This story contains some explicit scenes of erotic love between males. If you are under age, or live in an area where reading stories that include sex between males is illegal, or if you're not into this type of story, please leave. The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at NJMcMick@yahoo.com.
The story is set in the fictional city of Trenton, New Jersey. Yes, there is a real city by that name, but other than being a state capital on the Delaware River, it bears little resemblance to the city in this story. While a few of the places mentioned may exist in reality, all of the characters and events are fictitious.
Chapter 27
The cookout was scheduled to start at two o'clock and Manny, Marcus and I were going to walk to Norman's together, but I asked Marcus to come over a little early. There was a talk I'd been putting off for a while but I wanted to get it out of the way.
"So where's Manny? I thought he'd be here with you."
"I told him I'd knock on his door when we were ready to go. I wanted to talk to you first."
"Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good. What's the problem? I thought things were going good between us."
"It's not a problem. There's just something I wanted to tell you about but I haven't found the right time."
"Sounds worse all the time. Why don't you just spit it out and end the suspense?" He sat on the bed and I sat on the weight bench facing him.
"Well, you know last week when Manny mentioned that my professional name was Coy, and you asked me about it?"
"Yeah, I'd heard you called that before, back at the political dinner."
"Well, you see, for a very brief time, you could say I had a kind of part-time job. What happened was, I ran into a pretty major financial pinch last fall when Frank's, the place where I was washing dishes, had the fire. I was desperate for money and couldn't find another job, so ..." With my eyes mostly on the wall in front of me but glancing over at him now and then to see how he was taking it, I told him about how I spent two weeks hustling in the park. He kept frowning, also staring at the wall. There was a heavy silence for a moment when I finished my story.
"It sounds like it was pretty gross, having to do that with guys you didn't know or like."
"It was, for the most part. I didn't exactly keep track, but I think it was probably only seven or eight guys. I tried to only pick guys who were somewhat hot or at least tolerable, but I didn't always have a choice. You're not upset with me, are you?"
"I'm upset that you went through such a horrible time, but if you're asking if I condemn you for doing it for money like that, no. I wish you hadn't had to do it, but you were in a tough spot."
"Well, no matter the circumstances, it was still a lot of guys."
"It's all relative. I've been with a number of guys myself, one in high school, a couple here in town and a few I met in New Haven. The past is past, nothing either one of us can do about it now." He smiled at me. "So that's what was bothering you? That's all you wanted to tell me?"
"Just one more thing that's related, and you might think it's worse. In December, I screwed up financially, a combination of slow business at Minho and not watching my spending, and I was short again. I thought I'd try the park one last time and that's how I met Derek." I told him about how my relationship with him had developed, how it wasn't really business, but he paid me just to keep it simple. I was sure I wasn't making it very clear.
"I knew there had to be something more about you being with him at that dinner. I mean, he's old enough to be your father."
"Yeah, he is, but he's a nice guy, and pretty hot, too, for an old man."
Marcus laughed. "I'll take your word for it. I'm not into old white men. I hope he's not gonna be there today, 'cause I don't think I like him."
"I don't know if he'll be at Norman's. I haven't seen him or talked to him in a couple of months. The last time I talked to his daughter she said he was working on a political campaign out west somewhere. I know the idea of a rich, middle-aged guy throwing around his money, renting cute young guys, sounds obnoxious, but he really is a good person."
"Again, I'll take your word for it. He still doesn't sound like my type of guy."
"So you're okay with my brief hustling career?"
"I don't know if okay is the right word. You did what you had to do and it's over. I don't like the idea, but then again, I don't like thinking about you being with any guy for any reason. But your past isn't my business and my past isn't yours. Like I said, there's nothing we can do about it at this point anyway. So let's just move on and think about the present and the future."
"Sounds good to me." I got up and kissed him. It was a brief, non-sexual kiss, although our mouths opened just enough for the tips of our tongues to touch, sending a little jolt through me. "Just remember that you were my first and you're still my favorite."
