All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language, please exit now.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"ALL MY TOMORROWS"
Copyright Ritchris 2005
sequel to "As I Remember Him"
A story by
Ritch Christopher
<><><><><>
CHAPTER SEVEN
<><><><><><><><>
In spite of the fact that he was bubbling inside with anticipation, Jerry hadn't let on to anyone that he was finally going to have a date--no, make that DATE-- with Jenny. Tonight was the night---it was Saturday at last! For obvious reasons, he'd kept the news from David, but he hadn't told Richard either. Why gamble on the possibility that Richard might let it slip? Both David and Richard knew that Saturday was a regular work night for Jerry, so, at 2:45, Jerry left the house in uniform as always, but he carried a small satchel containing a suit, a shirt and tie, socks, dress shoes and a bottle of Wild Horses, his favorite scent. God, he hoped that Jenny liked his cologne. He could go to the station and change, then go to Jenny's. Afterwards, he could change back again at the station before heading home. He'd switched shifts with a fellow patrolman, Ron Barger so as to have tonight free. He'd have to make up a story to cover the fact that he'd have to work Monday night for his buddy.
Jerry still had a little over three and a half hours to kill before his seven o'clock date, so what to do? It was too early to go to dinner and he'd made no plans with Jenny for dinner at her home. So just to kill time, he rode around in his car with no goal at all. Before he realized it, he found himself at the cemetery. So why not spend some time visiting Luke's grave? First, he drove to a nearby florist and bought a bunch of asters, the most common autumn bouquet, to place on the grave.
On returning to the cemetery, he found Luke's gravesite easily. As he approached the spot, he was surprised to see that George had already had a marble tombstone engraved for Luke and set in place. There was no doubt in Jerry's mind that George had spared no expense buying the marker. After all, what else was George to do with Luke's inheritance? With the heel of his shoe, Jerry indented the sod just enough for the bouquet of flowers to fit and stabilize. He set the flowers in place, then, without consciously intending to do so, he spoke to Luke as if Luke could hear him..
"There you go, old buddy. I hope this makes you feel a bit less lonely. You don't know it yet, but Mark's going to be joining you in a few days. Then you two can be together like you always wanted to be. I don't know if you're looking down and can see or hear me, but if you can, you know that David is staying at my house. I want you to know he misses you. I didn't know that you and David were a couple until he told me, but he loved you, Luke. He loved you heart and soul. He talks about you every day and naturally, he's depressed. I...I don't know if I'm making a fool out of myself talking to you like this, I...I've never been a big believer in an afterlife or spirits and such, but if you CAN hear me, I'm promising you that I'll take good care of David and watch over him until he's well again. As you probably know, Luke, I'm not gay, but if I were, I'd try to love him the way you did. I...well, I've never known any gay people personally, but I'm trying to learn more about them. I...I have this new partner, you see. He's gay and he's already taught me a lot. I don't really think it's wrong for two guys to be together if they're in love. That's THEIR business. At least you and David had each other, even if only for a brief time. I myself have no one to love. I'm going to go see Jenny, David's ex-fiancée, tonight, only David doesn't know it. I've always had a strong affection for her and I'm hoping that maybe she'll get to know me better and maybe we just might strike up something more than just a mere friendship. I really don't think David would mind since he chose you over her. I'll tell him eventually, but only when I'm sure it's all right. I don't want to upset him any more than he is already. I...I'm gonna bring him to see you when he feels like it and that's when we're gonna bring Mark to be with you. Of course, if there IS a spirit world, maybe the two of you are together already. I guess that's about all I have to say, except I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and David, but for now, you and Mark will have each other." He sat in silence for a few moments more, then Jerry kissed his hand and placed it on the grave marker and quietly left.
It was after five o'clock and he decided he would stop somewhere to get a bite...something WITHOUT onions and garlic. He always carried a Listerine breath spray tube in his pocket which he used before answering a call or giving a ticket. He thought he was dressed too well in his suit, shirt, and tie for Wendy's or MacDonald's, so he settled on going to the Olive Garden. What the hell--it was only a short drive.
