers. Made him nervous and excited at the thought of making Shane his husband when the time was right.

“Yes, definitely. Congratulations,” Shane added, reaching around to shake Jessup’s hand; introducing himself then adding, “I reckon you’re Big Waldo.”

Everyone laughed at the mention of the nickname, especially Jessup. “I always hated that fuckin’ name,” he growled, making everyone laugh even harder. Damn, that felt good.

“Where are my manners? Come on inside. No need to stand out here in the driveway to catch up. I believe a toast is in order for the newlyweds,” Shane said, waving everyone towards the front door.

They did a couple shots of Patròn while Llew filled them in about his record being expunged and his name being removed from the sex offender list a couple months ago. Ace almost teared up again. Hugging him and congratulating him over and over again. He’d always believed Llew, from the moment he’d seen him, he knew he wasn’t a rapist, that’s one reason why Llew loved Ace so much.

They settled in the living room with beers, Jessup pulling Ace up close to his side. Llew was simply elated. They looked so happy. Ace deserved some happiness, too.