Luke and Jon both became aware the two guys sitting at an adjacent table seemed to be paying attention to them, and not in a good way. They didn't recognize them, and it was apparent from the number of empty bottles in front of them that they were well on their way.

THE INN - Chapter 22

"I didn't know this was a fag bar," said one of the men in a loud voice.

Jon saw Luke tense and he placed his hand on his leg. "Ignore them, Luke. They're drunk."

"I don't care, they don't have the right to insult us. If I hear one more word..."

"Luke, let it go. It's not worth it."

"That's right, listen to your boyfriend. You wouldn't want to tangle with a couple of real men, would you?"

Luke looked at them. "I wouldn't mind, but I don't see any real men here that want to tangle with me."

Jon was getting nervous. He wasn't concerned that he and Luke couldn't handle these guys, but he didn't want a confrontation and he was still worried about Luke's injuries. He knew Luke was not one to back off.

"Look, you guys," said Jon, "we're all here to have a good time. No one's looking for trouble, and we're not bothering you. So let's just chill."

"Craig, don't start. Just leave them alone. We're new here, and I don't want to start trouble, especially when we don't know who's who."

The one named Craig thought about what his friend had said and decided it probably hadn't been a bright thing to say. He had opened his mouth without thinking and, as often happened with him, he'd inserted his foot.

"Hey, guys," said Craig, "I didn't mean anything by it. I'm sorry about that."

"Yes you did mean something," said Angie. "If we were black, would you have said 'I didn't know they let niggers in here'?"

"No, of course not," said Craig.

Angie said, "And why not? What's the difference?"

Craig and his companion looked at them uncomfortably and Craig said, "I apologize, guys. Let's start over again--I'm Craig and this is Brad. I guess I've had more beers than I should."

Joe walked up behind Cathy, bent down and kissed her. Cathy smiled and kissed him back.

"This is a nice surprise, I didn't expect you here tonight."

"There were some glitches, so the project was postponed and they let me go home. But I'm still getting paid for the whole shift, so they're paying me to drink!"

Joe sat next to Cathy with his arm around her and the waitress brought him a beer. When he saw Joe, Craig was thankful he had apologized. And now that he took a closer look at Jon and Luke, he became aware he most likely would have been the loser if it had come down to a scrape, even if it was only two-on-two.

Brad leaned over to Craig. "Looks like I saved your ass again. You owe me one."

Brad and Craig finished their beers and excused themselves. Joe looked at the group.

"Who were they? I haven't seen them before."

Angie replied, "A couple of trouble-makers. They started to razz Jon and Luke but then they thought better of it. I don't think they're anything to worry about."

"Hey, it happens. You get used to that kind of shit," said Luke. "I hear it almost every day at work. It's something you just have to ignore sometimes."

"How can you ignore things like that?" asked Cathy. "What do you say when guys ask about who you're dating or whatever?"

"It depends on who's asking. Usually I try to evade the question or make something up. I know it sucks, and I wish I didn't have to do that, but that's the way life is. It's going to be a long time before gay couples can be completely open and honest. But when I come home to Jon it makes it all worth it. A lot of straights think gays flaunt their sexuality, but what they don't realize is they do it all the time. They claim they never say, 'I'm straight,' but they do it all the time."

Angie asked, "What do you mean?"

"Every time a guy talks about his wife, or girlfriend, or the hot chick he saw or kisses the woman he's with; same with a woman. They're making a statement about their sexuality. No one gives it a second thought, but if I were to say something about my husband, or the cute guy I met, they'd think about it. At best I'd be accused of throwing it in their face."

"Now that I think about it, I think you're right," said Angie.

"I'm just grateful I don't have to walk on eggshells at work," said Jon. "I hope flying works out for Luke so he can get away from that pressure."

Luke said, "I don't feel the pressure really, probably because I'm used to it and I never talk about my private life. But one of these days someone's going to start wondering why I don't talk about women and I'm not married."

"You should work at Fermilab," said Joe. "The only thing they don't tolerate is intolerance. There's a lot of openly gay guys and lesbians there. No one cares."

