Sprawling on my Sofa: Max Caulfield
Today my sofa hosts Max Caulfield, a 21-year-old physics major at Grandville College. Only he doesn’t exactly sprawl on it.
Slim and tan with blond hair, he’s a touch over six feet tall and sits on the couch with a lanky nervousness.
For a moment I ponder what might make him relax a bit and eventually fetch two beers from the fridge. Only after we both recline slightly, he on the sofa and I in my armchair, do I ask: “Ready for our talk, Max?” He nods, maybe glad I don’t call it an interview, and it allows me to say: “Good. I’m really glad you came to visit me. I’ve got a curious streak and will ask you a couple of questions but if I become too nosy, you don’t have to answer, alright?”
That elicits another nod and a sip on his drink, and I ask: “Let’s start with your author. What is he like?”
Max purses his lips and cocks his head, thinking. Then he offers: “C.C. is a busy, multi-tasker. He works full-time, yet still has time for listening to, and writing for all of us. And that doesn’t even account for what he does for his own husband!”
“Juggling full-time job and writing is not easy,” I agree. “I’m glad you don’t feel neglected. We will change the focus now and you’ll be in the spotlight. But first tell me something about your world.”
He shrugs. “Grandville is your typical, Iowa small town—kinda sleepy on the surface, but with all sorts of interesting stuff bubbling down below. Grandville College is pretty progressive—particularly on GLBT issues. Yet we have pretty much the usual mix of geeks, jocks, stoners and academics.”
I nod. “It’s quite some time since I attended college but some things seem to never change. And what about you? What do you want me to know about you?”
He grins. “You mean, like I’m plotting to take over the world or something?” His smile morphs into laughter eventually and then he gives: “I’m just a regular college student with a really great boyfriend.”
I have a feeling that his boyfriend is very important to him and so I quite anticipate that the answer to my question: “What is the one thing you are proud of?” will involve him too.
I’m not disappointed as Max blushes and picks at a hangnail. “Having been able to save Damien.”
“That is a true reason for pride, Max. I will need to read your story to learn the details,” I say with praise in my voice, then continue with the next question: “What would you never share?”
“Damien, unless…,” he blushes again. “Unless it’s a—ahem—a three-way.”
“Well, that would be a pleasurable sharing,” I smile but given his blush spare him further teasing on the topic and instead inquire: “What is your most intense memory?”
Hm, that wasn’t the best turn in our talk, I realize as I watch him sip from his drink, clearly stalling. “I… I think that would be watching as Damien was injured. I still sometimes have nightmares about it.”
That must have been a horrible moment for him as his expression is pained and for his sake I decide to skip another unpleasant question on the list and steer the chat back into calm waters.
“That must have been really bad. But in time, this memory will be covered by intense moments of a much better kind lived through with your boyfriend,” I observe and take a draught of my beer, giving him time to leave the bad place behind mentally.
When he swallows a swig too, I coax: “Damien is the greatest love of your life, yes?”
And that brings a broad grin on his face. “Of course.”
I smile too and nudge him a bit: “Will you tell me about your best ever kiss?”
But he blushes and shakes his head. “Well, for that, I think you should read our story.”
I do not force him to tell me more and dip my head shortly in agreement. Then I ask: “And that story would be?”
“I tell about Damien and me in Side Effects, but I also have a small part in my friends Noah and Jerry’s story, The Pick Up Game.”
“Thank you, Max. I will read your tale. To learn about that best ever kiss… and even more about how you saved Damien. But for now, let’s enjoy the beer. My blog visitors can meanwhile check the book blurb.”
Max Caulfield is secretly attracted to his best friend, Damien. One night Max’s fantasy is presented to him on a silver platter and he eats it up with a spoon, only to be thrown for a loop when Damien confesses his love.
Cute and super intelligent, Damien Mackenzie is right down Max’s alley and has been in love with him ever since they won the school math contest last year. He’s thrilled when Max accepts his offer to hook up, then confused when Max rebuffs him afterward.
When their psychology research project takes an unexpected turn, Max is forced to confront his feelings about Damien. But the side effects have changed Damien’s mind. Can Max find a cure and heal the rift in their relationship?
Did it grab your attention? You can get the book from any of the sources below:
Max’s author Cee is active in the cyber space too and if you would like to talk with him, feel free to contact him on his:
Tagged: C. C. Williams, college love, gay, gay fiction, gay romance, literature, writing
