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 Nineteen
I was a little down for a few days after breaking up with Patrick. It's not like I thought we should have kept seeing each other. I agreed that the relationship didn't seem to have a future and we each just weren't what the other was looking for. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that somehow I'd failed. It didn't help that I had so few friends to talk to. I knew I could talk to Norman, but he didn't have any experience with failed relationships. He'd only had one relationship and it had lasted decades.
Sunday afternoon I decided to call Manny. He was the only one I could think of who was close to my age and who might possibly be able to relate.
"Hey bro, good to hear from you. It's been a while."
"Yeah, when I first got my phone and money was short I got into the habit of being stingy with my phone minutes and now even though I don't have to I make as few calls as possible. But I didn't mean to lose touch with you, Manny. You're my friend and I hope we continue to be friends, even though you're far away."
"I hope so, too. I miss you a lot, little bro. How's everything going? Any word from the college creep?"
The last time I'd talked to Manny had been just after New Year's and I'd told him about Marcus' decision to try to be straight.
"No, I don't expect to hear from him, not until summer, anyway."
"Well, good riddance. You need someone who's got his head on straight, not somebody like that."
"I know, he's just trying to be something he's not. He'll learn."
"So, anybody new on the horizon?"
I told him about Patrick and our brief affair.
"Sounds hot to me. I wouldn't mind having a tight ass to plow on a regular basis. I may be versatile but I'm more of a top most of the time."
"Yeah, I know. You're good at it, too. I just wish I could find somebody closer to my age who is more like me. I know so few people, though. Where am I supposed to meet someone?"
"You could try Buddies, but bars are better for finding tricks than relationships. It could be a start, though."
"I'm not really into tricking as you know. But you're right, I have to get out and meet people."
"Maybe I can find someone for you when I get back."
"Back? You're coming home? What happened?"
"I lost my job. Gene's fucking brother found out I was gay and fired me. He's a real asshole."
"He can't fire you for being gay. That's against the law."
"It is in New Jersey but not in Texas. They can do anything they want to you down here. Not only are there no laws to protect gay folks down here, they have laws against us."
"So you're coming back?" I tried not to sound too excited. I knew how he'd been looking forward to a better life in Texas and he must be feeling crappy to have it fall apart.
"Yeah, in the spring. Right now I'm working part-time as a bartender to make ends meet. I figure I might as well stay here where it's warm until winter ends up there."
"Are you going to get a room in the house here?"
"Probably. I'll get in touch with Lucille when I'm ready to come north and see what she's got available."
"You can have your weights back when you get here."
"No, they're yours. I gave them to you. But maybe we can work out together again, if that's okay with you."
"That'd be great. I really miss doing things with you. I'm sorry things haven't worked out for you but I'm looking forward to getting my best friend back."
"I'm looking forward to seeing you again too, little buddy. I'll probably be heading up that way in May."
"Can't be too soon for me."
I felt so much better by the time I got off the phone. I felt bad for Manny but I knew that coming back here wasn't a terrible thing for him. And it was a good thing for me. Not only was I getting a friend back but he knew lots of guys so maybe I could meet someone through him. I might at least make a few new friends.
Sunday night I had a call from Derek. He'd called once in late February to ask me to dinner but I told him that I was seeing someone and he understood.
"Hey Coy, how are things going?"
"Not bad. I broke up with that guy I was going with, but I'm doing okay."
"I'm sorry to hear that, although it may work out good for me. I was calling to see if maybe you were free to accompany me to a dinner next Sunday. I knew you were seeing someone but this is just a dinner date, nothing more, unless you want more, that is."
"Sure, that could be fun. What's it about?"
"It's a fundraiser for the Stonewall Democrats."
"What's that?"
"An organization of gay Democrats. I've acted as a volunteer consultant for the organization since I moved into the area. The Republican equivalent is the Log Cabin Republicans."
"I'm not into politics but it's a night out with someone I like, so why not?"
"Great! I had a date lined up for the dinner but it fell through. I hate showing up at these things alone and I didn't want to take an Internet escort to something like this."
"I don't know that I'll be much better. I keep up with the news but I don't know anything about local politics."
"You don't have to. Just be your charming self and everyone will love you. Do you have a suit to wear?"
