Chrysalis Part 2-Chapter 18
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
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Chapter 18--Real Estate
Tom noticed it immediately when Chris walked into the deli; so did Stella and Benjie, but they were not able to say what changed him. "Good morning Chris," Tom grinned, "have a nice Saturday with Chet?"
"Yes, it was tremendous." Chris smiled sunbeams. "I met Chet's parents." Tom quirked an eyebrow but stayed silent. "We went to a scroungy but cool gay biker bar, met several nice guys, and then to the botanical garden." Chris glowed. "It was what I think heaven must be like, all the flowers and.......growth." Chris looked at Tom. Tom realized what was different: Chris lost his fear. "You and I need to go there while everything is in blossom. I know you would love it."
"May be some afternoon this week we can sneak away from our jobs and wander. You know I have never been there." Chris lifted his head in surprise.
"You're looking...rested," Stella said as she gave Chris a quick kiss on the check. "Your usual?"
"No, just a lox and bagel." Chris smile back. His sudden smile gave Stella a start--the warmth and love was solid. "Ollie and Louis are stopping by for us to sample some of Louis's new culinary creations. You, Stan and Benjie are welcome."
Stella put her hands on her hips. "My food no longer good enough." she said hands defiantly on her hips. Chris's face fell, he stuttered and stumbled, he started to tear. Stella roared with laughter. "Hon, I know you love our food, else you'd not be here so often." Chris relaxed and started laughing and so did Tom.
"What's so funny?" Juan said as he slid in next to Chris. Zack stood looking at the empty space next to Tom but then forced Juan over and sat next to him. Tom silently snickered.
"Stella just got Chris good." Tom laughed Zack and Juan just looked at each other and adjusted so they were closer together.
Stella wiped a laugh tear from her eye "So you boys going with Chris's?"
"Not the usual; need to save room." Zack ordered just coffee and Juan what Chris was having even though he did not know what it was.
Tom and Chris sat silently on Chris's sofa after everyone left after the tasting and gossip. Louis proved to be a master chef. All 12 items were delicious and unusual. Chris drained the last of his ice wine and nibbled at the last crumb of sage and lemon bread pudding. "I want Louis to meet Ariel when she is in town next week. I think they are perfect for her new gallery opening."
Tom chuckled and pulled Chris closer. "I think so too. She says that she expects you have several people to meet next week, so she is leaving her schedule mostly open for you."
"What? Why?"
"Chris, don't you realize that you tend to attract people, interesting, talented and smart people. You did that with Blaine in Chicago. You paired Zack and Juan. You have Slim lined up for Ariel." Tom looked at Chris with admiration. "You just do not realize how amazing you are."
"You're just saying that because you sort of like me." Chris teased as he blushed.
"No sorta about it." Tom pulled Chris even closer; Chris was almost on his lap. "I am realizing that I need to grow up if I am to be worthy of you. I want you in my life. I want us to be more than friends. I want an us." Tom started to unbutton the top button of Chris's shirt. Chris put a hand up and stopped him. Tom sighed and did.
Chris leaned back with his head on Tom's chest, "Not yet,"
"I can accept that because a not yet' is not a no'." Tom played with Chris hair, the smell was herbal: lavender and chamomile with a hint of rosemary. He put his face into it and inhaled--peace, loneliness, and resilience. "You seem different today," Tom stated softly. "more confident, more self-assured." Chris rubbed the side of his face into Tom's soft silk shirt, contented.
"Maybe," Chris finally responded. Tom waited, in no hurry for more. "When I was with Chet at the bar, which I loved, I suddenly felt anxious... no more a panic attack...closed in. Chet knew what to do, and we went to the garden. It was more than beautiful; it was grounding. I sat against an oak tree and everything opened up. Does that make sense?" Tom did not say words, but his chest reverberated in agreement. "I know I am on the right path. That I must fix my body. That I must endure the pain and the ramification. I want us to have a child. I want you to have my child. I want us." Chris looked up from Tom's chest and into Tom's dazzling emerald eyes, glistening and sparkling with waiting tears. "I do not know how long we have together, but however long, one year or one hundred, but before we can have us, I must have me." Tom just pulled Chris tighter, kissing his hair softly. Both crying tears of hope. There was a silence in the universe that only couples can create when only the two exist and nature holds its breath in anticipation.
