Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 20:09:57 -0500
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: improbable_love_chapter_23

Chapter Twenty Three

Isabel introduced her astonishingly handsome nephew to the two boys.
Recovering more quickly than his boyfriend, Neil shook the man's hand,
while saying, "I'm both pleased to meet you and glad you joined us for
dinner."

"I appreciate your invitation," Ramon replied with a smile that could
capture the heart of any female or gay male.

"Aunt Isabel has told me what fine young men you are, especially you,
TJ.  She's as proud of you as if you were her son.  I know less about
you, Neil, but enough to understand you are a talented musician and
gifted student."

"Perhaps I should hire her as my agent when I graduate," Neil quipped.

Meanwhile, TJ remained mute, recovering from the shock of meeting a
star quality figure with a captivating grin and electrifying
personality.  The youngster was saved from further embarrassment when
the officious host announced,

"The Ryerson Party-of-four table is ready."

After being seated, Ramon's amiable questions permitted TJ to find his
voice. Overcoming his shyness, he responded to the man's genuine
interest in his school work, sports activities, and career
aspirations.

Neil was far more forthcoming, admitting he was searching for a new
major and, career after realizing he couldn't succeed as a concert
violin soloist.

Ramon was an excellent listener and did little more than ask questions
and listen.  TJ was impressed his queries revealed a real curiosity
and interest -- not at all like his father's cross-examination
designed to entrap.

Having established a rapport with their captivatingly attractive
dinner companion, Neil felt comfortable in saying, "Enough about us,
Tell us about yourself."

Laughing, Isabel's kin said,

The man laughed and said, "Not much to tell.  I'm a photographer for a
small advertising agency but there's only so much you can do in taking
pictures of a car, a toaster or a bottle of shampoo.  My real passion
is portraiture -- capturing a person's character with the use of light
and pose.  Unfortunately, those assignments are given to more senior
staff.  I suppose I'll just have to wait my turn."

"Have you done any portraits?" Neil asked.

"Some.  Family, friends, and, of course, Aunt Isabel.  She refused to
sit for a long time but, eventually gave in.  If you'll excuse my
conceit, I think I captured her inner beauty."

"There you go again," the embarrassed woman said.  "Stop wagging your
sweet tongue to make me feel good."

"I speak the truth!"

"And, we all agree!  You're a Goddess!"  TJ hastily added.

Ramon looked startled and said to his aunt, "That's exactly what my
partner calls you -- a goddess!  Neither one of us will ever forget
how loving and supportive you were when we moved in together!"

The comment was immediately recognized by the teens.  However, they
did not know that she was instrumental in helping her sister welcome a
son-in-law into the family.

Keeping their promise, the two didn't pursue the topic of Ramon living
with his partner.

Ramon, however, opened another dangerous gateway by asking, "How did
you meet?"

Neil expectedly took the lead by relating how he had been invited to
dinner, met TJ, and accepted an invitation to play tennis the next
day.

"And, that's how your friendship began?" the unaware man remarked,
inching deeper into forbidden territory.

"Yes," both answered in unison.

"But that was only a short time ago!  You seem so attached already ...
very devoted to each other."

The couple nervously glanced at Isabel while trying to change the
subject.  Breaking the tension, the perceptive woman stated, "If you
gentlemen will excuse me, I need to powder my nose.  When the waiter
asks about desert, please order a cup of tea."

After leaving, Ramon remarked, "I know her pretty well.  She seemed
disturbed; I hope she's all right."

The two boys exchanged glances.  Each knew what the other thought.
Neil nodded to his boyfriend to give permission to explain the
situation.  Uneasy, TJ raised his eyebrows, a nonverbal way of asking,
`Are you sure?' and received another nod.

"Don't worry.  She's fine.  It's just that ... well ... she wanted to
let us talk without hearing what we have to say."

"I don't understand!"

Marshalling his courage, with his buddy's silent smiling approval, TJ
continued, "The fact is, we're lovers."

"I suspected it from the way you two looked at each other!  I think
it's wonderful, but why was she upset?"