"How about your friend, Manny? Where does he fit into all this?"
I gave him a quick rundown on my history with Manny, from the time we met up to the conversation I'd had with him the day before.
"So I've got nothing to be jealous about with him?"
"No, nothing at all. Like I said, we're just good friends. You guys are both important to me, but in different ways. I really want you two to like each other."
"I'll try, baby. Now that I know he's not after you, I'll lighten up and try to get to know him."
It was time to get going so we collected Manny from his room and headed out to the park. On the way, Manny and I told Marcus about the condo. We both got pretty excited about it as we talked, and it helped Manny loosen up toward Marcus. Marcus also seemed to be a lot more at ease, and by the time we got to Norman's house I didn't sense any of the tension between them I'd seen before.
When Norman answered the door, Dixie went after the guys, first furiously sniffing them and then jumping up on them when I encouraged her to. Both guys were obviously nervous about this big dog they didn't know, so I did my best to make things worse for them. Norman finally got her under control and pulled her into the house, glaring at me as he did.
"There are going to be more people here than Dixie is used to so I'm trying to keep her calm."
"I'm sorry, Norman. The guys both looked like they were afraid of her and I couldn't resist. They don't know what a marshmallow she really is."
Manny decided to get even for the scare by grabbing me around my waist and gently wrestling me and Marcus joined in, wrapping an arm around my head, bending me down. Dixie broke loose and raced back over, growling menacingly at them. We all froze. I'd never heard her sound vicious before.
"She's very protective of you, Jerry, so no roughhousing. We wouldn't want your friends to get hurt." The guys let go of me instantly and I caught a sly wink from Norman.
I introduced everyone. Norman had already met Marcus at the dinner but he didn't know of his connection to me at the time.
"Why don't you boys go on out to the patio? A couple of people are already here. And don't mind Dixie. She'll be fine as long as you keep your hands off Jerry."
"You mean I can't even hug or kiss him?" Marcus asked.
"That would probably be okay, just don't make any sudden moves."
"You're worse than I am," I whispered to Norman as I passed him. He just innocently smiled at me.
When we got to the kitchen, Janet was busy making a salad. I introduced her to the guys.
"Jack's out at the grill. Why don't you take some of this stuff out there?"
We each picked up a tray of napkins, plates, glasses and utensils and took them out to a table on the patio. Jack had a long apron on and was fussing with the controls of the gas grill.
"Marcus, Manny, this is Mr. Cutter, my history teacher. Mr. Cutter, these are my friends."
"You can call me Jack now, Jerry. I'm not your teacher anymore. And congratulations on passing the exam."
"Thanks, but you had a lot to do with it."
"Not that much. You worked hard. I can't take the credit for that."
I heard voices behind me and turned in time to see Derek and Rod coming through the French doors from the kitchen. I raced across the patio and hugged them both.
"I was hoping to see you, Derek, but it hadn't even occurred to me that Rod might be here." I faced Rod. "I thought you went home to North Jersey for the summer."
"It's only an hour away, plenty close to come down now and then. I've been able to schedule two or three dates a week in New Hope and Princeton in addition to my regular summer job at the mall. I'm making a fortune. But enough about me, I hear congratulations are in order."
"Thanks. I'm so glad you could come. I've been wondering how you've been."
Just then Kate and Dora came out of the kitchen with Norman, and Marcus and Manny came over and joined the crowd. I made a quick group introduction and then announced they were all on their own to get to know one another. After a moment, Derek pulled me aside and gave me a warm hug. I noticed Marcus keeping a close eye on us.
"Congratulations, babe, I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, how are things going with you? I thought you were working out west somewhere."
"I was, but I'm back for the primary election next week. I'll be working around the clock until then."
"How's Courtney? I guess she's not coming or she would be with you, right?"
"She's in New York with her mother. She has a summer job there, so I probably won't see much of her for a while."
"And how's it going with Rod?" I nodded toward him. "Didn't I tell you he was hot?"