When he was seated in the restaurant, he glanced around--a policeman's habit, seeing who was there. A waiter approached the table and greeted Jerry. "Good evening, my name is Lance, and I'll be your waiter tonight." Lance was tall, thin, handsome, almost to the point of being a pretty man. Somehow Jerry knew that Lance was gay as soon as Lance took his order. This registered on Jerry and set his mind reeling. What was there about Lance that made Jerry know immediately that he was gay? Lance didn't have the stereo-typed sibilant lisp. He wasn't wearing makeup. There was no indication of Lance being a limp-wristed faggot...but still, Jerry KNEW. Ty, Jerry's gay partner, had told him about 'gaydar' and how one gay could get a vibe from another gay without saying a word. Jerry suddenly wondered if HE himself had developed 'gaydar'? It had never occurred to Jerry before to wonder who was or who wasn't gay...but now, with David and Richard at home, and Ty at work, Jerry had entered a strange new world and he was now noticing a 'vibe' from Lance. It almost scared him. Was there something in Jerry's psyche that he had suppressed all his life just as David had done? Next he thought about the tinge of jealousy he felt thinking about Richard being alone every evening with David...and that worried him more. What in God's name was happening to him?
To compensate for these sudden feelings, when Lance brought Jerry the 'bottomless' salad bowl, Jerry replied in his deepest and gruffest voice, "Thanks, buddy!"
Lance gave Jerry a warm smile and replied, "You're welcome, sir. Your entrée will be out shortly." Jerry did NOT smile back at Lance. It was if a wave of homophobia had spread over his body. Jerry wanted to leave the restaurant and get away from Lance, but something told him how stupid that would be. After all, he had ordered his dinner and after dessert, IF he decided to have one, he would never see Lance again, EVER! 'Just what the fuck was going on?', Jerry wondered about himself.
Jerry left Lance and the Olive Garden at six-thirty...still thirty minutes to go before he met up with his 'dream girl'. While eating his dinner, Jerry practiced in his mind, what to say to Jenny...what conversational topics would make the best impression on her? He DID want to have a real date with Jenny the next time she came home for the weekend from UVA to visit her parents.
<><><><><><><><>
At Jerry's house, David and Richard had just finished eating a couple of t-bone steaks, baked potatoes, and salad. Tonight for a change, David had eaten heartily.
"That was delicious, Richard. Could be the best steak I've ever eaten."
"Thanks, it's just a recipe I picked up from a former friend."
"A former friend or a former....?"
"Actually, yes, a former lover."
"How did you prepare it or is that a secret?"
"It's a secret but if I tell you, I promise NOT to kill you."
"That's a relief! So what did you do to the steak?"
"Well, the secret to any piece of good meat is to sear it on both sides and the ends before you broil it...I sear it in butter, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Then before broiling it, I salt it, add crushed peppercorns, and lemon zest. I'm afraid I didn't invent the recipe but it's always a crowd pleaser."
Richard cleared the dishes from the table, scraped them into the sink. and placed them in the dishwasher.
"You're a man of many talents!"
"Aha! Are you trying to get me to reveal MORE secrets about myself, David?"
"Nothing personal, it's just that you interest me."
"David, you interested me the moment I met you."
"I don't understand why. I was zonked out on antidepressants, battered, bruised, depressed, just to mention a few of the obvious items."
"Besides Luke, how many men have told you that you're handsome?"
"I don't recall Luke ever saying that, but he did tell me he thought I was good-looking."
"You are and what's more, you're handsome."
"Then I suppose YOU'RE the first to tell me that."
"Don't take it that I'm hitting on you, it's just a fact is a fact."
"Can I ask you the same question? How many guys told you that YOU are handsome?"
