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.
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"BRIARWOOD"
Copyright Ritchris, 2005
aka "Whence Cometh My Help"
Copyright Ritchris, 2003
Revised Version
A dramatic saga
by
Ritch Christopher
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BOOK SEVEN
"UNTO THE HILLS"
Chapter-Seventy-nine
"Two for the road we'll travel down the years,
collecting precious memories.
Selecting souvenirs,
and living life the way we please.
As long as love still wears a smile,
I know that we'll be two for the road,
and that's a long, long while."
(excerpted from "Two For The Road")
Music by Henry Mancini
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Copyright 1967
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Jeff and Johnny were changing Little Cliff and Little Roger's diapers each at the same time. Johnny's mind was preoccupied as he powdered Little Roger with an overabundance of Z.B.T. Baby Powder. Jeff noticed Johnny's action and joked, "My God, Johnny if Roger pees in that much powder, he'll be caked in a white mudslide. We'll have to shovel the excess when he pees."
"Sorry," Johnny said, "it was a slip-up,"
"Sweetheart, will you relax?" Jeff assured. "How many times do I have to reassure you that's it's gonna be fine for your cousin Steve and his lover to come stay with us. I look forward to having them."
"Jeff, it's just that Steve was so wild when we were growing up. When I think of all the lip I had to take off him and his remarks about my being gay. We had many arguments and fist fights and were never really close...and now, years later, he calls and tells me, not only has he discovered he's gay, but also he has a lover. I don't know what to expect. This new Steve is not the Steve I knew and learned to hate."
"Bull, in the years I've known you, I've never known you to hate anyone, personally," Jeff said.
"Oh, yeah, what about George Bush? Rumsfeld? Cheney? Perle? Condaleeza? Wolfowitz? Rove? Falwell? Robertson? Limbaugh? Ann Coulter? Dr. Laura? For starters?"
"But you don't know any of them personally," Jeff said, adhering the final piece of Velcro on Cliff's diaper."
"I might not know them personally, but they affect my life...and yours...and millions of others," Johnny replied, wiping away most of the powder he had deposited onto Roger.
"Yes, but you can't blame Steve for what they've done," Jeff said. "Steve is your own flesh and blood. You and I both had always lived a' forgive and forget' credo. It goes along with my job in the church. If Steve's found out he's gay, then he can't possibly be the same Steve you knew when you were teenagers."
"I suppose you're right."
Johnny fumbled with Roger's diaper until it was secured. At that moment, Roger cut loose and filled the fresh diaper with fresh baby urine, while at the same moment, the phone rang. "You little shit," Johnny said to Roger as Jeff laughed out loud.
"Honey, you get the phone and I'll change Roger," Jeff said to appease Johnny's frustrated situation.
Johnny picked up the phone, not knowing to expect a call from one of the Mackintosh residents or a "location" call from Steve."
"Hello?"
"Johnny?"
"Yes?" not recognizing the mysterious female voice.
"This is your Aunt Tess."
"Aunt Tess!" Johnny exclaimed, "Good heavens, it's so wonderful to hear your voice."
"I hope I didn't disturb you, but I was wondering if Steve had arrived yet?"
"Not yet, Aunt Tess. I'm not expecting him until some time tomorrow. I AM expecting him to call me some time tonight to let me know where he is."
"Johnny, I'm afraid I have some rather bad or sad news for him. I don't know if it would be better if I broke it to him after he gets there or if I should ask you to tell him to phone me at home when he calls you later tonight."
"What is it, Aunt Tess?"
"Do you remember Hal Carson, Steve's best friend?"
"Of course I do. He and Steve were always like brothers. Has something happened to Hal?"
"No, not Hal, it's Hal's younger brother, Noah."
"Noah was in short pants the last time I saw him. What's happened with Noah?"
"Johnny, little Noah, was a senior at a boarding school in Tennessee."
"Yes, and..."
"Noah's mother received a call from the Sheriff's office in Tennessee. It seems that Noah's body was found along a road there, nude and raped. He's dead, Johnny."
"My God! How is Hal taking the news? Pretty bad, I suppose..."
"No one knows how to reach Hal. He left home to go off with his girl and get married. His girlfriend and Hal had some kind of disagreement and she left Hal in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and returned home without him. She's the last person to see Hal. His mother thought he might have driven down to Chattanooga to see Noah, but no one can be sure if they saw one another."
