Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:38:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: Chapter 43 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 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:

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.

Chapter 43

It was of Matt that Alejandro dreamed - Matt with the eyes that could see
into you. Matt was shirtless wearing the pants of his Sambo competition
outfit. His torso was heavily contoured, sweat running in rivulets between
his massive pecs. His body glistened in the dim light. He was moving toward
Alejandro prepared to attack him, to grapple with him, to take him to the
mat.

In the next moment, Alejandro's dream sequence shifted to a naked Matt. His
organ was nearly obscene in its length and girth. A smile on Matt's face
both challenged and invited Alejandro. He moved in the slow motion of
dream-state toward the eyes, toward the phallus.

"Unnnng, uhhh." He awoke with grunts as he kicked off the covers. His body
was sticky with sweat. His cock was rigid, demanding relief. Swinging his
legs over the side of the bed, he wiped the sleep from his eyes and headed
into the bathroom.

"Fuck it!" he said softly, irritated at his vulgarity and more irritated at
the difficulty to aim his rampant cock to piss into the bowl. He stepped
into the shower and relaxed that internal sphincter that held water. He let
it fly in a graceful arc to the opposite wall. The sense of relief would
have been erotic if his mind had not already been occupied with the images
with which he awoke.

After showering he rinsed the soap and shampoo from his body and tried to
analyze the quickly fading images of his dream. He gave up, but did wonder
where the erotic images had sprung from. All was quickly forgotten when he
emerged from his bedroom and saw Frederick and Charles munching on toasted
muffins and fresh fruit. The aroma of coffee beckoned.

Frederick was filling Charles in on the love of his life. Charles was
listening intently, nodding and making sympathetic noises at the right
moments. Alejandro joined them, and motioned for Frederick to continue. He
was well warmed to his subject and the affection reflected in every change
of expression.

Alejandro glanced at Charles and found Charles looking at him. It was a
look of deep understanding. Somehow they didn't need words. They both
recognized the love leaping off of the pages of Frederick's heart. Their
look acknowledged their deep and likely abiding friendship but not
love. They were both peaceful in the knowing.

Soon Frederick was packed and giving the last embraces saying his
good-bys. Alejandro rode with him to the airport. He waited until Frederick
had cleared the gate and was out of sight before turning for home. He
wondered if he'd ever see Frederick again. It was, he knew, one of those
friendships that live on despite time and distance. He was glad.

As the car drove toward the center of town, Alejandro mused about the news
Charles was to receive and the likely outcome. It would be another
good-bye. They seemed to come in groups Alejandro realized. At least they
did for him.

When he arrived at the condo, Charles was in high dudgeon. The cleaning
service had sent only two people instead of the team he'd
contracted. Though genteel, the guests had managed to scatter crumbs, spill
wine, and in general make a rather substantial mess.

"Get dressed and go to the office. I'm sure there's something there to do
that is more beneficial than to stay and listen to me bitch!" Charles'
hands were on his hips and his face was flushed. Alejandro hid his smile
thinking that it was the first time he'd seen Charles in this sort of
assertive, dominant, take-control mode. There was no question that he'd get
his way and Alejandro was more than happy to knot his tie and head
downtown.

After greeting his secretary and retrieving his messages and mail he went
into the office desperately glad for the quiet, calm retreat. Thumbing
through the phone message slips he saw none was urgent. He shuffled through
the mail. The thick envelope from San Francisco had an address he didn't
immediately recognize.

Alex noted the amount of postage used - it was special delivery and stamped
as such in numerous locations. He sat at his desk and sliced the envelope
open. There appeared to be a wad of folded sheets of paper.

He removed and unfolded the sheets. On the top was a scrawled note from
Matt Grunwald.

`Sorry to be so abrupt but I had to send you these. Wonderful things they
are doing. Some will fit as is. Many can be adapted for our growing
climate. Want to make sure you are aware that some of the buildings
considered will provide only roof-growing area. Need to talk about their
Roots and Sprouts Program involving intergenerational gardening. Happening
here quite naturally. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity
to be a part of this.'

The sheets were sketches with details enlarged and layouts of various
garden plans he'd seen. Some Alejandro recognized. Some were noted, `Change
to this for Chigo'. There were notations for thermal mass materials,
movable partition construction greenhouses and container gardening that
could be modified for nearly nine-month growing.

