Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 11:41:37 -0800 (PST)
From: Patrick Purdy <theleprechaun_99@yahoo.com>
Subject: The DJ - Part 9

     This story is fiction any similarities between persons either living
or dead is purely coincidental (although any good writer will write what he
knows). This is a story that deals with male-to-male relationships as well
as homosexual sex. If this offends you or is illegal in your location
please do not read any further. This statement releases me the author and
the site wherein this story is posted from any legal action. Copyright 2001
by Patrick Sean Purdy.


Chapter 19: The Lover's Holiday

     That Friday was a major success for Brandon.  The managers of Metro
agreed that his style and blend of music was something that they would like
to see more of, and as a result they offered him another night and good
references.  Our few times a week to be together looked like they may be
interrupted by a busy schedule.

     Theo called Ashton the following Sunday, and they had lunch together.
Ash said he had a wonderful time and that Theo's acceptance of his
disability and unjaded personality were refreshing.  They had planned on
going out another time later in the week and also wanted to go to Metro on
Friday, inviting me along also.  Well, with my boyfriend being there, how
could I not go?  Of course I was going.

     On Thursday Ash called me and wanted to set things up for Friday and
asked me up for the evening.  He wanted to tell me all about his date the
night before.  Apparently, Theo had made a good impression.

     "Theo is awesome Evan," Ashton admitted as we sat on the couch sharing
a bottle of wine, "We talk about each other, but more importantly we talk
TO each other.  I've learned about things he saw and did when he grew up,
like his first trip to Delphi.  Or his days playing soccer . . . that's
where he gets that amazing body . . ." I missed what he said after that,
because I wondered how a blind man knew how good looking and built his date
was.  It didn't take me long to figure out and I giggled to myself, but not
enough to myself.

     "What?"

     "Nothing," I replied, "keep going."

     "I doubt it's nothing, but I'll let it slide.  Anyway, I was saying
that he was offered a full ride at the University in Athens where his
parents worked, but that he really wanted to come to the States.  It was a
dream of his, fueled by his parents a bit . . ." Ashton continued and I
could tell that most likely Ashton and Theo would be dating seriously.  If
not, that was at least Ash's plan.  I felt really happy for Ash because, as
he had told Brandon and I, not a lot of people gave him the chance of
friendship that they would a sighted person.

***************

     Ash and Theo did start dating.  They were at the club together on
Friday and Theo always treated Ashton respectfully, but never as if he were
different.  There was something I very much liked about Theo; he had a way
of putting others at ease while around him.  Brandon noticed it too.  They
saw each other on Sunday and Tuesday following and I was a little jealous.
Between our schedules, Brandon and I were not having that much time
together and I was green with envy.  I found it was OK though, because
Brandon had promised me an unforgettable Saturday on the 14th of February.

     As it was becoming usual to do, I went to Metro on Friday night and
listened as Brandon worked.  I felt so proud of him.  All of the people we
knew at the club always commented on his skill as a DJ.  Brandon was much
too modest and didn't take these accolades easily.  I knew, however, on the
inside he was feeling very satisfied on a job well done and appreciated.
It's one of the reasons that he did it.  It's one of the biggest reasons he
did his job full time instead of being a weekend warrior of the circuit.
But mostly, it's simply what he loves to do, even now.

     Theo and Ashton were there; I stayed with them for most of the
evening.  We arrived early, about 10:30pm, and were enjoying ourselves in
the Rainbow Room when one of the bar-backs came to our table just a few
minutes before midnight.

     "Brandon says he needs to see you," Dylan said.  I couldn't read the
expression on his face, but he seemed urgent.

     "All right," I said, "I'll be right there."  I excused myself as I got
up and I watched as Dylan went back about his business.  I wasn't worried.
OK, maybe a little, as I headed towards the DJ booth.  I crossed the bar
and dance-floor and looked up to see Brandon with his headphones on looking
down at the turntables.  He looked so into his music, just like the night
of the beach party when I first watched him spin.  As I got closer he
looked up and saw me coming.  One of those famous smiles spread out across
his face and he had that glow again, like the night I first saw him at the
Milkbar.

     "What's up," I asked as I entered the booth, "What's the matter?"

     "Nothing's the matter, I just wanted you to be here for a second."

     "Oh, all right.  Dylan just made it seem like it was super important;
he was in a rush."

     "Dylan is always like that, Ev.  Bar-backs have a lot to do.  The boss
gets on their backs if they aren't constantly moving."

