Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:35:26 -0800 (PST)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: Chapt 25 To Thine Own Self Be True

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to FMZ, Chael and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story. This
is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

From the previous chapter:

He steeled himself to the fact that there was nothing holding him or
protecting him. The year was 1968. Change swirled around him. The
predominant influence of his life was his grandparents, who were molded by
a completely different era. At 22 years old, he stood alone at a threshold
with his choices. It was freeing as well was frightening.

Chapter 25

The next three years passed quickly. Alejandro leaned against the rail of
his penthouse garden deck and looked into the endless blue of Lake Michigan
to the north as he and Charles broke free for a moment from the guests at
Alejandro's 25th birthday party.

"Thanks again for making this happen, Charles." Alejandro said with a
smile.

"The idea was yours but I knew someone had to get you going to make it
happen. It was nothing really." Charles smiled.

"Yeah, right!" Alejandro retorted. "You were on the phone nearly a month
working out the details and coordinating schedules with everyone."

"Well, it looks like everyone is having fun and that's what matters!"
Charles said.

It was an easy, eclectic group; all of them close acquaintances of
Alejandro and Charles. The gathering included friends from Bears' Den,
associates he'd grown close to from various Boards across the country,
faculty members with whom Alejandro had maintained close ties and friends
from the arts community that he and Charles had nurtured.

Though the guests numbered in the low fifties, they fit easily in
Alejandro's new digs. He had taken occupancy of the two story penthouse
only four months prior. The party served as an open house as well as a
birthday celebration.

The old prohibition of talking about money, religion and politics was
strained on the political front. The war in Vietnam, the divided attitude
of the country and what was seen by some as a manipulative Nixon presidency
bubbled just under the surface. However, cooler heads prevailed and
everyone enjoyed themselves.

Alejandro looked around at the contemporary lines and glass facades of the
condo and recalled with little sentimentality the `old house' as he now
thought of his childhood home. After the death of his father, serendipitous
events seemed to collide, as winds of change blew into all areas of the
country.

Charles turned and left as a group of their guests in the penthouse garden
called to them. Alejandro returned his gaze to the endless blue of the lake
and his mind wandered back over the last few years.

At a presentation of the Real Estate Division of the Algara Group, the new
corporate name of the combined entities of the various holdings and
businesses, a proposal was made for the major underwriting of a new condo
project for Chicago. It was near the lake front, but in a depressed area
that was predominantly gutted store fronts, paved parking areas and several
acres of roughly cleared land. Admittedly, it was considered risky for such
a significant project, but odds were good that development would soon take
over this piece of sprawl. Urban revival was the rage in many large cities,
including Chicago.

This opportunity, though offering risk, offered even greater reward. The
architect was part of a new breed and had designed a building that was more
than architecturally sound – it flaunted its modern profile sheeted in
glass. Cutting edge only began to describe the impact this structure would
have on the Chicago skyline. For Alejandro, it was his first major decision
as head of the Algara Group. The outcome of this decision was being watched
by the old lions of the business community.

As part of the negotiations, Alejandro insisted that he have
right-of-first-refusal before any units were sold. His plan was to occupy
the top two floors, making them his new home. It provided the impetus for
the change he needed. He couldn't wait to move until this project was
finished. The vision of the future was fueling the fire of imagination. He
knew there was a certain magic and power in being bold. He made his
decision.

He met with a staff architect to determine his requirements for a new
temporary living space. Alejandro then turned the architect loose with a
realtor, to find a suitable apartment or condo that could be renovated
immediately, according to his needs. Before the beginning of winter, the
apartment was ready. Knowing he wanted a clean break from his grandparents'
lifestyle, habits and home, Alejandro pensioned off the staff with a
generous lifetime annuity and full health benefits through the company. The
house, along with much of the large, old furniture, sold quickly. Alejandro
kept personal mementos and favorite pieces.