With some rough sketches Matt had illustrated buildings. `When at all
possible – it was underscored three times – buy or invest in
buildings that have available greenspace with a south or west exposure.'

There were copious notes, written the way Matt seemed to think. They were
linear but occasionally interrupted with random notations. Leafing through
the stack several times gathering new insights from each passing, Alejandro
knew this was a passionate man on a mission.

Alejandro dialed Zach's office number and left a message that he hoped all
was going well and the guests were not making difficulties with demands. He
smiled as he cradled the receiver thinking that Zach probably had a virtual
perpetual hard-on with so many professionals combing through the
information made available and praising his genius.

His thoughts returned momentarily to Charles. He smiled thinking of Charles
marshalling the help to make sure everything was shipshape.

Later, Alejandro looked out the window and saw heavy snow falling. He
shrugged and shouldered his great coat as he prepared for the trip home. It
was the season. During December, nights and weekends would soon be crowded
with commitments, and invitations would be left begging. It was the same
every year; however with each passing year he found it easier and took it
in stride.

Toward the end of the first week of December Charles called him and asked
if they could share dinner at Morton's. `It's come. The request for
interview has arrived,' Alejandro realized. Quickly Alejandro agreed and
met Charles. He was sitting at the same table they'd used when Alejandro
had finished his final verbal exam for Art Appreciation years before.

After their drinks had been served Charles spoke. "You may already be aware
of this, knowing how well connected you are. I applied some months ago for
a position at the Metropolitan. Didn't have a thought that I had a
prayer. Alejandro, they've invited me to fly me to New York for an
interview. I can't believe it!"

Alejandro smiled broadly, hoping his enthusiasm won out over his concern
for himself. "I just found out. The Chairman pulled me aside on Friday,
letting me know you'd be a finalist. This isn't just an interview,
Charles. You're likely a finalist. They'll make a decision soon, I
imagine."

"Alex, so much has happened so fast. I don't know if I'm even ready for an
interview, much less the job. I want to do it. I just hope I measure up to
their expectations and can answer the questions adequately." Charles' agony
was real, Alejandro could easily see.

"Look at it this way, Mr. Dr. Charles Thibodaux. It is a short seminar
you're giving. You are being examined. If you succeed, well and good. If
not, you walk away a wiser man. I'm sure you will wow them, now quit
worrying." Alejandro said his piece briefly trying not to give away what he
thought he knew.

Dinner proceeded. Charles dissected everything he knew about the staff and
holdings of the Met. When the check was paid, Alejandro was
exhausted. Charles was ebullient. As they went their separate ways
Alejandro urged confidence and a good night's sleep for Charles, knowing it
was improbable.

Charles' interview was within ten days. The decision, they promised, would
be made prior to year's end if at all possible. Charles was beyond
nervous. Alejandro was almost amused but couldn't show it in the least. He
kept comforting and encouraging his friend. The student now took the role
of teacher.

The days sped by. Luncheons, requests for funding and social obligations
that rested on generations of expectation and precedence filled Alejandro's
days and nights. All the members of the visiting delegation to San
Francisco had returned to the same seasonal demands but made their reports
with enthusiasm. The details each brought back assured Alejandro that every
dollar had been wisely spent.

The week before Christmas, Charles received the call from the Met. He was
the successful candidate. Could he start before mid-January as a major
exhibition needed to be mounted?

His first call was to Alejandro. It was what Alejandro had expected and he
genuinely shared Charles' enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment of the
moment. They briefly discussed the logistics.

"Of course you say, `Yes'. You can move into the condo and be ready January
2, if need be. What are you thinking, Man? We'll make this
happen. Together, the two of us are unstoppable." Alejandro and Charles
both laughed at the outsized affirmation.

Resignations were tendered and accepted with regret at both the University
and the Institute. The docents and staff at the Institute held a reception
for him and gave him a parting gift.

The days grew wings. As Christmas approached, Alejandro and Charles planned
and discussed all the elements of the move, the remaining responsibilities
in Lafayette and how Charles was going to manage living in New York.

"Charles. Charles! Listen to me. Stop it right now." Alejandro was adamant
and tired of listening to the continual worrying. He'd never seen this side
of Charles before. He understood the trauma and magnitude of the change. He
just couldn't understand how Charles would feel he was doing this
alone. Though not joined at either the hip or heart, Alejandro was still a
friend for life.