     "That makes sense.  So, what'd you want me for."

Brandon looked at me and grinned like the Cheshire Cat.  "You'll see."  He
went back to his music for a moment, and I could see the song was ending.
But he wasn't adding another record in right away.  Slowly, he started
mixing the two, but he started bringing down the volume.  People on the
dance floor were all slowing down and taking breaks.  Then Brandon grabbed
the mic.

     "All right bois and girls, and everywhere in between, Metro wants to
thank you for coming out tonight.  Thank you for visiting us, making us the
best gay club in Jacksonville, and for drinking responsibly.  I'm your host
for the evening, DJ Station.  I'll give the volume a boost in just a
second.

     "First, I want to remind you that just a few seconds ago the tolling
of Midnight brought with it Valentines Day.  If you all look up at the
booth you'll see standing next to me the man I love . . ." When Brandon
said this I was petrified, I couldn't believe what he was pulling; I just
stood there smiling, watching the crowd.  " . . . I hope the rest of you
have some one you can love, or love tonight, as much as I do.  Now, back to
the music."  With that, Brandon put the volume up and played a dance
version of My Heart Will Go On.

     Brandon turned and faced me, "Happy Valentines Day, babe."

     "Brandon," I wanted to be mad at him.  I was so embarrassed, but
still, it was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me and he
just stood there smiling at me.  Then, he reached behind him in one of his
record boxes and pulled out a bouquet of a dozen red roses.  "Brandon,
thank you.  I love you so much.  Happy Valentines Day to you."

     "Come here and give me a kiss, I gotta get back to work."

     "Anything for you, Bran."  I leaned in and gave him a kiss and he
hugged me tightly to him.  We separated and I let Brandon worked as I
walked back to join Ash and Theo.  I found them sitting and talking to each
other.

     "So, anything wrong?" Ashton asked.

     "No, not at all, Brandon just wanted to get a jump-start on Valentines
Day."

     "So, I smell."

     "The flowers are beautiful Evan," Theo said, "You really are a lucky
guy."

     "Yeah, I am."  I smiled softly to myself and inhaled the fragrance of
the flowers before me.

     Later in the night, as the club closed and people filtered out, I
waited for Brandon.  Theo had given Ashton a ride home, and I was left all
alone.  On their way to the car Theo said, "I hope next Valentines Day I'll
be as lucky as you, Evan."  I told him that I thought he was this
Valentines Day.  Ashton concurred and Theo defended himself by saying he
wasn't going to press his luck.  They waved from the car and drove off.

     There I stood, alone, waiting.  In my head the word "lucky," as Theo
had twice said it, resounded in my head.  Indeed, I was lucky.  Just inside
that building was a man I had fallen in love with, but more than that, he
had fallen with me.  In the last year, as I came out to others and myself I
thought I'd date more.  I never thought I'd get a chance like this, a
chance to be truly happy, so quickly.  What's more, I never thought I'd be
with someone like Brandon.

     Brandon was the opposite of me, outwardly that is.  He was
raver-scene, party-boy, always dressed down.  I've always been the stuffed
shirt type and always thought I wanted that in a partner as well.  But
those outward appearances didn't matter when I was with Brandon.

     One night, right after finals, Brandon had taken me to a party being
thrown by one of his close friends.  We didn't play it straight, but I
respected him and didn't out him either.  His friends were all party
hounds, everyone addressing everyone as "Dude," tons of beer, more than the
occasional bong being passed around.  In his element, Brandon blended in
with the rest of them.  Normally, it wasn't my scene, but I didn't even
notice with Brandon there, and I felt as comfortable as he did.

     My thought ended abruptly when Brandon kicked open the door of the
club carrying a crate full of his records.  I rushed to his gold Volvo to
open the back for him.  He flashed one of those smiles at me and I just
melted as always.  I helped him get the rest of the stuff from the club,
then packed it into the car.  Once in the car I reached over and gave
Brandon a kiss.  With my hand I grabbed the back of his head and kissed him
with all my passion for him.  When we parted lips I simply said, "Happy
Valentine's Day, beautiful."

     We drove home quietly.  I was actually quite exhausted from a week's
worth of wear and tear.  I was certain that Brandon was equally tired.  His
work schedule had become just as busy and he was so quiet as we drove back
to his place.  I glanced over at him and saw that he was driving on
autopilot; his eyes slightly glazed as his thoughts took him far from where
he actually was.  I stated to worry a bit, but he would use turn signals,
slow down at appropriate spots and maintained his driving skills all the
while having that far away look about him.

