Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 23:46:31 EST
From: RitchChristopher@cs.com
Subject: briarwood:unto-the-hills-79
All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or
are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language,
please exit now.
<><><><><><><><><>
"BRIARWOOD"
Copyright Ritchris, 2005
aka "Whence Cometh My Help"
Copyright Ritchris, 2003
Revised Version
A dramatic saga
by
Ritch Christopher
<><><><><>
BOOK SEVEN
"UNTO THE HILLS"
Chapter-Seventy-nine
* * * * * * * * *
"Two for the road we'll travel down the years,
collecting precious memories.
Selecting souvenirs,
and living life the way we please.
* * * * * * * * * * *
As long as love still wears a smile,
I know that we'll be two for the road,
and that's a long, long while."
(excerpted from "Two For The Road")
Music by Henry Mancini
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Copyright 1967
<><><><><><><><><>
Jeff and Johnny were changing Little Cliff and Little Roger's
diapers each at the same time. Johnny's mind was preoccupied as he powdered
Little Roger with an overabundance of Z.B.T. Baby Powder. Jeff noticed
Johnny's action and joked, "My God, Johnny if Roger pees in that much
powder, he'll be caked in a white mudslide. We'll have to shovel the excess
when he pees."
"Sorry," Johnny said, "it was a slip-up,"
"Sweetheart, will you relax?" Jeff assured. "How many times do I
have to reassure you that's it's gonna be fine for your cousin Steve and
his lover to come stay with us. I look forward to having them."
"Jeff, it's just that Steve was so wild when we were growing
up. When I think of all the lip I had to take off him and his remarks about
my being gay. We had many arguments and fist fights and were never really
close...and now, years later, he calls and tells me, not only has he
discovered he's gay, but also he has a lover. I don't know what to
expect. This new Steve is not the Steve I knew and learned to hate."
"Bull, in the years I've known you, I've never known you to hate
anyone, personally," Jeff said.
"Oh, yeah, what about George Bush? Rumsfeld? Cheney? Perle?
Condaleeza? Wolfowitz? Rove? Falwell? Robertson? Limbaugh? Ann Coulter?
Dr. Laura? For starters?"
"But you don't know any of them personally," Jeff said, adhering
the final piece of Velcro on Cliff's diaper."
"I might not know them personally, but they affect my life...and
yours...and millions of others," Johnny replied, wiping away most of the
powder he had deposited onto Roger.
"Yes, but you can't blame Steve for what they've done," Jeff
said. "Steve is your own flesh and blood. You and I both had always lived
a' forgive and forget' credo. It goes along with my job in the church. If
Steve's found out he's gay, then he can't possibly be the same Steve you
knew when you were teenagers."
"I suppose you're right."
Johnny fumbled with Roger's diaper until it was secured. At
that moment, Roger cut loose and filled the fresh diaper with fresh baby
urine, while at the same moment, the phone rang. "You little shit," Johnny
said to Roger as Jeff laughed out loud.
"Honey, you get the phone and I'll change Roger," Jeff said to
appease Johnny's frustrated situation.
Johnny picked up the phone, not knowing to expect a call from one
of the Mackintosh residents or a "location" call from Steve."
"Hello?"
"Johnny?"
"Yes?" not recognizing the mysterious female voice.
"This is your Aunt Tess."
"Aunt Tess!" Johnny exclaimed, "Good heavens, it's so wonderful to
hear your voice."
"I hope I didn't disturb you, but I was wondering if Steve had
arrived yet?"
"Not yet, Aunt Tess. I'm not expecting him until some time
tomorrow. I AM expecting him to call me some time tonight to let me know
where he is."
"Johnny, I'm afraid I have some rather bad or sad news for him. I
don't know if it would be better if I broke it to him after he gets there
or if I should ask you to tell him to phone me at home when he calls you
later tonight."
"What is it, Aunt Tess?"
"Do you remember Hal Carson, Steve's best friend?"
"Of course I do. He and Steve were always like brothers. Has
something happened to Hal?"
"No, not Hal, it's Hal's younger brother, Noah."
"Noah was in short pants the last time I saw him. What's happened
with Noah?"
"Johnny, little Noah, was a senior at a boarding school in
Tennessee."
"Yes, and..."
"Noah's mother received a call from the Sheriff's office in
Tennessee. It seems that Noah's body was found along a road there, nude and
raped. He's dead, Johnny."
"My God! How is Hal taking the news? Pretty bad, I suppose..."