They all ordered another round of drinks and continued talking. Cathy and Joe danced to a couple of songs, then returned to the table. It was getting toward midnight and the group decided to call it a night. After saying goodnight Luke and Jon walked back home. Jon sat on the couch and turned on the TV; Luke sat at the computer.

"What are you doing?" asked Jon.

"I want to check on our reservations for the boat and make sure everything is set. I just don't want there to be any surprises. We should call about our rings, too, and see how what's-his-name is coming along with them."

"I'll call Jake tomorrow, I think he's open on Sunday. I can't wait to see what they look like. I was thinking we could pick them up on our way to Dubuque for the wedding, but maybe it would be a good idea to go before that in case they need to be sized."

Luke got up and stood in front of Jon. "Whatever you think is best. Come on, let's go to bed--I haven't properly thanked you for my present."

Luke walked toward the bedroom as Jon turned off the lights in the living room and stopped in the bathroom. By the time he entered the bedroom, Luke was already lying on the bed with the covers pulled up only to his navel, his hands clasped behind his head. Jon stood at the foot of the bed and smiled at him.

"I could stand here and stare at you forever. No one has a right to be as handsome as you are."

"Get in here. Actions speak louder than words, and I want some action."

Jon slipped in beside Luke. They kissed and hugged each other, just enjoying their time together. Luke stroked Jon's head as they kissed.

"Your hair is getting long--for you, at least. Are you letting it grow?"

"I just haven't gotten around to cutting it lately. Maybe you can buzz it tomorrow. That would be kinda hot. Yours is getting longer, too."

"It's gonna get colder soon, so I'll let it grow a little and I think I'll let my beard grow, too. You'd be surprised how much it helps when you're working outside."

"Especially with your beard--it's practically a pelt!" Jon nuzzled and kissed Luke's cheek.

"Jon, were you upset or unnerved by those guys at The Inn tonight?"

"Not really, but it bothered me that something like that would happen there. It's the first time anyone was that hostile here, so I guess that was a little scary. But I wasn't worried anything would happen we couldn't handle. I just didn't want it to turn into something, especially in front of Cathy and Angie."

"You know I would never let anything happen to you, don't you?"

"Luke, I know that. And I feel safe when I'm with you. But I'm a big boy, and in case you haven't noticed, I can hold my own against damn near any guy. But that's not to say it doesn't feel good to know I have you to back me up."

Luke rolled toward Jon and Jon wrapped his legs around his waist. He maneuvered under Luke and wrapped his arms around him, clasping his hands behind his back. Jon loved the feel of Luke on top of him, the feel of his muscles under his arms, feeling like Luke was smothering him. He wanted his body to become one with Luke's as they kissed deeply, their tongues entwining and their breaths deep and longing. Jon felt Luke's cock between his legs and welcomed him. They hadn't prepared, but Jon didn't care--at this moment all he wanted was Luke. He pulled him closer with his legs and pushed upward to meet Luke's thrust. Initially it was slightly uncomfortable, but things quickly heated up and Luke started to rise to his knees.

"No, stay like this," said Jon. "I want to kiss you while you're fucking me--while you're making love to me."

Luke settled against Jon and took things slowly, wrapping his arms around Jon and pressing his lips to him. Jon relaxed completely and let himself be totally engulfed by Luke. He never felt more secure and loved than he did right now. The hall light was still on and Jon could look into Luke's eyes. He never tired of doing that.

Luke looked at Jon. "Jon, don't ever say you'll leave me again. I'll never do anything to make you say that. I just love you more than I thought it was possible."

"I won't. I was upset and worried, but I could never leave you. We'll grow old and gray together, and I'll love you even more."

Luke gave a thrust to make his point, and Jon moaned his approval. They spent the next 20 minutes pleasing each other and enjoying their love. Finally Luke kissed Jon and laid beside him, still with one arm behind him and the other on his chest. They were both too tired to shower, and they gradually lapsed into sleep. Some time later Jon awoke when he became aware of Luke struggling a little and mumbling in his sleep. Suddenly Luke was up on his elbow, staring vacantly at Jon.

"Oh, Jon, you're here. Please don't leave me again. Promise you won't?"