     When we got home, we each carried stuff back up to the apartment.  We
unloaded our various wares in their proper living room corner.  Brandon
headed slowly to the bathroom and I headed to the bedroom.  I stripped
down, folding each thing and placing it upon my overnight bag.  Then I
slipped between the cool sheets, feeling the flannel softly caress my every
naked inch.  I loved Brandon's sheets.  I lay there quietly, on my side
with my back to the door, listening to the sounds of running water in the
bathroom basin through the wall.  I was so tired I was falling to sleep so
quickly.  I barely heard the sound of the water running and the bathroom
door open then shut.  I started to wake a little more at these changes and
I heard the bedroom door frame give a little as Brandon leaned against it.
I could tell he was standing there in the dark, I could feel him watching
me.  I heard Brandon give a faint sigh, then softly say, more to himself
than to me, the word "Beautiful."

     "Come to bed," I called out to him.  He crept to the bed, lifted the
sheets and slid in right behind me.  His naked body pressed against mine
and he held me in his arms spoon style.  One arm slid under my neck, while
his other held me closer to him.  He kissed me upon the back of my neck;
and though I felt that familiar stir, I knew that wasn't the plan this
evening.

     "I could hold you like this forever," Brandon said.  "I love you Evan,
I really do."

     "Me too babe, I love you very much."  With that, Brandon and I fell to
sleep.  My dreams and my reality had merged and I was completely happy.

***************

     The next day we spent simply lounging around and having a quiet day at
the house.  Some time ago Brandon had told me that he was going to make
Valentine's Day special for us.  This being the case, I never made any
plans.  The day was waning and I started to wonder.  Other than a few
professions of love in passing he had made no mention of plans for the
evening.  It was four thirty n the afternoon when I finally asked, "So,
what would you like to do to celebrate?"  I tried to make it sound like a
sincere and everyday question.

     Brandon just looked at me, walked over, and kissed me.  He looked down
at me with a smirk and said, "Wouldn't you like to know?  I have my plans.
As a matter of fact you should probably go put something nice on."

     I was elated, knowing that I didn't conceal my excitement at whatever
Brandon's prospective plans were.  I begged Brandon, "Tell me, tell me,
tell me!"

     "And ruin the surprise?  I don't think so."

     "You're no fun Brandon," I mock-sulked.

     "Hmm, that's not what you usually say.  Or, what you are going to
say."  I could tell that from those words Brandon had something planned.  I
thought about that stunt last night in the DJ booth and I wondered if his
plans this evening were on a grand scale.  So far, in my mind, he was
pulling out all the stops.

     We both got washed up and ready.  I put on my favorite dark blue
shirt, black slacks and black and blue tie.  As I stepped out from the
bedroom, Brandon simply stared at me and drank me in with his eyes.  I
heard him say, "Sumptuous."  Then he made me wait in the living room while
he changed.  I was tempted to creep in and sneak a peak, but when I softly
turned the knob I found that he had locked the door.  I hated suspense.

     Ten minutes later I heard the knob turn and looked up to see him
emerge.  I looked over and I was awestruck.  My mind shifted back to the
moment at my own front door the evening of our first date.  That night he
wore clothing so unlike his usual DJ/raver garb I was simply floored.  Now,
he stood before me looking even more magnificent then I had ever seen him.
His eyes were cast down demurely, his arms were tucked behind his back, and
he looked so shy and sexy.  He wore a brand new gray suit similar to
something I had seen in Details a few months before.  The suit had a lucent
quality to it, as did the black shirt and tie he was wearing.  The first
thought that popped into my mind was, "I'm dating a model."

     "I'm not a model, Evan, but thank you," he said.  Apparently, in my
state of amazement I had no inner monologue.

     All I could think to counter this was, "Well, you should be."

     Brandon took his hands from behind his back and held a single red
rose.  "This is for you," he said.  I was so touched that I almost cried.
I took the rose he held out towards me and embraced him tightly.  He held
me in his arms so firmly and with such gentleness at the same time.

     We let go of the embrace and Brandon said, "Let's go."  We left the
apartment and down to Brandon's car.  We climbed in and as I buckled my
seat belt, Brandon held out a small rectangular package.

     "What's this?" I asked.

     "A little something for you."

     "Brandon, you've already done so much.  Are you sure?"