"I know apartments cost a fortune. We bought one, remember?" Alejandro said
in exasperation. "Your name is on the deed. I know this wasn't the plan but
let's think creatively. I use the condo only two or three times a
year. Agree to let me enjoy your company and the privacy of not having to
use a hotel and you stay at the condo, partially yours, at no
cost. Transfer the utilities into your name. I'll cancel the catering and
cleaning – you're a big boy and can take care of yourself." That remark
earned Alejandro a cuff on the chin. They both laughed.

Charles heaved a big sigh of relief. "That takes some of the pressure off -
most actually."

Alejandro realized his balanced, analytical, academically disciplined
friend was at sea. This was big for Charles. This was what he'd hoped for,
that hope beyond dreams. It was now his and it was overwhelming. Alejandro
remembered different circumstances but similar feelings. He was patient.

Christmas evening, Alejandro planned an open house/farewell for Charles. Of
course, they'd be making the rounds on New Years but this was for the
larger academic and artistic community. It was well attended even with
invitations coming on such short notice and for Christmas
evening. Alejandro was pleased and Charles somewhat overwhelmed at the well
wishing and promises he had to make for personally guided tours of the Met.

The final guests had gone and the catering crew had cleared out with a more
than generous tip and handshake with personal thanks from both men. They
poured themselves a single malt Scotch, put on their great coats and went
outside to admire the crystalline moonless sky lit only by stars.

"I'll miss you, Charles. No, don't say anything." Alejandro warned him off
as Charles tried to speak. "The next few days will be hectic. New Years
will be impossible. I need to let you know in a stolen moment of quiet how
much I value you as a friend and mentor. Yes, I still depend on you. Less
than I did several years ago, but it is partly because of your caustic wit,
steadying hand and perspective that I've been able to see my way to this
point in my life. Thank you.

"We've never spoken of...no, let me put it differently. We've always known
that we were friends not lovers. At times I'm sure we both wondered if we'd
cross that line but somehow we didn't and I know we're both okay with
it. Am I right?" Alejandro's voice had both certainty and a sense of
sadness to it.

Charles intuitiveness and compassion came immediately to the fore. He knew
the levels of Alejandro's question and had wondered about them himself.

He turned and took Alejandro by the shoulders. Looking at him with
understanding, he said, "After our first visit in my office at the
University I found you interesting. After the second, my respect grew
ten-fold for the sharpness of your mind, your intellectual capacity and
your ability to manage significant multiple tasks to successful
conclusions. Your appeal for me has not just been that handsome, muscular
and endowed body of yours; it is the whole package, the person of
Alejandro.

"Yes, we're both okay with how our friendship has developed. I have no
regrets and tons of great memories. I know you can say the same. It would
have been very easy for me to find a comfortable niche, others might say
rut, staying at the Institute and working part-time at the
University. Travel with you, though, opened the world to me in a different
way. I knew after participating at the first Met meeting that I could
likely hold my own in a variety of art institutions.

"In part, because of our friendship, I've matured from an outwardly cocky
yet insecure person to someone who, I hope, is more fully integrated and in
touch with himself." Charles laughed at the last comment he'd made. "Sounds
like I should be stretched out on the counseling couch, doesn't it?"

Their breath continued to rise in clouds in the cold Chicago night
air. Alejandro met his smile and said suggestively, "I know a more
comfortable place to recline if you are interested." He winked and said,
"Come on Charlie; let's have some fun."

Taking Charles' elbow, Alejandro walked with his friend back to the
brilliantly lit, warm condo. Soon there were in the bedroom undressing.

"Gee, where's the blinding passion I've had to contend with, Youngster?"
Charles said with a laugh as the continued to unfasten his trousers. "I can
remember when you wanted to rip my clothes off to get to this paragon of
masculine pulchritude. Now we're more like old married folks, getting ready
for the same old thing." His laugh was mostly silent but his chest shook
with his mirth.

Alejandro was looking at him, not quite knowing how to respond. Their
comments on the deck were still fresh in his mind.

"Just seeing if I could get you. Evidently I've not lost my touch," Charles
said with a smirk.

"You're going to pay for that one, Charlie Boy." Alejandro smiled, trying
to goad Charles.

