Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:11:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True Chapter 42

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 Chael for assistance in editing and 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:

"Let me set up a meeting so the two of you can connect your vision with his
technical skills. I imagine he could become a key player if he has time to
get involved. This is no small thing you're doing," John said.

Before they concluded their conversation they scheduled a time to get
together for a workout. Alejandro couldn't wait to meet the guy. On his
end, as John cradled the phone, he smiled hoping the guys would hit it off
in a variety of ways. If they did Alejandro was in for a bit of a surprise.

Chapter 42

Alejandro mulled over the rough drawings for each of the buildings under
consideration. He knew that nutrition education came best from hands-on
involvement. That meant growing some of your own food and making it part of
your daily diet. Kids could do neither without adult guidance and
supervision. Real food didn't come in styrofoam containers. It came from
dirt most of the time. Kids knew dirt; they just needed a constructive
reason to play in it.

The pairing of older adults with youngsters was the key. People who were
available when kids were not in school could build relationships, help
establish core values and watch over children who usually had the street as
their playground.

With a sense of pride in ownership, Alejandro hoped there would come a
domino effect of `Me Too!!' - that other kids would want to get
involved. Kids who were interconnected at an elemental level watched each
other's back. There would be a word on the street to leave these gardens
alone.

Alejandro was certain this would be the keystone to making this project a
life-changing venture for those who lived and worked in these buildings. He
even dared to hope that the notion that life is disposable could be altered
in a significant way. Investments of time and relationship paid dividends
in curious ways.

Alejandro was grateful for the network he'd developed as he attacked
various challenges with the housing project. He still felt some chagrin at
calling John O'Malley for advice having let so much time pass between
visits.

John, for all his bravado in bed, had a level head and had developed a
growing network of friends, personal and professional. When he and
Alejandro met either for lunch or a workout, Alejandro was intrigued how
integrated John had become in the professional community -- not just the
players, but people who made things happen on the ground.

O'Malley called Alejandro the same afternoon with news that his friend Matt
Grunwald was interested - very interested in fact - but couldn't meet
Alejandro for a week and a half. He had suggested a Wednesday morning the
following week if Alejandro were free.

With Matt Grunwald's number in hand, Alejandro called and left a message
with Matt's firm that 10:30 a.m. the following Wednesday would work and to
please have Mr. Grunwald call to confirm. After giving directions to his
office, Alejandro turned his attention to other matters.

Alejandro was immersed in Algara Group business concerns for several days
and the building projects were on a back burner since other initiatives
were taking the lead at the moment. The weekend was a blur as he and
Charles enjoyed unfettered time and continued to finalize plans for
Alejandro's upcoming 25th birthday. Hotel rooms had been blocked and were
nearly all reserved with incoming guests to arrive in time for the
weekend's festivities.

Charles had been on top of things with hold-the-date reminders, teasers
about activities and had confirmed `yeses' from most of the guest
list. There was a private tour of the Institute of Art scheduled with a
sumptuous hors d'oeuvres buffet with champagne. A luncheon was scheduled at
Symphony Hall in one of their reception rooms with a string quartet playing
a recital. Golf at Alejandro's club, horseback riding at the Algara stables
and trails, and racquetball were available for those wanting some exercise.

The piece de resistance was Charles' surprise gift. Frederick, Alejandro's
best friend from college days, was coming for the party and would be the
host for a `roast' of the guest of honor. A film company had been
contracted to assemble footage of Alejandro's life and to incorporate
interviews of many of the guests. Charles had seen the late cuts prior to
the final edit and was extremely pleased. It had cost a small fortune but
was a fitting gift. Best of all, Alejandro had no clue it was being made.

Back at work Alejandro could delegate and assign. There wasn't the pressure
of planning to host dozens of guests for a weekend. When Wednesday rolled
around, Alejandro was looking forward to his meeting with Matt Grunwald.

Alejandro didn't know what to expect, nor had he thought much about it,
save for the man's technical ability and interests. When his secretary
showed Matt into Alejandro's office, Alejandro was impressed with an
immediate sense of physical presence.

The man wasn't big - actually he was shorter than average. Alejandro
guessed 5'8" or 5'9". His head was a mass of chestnut-brown curls.

His attire was geared for outside work and seemed a bit incongruous in an
office setting. Under a heavy flannel plaid shirt with a T showing at the
neck, Alejandro could see a thick chest and large shoulders hiding
beneath. Matt's neck, thick and muscled, sat atop a set of trapezius
muscles that flared out on either side. Alejandro thought for a split
second that such a neck could bridge an elephant off in a wrestling
Match. His smooth unlined baby-face was a complete contrast to the mature,
studly body of the man standing in front of him.