"No one suspects Hal of having anything to do with Noah's death, do they?"
"No, of course not. It's just that no one knows where Hal is or how to reach him."
"My God," Johnny sighed.
"During the summer, Steve became rather attached to Noah. They became close friends...and I know the news of Noah's death is going to hit Steve rather hard."
The light dawned and Johnny's mind raced forward, putting two and two together. It must have been Noah who Steve called Johnny about, perplexed over whether or not to have a sexual encounter or relationship with...and now this! Noah was found dead. Johnny could only imagine how Steve would feel and the guilt that might accompany the news.
"Aunt Tess, I know you don't know my partner, Jeff, but he's a priest."
"Yes, Steve told me all about Father Jeff, as he called him."
"Do you think it would be better if Jeff told Steve about Noah? I mean, Jeff has such a comforting way of breaking sad tidings to members of his congregation and residents here in Mackintosh," Johnny said.
"Oh, Johnny," Tess said, as her voice broke into tears, "Do you think Jeff would do that? I would be ever so grateful to him. It would take a load off my shoulders. Steve and Wade both left here in such happy spirits to come to see you. I just don't want to be the one to have to tell him. I hoped that Steve and Wade would like it there in Mackintosh and start a new and happy life together."
"Aunt Tess," Johnny said, "please, don't worry about a thing. I'll talk with Jeff and I know he's the right one to tell Steve. I don't think I'll tell him when he calls tonight. I don't want him driving up and around these mountains with his mind on Noah. The last thing you or any of us needs is for Steve to have an accident before he arrives here."
"I think you're right, Johnny. I trust your judgment. Please call me or have Steve call me, once his mind has had the chance to settle, once you and Jeff tell him."
"I will, Aunt Tess."
"And another thing, Johnny, please, please, please, talk Steve out of coming back for the funeral. Like you, I don't want him to have to turn around and drive back to Hawthorne. I will mail him clippings from the newspaper about Noah's death and I'll attach a copy of the obituary. I doubt if Steve or Wade will know of Hal's whereabouts, but if either of them do, have one of them call him and I'll tell the Carson's."
"I'll do all I can to discourage him, Aunt Tess. There's nothing Steve can do by returning to Hawthorne for a funeral. I know Steve's not Anglican, but if it'll make him feel better, I'll ask Jeff to have a private mass for Noah. That way, Steve will feel as if it's like going to Noah's funeral."
"That would be wonderful, Johnny," Tess said.
"Listen, Aunt Tess, when Steve and Wade get settled into their own place, I want you to come for a visit."
"I would love that, Johnny. I've spent my whole life in Hawthorne and I've never ventured outside the state."
"Well, it's high time you saw some of the rest of the country. I don't know if Steve told you, but Jeff and I have just adopted twin boys and I'd love for you to meet your new grand nephews."
"Oh, my, I'd love to hear the sound of new babies."
"Even if it's two o'clock in the morning?"
"Yes, even two o'clock in the morning. That's when babies are supposed to wake up and demand attention. That's all part of being a parent."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me...only I'm still not convinced," Johnny joked.
"When you have to get up early in the morning to change a baby, to feed him, to hold him while he cries, that's the time a baby feels most loved. That's when he knows someone is there to take care of him and love him. Two o'clock in the morning is when a baby learns about security and it shapes him the rest of his life."
"I'll keep that in mind, Aunt Tess."
"Do that! You'll know I'm right in years to come," Tess replied. "Johnny, I don't want to keep your phone tied up in case Steve is trying to call you, so, I'd better hang up."
"Fine, Aunt Tess. I'll have Steve call you some time tomorrow night...or I will."
"I'll be expecting your call...and thanks, Johnny."
"You don't have to thank me...we're family, remember?"
Saying the word, "family" seemed to soothe both Johnny and Tess who had been distant relatives for many years and now a tragedy had brought them closer together as all tragedies seem to do.
Johnny hung up the phone and called to Jeff.
"Hey, babe?"
"Yeah?" Jeff replied.
"I need to ask a big favor of you."
"Sweetheart, you know we don't ask favors of one another and never have. Just name it and I'll do it."
"That was my Aunt Tess on the phone...Steve's mother."
"Oh?"
"Sit down, Jeff, I need you to break some bad news to my cousin when he gets here."
"What's happened, Johnny?"
Johnny told the entire story to Jeff whose eyes filled with tears as Johnny continued to talk.
