It`s time for Tuesday Tales.
Today we have an excerpt from The Easter Redemption, a Laurel Holidays serial that will be debuting on my website in spring.
Please do bear in mind that these snippets are unedited so please be kind if you find any mistakes.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!
“Noted.” I poked at the bag in my tea with my finger. I had about a billion questions that I wanted to ask someone. Anyone. Decker was the closest and he was family. “They advise against getting into a relationship in the first year of sobriety.”
“Oh, okay. Well that kind of sucks. Do you want to date Maalik?”
“I think so maybe. But then again he’s my boss and…” I paused, glanced at the clock on the wall, and cussed. “Shit, I’m supposed to be at the maple farm helping gather sap.” I shot to my feet, sat down, stood back up, and then slapped myself in the face. Hard. Hard enough to make my eyes water. “I don’t know what to do! Do I pretend like it never happened? Do I pull Maalik aside and talk to him? Do I just quit and go find another job?”
“No, do not quit. That’s not how good people handle difficult situations. I think you should go back to the maple farm, find Maalik, and talk to him. Tell him what you just told me.”
“I did, I told him and he was…” What was the correct word? “Vacillating between stunned and horrified.”
Decker chewed on that for a moment, taking a sip of tea before replying. “Okay, well, you’re the same so you’re both on the same wavelength. You can’t quit though.”
“No, I know.” I pushed my hand into my front pocket. The tokens were warm in my palm. I closed my hand around them. “I think I need to find a group locally. I’m feeling kind of wobbly at the moment. Like getting lost in a bottle would be the best route to take.”
“We can find one for you.” He scrambled off the couch to find his phone. I sat back down, mulling over what to do next. What would Monty advice? Does being a sponsor mean you have to listen to some confused dude talk about his sexual awakening? I mean shouldn’t being a sponsor mean you only handle alcohol issues and not wanting to sink your dick into your sexy boss. “Okay, well, there is one at the Methodist church tomorrow evening.” He looked up at me from his phone. “Are you okay until then?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay.” I carded my fingers through my hair with my free hand. The other was death-gripping my tokens. “Talking to you helped. What should I do about Maalik and work today?”
“What do you think you should do?” Decker and the goat studied me.
“Old me says to dump the job and go get hammered.”
“What does the new you say?” my brother prodded as he ran a hand over the goat’s Roman nose. Her long lashes fluttered.
“The new me says I should go back, do the work I was hired for, and then talk to Maalik.”
“New you seems a lot smarter than the old you. Not any better looking though.”
“Pot kettle, little brother.” I ruffled his rank hair as I’d seen big brothers do on TV shows and Decker only pouted. No slapping at my hand or angry words, just a slight pout.
Tiny steps carry us great distances. I read that somewhere I think.
©Copyright V.L. Locey 2023
Love your use of the prompt. Great scene.
Great ending, and I love where the brother tells him they’re the same and on the same wavelength.
Love this. Great insight into the inner workings of those struggling with alcohol addiction. And into the relationship between the brothers. And brilliant use of the word prompt!!j
Great snippet! Good, realistic interactions between the two!
I can sense his panic and frustration as he deliberates his situation. I hope Maalik isn’t as upset as he thinks he is. Great job!