The End of a Perfect Day

Stevo was on the night shift, so he and Jeff went into Coffs for the morning. They had a good time wandering along the main street, arms flung over each others shoulders, stopping at a café for a drink and a bite to eat, then making their way to the marina to have a look at Travis’ boat.

Time slipped by and they eventually knew they had to head back to the ute. Stevo wanted one more look around the main shopping area, and Jeff left him browsing the windows as he headed to the public toilets.

Stevo watched him go, and then darted into a particular shop. He knew what he wanted and had already reserved it over the phone. By the time Jeff came back, he was still looking in a shop window, smiling.

“What ya smiling at, Seb?” Jeff asked, coming up to his side. Stevo pointed at the window display.

“Fancy some of those?” he asked.

Jeff grinned and beat him through the door by a split second. Ten minutes later they came out laden with boxes in colourful paper carrier bags.

“We’ve got enough to share with the entire Glen,” Stevo laughed.

Jeff smiled at his friend and shrugged. “You know I can’t control myself in a chocolate shop. We need one at The Glen. It would save us driving out here all the time.”

Stevo nudged him good-naturedly. “We’d all end up as big as houses, mate. I know you are giving some of those to our mates, but imagine being able to just walk into the village centre to feed your face.”

Jeff nodded in agreement. “If old man Jessup had this kind of thing I might even force myself to go in there, despite the way he looks down his nose at us.”

“No worries, Jeff. He’s the only one like that in the place, and my way of thinking is, ‘those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.’”

“You’re right, Seb. I guess we should get going. I need to feed you before you go to work.”

Back at Jeff’s they had an early dinner, and after they’d cleaned up and loaded the dishwasher, Stevo too Jeff by the hand and led him to the sofa.

“Sit down, mate. I’ve got something to say to you.”

Jeff looked a little worried at the serious tone from Stevo, but did as he was asked, watching silently as Stevo sat next to him.

“Jeff, we’ve been together now for quite a while. I can’t imagine my life without you. You filled a void in my heart.” He stopped for a minute to take something out of his pocket. “I’d like you to accept this as a token of my love and devotion.”

He took hold of Jeff’s left hand, and placed a beautiful white gold ring on his finger. It had an unusual design on it, and Jeff had never seen anything as beautiful in his life. He looked at Stevo with tears in his eyes, and swallowed before he replied.

“Seb, you are the most beautiful human being I’ve ever met, and I love you with all my heart.” He stopped talking and hugged Stevo before kissing him passionately.

Stevo returned his kisses and then laughed, breaking away from Jeff. “Sorry to break this up, Jeff, but I really have to go. Look at the time.”

Jeff glanced over at the clock and frowned. “Okay, I know I can’t get you to throw a sickie, so I have to let you go. I’ll get your lunch up together.”

They went into the kitchen hand in hand and Stevo watched as Jeff put together a lunch pack for him. They kissed again as the kitchen door, and Stevo went out to his truck.

Jeff watched the tail lights fade and then walked back into the lounge room. He sat on the sofa and looked at his ring. “What do you think of this, Harry,” he said, speaking into the air. “I think I‘ve got a keeper this time.”

He felt a wave of warmth engulf him and knew that his dad was still watching over him, and approved.