Tristan used to be top salesman at his firm, but when his friends suffered a tragedy, he stepped in to support them. Their ordeal over, Tristan turned to partying to ease his new solitude. Now his job is at risk and he stands to lose his home. Rain spent years putting up with his husband Milo's bad behavior before moving out. Single again and insecure, Rain dreams of creating a marionette show to celebrate kids on the autism spectrum in honor of his son. When Rain meets his neighbor Tristan, he's drawn to Tristan's sex-appeal and protective nature. But Milo keeps pulling on Rain's strings and messing with his head. Tristan loves everything about Rain, including the strange sandwiches, mismatched socks, crazy marionettes, glitter makeup, and messy apartment. And Rain wants to give Tristan everything, but can he cut lose from Milo's hold?

A Touch of Rain

Pip walked up the three steps leading to his porch and entered the house, mumbling a quick “Hello.” He was probably too shy, like his dad.


Rain slipped the schoolbag off his shoulders. Dressed in weathered red jeans, white Vans, and a lavender hooded sweater, Rain looked like an artistically-bent teenager off to the skate park. He stood on his side of the short wrought-iron fence dividing their lawns, clearly not quite sure of what to say.


Tristan raised his glass. “TGIF, right?”


Tristan drained the last of the scotch. He could feel Rain’s nervous energy from where he sat and it made him even bolder. “Yes, we’re Friday,” he said, leaning his elbows on his knees, sustaining Rain’s stare. “It’s been a long week and an even longer day. Thus, the early drink.”


“I’m so lost this week. I thought we were Thursday.” Rain stuck his hands inside the pouch of his sweater. “So, then no homework tonight. Cool.”


Chapter 6