Chapter 3: Set Up
Scott is exhausted from the long week and is attending a church potluck tonight. He still can’t completely cleanse his mind of lily. He hasn’t spoke to her again and it was for the best.
The potluck is underway. The church hall is filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware against china plates. Scott sits at a table with Jen, their daughter Samantha, and a few other families from their church group. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, but Scott feels a sense of detachment, a disconnect from the laughter and camaraderie around him. His mind is still reeling from his conversation with Lily.
Jen nudges him, snapping him out of his trance. "Scott, did you hear what Pastor James said about the upcoming mission trip?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Scott shakes his head, "No, I didn't."
Jen rolls her eyes, "Typical. He's been going on about it for weeks now. Something about helping to build a new community center in Guatemala."
Scott nods absently, his mind still on Lily. He takes a sip of his lemonade, the cold liquid doing little to cool his thoughts.
Sebastian is across the room staring at Scott with lust in his heart. His tiny cock raging. He can’t take his eyes off Scott. He can't believe this is happening. He's been staring at Scott all night, watching him laugh with his wife, his daughter, his friends. He's been watching him be someone else. Someone Scott isn't at home. Someone Scott isn't with him. He's been watching him be happy.
And it's driving him crazy.
Sebastian feels a pang of jealousy, of longing. He wants Scott to look at him like that. He wants Scott to laugh with him, to be happy with him. He wants Scott to be his.
He knows he's being ridiculous.
He's obsessing over a man who doesn't even know he exists. But he can't help it. There's something about Scott that draws him in, that makes him feel things he's never felt before. He wants to be seen, to be heard, to be acknowledged by Scott. He wants Scott to know him, all of him.
He takes a deep breath and stands up, his heart pounding in his chest. He knows he's being stupid, knows he should just walk away. But he can't. He can't resist the pull, the desire to be close to Scott.
He walks towards the table where Scott is sitting, his heart pounding in his chest. He's not sure what he's going to say, not sure what he's going to do, but he knows he can't just stand there and do nothing.
As he gets closer, Scott looks up and sees him. Their eyes lock, and Scott's expression softens. He smiles, a genuine smile that reaches his eyes. "Sebastian, right? It's good to see you here."
Sebastian feels a rush of warmth at Scott's words. He's not used to being noticed, not used to being seen.
“Thank you sir! You too” Sebastian’s heart throbs in his chest as he takes a seat next to Scott. Jen looks up and smiles at him. “You’re Cora’s son right? You are the math genius!”
Jen’s words hit Sebastian like a punch in the gut. “Yes ma’am” he replies.
“Sam could use a math tutor to bring her grades up, are you interested Sebastian?” Scott asks without hesitation .
Sebastian feels a pang of hope in his chest. This was his chance to get closer to Scott.
“I’d be happy to help, sir.” Sebastian replies, his voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s great, Sebastian. We’ll have to set something up soon.” Scott smiles warmly at him.
“Yes, sir. I’d like that.” Sebastian can barely contain his excitement. He feels like he’s won the lottery.
“You’re a good kid, Sebastian. I have a feeling you’ll do great things one day.” Scott says, clapping him on the shoulder.
Jen smiles at him, "You really are a good boy, Sebastian. We're lucky to have you around."
Sebastian feels a blush creep up his cheeks at her words. Compliments have never come easy for him, and he's not sure how to handle them. He mumbles a quick "thanks" before turning his attention back to his plate.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur. Sebastian does his best to engage in conversation, but his mind is elsewhere. He's replaying the night's events, the way Scott smiled at him, the way Jen told him he was a good kid.
Scott walks over to Sebastian after the potluck is clean. He holds a piece of paper With his name and cell number on it. Scott says, “Here, take my number. Let’s set up a time for tutoring.”
Sebastian looks up at Scott, his heart pounding in his chest. He can’t believe this is happening. He takes the paper from Scott, his fingers brushing against Scott’s. He feels a spark, a jolt of electricity that sends shivers down his spine.
“Um, thanks. I’ll text you soon.” Sebastian stammers, trying to hide his reaction. He tucks the paper into his pocket, his heart racing.
“Great.I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” Scott smiles at Sebastian before turning and walking away, leaving Sebastian with a flurry of emotions. He feels excited and nervous, hopeful and terrified, all at the same time.