Gay Devotion
Chapter Two
Whenever there was a vacant seat in the dining room beside Mark, Aaron would join him. He seemed to seek every opportunity to be with him although he never visited Mark's room. Whenever he was at the Gay Student's Club events, Aaron seemed to cling to Mark, much to his annoyance. He tried to avoid him. Ralph had told him that Aaron was infatuated with him and that he was constantly seeking information about him. He said he was sorry for him, for Gordon only thought of him as a means of satisfying his frequent need for sex.
"He really is a nice guy, so why don't you try to be more friendly. Your coolness is hurting."
Mark was taken aback, he had not thought his discouragement had made such an impact. It was not in his nature to be unfriendly. He kept thinking about what Ralph had said.
At breakfast next morning, when Aaron joined him, he greeted him with "Sleep well?"
"I always do. Jogging makes me sufficiently tired, and keeps me fit," he added emphasising the additional benefit.
"I suppose I ought to seriously consider some fitness programme," said Mark. "Studying is so sedentary and relentless. I have got to do something more physical."
"Why don't you jog with me? Before bed each night I jog for a couple of kilometres. There are many steep roads and flights of steps in this district which are quite challenging and really make you fit.."
"I'm no athlete and not likely to be able to keep up with you."
"Oh we can take it easy on the less demanding routes until you can." Mark did not reply. "I leave at 9 each night so will call then to see whether you are interested."
"But I have no suitable clothes," said Mark.
"No sweat, you can borrow some of mine." He rose from the table. "See you," he added confident that Mark would accept his invitation.
From time to time Mark thought about Aaron's invitation and by the end of the day he had decided that he would accept it. Aaron arrived before 9 clad in black running shorts and a white singlet on which had been sewn reflecting tape. Mark's appreciative smile at his stunning appearance was noticed by Aaron as he placed shorts, singlet and running shoes on the table.
"Well are you coming?" he asked.
"You have persuaded me," Mark replied as he began to remove his clothes.
Aaron feasted his eyes on Mark's hairy torso as he pulled on the singlet and shorts. His appreciative whistle followed the appearance of his bulging briefs. The singlet and shorts were a good fit but the shoes were too small. "Maybe Ralph's will fit I hope he wont mind if I borrow them," said Mark. He decided to he would buy his own next day.
"You look great," said Aaron as he turned to the door.
"So do you," Mark replied as he admired the clean smooth firm body so well proportioned. It was truly beautiful. Mark was unable to look away until Aaron said
"Do you like what you see?"
"Do I!" Mark's low voice conveying some of the emotion he felt.
Aaron began to jog on the spot "Come on let torture begin." He laughed as he opened the door.
Aaron had said it was an easy route they were taking but Mark definitely could not agree as he panted and groaned as they kept a steady pace for the two kilometres of steep gradients and several flights of steps between roads that wound around the suburbs of Kelburn and Karori. They were both sweating profusely when, after an hour, they returned to the House. Mark ached all over, his legs felt that they would drop off and his heart was racing. If it had not been for Aaron's constant encouragement, he was sure that he would have given up and been home sooner.
"Now to recover", said Aaron as they entered Mark's room. "Take a towel, we will soak away the pain in the spa."
Mark followed Aaron to the basement, into a room with several showers along one wall, several washing machines and driers along the opposite wall and a steaming spa at the end. They stripped and stepped under adjoining showers. Again Mark could not keep his eyes off Aaron. He was beautiful. Large balls hung low in a scrotum lightly covered with golden fur. The same golden fur encircled an 8 inch cock that was slowly thickening. It was lightly veined and capped by a foreskin. His body was without hair except for his armpits. Mark's admiration of this magnificent man was embarrassing for he seemed to be hypnotised. Aaron noticed and began to gyrate lasciviously, as if teasing Mark, as his cock became fully erect. He stepped into the spa. Mark snapped out of his trance and followed him. He again became aware of his aching joints and welcomed, with an appreciative sigh, the relief provided by the warm water.
"This will help to reduce the pain in those muscles and to prevent tomorrows stiffness in your joints," said Aaron.