"Truthfully? Quite a few, but I always thought that was flattery to get me into bed with them."
"And DID you go to bed with them?"
"Sometimes, but not always."
"What are your plans for my 'therapy' tonight?"
"It's Saturday...MOVIE NITE! I brought a couple of my own DVD's and I thought we'd pop some corn later and just relax until Jerry gets home from work."
"What movies?"
"The first one is a gay love story. It came out years ago, starring Harry Hamlin from the old TV series, 'LA Law' and Michael Ontkean who was the hockey player with Paul Newman in 'Slap Shot'."
"They did a gay movie?"
"Yep. It was called, 'Making Love'. I don't want to tell you any more about it for fear I'll ruin it."
"Then let's sit on the couch and put it on."
Richard went to his coat and retrieved two DVD's. He picked out 'Making Love' and started toward Jerry's DVD player and David suddenly stopped him.
"WAIT!" David said.
"What's wrong?"
"Richard, I'm kinda tired. Why don't we watch it in my bedroom?...unless you're afraid to share a queen-sized bed with me. There's plenty of room and we won't be crowded."
"Suits me. Would you like a massage before I start the movie?"
"No, I...I'm not quite ready for another of your massages. We both almost got into trouble during your last one."
Richard laughed. "One day maybe I'll tell you just how much trouble you avoided."
"I have a pretty good idea."
"Need some help getting into the bedroom?"
"No, I'm walking almost normally now."
"I've noticed. It looks as if my job is here not going to last much longer."
"I can always have a relapse."
"You mean as far as Jerry is concerned?"
"As far as ANYONE is concerned. I...I don't want to think about your leaving just yet. You've been a comfort to me this week. I...I really enjoy your company."
"I like coming here to see you as well."
"Come on! Stop the chit-chat and start the movie!"
David lay down on top of the bedspread while Richard turned on the TV and placed the DVD in the player. Then he walked back to join David on the bed, lying three feet apart from him.
"Want the lights out?" Richard asked.
"It's Saturday night at the movies. Of course I do."
Richard got up and turned off all the lights. When he returned to the bed, he noticed that David had moved much closer to the center of the bed. Less than a foot separated them now.
"You...uh...changed your position..." Richard said.
"I...I couldn't reach you from that distance."
"REACH ME? WHY?"
"Are we supposed to hold hands during the feature?"
"I...I suppose. Are you sure you're all right? You're...you're acting kinda strange."
"I'm fine, Richard. It's just that I never took a date to the movies in my life where I didn't hold hands with her."
"Yeah, but I'm a 'him', not a 'her'."
"Who can tell with all the lights out?"
"Well, I have no objection!" Richard replied, putting out his hand for David to take it. Richard was even more surprised when David didn't simply hold his hand, but instead intertwined their fingers together and gave Richard's hand a squeeze.
The movie began and David discovered that Michael Ontkean was a young doctor, married to Kate Jackson, who was almost a spitting image of Jenny. Since Richard had never seen Jenny, nor a picture of her, he had no way of knowing. As the story progressed, Harry, who was a gay stud went to see the doctor about a medical problem. The two struck up a friendship and an hour into the film, the two went to bed together where Michael had his first gay sex. The story to this point was very familiar to David and he related to it and to Michael's questioning his sexuality...only to learn that he had suppressed his gay feelings for his entire life just as David had.
When the movie had finished, Kate had remarried and had a kid, while Michael, who had been jilted by the shiftless Harry, now was living happily with his new male lover in New York. The final meeting between Michael and Kate was endearing and brought tears to David's eyes. As the credits were rolling and the music swelling, Richard reached over to the nearest bedside table and got a box of Kleenex and handed it to David.
"What did you think of the film?" Richard asked.
"It was beautiful, but it struck a few raw nerves in my body."
"It didn't upset you, did it?"
"No...it's just that the two wound up living together in New York just as Luke and I had planned."
"Damn! I should've remembered that, David. I'm sorry."