He moved in on a Saturday morning. Directing the movers where to place the
items he'd brought with him, Alejandro thoroughly enjoyed the sense of new
beginnings. After spending a couple of hours arranging things in his office
and bedroom, he wandered to the kitchen to get a snack.

Opening the brand new refrigerator, he stood gape-mouthed, and then laughed
at the sparkling clean but empty shelves. He'd furnished the apartment with
Charles' help, using a professional shopper and decorator, as they had in
New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The thought of food never crossed
his mind. Wandering to the bathroom, he checked for tissue and various
sundries that had `always' been in place and available. The cupboard was
bare.

Retrieving a pen and pad from his office, he returned to the bath and
kitchen making lists of things he'd need. He chuckled to himself thinking
with no little sarcasm, `poor man, having to do his own shopping'. On the
heels of that revelation, he remembered there was no longer anyone in the
kitchen to prepare meals. Laughing out loud, he thought, `Well, you asked
for it'.

Within a couple of weeks, Alejandro had mastered the basic skills of
housekeeping, shopping and even very basic cooking. Most meals were either
in restaurants or take out. Even though the place was small and easily
managed, he grew tired of trying to remember to shop and when to take out
trash. One trip to the Laundromat convinced him to find a service to take
care of his laundry. He laughed when he ran out of clean towels and
remembered he'd forgotten to pick up the laundry. Hiring some help quickly
became a priority.

Soon he had a part-time person coming in to keep the house clean and
tidy. She prepared simple meals and froze them with instructions for
preparation. Trash and laundry needs disappeared. He chided himself at the
relief he felt, acknowledging in the same moment that it was part of the
lifestyle in which he had been raised. He settled into the routine.

With the season fast approaching, he and Charles compared calendars, making
sure that the dates for the Met Board meeting in New York and the Modern
Art Board in San Francisco were cleared. The apartment arrangement suited
them both and acquisitions had been made.

Alejandro was curious to check out some of the wrestling clubs Liam had
told him about. He'd enjoyed numerous matches with Liam. When he realized
that Liam was a man he could trust, he'd offered a `winner take all' match
with some fear and trembling.

He remembered the cold knot of fearful anticipation in his gut as he'd seen
Liam's eyes glitter the day they tied up, both knowing that Alejandro would
more than likely lose.

"Well boy-o, was wondering when you'd find courage. Been wantin' a piece o'
yur ass. Don't worry, I'll go slow and easy with ya. But know you'll be
well and thoroughly fooked when I'm done."

After each of those occasions, he had been thoroughly drained and had a
sore ass as a pleasant reminder.  His confidence had grown as well as his
ability to hold his own. Though he'd never beaten Liam, on a few occasions
during their Saturday morning sessions, Alejandro had given him a tough
match and had earned Liam's somewhat grudging respect.

New York was, as usual, decked out for the holidays. Yet even with the
glitter and lights, the address on 42nd street looked seedy when Alejandro
and Charles had made a reconnaissance run during the day to locate the
wrestling club as they did some shopping. When they returned that night
around 10 p.m., the door was propped open and the stairway lighted.

As they approached the second floor, the noise grew. They entered a small
foyer and paid their cover charge. Inside, it appeared much the same as
Bears' Den. The crush of people, the cloud of smoke, the cheering and
jeering all were very familiar. Charles had agreed to watch Alejandro's
back if he were to get a match. Alejandro had a small gym bag with a towel
and his wrestling shoes. He was wearing his Speedo and jock under his
jeans.

They both remarked and laughed that it must be obvious that they were fresh
meat since most of the clientele was giving them more than a cursory once
over. After watching a few matches, Alejandro decided to up the ante. He
stripped off his jeans, peeled off his sweater and put on his wrestling
shoes. He draped the sweater across his shoulders as he drank his beer and
watched the mat action.

Less than a minute later, a guy approached. He was dressed in skin-tight
jeans with a pronounced bulge and a shirt, unbuttoned to the waist,
revealing a nicely muscled chest.