Mark leant back, submerged more and stretched out his legs. His foot touched Aaron's leg. It was Marks first physical contact with that magnificent body and he had no desire to end it so left it there. Aaron thought it was an invitation he had to accept, he lifted the leg and rested it on his thigh. He began to massage the calf, his fingers pressing deep into the muscle. For several minutes he worked on the lower leg and foot before moving up to his thigh. With long strong strokes, he massaged the length of the leg, spending increasing time on the inside thigh, frequently touching his scrotum. The pain was rapidly fading, and once it was minimal, Mark replaced that leg with the other. Aaron repeated the treatment while Mark lay back with eyes shut, occasionally feeling sharp pain from the aggressive pressure of Aaron's fingers. Then he felt the gentle stroking of his thigh, causing delicious sensations to course through him. He wanted more, but did not dare say so, for the sensuous feelings were stimulating his sexual desires.
"That has made such a difference", said Mark as he lifted his leg off Aaron. "Are you a masseur for you seem to have the skills?"
"I did get some training once. It is often needed and does give me opportunities to enjoy physical contact with other men," he replied with a grin. "Have you had enough, I am ready for bed."
Mark nodded, climbed out and dried himself. With towels wrapped about them and carrying their clothes, they returned to Mark's room. Ralph was still out.
"I'll wash these and return them to you tomorrow," said Mark as he folded the singlet and shorts. He yawned.
"You will sleep well tonight," said Aaron. "Come on get into bed. I bet Ralph is in Gordon's bed." He hesitated then asked, "do you think I could use his?"
Mark was unsure. "Well we can't ask him so perhaps you should share mine." He moved to the side of his bed to make room. Aaron quickly climbed in beside him. Mark was very tired and was soon asleep. Aaron snuggled against him, his arm across his chest, his face pressed into the hair on his biceps. He too knew nothing more until morning.
Mark drifted in and out of consciousness for several minutes before he became aware of the warm soft flesh pressing against him. He stroked it and it's smoothness encouraged him to explore further. Then he felt the weight of the arm on his chest. He looked down, then sideways and recognised Aaron. Startled he remembered the previous evening, then looked over at Ralph's bed to see that it had not been slept in. Aaron lay still, Mark did not move. Mark's initial concern soon disappeared as he enjoyed the warmth and aroma of Aaron. He very gently and slowly caressed his chest and stomach and felt an intense pleasure which he had never experienced with Ralph. He continued the gentle stroking admiring the beautiful unblemished skin which seemed to glow. He leant over and kissed his breasts. A hand pressed his head onto the chest. Mark did not resist but turned his head so that his cheek lay below a nipple. Aaron eased his head until his lips were on the nipple. Without hesitation, his tongue stroked it. For some time they stayed like this. Mark lay back and sighed contented.
"God you are beautiful, too beautiful for a man. It would be so easy to be infatuated by you"
It was a bitter and cynical response from Aaron. "Others have said the same but physical beauty is not enough for real friendships. I hope we might find more valuable attractions in each other. Appearances really can be deceiving."
Mark's emphatic reply indicated his own similar experiences. "I am so damned hairy that it either repels or attracts and it also dominates the superficial impact that I seem to make. That not the real me. That's why I hate it. If I was smooth like you, I feel other guys would pay more attention to me as a person."
"Would you let me find the real you?" asked Aaron with a grin as he leant on his elbow and looked into his eyes.
Mark's embarrassed short laugh indicated some uncertainty. He shrugged his shoulders. "I know you have the hots for me, it's my pelt that you find so sexy. Sex is not enough for me, so to find the real me will mean that I will also have to know the real you. Sure I love your body but can I also love you?"
Aaron did not say anything but sought his hand and entwined his fingers. "I would like you to try, I really would."
They continued to cuddle, loath to leave their bed. It was the breakfast bell that reminded them that it was time to move.
That evening Mark was working at an assignment at the table while Ralph read the prescribed text for one of his courses. Ralph closed the book, lay it on the table and stood up.
"I have an important question to ask you," he said. "As you know, I have been spending a lot of time with Gordon and he has asked me to move in with him. He was wondering whether you would be agreeable to Aaron moving in with you."
Mark was surprised and then shattered. Feelings of disappointment, loss, even betrayal followed each other in quick succession. He believed he and Ralph had developed a special relationship during the six weeks they had shared the rooms. Ralph was important to him, he liked him a lot and surely their intimacy was something special. He was special. He had liberated and supported him. He could not walk away just like that. At first he was angry then devastated by the thought of his loss. He could not reply. In a stifled voice he asked, "when do you want to move?"
Ralph could see he was upset. "Oh there is no hurry. As soon as Aaron can find someone who is prepared to share with him. Of course we first have to get the Warden's agreement and Gordon says that wont be difficult." Mark did not say anything. Mark continued, "Perhaps you could let me know tomorrow." He returned to his book.