     "Evan, I'm sure . . . now open it."  Well, I wasn't about to argue
with him, so I opened it.  Inside the gold foil paper was a CD.  The cover
looked like a flyer for a Valentine's Night event at a club.  The central
part was a heart, with swirling designs in a mixture of dark and bright
colors and the words titled the CD - MUSIC FROM THE BEGINNING.  I looked on
the back and there was listed twelve songs that Brandon and I had listened
to and shared on several occasions.

     "Brandon, did you make this?"

     "Yeah, I designed the cover and I used my equipment to burn the songs
. . . I had to pilfer some of your CDs to get some of the songs.  That's
what happened to your Sarah McLachlan CD a few weeks ago."  Brandon gave me
one of those sheepish grins he was so well known for in my mind.

     "Well, given the results, I've got no problem with that."  I placed
the CD in the CD player and listed to the album, constantly looking at
Brandon the entire drive.

     Brandon had given me no indication of where he was planning on taking
me for our Valentines dinner.  It was only as we left his house and started
to head south along A1A that I realized we were going to somewhere in the
St. Augustine vicinity.  As we approached closer to the city I asked
Brandon to tell me where, but he'd say nothing.  He refused to tell me if
it was in the city itself, out on Anastasia Island, or any other hints.  As
we approached the turn to take the bridge onto the mainland, Brandon didn't
slow down as much as I thought he should.  Then he passed through he
intersection and headed towards the Vilano Beach point I realized where we
must have been going.  Sure enough he came to the end of the street, turned
left then parked in the municipal parking lot for beach access, but also
for the restaurant Fiddler's Green.

     "Fiddler's Green, eh?" I asked as we stepped out of the car.

     "Sorta," came the reply along with that grin again.

     "What do you mean?"

     "You'll see."  With that enigmatic reply Brandon took my hand and led
me to the front door of Fiddler's Green.  We stepped inside and the place
had several decorations in place for the holiday.  Not too many, but enough
to remind people why they were out this evening.  Already the dining room
seemed full, probably not for the last time this evening.

     "I'm Brandon Bailey," he announced to the hostess, "I believe your
manager, John, is expecting me."

     "Sure thing Mr. Bailey," the hostess said, "I'll go get him."

     Of course, this whole scene really piqued my interest, so I asked
Brandon what this was all about.

     "It's about doing right by you Evan.  Just like the times you've done
right by me.  Now, relax and enjoy the evening."  I must confess this put
me at ease, but I was realizing how little I liked surprises, unless I was
planning them.  It was something I had never realized before.  Then I heard
a voice come towards us.

     "Mr. Bailey, how good it is too see you again."

     "Just call me Brandon.  Is everything ready John?"

     "Everything is as you asked for it Mr. Bail, uh, I mean, Brandon."
The manager gave him a smile and continued.  "Let me lead you to your table
gentlemen."  We walked through the dining room and I thought we were headed
for the middle, then I thought they were putting us far in the back.
Hiding us, I thought to myself.  Then the manager led us to the door to the
outside.  At the bottom of the stairs, just beyond the bottom of the dune,
was a small, clear tent.  Inside was a table set with full settings, two
lengthy candles, and a beautiful centerpiece of a dozen red roses.  "Your
table, sirs."

     I was overwhelmed. I walked hand-in-hand with Brandon towards the
table, practically moving by his will alone, because I wasn't sure what to
do or think.  We sat, and I just gazed at Brandon.

     "Now, Anthony will be your waiter," the manager continued, "But as I
explained given the volume he also has a section of tables inside.  Given
your sense of privacy I trust that won't be a problem?"

     "No, that'll be perfect," Brandon said as he stood to shake the man's
hand, "Thank you John."  I noticed that Brandon tipped the manager with his
handshake.  I smiled thinking of what a little player Brandon could be.

     "Well, thank you sir.  Should you need anything, just ask Anthony or
for myself as well."  With that, John left us and Anthony brought down a
bottle of wine.  He introduced himself, verified that the menu was
per-selected by Brandon, and presented the wine.  We tasted it, approved
and allowed him to pour.  Then, his duties finished, he left and returned
to the building.

     I looked out of the tent and watched the ocean roll towards us.  There
was a chill in the air, but the tent had a ceramic heater to keep us warm.
"Pre-selected menu?" I asked.

     "One less thing for you to worry about.  I hope you don't mind?"