"No one knows how to reach Hal. He left home to go off with his
girl and get married. His girlfriend and Hal had some kind of disagreement
and she left Hal in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and returned home without
him. She's the last person to see Hal. His mother thought he might have
driven down to Chattanooga to see Noah, but no one can be sure if they saw
one another."
"No one suspects Hal of having anything to do with Noah's death, do
they?"
"No, of course not. It's just that no one knows where Hal is or how
to reach him."
"My God," Johnny sighed.
"During the summer, Steve became rather attached to Noah. They
became close friends...and I know the news of Noah's death is going to hit
Steve rather hard."
The light dawned and Johnny's mind raced forward, putting two and
two together. It must have been Noah who Steve called Johnny about,
perplexed over whether or not to have a sexual encounter or relationship
with...and now this! Noah was found dead. Johnny could only imagine how
Steve would feel and the guilt that might accompany the news.
"Aunt Tess, I know you don't know my partner, Jeff, but he's a
priest."
"Yes, Steve told me all about Father Jeff, as he called him."
"Do you think it would be better if Jeff told Steve about Noah? I
mean, Jeff has such a comforting way of breaking sad tidings to members of
his congregation and residents here in Mackintosh," Johnny said.
"Oh, Johnny," Tess said, as her voice broke into tears, "Do you
think Jeff would do that? I would be ever so grateful to him. It would take
a load off my shoulders. Steve and Wade both left here in such happy
spirits to come to see you. I just don't want to be the one to have to tell
him. I hoped that Steve and Wade would like it there in Mackintosh and start
a new and happy life together."
"Aunt Tess," Johnny said, "please, don't worry about a thing. I'll
talk with Jeff and I know he's the right one to tell Steve. I don't think
I'll tell him when he calls tonight. I don't want him driving up and around
these mountains with his mind on Noah. The last thing you or any of us
needs is for Steve to have an accident before he arrives here."
"I think you're right, Johnny. I trust your judgment. Please call
me or have Steve call me, once his mind has had the chance to settle, once
you and Jeff tell him."
"I will, Aunt Tess."
"And another thing, Johnny, please, please, please, talk Steve out
of coming back for the funeral. Like you, I don't want him to have to turn
around and drive back to Hawthorne. I will mail him clippings from the
newspaper about Noah's death and I'll attach a copy of the obituary. I
doubt if Steve or Wade will know of Hal's whereabouts, but if either of
them do, have one of them call him and I'll tell the Carson's."
"I'll do all I can to discourage him, Aunt Tess. There's nothing
Steve can do by returning to Hawthorne for a funeral. I know Steve's not
Anglican, but if it'll make him feel better, I'll ask Jeff to have a
private mass for Noah. That way, Steve will feel as if it's like going to
Noah's funeral."
"That would be wonderful, Johnny," Tess said.
"Listen, Aunt Tess, when Steve and Wade get settled into their own
place, I want you to come for a visit."
"I would love that, Johnny. I've spent my whole life in Hawthorne
and I've never ventured outside the state."
"Well, it's high time you saw some of the rest of the country. I
don't know if Steve told you, but Jeff and I have just adopted twin boys
and I'd love for you to meet your new grand nephews."
"Oh, my, I'd love to hear the sound of new babies."
"Even if it's two o'clock in the morning?"
"Yes, even two o'clock in the morning. That's when babies are
supposed to wake up and demand attention. That's all part of being a
parent."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me...only I'm still not
convinced," Johnny joked.
"When you have to get up early in the morning to change a baby, to
feed him, to hold him while he cries, that's the time a baby feels most
loved. That's when he knows someone is there to take care of him and love
him. Two o'clock in the morning is when a baby learns about security and it
shapes him the rest of his life."
"I'll keep that in mind, Aunt Tess."
"Do that! You'll know I'm right in years to come," Tess
replied. "Johnny, I don't want to keep your phone tied up in case Steve is
trying to call you, so, I'd better hang up."
"Fine, Aunt Tess. I'll have Steve call you some time tomorrow
night...or I will."
"I'll be expecting your call...and thanks, Johnny."
"You don't have to thank me...we're family, remember?"
Saying the word, "family" seemed to soothe both Johnny and Tess who
had been distant relatives for many years and now a tragedy had brought
them closer together as all tragedies seem to do.
Johnny hung up the phone and called to Jeff.
"Hey, babe?"
"Yeah?" Jeff replied.
"I need to ask a big favor of you."
"Sweetheart, you know we don't ask favors of one another and never
have. Just name it and I'll do it."
"That was my Aunt Tess on the phone...Steve's mother."
"Oh?"
"Sit down, Jeff, I need you to break some bad news to my cousin
when he gets here."