Half an hour later Aaron arrived dressed for his jog. Mark quickly changed and together they left. It was a warm night in spite of the light drizzle.
"You are very quiet tonight", said Aaron as they more slowly climbed a steep flight of steps. It was several minutes before Mark blurted out,
"Will Ralph be sleeping with Gordon tonight?" There was anger in his question.
"I expect so, they seem to be infatuated by each other. Why do you ask?" Again silence. "So you do care? Why? Ralph and Gordon are driven by the need for incessant sex. I doubt that there is any serious affection.". Still no response from Mark.. "You really do care, is he special? Do you love him?"
Words full of emotion rushed from him. "Yes I do care. He helped me to come out of my closet, he showed me how enjoyable gay sex can be, made me feel proud to be gay, so he is special." Again he was silent. "Do I love him? I suppose I do, a little. He was the first gay guy to make me feel valued. I loved being in his arms, not that we kissed much. It is too soon to lose him."
Mark began to cry. His shoulders shook as he sobbed. Aaron did not hesitate to put his arms around him and hold him close as his tears flowed freely. It was several minutes before he recovered but Aaron still held him tightly.
"Gordon means nothing to me. I don't mind moving in with someone else."
They were not concerned that the drizzle had now become steady rain, as they held each other. After a few minutes, Mark said,
"You know how I feel about Ralph, but if you would like to, you could move in with me."
Aaron hugged him then shouted for all to hear.
"Jesus I love you! Would I like to?! Man you can never know how much I hoped you might ask me."
Mark grinned through his tears. "Maybe my grieving will soon pass."
The routine after each jog was to shower and for Aaron to sleep with Mark whenever Ralph was with Gordon. This night it was the same except that Aaron was on a high. He apologised for his exuberance, knowing that Mark was still very upset by Ralph's departure. Aaron helped him to forget as they found pleasure in cuddling, exploring each other's body and in constant caresses Occasionally one of them would ejaculate with neither needing more stimulation.
The following evening again found Mark and Ralph reading in the study. Mark broke the silence.
"I have asked Aaron to share with me. When do you intend to move?"
Ralph looked up from his book, somewhat surprised by Mark's decisive announcement."
"If it is alright with Aaron and you, tonight would be fine. I had better clear it with Gordon." Ralph immediately left the room.
It was Aaron who burst through the door carrying a very heavy suitcase.
"It's arranged," he said excitedly. "Gordon says it suits him fine if we shift right away."
He grabbed Mark around the waist and hugged him.
"And I wanted to carry you across the threshold," said Mark with a broad grin.
"Not until we marry," Aaron replied pursing his lips and fluttering his eyelids.
Ralph appeared followed by Gordon.
"There's no doubt about it, Aaron's got the hots for you," he said as he began to empty his drawers and roughly pile his clothes into his suitcase, followed by his books and other items. Once Ralph had checked that he had not forgotten anything, Gordon left carrying the suitcase and Aaron went into the bedroom with his. "I hope we can still be friends," said Ralph. "I know you are disappointed by my decision."
"I was angry for I thought we were more than just friends. I guess I was expecting too much. I blame an adolescent's naivety which follows his first sexual encounters. I don't blame you, it's my innocence." He gave a bitter laugh, then went over to Ralph and hugged him. Ralph's arms encircled him tightly. Then he kissed him.
"Can we still be friends?"
"Sure," Mark replied returning the kiss, making sure that it lingered longer than Ralph's.
"See you," Ralph shouted to Aaron in the bedroom as he broke away from Mark. He looked back and with a gesture of encouragement, he left.
Mark took a deep breath and joined Aaron. "Need any help ? We are on our own boyoh, but bear with me for I am going to miss Ralph for a while."
"I know, but I hope I will soon take his place."
"We will see," Mark replied nonchalantly.
Mark was pleasantly surprised that there were no difficulties sharing with Aaron They quickly adjusted to each other, with Aaron anxious that they would be compatible. Mark enjoyed his quirky sense of humour while Aaron felt valued as Mark sought his guidance with his studies. Unlike Ralph, Aaron preferred to cuddle whenever they shared beds and his need for sex was less frequent. In addition to jogging together, they often went to movies and social events so that their friendship grew. They were acknowledged to be great mates. Aaron introduced Mark to many new things including music and the arts. In spite of their lack of money, they saw opera and ballet from the cheaper seats, and visited the galleries specially when gay artists were exhibiting. Mark was becoming quite enthusiastic, especially about opera.