As Charles turned from draping his trousers over a chair back he said, "Not
tonight, Alejandro."

Alejandro looked up suddenly wondering if this was a challenge or another
bit of fun. Charles' face was serious as he held Alejandro's gaze.

"Tonight I want to make it last as long as we can. No frenzied fuck this
time, okay? I want to feel you deep inside me. I want to imprint in my mind
the feel of that thick cock I've so often enjoyed and perhaps taken for
granted. I want to feel my ass stretched and relish the flash of pain that
comes each time before I'm overcome with the pleasure of your being in me.

"Let's finish in the bathroom. I want to get comfortable with you, kiss and
lick your favorite spots, memorize that musky scent that makes me a little
crazy. But most of all I want to make it last `til we're both desperate to
cum. When we are, I'm going to take every drop you've got tonight."

As Charles spoke, his eyes drilled into Alejandro's letting him know who
was going to be in charge. Alejandro's cock pulsed and rose as Charles
described what they'd do. When he'd finished, Alejandro's cock was rigid
and throbbing.

"You want this to last? You're going to have to help me pace myself. `Cause
right now I want to fuck your eyeballs loose," Alejandro said somewhat
breathlessly.

Charles grinned and slightly shook his head. He wondered just how few
people knew that Alex could say the word `fuck'. He was always the
consummate gentleman, always in control, possessed of perfect manners and a
fluent vocabulary; how few knew that the boy could talk trash with the best
of them when his dick was hard and demanding satisfaction.

"What are you grinning at now?" Alejandro said with a little exasperation.

"You. I'm grinning at you Alex. Quite frankly, I love it when you talk
dirty." Charles laughed again.

"Pace yourself into the bathroom and let's get this show on the road!"
Alejandro laughed as he followed Charles.

Their evening in bed was not just sex. It was a layering of passion that
continued to build for both of them. They knew each other well. The
erogenous places were explored time and again. Charles occasionally had to
gently push Alejandro off him as Alejandro's need to take charge began to
emerge. At those times, they'd lie quietly, touching each other, talking
about memories shared. When both were ready they'd begin again.

Alejandro's pubs were sticky with precum. Charles let his tongue dig into
the luxuriant hair and lick them clean. Occasionally he'd remove a stray
hair from his mouth and grin before diving back in.

Alejandro gently shifted his body under Charles as Charles explored each
contour and crevice with tongue, lips, fingers and nose. Alejandro
unknowingly gave clues when Charles was pushing Alejandro to his
limit. Again they'd rest, sometimes with Charles head on Alejandro's furry
solid pec, listening to the steady strong heartbeat, memorizing, memorizing
the sight, the smell, and the sounds of his friend.

At some point they both reached a plateau where they knew there would be
the promised release but the demands were lessened. Alejandro was able to
return the pleasure of the thorough exploration Charles had given
him. Alejandro was careful not to push too hard. This was for Charles. He
would bring them both to a crescendo and powerful finale when he was ready.

It was after Charles had explored Alejandro's feet and traced the muscles
of both calves and thighs with his tongue that Alejandro groaned softly,
"Please, Charles. Please."

Charles moved astride Alejandro directing him to hold his rigid pole
steady. Slowly, oh so slowly Charles let his weight fall as his channel
devoured Alejandro's aching organ. With exquisite skill, Charles massaged
the buried muscle with his rectal muscles. Alejandro's face was alive with
motion as each wave of pleasure registered there.

Charles began to slide up and down the throbbing muscle with measured
slowness. Charles was sweating, his thighs quivering with the exertion of
the slow isotonic exercise. He never rested on Alejandro; he kept the
tension and motion consistent. Shifting slightly he brought Alejandro's
swollen cockhead in contact with his prostate. As the engorged member raked
across the inflamed organ Charles shuddered and momentarily stopped.

"I'm so close. I don't want this to end but I'm so close." It was a
whispered moan more to himself than to Alejandro. Charles' strong thighs
were rigid cords of definition as he resumed the act of fucking himself on
Alejandro's muscle. Steadily he increased the internal grip and speed. When
Alejandro was nearly thrashing beneath him, Charles redirected the
pistoning muscle to his prostate. Then with increased speed he hammered
himself against Alejandro.

