GREG & PETER by Mike Austin
nasstop@yahoo.com
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INTRO:
Tonight the small gathering of friends would celebrate ten years together, though it was twelve years since they'd first met. Greg often reflects on the chance meeting that day, twelve years ago at the Rockin' Vinyl vintage record store, his new found favorite store in Beddington where Peter worked part-time. Greg had seen Peter a few times while shopping for records of his varied musical tastes, but that would be the first time Peter had waited on Greg. Instantly, Peter's greying blonde hair, trimmed in the most conservative business man's cut, brilliant ice blue eyes, lanky torso and melodic voice, mesmerized Greg. So lost in a gaze, that Peter had to nudge Greg with another "May I help you find something" query. "Uh" came the monosyllable reply, then a smile and laughter shared between the two guys. "Hello my name is Peter" came the first intro with an extended hand. "Uh, I'm Greg, glad to meet you", followed the other. Twelve years ago, it now came flooding back to Greg... That two year interval between meeting and agreeing to share a life together, were full of nuance, more than a few arguments, and yes several flights of sexual adventures with each other and others, who shall remain nameless at this stage.
Greg was a music teacher, first here at Beddington High School (BHS) and for the last seven years a professor at Beddington Community College (BCC). He'd been eager to move away from the nearby major city, Newton, where he also taught high school music; after his divorce. He wanted a new life, now that he'd discovered his lifestyle and come out, first to his wife and kids, then his parents and close friends. He learned of the BHS assistant band director's position and promptly applied. With a Master's in Music Ed, he felt he had an overwhelming chance at landing the job. During the interview, he was asked why he wanted to relocate from Newton to the smaller community of Beddington and he admitted he just wanted a fresh start, while still being near enough to his aging parents and his own two children. That reply seemed to satisfy the three-person interview team, who he'd later learn were all divorced with similar parent and children obligations. After the four candidates were interviewed, Greg was selected and asked to begin in June, to help foster the marching band practice for the upcoming school-year. June, he thought, that will really be demanding as his current term in Newton and contract only ended June 2; and this new contract would begin June 5 with the first band practice set for June 7. He'd have to find a place, get moved and settled, and while at first, the compressed schedule seemed daunting, the excitement of this new start was exhilarating. He wasted no time in accepting the position and agreeing to the timeline. Greg was 47, tall with shaggy brown hair, green eyes, fit, energetic and active with a "start-stop" switch on his energy level. He often compared himself to the "Energizer Bunny" until that point where he'd just seem to stop and then he'd need downtime to recharge. It was that way with sex too. While he'd been a gay sex neophyte, once he engaged, he went all out to make up for lost time. He'd given notice to his former apartment residence in ample time to vacate without penalty, announced the move to his parents, friends and kids and of course the school district, all of whom regretted his exit, but "understood". His parents were eager to see his new place and school and joined in helping him get settled in to the new apartment. His kids, Matt and Amanda (14 and 13 respectively), were excited about the prospect of a pool at the new place, which his former apartment did not have; and if there'd be room for them to come visit? His orientation at BHS was June 1, where he'd been introduced to the faculty by the Band and Orchestra Director, Jack Stallings. Mr. Stallings had been Music Director for ten years and wasn't going anywhere, so Greg would have to be content being Assistant until then. Jack had been a Marine Corps Band director and was a no-nonsense sort, who demanded perfection from his band and orchestra. After years of high school experience, Greg knew that teens don't embrace that sort of regimen and the participation in the music program had waned a bit the last 3 years at BHS. The Board and school leaders asked the new assistant to gently redirect some of that approach and attract more students to the music program. Greg and Jack would have more than a few tense moments as a result of that "mission" during the first two years, but the last three at BHS were amiable and they even won state band contents those years. They were all saddened to see Greg leave for BCC, but wished him well. At 52, he'd embark on yet another new adventure and embraced the new BCC position with comfort and ease, though this time not alone.
Peter was 45 that day in the Rockin' Vinyl shop. In fact he was having a birthday party that night and invited his new customer/friend to join the party. Greg agreed, was handed an address, phone number and party details on a slip of paper as he paid for his record purchase and offered thanks for the invitation. Peter was a family counselor with a local non-profit. He had a series of jobs that led him to this position; which included being a dancer at a club out of state, during law school; a pro-bono family lawyer in Chicago; a fund raiser for the local democratic party in Kansas City; a guidance counselor for teens in Memphis and had found his way to Beddington when he answered an ad at the local family services venue three years ago. The part-time spot at Rockin' Vinyl supplemented his earnings and met his music cravings.
Greg dressed in jeans, a yellow starched long sleeve "Polo" shirt, and cowboy boots; arrived with small gift in hand at the address, to find cars in the drive and on the street in front of the small frame house, with every window spilling light and sounds to the lawn and driveway side of the house. Jazz seemed to be the music of the moment with Miles Davis and John Coltrane offering up the soulful "Kind of Blue", seemingly at odds with the party nature inside. A handsome brunette suburban housewife sort answered the door, introduced herself as Megan, invited Greg in, took the party gift, nodded to the bar and assured him that Peter was somewhere inside or out back on the patio. Was this Peter's wife or girlfriend; had he misread Peter, Greg considered? He knew only Megan at this point and of course Peter, but Greg mingled easily, introducing himself to two guys who seemed to be "together"- Mark and Brad, both active sorts who looked like they hadn't missed a day at the gym EVER. After some small talk, Greg learned that Mark was Peter's personal trainer, Brad was a chiropractor and Jeff was Brad's business partner and Peter's man du jour. At that moment the Miles Davis tune ended, Ella Fitzgerald began her "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man", Peter and Jeff entered from the patio, applause shared, smiles abounded and Peter led Jeff to meet Greg, then left for Megan and her husband, Greg was to learn. Greg remembers feeling a bit adrift with these new men, Mark, Brad, Jeff and trying to establish his presence at the party. Peter soon returned to the group with Megan and hub Tom, a fireman, in tow. As soon as Ella ended, the mood changed and a series of show tunes led off with "Singin' In The Rain" to which another of the pair of guys (Ted and Mitch) that Greg would later go home with, did various Gene Kelly dance moves. It was Ted who tinkled the ivories as Mitch danced and spun about with a mock umbrella, laughter filled the small house. Greg noticed Peter across the room now, arm wrapped about Jeff, and just as soon felt Mitch's arm rub his own that suddenly led to an invitation to join he and Ted on the patio. After a brief chat, Mitch took the lead, pulling Greg in close, offering a tentative kiss and then full court press, pulling Greg into his arms and soon Ted joined in for a rapid response kiss fest that left all three hard and a little shy. It was amusing now, but then seemed embarrassing at best. Ted was summoned inside to play the birthday song, cheers rang out, hugs were shared and soon the party gathering began to end with Peter extending thanks and more thanks as partygoers exited. As Mark and Brad left, the last to leave were Greg, Ted and Mitch. Peter gave a hug to each and urged Greg to "come back soon".