"No, no. I'm glad they got together and lived happily ever after."
"Yes, but..."
"No, 'but's'! I really enjoyed it. I thought it rather daring for Harry Hamlin and Michael Ontkean kissing so romantically and going to bed together."
"The movie all but ruined their screen careers. Neither had another hit after that. People just weren't ready for a gay movie with straight actors."
"I'm glad you brought it! What's the other film you have?"
"I think we'd better save it for another Saturday night."
"What is it called?"
"'Longtime Companion'."
"How about NEXT Saturday night?"
"If you like..."
"I like."
"All right, I'll bring it next Saturday."
"So, Richard, does this mean our Saturday night date is over?"
"We still have another hour before Jerry gets home. What would you like to do?"
"Isn't it customary to give one's date a good-night kiss at the end of a date?"
"Aw, David, I don't think we should...REALLY."
"You don't find me attractive...in spite of telling me I'm handsome?"
"I...I find you VERY attractive! I just don't think it's a good idea."
"Even if it's a therapeutic kiss?"
"David, you REALLY want me to kiss you?"
"Very much."
"All right! ONE kiss...but nothing more!"
"I don't expect anything more."
"You don't intend to close your eyes and pretend I'm Luke, do you?"
"I KNOW you're not Luke. I...I just want YOU to kiss me."
"OK, but no grabbing or groping..."
"I promise."
Richard leaned over and kissed David quickly but gently on the lips. As he pulled his head back, he found his head was blocked by David's hand which pulled him back toward David's lips for a longer and more passionate kiss. Richard was shocked when he felt David's tongue trying to enter his mouth. He resisted at first, but soon Richard's tongue met David's and he put his arms around David's back as David countered with his arms around Richard. The kiss became more heated and filled with desire from both of them. They sank back on the pillows and David rolled his body on top of Richard's. The kiss broke for an instant and David began showering Richard's face, ears, and neck with tiny nibbles and kisses as Richard sighed deeply and arched his back enough that each was both aware of the other's throbbing manhood beneath their trousers.
"Oh, God, Richard...I've wanted to do this for days."
"So have I. It was all I could do to keep my hands off you the other day when I was giving you the massage."
<><><><><><><><><><>
With a great deal of apprehension and consternation, Jerry knocked on the Fairbanks door. Before getting out of his car, he checked his tie, gave his shoes a final buff with his handkerchief, and sprayed his tongue with the Listerine mouth spray. His law enforcement officer's bravery was suddenly reduced to a grammar school kid's timidity, like the first time he'd ever held hands with a girl. Jerry WAS nervous. The second wave of fear rushed over him when Jenny didn't answer the door, but instead it was George Fairbanks, Jenny's dad, who greeted Jerry.
"YES?" George said, gruffly.
Jerry lips were dry and seemed to have stuck together as he tried to utter the 'mmm" sound of "Mmmister Fairbanks...?"
"What is it?"
"Sir, I'm here to...uh...see Jenny. Is she home?"
"She is. Just what do you wish to see her about?"
"She...well, I...no, she...well, she invited me over to...uh...visit her for a while this evening."
"You...you go to UVA with Jenny?"
"No, sir, my name is Jerry Collins. I'm a police officer with the River Oaks Police Department."
"Is Jenny in some kind of trouble?"
"Oh, no, sir. I just dropped by for a friendly chat."
"Are you sure that's all? I mean you're sure nothing has happened that you're keeping from me?"
"No, sir, I can assure you everything is quite all right."
"Wait here, Mr. Collins, and I'll see if my daughter wants to see you..."
"Thank you, sir!"
Jerry's forehead broke out in perspiration. He had been put through the third degree and hadn't even seen Jenny yet. Jerry thought to himself, 'I wonder if David had to be interrogated like this every time he took Jenny on a date? God, if I took her out on a REAL date, would her dad have to chaperone?'