"What's happened, Johnny?"
Johnny told the entire story to Jeff whose eyes filled with tears
as Johnny continued to talk.
<><><><><><><>
Father Cliff was going through his morning mail and was astonished
when he saw the name and return address on a legal size envelope. Vittorio
Argenziano, Cliff's old roommate from seminary, had sent the letter to
him. Vittorio's name had no title in front of it such as 'Mr.', 'Dr.', 'Fr.',
'Rev.', just plain 'Vittorio Argenziano'. Cliff had not heard from Vito since
they were both ordained and over the years the two had completely lost
track of one another. The last thing Cliff knew was that Vito had been
offered a church somewhere in the Middle West. No contact or outreach was
ever put forth by either Vito or Cliff.
Cliff hurriedly, opened the thick envelope and in it were nearly
twelve typewritten pages. It resembled a short story. Cliff poured himself
a large cup of coffee and sat down at his desk to read. To tone the mood
even further, Cliff turned on his CD player and played an album, which Vito
had given him as a gift while they were rooming together. It was "Somewhere
In The Night", a recording by Teri Thornton. The lonely trumpet and lush
strings began the intro before Teri's sultry voice began singing,
"Somewhere in the night, chasing shadows around the bend.
Somewhere in the night, chasing rainbows that have no end.
In the misty light, you are mine and you hold me fast,
But dreams have a way of calling it a day,
They seldom last, my dreams have past.
But in my lonely flight I'll keeping searching till time
is through,
For somewhere in the night till I find you." **
The following is not a transcript of the letter, but it is an
account of how and why Vito had given up the priesthood before he began his
ministry.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He was ordained Father Vittorio Argenziano but was more known
simply as "Father Vito". He graduated from the seminary, having been
roommate to number one in his class, who was known only as "Father Cliff".
Cliff introduced him to sex the first year they roomed together. Prior to
that time, Vito had never masturbated, let alone experienced the intimacy
of a partner, female or male.
Growing up as a Roman Catholic in the late 50's and early 60's,
physical sex was something to be saved and fulfilled on the wedding
night. The church frowned on premarital sex and 'self-abuse'. There was no
way the Vatican could ban wet dreams, which were frequently encountered by
all young male Catholics.
After Vito's sister, Marie, had an abortion, found herself
excommunicated from the church, Vito, Marie, and their parents, Tony and
Sophia, broke away from the Roman liturgy and sought sanctuary and solace
in the Anglican Church. Tony didn't like the English rhetoric and stopped
going after three visits. Sophia attended St. Stephen's with her two
children, but only Maria and Vittorio became members. The Anglican Church
recognized their baptism and it was nothing more than a formality to become
a member.
The Anglican Church was understanding of the taboos handed down by
the church of Rome and honored by the Argenziano household. But even after
Maria's fall from grace, sex was still a forbidden desire for Vito. After
his first bout of masturbation with Cliff and his first wide-awake orgasm,
Vito realized a joy he had denied himself since puberty. Since he had never
known sex, he really had no preference to men or women and was anxious to
try both.
He had never dated, so approaching a possible partner was very
foreign to him. He tried to score with a couple of young women at bars, but
invariably struck out, mostly because of nerves and fear on his part. He
decided that the best way to score would be to hire a professional 'lady of
the evening'. He learned from a couple of drinking buddies that the going
rate for a good time was between thirty-five and fifty dollars. He opted
for the full fifty buck ride, not knowing that he would have to supply a
hotel room, plus his lady of the evening expected a tip in addition to his
fee. The whole event cost him nearly one-hundred-twenty-five dollars, but
since he had waited nearly eight years, to him it seemed a bargain.
His choice was not a very good one. Not only did his "lady" have a
rule of no kissing. She chewed gum, smoked a cigarette and rolled her eyes
when she wasn't looking up at the ceiling, throughout the whole sexual
ordeal. She had no inkling that she was selling her favors to a virgin, who
had absolutely no idea what to do. She just chalked his inexperience up to
his being bored. She offered no help. So after an hour, both of them
decided the evening was over since nothing was really being
accomplished. After that first time, Vito wasn't sure if was worth half that
amount of money for the small amount of pleasure he had received.
Two weeks later, Vito went into a gay bar for the very first time
and found it was easier to talk with men and several of them had tried to
pick him up during the first half hour of his visit. Vittorio's coal black
hair and slightly bronzed Italian skin made him attractive to nearly every
guy he met. It never occurred to Vito, one way or another, that he was very
good-looking and, by some standards, a hunk.