They were viewing the controversial photographs of the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition when Mark saw Andy among the crowd. He stood behind him as Andy gazed fixedly at one of the blatantly gay pictures.
"Careful now, I can see that excites you," he whispered in his ear.
Startled, Andy first looked down at his crotch then quickly turned to identify the cause of his confusion. Recognising Mark, his nervous giggle was quelled by Mark's hug.
"This is a pleasant surprise. Why have you not been in touch?" asked Mark.
"It's the pressure of work and I thought I might be intruding."
"I really did want to hear from you," said Mark. "I enjoyed our meeting at the Club." He saw Aaron approaching. "Here comes my room mate. You may have met him at the Club. Aaron this is Andy, we met the first time I went to the Club."
Aaron's greeting and smile was returned. "I remember, you were that great dancer," he said. "What a great show this is, I must find a seat for my feet are really sore. Shall we have a coffee? How about you Mark?"
They found the cafeteria and over coffee, shared their views of the exhibition.
"So what do you think of Mapplethorpe? Is it pornography or only erotic?" asked Aaron.
"Definitely erotic," Andy replied, "and he also seems to convey some of their feelings when there is a couple involved. That adds to their appeal. I know the pictures do excite me as they would any gay guy."
"How are the music courses going? asked Mark. Andy's enthusiasm soon had Aaron very interested. Andy suggested that they might like to come to one of the student's concerts, which invitation they enthusiastically accepted.
"One of Aaron's great loves is music," said Mark, "you two should get together."
"How about tomorrow, Sunday?" asked Aaron enthusiastically. "We are free in the afternoon."
"Sure," Andy replied not expecting such a quick opportunity." Mark gave him their room number in the House and as they parted, Mark told him he very much looked forward to see him again next day.
As Andy disappeared, Aaron said to Mark, "did you see his chest, it was covered with hair."
"Was it the music or the hair which is the attraction? I don't want to be jealous but I am anxious."
Aaron laughed. "Never fear, it's you that captures my heart."
"Really, or are you only kidding again?"
Mark could only just hear "really" and felt relieved.
Andy arrived soon after lunch, his shorts and unbuttoned shirt revealing his hairiness. Aaron's warm welcome Mark felt was engendered by his admiration He invited him to take the easy chair in the sunlight streaming through the open window.
"Have you recovered from Mapplethorpe?" asked Mark.
"Completely. Am I glad I was there, it was my lucky day to see you again."
"And mine to meet you", interrupted Aaron.
"I have missed you at the Club and hoped you would get in touch," said Mark.
"I am so much involved in the Music Department's activities that I have had no free time to socialise at all."
"How is it you are so involved? You are a freshman, recently arrived?" asked Aaron.
"Someone told the Dean about me and he introduced me to the Prof. producing the next Faculty concert. It includes a number of opera arias.
"No kidding?" was Aaron's doubting response.
"No kidding. I've been taught singing and often take tenor leads. There are so few tenors that they are in great demand. When Prof auditioned me, he became quite excited, dragged in a couple of staff to listen, who immediately began planning how I could be included. They seem to have forgotten to ask me whether I wanted to." He laughed, "actually I don't mind, I like performing. So will you come to the concert in the campus theatre next Saturday evening?"
"No one will keep me away", said Aaron emphatically. "So what else is so important in your life?"
"Guys."
"Not girls?" asked Mark with a grin.
"No doubt, like you, I am looking for that special guy to be my life long partner."
"That's me", said Aaron, "a bear to cuddle who has no inhibitions and is great sex."
"Like Mark?" asked Andy.
Mark spluttered
"Could be, we are discovering whether we are compatible and developing a repertoire of great sex that we both enjoy."
Mark looked embarrassed. "Lucky you," Andy said to Mark, "I would die for a friend like Aaron, would you share?"
"Here we go again", said Aaron displaying his I told you so expression. "Mark seems to think sex between two guys is not to be shared, don't you Mark?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued. "Sex is only a human need that must be met, it may or may not involve love. No big deal. No doubt you have that need as we do. Friends should provide opportunities to help each other."
"Once we know each other better, I might be more agreeable", said Mark.
Aaron laughed, "Mark can't get enough of my smooth body just as I can't get enough of his silky fur. I bet you too would also be a great teddy in bed."
Andy grinned, "do you want to find out?"
"May be, some day maybe", Aaron replied.
Mark changed the subject. "Where is your home town, are you a country boy like us?"