When Jenny bounced down the stairs inside the house to come to the door to meet Jerry, it was as if she had gone through a mysterious time machine by her dress and appearance. Jerry remembered reading some old 'Archie and his Friends' comics which had belonged to his mother. Jenny looked like the best traits of both Betty and Veronica. She had her hair tied up with a small kerchief in a ponytail. She was wearing a knitted tight red sweater which made her breasts jiggle coming down the stairs. She wore a knee-length pleated plaid skirt, white bobby socks and brown and white saddle-oxford shoes. Jerry knew that she had to be at least twenty-one or twenty-two years of age since she was a senior at UVA, but in her attire, she looked about sixteen. Jerry couldn't decide if this were real or a joke.
"Hiya, Jerry," Jenny said through the screen door. "OH! NOW! I remember you!"
This surprised Jerry since Jenny had already mentioned in the phone conversation that she recalled his having a pierced ring over his eyebrow.
"You...uh...look young as ever," Jerry replied.
"Oh, pay no attention to this garb I'm wearing. Dad likes me to wear these clothes when I come home from college. He doesn't want to admit I'm an adult. He wants me to look like a kid...the way he remembers kids used to dress."
"I...DID wonder."
"I didn't change into my regular street clothes since I knew we weren't going out anywhere."
"No, no, you said we could have a quiet chat here at your house, so I made no plans, Jenny."
"You're all spruced up in your dress suit, white shirt, tie, and shoes so polished I could practically see myself well enough to put on my makeup. I should have told you to dress more casually or perhaps wear your policeman's uniform."
"That's about all I ever seem to wear. It's almost a treat for me to dress this way."
"Well, if you were trying to make a good first impression on me, it worked. I AM impressed, sir. Would you like to come in or would you prefer to sit on the porch in the swing."
"The swing would be nice. This shirt and tie is kinda hot. The evening fall breeze would feel good."
"Let me just get my top sweater and you go ahead and have a seat. I'll be out shortly."
"Fine."
Jerry was still stunned by Jenny's 1950's get-up. 'She wears those to please her dad? I wonder if she'd have had to wear them after she and David got married? That is, IF they'd gotten married,' Jerry thought to himself. Still, she WAS beautiful and charming, no matter what she was wearing.
Soon Jenny came out on the porch carrying two mugs of hot chocolate, topped with Reddi-Whip. "Here, Mother just made these especially for us. I hope you like chocolate."
"I do...I REALLY do."
Jenny sat down on the swing with Jerry and sipped her hot drink.
"I was just about bowled over when you called, Jerry. I mean, probably no one in River Oaks except for my parents knows that I'm a 'free' woman now...But then, YOU would know that David and I are no longer engaged since he's living with you."
"His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, know."
"Oh, silly me, of course they would." Jenny paused and peered her eyes into her cup. "Do...do David's parents know...everything?"
"If you're referring to David and Luke's situation, the answer is 'yes'."
"I'll bet his dad blew a gasket and threw a conniption fit!"
"Uh...that part David didn't tell me about."
"Jerry, let me ask your personal opinion about something and I'd like you to answer honestly."
"Jenny, once you know me, you'll find out that I never lie about anything."
"That's good to know...but my question is, 'do you really think David is gay or just pretending to be gay to get out of our engagement?"
"Jenny, I don't know the truth. All I know is what David has said to me...and yes, I honestly think he was in love with Luke...and Luke, with him."
"I don't really know how you can come to that conclusion, Jerry, you've only seen him for the past two weeks and I've spent nearly every day with him all the way through high school and three years at the university. I should be the one who knew and I never had the slightest inkling. That's why it's so difficult for me to believe!"
"It does seem like a drastic change happening that way, almost overnight. I...I will admit that I'd heard rumors about Luke ever since high school."
"You mean the ones about David's dad finding Mark and Luke in bed together doing nasty things?"
"Yes, I heard about that, but not first-hand."