"Shit," Tom jumped back, "does your dick have a vibrator setting?"
Chris pulled away from the moment, it receding like a stolen kiss. He reached into his pants, nicely tailored gaberdine, Chris thought of the change, "No, phone." Chris pulled his phone out for Tom to see. "Eleven messages," Chris said as he scrolled through the list. "Last from Derrek Lovejoy for meeting him tomorrow after work."
"Real estate agent?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Says he needs to talk to me about an apartment. Not anything related to Stu?" Chris asked.
"Odd. What time?"
"I set it for 6:30. I'm usually done at Silent Models by 5 but I want to grab supper before I see Derrek."
"Want me to come with you? I'm done at Macy's about 5 too?"
"Yes, I would like that."
"Meet me at Macy's we can eat at a nearby Japanese restaurant. It is very nice."
"Sure," Chris paused, "Not looking forward to talking to Cynthia tomorrow. Need to teller her about the hormone treatments that I might be bitch and bloated."
"Don't worry, she'll understand." Tom stood, "I need to leave. See you in the morning." Tom gave Chris a hungry kiss and adjusted his pants. "In the morning."
"Good morning Gentlemen," Cynthia smiled broadly, her tone kind but business. "This week you will be evaluating and shooting alternative male fashions." That produced blank stares and uneasy shifting in the men's chairs.
"Like leather?" Boyd asked,
"For some of you, I suspect leather may be a preferred fashion." She looked directly at Boyd who shrugged. "No, I mean kilts, thawbs, changshis, sherwani, panjabis, shalvars, kutas. For high priced models you are woefully ignorant of fashion beyond GQ." All the men, except Chris and Art, lowered their heads.
"I assume," Chris said, "that since we will be wearing Chinese changshi and Indian sherwani, we will be in silks and brocades."
Cynthia gave Chris a smile, "You are familiar with these types of clothing?"
"Only from reading." Chris smiled back, "but it will be loads of fun to wear. Will we be able to wear some of them out?"
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but these will be under wraps until the House releases them." Cynthia rapped her knuckles on the table. "Everyone to the fitting room for education on the fashions and how to wear them. Tomorrow we will begin fittings, and the rest of the week shoots."
Chris hung back and grabbed Cynthia's attention. "Can we talk after we are done today." She nodded, a slight frown of concern. She liked Chris, and he was one of her best models: polite, on time, and seductive in front of the camera.
Tom, wearing fitted forest green jeans and a light green sweater over a pattern silk shirt, met Chris outside Macy's at 5:15. Chris smiled at the fine man. They went to dinner at a small Japanese yakitori diner.
"You look good, today." Tom started the conversation as he assisted Chris into a chair. "How was work and Cynthia?" Tom raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.
"Work was very good. We are starting with alternative wear this week. The clothes are so luxurious and rich. A treasure chest of jewels."
"No shit." Tom laughed. "Bollywood." Tom said before inhaling ramon noodles. "And Cynthia?"
"She was amazing. So supportive, thought freezing my eggs was brilliant, and told me not to worry about mood swings. All male models are temperamental and exhibit PMS weekly." That earned a solid laugh from Tom.
Chris and Tom rode the sleek aluminum elevator to Derrek Lovejoy's Manhattan office. The doors opened on the eleventh floor to a tasteful lobby with a library table, with exotic flowers artfully off cengter. Tom pointed to the gold embossed sign: Lovejoy Real Estate, Room 1104. An oversize hammered aluminum door had the same information. Tom held the door open for Chris. The reception area was not cold, but it also exuded no warmth: too much metal, glass and plastic, very little wood or natural fabrics. The art work was mostly mixed media collage art holding little personality. The receptionist, a small exotic male, fit the room: young, impersonal, and unnaturally pretty. He sat in an overstuffed chair behind a glass and plastic table, not a desk. "May I help you?" he said with a thin official smile.
"Hi, I am Chris Wentworth. I have an appointment with Mr. Lovejoy."
The young man finally looked at Chris and then at Tom. His smile widened into a grin. It was a shade or two warmer, but it was still not welcoming. "Der is on the phone. he should be off in a few. Coffee, tea, wine?" He stood and then walked over to shake hands with Chris and Tom. Then escorted them to a sitting area, a little out of view of the main door. Tom and Chris requested white wine.