Jon realized he was still asleep and dreaming. "Don't worry," he whispered. "I'll always be here for you."

After a moment Luke rested his head on the pillow again and squeezed Jon. His eyes closed and his breathing steadied. Jon wondered what was going on with him. Lately Luke seemed to be having doubts about a lot of things and Jon hoped it wasn't the fact that they were getting married. He didn't think that could be it, especially since Luke proposed to him, but something seemed to be going on. Jon held Luke and drifted off to sleep again.

Sunday morning Jon awoke before Luke and eased himself out of bed. He showered and dressed, then went to the kitchen to start the coffee. There wasn't too much in the fridge, so he figured they'd go out for breakfast. When the coffee was ready he poured two mugs and took them into the bedroom. Luke stirred as Jon sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hi," said Luke.

"Morning." Jon handed him the mug. "You sleep okay last night?"

"Yeah, why? Did I keep you awake?"

"No, you just seemed a little restless, like you were having a disturbing dream."

"I don't remember anything, but usually I don't remember my dreams. It's probably just as well that I don't."

"I'm ready for a shower," said Jon. "Wanna give me a hand or two?"

Luke leaned and kissed him. "Like you need to ask. I'm up."

They stepped into the shower and embraced for several minutes, then Jon backed up a little and looked at Luke, resting his hands on his shoulders. He smiled as he watched the rivulets of water running down his face and chest.

"Even soaking wet, you look like a god."

"So do you," said Luke as he picked up the soap and began to lather Jon's body. They took their time, thoroughly bathing each other and playfully groping and grabbing as they did. When the water began to get cold they stepped out of the shower and leisurely dried one another. Jon ruffled the towel in Luke's hair until it stood out all over.

"Why haven't you been spiking your hair lately? I like it when you do that."

"I don't know, but I will if you want me to. I didn't know you liked that."

"That's the way you had it when I met you, and I always thought it was a hot look on you."

Luke kissed him. "Anything to please my husband."

"Are you hungry? I'll make something if you want but we don't have too much to eat. We need to do some shopping."

"Not so much, unless you are. If you want, we can have brunch or lunch later. I thought maybe we could go to the airport and I'll show you around a little. I'd like you to see what it's like."

"That sounds like fun--we don't have anything planned anyway. Let's do that."

They finished in the bathroom and got dressed, then Luke went to his computer to check his email and take a look at his bills and bank account. Jon sat on the couch and read the newspaper.

"Oh crap, what's this?" exclaimed Luke.

Jon looked up. "What?"

"There's a credit here and it looks like it's the deposit I made to the yacht company for our wedding. What the hell's that all about? I'd better call them--if they fuck this up..."

Luke picked up the phone and called. After a few moments he cursed and slammed the phone down.

"They're closed, I'll have to call tomorrow. What the hell is going on?"

"It's probably just some kind of mix-up. You'll get it straightened out tomorrow, don't worry about it."

"I hope so. You'd think they'd call or email if something happened. Anyway, there's nothing we can do right now, so let's run to the airport and then we can get something to eat."

Luke drove to the airport and parked near the office door. He noticed the plane he had flown was parked about 100 feet away. He pointed toward it.

"That's the plane that took my cherry!"

Jon smiled as he followed Luke into the office. Darleen looked up and said hi.

"You're not flying today, are you, Luke? I didn't see your name on the sheet."

"Not today, but I want to book some time on Wednesday. Darleen, this my partner, Jon. This is Darleen."

She shook Jon's hand. "Partner, as in..."

Luke answered, "We're getting married next month."

"Oh, congratulations."

"Son of a bitch," thought Darleen. She had hoped Luke might be available; the first time he walked into the office she had all she could do to keep herself composed. She smiled and shook hands with Jon, hoping her disappointment didn't show.

"Would it be okay if I take Jon out and show him the plane?"

"Sure, help yourself. It's not booked for another hour, so take your time. Here, take the keys in case the door's locked."

Darleen sighed as they walked out the door. Two of the cutest guys she could remember seeing were right here, and she wasn't even in the running. "It's just not fair," she mused.