Finally, Vittorio relented and chose a tall muscular blond, who went
by the name of "Ash", short for Ashley or Ashton, Vito supposed. This being
his first time with a man, Vito chose to make up a story...something along
the line of his marriage had been dissolved by a cheating wife and he had
wondered what it was like to have gay sex. The first part was a lie, but it
made it easier to explain why he was inexperienced as far as gay sex
went. His partner would have to show him what to do without Vito's showing
his total ignorance to the situation. No queen or gay stud would ever turn
down a cherry, so no matter whom Vito accompanied home, he AND his partner
would have a potential good time.
Vito had had many solo masturbation sessions since that one time
with Cliff. Seeing Cliff's nakedness in Vito's memory could cause an instant
erection. So as soon as Vito got a good look at the muscular Ash, Vito's
equipment sprang up immediately, ready for instant action. Ash was slow,
deliberate, and patient with his vestal and six hours later of sexual
tutoring and educating, Vito had experienced practically every chapter in
the "Joy of Gay Sex". He stayed for breakfast with Ash before going home,
more confident and more fulfilled than ever before in his entire life. If
that was what gay sex was all about, he was a convert. He would be gay the
rest of his life!
Two months later, Vito got a call from a diocese in Galleton,
Illinois, to be an associate pastor of an Anglican Church. He had spent four
years at seminary away from his parents and sister, so leaving them to go
to another state was no big deal...been there, done that.
Where the fuck was Galleton, Illinois in the first place? He made a
long distance call to Springfield to get details about the metropolis. The
lady who answered the phone kept Vito on hold for nearly fifteen minutes as
she retrieved as many facts and figures as she could retrieve.
Vito soon learned that Galleton was around eighty miles southwest of
Springfield, almost a stone's throw between Jacksonville and Alton and
about fifty miles east of the Missouri state line. The town had a
population of nearly 70,000, a nice sized town, made up of mostly
Caucasian, erudite, nouveau-riche residents. Sounded like it was a rich
little haven made up of people trying to live outside, and faraway from,
the state capital. There were only eight churches in the entire city, a
"Northern" Baptist, a Presbyterian, two Methodists, a Lutheran, a
Unitarian, a Roman Catholic, and, of course, an Anglican, St. Titus. What?
No Pentecostal? No Church of Christ or Church of God? That alone was enough
to arouse Vito's interest. In spite of the wealthy townspeople, nearly
three-fourths were registered Democrats which was strange, but a welcoming
asset for Vito to consider.
Democrats, heh? That usually meant liberal, which in turn meant
that there were probably a lot of gay men somewhere in or nearby the
community.
Father Kent Reed, the parish priest at St. Titus, was a single
gentleman in his early 60's. He had recently suffered a stroke, a
non-crippling CVA, which was followed by a few minor TIA's, trans-ischemic
attacks, or mini-strokes. He had been at St. Titus for thirty-some-odd
years, since it was first built. Only a month ago, he had asked his
archbishop if it would be possible to budget an assistant to take some of
the physical and emotional load off his shoulders.
One of Vito's mentors, Father Charles Baker, at the seminary where
Vito and Cliff were ordained, had lived in Springfield and had gone to
college with Father Kent. It was Father Charles who had heard his old
school buddy's cry for help and had called Vito to see if he was
interested. In the next years before his death, it would be Father Charles
that kept Vito abreast about his old roommate, Cliff, Briarwood,
St. Genesius, even about Cliff and Roger's coupling. Galleton was larger
than Briarwood and Vito wanted to see the town and the church before he made
his decision. He had money to fly to Springfield, but thought he might
enjoy driving the distance in his own car.
Upon arriving in Galleton, Vito was impressed with how clean and new
everything looked. The city was spread out, making it appear even larger
than it really was. There were many great shops, restaurants, bars,
etc. And the church, St. Titus, was beautiful beyond words. Instead of a
cross behind the altar, there was a life-sized, hand carved crucifix with
Christ on the cross. The stained glass windows were set just perfectly so
that they received the dawn, casting colored spills of light across the
east side of the sanctuary and the evening sunset had the same effect on
the west side.
The interior of the church was English Tudor with the X's and
crossbeams laid on white walls. The Stations of the Cross, Vito later
learned, was a gift from one of the members. They were imported antiques
from some cathedral that had been damaged in England during World War
II. They would have drawn a pretty penny had they been auctioned at
Sotheby's. The bread and wine chalices, also gifts, were made of handsomely
finished, 24-karat gold. This was no little roadside chapel. It had taken a
lot of money to build and equip this mini-cathedral.