"Here you are gentleman, I hope a pouilly fume is acceptable." Tom and Chris sipped and nodded approval. "I am Rami, and I am very pleased to meet you Mr. Wentworth. I did not recognized the name on Der's appointment list, but when I saw you I recognized you from Jazzabel's and the Back Door."
"Both incidents were not intended by me to be public," Chris blushed.
"That is what made them so titillating." Rami giggled like feather was caught in his throat.
"How did you know about them? I was at the Back Door only two days ago."
"Queens like to gossip and pictures and video hit social media faster than drag queens to a shoe sale." Rami smiled at his quip, obviously proud of his wit.
"Is Chris here, yet?" Derrek's voice carried from the other side of the reception area.
"Yes, Der, I was just serving beverages."
Derrek joined Chris and Tom. Kissing Rami on the check, he said, "You are a most attentive, young man." Rami blushed and went back to his desk. "Chris, it's so nice to see you again." He extended his hand. Chris rose as did Tom and shook hands.
Noticing Derrek's glance at Tom, "This is Tom Greenwood, a friend. We work for the same agency. He brought me to New York from Chicago."
"Nice to meet you Tom, and thank you for bringing this charming young man to our city. If you would come to my office, we can get to business." Chris looked at Tom and shrugged his shoulders and followed.
Derrek's office was nothing like the reception area. His office was light and warm. The desk and cabinets were whitewashed birch. Chairs were comfortable upholstered in plum, magenta, and lilac. Orange and green accent pillows were on a large beige sofa. But best was the view from the wall of window; it overlooked the Hudson River. "Your office is beautiful," Chris said as Derrek gestured for the two men to sit on the sofa.
"Thank you Chris." Derrek sat in a chair opposite the sofa. He looked at Chris and saw a young man with a deep pocket sugar daddy--a condo for a talented ass. "I have been hired to find you, Chris, a condo in New York." Chris jaw dropped. "An anonymous person, who obviously likes you a lot, has set a budget of 2 million for the property, a 100,000 for furnishings, and 10 years of any HOA fees, taxes, utilities and other sundries."
Silence. Finally, Tom asked, "Have you verified the authenticity of this benefactor?"
"Absolutely, this kind of request is unusual but not unheard of. The funds are in escrow pending completion of a sale." Derrek smiled at Tom. "You have impressed someone Chris." Derrek's smile while a smoothing, he thought, Yeah I'd buy this kid a condo too for a go at him.
"I don't know anyone with that kind of money. It must be a mistake. Do you Tom?" Tom did have an inkling but remained silent.
"I assure you Chris, it is not a mistake. I have been hired. If you do not want a condo." Derrek cut in with smarmy smile.
"But I like where I live." Chris was not happy about the offer and leaving his friends. "I have just moved into my place."
"We might find something in that area if you do not want to move far. Where are you now?"
"Brooklyn."
"I can find you good deals there. Cheaper than Manhattan. The real estate market is a buyer's market."
"But, but,...I, can't... not right...who...shit." Chris was lost at the idea of someone buying him a place to live with everything included.
"If you are free this weekend, I will line up places to look at."
"Yeah, I guess." Chris was staring at his hands. "Wait, Ariel going to be in town."
"She will love going house hunting with you." Tom laughed. "She has a good eye, and can find a bargain."
Chris smiled at the thought of Ariel and him hitting condos. "Sure, Saturday is fine. What time?"
"I'll line up three or four places. Hour each plus travel. 11:30, take you and anyone else to lunch, review the prospects and start looking. We can meet here or better; I can pick you up?"
"Do you know where Ariel is staying?" Chris looked at Tom.
"You know that is a stupid question. At Cedrick place, the Aurora New York." Tom laughed as punched Chris in the shoulder.
Derrek took a second look at Tom. "Greenwood as in the hotels?'
"Yes, my cousin, but we are more like brothers. You know them."
"Very casually from a few fundraisers." Derrek paused, mind whirling at possibilities. "I am working with a developers in Shanghai and New York on a grand old hotel, small, but has potential."
"Is that Mr. Donaldson?"