"No, but I have the dress pants, shirt and tie that I wear to work. Is that going to be a problem? Maybe I could get a sports coat that would match."
"Are you doing anything tomorrow afternoon? I could take you out shopping. I'm sure we could find something that would be appropriate."
We made arrangements for him to pick me up at noon to go to the mall for lunch and shopping. When I got off the phone I checked my savings. I'd used most of the money Patrick had given me on our first date for commuting to Philly for our other dates. I'd also spent quite a bit on those dates. But I still had over four hundred dollars from my January dates with Derek and what little I'd saved from work. That would be far more than I'd need for a nice jacket.
I was waiting downstairs when Derek pulled up in the Lexus. I ran out and hopped in, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"That was pretty platonic, Coy. Does that mean this is just going to be a dinner date Sunday?"
"No, it means we're on a city street in broad daylight so I thought it would be inappropriate to greet you with a blow job. We'll have to see how Sunday goes. Maybe if you're nice to me I'll blow you then."
"Promises, promises. I guess I'll have to be extra nice."
We went to the Olive Garden on Route 1 for lunch and then to the Quaker Bridge Mall. I was hoping to go to some kind of discount store but Derek led me to Macy's. When we got to the men's department I looked around for Clearance signs or something that was on sale.
"I was thinking that you'd look great in a nice suit, Coy."
"Yeah, but suits cost a lot of money and I'd probably never have another reason to wear it, so it would be a waste."
"Don't worry about the price. I realize that the only reason you're getting something like this is for Sunday, so I'm paying."
"No way! That's too much."
"I told you not to worry about it. You know money doesn't mean that much to me. Besides, my date has to dress as well as I do. You're younger and better looking, but you have to dress the part, too."
"I don't know about better looking. You're a very handsome man, Derek."
"Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear boy."
He called over a salesman, a young guy named Jeffrey according to his name badge, and explained that we were looking for something classic, yet youthful. Jeff measured me all over. I was wearing boxers so my dick was hanging down the left leg of my jeans. Jeff made sure he got a good feel as he measured my inseam. He brushed his hand against it a few times and by the time he was done I was half hard and the bulge down the inside of my thigh was obvious. Derek grinned at me.
"Can't take that weapon of yours anywhere, can we?" he whispered, just loud enough for the salesman to hear. I blushed as Jeff grinned.
I had no experience with suits and no taste for them, so Derek and Jeff went through the racks, discussing the suits and picking one out and setting it aside now and then. After nearly half an hour they had five for me to try on. They both escorted me into the dressing room but let me go into a booth alone. I took off my pants and tried on the first suit. I thought it looked weird with the shirt I was wearing, but I went out to get their opinion. They had me turn this way and that and they poked and prodded me, feeling the fit of the pants in the waist, the seat and even the crotch. I knew they were touching me a lot more than they had to but it was kind of fun. We went through the same thing with the other four suits.
Derek finally decided on a dark blue, almost black suit. In the dressing booth I checked the price tag. It was over four hundred dollars. I pulled him aside.
"Are you sure, Derek? This is really expensive. I don't need something like this."
"It's fine, babe. You look great in it. That's all that matters."
We waited for a few minutes while Jeff called a tailor to go over the suit for minor alterations. Derek picked out a dress shirt and tie to go with the suit. The suit would be ready Friday so Derek said we'd come back for it then.
"I'm going to make an appointment with my hair stylist for you on Friday as well."
"Is there something wrong with my hair?"
"No, for a barber shop cut it looks good on you, but this is a semi-formal event. A professional styling wouldn't hurt."
I half-expected Derek to take me back to his house for sex, considering he'd just spent more than twice what he usually did on a date with me, but he took he back to my rooming house and dropped me off after arranging to pick me on at noon on Friday. I couldn't quite figure out this relationship. I had thought it was probably the simplest one I had, based pretty much on money. He'd give me two hundred bucks and we'd go out and then had sex. Very simple and straightforward. When I'd offered to stop charging, he had resisted, saying that the fee was what kept it a business relationship and easy to understand. But for a business relationship it was getting strange.