Luke told Jon about the airplane as they approached. When they got to it, Luke opened the door.

"Hop aboard," he said, making a sweeping gesture toward the cockpit. Jon climbed in and settled into the left-hand seat. Luke sat beside him.

"Do you know what all these instruments are for already?"

"Pretty much. On the left side, those have to do with the engine--oil pressure & temp, fuel levels, exhaust temp, vacuum, ammeter. This is the airspeed indicator, here's the altimeter, the vertical speed indicator, the gyro compass and the artificial horizon."

Luke explained each instrument and the radio stack which was all the communication and navigation avionics.

"How'd you learn all this in a couple of hours? I know you're smart, but this is awesome."

"It's hard to get a feel for it when you're on the ground, but once you're up in the air and everything is working, it all makes sense. God, Jon, I'm so excited about doing this. I think I've found my true calling."

Jon put his arm around Luke's shoulders and kissed him. "I'm glad you're happy, and I'm behind you all the way. I'm looking forward to the two of us taking off and flying into the wild blue yonder."

They walked back to the office and Luke heard Jon's stomach growl. "I think it's time to eat."

When they got back to the office there was an attractive blonde woman, about their age, sitting at the desk. She looked up and smiled when they entered.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Did Darleen leave? I wanted to schedule some time with Charlie on Wednesday if he's available. I'm Luke Sorensen, by the way." He handed the keys to the plane to her.

"She'll be back in a few minutes. I'm Carla, I'm usually the bookkeeper but we all wear different hats around here. What time Wednesday?"

"Is five o'clock good?"

"Yessir, he's free."

"Okay, let's do that. What about Saturday? Around two?"

Carla flipped some pages. "You got it."

"Can I make those standing times for a while? At least a couple of months?"

Carla winked at him. "That's music to my ears, being the bean counter around here. I have you locked in."

"Thanks, Carla. Tell Darleen I'll see her on Wednesday."

"Bye, guys."

Darleen came back into the office just after they had left. Carla asked, "Who the hell were those guys?"

Darleen feigned ignorance. "Who?"

"Don't give me that. The two matinee idols that just walked out of here."

"Settle down, Carla, don't get your undies in a bundle. They're getting married."

"Both of them?"

"Yeah, to each other. Can you believe that shit?"

"I should have known they were too good to be true."

"I know. The first time I saw Luke I thought I'd die. Then he walked in here today with Jon and I practically came unglued."

On their way back they decided to stop at a truck stop along the interstate. Luke had heard the food was good, and it seemed like sort of an adventurous thing to do. They sat in a booth and asked for coffee while they looked over the menu. Luke ordered scrambled eggs and bacon, and Jon asked for biscuits and gravy.

"I didn't know you liked that," said Luke. "I'll make it for you."

"My mom used to make it when I was a kid, so it's like comfort food. But she stopped when my dad found out his cholesterol was off the chart. Once in a while won't kill me, but don't start at home, I don't need the temptation. You really impressed me with how much you know about flying. I'm proud of you, and I'm glad you're so into it."

"Yeah, I am. But I don't know. It costs a lot, and even if I get to be an instructor you don't make that much money. It would be a long time before I can call it a real job."

"So what? You've saved your money and it's something you've always wanted to do. So do it, and enjoy it. Even if you decide you don't want to earn a living at it, you can still do it for sport and we can both enjoy it."

"I guess so. But it is a lot of money that I should probably be saving. The way things are so slow now, who knows when I might be laid off again and for how long? For that matter, I could be out of a job before I know it. A lot of guys are."

The waitress brought their orders and they began to eat. The couple were quiet for several minutes as they enjoyed their meals.

"I've been thinking," said Jon between bites. "Winter will be here soon, and you know I don't like you working out in the weather. My job is more secure than just about anyone's, and you know I make a lot of money--more than enough for both of us. If you want to get into flying full-time, babe, nothing would make me happier."

"No! Absolutely not! I'm not going to sit around and let you support me. My God! What would you do, give me an allowance? I've been supporting myself since I was a teenager, and I intend to continue."