"It's funny, Jerry, I could see Mark and Luke having a lurid affair, but NOT David. I mean, well, this is awfully embarrassing for me to say, but David...David made love to me. I was scared to death after David told me about Luke and him. I started wondering if there had been other guys before Luke...you know, David might have given me HIV or AIDS. Of course I had to tell my mom and dad, and they had me tested as soon as possible. Fortunately, my tests came back negative. I swear, I don't think I'll ever have sex with anyone again until after I'm married...and ONLY if HE is tested before we get married. I mean, if there HAD been other guys David was seeing, he was risking MY life and I actually HATE him for it."
"HIV and AIDS ARE dangerous."
"I hope whomever you're seeing...you're being 'safe' with her."
"I...I am...well, actually, I'm not seeing anyone at the moment."
"But if you WERE? You'd be careful, wouldn't you?"
"By all means, Jenny."
"Of course you would. I mean, you're a policeman and have to obey the law more so that anybody else."
"Yes, I do."
"Tell me, is it fun being a policeman?"
"Sometimes...at least while I'm on duty. When I'm not working...it...well, it can get pretty lonesome."
"I can't see you being lonesome...big, strong, handsome...probably lots of girls would run a stop sign or a red light just to let you stop them."
"It doesn't work like that."
"Well, it should! Why, if I weren't engaged to be married, I'd..."
"You AREN'T engaged any longer, Jenny..."
"Criminy! I keep forgetting. It's just that David and I were a couple for so long. Oh, I knew he was engaged to another girl before me, but I always had a crush on him...ever since I can remember."
"Jenny, can I ask you a personal question?"
"I suppose."
"Are you still in love with David?"
"Jerry, can you keep a secret?"
"Yes."
"Of course you can, you're a policeman. But...oh, shoot, I can't let my parents hear this, but...(Jenny whispered) I DO love David with all my heart. Jerry, there's just HAS to be a way I can get him back."
"Even if he IS gay?"
"HE'S NOT! I just won't believe it! Oh, Jerry, can you think of a way to help me get him back?"
"I...I honestly don't know, Jenny. To be perfectly frank with you, I...I was kinda hoping that you and David were finished and...well, maybe...just maybe, you'd let me take you out on a date."
"Jerry, you're so kind to think like that, but it wouldn't be fair to lead you on when you know I'm in love with David."
"Uh...not even a 'friendly' date?"
"Oh, maybe we could go out for a burger provided we came right back home before nine o'clock. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was being unfaithful to David since hardly anyone knows that we aren't seeing each other...for the time being."
"I suppose you're right."
"Jerry, just WHAT makes a person gay? You aren't, are you?"
"No way!"
"Why would any man prefer another man over a woman? It just doesn't make sense to me!"
"I've been asking myself that for the past week...ever since David moved in with me."
"Is David attracted to you? I mean, you ARE quite a catch."
"It has to work both ways, Jenny, I would have to be attracted to David before anything could ever happen between David and me."
"Then you're NOT attracted to him?"
"No...I COULD be very much attracted to you, though..."
"I know, but only if things were different. You...uh, STILL didn't answer my question..."
"Which one?"
"WILL YOU HELP ME GET DAVID BACK?"
"I...I'll see what I can do, Jenny."
"Oh, Jerry, if you COULD, I'd love you forever!"
"I wish you could say that without the dangling condition."
"Jerry, you know I can't...just yet."
"Well, you can't say I didn't try."
"Would you like another hot chocolate?"
"No, thanks, Jenny. I'd better be going. I...I have to go back to the station and check on my schedule for tomorrow."
"You WILL call me if you see David changing his way of thinking...or if he should say something...ANYTHING about me...or, well, HIM and ME?"
"Sure, I...I promise."
"It was so nice of you to come over. I hope to see you again real soon! Maybe you'll have good news for me."
"Who knows? Maybe."