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Father Cliff was going through his morning mail and was astonished when he saw the name and return address on a legal size envelope. Vittorio Argenziano, Cliff's old roommate from seminary, had sent the letter to him. Vittorio's name had no title in front of it such as 'Mr.', 'Dr.', 'Fr.', 'Rev.', just plain 'Vittorio Argenziano'. Cliff had not heard from Vito since they were both ordained and over the years the two had completely lost track of one another. The last thing Cliff knew was that Vito had been offered a church somewhere in the Middle West. No contact or outreach was ever put forth by either Vito or Cliff.
Cliff hurriedly, opened the thick envelope and in it were nearly twelve typewritten pages. It resembled a short story. Cliff poured himself a large cup of coffee and sat down at his desk to read. To tone the mood even further, Cliff turned on his CD player and played an album, which Vito had given him as a gift while they were rooming together. It was "Somewhere In The Night", a recording by Teri Thornton. The lonely trumpet and lush strings began the intro before Teri's sultry voice began singing,
"Somewhere in the night, chasing shadows around the bend.
Somewhere in the night, chasing rainbows that have no end.
In the misty light, you are mine and you hold me fast,
But dreams have a way of calling it a day,
They seldom last, my dreams have past.
But in my lonely flight I'll keeping searching till time
is through,
For somewhere in the night till I find you." **
The following is not a transcript of the letter, but it is an account of how and why Vito had given up the priesthood before he began his ministry.
He was ordained Father Vittorio Argenziano but was more known simply as "Father Vito". He graduated from the seminary, having been roommate to number one in his class, who was known only as "Father Cliff". Cliff introduced him to sex the first year they roomed together. Prior to that time, Vito had never masturbated, let alone experienced the intimacy of a partner, female or male.
Growing up as a Roman Catholic in the late 50's and early 60's, physical sex was something to be saved and fulfilled on the wedding night. The church frowned on premarital sex and 'self-abuse'. There was no way the Vatican could ban wet dreams, which were frequently encountered by all young male Catholics.
After Vito's sister, Marie, had an abortion, found herself excommunicated from the church, Vito, Marie, and their parents, Tony and Sophia, broke away from the Roman liturgy and sought sanctuary and solace in the Anglican Church. Tony didn't like the English rhetoric and stopped going after three visits. Sophia attended St. Stephen's with her two children, but only Maria and Vittorio became members. The Anglican Church recognized their baptism and it was nothing more than a formality to become a member.
The Anglican Church was understanding of the taboos handed down by the church of Rome and honored by the Argenziano household. But even after Maria's fall from grace, sex was still a forbidden desire for Vito. After his first bout of masturbation with Cliff and his first wide-awake orgasm, Vito realized a joy he had denied himself since puberty. Since he had never known sex, he really had no preference to men or women and was anxious to try both.
He had never dated, so approaching a possible partner was very foreign to him. He tried to score with a couple of young women at bars, but invariably struck out, mostly because of nerves and fear on his part. He decided that the best way to score would be to hire a professional 'lady of the evening'. He learned from a couple of drinking buddies that the going rate for a good time was between thirty-five and fifty dollars. He opted for the full fifty buck ride, not knowing that he would have to supply a hotel room, plus his lady of the evening expected a tip in addition to his fee. The whole event cost him nearly one-hundred-twenty-five dollars, but since he had waited nearly eight years, to him it seemed a bargain.
His choice was not a very good one. Not only did his "lady" have a rule of no kissing. She chewed gum, smoked a cigarette and rolled her eyes when she wasn't looking up at the ceiling, throughout the whole sexual ordeal. She had no inkling that she was selling her favors to a virgin, who had absolutely no idea what to do. She just chalked his inexperience up to his being bored. She offered no help. So after an hour, both of them decided the evening was over since nothing was really being accomplished. After that first time, Vito wasn't sure if was worth half that amount of money for the small amount of pleasure he had received.
Two weeks later, Vito went into a gay bar for the very first time and found it was easier to talk with men and several of them had tried to pick him up during the first half hour of his visit. Vittorio's coal black hair and slightly bronzed Italian skin made him attractive to nearly every guy he met. It never occurred to Vito, one way or another, that he was very good-looking and, by some standards, a hunk.