All this Alejandro took in as he walked around his desk toward Matt with an
outstretched hand. The calluses on Matt's thick stubby fingers were from
hard physical work. His grip was deceptively gentle, however, Alejandro
thought, as they shook hands and looked at each other. It's his eyes
Alejandro realized. Clear, fearless, direct, as if he's looking not only at
but into me. `Damn, this man is a walking dynamo of energy,' Alejandro
thought as they exchanged greetings.

Matt quickly gave Alejandro an overview of his professional credentials and
a list of projects in the city Alejandro could use as references. Alejandro
in turn related briefly the impetus of the projects telling Matt of the
work being done by Zach in San Francisco. When Alejandro began to explain
in some detail the container and covered growing areas, along with roof
gardening Matt's eyes danced with excitement.

"Damn! Ooops, I'm sorry. That just slipped out in my excitement. I would
love to see what they're doing there," Matt said with enthusiasm.

"Let me show you the proposals I have to date and see what you think might
be possible here," Alejandro replied. "If we think we can work together, a
trip to San Francisco is a definite possibility."

At Alejandro's office conference table the two men poured over plans. Matt
took scale dimensions and asked for some larger paper if it was
available. Alejandro sent his secretary to find some flipcharts. As they
waited, Matt began to tell Alejandro what could be done with creative
engineering in limited spaces.

Matt began, in rapid fire, to outline greenhouse construction for growing
zone 5b, that of urban Chicago. With broad-brush descriptions he detailed
various thermal mass opportunities that large masonry structures
offered. Most of this Alejandro was vaguely familiar with from visiting
Zach's project. What Alejandro found most intriguing was the heat exchange
possibilities using piping buried several feet beneath the soil where the
temperature remained in the mid 60º range.

When Alejandro's secretary returned with the pads, Matt quickly sketched
out greenspace in a larger scale. He roughed in potential layouts of
growing areas for both roofs and ground level. His excitement was
contagious. At times Alejandro realized Matt was as much talking to himself
aloud as directing comments to Alejandro. Alejandro was impressed and
wanted to know more.

"What I really need is to see the physical locations. Do you own any of
these properties? Can we visit them? Can we get access to the roofs?" Matt
asked with a stream of consciousness that was a bit mindboggling.

"Slow down, Matt. I'll answer your questions, but one at a time, please,"
Alejandro responded smiling.

"Sorry, I spend so much of my professional time thinking about turf,
seasonal ornamentals, shrubs and trees. This is where my real passion
is. The other pays the bills," Matt said.

Alejandro filled in some of the blank spaces from their earlier
conversation, telling Matt where they were in the process. Instead of
seeing Matt become somewhat deflated that he couldn't get his hands on
things immediately, Alejandro was pleased to see the opposite.

"That's great! If potential buildings can be reviewed for their `growing
potential'," Matt said making his fingers into quote marks, "we can
maximize yield and not have rework since the greenspace will be part of the
master renovation plan."

The morning had sped by. Alex finally said, "Can I take you to lunch, if
you don't have other plans? Afterward perhaps we can drive by several of
the buildings being considered if that would help you understand further
how the concepts might work."

They were soon enjoying their lunch. Conversation was easy between the
men. Alejandro continued to wonder what he was sensing in addition to
Matt's enthusiasm for the project. He knew his intuitiveness about other
men being gay was not particularly accurate. Matt was friends with John but
that didn't mean anything. Still Alejandro wondered.

"I've only been in the Chicago area for a short time and I'm not familiar
with your company -- the Algara Group if I remember correctly," Matt asked
Alex. "John O'Malley said the company was very large and
diversified. Forgive my saying so, but you seem awfully young to be running
such a large organization."

Alejandro gave Matt the thumbnail outline of the organization and how he
had come to his position. Matt made the usual sympathetic noises. Alejandro
turned the questions toward Matt, wanting to learn more about him.

Matt's description was made up of high points like Alejandro's had
been. Born and reared in Illinois, he had grown up in a farming
family. When Matt said that he went to the University of Illinois on a
wrestling scholarship to major in Horticulture and Landscape Design,
Alejandro's attention was riveted.

Matt didn't seem to notice. He continued telling his story. After
describing his being hired by the landscaping company and his work in
Chicago, he fell silent.