"You look like you're ready for some action." He said as he groped his
basket. Alejandro met his look and smiled, ready to ask if the stranger had
a mat time reserved.

"If you have a mat time, I'll be glad to play jobber to your heel. After
that, we can go back to your place; then you and your friend and I can have
some real fun." The stranger said with a `come-on' look and attitude.

"Um, I'm not sure I understand." Alejandro said. Charles was watching the
interchange and had a good idea where it was all heading but held his
peace.

"It's simple. You can beat on me for 15 minutes then you and your buddy can
take me back to your place and fuck me good. $200 bucks is all it'll cost
ya and we'll all have fun." The stranger explained.

With a long blink and a slight shake of his head, Alejandro finally got up
to speed. "Uh, no thanks. Not interested." He said with what he hoped was
enough firmness in his voice to discourage the stranger.

"Hey, come on! We'd have a hot time! You look so fuckin' good in that
Speedo.  Looks like you've got a real fire hose in that suit!" The stranger
pushed on undaunted.

"Danny, get the hell out of here! I've told you not to bother the members.
You keep trying to hustle and I'm gonna throw you out for good!"  The guy
who interjected himself was a big, muscular, body builder type guy who'd
gone slightly to seed.

"Frank, here." The new guy offered his hand. "Sorry you were bothered. I've
talked to that kid a dozen times." The man said as he shook Alejandro's and
Charles' hand. "Let me buy you a round."

"That's okay. He wasn't too pushy. First time I've been hustled though."
Alejandro said.

Frank just shook his head. "I'm too soft for my own good. The kid is on the
street if he's not hustling somewhere. Lots of times I let him crash and
shower here. He's got a locker where he keeps some stuff and I wash his
clothes when I do the towels. But he's NOT supposed to work the room!"

"It's okay, Frank. We're big enough boys to say no and not be threatened."
Charles added.

"Haven't seen you guys before. Guests of someone?" Seeing them shake their
heads he asked, "Well, how did you find out about the place?" Frank asked.

Making the story short, Alejandro explained the contact through Liam.  He
added he'd enjoy a work out and asked if Frank could help with
recommendations. Frank had a couple of suggestions of gay-friendly places
they could go to work out and enjoy some eye-candy. He and Alejandro talked
briefly about wrestling preferences. As he left, Frank promised to check
with some of the guys to see if any were interested and had mat time
reserved.

In a few minutes, Frank returned with two beers, insisting they were on the
house. He said he'd asked around and a couple of guys were interested and
trying to work it out. With that he left, went back to the bar and kept
working. Alejandro and Charles were enjoying the wrestling and all the
muscle on display. Alejandro observed that this place had nothing on Bears'
Den for action and men though.

A few minutes later, a blond haired, trim-built kid approached. Dressed in
a longish T and some Bermuda type shorts, one couldn't tell much about his
body. Offering his hand, he introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm Eric. Frank said you were interested in a match." The Australian
accent was as disarming as it was attractive. The man wasn't `pretty' but
had a sunny, clear complexion, even teeth, and his dimples were to die for.
He had `model' good looks with a million dollar smile and was masculine as
hell. Alejandro was a little caught off guard but quickly recovered.
Introducing himself and Charles, he offered to buy Eric a beer.

"Thanks, but no. Just finished one and if we're gonna tangle, I don't need
that sloshing around inside to distract me. So, tell me what kind of match
you enjoy." Eric asked.

As they talked, they sized each other up. Eric explained he was only a bit
better than a beginner, but would enjoy a match if Alejandro was
interested.  He explained his modeling work was why he needed to be sure an
opponent would not try to leave obvious marks or cause injury to keep him
from working. With clothing hiding Eric's assets, Alejandro guessed the man
was about his weight and size. Eric told Alejandro that they could wrestle
in the 11:15 slot. If he wanted to warm up and stretch, there was a place
in the back near the showers that he could use. Eric offered to show him
the way.