"I knew you'd feel that way, but don't say 'no' before you've thought it through. We'll be married soon, and there are a lot of couples where one supports the other through schooling until they're established. And it's not like you'd be dependent on me--you have your own savings. I'm just saying if you want to devote your time to flying, you can do it. Not a lot of people are in a position to be able to do that, and you should take advantage of it."

"Jon, you're getting way ahead of things. I've only had one flying lesson. I might be a total klutz when it comes to being a pilot. I never did anything like this, and there's a lot of stuff to learn. Technical stuff, theory of flight, regulations, procedures, all kinds of shit. I might not be able to hack it. It's a very generous offer, but let's see whether or not it looks like it will--uh--fly."

Jon smiled. "Okay, but please at least think about what I said. How about this...we'll wait until you solo. By that time you should have a feel for flying and know if you want to pursue it. If you do, we'll talk about this again. If not, then at least you'll have satisfied your urge to fly. Deal?"

Luke looked into Jon's eyes. "Deal. You've done it again."

"What?"

"Every time I think I couldn't love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong."

Luke drove back toward home and they decided to go to The Inn. There'd be at least one football game on, so it should be a good crowd. When they arrived, there wasn't a seat in the house. They saw Angie sitting at the bar and stood behind her. To her left were Craig and Brad, the two guys who had been obnoxious the last time.

Angie looked over her shoulder. "Oh, hi you guys. Let me make some room."

Craig looked at Jon and Luke. "Uh, I guess I owe you guys an apology. We got started on the wrong foot last time. I'm sorry if I offended you."

"Apology accepted," said Luke.

The bartender brought drinks for Jon and Luke, and Craig insisted on paying for them. Luke and Jon thanked him, but they didn't go overboard. They had been offended by his earlier remarks, and they weren't about to become best buddies right off the bat.

"Are you guys just waking up?" asked Angie.

"No," said Jon. "We went to the airport. Luke showed me the plane he flew, it was a lot of fun. Then we had breakfast and came here."

"You're a pilot?" asked Brad.

"Not yet, but I'm working on it."

"That's cool. I'm taking an aviation course at the college. I haven't been up yet, but I'm saving for it. I'm thinking of getting into air traffic control."

"That's a real pressure-cooker job."

"I know, but I work well under stress. It just seems like something I'd be good at. Hey, there's a table on the patio. You guys wanna sit out there?"

They all got up and started to head to the patio. Joe walked in and got a beer before he joined them.

Jon asked, "Where's Cathy?"

"She's visiting her mom. She said if she gets back early she'll stop by."

They settled into the chairs around a table. "Okay," said Craig. "Would it be rude of me to ask what everyone's relationship is here?"

"I don't think so," replied Angie. "First and foremost, we're all friends. We watch out for each other. Luke and Jon are engaged--to each other. Joe and Cathy are dating. My husband passed away four years ago, so I don't know what my status is exactly. And Paul--I don't think you've met him--no one really know what he's up to, we can't keep track of his girlfriends. So what about you guys?"

"Craig and I are roommates. My dad owns the condo, and we're renting from him while we're in school. We just moved here a few weeks ago."

"In case you haven't noticed," said Jon, "this is a very laid-back, live-and-let-live kind of community."

"I guess I deserve this," said Craig. "I made a stupid remark and once again I'm sorry. But after talking a little with you two, you're, like, regular guys."

"We are regular guys," said Luke. "We laugh and scratch and watch sports and drink beer."

"Okay," said Craig, "maybe I should just shut up before I say something else stupid. I'm really not a bad guy, it's just sometimes I don't think before I open my big mouth."

"Forget it," said Luke. "At least you had the balls to apologize and talk to us."

The group continued talking and Craig and Brad found themselves becoming more comfortable with them. Jon and Luke weren't anything like what Craig thought of as queers. They seemed like ordinary guys. If they hadn't been dancing the other night, he would have never guessed. The group had another round of drinks and then started to break up. Jon and Luke headed home and Joe and Cathy followed. Joe invited Cathy to his place for a nightcap and she accepted. Cathy parked her car and walked the short distance to Joe's building, where he met her at the entrance. They held hands as they went up the stairs to Joe's place. When they got there Joe put on some soft music, poured some wine and they sat on the couch.

