“Where are you staying?” Thélio smiled at me as we left the plane together, heading toward baggage claim.
He’s taller than me.
I thought he was shorter.
That’s so rare for me these days.
“Oliver offered me space in his house but I don’t want to get in the way so instead he rented me a house to stay in for a few days,” I shrugged, grabbing my suitcase, “what about you?”
“The same,” Thélio nodded, “and rented me a car. They really do go above and beyond for guests.”
“I think we got special treatment to be fair. Oliver and I are really close. I go to him for advice actually. He’s a bit like an older brother to me.”
“That makes sense. Do you need to get your car?”
“Oh uh… no. I legally can’t drive so I’ll just call a rideshare. But uh… wow that will be… expensive. Why did they have us fly into Billings? Bozeman is so much closer to where they live.”
“Flights make more sense coming here. Well… I would be happy to give you a ride. If you do not mind spending another hour and a half with me.”
“We’re wedding buddies, remember?” I smiled, following Thélio to the car rental desk, “I don’t mind at all.”
It doesn’t help that I find you easy to talk to.
You don’t stare at me as if I’m weird.
“So,” Thélio smiled, setting our bags into the trunk of a massive SUV that Oliver had rented for him, “what is the address of your rental?”
I gave him the address and he blinked a few times before pulling his phone out and showing me the information for his reservation. The address and dates were the exact same and I sighed softly before going to my contacts and calling Oliver.
“Hyacinth! Did ya make it to Montana?” Oliver’s deep, thick accent came through on the other end of the line.
“I did. Also, I have a question for you.”
“What is it?”
“How much planning did you do to ensure Lio and I would not only sit on a flight together but also rent us the same house? Hm?”
“Oh! I hear Auggie cryin’ I have to go!”
“Oliver don’t you dare hang up,” was all I got out before the line went dead, “he planned all of it.”
“And you are surprised?” Thélio snorted, “he is a… oh… um… I don’t remember the word in English. I’ve only been speaking it for a few years. It’s hard!”
“What is in it Portuguese?”
“Espreitar. Acting like a fox?”
“Sneak. I think that’s what you’re trying to say and yes. Oliver is a sneak. Well. I’ll look for a hotel in Livingston.”
“Huh? No, it is fine. We will have separate rooms. I don’t mind sharing with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive,” he smiled, opening my door, “get in. We will have fun!”
“Um… okay,” nodding, I climbed into the car, my hands suddenly sweaty.
Why do I immediately trust you?
Because Oliver and Sebastian know you.
I trust them.
So why am I nervous?
Thélio climbed in and started the SUV before handing me his phone, “can you put on music and set the navigation for us? The bluetooth should link easily.”
“Huh? Oh sure. Do you have a preference?”
“Hm. Not really. As long as it’s not country, I don’t particularly care.”
“Oh… perfect,” I giggled and slowly went through the many playlists he had, settling on one he had labeled as long drives. All of the songs were gentle, more acoustic than lyric heavy and I relaxed in my seat, watching the scenery around us, “Montana doesn’t look that different from idaho.”
“You have never been here?”
“Never had a reason,” I shrugged, “Oliver has invited me a few times but like I told you. I hate doing things alone unless I have to. So I’ve declined. But with it being the wedding, I had no choice.”
“You could have said no,” Thélio poked my arm and I turned my head to smile at him, “you didn’t have to attend.”
“And why did you?”
“Ah! I am the photographer. Outside of attending as a friend, I will be taking all the photos.”
“You’re supposed to be my wedding buddy,” I pouted.
“I could always use an assistant. Someone to help me not walk into things when I am moving around the reception taking photos as well as ensure things are set well for the staged photos. Fixing hair, outfits. Things of that nature.”
“I could do that! I hate sitting still.”
“Then, Hyacinth Williams, I hereby state that you are my photography assistant for the next few days,” he laughed, making me smile wider, “We have to be at the wedding a bit early to take photos of the set up as well as the cake. I will be taking photos of Oliver in his suit as well.”
“Not Sebastian?”
“No. I made Oliver’s suit. He agreed to let me take photos so I can have them in the shops to show people.”
“You’re a busy man.”
“Only way to fight off loneliness is to stay busy,” he sighed softly, “oh! Hyacinth look! Vacas!” he pointed out of my window and I looked over.
“Cows. Oh they’re so fluffy!” I picked my phone up and took a few photos to send to Sparrow, “my father will love it. Ah shit!”
“What’s wrong?”