     "When I first heard it, I did, but not now.  After all this was your
evening to me, so I have to just roll with the punches.  I must say that I
am unbelievably amazed and so happy right now."

     "I'm glad, Evan.  That's all I want; to make you happy."

     "Everyday, Brandon.  Everyday."

     The whole dinner passed with looks and devotions.  Brandon had done so
much for this holiday that I wasn't sure my own gift would match it.  I
know it's not about gifts, but making sure that you are with the one you
love, but I was used to being the impresser, not the impressed.  Brandon
had changed so much in my life already, I guess this was just one more
thing.

     "Brandon," I said as we finished dessert, "Thank you so much.  You
have made this evening unforgettable."

     "You had a lot to do with how this night will be remembered."

     "I have something for you Bran," I reached into my breast pocket and
pulled out a small box and handed it to him.

     "Evan, you shouldn't have."

     "I should and I did.  After all, compared to this the flowers, the CD,
and the display last night, it'll seem like nothing."

     "If it's from you, it'll be something.  Something special I'm sure."
He opened the box and found inside my gift.  A silver ring with a lone
sapphire set between two diamond chips.  "Evan, it's amazing, it's
beautiful, it's too much."

     "Not at all . . . it's perfect for you."

     "It looks so old, I hope it's not a family heirloom."

     "No, I came upon it in an antique store.  It screamed to be worn by
you.  After all, silver goes with everything you wear and the blue matches
your eyes.  Oh, and I had it inscribed."

     Brandon turned it over and read, "~To My Love~ Oh, Evan, it's perfect.
I don't know how to thank you."

     "After all this," I said indicating the dinner and the tent, "I'd say
you're still ahead.  Luckily, that's not all."

     "What do you mean?"

     "I have one more present for you."

     "Evan, no.  I couldn't accept."

     "Well, you'd better, or I'm goin' to be lonely," I replied.

     "What do you mean by that?"

     "Well, Spring Break is coming up, and you know how tight my family is
right?"

     "Yeah, but I'm not sure how one goes with the other."

     "Every Spring Break, rather than go off to Cozumel to the beach or
some other trip, my family goes on a cruise.  The Bahamas, St. Thomas,
Puerto Rico, Bermuda, the Keys, all over.  We've done it since my sister
and I were in grade school."

     "OK, but what's that got to do with my present?"

     "Well, I was talking to my mother a few weeks ago and she asked how
you were, then she mentioned the cruise.  Brandon, she knows how much I
care for you, she knows I love you.  Even my Dad could see that.  They
decided to purchase you a ticket, so you're going with us to the Virgin
Islands, if you can."

     "Evan, I can't accept that."

     "Why not?" I asked, "We'd have our own cabin, you and I, we would have
time to ourselves, and time with my family; a better chance for everyone to
get to know each other.  I mean, barring a medical emergency, I don't see
any reason you couldn't do this."

     "It's too much.  I really appreciate it, I do, but it just seems so
much more than I could ever repay to your parents."

     "You'd have a tougher time explaining a refusal, than you would in
'repaying' them.  After all, it's not about owing them.  They are doing
this for themselves as well as us."

     "I don't know," Brandon said, "I'll have to think about it, maybe even
talk to your mother."

     "That's fair, just don't count the idea out.  After all it was their
suggestion, not mine."

     "You Tramores are all too good," he said.

     "Now you know where I get it from," I replied.

     We both stood and embraced, each other's head resting on the shoulder
of the other.

     "I love you, Evan."

     "I love you too, Brandon."

     With those two exchanges, we stepped back slightly and looked into
each other's eyes.  Not for the first time, I saw it there in his look.  I
saw how much he loved me and could tell that he saw the same.  Brandon
leaned in and kissed me.  The passion that was there was special.  I
couldn't imagine two people sharing more or understanding each other with a
kiss more than the two of us at that moment.

Brandon placed his credit card on the table, for Anthony to take when he
came with the bill.  Then, he took my hand in his and led me out of the
tent and onto the beach.  We walked along the water's edge with our arms
around the waist of the other.  My head rested gently on his shoulder as we
walked and shared without speaking.  The night air was crisp and cool, but
lost in the moment of emotions I didn't notice.  It reminded me of that
first night on the beach after our party and I took a walk after talking to
Brandon.  Of course, this time I had him with me, he didn't have to come
running after me.


<To be continued>
<E-mail: theleprechaun_99@yahoo.com>
<Website: http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Breakers/7043/index.html>