Father Kent's manse was no small deal either. His parishioners
loved him and had spared no expense in making his living quarters large,
elegant, and comfortable. It, too, was built along the same Tudor motif,
complete with double-Dutch doors. In back of the house was a smaller house,
more like a country cottage. It had five rooms and reminded Vito of a
gingerbread house. If Vito agreed and Father Kent liked him, that would be
the assistant pastor's dwelling. It certainly wasn't Italian, but living
there alone with all the privacy made taking the position even more
appealing. He would have no rent to pay. His car was paid for, so any
salary, no matter how nominal, would be like money in the bank. Father Kent
would later tell him that many of the ladies in the church wouldn't hear of
a bachelor preparing his own meals. So nearly every night, the church
members took turns preparing one extra dinner while they were cooking and
the "extra" was sent to Father Kent. He hadn't cooked a meal for himself in
years. There were more pluses toward staying, and the number was growing by
the minute to Vito.
Vito's natural curiosity got the best of him. He wondered why there
was no "Mrs. Reed" present in Father Reed's household. Why was Kent not
married at his age? Could it be that Kent and Vito shared the same sexual
preference? He wasn't attracted to Kent because of Kent's age, but Vito
might have the comfort in knowing that should he occasionally stray and
pick up a trick for a night, Kent would be understanding and look the other
way, perhaps.
It turned out that Vito's scenario of Kent was quite wrong. Kent HAD
been married. He and his wife, Sarah, had given birth to a son, Ralph, but
she had died later in childbirth, trying to deliver a stillborn daughter,
Nicole. Kent reared Ralph as a single father, put him through Northwestern
University in Chicago where Ralph majored in banking and accounting. Ralph
met Susan at school and Kent had married them shortly after their
graduation. Ralph, now the father of two boys, Andrew and Mark, ages six
and eight, respectively, and had made his way up to a vice-presidency of
Galleton Savings and Loans. Religion had not "stuck" with Ralph and he
wanted no more part of it, other than attending his father's church when he
felt like it.
Upon arriving at St. Titus', Kent showed Vito around, giving him the
twenty-five cent tour. It turned out the tour was all but wasted as the two
of them spent more time, each trying to size up the other. Were they
compatible? If and when Kent should die or retire, was Vito the "one" to
take over the parish and its members? The two of them broke the tour long
enough to drive into town and have lunch. This was followed by a two-hour
"ask and answer" session...for each...in Kent's study. The meeting of the
two began in a rather formal fashion. They relaxed more at Bimini's
Restaurant and before the afternoon was over, they had swapped comical
stories about Father Charles, which led to a more serious conversation. In
one day, the two had become friends. The job was Vito's if he wanted it.
While having lunch, Vito had eyed the other patrons of the
restaurant and especially the young waiters, about Vito's age. A couple of
waiters had even eyed Vito from across the room. They were discussing Vito at
the waiter's station and Vito was well aware of it. The young handsome men
gave Vito the first inkling that he would like it in Galleton. Who
knows?... maybe the young men would be Vito's first converts?
By five P.M., the deal was settled. Vito would become the assistant
priest at St. Titus. Kent took Vito back to view the cottage for the second
time and Vito felt he could be very happy and satisfied there...so much so
that he asked Kent if he could spend the night in the cottage rather than
checking into a motel. Kent was pleased that Vito had taken to his new
surroundings so quickly. He went into the manse and retrieved a hearty
supply of linens for Vito to use...sheets, pillowcases, towels, etc. and
told Vito that dinner would be ready around seven-thirty.
The cottage was Vito's first home to himself. He loved it and as
soon as Kent left, he began rearranging furniture, leaving space for a
large TV he intended to purchase, plus all the LP's and stereo equipment
which he already owned. He decided to stay until after Sunday's mass before
he returned to retrieve his personal belongings. Vito would not assist Kent
at mass. He wanted to wear street clothes, not his clerical collar, and sit
in the back to observe the parishioners and the service. Kent agreed not to
recognize Vito to the church members. He would introduce him as soon as Vito
made his permanent move.
After dinner, Kent told Vito he was going to work on his Sunday
lesson and that left Vito to go out on his own and explore the nightlife of
Galleton. Vito went back to the cottage and donned a pair of Levis and a
navy turtleneck, body-fitted shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror and
decided no one would suspect him of being a priest. He combed his hair to
the opposite side of his head, moussed it and fluffed it with his
fingers. He was pleased. He, smugly, said to himself, "If I could find a
guy who looked like that,"...referring to his image. "Vito, you look hot!"