“I forgot to call my parents. They worry. I have bad social anxiety. I tend to… panic,” I whispered, turning to look at Thélio, “but I haven’t been…”
“Perhaps this is why Oliver ensured we would fly together? I am known to be relaxing,” Thélio softly poked my nose before returning his gaze to the road, “call your Pai. I would not wish for him to worry about you.”
“Thank you,” nodding, I quickly dialed Sparrow’s number as I pulled my leg up into my seat, resting my chin on it.
“Jesus there you are!” Sparrow sighed, “you landed an hour ago!”
“Has it really been an hour already? Time flies. I’m safe. On my way to Livingston now.”
“How much was your ride?”
“Free. With the added bonus of good company,” I tilted my head a bit to look at Thélio who had a gentle smile on his face, his gaze not on me but rather the turns we were following, “wonderful company, actually.”
“Are you… with a stranger?”
“Lio? Are we strangers?” I poked him with my elbow and Thélio laughed.
“Not anymore. We spent hours on a plane together,” Thélio nudged me back gently.
“Lio?” Sparrow yawned, “who the hell are you with?”
“A friend of Oliver’s. He paid for both of our flights to ensure that we sat next to each other. Possibly to help my anxiety? Lio is friendly. Actually convinced me to talk to him. I was going to call a ride service to Livingston since it’s a… bit of a drive but Lio offered to take me since we’re wedding buddies. There was no reason for me to hire someone when we’re heading in the same direction.”
“Well. Be careful.”
“Pa. I’m fine. I’m 24, I can make friends. I trust Oliver's judgment of people and Lio has been nothing but a gentleman. I’m going to help him tomorrow at the wedding. He’s the photographer.”
“It’s just surprising, Hyacinth. That’s all.”
“Pa…” I groaned, my cheeks pink, “Pa I go out all the time.”
“With Stevie and Roe.”
“Shut up. Let me be.”
“Be nice to your Pai,” Thélio snorted, “he is simply worried. I am an entirely new person in your life. He does not know me. It is fair of him to be worried about you traveling with me. I would be the same way. May I speak to him?”
“Sure,” shrugging, I put my phone on speaker, “go ahead.”
“Olá, Senior Williams. My name is Thélio Solorio. Or Lio. It is nice to speak with you. I wanted to ensure that you understood I will get Hyacinth to Livingston safely. I am a photographer and fashion designer from Albufeira, Portugal. But I live in New York. I also do interviews for many publications regarding fashion and attend shows around the world for it. I am twenty six, live alone when I am home, and have a very large family I do not speak with. But I know that if my child was with a stranger I would also be concerned. I will make sure that Hyacinth sends photos from the home they are staying in. Is there anything you wish to ask me?”
“Uh,” Sparrow stuttered for a moment, “sorry. I was surprised. Yes actually. When are you leaving Montana?”
“In four days. I must go to London for a show there.”
“Are you flying from the airport in Billings?”
“I am.”
“Will you be giving Hyacinth a ride back to the airport?”
“Oh we hadn’t talked about that! Hyacinth, I would be more than happy to bring you back to the airport.”
“Thank you,” I giggled, “I would love that.”
“Of course,” Thélio slowly tucked a loose strand of my hair back before clearing his throat and returning his hands to the steering wheel, “I promise, Mr. Williams, that Hyacinth is more than safe with me.”
“I actually believe you,” Sparrow laughed, “have fun! Hyacinth, send pictures okay?”
“I will, Pa. Tell Dad I love him.”
“Of course. Love you, kid.”
“Love you too.”
We ended the call and I chewed my lip, dropping my phone into my lap.
“You seem sad?” Thélio looked at me from the corner of his eye and I shook my head.
“No sorry. I’m okay. My parents are… lovely but a bit overbearing. I suppose it’s because my brother and I are on such different paths in life. Phoenix is engaged. He teaches physical education. Plans to buy a house with his fiance soon and they’re considering having a child. Then there’s me. I’ve lived above their book store since I was 20. Only ever worked for my parents. They cook my meals because my depth perception doesn’t allow me to safely use a knife. I can’t drive so Sparrow takes me everywhere I can’t walk to. I’m… reliant on them and I know Sparrow doesn’t mind this but…”
“But you wish to be treated like an adult.”
“Yes. They’ve been asking me if I ever wanted to move to New York like I mentioned. Serenity even offered me a position at Parallel but I… I don’t… I’m scared,” I whispered, “sorry. You don’t know me and I’m…”
“We all need a friend, Hyacinth. You are lonely, aren’t you?”
“I suppose. Yes. I have been for a long time. Other than my friends I’m rather alone in the world.”