Things got more complicated that night at Norman's house. When I first got there I told him about breaking up with Patrick. By that point I was feeling better about it so I didn't make a big deal of it. Norman was sympathetic but I think he had been expecting it. I'd been pretty honest with him about my reservations about Patrick. Then, during dinner I asked if he knew anything about the Stonewall Democrats. He said that not only had he heard of the organization, he knew several members and was going to be attending their annual dinner on Sunday. I didn't know what to do. If he went he was going to meet Derek and would see how old he was. That would lead to all kinds of questions I wasn't sure I wanted to answer. For a second I thought of backing out on my date, but then I thought of all the money Derek had spent on me at the mall and knew I had to go through with it. There was nothing I could do but act as naturally as possible.
"Really? Derek and I are going to the dinner also. He called and invited me yesterday."
"Well, you certainly didn't waste any time getting out again. But I think it's good, Jerry. I know your relationship with Derek was pretty casual and may not be going anywhere either, but it will do you good to get out and meet people. You spend too much time working, studying and being alone. At your age you should be having lots of fun."
"I have fun but I know what you mean. I'm a bit of a loner at times. I'm looking forward to Sunday as a chance to meet local gay people. Derek only asked me because he got stood up and needed a last minute date. It's nothing serious with him."
"It's going to be a pretty fancy affair, Jerry. Do you have the right clothes to wear?"
"Um, yeah, Derek took me out to the mall today and I did some shopping. I should be fine."
"Well, if you need any help let me know. I know your wardrobe was pretty limited and your finances have been tight."
"Actually, I've been doing lots better since the holidays, but thanks for the offer. I probably don't tell you often enough, but I really appreciate everything you do for me."
On Friday, Derek picked me up at noon again and took me for my hair appointment. The guy wanted to cut my hair short but I insisted I liked it a little long, so he gave in and cut it a lot like the way I usually had it but he did a much better job. Then he used mousse or something on it and styled it with the blow dryer. I had to admit it looked fantastic. Derek raved about it over lunch.
"Unfortunately, it's not going to look anywhere near this good Sunday, Derek. I never use anything on my hair and I don't have a blow dryer, so it will probably look like my old hair by then."
"I'll tell you what. The cocktail hour starts at five on Sunday. I'll pick you up at three and bring you back to my place and you can get ready there. You can have the use of a private bathroom and my hair dryer. In fact, I watched the way he did your hair just now and I could probably do it for you if you like."
"Yeah, and you wouldn't have any ulterior motive in getting me back to your house and naked, would you?"
"Well, maybe. If you're nervous about the party I might be able to find a way to relax you."
"In that case, you'd better pick me up at two."
He did pick me up at two and when we got to his house he made love to me. That's an odd way of looking at it, considering that all of our sex had been for money, but that's always what it felt like with him. He was a total top when it came to fucking, although he was very reciprocal in everything else. He was definitely in charge in bed, as he was out of bed, but he wasn't selfish or demanding. He was gentle and considerate, but very passionate. It was always a hot sexual experience with him although it was so much more than that.
Afterward, we showered together, he fixed my hair and we got dressed for the dinner. He looked awesome in his suit, so hot and so handsome. I felt like I was going to look like a little kid next to him, but once we were dressed he stood me in front of a full-length mirror and I was stunned. I didn't know if it was the hair or the suit, but I finally looked like an adult. A young adult to be sure, but grown up, nevertheless. And good-looking, too. I'd never been crazy about my looks, thinking I was cute at best, but the overall package impressed me. When Derek stood next to me, I grinned.
"We're gonna have all them queens drooling all night, Derek."
"Yeah, and not all of the drooling will be from the mouth. We make a hot-looking duo, if I do say so myself."
In the car on the way to the Marriott in Trenton I asked Derek the question that had been bothering me all week.
"Why are you doing all of this for me? I know you needed a date for tonight, but a guy like you shouldn't have any trouble finding a date. Why are you spending so much attention and money on me?"
"Very simply, because I like you. I like you a lot, Coy. I've been with a number of young guys in the past couple of years. Whether they were hustlers or just young guys who were into older, well-off, powerful men, they all came across as a bit cold and calculating, some needy and some greedy. As you can see, I don't mind spending money on someone when I want to. I just don't like it that so many guys I've met expect me to. You've never expected or demanded anything from me. You are a genuinely sweet person and spending time with you is a pleasure."
