Dead and Hating It Read online

  “Oh, he’s worth it,” Tonio said, startling both of them when he came up behind them. “I just have to prove it to him, which might be difficult.”

  “Eavesdropping?” Brody asked.

  “Nosy. You two were having what looked like a very serious conversation, and since you kept glancing at Kurt, I figured it had to do with him.”

  They all turned their attention to the newest member of their group, who was now staring out the window at the end of the loft.

  “I take it you’re interested in him,” Jon said.

  “Yes.” Tonio smiled briefly. “Not something I planned on happening. Trust me on that. If he hadn’t been so concerned about what I was going through…Okay, what I was putting myself through; trying to accept it was time for me to stop pestering David. Don’t argue.” He wagged at finger at his friends. “That’s exactly what I was doing at the end and you know it. Kurt made me talk about it. Since then, I’ve slowly begun looking at him as more than a friend. The problem is, as I said, how can I convince him I do?”

  Brody cocked his head, smiling. “Tell him? What’s the worst that can happen if you admit it?”

  “He laughs at me? He starts trying to avoid me, which will be hard under the circumstances?” Tonio grimaced. “He decides to move onward and upward?”

  “All possibilities,” Brody agreed. “However, from the way he was watching you a few minutes ago I don’t think that’ll happen, so take a chance, Tonio. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain if he feels the same.”

  Tonio nodded before walking over to Kurt.

  “Now we have to hope it works or we might be down one member of our little group,” Jon said.

  * * * *

  “Let’s go for a walk,” Tonio said when Kurt turned from the window to look at him. “I need to get away from all the dust before my allergies kick in.”

  Kurt rolled his eyes. “I don’t think ghosts have allergies, but okay. I’m not doing anything useful here, anyway.”

  “You’re cheering us on,” Tonio replied.

  “Yeah. Rah-rah-go-team,” Kurt muttered. “Where are we going?”

  “Out there.” Tonio pointed to the trees behind the barn, took Kurt’s hand, and seconds later they were flying toward them. When they landed, Tonio started walking, still holding Kurt’s hand.

  “I’m not blind. You don’t have to lead me,” Kurt said sourly, coming to a standstill at the edge of the trees.

  “I’m not leading you,” Tonio replied. “I like holding your hand.”

  Kurt tugged free on him, shaking his head. “Don’t toy with me, Tonio. I’m not in the mood.”

  “I’m not,” Tonio protested.

  “Yeah, right. What am I? Your project de jour? Are you supposed to keep me from going batshit crazy because I feel worthless right now?”

  “Not even,” Tonio replied, grabbing his hand again as Kurt began walking back toward the barn. When Kurt scowled, Tonio said, “You’re handsomer when you smile, you know.”

  “I’m what?” Kurt said in disbelief.

  “Handsome. Okay, maybe not like a movie star but…Anyway, back to the problem you seem to be having. You are not worthless. Yeah, you couldn’t help us haunt George; you couldn’t help us move out here, you can’t do any of the cleaning. That’s just surface, Kurt, and it will change. We’ve all told you that.”

  “I know,” Kurt admitted reluctantly.

  “Also, you’re not worthless as a person. I think you believe you are, after what George did to you, but you’re not, damn it! If I can see that, why can’t you?”

  “I was so…so needy I suppose because I honestly believed he loved me.”

  Tonio looked him straight in the eye. “Does that mean you don’t think anyone else can?”

  “It’s a bit late to find out, isn’t it?”

  “Really? Why? Because you’re dead? Look at Jon and Brody. They love each other. I’m sure it’s happened with other ghosts, too. We’re only human, well more or less.” Tonio put his hands on Kurt’s shoulders. “I can’t say I love you. It’s way too early for that. But I sure as hell like you as more than a friend. There, I said it. Believe me or not, I do.”

  “You’re…sure?”

  “Yeah, Kurt, I’m sure. Before you say it, I’m not rebounding. You’re not anything like David, which is a good thing. I loved him, you know that, but I’ve finally put that in the past. I like you because you’re you.”

  “I like you, too,” Kurt whispered. “I never thought I’d let another man into my life, after what he did to me. I guess I was wrong, because I’m willing to find out if we can become more than friends.”

  Tonio sighed in relief as he brushed a knuckle over Kurt’s jaw. “I think we already are.”

  * * * *

  “It looks like Tonio succeeded,” Jon said as he and Brody watched from the loft’s window.

  “I’d say so, from the looks on both their faces.” Brody chucked a few seconds later. “And the fact Tonio kissed him before taking off like a scalded cat.”

  “Kids,” Jon said when Kurt took off after Tonio. When he caught him, although it was obvious Tonio let him, he said something then gave Tonio a swift kiss before putting his hands on his chest. Whatever Tonio said in reply had them doubling over in laughter. Then, hand-in-hand they rose up and flew through the loft window, barely avoiding running into Brody and Jon.

  “Everything okay?” Brody asked.

  “Yeah,” Tonio replied, smiling at Kurt. “Everything’s fine.”

  “Perfect, even,” Kurt said.

  “Good. Then let’s get back to work.” Brody tossed the dust rag he was holding to Kurt. Without thinking, Kurt caught it. “So why are you just standing there?” Brody grinned. “Move it. The rafters aren’t going to dust themselves.”

  With an elated laugh, Kurt floated up to do as Brody had ordered.

  THE END

  ABOUT EDWARD KENDRICK

  Born and bred in Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.

  I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished no matter the genre or content. Since then, for the last five years, I’ve been writing for publication—my first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely ‘romantic.’ More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal to boot.

  For more information, visit edwardkendrick.blogspot.com.

  ABOUT JMS BOOKS LLC

  JMS Books LLC is a small queer press with competitive royalty rates publishing LGBT romance, erotic romance, and young adult fiction. Visit jms-books.com for our latest releases and submission guidelines!