Joe asked, "What do you think about Jon and Luke?"

"What do you mean? I love both of them, and I'm happy for them. I think they make a good couple."

"I know, I think so too. But it must be hard to have to always be on your guard, watch what you do and say all the time. Can you imagine having to keep your feelings all bottled up whenever you're with people? I don't know how they deal with it."

"I think the fact that they're so much in love makes up for some of it. I remember the first time Jon told me about Luke. I could tell he was seriously smitten with him, and I don't know how he survived all that time before they finally got together. But I'm glad they did, and I don't think anything could come between them. They're totally devoted to one another."

"Yeah, they sure are. I hope I have a relationship as strong as that someday."

"You will, Joe. It just takes time."

Jon went to the refrigerator and got two beers as Luke turned on the TV to a football game. They weren't paying much attention to it, and just relaxed in the living room.

"I left a message for Donny telling him I'd be about an hour late tomorrow. I want to get this business with the yacht company straightened out. You don't suppose they realized it's a gay wedding and they're backing out, do you?"

"I doubt it," said Jon. "Like I said, it's probably just some kind of mix-up. You'll get it straightened out, don't keep worrying--that's my job, remember?"

Jon pushed Luke onto his back on the couch, then stretched out and rested his head on Luke's stomach. Luke put his hands on Jon's head and idly massaged his temples as he thought about their upcoming wedding.

"Hey," said Luke. "We still haven't asked Paul and Joe to be our best men. We have to do that real soon, we can't do it at the last minute."

"You're right. Somehow I feel like we already settled that, maybe because we've talked about it. Let's ask them tomorrow after work. They're usually both at The Inn on Monday for the pizza. And what about invitations? Should we send out formal ones, or just ask everyone?"

"Mailing invitations might be a problem. Half the people we'd invite we don't know their actual address and we're running out of time. What do you think about an email invitation? We know everyone's email."

"Maybe," said Jon. "It sounds a little cheesy, like we're inviting them to a ballgame or something. But what the hell, I'm sure we wouldn't be the first to do it. I'll ask Paul to come up with something, he's a graphic artist and I'm sure he'd do a nice job."

Luke continued massaging Jon's head. "I guess that's pretty much how we'll have to do it. The time sure did fly by this summer. In the back of my mind I kept thinking it was going to be months before we're married, but it's coming up fast."

When the game was over they decided to turn in. After hitting the bathroom they settled into bed and held each other.

"You horny?" asked Jon.

"If you want me to be, I am."

"I just love being next to you and holding you. That's as good as sex sometimes."

When Jon awoke the next morning Luke was still sleeping next to him. That was a rare treat, since Luke usually had to get up and leave for work before he did. Jon decided he'd make breakfast for both of them. When Jon got out of the bathroom Luke was just getting out of bed. He kissed Jon and headed for the shower while Jon dressed. Jon made scrambled eggs, bacon and toast and by the time it was ready Luke came into the kitchen.

"What time are you calling the yacht people?"

"They open at eight, so I'll call a little after that."

"I have to leave for work by then, but if it's anything serious give me a call."

"I will. Let's hook up at The Inn after work and we'll talk to Joe and Paul. I wonder what their reactions will be."

"They'll be thrilled. Joe will be overwhelmed, and Paul will think it's a hoot. You know how those two are."

Luke laughed. "Yeah, for a couple of straight guys, especially ones as different as they are, they sure get along. Almost like they were brothers."

Jon smiled and kissed Luke. "I know. Hey, I gotta go. See you at The Inn after work."

Luke sipped his coffee and topped off the mug, then checked this email and the Chicago Tribune online. After scanning the headlines and a couple of stories he called the charter company. A young-sounding woman answered.

"My name is Luke Sorensen, and I want to verify my reservation for a wedding ceremony and reception. It looks like my deposit was refunded and I don't understand why."

"Let me check..."

Luke waited. Finally she came back on the line. "Mr. Sorensen, I'm going to transfer you to my manager, Mr. Horst. He'll be able to help you."

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