"I thought you said the reason you paid me was so we could keep this relationship on a business level."
"That's right. You are way too young for a guy my age and I'm far too old for you. Any other kind of relationship would be a disaster, but that doesn't mean I couldn't fall for you if I let myself. So as long as I'm paying you, it's business."
"I guess I can understand that. The guy I was just dating was only eight years older than me, but the difference got in the way. I think at your age eight or even ten years doesn't make that much difference, but to me it's huge."
"Maybe it's because as one gets older each year is a smaller percentage of one's life, so one year doesn't mean as much. Anyway, I'll continue to enjoy your company and pay you for your time, if that's all right with you."
"Yeah, it's fine, as long as I'm not seeing someone seriously. I'm still not totally comfortable taking money from you, but I understand it and I know you can afford it, so it's okay I guess. Oh, and speaking of money, my friend Norman is going to be at the dinner tonight so I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention our business arrangement to anyone."
"Don't worry about that. I think when people see a hot young man like you with an middle-aged guy like me, they may assume things, but I'm not about to broadcast my personal business."
I was still a little nervous about my two older friends meeting. We got to the hotel about ten after five and quite a few people were there already. Derek went to the bar and came back with two glasses of wine, white for him and pinkish for me. White merlot, he called it. I took a sip. It wasn't bad, though I still had no appreciation for wine. My first surprise of the evening was running into Kate and Dora.
"Jerry! You didn't say you were going to be here. Man, you look great!"
"Thanks, so do you two." Kate always looked elegant in her position of hostess at Minho, but Dora was usually a mess in the kitchen. She cleaned up really well, though, and looked as good as Kate. I introduced them to Derek.
"You've been to the restaurant, haven't you?" Kate was very good at remembering customers.
"Yes, a few times. I love Portuguese food in general and your food in particular."
Just then a couple of guys who obviously knew Derek walked up and broke into our little group. Derek turned to greet them and Kate pulled me aside.
"What's this all about? Didn't you just break up with that guy in Philly a few days ago? And isn't this one a little old for you?"
"Long story. I'll explain later."
The ladies noticed a friend across the room and excused themselves just as Derek's friends moved on.
"Sorry, Coy, that will probably happen all night. A party like this is as much business as pleasure for me. I have a lot of connections. I'll try to be more polite and introduce you next time."
"That's okay. I know politics is what you do for a living."
"So ... Jerry?" He raised an eyebrow in question.
"Just one of my aliases. I have multiple personalities, you know."
"Are they all as sweet as Coy?"
"Even sweeter," I smiled.
For the next twenty minutes I was introduced to a series of Derek's political acquaintances. Some paid no attention to me as they spoke urgently to Derek of issues and events I knew nothing about. Some couldn't take their eyes off me as they spoke to him. Derek had just gotten us refills of our wine when I finally saw Norman coming across the room. I introduced him to Derek. Norman looked a bit alarmed when he looked at Derek, but no more than when he saw the wineglass in my hand. Derek went out of his way to be polite, knowing that Norman was my good friend.
"It's so nice to meet you, Norman. Coy has told me all about you. He clearly adores you."
"Coy?" He looked at me and shook his head. "Jerry has told me quite a bit about you as well, but not everything, apparently."
Someone grabbed Derek's arm to say hello and Norman turned to me. "What's going on here, Jerry? You didn't tell me he was twice your age," he whispered.
"We'll talk later, Norman, please," I responded, hoping he wouldn't make a big deal of it.
Just then I lucked out when I saw Mr. Cutter and his friend Janet coming toward us. Unlike when I'd seen him at The Raven, this time I flagged him down. I introduced everyone all around, realizing as I started that I didn't know Mr. Cutter's first name. It turned out to be Jack. Fortunately, the opportunity for Norman to interrogate Jack about cramming all of American history into 16 weeks took precedence over his concern about Derek's age, and Derek and I were able to slip away as they began discussing teaching philosophies.
The cocktail hour was nearly over when Derek put his hand on my elbow.
"The guest of honor is here. Come along and I'll introduce you."