Finally, Vittorio relented and chose a tall muscular blond, who went by the name of "Ash", short for Ashley or Ashton, Vito supposed. This being his first time with a man, Vito chose to make up a story...something along the line of his marriage had been dissolved by a cheating wife and he had wondered what it was like to have gay sex. The first part was a lie, but it made it easier to explain why he was inexperienced as far as gay sex went. His partner would have to show him what to do without Vito's showing his total ignorance to the situation. No queen or gay stud would ever turn down a cherry, so no matter whom Vito accompanied home, he AND his partner would have a potential good time.
Vito had had many solo masturbation sessions since that one time with Cliff. Seeing Cliff's nakedness in Vito's memory could cause an instant erection. So as soon as Vito got a good look at the muscular Ash, Vito's equipment sprang up immediately, ready for instant action. Ash was slow, deliberate, and patient with his vestal and six hours later of sexual tutoring and educating, Vito had experienced practically every chapter in the "Joy of Gay Sex". He stayed for breakfast with Ash before going home, more confident and more fulfilled than ever before in his entire life. If that was what gay sex was all about, he was a convert. He would be gay the rest of his life!
Two months later, Vito got a call from a diocese in Galleton, Illinois, to be an associate pastor of an Anglican Church. He had spent four years at seminary away from his parents and sister, so leaving them to go to another state was no big deal...been there, done that.
Where the fuck was Galleton, Illinois in the first place? He made a long distance call to Springfield to get details about the metropolis. The lady who answered the phone kept Vito on hold for nearly fifteen minutes as she retrieved as many facts and figures as she could retrieve.
Vito soon learned that Galleton was around eighty miles southwest of Springfield, almost a stone's throw between Jacksonville and Alton and about fifty miles east of the Missouri state line. The town had a population of nearly 70,000, a nice sized town, made up of mostly Caucasian, erudite, nouveau-riche residents. Sounded like it was a rich little haven made up of people trying to live outside, and faraway from, the state capital. There were only eight churches in the entire city, a "Northern" Baptist, a Presbyterian, two Methodists, a Lutheran, a Unitarian, a Roman Catholic, and, of course, an Anglican, St. Titus. What? No Pentecostal? No Church of Christ or Church of God? That alone was enough to arouse Vito's interest. In spite of the wealthy townspeople, nearly three-fourths were registered Democrats which was strange, but a welcoming asset for Vito to consider.
Democrats, heh? That usually meant liberal, which in turn meant that there were probably a lot of gay men somewhere in or nearby the community.
Father Kent Reed, the parish priest at St. Titus, was a single gentleman in his early 60's. He had recently suffered a stroke, a non-crippling CVA, which was followed by a few minor TIA's, trans-ischemic attacks, or mini-strokes. He had been at St. Titus for thirty-some-odd years, since it was first built. Only a month ago, he had asked his archbishop if it would be possible to budget an assistant to take some of the physical and emotional load off his shoulders.
One of Vito's mentors, Father Charles Baker, at the seminary where Vito and Cliff were ordained, had lived in Springfield and had gone to college with Father Kent. It was Father Charles who had heard his old school buddy's cry for help and had called Vito to see if he was interested. In the next years before his death, it would be Father Charles that kept Vito abreast about his old roommate, Cliff, Briarwood, St. Genesius, even about Cliff and Roger's coupling. Galleton was larger than Briarwood and Vito wanted to see the town and the church before he made his decision. He had money to fly to Springfield, but thought he might enjoy driving the distance in his own car.
Upon arriving in Galleton, Vito was impressed with how clean and new everything looked. The city was spread out, making it appear even larger than it really was. There were many great shops, restaurants, bars, etc. And the church, St. Titus, was beautiful beyond words. Instead of a cross behind the altar, there was a life-sized, hand carved crucifix with Christ on the cross. The stained glass windows were set just perfectly so that they received the dawn, casting colored spills of light across the east side of the sanctuary and the evening sunset had the same effect on the west side.
The interior of the church was English Tudor with the X's and crossbeams laid on white walls. The Stations of the Cross, Vito later learned, was a gift from one of the members. They were imported antiques from some cathedral that had been damaged in England during World War II. They would have drawn a pretty penny had they been auctioned at Sotheby's. The bread and wine chalices, also gifts, were made of handsomely finished, 24-karat gold. This was no little roadside chapel. It had taken a lot of money to build and equip this mini-cathedral.