“I can relate. My lifestyle does not lend itself to creating many meaningful friendships and even less a relationship. Imagine having a partner who is only in your country a few weeks a year. It does not build a strong foundation.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve dated but never… been in a meaningful partnership. But that’s stupid, Lio. Not that you’re stupid for thinking that way, I understand where you’re coming from. You should try and find someone who has or is able to have a life like yours. Someone who can travel and work anywhere in the world so you’re not apart.”
“I have tried,” he laughed, turning into a small town, “but… I am around many beautiful people all the time. Models and such. It has fostered jealousy in previous partners, regardless of my promise that I would never stray. I know how it feels to be hurt that way as well as being abandoned by someone I loved. I would not want to do that to anyone.”
“Me too,” I whispered, a sign catching my attention, “wait we’re here?”
“We are,” he laughed, “I can’t wait to get out of the car, I am so tired. I could use a refresh.”
“God yes. A shower, some food, wine. Or water. I don’t know where you stand on alcohol.”
“I prefer beer or whiskey but if they do not have wine at the rental I will happily get you some.”
“Oh I can do it myself!”
“How about this,” he made the final turn and started following a dirt road, “huh. Weird location. Anyway, let’s go inside, shower, get comfortable and orientated with the home. Then, we head back into town, grab groceries and alcohol and I will make us dinner.”
“Really?” I stared at him surprised and he nodded, a gentle smile on his face.
“Yes. I love to cook. But you should know or rather I should ask, will you be heartbroken if I do not use meat?”
“Of course not, I'm a vegetarian. My parents are vegan and raised us to be until we were old enough to make the choice ourselves. Phoenix decided to eat meat and things like that. I’m open to dairy and eggs but never meat. Fish included.”
“You get more wonderful by the second,” he whispered, his cheeks slightly pink and I tilted my head, “perfect. I am a vegetarian as well. I grew up watching my Pai kill many fish as that was his job. It disgusted me. I understand and I do not judge. But he never treated them with kindness. He was cruel. I… remember watching an entire school of mackerel suffocate on a dock because he thought it was funny.”
“That’s horrendous,” I shook my head, “I’m so sorry you had to see that.”
“It was part of life for me. Part of why I left,” he shrugged, reaching a gate and we both let out a startled gasp, staring at the house in front of us, “what… in the world?”
“This is for two people? It’s huge!”
The home that Oliver had rented for Thélio and myself was a single story but incredibly long and wide. The entire home had a redwood wrap around porch that matched the exterior, all the accents blending perfectly against the wood causing the home to blend into the massive forest surrounding it.
“I have never stayed somewhere so big,” he climbed out and opened the gate, his braid bouncing on his back as I stared at the house.
I’m going to get lost in there.
“This is ridiculous,” Thélio smiled as we headed onto the porch, “do you have the code for the door?”
“Uh,” I pulled my phone out, finding the email with all of the information, “well thank god I have phone service out here. 1904”
“How silly,” he giggled, entering it, “that is my birthday.”
“April 19th?”
“Mhm. I just turned 26 a few weeks ago.”
“I’ll be 25 at the end of August.”
“I will remember,” he opened the door and we both dropped our suitcases, “we cannot stay here. It is too nice.”
The floor plan of the main living area was entirely open, giving views clear through the entire house. There was one hallway off of the living room, leading to what I quickly learned to be four bedrooms, two for children and two could have been the master, each having their own bathrooms and gorgeous views of the river that flowed behind the home. Off of the bedroom at the very end of the hallway was a large deck, a hot tub tucked into one corner, a fire pit across from that. The beds were huge, more than enough room for at least four adults and each room had its own television.
“Hyacinth?” Thélio called and I ran back to the kitchen to find him reading a note, “Oliver lied more.”
“What do you mean?” I took the note and grumbled, “he didn’t rent this place.”
“He owns it. Can we team up and hit him?”
“Absolutely. But!” I opened the fridge and smiled, “they took the time to fill everything with food and I bet if you open here,” I opened an alcohol fridge next to the main one, “full of vintage wine and beer. I guarantee there’s whiskey in the pantry.”
“So we do not need to leave?”
“Oh we do,” I laughed, “I need snacks. I eat 9 times a day.”
“Well. Get ready and we can take a nice walking tour of Livingston together and ensure you have plenty of snacks to last you.”
“You’re… not going to ask why I eat so often?” I whispered, rubbing the back of my left arm nervously.
“It is not my business. If you wish to tell me, you will. We are still new friends. We have four days to talk and learn things about each other. If you wish. I can also give you space. I will be busy on our third day here. I have to edit photos and things. But if you would like to spend time together, I would not be against that,” he smiled and slowly moved my hand from my arm, “you will wear down the fabric.”
“I would love to spend time together…”
“Me too.”
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