Here's is part two of the story "It Just Gets Better." Any chance of having this moved to the interracial section? Thanks.
The break away from Chicago had gone smoothly for James. He quit his job, said good-bye to the few friends he made, and moved thefew belongings he had into storage in Las Vegas while he and Joseph looked fora home.
For Joseph, the separation from his church, his wifeand family went expectedly tumultuous. The legal proceedings of the divorcewent on longer than anticipated, with his wife pursuing ever angle she could todrain Joseph of his finances. His children were all upset except for Mo, whowas gay himself. He was honest with everyone, telling then he was in arelationship with another man which increased the hostility people had for him,particularly the church community. For Joseph it was cleansing. To be rid ofthe constant turmoil and problems created by his wife and his ministry createda new man. His love for James was resolute, and the life changing events tookhim a new direction, a path where he felt comfortable and happy.
James was more in love than he had ever been. Forthe first time in his life he was faithful, not having any inclination to strayas he always did before. To him, Joseph was the complete package, manly yetcaring, intelligent, motivated, positive and a sex drive that matched his own,many times exceeding it. That was important to James, that the sexual energyalways be present, and both be willing to do whatever it took to please.
The first few weeks in Las Vegas were spent in ahotel while both Joseph and James got settled into new jobs. James was able toget a gig as a doorman for a casino, and Joseph worked with his friend as arealtor. Despite the move across country, the new jobs and lack of a socialcircle, they managed well, leaning on each other for comfort and support.
Despite the financial troubles Joseph wasexperiencing, they eventually were able to finance a home, thanks to his joband the pull his friend had. The home was 2100 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 2baths and a pool, and not far from their places of employment so vehicles werenot necessary.
Lewis, Joseph's friend, was surprised by his revealthat he was bisexual, but accepting and supportive of his new lifestyle. Theonly reserve he had was Joseph's departure from the church. While living inChicago, Lewis was a member of Joseph's congregation, and a prominent figure inthe community. But Joseph assured his friend that this was his choice, and hewas happier than ever.
"Why don't you meet my partner. Come over for dinnertonight," said Joseph as he and Lewis headed out to lunch together. The day wastypically hot, and Lewis wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. Lewis was alsoa big man, standing about 6'2", weighing about 280 pounds. Since moving toVegas, he lost some weight but vowed it was not nearly enough.
"As long as it involves some meat and potatoes, noneof that low carb, non-fat shit," he said as they walked to the nearestrestaurant about 3 blocks away from the office.
"I though you new me better!" exclaimed Joseph. Doesit look like I am on a diet?" he laughed.
"Yeah, you're right. Still got a fat ass." Thefriendly relationship between Joseph and Lewis was apparent in the way theyinteracted with each other. Neither one got mad at the other, nor held backcriticisms or compliments.
"So is that a yes?" asked Joseph as they entered thecoolness of the restaurant.
"Yeah man, of course. I am in no position to turndown a free meal, and one that I don't have to prepare or clean up after," saidLewis as they both sat at their familiar table near the window.
The regular waitress, Julie, immediately came overto them and placed water at their table. "What's up fellas?" she asked. She wasa middle-aged white woman, outgoing personality and genuinely friendly. Havingbeen recently divorced, she was beginning to explore the single life, includingdating men outside her race.
"Howdy Julie, I'll have the regular," said Lewis."And for my friend here, a nice crisp salad."
"You going to let him talk about you like that?"said Julie playfully to Joseph.
Joseph shook his head. "This asshole knows better.I'll have the usual as well."
"Italian beef with hot peppers?" she asked whilewriting on the tablet. "Coming right up my friends," she said, then walkingaway into the kitchen.
"You know she's craving the dark meat," said Lewis,sipping his water.
"Go for it man," responded Joseph.
"Not my type. You know I like me a big girl. But,uh, you did notice she was giving you the twice over."
"No I did not notice, nor am I interested," saidJoseph. The topic of his sexuality rarely came up, so he was somewhat surprisedby the moment.
Lewis leaned toward his friend. "So, I've beenmeaning to ask. You know I'm always herefor you man, but I got to ask, are you still fucking women?"
Joseph's answer was quick and decisive. "No."
"Damn you said that quick," said Lewis, leaning backin his chair. "Meant no harm."
"No harm taken," said Joseph. There was a moment ofsilence between the two before Joseph broke it. "Look man, I couldn't behappier. And I'm through with the lies, the bullshit, that faking. I'm in agood place. I love James with all my heart and am going to be totally honestwith you and everyone else about it."
"Good for you!" uttered Lewis. "And I'm lookingforward to meeting your partner this evening. He sounds like a cool cat."
"I'll let you decide that, but yeah, I think he'salright."
Just then, Julie came with two beers they ordered. "Hereyou go fellas. Enjoy, your meals are coming right up."
Joseph and Lewis clanged their bottles together. "Toyou and James," said Lewis.
"To you, and whatever hussy you're bringing," saidJoseph.
"Don't you know it!" laughed Lewis. "How about Ijust bring my lonely, single self?" Lewis had been through two divorces, mostlybecause of his inability to turn down the Las Vegas women while married.
They two ate dinner together, full of laughter andplayful banter. That evening, Lewis would meet James for the first time. Joseph was unquestionably nervous. He wanted badly for his friend to like James, torespect their relationship. But he also knew that Lewis was James' type of man.While he never doubted his partners' commitment towards him, he wondered if hispast would resurface.