Looking at Charles to see if he minded being left alone, Charles waved him
off with an elegant dismissal that brought a smile to Alejandro's face.
Mouthing `fuck you', he laughed as Charles mouthed back `you wish'. Eric
looked at both of them having missed the silent interchange.

"I'll explain." Alejandro said as he grabbed his bag. They moved toward the
locker area. Eric offered his locker for Alejandro to use as he stripped
off his T and shorts. Eric was 6'2", blond, smooth and defined. Wearing
some high cut briefs, he sported what appeared to be a respectable piece of
meat, though not large. His blue eyes sparkled against the sea of white.

Their body types were in stark contrast. Alejandro saw him looking, almost
studying, his chest. Looking up and seeing he'd been caught, he blushed
charmingly.

"Sorry, didn't mean to be so obvious. Guys like you get me going, if you
know what I mean. In my business, only a few guys get away with sporting
chest hair. Seems like directors are looking for smooth-chested
blokes. Damn, listen to me. I sound like some teenager with galloping
hormones." Eric laughed at himself easily, obviously confident with no
trace of arrogance.

As they stretched and talked, they became comfortable with each other. Eric
shared that his wrestling experience was limited to mostly horsing around.
He enjoyed getting away from the cameras, makeup people, dressers and the
drama. His recreation was dancing or simply time to hang and enjoy some
rough play.

"It sounds lame, I know. Truth is, I really enjoy the rough and tumble. I
can only do this when I'm booked for shoots for clothing that covers my
body. Come swimsuit season, mat burns would put me out of work in the
proverbial `NY minute'.

"So how do you know I'm not the type to take advantage of you and put you
out of commission?" Alejandro teased.

Eric looked up a bit startled then smiled when he saw Alejandro smile.
"Well it might sound a bit insulting, but you seem like the type of guy who
enjoys this for fun, like me. There's some rough trade here, but you don't
look the type. Am I right?" Alejandro nodded. His smile widened. He turned
the conversation back to Eric's job.

"Aren't you doing ads for summer now?" Alejandro asked a bit confused.

"No we're heavy into the fall `69 catalogue shooting. We stay a full year
ahead," Eric explained. They chatted easily about Alejandro's work and the
reason for his visit to the city.

"It's just great this time of year. Can't get enough of it. After our match
I'm heading out for a bit of dinner. Came straight here from a late shoot.
I'm looking forward to some time to get some air. Been a long day with a
real piss-ant director. It pays well but he is, without exception, the
worst to work for." Eric explained.

"How long have you been in the States?" Alejandro asked.

"What, the accent still that strong is it?" Eric responded smiling. "Ya
know sometimes it's fun just to turn it up a bit when I think it'll get me
what I need. That sounds awful, but when I've got to get a bite mid-day and
it's crowded, sometimes a nice smile and a bit of Aussi charm do the trick.

"To answer your question, it's been, well, I guess going on three years
now." Eric said.

"Got a break doing some swimsuit work back home. The director and I hit it
off, stayed in touch and there you have it. Got to admit though, even as
beautiful as this city is this time of year, I know back home I'd be on the
beach enjoying the sun. It gets a little lonely for anyone away from home
at Christmas."

Alejandro, curious about Eric and wanting to learn more asked, "It's a
little late for dinner. I know you wouldn't want to wrestle on a full
stomach but how late does your day run?"

"During the week, I'm a monk." Eric laughed. "I only play on the weekends.
Tonight after our match, I'm heading for dinner and a club to do some
dancing.  Care to join me? You and Charles, of course."

"We'll ask him afterwards." Alejandro replied.

The match was a light session of exercise for Alejandro. As they grappled,
he found himself setting up situations for Eric to see how he'd respond.
Letting himself get tied up in those firm muscular limbs was not onerous,
but neither was it a challenge. They both managed to work up a sweat and
enjoy the mat time and the erotic grinding that kept them both on the verge
of erection.

After the match, in the showers Eric said, "I could tell what you were
doing out there." "Obviously you're much more skilled than I. Hope it
wasn't too boring for you."