He quietly left his dwelling, got into his car, and headed toward
the main section of town. He wondered if he would have better luck at a
bar, a movie, or a bowling alley. Then he thought about all the guys at
Bimini's. They should be getting off soon. Maybe by chance, one of them
would need a ride.
There were only twenty or so customers in the restaurant. After
all, it was nearly ten o'clock. Vito went into the bar, which was separated
from the main dining room. There were two couples, male and female, sitting
at small tables and two young men sitting at the bar about six barstools
apart. Vito took a seat midway between the two and a most attractive male
bartender came over to him and placed a coaster in front of him.
"What'll it be?" the bartender asked.
Vito was not much for hard liquor so he replied, "Club soda, please,
with a twist of lime."
"Coming right up," was the answer he received.
Vito casually peered on either side of him to see what the other two
were drinking. A sandy haired blonde about twenty-five years old, the guy
on the right had what appeared to be a half-finished Screwdriver in his
hand. The other guy, a very attractive brunette, approximately aged thirty,
was nursing a Bloody Mary, still garnished by an uneaten stalk of fresh
celery. Vito had his choice of with which to start a conversation. He opted
for the blonde. It's true, opposites DO attract. Vito being a stereotype
Italian chose the Swedish looking guy.
"Good evening," Vito said to the blonde.
"Good evening, yourself," the blonde replied.
"You, uh, live in Galleton?"
"Most of my life. You?"
"I'm...I'm visiting a friend, thinking about the possibility of
moving here."
"What line of work are you in?" the guy asked Vito.
"I...uh...deal in social services."
"A social worker?"
"In a way, I guess. What about you? What do you do for a living?"
"I, well, I look at figures all day."
"Numerical or physical?" Vito joked.
"A little of each, I suppose," the blonde answered.
"My name is...Anthony," Vito lied, using his father's name.
"I'm Richard," came the reply as he put out his hand to Vito.
"Please to meet you, Anthony."
"Same here."
"Anthony? Doesn't anyone call you Tony?"
"Yeah, when I was a kid I was called Tony, but after I grew up, I
guess I wanted to leave childish things behind, so with every new person I
met, well, I suddenly became Anthony."
The bartender sat the club soda and a cocktail napkin before Vito
and gave him and Richard a wry smile.
"Richard, huh?" Vito continued. "Didn't anyone ever call you Rick,
Rich, or Dick?"
"I'm sorry to say, when I was in high school, all the guys in the
group I ran around with tagged me 'Dick', but that can be a bit
embarrassing."
"I can understand that. I wouldn't want anyone calling me 'Dick'
either."
"People always assume that most Richard's like to be called
'Dick'. That sorta runs with your closest buddies trying to be informal,
but it also leads to and abundance of jokes. It's like when someone calls
you, 'Hey, dick', he might as well be saying, 'Hey cock!' or 'Hey, prick'."
"I can see how that could be a bit embarrassing. When I was a kid,
to me, 'Tony' was the name of a dog food. I always thought of that whenever
I heard someone calling me that."
"Woof," Richard said, smiling and raising his drink to toast Vito in
a friendly manner.
"Uh, what other bars stay open late in Galleton, if you don't mind
my asking."
"There are three or four. There's the Calypso lounge, the Half
Note, and then, there's one that probably wouldn't interest you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, there's the Pink Lotus."
"Oh, and why wouldn't the Pink Lotus interest me? Sounds like a
strip club."
"It is, in a way, but probably not the kind you're accustomed to."
"You mean they have lap dances and girl strippers?"
"Oh, they have lap dances but the strippers have tucked male organs
beneath their g-strings."
"You mean it's a gay bar?" Vito asked, trying to be unconcerned and
nonchalant. "There's a gay bar in Galleton?"
"I thought that might raise an eyebrow if I told you," Richard
said, taking a sip of his drink. He, too, was replying in a sort of offhand
manner.
Vito became bold and asked, "Have...have you ever been to the Pink
Lotus?"
"Oh, I've been there a couple of times...you know, to just sorta
check it out and see how the other half lives."
"'The other half?' You're referring to the gay lifestyle, aren't
you?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"I surmise that you are not of that persuasion...?"
"You mean gay? ME?" Richard replied, "Oh no. I'm...I'm
married...married with kids!" Richard took anther sip...a rather larger
one. "What about you? Do you have any negative feelings toward gays?"
"ME? Oh, no, I'm...I'm very liberal. I'm one of those die-hard
bleeding hearts that the Republicans like to talk about and smear on Fox
News."
Richard laughed.