Father Kent's manse was no small deal either. His parishioners loved him and had spared no expense in making his living quarters large, elegant, and comfortable. It, too, was built along the same Tudor motif, complete with double-Dutch doors. In back of the house was a smaller house, more like a country cottage. It had five rooms and reminded Vito of a gingerbread house. If Vito agreed and Father Kent liked him, that would be the assistant pastor's dwelling. It certainly wasn't Italian, but living there alone with all the privacy made taking the position even more appealing. He would have no rent to pay. His car was paid for, so any salary, no matter how nominal, would be like money in the bank. Father Kent would later tell him that many of the ladies in the church wouldn't hear of a bachelor preparing his own meals. So nearly every night, the church members took turns preparing one extra dinner while they were cooking and the "extra" was sent to Father Kent. He hadn't cooked a meal for himself in years. There were more pluses toward staying, and the number was growing by the minute to Vito.
Vito's natural curiosity got the best of him. He wondered why there was no "Mrs. Reed" present in Father Reed's household. Why was Kent not married at his age? Could it be that Kent and Vito shared the same sexual preference? He wasn't attracted to Kent because of Kent's age, but Vito might have the comfort in knowing that should he occasionally stray and pick up a trick for a night, Kent would be understanding and look the other way, perhaps.
It turned out that Vito's scenario of Kent was quite wrong. Kent HAD been married. He and his wife, Sarah, had given birth to a son, Ralph, but she had died later in childbirth, trying to deliver a stillborn daughter, Nicole. Kent reared Ralph as a single father, put him through Northwestern University in Chicago where Ralph majored in banking and accounting. Ralph met Susan at school and Kent had married them shortly after their graduation. Ralph, now the father of two boys, Andrew and Mark, ages six and eight, respectively, and had made his way up to a vice-presidency of Galleton Savings and Loans. Religion had not "stuck" with Ralph and he wanted no more part of it, other than attending his father's church when he felt like it.
Upon arriving at St. Titus', Kent showed Vito around, giving him the twenty-five cent tour. It turned out the tour was all but wasted as the two of them spent more time, each trying to size up the other. Were they compatible? If and when Kent should die or retire, was Vito the "one" to take over the parish and its members? The two of them broke the tour long enough to drive into town and have lunch. This was followed by a two-hour "ask and answer" session...for each...in Kent's study. The meeting of the two began in a rather formal fashion. They relaxed more at Bimini's Restaurant and before the afternoon was over, they had swapped comical stories about Father Charles, which led to a more serious conversation. In one day, the two had become friends. The job was Vito's if he wanted it.
While having lunch, Vito had eyed the other patrons of the restaurant and especially the young waiters, about Vito's age. A couple of waiters had even eyed Vito from across the room. They were discussing Vito at the waiter's station and Vito was well aware of it. The young handsome men gave Vito the first inkling that he would like it in Galleton. Who knows?... maybe the young men would be Vito's first converts?
By five P.M., the deal was settled. Vito would become the assistant priest at St. Titus. Kent took Vito back to view the cottage for the second time and Vito felt he could be very happy and satisfied there...so much so that he asked Kent if he could spend the night in the cottage rather than checking into a motel. Kent was pleased that Vito had taken to his new surroundings so quickly. He went into the manse and retrieved a hearty supply of linens for Vito to use...sheets, pillowcases, towels, etc. and told Vito that dinner would be ready around seven-thirty.
The cottage was Vito's first home to himself. He loved it and as soon as Kent left, he began rearranging furniture, leaving space for a large TV he intended to purchase, plus all the LP's and stereo equipment which he already owned. He decided to stay until after Sunday's mass before he returned to retrieve his personal belongings. Vito would not assist Kent at mass. He wanted to wear street clothes, not his clerical collar, and sit in the back to observe the parishioners and the service. Kent agreed not to recognize Vito to the church members. He would introduce him as soon as Vito made his permanent move.
After dinner, Kent told Vito he was going to work on his Sunday lesson and that left Vito to go out on his own and explore the nightlife of Galleton. Vito went back to the cottage and donned a pair of Levis and a navy turtleneck, body-fitted shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror and decided no one would suspect him of being a priest. He combed his hair to the opposite side of his head, moussed it and fluffed it with his fingers. He was pleased. He, smugly, said to himself, "If I could find a guy who looked like that,"...referring to his image. "Vito, you look hot!"