We squeezed through the crowd until we came face to face with Rev. Williams, Marcus' father.
"Coy, this is State Assemblyman Malcolm Williams, one of our most loyal supporters in the state legislature. He's being given an award tonight. Malcolm, this is my friend, Coy Walton." I hadn't ever told Derek my last name but I had to give it at Macy's when we'd bought the suit on Monday.
"Coy? I thought your name was Jerry."
"It's both, actually. Nicknames, you know."
"You two know each other?" Derek seemed surprised.
"Yes, Derek. I met Jerry last Thanksgiving when he volunteered at our shelter, and then again at Christmas. He's a regular volunteer now from what I've heard."
Derek smiled at me. "There's more to you than meets the eye, but then I guess I knew that." He turned to the minister. "Is your charming wife with you tonight?"
"No, one of our daughters was running a fever so she stayed home with her. I brought my son with me instead." He turned and pointed across the room.
There was Marcus talking to a middle-aged woman. He looked our way at just that moment and his mouth fell open when he saw me. He made no move toward us but kept talking to the woman while staring at me. I felt a knot in my stomach. While I had pushed Marcus into the back of my mind since Christmas, I hadn't succeeded in forgetting about him completely. Now that he was twenty feet away, all of the old feelings came rushing back.
An announcement was made that dinner would be served as soon as everyone had taken their seats in the next room, so we all started moving in that direction. I kept my eye on Marcus. Since Derek and Rev. Williams were both VIPs, we'd been assigned to the same table near the front of the room. At least Norman wasn't sitting with us. I looked around and saw him at a table with Kate, Dora, Jack and Janet.
As we sat, Rev. Williams made the introductions.
"Marcus, this is Derek Sloan and his friend Jerry Walton. You've heard me speak of Derek and his work. And you might remember Jerry from the shelter last Thanksgiving."
Derek and Rev. Williams sat next to each other and began discussing the upcoming political season. Marcus and I took seats next to each other and sat in silence, unsure what we could say to one another in that setting. Derek turned to me almost at once.
"I'm sorry, Coy, This must be so boring for you."
"I told you before it's okay. Don't worry about it. I'll try to listen and learn." He gave my hand a squeeze and returned to his conversation.
When I looked at Marcus he was staring at my hand. "Coy? Jerry? Miah?" He whispered so low I could barely hear him but I could sense the tension in his voice. "What the fuck is going on? What are you doing here with him?"
"It's a long story," I whispered back. I cleared my throat and spoke up. "So, Marcus, I hear you're in college. Do you go to a local school?"
"Um, no. I go to school in Connecticut, but I'm home for spring break."
"You could have called," I whispered again. "What year are you?" I said out loud.
"I'm a sophomore. How about you? Are you in school?"
"I'm taking a couple of courses at county college."
And so it went until dinner was served and we were able to eat in silence. As soon as we'd finished dessert and the speeches were about to start I excused myself to go to the men's room. I hadn't been standing at the urinal ten seconds when Marcus walked in. He looked around, including under the doors of the stalls to make sure we were alone.
"What are you doing here with that Sloan guy? Do you have any idea the kind of reputation he has? Not to mention he's old enough to be your father." He stood at the urinal next to me and took out his dick. I looked down without thinking and immediately began to get hard.
"I don't think it's any of your business what I'm doing here with Derek. You don't know him, I do." I was struggling to keep calm and not piss all over myself. "Your father is here tonight getting an award from a gay political organization. How can you think he wouldn't accept that you're gay?"
"You don't understand. Before I come out, I just have to try this. I told you that."
"So how's the experiment with the girlfriend going?"
"I don't know. I'm still trying."
"What do you want me to say, Marcus? That I'm sorry? That I'm happy?" I zipped up, flushed and stepped away from the urinal.
"Look, Miah, I know I'm not being fair to you. We've been over all that. But you must know how much I care for you. That day I first saw you on the train I thought you were the most beautiful guy I'd ever set eyes on. And every time I saw you after that I thought you were even more beautiful. But today, damn, you just blew me away." He shook off the last few drops, put his dick away and flushed.