"I didn't know what to expect when you walked in this morning," Alejandro
said.

"Well, I should have thought and put on a suit. I know I look like a
bumpkin," Matt said with a touch of chagrin, thinking that there was
possibly some veiled criticism.

"No! I didn't mean anything about your clothing. Shoot, a suit is my
uniform for business as I imagine how you are dressed is your daily
wear. Please don't think I was.." Alejandro felt he was stumbling for
words. Matt came to the rescue.

"Well not knowing you, I wasn't sure but I've learned to be real
comfortable in my skin and wasn't going to let it bother me if, well you
know," he said with a smile and cock of his head.

Alejandro tried again, "What I meant was, I didn't know if you were
primarily a landscape architect designing spaces for contractors to
complete."

"I'm that too. I start from scratch. I do the design and oversee the
purchases to make sure that the genus/species specified is being
provided. What set me apart when the company was interviewing was my
insistence that I be allowed to be on-site, making sure things were done
correctly," Matt said. "Most guys who do the design work don't get their
shoes muddy on a regular basis."

"That's got to help you stay in such good shape," Alejandro said hoping to
turn the conversation to wrestling.

"Not really. I work out regularly, sometimes with O'Malley. Plus I spend
hours each week at a dojo doing Sambo. I really enjoyed wrestling in high
school and college but found that getting a match after I graduated was
difficult. Guys didn't keep an edge on their game and that's what I
wanted," Matt explained.

"So how did you get involved with Sambo, and what is it exactly?" Alejandro
asked, wondering if he should even mention his interest in wrestling.

"I got involved quite by accident. I was working on a project in the West
Side of Chicago when I first got here. It was, and to an extent still is, a
Russian community. Someone had recommended a diner in the area near our
work site. After lunch, when I was leaving, some street toughs tried to
rough me up. It was two on one, or so I thought. One grabbed me from behind
while the other punched me in the gut. I guess he expected me to fold."
Matt snorted a quick laugh at the memory and thought.

"I was still in competitive wrestling condition at the time and was able to
throw the guy on my back onto the guy doing the punching. Then I took the
guy down throwing punches of my own. Stupid I know. I should have gone back
inside the restaurant, but I was pissed! Uh, I'm.."

Alejandro waved off the expected apology and said, "I'd have been pissed
and likely done the same thing."

Matt smiled and continued, "I was doing okay and thought I'd at least let
them know I was no easy mark when I heard a yell from behind. A confederate
of theirs was heading toward me with a knife. One of the restaurant patrons
caught him by the arm and wrestled him to the ground.

"The noise distracted me and I turned to look and managed to get a fist in
the side of my head. I held my guy down and fended off the other guy as
best I could. It was then I saw his knife. I was sure I was going to die at
that moment. I heard a scream behind me where the man and kid were at
it. Soon the older guy, the guy from the restaurant - he must have been in
his mid-40's but he looked old to me - was facing off with the second guy
with the knife.

"He circled around the boy effectively drawing him away from me and the guy
I'd pinned. Before I knew it, the man put a set of maneuvers on the poor
kid that looked like a combination of wrestling and judo. They were on the
ground in no time. The knife flew harmlessly from the kid's hand and landed
in the street. The kid was screaming as the man wrenched his arm back. He
had the kid's legs tied up and was bending the knee putting it under
painful pressure.

"Seconds later, though it seemed much longer, I heard sirens. The
restaurant had emptied. Men were coming to my aid and standing over the kid
behind me who was still yelling about his arm being broken.

"Statements were taken. An ambulance arrived and took the injured kid off
somewhere and the other two were taken downtown." Matt was looking off in
mid-distance as if reliving the moment.

"Mr. Rostropovich, that was the man who helped me, told me, when I asked
what kind of moves he'd used on the kid, that he was a Sambo Master. He
explained it is a combination of martial arts and wrestling perfected by
Russians," Matt said.

"That's an amazing story," Alejandro said, shaking his head in near
disbelief. "So you began to work with Mr. Rostropovich?" Alejandro asked.

"Yeah, I met him for lunch the next day. `It was on the house,' the owner
said and insisted we come back. Master Rostropovich explained the history
and what training was involved. He actually tried to warn me off, saying
I'd have to relearn a lot of my wrestling techniques. That was five years
ago and I never looked back. It is the most intense exercise and
competition I've ever experienced," Matt said.

"Oh, you compete, like with other clubs?" Alejandro asked.