"A Democrat or Independent?"
"I...uh...voted for JFK, if that answers your question."
"Enough said. I did, too."
"Well, it looks as if we have something in common."
"Look, Anthony, this place closes at eleven. Since you're from out
of town, maybe you'd like me to accompany you to one of the other bars."
"What about your having to go home to your wife and kids?"
"They...well, let's say, the wife is not expecting me home
tonight?"
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I guess you'd say I'm in the doghouse at the moment."
"You're not staying at home?"
"No, I...I have been living at the Motel 6 for the past few
nights."
"Who's at fault, if you don't mind my asking. Has one of you been
cheating?"
"Let's just say, my wife hasn't been cheating."
"So, it's you that's been the naughty boy, huh?"
"Guilty."
"Are you having an affair?"
"Not exactly. I...well, I've cheating but not with just one
individual."
"More than one?"
"A couple, I suppose?"
"You're not getting what you want at home?"
"If you call what I'm getting at home, 'nothing', then that's a
more accurate way of putting it."
"So, it's just sex you're after?"
"Sex...and companionship."
"You know these individuals or are they just someone you pick up
for a night's pleasure?"
"That's about it. I don't get involved romantically or emotionally
with them. It's more like two ships passing in the night, stopping only
long enough to rearrange the deck chairs and then going on toward their
destination."
"Do you mind my asking where you meet these individuals?"
"I'm afraid I would shock you if I answered you honestly," Richard
replied, looking into his glass as he drank.
"Oh? I'm not one that's easily shocked."
"Maybe you would be if I told you I sometimes pick up my evening's
partner at the Pink Lotus."
"Guys?"
"Well, yes," Richard drank again, still not looking at Vito. "Now
does that shock you?"
"Not really...particularly if I asked you to take me there."
"You mean you...?"
"Now, are YOU shocked?"
"In a way."
"Would you be even more shocked if I said, let's forget the Pink
Lotus, pick up a bottle and some ice and go back to your motel room?" Vito
said, pointedly.
Richard turned to look at Vito. "You mean...you and me...have...?"
"Pardon my being forward, Richard, but I DO find you
attractive...MORE than attractive."
"I don't feel you're being forward. I was attracted to you the
moment you sat down."
"Then how about it? Wanna go to your place and have a nightcap and
see what happens?"
"I...I think I'd like that."
"Where can we get a bottle?"
"Right here. Larry, the bartender, will sell me one."
"Get whatever you like. I'm strictly a club soda and lime-peel
drinker...no hard liquor."
"A teetotaler?"
"Yes."
"You have or have had a drinking problem?"
"No, I just don't like the taste of the stuff."
"I don't really want any more to drink tonight, but I will buy some
club soda. I'll join you."
"Settled. I...I have my car outside. You'll have to lead the way
since I don't know my way around town."
"Mine is the blue Oldsmobile parked out front in the parking lot."
"I'm in a maroon Ford Victoria."
The date was made. The two of them bought a six-pack of Canada-Dry
small bottles and a couple of fresh limes from Larry and Richard said they
could get ice at the motel.
Vito couldn't believe that he had scored the first night in his
soon-to-be new hometown...and with a blonde hunk...a very married blonde
hunk. Richard's having a wife would certainly be an asset toward keeping
their rendezvous confidential. No one would ever know.
The motel was only a couple of miles from the Bimini. Richard told
Vito his room was on the second floor...room 216. He would go on up to his
room and Vito was to stay in the parking lot and join him in about ten
minutes.
Waiting ten minutes seemed more like an hour to Vito. He was already
sexually aroused. He couldn't decide if he should spend the night or stay a
couple of hours and sneak back to the cottage without drawing suspicion
from Father Kent. He would have to see how involved the tryst with Richard
would become.
Ten minutes passed and Vito made his way up the side staircase of
Motel 6 and tapped on the door. Richard opened the door and had already
removed his coat and shirt, wearing a T-shirt and his trousers.
"Come in," Richard invited.
Vito went inside the motel room...a typical cheap motel room, only
it had a king size bed. He hardly had the door shut behind him before
Richard had his arms around Vito and plied him with a surprise
kiss. Richard's kiss was very hungry. He immediately tried to pry Vito's
lips apart with his tongue.
Vito thought to himself, 'Boy, does this guy have a strong sex drive
or is he one horny bastard!"
Vito received Richard's tongue and met it with his own,
reciprocating the gesture as he began to explore the inside of Richard's
mouth. At the same time, without removing his lips, Richard began
unbuttoning Vito's shirt. Once it was removed, Richard's hands crept lower
and he began unbuckling Vito's belt. Vito followed suit and without breaking
the kiss, soon they were both naked, locked in an embrace as their sex
organs were meshing together to meet as a matched pair.