Derrek inhaled like he just swallowed an olive. "Yes, but how do you know them?"
"Met them for the first time Saturday." Chris turned to Tom, "Chaz designed their living room." Then back to Derrek, " David mentioned the project to me over brunch at their home." Chris sat still, smug, while Derrek eyed him, obviously reevaluating Chris's social standing. Chris did not like pretentious social conscious pricks, which Derrek proved to be.
Derrek looked at Tom, who was smiling at Chris, "Do you think you might arrange an introduction with Mr. Greenwood about this project?"
"My cousin, usually does not follow my opinions. He respects Chris's opinion more." Tom leaned over and kissed Chris on the check. "Chris is a great judge of character and has strong intuitions about making the right fits between people." Chris blushed.
"Chris, would you mention the project to Mr. Greenwood?"
"I already told David that I would. He showed me the plans and renderings, which I like. But it is still up to Cedrick to make any decisions."
"I would be happy to pay you a fee if you can arrange the meeting."
Chris bristled: Derrek grew worried. "I will talk to Cedrick about it if I think it is a good match for him. I will not do it because I might be paid. Cedrick is my friend and not you."
Derrek looked like he swallowed three olives. "I don't mean to offend you Mr. Wentworth. I understand your position clearly." Derrek paused. "Returning to your needs, what would you like and where in Brooklyn. There are many fabulous places with views of the river and Manhattan."
"No, I would like a place close to the botanical gardens."
"Nice area, there is a small zoo in the immediate area too. The condos in that area are in older building with historic charm, but usually totally renovated inside. Because of the recession, the prices are very buyer friendly."
"That area is worth exploring," Chris nodded and looked at Tom for support. But Tom just said it is Chris's decision. "I would like a nice size kitchen, open floor plan, and a minimum of two bedrooms and bathrooms."
"Got it, I have something to work with." Derrek was wrapping up; it was late he wanted to get home. He was not sure why because no one was at home. "Do you have any questions or additional requests."
"No, I am good until I see you Saturday then I may bombard you."
"That is why I am here." Derrek stood, paused. "Derick Gordon mentioned you are attending his May gathering."
"Yes, he has been insistent that I attend, so I finally broke down and agreed. Will you be there?"
"Fuck no," Derrek caught himself, "I mean I have been once, but his parties are too over the top for me." Chris and Tom stood but waited for more information. "His parties," Derrek laughed nervously, "are more of a Roman Saturnalia. Do not be surprised if most of the participants are naked and having sex on the carpet. He always has a full bar stocked with every intoxicant available." Tom's face was a panic. "Are you sure you want to go? I mean unless that is your scene."
"No, not my scene. I told Derick that I will not disrobe or participate in any sexual escapades."
"He agreed?" Chris nodded. "Good luck then, you are just the kind of candy he likes to display at his parties. If you are firm in what you will allow, he will respect your wishes, but don't drink the punch." Chris laughed, and Derrek led Tom and Chris to the door. In the reception area Derrek shook both hands, "I am sorry if I came on too strong about Mr. Greenwood, but I have been trying for six months to arrange a meeting but cannot get past his personal secretary."
Tom let out a loud laugh, "Mrs. Bellows is very protective. She seldom lets family through. Cedrick travels extensively, so I do not know when he will be in the office or able to return calls. But next time you call mention that Chris suggested you talk to him. It may not work, but it usually does."
"Thanks Tom, I appreciate that."
"Thanks, Rami," Chris waved over to the desk.
"Why did you tell Derrek to use your name to contact Cedrick?"
"Chris, you saw the project and thought it was a good match. That was enough recommendation to me. But this whole orgy you want to go to is not sitting well with me." The trip back to Brooklyn was Tom stating all reasons that Chris should not go. Chris enjoyed the lecturing.
Chris walked into his apartment, his apartment, one he chose himself. He liked the place; he liked living over the deli. He like Stella and Stan and Benjie. Breakfast every morning in the deli was a ritual. He would miss that if he moved. He liked Tom just down the street. Although it was early evening, He was tired. Chris poured himself a glass of wine, put on Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. He awoke seven hours later, still clothed on the sofa, alert but not refreshed. Time to make a list:
• Talk to Stan and Stella in morning
• Talk to Chet about Derick Gordon
• Text Stu and Helga
• Text his sister
• Text Ariel
• Call Slim
• Call Louis and Ollie
• Text Hank--if his phone is still connected.
