When I Was Your Man

“Matt, you know I hate myself for being one of all the reasons you guys failed back then. But you cheated, and that's unforgivable…“
Matt interrupted him with a laugh. “You of all people are telling me this?“ He cocked his eyebrows to remind Brian of his own failures.

Brian took a long drag of his cigarette. He wordlessly offered Matt one, and he took it and lit it. The taste of smoke immediately reminded Matt of the first night in Big Bear, when Karma had come over for a talk. He certainly got more than he bargained for.

“I know I’m not innocent, you're right. But if Michelle ever found out I cheated it would not mean the end of our band. There’s more to it when it comes to you,“ Brian said. "I know it doesn't justify what I did. And I need that to stop, especially now with... the baby..." Matt nodded. He knew his friend was right. He did something unpardonable not only to Karma but to everyone involved. What Brian did was equally as horrible, but the only one suffering was Michelle.

“I know. I fucked it up. But believe me, I felt miserable for years,“ Matt admitted, and Brian threw him a somewhat less hostile smirk. “I know. And you probably felt miserable enough not to do it again. I’m glad you told me all that. I mean, if I’m honest… I do think you guys could have a chance.“

Matt smiled. He'd hoped Brian would be over her. To hear him say that meant a lot to him. “We were talking about that just earlier. It might actually happen. Thanks for not being against it this time,“ he replied. “You weren’t ready for someone like her back then, and I was like a brother figure. Of course I didn’t want you guys to be,“ Brian admitted.

Matt let out a laugh. “What kind of weird incest brother were you? You were jealous you sick fuck!“ Brian laughed, too. “Yeah man, that, too. But the most part was what I just said. You weren’t ready for her.“
“And you think that I am now?“
“Yep,“ Brian replied, popping the p.

For the second time that day, Matt felt a warm feeling spread inside his chest. He had Brian’s blessing, after all.
“Bri?“
“Huh?“
“Don’t tell anyone. Don’t wanna jinx it.“
Brian chuckled. “Seriously man, you’re thirty-three and you don’t wanna jinx it. You're a lucky bastard she didn't hear that.“

They headed inside laughing. The rest of the evening passed easily. Lots of laughters were shared and Zacky of course was the hero of the day with his injury from the car crash.
Since Karma and Matt didn’t finish cooking the risotto they planned for a late lunch, they shared it with the guys. It was a nice addition to the barbecue meat. They drank the terrible Big Bear Schnapps Brian loved so much, and joked around until they were all yawning.

Matt was happy. Karma sat next to him the entire time, and his hand rested on her knee and drew circles on her skin. For the first time in years, everything seemed to be falling into place.

“Dude, I’m gonna hit the hay,“ Zack enunciated. The others followed suit. Matt and Karma were the last ones on the porch. “God, the mosquitos are killing me,“ she said with a fake annoyance. “Do you wanna go inside?“ She asked then. But Matt was scared the spell would be over once they left the porch.

“I got a better idea,“ Matt said with a smile. “You know where they don’t bite you? Under water. How about some skinny dipping?“ Karma’s eyes glistened with mischief. “The old man’s doing teenager stuff again, I like you,“ she said with a grin.

Soon, they lost their clothes one by one, sharing kisses in between taking them off. They were in the pool, playing around, and splashing each other. For a second, Matt allowed himself to think back to when they first got together. He got his old friend Mike to lend him the yacht, and then they spent the day bathing, picnicking, and... Well, other physical activities.

He grinned at the thought of how nervous he was for their first real date. He didn't want to fuck it up. No, it had to be perfect. He'd been very unsure about the plan for a long time, wondering if Karma would think it was too much.

On the other hand, he knew she cared about not being seen, and a yacht was the perfect place. And how boring would drinking a coffee or going to dinner have been? I think I did pretty alright, he thought with a grin.

“What are you thinking about?"
Her words ended his reminiscence. "Our first date," he replied honestly. Matt grabbed her naked body and softly pinned her against the pool’s wall. “Things were so different then," Karma said with a smile.

“I talked to Brian,“ Matt then said, “and he’s not gonna be an asshole anymore.“
“The guys asked, too,“ she said with a grin.
“And what did you say?“
“Well, what they know already. We did it. And we’re at the stage of… deciding on a label,“ she said with a smirk.

“Oh are we?“ Matt asked, acting surprised, “I think you already know how to label this.“ He was feeling brave, maybe because of that pep talk with Brian or maybe because of the Big Bear Schnapps.

“Well, technically,“ she replied. Her expression turned serious. “But uh, first there’s something I need to tell you. And you might not want me after that.“
Matt swallowed. What could it be?

Notes

Have a good start into the next week guys :)