"Hot doesn't begin to describe him. He's fun and a nice guy, too. He's building up quite a client list."
"I had a feeling he'd like the escort business better than blowjobs in the bushes."
"That's two of you I rescued from that sordid life," Derek smiled.
"More like out of the frying pan and into the fire if you ask me."
"Hey, I didn't hear any complaints from you."
"That's because I didn't have any. You were always a perfect gentleman."
"That's not what I'd call him," Marcus growled from behind me.
"Take it easy, babe, I told you before, Derek's a great guy. Why don't I go help Janet bring out the food and you two can get to know one another? Please?"
Marcus scowled, but nodded. I went into the kitchen to see what I could do to help and found Patrick talking to Janet and Norman about our condo hunting expedition on Friday.
"I've heard about those condos. The developer has a good reputation for quality work and that neighborhood is on its way up again."
"Sounds like you know a bit about the place, Janet."
"Only a little. A couple of friends were thinking about buying there last month but decided they couldn't afford it. The prices aren't bad for what you get, I suppose, but they're a little steep for downtown Trenton."
"I don't think the price is out of line with the area, Janet. The realtor thought it was reasonable. It was more expensive than the other places we saw, but you get a lot more for the money, too. And a place like that would be three times the price in Center City Philadelphia." Patrick smiled at me. "So are you still thinking about it, Coy?"
"I can't stop thinking about it. Manny and I went to see it yesterday and I liked it even more the second time. And Manny loved the place."
"So do you want to keep looking, or do you think maybe you've found the place you want?"
"Let's talk later, Patrick. I think the food is nearly ready." I wanted to talk to him, but not with everybody else around. Besides, the smell of the meat on the grill was making me realize how hungry I was. Once everyone had loaded up their plates we sat at a long table. Norman put me in the place of honor at the head of the table. As we ate I looked over the little group. It was an odd assortment of people. Apart from all being gay, we were all very different, but everyone seemed to get along. Marcus and Manny were warming up to one another and Marcus was being more polite toward Derek. At one point I felt a bit weird when I realized that I'd slept with five of the seven men at the table. Norman, Jack and the lesbians were the only ones I hadn't had sex with. But the sexual part of my friendships was over, except for Marcus, of course. I hadn't told him about my affair with Patrick or my one time with Rod, though he would probably learn of both by the end of the afternoon. I'd have to make sure he knew that that was all in the past.
Later in the afternoon, Patrick and I found ourselves alone at one end of the patio. Marcus and Manny had finally made friends with Dixie and were playing with her near the back of the yard.
"You weren't kidding when you said Manny loved the condo. He talked my ear off about it. And you obviously like it, too. So should I get the paperwork started?"
"I don't know, Patrick. I do love it. It was tons better than any other place we saw, in every way. But I don't feel right about it."
"You mean there's something about the condo that doesn't suit you?"
"No, I could see myself living there and being very happy with it, although I can't imagine filling all that space. But it's just too nice a place for me. Mom and Aunt Aggie didn't live in a home that good and I'm just a kid. I don't deserve something that nice. And then I think about the folks down at the shelter who have nothing and I feel guilty. They don't deserve what's happened to their lives either."
"Life isn't usually fair that way, where people end up with what they deserve, at least financially. You shouldn't feel guilty because you've had some good luck, although I prefer seeing you that way than acting like a spoiled, self-centered rich kid. As far as your mother and great-aunt, you know they both grew up in a well-to-do family, so they probably had a home much nicer than that condo when they were younger. And I'm sure they both wanted the best for you and would be happy knowing that their family money helped you to have a good life. When you think about the problems their family caused them, maybe that's where the notion of justice comes into play here."
"Yeah, I hadn't thought of it that way, but I wish the money could have been spent on them while they were alive, so they could have had the kind of life they wanted."
"How do you know they didn't? Your aunt had access to her money and was able to spend it any way she wanted. And she probably would have given your mother anything she wanted. So my guess is that they were both pretty content with their life. It wasn't a bad place where you grew up, you know."