He quietly left his dwelling, got into his car, and headed toward the main section of town. He wondered if he would have better luck at a bar, a movie, or a bowling alley. Then he thought about all the guys at Bimini's. They should be getting off soon. Maybe by chance, one of them would need a ride.
There were only twenty or so customers in the restaurant. After all, it was nearly ten o'clock. Vito went into the bar, which was separated from the main dining room. There were two couples, male and female, sitting at small tables and two young men sitting at the bar about six barstools apart. Vito took a seat midway between the two and a most attractive male bartender came over to him and placed a coaster in front of him.
"What'll it be?" the bartender asked.
Vito was not much for hard liquor so he replied, "Club soda, please, with a twist of lime."
"Coming right up," was the answer he received.
Vito casually peered on either side of him to see what the other two were drinking. A sandy haired blonde about twenty-five years old, the guy on the right had what appeared to be a half-finished Screwdriver in his hand. The other guy, a very attractive brunette, approximately aged thirty, was nursing a Bloody Mary, still garnished by an uneaten stalk of fresh celery. Vito had his choice of with which to start a conversation. He opted for the blonde. It's true, opposites DO attract. Vito being a stereotype Italian chose the Swedish looking guy.
"Good evening," Vito said to the blonde.
"Good evening, yourself," the blonde replied.
"You, uh, live in Galleton?"
"Most of my life. You?"
"I'm...I'm visiting a friend, thinking about the possibility of moving here."
"What line of work are you in?" the guy asked Vito.
"I...uh...deal in social services."
"A social worker?"
"In a way, I guess. What about you? What do you do for a living?"
"I, well, I look at figures all day."
"Numerical or physical?" Vito joked.
"A little of each, I suppose," the blonde answered.
"My name is...Anthony," Vito lied, using his father's name.
"I'm Richard," came the reply as he put out his hand to Vito.
"Please to meet you, Anthony."
"Same here."
"Anthony? Doesn't anyone call you Tony?"
"Yeah, when I was a kid I was called Tony, but after I grew up, I guess I wanted to leave childish things behind, so with every new person I met, well, I suddenly became Anthony."
The bartender sat the club soda and a cocktail napkin before Vito and gave him and Richard a wry smile.
"Richard, huh?" Vito continued. "Didn't anyone ever call you Rick, Rich, or Dick?"
"I'm sorry to say, when I was in high school, all the guys in the group I ran around with tagged me 'Dick', but that can be a bit embarrassing."
"I can understand that. I wouldn't want anyone calling me 'Dick' either."
"People always assume that most Richard's like to be called 'Dick'. That sorta runs with your closest buddies trying to be informal, but it also leads to and abundance of jokes. It's like when someone calls you, 'Hey, dick', he might as well be saying, 'Hey cock!' or 'Hey, prick'."
"I can see how that could be a bit embarrassing. When I was a kid, to me, 'Tony' was the name of a dog food. I always thought of that whenever I heard someone calling me that."
"Woof," Richard said, smiling and raising his drink to toast Vito in a friendly manner.
"Uh, what other bars stay open late in Galleton, if you don't mind my asking."
"There are three or four. There's the Calypso lounge, the Half Note, and then, there's one that probably wouldn't interest you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, there's the Pink Lotus."
"Oh, and why wouldn't the Pink Lotus interest me? Sounds like a strip club."
"It is, in a way, but probably not the kind you're accustomed to."
"You mean they have lap dances and girl strippers?"
"Oh, they have lap dances but the strippers have tucked male organs beneath their g-strings."
"You mean it's a gay bar?" Vito asked, trying to be unconcerned and nonchalant. "There's a gay bar in Galleton?"
"I thought that might raise an eyebrow if I told you," Richard said, taking a sip of his drink. He, too, was replying in a sort of offhand manner.
Vito became bold and asked, "Have...have you ever been to the Pink Lotus?"
"Oh, I've been there a couple of times...you know, to just sorta check it out and see how the other half lives."
"'The other half?' You're referring to the gay lifestyle, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"I surmise that you are not of that persuasion...?"
"You mean gay? ME?" Richard replied, "Oh no. I'm...I'm married...married with kids!" Richard took anther sip...a rather larger one. "What about you? Do you have any negative feelings toward gays?"
"ME? Oh, no, I'm...I'm very liberal. I'm one of those die-hard bleeding hearts that the Republicans like to talk about and smear on Fox News."
Richard laughed.
"A Democrat or Independent?"