"No, not like that. Sambo is not well known as a combat sport. Master
Rostropovich has built up his dojo so that there are quite a few of us and
we fight among ourselves. Some of the men are on a wrestling circuit, pro
and semi-pro and say it gives them a distinct edge. Most others are like
me, working guys who want to stay in shape.

"Being a short guy as I all too often hear, motivates me a good bit I
guess. It's why I got into wrestling. I got tired of being picked on and my
Dad's comment was always, `You'll have to learn to take care of
yourself'. Boxing was out; I didn't have the reach. Wrestling was a team
sport, well accepted and once I was friends with the wrestling guys the
teasing stopped.

"I found I liked it and was reasonably good at it," Matt said with a slight
self-depreciative shrug. "What about you? From where I sit you look fit,"
Matt observed.

"Thanks, I try to stay in shape."

Matt pressed a bit, "What do you do to stay in shape? I know from O'Malley
that you two work out at the same club. In fact he mentioned how serious
you were about form and posture. It's made him tighten up a bit; you know
straighter back, lower shoulders, the whole nine yards.

"What else? You seemed to pick up on the wrestling thing. Have you
wrestled? Do you still? I don't mean to be prying - just interested." Matt
was back to the stream-of-consciousness questioning.

Alejandro wondered if his thought process was like that much of the
time. He didn't want to answer the question, uncomfortable as to where it
might lead but really couldn't avoid it.

"I wrestled in college. Not on the varsity team, but as part of an
intramural club. That was only for a year or so. With the things that
happened with my family I couldn't work the club practice times into my
workload with school and business. I try to hit a gym several times a week
and run." He hoped it was enough of an answer.

"I don't know if John's mentioned it but he did some wrestling in college
too," Matt said. Alejandro wondered if he was imagining being toyed with or
if it were just an exchange of information. Matt seemed to have a smile
playing at the corner of his lips.

Hoping to turn the tables again Alejandro said, "You mentioned that you and
John work out. Do you and he wrestle?"

"Yeah, we do." Matt added, "I've got some mats at my home that I use for
training occasionally. He and I get together several times a month to beat
on each other and work up a sweat. Now I mean no disrespect to John when I
say he's a good example of a guy who was likely a good wrestler when he was
active in the sport but his skill level isn't competitive. It's just for
fun."

"Yes, I imagine it is," Alejandro said before he realized how it might
sound, especially if Matt and John wrestled to the finish that John liked.

"Yeah, it's lots of fun." Matt's tone and slightly raised eyebrow said
much.

Alejandro was both put out and excited. He could feel his sex swelling
against the fabric of his boxers. `Damn! Double damn!!' he thought. Now
what did John tell Matt? Had he been made a fool of? No, what he'd said at
lunch was much more than he'd said to John. Well, if John had said anything
about their bed wrestling, so be it. He'd enjoyed it and hoped to do it
again.

As Alejandro sat thinking, some of his consternation must have shown on his
face.

Changing the subject, Matt said, "I don't want to tie up your entire day
with my stories. You said there was a chance we could look at some of the
buildings under consideration. We can wait until another day for that, if
you need to get back to your office."

Alejandro changed gears smoothly, grateful for the dependable ground of the
reason for their meeting. "This is important to me. I want you to see the
spaces so you can begin to think of them in more concrete terms -- no pun
intended," he said and smiled.

The moment had passed. Alejandro's breathing and pulse returned to
normal. He breathed a deep sigh. Matt noticed and smiled but said nothing.

Signaling for the check, Alejandro instructed the waiter to add a gratuity
of 20% and send it to the office.

"I use this place often and when I'm in a bit of a rush they are happy to
help out this way. You ready to go?" Alejandro slid back and they stood. He
could feel his penis was still full and likely pressing against his trouser
leg slightly; that was not a problem he thought and smiled.

All their conversation the remainder of the afternoon was focused on how to
help future residents grow their own fresh food. Matt mentioned a program
he knew of that paired grandparents (or older people in communities) with
youngsters 10 and under. He said it was a natural mentoring that yielded
much more than just vegetables. He talked about work ethic, nurturing
living things, care for the environment, responsibility and numerous other
benefits.

Alejandro was convinced this man could be a big help, if he had the
time. As they drove back to Alejandro's office Matt asked him about his
name. The remainder of their trip from the South Side was filled with
Alejandro giving some of the family's history and how they had developed
their businesses. Back at the office, they said their good-bys after
exchanging business cards and promising to be in touch.