"Yeah, I know. It was a pretty good apartment. But even if we bought the condo, how would I ever furnish it? That would cost a fortune."
"You can afford it, Jerry. It's all pretty much a one-time expense and then you'd be set for a very long time. It's not like we'd be spending this kind of money year after year."
I really wanted it but was afraid to come right out and say so. I still couldn't quite believe it was a possibility.
"You really think it's a good deal? I don't know anything about real estate and I don't want us to get ripped off just because I was impressed by the place."
"I think it's a reasonable price and a good investment. I'd be trying to talk you out of it if I didn't think that."
"Then let's buy it. But there's one condition I insist on."
Patrick raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you've gone from being a guilty kid to a demanding diva?"
"I want the unit above the model we looked at. I think I like the view as much as the condo itself, so if I can't get the view I don't want it. Mr. Stewart said the one on the fifth floor was still available."
"Then I guess I'd better grab it before it's too late. I'll call in the morning."
Marcus, Manny and Dixie came running toward us.
"What are you two talking about? You look too serious. This is supposed to be a party," Marcus huffed, trying to catch his breath.
"It looks like I have another reason to celebrate, guys. I'm buyin' a condo!"
The two of them both high-fived me and then grabbed and hugged me. The three of us must have looked a little strange in our group hug with all of our whooping. When they let go of me I turned back to Patrick.
"So when do you think we can move in?"
"Whoa! Let me call tomorrow and see when the place will be available. I don't think the construction is done yet. And remember, we have to sell the house in Chester first, although I don't think that will take long. No matter what, I think we're looking at much later in the summer. That will give you some time to figure out how you want to furnish the place."
"That could take a hundred years. I think the decorating part of my gay gene is defective. How about you, Manny?"
"You've seen my room. My idea of decorating is an A&F poster on the wall."
"Maybe we'll hire a decorator then, Coy. You don't have any style preferences at all?"
"Well, I didn't like the way they'd done the model. My style is more like Derek's house, except I'm sure he spent a fortune on his place. Maybe his decorator can do a cheap version for us."
"Of course we don't want to spend too much, but please don't use the word cheap. I'll talk to Derek and get his advice."
By seven o'clock the guests had all gone home. Marcus, Manny and I stayed behind to help Norman clean up. He insisted we didn't have to, but he and the others had done all the work all day and I wanted to do something to show my appreciation. We helped him bring everything into the kitchen but then he suggested we take a break, so we all went into the music room and I played the piano for a while. My buddies were impressed.
"Damn, Jerry, I didn't know you could play. We should get a piano like that for the condo."
"Yeah, right, Manny. We could probably furnish most of the condo for what one of these costs." I sighed. "I just wish Ralph hadn't sold Aunt Aggie's spinet. That's the one thing from the apartment I would have liked to have."
I played a couple more songs and then we went back to work. At least Norman and I did. The guys took Dixie back out to the yard to play while Norman and I cleaned up the kitchen. When we were done Norman poured himself a glass of wine and some iced tea for me and we sat at the table.
"I'm a little concerned that you seem to be in denial about your financial situation, Jerry. From the way Patrick talks, your inheritance is pretty substantial, but you've been acting as though money is tight."
I thought for a minute before answering. I really didn't like talking about my money, or even thinking about it much.
"I'm not dumb, Norman. I know I've fallen into a big pile of money. Maybe I'm not a millionaire, but it's probably more than I could ever dream of. Patrick has made a point of not mentioning numbers and I've made a point of not asking, but I know owning half a car dealership has got to make for a pretty big income. I guess I'm afraid that if I think about it too much it'll go to my head. Money isn't all that important to me, as long as I've got enough for the basics, that is, but I could still go on a crazy spending spree if I let loose." I smiled at him. "I am a kid, after all."
