Evan wanted to go back to his apartment. But he didn’t want to bicker with Jeffery in front of Kenny, so he nodded, sat back in the seat, and looked out the window.
On the way to the townhouse, Jeffery asked more questions about what had happened that night. Then he said, “I want those criminals caught and arrested. I’ll hire a private detective if I have to.”
Kenny did most of the talking. “While Dad was kicking the shit out of them, some dude saw what was happening and he called the cops. One of them heard it and he grabbed the other guy and those two ran down an alley. But Dad was still pulverizing the big one, so he couldn’t get away. Finally he heard the sirens and he gave Dad a push and ran down the alley before the cops got there.”
Evan sighed. “The police are still looking. They said they might never find them.” He shrugged in defeat. “They said they’d stay in touch.”
Jeffery put his arm around Evan and pulled him closer. “I’m just glad no one got hurt. I don’t even want to think about what might have happened.”
When the car pulled up to the house, Kenny climbed out first and he opened the front door while Jeffery helped Evan climb up the front steps. It was one of those large townhouses made out of limestone, with a kitchen on the lower level and the living and formal dining room on the main floor. There were six floors altogether and Jeffery had installed an elevator when they’d renovated it.
When they were inside, Kenny hugged them both and he went up to his bedroom. Evan wanted to go upstairs with him, but he insisted he was fine. He seemed to understand they needed to talk and he didn’t want to intrude. Before he went up, he hugged Evan one last time and said, “Thanks for saving me, Dad. Those guys could have killed us. You were freaking awesome. I’m not sure about moving out now.”
Evan hugged his son and said, “Let’s talk about it in the morning. It’s late, we’re exhausted, and we need to rest.” He didn’t want to get into this now. He still felt Kenny might be better off living with Jeffery after what had happened.
The moment Kenny disappeared from sight Jeffery led Evan into a large living room with stark modern furniture, gray marble floors, and mirrored tables. He put his arms around him, kissed him on the mouth, and held him so tightly the bruises on Evan’s face started to hurt. Evan sensed his shock and he did not complain. But he did step back when Jeffery tried to put his hands down the back of his pants.
“I’m sleeping in the guest room,” Evan said. “As much as I love you, I’m not sleeping with you anymore. Not ever again.” He’d come to the conclusion that there would be no more sex with Jeffery. This open marriage situation wasn’t working and he had no intention of living this way any longer. “I can’t do this, Jeffery. I think we should get a divorce and make a clean break. I’ll always love you, but I know I’ll never change you. It’s the best thing for all of us. I can’t do this to Kenny anymore either.” This part hurt so much Evan’s stomach ached, and not from the bruises he’d received that night. He’d always thought he might be the one man alive to change Jeffery. It was evident to him now that would not happen.
“It’s the boxing teacher, isn’t it?” Jeffery said. His head remained down, and he couldn’t look Evan in the eye. “You’re in love with him.”
“Of course not,” Evan said. He almost laughed. “He’s a great guy, but I’m not in love with him. There’s no one else. I’m still in love with you. But nothing’s going to change.”
Jeffery lifted his head and looked him in the eye. He hesitated for a moment. Then he said, “I don’t want a divorce. I love you and I want my family together.”
Evan felt a sting in his eye. He didn’t want to cry, but couldn’t help it. He reached for Jeffery’s hand and held it. “There’s no other way. The way we are right now is killing me. And it’s not helping Kenny.”
“When the police called me tonight and told me what had happened I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared before,” Jeffery said. “And you know better than anyone that nothing scares me all that much. But this time I had no idea what I’d find in that hospital. The things that ran through my head were my worst nightmares. It’s a good thing I wasn’t driving because I would have been speeding on sidewalks. When I saw you both sitting there so helpless and bruised, I felt as if I’d been given a second chance.” He stopped talking long enough to get down on one knee. He glanced up at Evan and held both of his hands. “I want you to come home. Please don’t give up on our family or on me. I need you both. No more open marriage, no more playing around. I’ll do whatever you want.”
Evan’s eyes opened wider. It was the last thing he’d expected to hear. He slowly went down on his knees so he could look Jeffery in the eye. His husband looked so handsome and so vulnerable at that moment, Evan felt a tug in his chest. “Are you saying that if I move back, all this open marriage business is over for good? Because that’s the only way I can do it, Jeffery. I’m not cut out to share the man I love with other men. I know it works for some, but not for me. It’s as plain and simple as that.” He caressed Jeffery’s cheek and smiled. “And I do love you. I don’t even know how to tell you how much I love you.”
“I promise,” Jeffery said. “No more open marriage, no more screwing around with other guys. If that’s what it takes to get you home and get this family back together, that’s what I’ll do.”
Evan still wasn’t certain about this. He wasn’t sure if Jeffery could be monogamous. But he had to fight for his family and he had to take the chance. He was old enough now to have picked up a few things along the way. He knew nothing in life was perfect, and every marriage and relationship had a few flaws. So he put his arms around Jeffery and rested his head on his shoulder. He kissed Jeffery’s neck and said, “I’ll come home. I want to try to make it work, more than anything else. But I’m serious about the conditions. I want monogamy or nothing.” He knew he could never change some things about Jeffery, but he had to know he would be monogamous.
Jeffery held him tighter and said, “I love you and I won’t let you down this time.”
“Are you really serious about this?” Evan asked, still not convinced.
“I have never been more serious about anything in my life. I’ll do whatever it takes.”