Parting Gift

“We need a pool!”

“Hmm?”

“Wake up, ya lazy bugger. I said we need a pool.”

Jeff slowly opened his eyes and looked up into Stevo’s face. He had been happily lying on the swing seat on the back porch, his head in his partner’s lap, enjoying the sensation of Stevo running his fingers through Jeff’s hair.

“Did you say what I think you said?” he asked, reluctantly sitting up, as if that would help him concentrate.

“Yeah, mate. I said we need a pool.”

“Listen, Seb. The ground here isn’t level enough for a pool.

Stevo smiled, he loved the way Jeff used his initials as a pet name, his middle name was Eithan, and turned to face Jeff on the seat. “I know that, Jeff, but your place is nice and flat out the back, and there’s more than enough room.”

Jeff sat deep in thought for about five minutes before a smile lit up his face.

“What?”

“That’s a ripper of an idea, mate. That means no gardening out the back. We can have a nice paved area all the way round, with a place for a Barbie with table and chairs for visitors to join us for pool parties.”

“Seems I’ve fired up your imagination,”

“You sure have, and another thing…I’m not going to lift a finger, we’ll get a contractor in.”

“But you said you really enjoyed the work for the General.”

“I did, it was a challenge, and very educational, but if we’re having a pool of our own, I think we should enjoy every minute of it, which doesn’t mean doing the work ourselves.”

“But…”

“Seb, you know that I can afford it. Work is steady, and I have Harry’s legacy. I know he’d want us to enjoy it and not keep it all for a rainy day.”

“If you’re sure, Jeff.”

“Never been more sure, Luv,” Jeff replied, kissing Stevo as he got up and made his way into the kitchen. He came back quickly with two bottles, handing one to Stevo.

“Now, changing the subject, Mum isn’t going to be staying forever is she. I was thinking that maybe we could get her a going home pressie.”

“Got anything in mind?”

“Actually, I do. First off, I was thinking we could get a portrait from Bron, then I realised that it will take a bit too long for her to be able to take home with her, so my second thought was that perhaps Ceri could take a nice formal pic of the two of us, and have it printed up on canvas with a nice frame.”

Stevo stared at Jeff and tears welled up in his eyes. “No wonder mum loves you so much. You’re the kindest, most thoughtful man I’ve ever had the pleasure to have known. I’m blessed to have you in my life.” He put his beer down and hugged Jeff tightly.

“Okie dokie then,” Jeff managed between sniffs, “better call Ceri as soon as…even before the pool guys,” he winked, opening his cell phone.