"I...uh...voted for JFK, if that answers your question."
"Enough said. I did, too."
"Well, it looks as if we have something in common."
"Look, Anthony, this place closes at eleven. Since you're from out of town, maybe you'd like me to accompany you to one of the other bars."
"What about your having to go home to your wife and kids?"
"They...well, let's say, the wife is not expecting me home tonight?"
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I guess you'd say I'm in the doghouse at the moment."
"You're not staying at home?"
"No, I...I have been living at the Motel 6 for the past few nights."
"Who's at fault, if you don't mind my asking. Has one of you been cheating?"
"Let's just say, my wife hasn't been cheating."
"So, it's you that's been the naughty boy, huh?"
"Guilty."
"Are you having an affair?"
"Not exactly. I...well, I've cheating but not with just one individual."
"More than one?"
"A couple, I suppose?"
"You're not getting what you want at home?"
"If you call what I'm getting at home, 'nothing', then that's a more accurate way of putting it."
"So, it's just sex you're after?"
"Sex...and companionship."
"You know these individuals or are they just someone you pick up for a night's pleasure?"
"That's about it. I don't get involved romantically or emotionally with them. It's more like two ships passing in the night, stopping only long enough to rearrange the deck chairs and then going on toward their destination."
"Do you mind my asking where you meet these individuals?"
"I'm afraid I would shock you if I answered you honestly," Richard replied, looking into his glass as he drank.
"Oh? I'm not one that's easily shocked."
"Maybe you would be if I told you I sometimes pick up my evening's partner at the Pink Lotus."
"Guys?"
"Well, yes," Richard drank again, still not looking at Vito. "Now does that shock you?"
"Not really...particularly if I asked you to take me there."
"You mean you...?"
"Now, are YOU shocked?"
"In a way."
"Would you be even more shocked if I said, let's forget the Pink Lotus, pick up a bottle and some ice and go back to your motel room?" Vito said, pointedly.
Richard turned to look at Vito. "You mean...you and me...have...?"
"Pardon my being forward, Richard, but I DO find you attractive...MORE than attractive."
"I don't feel you're being forward. I was attracted to you the moment you sat down."
"Then how about it? Wanna go to your place and have a nightcap and see what happens?"
"I...I think I'd like that."
"Where can we get a bottle?"
"Right here. Larry, the bartender, will sell me one."
"Get whatever you like. I'm strictly a club soda and lime-peel drinker...no hard liquor."
"A teetotaler?"
"Yes."
"You have or have had a drinking problem?"
"No, I just don't like the taste of the stuff."
"I don't really want any more to drink tonight, but I will buy some club soda. I'll join you."
"Settled. I...I have my car outside. You'll have to lead the way since I don't know my way around town."
"Mine is the blue Oldsmobile parked out front in the parking lot."
"I'm in a maroon Ford Victoria."
The date was made. The two of them bought a six-pack of Canada-Dry small bottles and a couple of fresh limes from Larry and Richard said they could get ice at the motel.
Vito couldn't believe that he had scored the first night in his soon-to-be new hometown...and with a blonde hunk...a very married blonde hunk. Richard's having a wife would certainly be an asset toward keeping their rendezvous confidential. No one would ever know.
The motel was only a couple of miles from the Bimini. Richard told Vito his room was on the second floor...room 216. He would go on up to his room and Vito was to stay in the parking lot and join him in about ten minutes.
Waiting ten minutes seemed more like an hour to Vito. He was already sexually aroused. He couldn't decide if he should spend the night or stay a couple of hours and sneak back to the cottage without drawing suspicion from Father Kent. He would have to see how involved the tryst with Richard would become.
Ten minutes passed and Vito made his way up the side staircase of Motel 6 and tapped on the door. Richard opened the door and had already removed his coat and shirt, wearing a T-shirt and his trousers.
"Come in," Richard invited.
Vito went inside the motel room...a typical cheap motel room, only it had a king size bed. He hardly had the door shut behind him before Richard had his arms around Vito and plied him with a surprise kiss. Richard's kiss was very hungry. He immediately tried to pry Vito's lips apart with his tongue.
Vito thought to himself, 'Boy, does this guy have a strong sex drive or is he one horny bastard!"