Alejandro had a much clearer picture of the kind of site that would be most
advantageous and made copious notes from the morning and afternoon
conversations. During the next week and a half he visited Matt's home and
was stunned at the innovations he had put into place for his vegetable beds
and greenhouses. They discussed Alejandro's commitment of support with
money and resources. Matt asked for and got a half-time leave of absence
from his company. They were happy to be linked with such a potentially
prestigious project.

Alejandro picked up Matt's missing portion of salary and increased that by
50% with the justification that Matt would be working far more hours. Matt
agreed with a big grin, adding he'd be enjoying it more than his day job,
as he referred to it. Plans were set for him to travel to San Francisco
with the other representatives.

The birthday fast approached. He and Charles took care of last minute
details and enjoyed each minute of their time preparing for and
anticipating spending time with their friends. The guest list included
mutual friends and colleagues from the University and Institute and members
of boards from cities around the country. The New York Metropolitan
contingent was the largest of those. Numerous members of the board had
expressed their appreciation for Alejandro and Charles, and particularly
appreciated Charles' opinions on specific works. Long-time family friends
from both Chicago and beyond were included.

When the weekend arrived the people and events cascaded with joyful
celebration. Charles and Alejandro were consummate hosts and spent time
with each guest. Charles regretted that Frederick couldn't be part of every
event but he was the key to the surprise.

He arrived on Saturday morning. The roast and filmed tribute were scheduled
for after the luncheon and brief recital. Charles checked and double
checked each element of the technical pieces. He felt he had all the
various elements well in hand.

What Charles had not anticipated was the news that would be shared by one
member of the Metropolitan Board.

On Friday afternoon the contingent from the New York Metropolitan
arrived. Charles and Alejandro were at the hotel to greet them. While
Charles was chatting with two other members, the chairman of the Met Board
pulled Alejandro aside. "I'm sure you're aware that Charles has applied for
the position as Senior Assistant Curator. Thanks to you, we've had a chance
to get to know him prior to the vacancy. Though the decision to recommend a
candidate will be made by an in-house committee, the board has let it be
known through various channels that we would be pleased to have him join
our efforts. The invitations for final interviews will be issued next
week. He will be included. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn't be
surprised."

For a second the air was sucked out of the room. Alejandro's expression
didn't change. Isabella and experience had been good teachers. He recovered
immediately, "I'll not breathe a word, of course." With a quick
confidential wink, he said, "Thanks for telling me." With that the two men
shook hands and the chairman departed to his room as Charles walked across
the lobby.

"What great people. Of all the boards I serve on, without doubt, the
Metropolitan is my favorite. Don't you agree?" Alejandro's bonhomie
appeared genuine and Charles was quick to agree, remaining clueless as to
what had been shared. Alejandro didn't know what he felt so he shoved that
information away for later consideration.

On Saturday morning, Charles had arranged with the current owners of the
former Algara town home to let him borrow the porch for the morning. He
convinced Alejandro to go with him and a photographer to the various places
of Alejandro's youth for a memento scrapbook.

Alejandro argued that the idea was a bit hokey but with Charles's urging
and the encouragement of some of his friends who'd been seeded with the
information and enlisted to help, Alejandro agreed. For the appearance of
legitimacy the car and photographer made several stops. Finally they
arrived at the Algara home.

"Did you ask if we could do this?" Alejandro asked with a touch of concern
for the people's privacy.

"I did, telling them that we just wanted a shot of you on the porch. They
thought it was a grand idea. Get out and remember to smile!" Charles
ordered.

As Alejandro and the photographer approached the steps, Frederick stepped
from behind one of the large pillars that had shielded him from
view. Alejandro froze in his tracks, looked and blinked. His forehead
wrinkled in question.

Frederick laughed and said, "Yeah, it's me, not some ghost."

Alejandro took the steps in two leaps and grasped his dearest friend in a
bear hug.

"So you wanna wrestle here, Alex? Don't you think we'd better find a more
appropriate place?" Frederick said laughing.

Alejandro was laughing and crying at the same time. He set Frederick down
and held him tightly by the shoulders as if to make sure he didn't get
away.

"I can't believe it. It's been so long. I'm so sorry I haven't been in
better touch. It's so good to see you. I don't believe it." Alejandro's
words stumbled over themselves. He smiled `til his face hurt and the tears
flowed freely. So many memories, so very many memories flooded both his
heart and mind.

Charles waited for a few moments then approached.