Dejectedly, Jerry left the Fairbanks house. It was only eight o'clock. He had three hours to kill before going home, 'after his shift was over'. He got into his car, took off his tie and jacket, reached in the back seat for his windbreaker and headed toward the movies to kill three hours. His date with Jenny was a dud. As he drove toward the CGW Multiplex Cinema, he was brainstormed by an idea...a risky one, but one that had potential. Suppose Jerry was to let David know that he was 'dating' Jenny and then brought her back home for coffee or a coke and IF David saw Jenny and Jerry together...and IF David was gay and had no further romantic interest in Jenny, then David, being the gentleman that he was, might give Jenny and Jerry his blessing and Jenny would see for herself that David no longer cared for her and Jerry just might catch her on a rebound. But, FIRST, he had to ask Jenny for a date and convince her that his ulterior motive was to make David jealous. She'd buy that scheme and more than likely, she'd go along with it, all the while thinking she could win David back with her wily charms and David's repressed jealousy of seeing her with another man. To Jerry, it was a gambler's gamble, but it just might work!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Even though it had only been a exercise of sexual outercourse AND it might not have been a written order from David's doctor, the session of sex therapy with Richard did wonders for David's recovery. With Luke, David had made love, but with Richard it had been merely sexual gratification on both parts. Their first kiss led to petting, groping, stimulating, and finally mutual masturbating. All the pent-up frustration in David's psyche he had repressed since the auto accident unleashed a flourish of relaxation...the first he had felt since that last night with Luke at his condo. Strangely, neither of them had guilt feelings from the impromptu action. Neither felt any passion, love, or romantic repercussions. Richard let David take the lead as to how far to go without steering David into any direction which might cause anguish, remorse, or heartache. It was just an extension of utmost physical AND emotional therapy in the truest sense.
They hadn't bothered to undress during the act and tell-tale signs of their body fluids were spilled on the bedspread and their clothes. They didn't seem to care as they had hours to clean up before Jerry arrived home from work. So, literally, happily exhausted, the two cuddled with the back of David's head nestled on Richard's right shoulder and armpit and both fell asleep. The television had automatically turned itself off at the end of the DVD movie and the room was quiet. The next and only sound that they heard was Jerry opening the front door at 11:15PM.
"David!" Richard whispered loudly. "Jerry's home. Fuck! What should we do?"
"Nothing," David replied. "Don't do anything! Just turn out the light and pretend we're asleep. I don't think he will bother us. Surely he won't awaken you to tell you it's time to go."
Richard reached over to turn out the bedside lamp...the only light in the room. It was too late! Jerry had seen the light spilling from beneath David's bedroom door and he opened it.
"Hey guys!" Jerry said.
"Sssh," Richard shushed Jerry. "David is asleep. He dropped off while watching a movie, so don't awaken him."
"I'll be quiet," Jerry whispered. "If you're ready to go home, I'll let you out before locking up the house for the night."
"I...I...uh...I thought about spending the night," Richard replied.
"No, that wasn't part of the deal. You work the same hours as I and when the shift is over...it's over."
"Don't turn on the light. I...I just need to go to the john before I leave."
"Let me light your path to the bathroom with my flashlight so that you don't trip over anything."
"It's okay, I know my way around...even in the dark."
"I won't shine it on the bed, just the floor as you take the next step."
"All right, but keep the light down."
Jerry walked over to the side of the bed where Richard had been lying and turned on his flashlight so that Richard could find his shoes.
Part of Jerry's police training was having the ability to detect certain odors or aromas. It took less than five seconds for Jerry to recognize the chlorine smell of semen and he raised his light upward to get a look at the fresh white stains on the front of the fly of Richard's trousers. Jerry suddenly reached forward very quickly and grabbed Richard's shirt and yanked him out of the bed and into the hall before Richard had time to put on his shoes. Then, carefully, Jerry closed David's door as quietly as possible, considering the rage he was feeling now. He dragged Richard from the hall into the living room which was well enough lit to confirm his suspicion that Richard's pants were covered with splotches of sperm.