The tone was light and humorous. Alejandro laughed and, stretching the
truth a bit, told Eric that he had the makings of a good wrestler. Eric
seemed pleased and reiterated the invitation to join him for dinner and
time at the club.

Showered and back at the table with Charles, they readily agreed to Eric's
suggestions. Alejandro had never been to a gay night club and it sounded
fun. After a light dinner at a stand-up pizzeria, they headed cross town.

Eric insisted on picking up the cover for all of them. The place pulsed
with the music of The Bee Gees, Bruce Springsteen, Earth Wind and Fire and
other chart-makers of the year. Alejandro just stared in wonder at the
lights, the crush of bodies and scantily clothed dancers on raised lighted
platforms dressed in skin tight leather, bikini briefs and jocks. Eric saw
several people he knew and introduced Alejandro and Charles as they moved
across the floor to the bar.

With drinks in hand, they tried to shout conversation until one of Eric's
friends pulled him to the dance floor. Tossing down their drinks, Alejandro
and Charles followed, blending in with the gyrations and nearly constant
body contact with others as they danced.

The heat of the body contact raised the ambient temperature remarkably.
Several of the men had their shirts off. Charles locked his eyes on
Alejandro and began a sexual and somewhat teasing massage of his chest, abs
and crotch. It was erotic as hell to see the normally staid Professor
Dr. Thibodaux sinuously rubbing his own body with his hands.

Alejandro reached out to touch Charles. Charles captured one hand and
sucked the middle finger deep into his mouth then pushed the hand
back. Reaching for the hem of his T, Charles began a seductive strip. When
his torso was fully exposed, Charles looped the shirt around Alejandro's
shoulders and pulled them together. They rubbed their crotches hard against
one another as their bodies gyrated.

Releasing his hold on Alejandro, Charles quickly tucked the shirt in the
back of his trousers and began to pull off Alejandro's shirt. Taking the
cue quickly, Alejandro began his own striptease, fully letting himself go
in the moment. He looped his shirt around Charles' butt and pulled them
into more cock bumping.

Eric and his friend sidled over and grinned at the action. "Didn't figure
you for such a player, Charles," Eric teased. His naked torso was covered
with a sheen of sweat. "What do you say we trade?"

With that, Eric caught Charles' arm and pulled him into the mix on the
floor. Eric's friend eyed Alejandro head-to-toe and licked his lips
lasciviously as they began to gyrate to the music. Alejandro marveled at
his own lack of inhibition as he let his body yield to the pulse
surrounding him.

It was hours before the taxi delivered them to their condo. Pleasantly
buzzed from the drinking and dancing, they laughed and stumbled over each
other's words as they talked about the night and their experiences. Charles
tuned in a radio station and as they showered, they both sang choruses of
the songs they'd danced to as they ground their slippery, hard bodies
against each other. Finally oblivious of the music, they humped out their
loads against each other. Toweling each other dry, they fell into bed and
into a deep sleep.

His reverie was broken when Zach tapped him on the shoulder. "Where are
your thoughts, Birthday Boy?" Zach leaned back, resting both elbows against
the stainless steel railing that circled the flagstone paved knee wall of
the garden area.

Alejandro turned. "Just taking a short walk down memory lane. The last
three years have sped by. Hey, thanks again for coming for the party." He
said as he turned toward his buddy from San Francisco.

"My pleasure, bud. You know, taking a page out of your playbook and leasing
the plane was the smartest idea I've ever stolen. Makes trips like this
from the coast so easy. So when are you going come back to the Bay Area?
That last visit was just too short. We packed a lot into it and I hated to
see you go!

"That was one hot match at the club last time you were in Frisco. I want to
see your bod in action again soon."  Zach sank his hand in his trouser
pocket and fondled his swelling member as he grinned at Alejandro.

Alejandro looked down and smiled. Zach was such a cock-tease and he knew
Zach was, at the moment, just messing with his mind, but given half a
chance would have taken the action inside to the bed.