"You two will have all the rest of the day and tomorrow to spend time
catching up. Now it's time to go and clean up for the luncheon and
recital. You will be able to join us, won't you Frederick?" Charles said
with just the tone that made Alejandro spin `round.

"You have to come. You likely won't know most of the people but you'll
stick by my side and we'll have a blast." Alejandro let it be known by his
sternness that there would be no discussion.

"If you insist..." Frederick faltered.

"I do insist! Now come on!"

Back in the car they talked as fast as they could, filling each other in on
the recently past years. Back at the condo, Frederick, with hands on hips,
looked around and said, "Well you've come up in the world both figuratively
and literally. Nice!"

"Please make yourself at home. Charles show Frederick around and get him
something to drink. I've got to get on my glad rags." With that Alejandro
disappeared through the bedroom door.

Charles grinned pulling Frederick out onto the patio. "I think we pulled
that off. May the rest go as well!"

It did. Frederick played the reticent guest throughout all the
introductions and lunch. When the recital was finished and met with
enthusiastic applause the lights dimmed as a screen lowered. The quartet
moved further to the side. A spotlight was turned on and searched the
room. Frederick stood and walked quickly to the front.

"Whoa. Yeah, it's me. Will you stop blinding these people!" Frederick
seemed to address the spotlight that quickly set its beam on him. "I'm
here, and now we can start the show." With a big grin he looked at
Alejandro and said, "Ladies and gentlemen help me celebrate one of the
greatest people I've ever known. I present to you Alejandro Davila
Bojorques Algara." With added emphasis, he said, "Alex, this is your life!"
The audience applauded loudly and a few even whistled their enthusiasm.

With that, the lights dimmed and film rolled. There were clips from old
eight millimeter movies that his Father and Isabella had shot all during
his life until the first year of college. Interviews taped during the past
year featured many of the guests present. Voice-overs narrated some still
shots of trips he and Frederick had taken, parties on campus and Alejandro
posing with the Wrestling Club for the University Year Book.

When the closing credits began to roll the room burst into
applause. Alejandro was beaming through the streaks of moisture on his face
from his tears. He turned and with genuine affection hugged Charles around
the shoulder. The lights remained partially dimmed.

"Now Ladies and Gentlemen, the afternoon is young and the microphone is
yours. Let's tell our friend Alex what we really think!" Frederick's
comment was made with a wiggle of eyebrows, a wink and a suggestive
smile. A number of the guests had been forewarned and had humorous stories
to share. That got the ball rolling. Before the afternoon was over everyone
had laughed, wiped away tears from emotional moments and thoroughly enjoyed
themselves.

The evening's activities included a dinner dance with a jazz ensemble
including one of Chicago's best known singers. The day was an enormous
success by any standard. Alejandro insisted Frederick stay in the condo so
they could catch up. As they talked, Frederick shared that he was in a
long-term relationship; Alejandro got up and hugged his friend.

"I want to meet him. Please let me continue to be a part of your life." He
held his friend in a tight hug, sharing the joy that was evident on
Frederick's face. Then he whispered in his ear, "Besides payback for this
afternoon is going to be hell!" They both laughed and soon went to their
beds to sleep.

Sunday's brunch was at the hotel where most of the guests were lodged. The
afternoon was unstructured until time for the open house at the condo. The
weather accommodated them though it was chilly. There were heated canopies
anchored in various locations on the deck. The caterer had done a masterful
job with presentation. Carved ice statues adorned the tables; flowers were
everywhere. A dance floor had been laid for those who wanted to move with
the music of a small dance band. There was a jazz pianist who played at
other times. The last guests left after 2 a.m.

After escorting each guest out, Charles, Alejandro and Frederick collapsed
on the sofa and chairs in the living room. The caterers were cleaning up,
musicians were leaving and rental staff were tearing down the canopies on
the deck. They laughed at shared anecdotes of things seen and heard
throughout the weekend. All three were exhausted. Charles insisted that he
would stay and make sure the condo was secure and sent the other two off to
sleep.

Sleep would not come for Alejandro despite his exhaustion. He lay awake
pondering the news he'd learned about Charles and wondered how it would
affect his life. God knows he'd been through enough change and would make
it through this. With change came unforeseen consequences. What were those
likely to be? Who would they involve? Fatigue finally won out and he
drifted into dream-filled slumber.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The peculiar food and drink of writers is the comment from the reader.
Please feel free to drop me a note at firehosejoe@yahoo.com