"JUST WHAT THE HELL WENT ON HERE TONIGHT?" Jerry asked in full voice.
"What do you mean?" Richard asked, pseudo-innocently.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS ALL OVER YOUR TROUSERS...AND DON'T TRY TO TELL ME THAT IT'S BABY LOTION!"
"I...Jerry, I...I dropped off to sleep. I must've had a nocturnal emission. It's something I have a problem with. Some people can't control their bladders, I...I seem to have a problem with my prostate."
"THAT'S FUCKING BULLSHIT AND YOU KNOW IT!"
Richard could not think of another explanation. He was at a total loss for words until the bedroom door opened and David was standing there watching Jerry was about to perform Richard's auto-da-fé after his inquisition.
"Jerry, PLEASE!" David cried out. "It's not Richard's fault. I instigated what happened between us."
"I was afraid something like this would happen...only not this soon and not with your so-called 'therapist'!" Jerry resounded.
"Jerry! Richard and I did not have sex."
"Then how did your pants get soiled with cum the same as his?"
"It just sort of 'happened'."
"SHIT HAPPENS! CUM does NOT just happen!" Jerry replied.
"Jerry, we didn't commit a crime," David said. "We're both adults...both in complete control of our emotions and faculties. What harm did we do?"
"It's just that I don't want any kind of gay sex under my roof! How long has this been going on...ALL WEEK?"
"No, tonight was the only time."
"Then how about making it the LAST time? I'll call Maggie, the social worker at the UVA hospital tomorrow morning and see if we can get someone to take care of you who's just a little bit more medically methodical and not some sex addict who wants to get into your pants!"
"Jerry, I realize this is your house and I'm a guest, but if Richard goes, then I'll have to find some place else to stay. I know you're a policeman and are paid to uphold the law from three to eleven every night, but my private affairs shouldn't be any concern of yours."
"You really ARE a queer, aren't you, David? I thought you were just confused, but I can see now that you're one of the ones my dad always warned me about. I thought maybe if you stayed with me, you'd get those crazy notions out of your head. Instead, I come home from work and find semen all over you. DID YOU GET IT ON THE NEW BEDSPREAD AS WELL?"
"You mean the bedspread that Luke's lawyer bought for ME?"
"FUCK IT! RICHARD, GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE AND DON'T COME BACK!" Jerry shouted.
Richard ran back into the bedroom to get his shoes and stopped long enough to get his jacket he had left on one of the living room easy chairs. As he started out the door, David said, "I'll call you tomorrow, Richard, and let you know where I'll be staying." Then Richard left.
"You're leaving?" Jerry asked.
"Sure as hell." David snapped.
"Look, with Richard gone...we shouldn't have any more problems."
"Problems for who? You or me?"
"David, I don't want you to leave. You're getting good care here and I'm doing my best to make a comfortable home for you."
"Just as long as I act straight?"
"Okay, so you slipped and I let my temper get out of control. David, you have no place to go. Frankly, I didn't trust Richard the first time I laid my eyes on him. I guess it was my cop's instinct."
"You don't need a roommate, Jerry. You've never had one and it's too late in life for you to get used to one...especially me! Why don't you go to the animal shelter and get a puppy and chain him to my bed. Then when you feel like it, you can come home and beat the hell out of him with your billy club?"
"Look, I'm sorry...OK?"
"I'll accept your apology since you've been so hospitable to me...but I'm still leaving in the morning. Perhaps Luke's lawyer can find me another place to live."
"Can we talk about this at breakfast?"
"No!" David said, firmly, before going into his bedroom, shutting the door, and locking it behind him.
Whatever plan Jerry had for getting Jenny to date him, now seemed shattered. Worst of all, he had acted foolishly and was sorry beyond words.
"God damn it! What did I just do?"
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
(To be continued in "All My Tomorrows" chapter eight.)