Alejandro was moaning continuously, his abs knotted as he resisted the urge
to control the fucking. Charles felt his cum rise with a heat that flushed
his chest and face. When it came, time stopped. Charles' ring clamped
tightly around Alejandro's hard penis. Charles kept thrusting the cock up,
deeper within him. The burn of the stretched ring as he reached the thick
base of Alejandro's cock drove more cum from his throbbing cock.

Alejandro had grasped Charles' waist when his own orgasm peaked. They
bucked against each other, Alejandro bridging violently, driving his body
into Charles. Both were gasping as the moment ebbed. Charles was sitting
with his head thrown back; his chest heaved. Alejandro lay still as his
breath slowly returned to normal. When he opened his eyes he saw Charles
looking at him.

"Thank you." It was said gently, softly. It was all that needed to be said.

Alejandro raised his arms inviting Charles. Charles gently lay on
Alejandro's strong chest, the back of his head nestled in the crook of
Alejandro's neck. They both drifted off to sleep.

The next morning at breakfast, Alejandro listened as Charles, with mounting
panic, described all he had to do. After he'd driven himself into a near
frenzied state, Alejandro got up, found a pad and pen and began to outline
the tasks in an orderly, logical manner. When they'd finished, Charles'
normal demeanor had almost returned; he was smiling and they set about
working the list they'd made.

Within two days, Charles had packed all the things from his apartment he
planned to take to New York. The remainder Alejandro convinced him was
good, serviceable furniture that Goodwill could use and would pick up in
January. Charles packed the clothes he'd need for the week and weekend and
took them to Alejandro's. A truck came and picked up the boxes going east
and they all headed for O'Hare where Alejandro had chartered a flight.

Their arrival in New York was made easier since the charter company had
arranged for a truck and limo to meet them. Soon they were unpacking boxes
in the condo. After that task was accomplished they treated themselves to a
walk to the Rockefeller Plaza to see the angels, the tree and watch ice
skaters while sipping hot chocolate.

They wandered casually up 5th Avenue enjoying the view of Central Park
through the bare trees. They reached the Metropolitan and laughed as they
paid the suggested entry fee to the docent guarding the doorway. The
Neapolitan Crèche and Christmas tree in first floor Medieval Art area was a
towering beauty as always. For many New Yorkers it was an icon of Christmas
and each year a pilgrimage was made.

They found a trendy little bistro on one of the side streets and enjoyed
dinner and shared a bottle of wine. Afterward they strolled down 5th and
took in the windows at Lord and Taylors and Steuben. Pulling their scarves
closer and turning up their collars they headed across Manhattan to the
condo.

They sat chatting quietly, enjoying a single malt Scotch before bed. Snow
flurries danced outside the windows. Showering together, they each helped
the other to a satisfying orgasm. Their sleep came quickly. For both it was
deep and restful.

The next morning the concierge directed them to several places to shop that
offered delivery. Together they played house as they shopped for cheese,
wine, and meats for the freezer as well as various pastas and bottled
sauces. When they had finished they agreed that Charles could arrive,
shower and cook his first meal, never having to leave the place.

They showered and fixed drinks before going out to dinner. After dinner
they walked the 20 blocks to the condo. After bathroom duties were done,
they went to bed. Charles pushed Alejandro's shoulder back when he leaned
in for a kiss. Climbing atop him, Charles took charge and while deliberate,
he didn't rush them to the climax that they shared.

They caught an early flight back to Chicago, having done what they set out
to accomplish in New York.

Mid-morning they were taking the limo back into Chicago. Charles lunched
with friends while Alejandro went into the office to look over mail. They
were both hosted by a group of Charles' friends for dinner. The group was a
mix from the Institute and University. They were fun, rowdy, and everyone
had a great time.

On the 30th Charles made the rounds scheduling utility cut-offs for the end
of January and transferring mail. Alejandro's plan included leaving power
and phone on until the apartment was empty and cleaned.

They enjoyed a quiet dinner early on New Year's Eve and later went to a
dinner dance hosted by one of Alejandro's family friends. Both men were
well known and the evening passed all too quickly. Giddy from drinks and
champagne they'd consumed to toast 1972 in, they laughed all the way home
at some of the antics of mutual friends.