Comfortable that he has a plan, some order in his life, he stripped and crawled into bed, awoken at 6:00 by his alarm. He rolled over and slept another 60 minutes.
He strolled into the deli at 8:30. Tom and Juan were both midway through breakfast. "You're late," said Tom, "don't you need to be to work by 9?"
"No Cynthia wants us in about 11:00. We're doing some night shots around town." Stella appeared ready to take Chris's order. "Could you and Stan join me for a second." Chris looked up and Stella saw worry.
"Sure, hon." Stella yelled, "Stan, get your butt over here ASAP." She smiled as Chris laughed at the brassy broad. "Scoot over so Chris. You too Tom."
Chris gave a big sigh and looked at everyone. "Yesterday, I met with a real estate agent." Chris paused. "Some unknown benefactor wants to buy me a condo."
"Is that all this is about," Stella laughed, "I was worried you were sick, or dying."
"But I would need to move out. I like it here. I like breakfast with everyone. You are family."
"I appreciate that kid," Stan said, "We think of you as family too. But a free condo is not to be sniffed at. How much is this benefactor willing to spend?"
"Two mill," That caused everyone to gasp except Tom. "With more for remodeling, and ten years of any HOA fees."
"Where do I find a benefactor like that?" Juan laughed, easing some of the tension. "You have no idea about this person, does he want something else too? Sex, a slave, you know there are perverts out there."
"Derrek Lovejoy, the realtor, says he checked it out and it is legit. I texted Stu and Helga to see if they know anything." Chris looked at Tom, who just sat back and watched the speculation. "Do you know something about this Tom?" Chris looked suspiciously at him. "Are you not telling me something?" Chris glared at Tom, who remained impassive.
"I have a faint suspicion, but I know that that person would not want me to divulge the identity. It is a very, very faint suspicion so I am most likely wrong."
"If I guess who will you tell me?" Chris asked trying to move Tom.
"No, but you will never guess."
Stella sensing that more conversation on that topic would be futile said, "Do you have a location? I assume someplace in Manhattan."
"No, I was thinking someplace close to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I visited them Saturday and loved them."
"Nice areas, established older building that have been renovated." Stan said with a nod of approval.
"Zack and I are thinking of moving in together. We might like the place upstairs." Juan said looking hopefully between Stella and Stan. The conversation continued swirling about Chris, the apartment, and possibilities.
Chris looked out the deli window at the streetlights edged in the morning sun, unsettled. In six weeks, he went from homeless to a nice apartment, from hustling on the streets to a respectable career, from fighting to survive to a comfortable bank account, from scorned to respected, from friendless to have many friends, from alone to having someone to love. Now another transformation, he might own his own place, a place beyond any dream he or his parents ever had, but what is the cost. In this change what will he gain, but more important what will he lose. Tom reached across the booth, touched his hand, "Scary, I know but not as scary as what you have ahead of you with your physical transformation, which you are tackling head-on. Just , know you are not alone." Chris smiled: decided.
The rest of the week went fast--Cynthia supportive of his slight moodiness, Zack thought it was funny how Chris would turn bitch, mostly to people who deserved it. Art, the older black man, became closer, almost paternal, which Chris did not understand. He informed Chet he would do Derick's party; texted his sister; spoke to Stu, while still being baffled by the condo offer.
Chris spent more time planning Ariel's time. He contacted Slim about him hosting a party as Slim and Zoe's house Sunday since he did not have room at his apartment, Louis and Ollie would cater and provide clean-up services. They agreed just because they liked Chris. Louis and Ollie agreed because they liked Chris. Chris invited his friends: Juan and Zack, Cynthia from Silent and guest, Stella, Stan and Benjie, if they could find coverage, Chet and his parents, Cordelia Duncan, the last a debatable addition, but he liked her and maybe. With Ariel, Zoe, Slim, Tom and himself that was a total of sixteen people. By Friday afternoon everyone was onboard.
By Friday, Chris was a ball of nerves, which amused Cynthia. She offered to help, since Chris had never planned a party, a catered party, before. But Chris felt he needed to do this himself. It was another step toward independence.