A NEW NEIGHBOR(S) by Mike Austin
nasstop@yahoo.com
Dear Readers: Please donate to Nifty.org. Their efforts bring us a lot of enjoyment. You can read donation gift details elsewhere on the site. Also, if you enjoy or dislike a story, please take a moment to let the author know your impression.
I.
I first noticed the For Sale sign was finally gone after being in place for 4 months, yesterday. It was August and I thought the chances of selling it to a family now that school was beginning, were slim and none. I was right; IF the two guys I saw locking the front door, admiring the street and climbing in the Explorer before slowly backing out of the driveway, was/were the owner(s). I'd been out to my mailbox and happened to notice them on the front porch, locking up. I offered a slight wave of welcome to the neighborhood in passing. The passenger noticed and responded as they drove away.
It was the sort of humid Texas August day that makes you appreciate Willis Carrier. Once back inside, the tempered air made the discomfort outside, disappear. The usual junk mail landed in the trash, bills, into another heap and ahh what's this, 2 birthday cards. One from my folks, the other from Jackson, the current beau du jour. Their card was charming and his was pornographic. All was well.
The bright desktop display, called me to search out porn, but I had an article to finish first for the Metro Gay News. I'd better be responsible, I thought, and get this one finished and sent off before the deadline tomorrow. The news article focused on local zoning and the challenge that non-profit housing ventures face in the gay community. I'd finished my research and documented interviews, now the chore was to assemble it so no one got their nose out of joint or launched a Gay Parade Protest to City Hall. We had 2 councilmen who were our supporters, another who quietly did so and 4 opposed to our community based on lifestyle. Fortunately, the Mayor and City Manager often played the swing votes on our issues. But enough of that fluff, get this done so I can get out on some errands and maybe see that Explorer and happen to play the Welcome Wagon to the new neighbor(s). I'd pick up a variety of non-perishables at the store and get a card. I was sure I had an extra basket but would curtail any wine at this point anyway. How VERY FUCKING GAY I thought, as I reflected on this gesture.............