He stepped toward me, drew me into his arms and kissed me, and again it was just like that first kiss at the train station. Damn, how could just the touch of his lips do that to me every time? There was a sound at the door and he pushed me quickly into a stall, closing the door behind us just as someone came into the restroom. He pushed me back against the inside of the door and kissed me again. A minute later I heard a urinal flush and then water running in the sink. As whoever was out there dried his hands, he spoke.
"This isn't the time or place for that, girls. Save it for later." The door opened and closed, leaving us alone again.
"So what are we going to do?" I looked into his beautiful dark eyes.
"I know you don't understand what I'm doing and maybe I don't either, Miah. It's just that I love my parents so much and before I come out to them, before I take a chance on hurting them or, God forbid, losing them, I have to be sure. It's not something I can take back once I've said it."
"What I can't understand is how you're not sure. I mean, this says a lot to me." I reached down and grabbed his hard dick through his pants. "I know what you do to me and I see what I do to you, so how can you doubt that?"
"I don't doubt my feelings for you at all, Miah. Physical and emotional feelings. That's what makes this all so hard and so urgent. I have to be sure I can't feel that way about a girl, and I have to know soon. I know I'm fucking with your mind and your heart and that kills me, but if you can just hang on a little while longer, I promise I'll make a decision by the end of the semester. As soon as I know, you'll know. Can you wait for me?"
The door opened again and two guys came in. We stood in silence and I thought while they took care of their business. I understood and I didn't. I understood that he was confused and having a hard time making up his mind. I understood that he was afraid his parents would react badly. But I didn't understand why. He'd always acted so cocky and sure of himself when we'd been together, but in this case he was almost a basket case. I realized there was nothing I could do to help him, to push him one way or the other. This was something he was going to have to come to terms with himself. The door opened and closed again.
"No, Marcus, I can't wait. I'm not saying it's over between us forever. Chances are lightning isn't going to strike twice and I won't run into someone in the next two months who will make me feel the way you do, but I'm not putting my life on hold for you. I'm going to do what I want to do, and if that includes going out with Derek, I will. If I happen to still be single when you make up your mind, we'll talk then."
"I guess I don't deserve any more than that, Miah. I'm sorry I'm putting you through this."
"I don't want to put any pressure on you one way or the other, but keep in mind that the longer this goes on the less favorably I feel about you." I kissed him lightly on the lips and left the stall. I quickly washed my hands and went back to the main room, slipping into my seat next to Derek just as they were introducing Rev. Williams.
Derek leaned over and whispered, "Where have you been? Blowing the preacher's kid in the bathroom?"
My throat tightened but I saw from the smile on his face he was kidding. Marcus came back and sat down a few seconds later. We didn't speak again. I tried to concentrate on the speeches. I wasn't much into politics but it was an excuse to ignore Marcus. They talked about the state's law against discrimination, which Manny could have used in Texas, and how they were trying to add transgendered protection to it. The other big issue they talked about was marriage. That I could get into. I knew if I ever really fell in love I would want to get married.
After the speeches wound down a DJ came on to play music for dancing. Marcus and his father left shortly after that and I could relax again. Not completely, though, because I still had to avoid Norman. I didn't want to get into any kind of heavy discussion with him. I'd had enough of that with Marcus. I kept an eye out and soon realized that I didn't have to worry about Norman. Every time I saw him he was deep in conversation with Mr. Cutter and Janet. Derek got us each another glass of wine and we circulated. I was feeling a little tipsy so I held onto his arm most of the time. At one point the DJ played a slow song and Derek led me out onto the dance floor, took me in his arms and we swayed to the music. I'd never slow-danced with a guy before and it felt good. A little weird, but good. Of course by the time the song ended I had a major woodie that was obvious to anyone who looked at my crotch, but there was nothing I could do about that. Fortunately, only the men were looking at my crotch.
It was still early when we left. The whole event had been scheduled early because a lot of people had traveled far to get there and most everyone had work the next morning. As we buckled ourselves into the Lexus Derek turned to me.
"Where would you like to go now, Coy? I'd love to have you come back to my place and spend the night, but I'll take you home if you want. It's up to you."
I didn't even have to think about it. "Your place, I think. Your bed is so much more comfortable than mine."
To be continued.