"She knows we're gay.  Because my parents trust her to raise me
according to their values, she's duty bound to tell them.  On the
other hand, she wants us to be happy together.  Being a saint, she
promised not to tell if we promised to never let her see or hear
anything about our secret relationship."

"Of course, "Deniability"!"

"Exactly!  We agreed to say nothing at dinner but our conversation was
heading "in that direction.  She excused herself to let us say what
she must not hear."

"I apologize for putting you in an awkward position!"

At that point, Neil spoke up.  "No need to.  You didn't know about our
agreement with her or, for that matter, about us.  In reality you are
only the fourth person to be aware of our secret.  We'll come out
publicly when our situation is right."

"I get your meaning.  Your secret is safe with me.  I'm sure you
understand I'm also gay.  In addition, I was once in your position,
agonizing over my situation for years.  Isabel was my confidant and
helped me survive.  Since you can't go to her, I hope you would
consider talking to me whenever you wanted some advice or just moral
support."

"Thank you!" Neil enthused with the concurrence of his companion.

The waiter came by with a selection of tempting deserts.  However,
being full, they limited their order to tea.

Returning to the table, Isabel was relieved to hear the others
discussing Ramon's photography, not realizing they had abruptly
changed the topic when approached.

"I have an idea, since you're interested in my portraits, why not drop
by?"

Since neither boy had shown more than polite interest in portrait
photography, each concluded the man was creating an excuse to continue
their conversation.  Therefore, they answered in unison, "Thanks, we
would love to see your work!"

Although suspecting a ruse, the cunning woman was delighted the three
wished to get together.

"Do you have plans for tomorrow?" Ramon asked.  Without waiting for an
answer, he continued, "If not, you could stop by tomorrow afternoon.
And perhaps stay for supper.  My partner is a fabulous cook.  He's
always happy to have dinner guests and I would like to return the
favor of your hospitality tonight."

"That's a splendid idea!" Isabel beamed.  "I'll be spending the day
with your mother.  We have some quilts to finish for the women's
shelter.  I'm relieved that the boys will have a decent meal!"

"Is four tomorrow, okay?  If so, you can see my portraits while Jerry
makes dinner.  My aunt will give you directions to my apartment."

"Fine!" the teens enthused.

"May we bring something?  A bottle of wine perhaps?  No!  Wait.  You
probably don't want to serve wine to minors.  Hors d'oeuvres?"

"Heavens no!  The chef is a little eccentric about his menu.  He
delights in making sure everything fits together.  Frankly, I don't
understand why pork chops demand apple sauce and not ketchup, but I do
know I enjoy all his creations."

With the check arriving, TJ placed his credit card in the folder and
the four contented diners finished their tea.

Upon leaving the restaurant, Ramon remarked, "Thank you for a
wonderful meal and, may I say, very pleasant company.  I'm looking
forward to seeing you tomorrow.  And, to you, my dear Lady, take care
of yourself. I love you!"

As they entered the car, TJ declared, "You told me your nephew was
nice but he's even better than you said."

"And, good looking?" she asked teasingly, knowing that both had been
smitten by his appearance.

"If I was much younger ... if he wasn't my nephew ... I would try to
win his heart.  But, of course, it wouldn't be possible."

She neither wanted nor, needed, to spell out why the quest would be
futile.  The three were increasingly communicating with innocent words
that disguised the intended meaning.  Just before the first sleepover,
she had said to TJ, `have fun.'  Both knew, however, what the fun
would be.  When she remarked that her nephew had `experience,' it was
clear what that experience was.  When she suggested that they might
want `advice,' there was no mistaking why they might seek help.  It
was rapidly becoming a conspiratorial game -- a challenge to honor
their agreement of secrecy while simultaneously exchanging unspoken
meaning.  All three of them relished both the mental stimulation and
the surreptitious means of support.

Back home, Isabel said, "Thank you again.  It was a delightful treat."
Her smile changed to an almost imperceptible grin, as she continued,
"I'm going to retire, I'm sure you'll be fine without me."

The boys beamed back, aware she knew their plans and grateful for her
understanding.