He’s having a chat with Sharon in the marketing department. I linger nearby with two drinks, pretending to consider some art on the wall with Sean in my peripheral vision. I note how much his leg is bouncing, how his hands are moving, how he’s participating into a conversation. Sharon gets a text from her babysitter and politely excuses herself to make a call. I take that opportunity to walk up to Sean and hand him a glass. Sean relaxes and gives me a look of relief. “Thank you.” He takes the ginger ale and sips. I put my palm on his shoulder and run my hand back over his spine until I can gently grip him at the base of his neck. I rub the pad of my thumb side against the thin metal circlet under his shirt. As I do this, Sean straightens his back and his chin lifts ever so slightly. “You’re been a good boy, Sean,” I murmur softly, just loud enough for him to hear. Sean flushes. “Th-thank you Sir. I mean. David.” He glances around to make sure no one heard that and clears his throat. He sips his drink again. “I mean it. I know how much you hate formal parties, but you still came here as my spouse and are doing a beautiful job. You are going to be rewarded for your behavior when we get home, as you are impressing me quite a bit tonight.” “T-thank you Sir.” Sean fusses with his tie. “Also, I cannot take my eyes off you in that outfit. I’m likely going to make you wear it while I’m rewarding you.” Sean swallow with a noticeable bob. He shifts in his chair, uncrosses, and recrosses his legs. “Sir,” he whispers. He doesn’t correct himself either time, and I remind myself to not get Sean into an embarrassing situation for himself. I let my hand melt away as Sharon comes back into the room. “Sorry about that, my son broke a glass bottle and got a bit of a cut.” “Oh that’s quite alright, is he ok?” Sean says. “He’s fine, thank you. Nothing a band-aid can’t fix.” “That’s a relief,” I add. Sharon glances at both of us. “You two look like you’re posing for a painting, with you standing behind Sean like that. You seem so compatible, how did you two meet, if I may ask?” Sean is happy to answer. I sit on the sofa and pepper comments in, as I sip my drink and observe him being social and playing his role as my faithful spouse. I’m the only gay man in my company, and I know Sean is a source of curiosity and interest amongst my conservative peers. If only they knew we weren’t married, but he was my collared boy. What would they say, oh what would they say?