Norman smiled back at me. "You're younger than we all thought, but you're not a kid. Your life experiences have given you a maturity beyond your years, but I know what you're talking about. It's a lot to take in. I just wanted to make sure you were handling it okay."
"I am, I guess. For now it's enough for me to know that I don't have to worry about paying Lucille the rent on Fridays, that I've got enough money for food, that I can buy some clothes if I need them. I'm content to let Patrick worry about the big stuff and tell me what I can and can't afford. That's his job and he seems good at it. Eventually, I'll get used to the idea of money and how to handle it, but I've got years before it's my responsibility. Until then, it's nice to know someone else is looking after me."
"We're all looking after you, Jerry. The people who were here today care a great deal about you. Don't ever forget that if you need a hand or a shoulder to lean on."
"Yeah, that's where I consider myself to be rich. A year ago, I had no friends or family, nobody I could count on. Now I've got all of you. I just hope I'm as good a friend to all of you as you are to me."
"You are, Jerry. You give back to us all the time. I, for one, think you're a wonderful friend and am so glad to have you in my life."
On the way back through the park I was walking between Manny and Marcus and put an arm around each of their waists, pulling them close.
"I'm so glad you two are getting along. You're both so important to me."
"Yeah, well, as long as Manny remembers you're my boyfriend and keeps his hands off, he won't have any trouble from me." Marcus leaned around in front of me and glared at Manny, but I could tell he was teasing.
"And as long as Marcus treats you right and doesn't fuck with your head, he won't have any trouble from me," teased right back.
"Well, as long as you both have my best interests at heart..."
I let go of the guys before we crossed the highway and headed into the city. When we got to the house, Manny went on inside while I said goodnight to Marcus. He hugged me and gave me a hot, wet kiss, right there on the sidewalk, without even looking around to see who was watching. He certainly was changing.
"So what night are you off this week, babe?"
"Wednesday, why?"
"How would you like to come to my house for dinner. I think it's time my family met my boyfriend."
"Your father already knows me so he shouldn't be a problem. How do you think the rest of them will handle it?"
"My sisters will probably think it's gross, but Matthew may think it's cool that I'm going out with Santa's elf."
"Yeah, he'll probably think that'll give him an in with Santa."
"I've gotta run it by my parents, but I'm sure Wednesday will be good. I'll call you tomorrow and make arrangements to pick you up."
He gave me another kiss and then just held me tight for a minute before heading down the block to the car. I went inside and found Manny waiting at the top of the stairs. He glanced down at my slightly bulging crotch.
"Missing him already, huh?" He grinned. We went inside my room and sat down.
"What's up, Manny? Something on your mind?"
"Yeah, I wanted to ask you about that guy, Rod."
"What about him?"
"Well, he was really hot. I can see how he could make a lot of money as a callboy, but I was wondering if he only did it for money. Do you think maybe he'd want to go out with me sometime?"
"Only one way to find out." I flipped open my cell phone, opened the phone book and jotted down his name and number on a scrap of paper. He looked at it.
"Dave?"
"Rod is his professional name," I smiled.
"So tell me what you know about him."
I gave him a brief rundown. I really didn't know all that much. "It doesn't bother you that he's a pro?"
"Nah, you know I've whored around a lot and I've probably been with more guys than him. For free, of course, but sex is sex. Besides, I'm not talking about falling in love. I just think he's hot and seems like a nice guy. He could be fun."
"He is fun. Give him a call."
Manny hung around for a little while and we rehashed the cookout. He hadn't met either Derek or Patrick before and thought they were both hot, for older guys. He even liked Norman, Jack and the lesbians, although not in the same way.
"You've got pretty good taste in people, Jerry, both as friends and sex partners."
"I'm glad you approve. I've been pretty lucky with the people I've met, especially with you."
"We've both been lucky there. When I first met you I thought you were a sweet kid. Sexy, but still a kid. You've grown up quite a lot. I think we're gonna be great as roommates. We're a good team."
"Yeah, we are, Manny. I think this is going to work out just fine."
To be continued.