"No way, born and bred a city slicker, an only child, living nearby in Karori with my parents. My dad is the Managing Director of a large Company who travels a lot so I have been sent to boarding schools. I often went overseas with my parents during holidays so have seen many countries."
"How did you find time to learn singing?" asked Mark.
"I was taught the piano from an early age and, when my mother realised I had a good voice, she decided it should be trained. This I loved and was enthusiastic for I hoped to be an opera singer. When overseas I was often taken to operas, the spectacle, drama and magnificent voices completely enthralled me. I have to be part of that scene. Recently I attended master classes taken by Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo and these have helped a lot. I live alone when my parents are away, but we do have a housekeeper who looks after me."
"Are you out?" asked Aaron.
"Only to those who ask. I told my parents I was gay when I was 14 and it did not seem to bother them. They encourage my music and are interested in the arts and seem to know a lot of gay artists.
"Who do others say you sound like?" asked Mark.
"Andrea Bocelli, but that maybe because I sing many of the same songs. Anyway they are already giving me leading roles in productions of the Music Department even though I am still learning. That's enough about me, tell me more about yourselves."
Mark already knows that I am persona non grata at home because I am gay," said Aaron. "I kept it a secret until my last year at High School. We lived in a small country town where conformity is expected. I have told my younger brother and sister. My father told me very clearly that 'I was no son of his', so I stay well away. I miss them and I know that mom and the others still love me. I was always a pretty boy so was teased a lot and had few friends. It was a great feeling of escape when I came to Wellington and the University. At last I did not need to hide my sexuality and could find gay friends".
He voice faltered and his moist eyes indicated his strong emotions. Mark could see his grief was torturing him and to relieve the pressure of silence, he said to Andy "I still have to experience parental disapproval and distress. I have no idea how my parents and my brother and sister will receive the news that I am gay. I am too scared to come out to them. I have made sure that I am seen to be a typical acceptable, boy, youth, man, so I play sport, talk dirty with an active interest in girls, even if of a short duration. I have hated it and myself for living a lie. I was taught the piano for my parents knew I was very fond of music. Like Aaron, coming to varsity was liberating, for at last I can both talk about and experience gay sex. At last I have met guys with interests like mine who have an empathy for and understanding of my situation."
They spent the afternoon talking about their experiences of home, family, friends and their adjustment to their sexual feelings. They felt so comfortable with each other that they did not hesitate to share intimate details and never before acknowledged feelings. There were moments when they wept, others when they laughed at the absurd attitudes and beliefs, and often how they made others sound and look foolish by their prejudice. They shared the ridicule and sometimes hatred that was experienced.
"No wonder we hid out true selves," said Andy. The boys in the dorm at boarding school would play around, some mutual masturbating, but no one admitted it was happening. It was dismissed as 'part of the maturing process'. They loved it and the gay boys knew who wanted it and were willing partners." Andy chuckled as he remembered.
It was after 7 when Mark groaned, "we have missed dinner and we have kept you far too long Andy."
"Would you care to have dinner with me?" he asked. "A friend of my father manages Le Bistro Restaurant, I am sure he would find us a table."
"We are hardly dressed for formal dining," said Aaron.
"It's got a bohemian atmosphere so clean slacks, shirts and some coloured accessories will make us acceptable."
"I love dressing up", said Aaron all of a flutter. "Now what have I got?"
He placed black velvet slacks, a pink shirt and a red scarf on the bed followed by more of the same colourful items. "Try them on", he said.
There was a lot of teasing and ribald opinions of suitability before each of them was dressed in a neat if somewhat eye-catching style. Andy led the way to where he had parked his red Fiat sports car. Mark's admiration of this snazzy up-market model caused Andy to hurry him up and get aboard. He squeezed into the narrow back seat and to the roar of a powerful engine they took off.
Le Bistro was an Italian restaurant in Lambton Quay. It was already full when they arrived and Andy asked Reception for a table for 3. A haughty Maitre d' was telling him there were no vacancies when a loud voice with a foreign accent interrupted him.
"Andy, my darling boy how good it is to see you. How is your mama and papa?" A short swarthy man hugged him before kissing both his cheeks. "It is so good to see you. Of course we can find a table for you and your friends, but on one condition," he smiled., "that you will sing for us, yes?"
Andy hugged him, "of course I will sing for you Leonardo, if we could first eat." He winked at Mark. "Here we sing for our supper. Can you sight read and play for me?"
Mark gulped. "Sure, I hope we can choose well known ones that I have accompanied before."