Vito received Richard's tongue and met it with his own, reciprocating the gesture as he began to explore the inside of Richard's mouth. At the same time, without removing his lips, Richard began unbuttoning Vito's shirt. Once it was removed, Richard's hands crept lower and he began unbuckling Vito's belt. Vito followed suit and without breaking the kiss, soon they were both naked, locked in an embrace as their sex organs were meshing together to meet as a matched pair.
For the next two hours, the two of them took turns offering the other every known position of oral sex imaginable. Neither of them offered to go any further as they were both satisfied by the other's preference. Anal sex was never once hinted at. They had experienced three orgasms each and now rested on the large bed, completely pleasured and exhausted.
It was just barely past midnight and Vito decided he would end the evening by going back to the cottage. He was happy all the way back. He took a shower and went to bed, still tasting the last bits of Richard's nectar in his saliva. He was still stimulated and masturbated while thinking of the night's occurrence, after which he drifted off to sleep. As it turned out, Kent didn't hear Vito leave nor return, so Vito was pleased that he had gotten away with his adventure.
For the next few days and nights, Vito stayed in the cottage and became accustomed to St. Titus, memorizing where everything was kept--- all the mass supplies, the vestments, etc. The following day was Sunday and he was to leave shortly after mass.
Vito was almost the last person to enter the church for mass, disguised as a visitor; he worshipped with his new flock and loved everything about Father Kent's service and sermon. He hid in the background as Kent went to the front door to bid farewell to each and every parishioner. When only a few people were left, Vito came forward to stand closely behind Kent. Kent became aware of Vito's presence and turned to him and said, "Come, Vito, there's some people I want you to meet.
Vito followed Kent outside the church and a man and woman came toward them, accompanied by two small children.
"Vito, I want you to meet my son, Ralph, his wife, Susan, and my two grandsons, Andrew and Mark."
Vito was speechless as he put his hand out to meet Ralph. Vito KNEW Ralph, only he knew him by the name, "Richard".
"Pleased to meet you, Ralph," Vito said, almost stammering.
"Uh, yes," Ralph said, extending his hand, "pleased to meet you, Father."
A million unspoken thoughts passed between them before Vito let go of Ralph's hand.
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Cliff's mind was filled with a dozen thoughts as he placed Vito's letter on his desk. There were still pages to read, but why had Vito chosen to contact him after all these years. Where was he? What had happened to him?
The cup of coffee had shot though Cliff like a dose of Mercury and Cliff stopped long enough to go to is bathroom to pee before learning more about the escapades and whereabouts of Vito.
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The last stop on Steve's and Wade's trip was New York City. They wanted to spend a day there to see the sites of the big city, so they checked into the Marriott near Times Square for the night and made the expected call to Johnny in New Hampshire.
Johnny didn't want to spoil Steve and Wade's fun with the terrible news which was awaiting the two of them. Johnny gave Steve a list of places to visit...museums, tourist attractions, gay bars. Johnny also called Timmy and got house seats for "Brigadoon" to give to Steve and asked if Timmy and Rob would take them to Joe Allen's after the show. Timmy was delighted and agreed to Johnny's request, immediately.
Timmy and Rob would be the first Briarwood Boys that Steve and Wade would meet. The rest would come later.
The Broadway show was almost too much for Wade to fathom. He'd never seen anything as wonderful even on TV in Hawthorne. The Irish choreography reminded Steve and Wade of Carolina clogging, only better and more professional.
Rob, Timmy, Steve, and Wade became instant friends. Steve told many stories "out of school" about Johnny when they were growing up.
After the show, the four went to Joe Allen's for a late supper. It was Broadway night and stars from the various New York shows performed impromptu, lasting until four in the morning.
The Marriott was only a few blocks from the supper club and the four of them walked back and said goodbye on the sidewalk. Rob and Timmy sent their love to Johnny and Jeff, took a cab and went to their apartment.
Steve and Wade were too exhausted from the excitement of the day. They were too tired to sleep and too tired to make love. The two of them stripped off their clothes and lay down on one of the beds and held one another until the sun rose and found them fast asleep.
They slept until noon, showered, dressed, went downstairs and ate brunch before getting back on the road for the last segment of their trek to Mackintosh. Neither Steve nor Wade had ever known such happiness. They had no way of knowing how short-lived their glee would be once they heard what Jeff had to say to them.
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** "Somewhere in the Night"
Lyrics by Milt Raskin
Music by Billy May
Copyright 1960
(To be continued in "Unto These Hills" Book Eight of "Briarwood" chapter 80.)