Alejandro had laid in supplies for a sumptuous breakfast buffet. He rose
early and tucked covers back in around Charles, insisting that he
sleep. Making coffee, Alejandro bundled up in his robe, slippers and great
coat and took a mug out on the deck to greet the New Year.

It was a blustery, gray day that matched his mood of the moment. Charles
would leave that day and be ready to stretch his wings in New York. `Turn
that frown upside down'. The thought sprang to mind from childhood. "Fuck
That!" he said aloud and went inside to start frying bacon.

Breakfast was slow and leisurely. Neither man wanted to rush the
moment. Their conversation was desultory, ranging from new beginnings to
memories shared. It was easy. There were no regrets.

Alejandro rode with Charles to the charter departure lounge and waited
until the plane taxied out of sight before returning home. Some friends,
aware of the timing and the transitions had made sure Alejandro came over
for football and a light buffet supper. Their kindness was appreciated and
helped dull the absence he felt. Sleep was slow coming that night but
finally he rested.

Alejandro's default mode to dealing with change was to get busy. He hurled
himself into work at the office and with the housing project. At a meeting
with the primary partners, including Matt Grunwald, it was decided that an
architect's services were needed to oversee the inspections, plans and to
advise on the final properties selected for purchase. Suggestions were made
and a search was begun.

All knew that the person had to be disposed to economy as well as
livability. This initiative was gaining profile among various local
communities and church groups as well as local and state politicos. Any
architect involved had much to gain in reputation based on the success of
the project.

Alejandro was adamant that these units were more than adequate shelter. His
hope was they would become homes for those who lived there. Equally strong
was his insistence that home grown nutrition would make differences in
health, community and quality of life. Matt's position was secure and his
opinions sought as plans continued to develop.

Alejandro realized that one of the pillars of success was true
partnership. He realized that simply due to his financial clout and the
substantial resources he'd committed, it would be easy for partners to
defer to him to the extent that their ownership and thereby passion would
diminish.

Matt was the latecomer to the mix. Alejandro had continually been impressed
by his energy and innovative approach to each problem that arose. He
exhibited personal discipline in every aspect Alejandro had
observed. Alejandro needed someone to bounce ideas off of. The other
partners had agendas, albeit benign he hoped, relating to their own
mission. Matt was free of any such encumbrances.

Matt was flattered that Alejandro would take him into confidence. Alejandro
made it clear that a marginal, easily forgotten success or a major stride
forward in dealing with housing issues rested on a few key decisions. One
of them was Matt, himself. The other was the selection of the architect.

Matt felt the weight of Alejandro's assessment of Matt's potential
contribution. It fired Matt's determination like nothing had in years. They
formed an unofficial alliance where candor and confidentiality were the
currency. Alejandro's presumptions were confirmed. Matt had seen and sensed
a common bond and commitment by all the partners that was generally
understood, and agreed on by all.

Alejandro confessed his fears of being too strong a presence and suggested
that he step back and let the others bring solutions as well as critical
decisions to the table for the majority to decide. Matt agreed. He assured
Alejandro that a sense of urgency and passion to see the project succeed
was the consistent theme in conversations he'd been a part of in San
Francisco. Further he allowed that there had been no noticeable hints of
covert jealousy or turf-staking evidenced by the partners. Alejandro was
satisfied.

After work, he'd played racquetball, worked out and spent time in the pool
and tub. A light dinner with wine relaxed him and to his surprise the next
morning, he realized that he'd slept deeply and well.

The cold and intermittent sleet and snow typical of January was a chore to
deal with. Sitting at his desk looking at the glowering, grey clouds,
Alejandro impetuously picked up the phone and called Zach. The friendly and
excited voice on the other end lifted his spirits immediately. Before their
conversation was over, Alejandro had a trip planned to California.

He'd had never been to Napa or the valley bearing its name. Zach was an old
hand and promised to give Alejandro a perfect tour devoid of the crowds of
tourists that would return in the spring. Promising to make all the
arrangements Zach hung up and sat with a wide smile on his face. Alejandro,
had he seen it, would have guessed immediately that he'd set something in
motion.

Alejandro had given Zach a timetable to work with, penciling out the dates
on his calendar. Several days later Zach called and outlined the trip. What
they'd do and see encouraged Alejandro to come as early as possible. Zach's
enthusiasm gave Alejandro his first inkling of the entanglement he'd have
to deal with before he returned home.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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