For the next two hours, the two of them took turns offering the
other every known position of oral sex imaginable. Neither of them offered
to go any further as they were both satisfied by the other's
preference. Anal sex was never once hinted at. They had experienced three
orgasms each and now rested on the large bed, completely pleasured and
exhausted.
It was just barely past midnight and Vito decided he would end the
evening by going back to the cottage. He was happy all the way back. He
took a shower and went to bed, still tasting the last bits of Richard's
nectar in his saliva. He was still stimulated and masturbated while
thinking of the night's occurrence, after which he drifted off to sleep. As
it turned out, Kent didn't hear Vito leave nor return, so Vito was pleased
that he had gotten away with his adventure.
For the next few days and nights, Vito stayed in the cottage and
became accustomed to St. Titus, memorizing where everything was kept---
all the mass supplies, the vestments, etc. The following day was Sunday
and he was to leave shortly after mass.
Vito was almost the last person to enter the church for mass,
disguised as a visitor; he worshipped with his new flock and loved
everything about Father Kent's service and sermon. He hid in the background
as Kent went to the front door to bid farewell to each and every
parishioner. When only a few people were left, Vito came forward to stand
closely behind Kent. Kent became aware of Vito's presence and turned to him
and said, "Come, Vito, there's some people I want you to meet.
Vito followed Kent outside the church and a man and woman came
toward them, accompanied by two small children.
"Vito, I want you to meet my son, Ralph, his wife, Susan, and my two
grandsons, Andrew and Mark."
Vito was speechless as he put his hand out to meet Ralph. Vito KNEW
Ralph, only he knew him by the name, "Richard".
"Pleased to meet you, Ralph," Vito said, almost stammering.
"Uh, yes," Ralph said, extending his hand, "pleased to meet you,
Father."
A million unspoken thoughts passed between them before Vito let go
of Ralph's hand.
<><><><><><>
Cliff's mind was filled with a dozen thoughts as he placed Vito's
letter on his desk. There were still pages to read, but why had Vito chosen
to contact him after all these years. Where was he? What had happened to
him?
The cup of coffee had shot though Cliff like a dose of Mercury and
Cliff stopped long enough to go to is bathroom to pee before learning more
about the escapades and whereabouts of Vito.
<><><><><><><><><><>
The last stop on Steve's and Wade's trip was New York City. They
wanted to spend a day there to see the sites of the big city, so they
checked into the Marriott near Times Square for the night and made the
expected call to Johnny in New Hampshire.
Johnny didn't want to spoil Steve and Wade's fun with the terrible
news which was awaiting the two of them. Johnny gave Steve a list of places
to visit...museums, tourist attractions, gay bars. Johnny also called Timmy
and got house seats for "Brigadoon" to give to Steve and asked if Timmy and
Rob would take them to Joe Allen's after the show. Timmy was delighted and
agreed to Johnny's request, immediately.
Timmy and Rob would be the first Briarwood Boys that Steve and Wade
would meet. The rest would come later.
The Broadway show was almost too much for Wade to fathom. He'd
never seen anything as wonderful even on TV in Hawthorne. The Irish
choreography reminded Steve and Wade of Carolina clogging, only better and
more professional.
Rob, Timmy, Steve, and Wade became instant friends. Steve told many
stories "out of school" about Johnny when they were growing up.
After the show, the four went to Joe Allen's for a late supper. It
was Broadway night and stars from the various New York shows performed
impromptu, lasting until four in the morning.
The Marriott was only a few blocks from the supper club and the
four of them walked back and said goodbye on the sidewalk. Rob and Timmy
sent their love to Johnny and Jeff, took a cab and went to their apartment.
Steve and Wade were too exhausted from the excitement of the
day. They were too tired to sleep and too tired to make love. The two of
them stripped off their clothes and lay down on one of the beds and held
one another until the sun rose and found them fast asleep.
They slept until noon, showered, dressed, went downstairs and ate
brunch before getting back on the road for the last segment of their trek
to Mackintosh. Neither Steve nor Wade had ever known such happiness. They
had no way of knowing how short-lived their glee would be once they heard
what Jeff had to say to them.
<><><><><><><><><>
** "Somewhere in the Night"
Lyrics by Milt Raskin
Music by Billy May
Copyright 1960
(To be continued in "Unto These Hills" Book Eight of "Briarwood" chapter 80.)