"Good, good, come with me," said Leonardo. He crossed the dining room floor followed by the boys to an empty table in an alcove up two steps. "It is on the house if you make my guests happy. I know you will," he added as he clasped Andy's shoulder.
"What have you let yourself in for?" asked Aaron.
"Don't worry, I have often sung here for Leo, so it is no big deal."
"Well you are certainly dressed appropriately," said Mark. Andy wore royal blue cotton slacks, an orange shirt with a page boy collar and ruffled sleeves and a sky blue cummerbund His brown shoulder length hair with it's deep waves, broad shoulders and fine figure drew many eyes. A silver bracelet, discrete gold earing and thin gold chains around his neck made him look very impressive.
It was a delicious meal with each course a credit to the chef. Leonardo sent them a complementary bottle of Chardonnay which Andy said he would prefer to drink after he sang. As they were drinking coffee, Leonardo approached with a pile of sheet music and gave it to Andy. He moved closer to Mark and together and together they selected four songs that they both knew. They made their way to the dais where a classical guitarist had been playing. Mark sat at the piano and Andy stood at the microphone on a stand.
"It is my pleasure to introduce Andrew Wilson who often entertains my guests with his delightful voice. He has chosen four songs from his extensive repertoire. He is accompanied on the piano by Mark Turner. Leonardo silently clapped as he turned to Andy, then left the dais. Mark's began with Torna a Surriento. The diners quietened and they turned their chairs to listen.
Aaron was stunned as the strong clear voice gave new meaning to the familiar ballad. The longing for a return to a beautiful experience with someone special could be felt as Andy's rendition was filled with emotion. He captured his audience as his eyes found those of an earnest listener and it became a personal message. Enthusiastic applause followed the brief silence as the song ended. This was followed by the more robust Granada, the crescendo of the high notes were firm and displayed first class training. He sang with joy as if inviting others to share it. Again it was enthusiastically received. With the same sincerity, O Sole Mio followed and again was well received. He had chosen the current popular hit of Andrea Bocelli Con Te Partiro ( Time to say goodbye ) for the final number. The quiet introduction on the piano was recognised with delight for a few clapped. This time Andy made the words personal for many. His eyes found many others particularly among the women, and he sang as if to her or him alone. The women held his gaze but many of the men turned away embarrassed. Then he noticed Julia Weston, one of his class mates sitting with a middle aged couple and a youth about 17. The handsome youth was spellbound. Andy smiled recognition to Julia and emphasised the sadness of parting as he held her gaze. She was enthralled. He looked at the lad and felt the return longing of suppressed emotion. Tears were in his eyes. Several times his eyes lingered on a few, especially the youth. As the song ended on the high sustained note, the audience exploded. The applause was deafening and encores were demanded from every direction. Andy looked at Mark, he smiled and again began the introduction. Andy could not repeat the intense emotion of his first rendition but it was also enthusiastically appreciated. As they left the dais to weave their way between the tables, many thanked Andy, the more profuse stopped him and he would take the hand of the lady and kiss it. When he reached Julia she stood and hugged him, then introduced him to her parents and brother Jerry, who he noticed was in a wheelchair. He introduced Mark.
"You are terrific," said Jerry. "Julia has told us that you have a great voice, we are fortunate to be here tonight to hear it. I do hope we meet again." There was a longing in his voice.
As they returned to Aaron, Andy said to Mark, "I feel terrible landing that on you without any preparation. You are a really good accompanist. Would you do it again for me?"
"I enjoyed it, you are easy to follow, not like some I have played for. It would have been better after rehearsals."
"So this is not the first time?"
"No, I have often been asked to accompany vocalists when the usual ones were not available."
"Andy you have made quite an impression tonight and you two are likely to be very much in demand," said Aaron. "Oh, oh, here comes another bottle of vino.
Leonardo appeared, highly delighted. "You are marvellous, oh boy what a voice. It is a night many here will never forget. Thank you, thank you Andy. The dinner is on he house and here is another bottle of Chardonnay." He kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair. "Your Papa will be proud of you."
As Andy pulled up at the entrance to the House Aaron asked him if he would care to stay the night as it was very late. "You can have my bed and I can sleep with Mark."
"He might prefer to sleep with you," said Mark.
"Thanks guys, but this time I must go home. There will be another time. It has been a great day and I will be in touch." They hugged Andy before he drove away.
"It's just you and I lover boy", said Aaron.
"The way I like it", Mark replied.
To be continued.
The author Stewart Ransom invites comments. E-mail address: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz