This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to FMZ, Chael and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
He steeled himself to the fact that there was nothing holding him or protecting him. The year was 1968. Change swirled around him. The predominant influence of his life was his grandparents, who were molded by a completely different era. At 22 years old, he stood alone at a threshold with his choices. It was freeing as well was frightening.
Chapter 25
The next three years passed quickly. Alejandro leaned against the rail of his penthouse garden deck and looked into the endless blue of Lake Michigan to the north as he and Charles broke free for a moment from the guests at Alejandro's 25th birthday party.
"Thanks again for making this happen, Charles." Alejandro said with a smile.
"The idea was yours but I knew someone had to get you going to make it happen. It was nothing really." Charles smiled.
"Yeah, right!" Alejandro retorted. "You were on the phone nearly a month working out the details and coordinating schedules with everyone."
"Well, it looks like everyone is having fun and that's what matters!" Charles said.
It was an easy, eclectic group; all of them close acquaintances of Alejandro and Charles. The gathering included friends from Bears' Den, associates he'd grown close to from various Boards across the country, faculty members with whom Alejandro had maintained close ties and friends from the arts community that he and Charles had nurtured.
Though the guests numbered in the low fifties, they fit easily in Alejandro's new digs. He had taken occupancy of the two story penthouse only four months prior. The party served as an open house as well as a birthday celebration.
The old prohibition of talking about money, religion and politics was strained on the political front. The war in Vietnam, the divided attitude of the country and what was seen by some as a manipulative Nixon presidency bubbled just under the surface. However, cooler heads prevailed and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Alejandro looked around at the contemporary lines and glass facades of the condo and recalled with little sentimentality the `old house' as he now thought of his childhood home. After the death of his father, serendipitous events seemed to collide, as winds of change blew into all areas of the country.
Charles turned and left as a group of their guests in the penthouse garden called to them. Alejandro returned his gaze to the endless blue of the lake and his mind wandered back over the last few years.
At a presentation of the Real Estate Division of the Algara Group, the new corporate name of the combined entities of the various holdings and businesses, a proposal was made for the major underwriting of a new condo project for Chicago. It was near the lake front, but in a depressed area that was predominantly gutted store fronts, paved parking areas and several acres of roughly cleared land. Admittedly, it was considered risky for such a significant project, but odds were good that development would soon take over this piece of sprawl. Urban revival was the rage in many large cities, including Chicago.
This opportunity, though offering risk, offered even greater reward. The architect was part of a new breed and had designed a building that was more than architecturally sound – it flaunted its modern profile sheeted in glass. Cutting edge only began to describe the impact this structure would have on the Chicago skyline. For Alejandro, it was his first major decision as head of the Algara Group. The outcome of this decision was being watched by the old lions of the business community.
As part of the negotiations, Alejandro insisted that he have right-of-first-refusal before any units were sold. His plan was to occupy the top two floors, making them his new home. It provided the impetus for the change he needed. He couldn't wait to move until this project was finished. The vision of the future was fueling the fire of imagination. He knew there was a certain magic and power in being bold. He made his decision.
He met with a staff architect to determine his requirements for a new temporary living space. Alejandro then turned the architect loose with a realtor, to find a suitable apartment or condo that could be renovated immediately, according to his needs. Before the beginning of winter, the apartment was ready. Knowing he wanted a clean break from his grandparents' lifestyle, habits and home, Alejandro pensioned off the staff with a generous lifetime annuity and full health benefits through the company. The house, along with much of the large, old furniture, sold quickly. Alejandro kept personal mementos and favorite pieces.
He moved in on a Saturday morning. Directing the movers where to place the items he'd brought with him, Alejandro thoroughly enjoyed the sense of new beginnings. After spending a couple of hours arranging things in his office and bedroom, he wandered to the kitchen to get a snack.
Opening the brand new refrigerator, he stood gape-mouthed, and then laughed at the sparkling clean but empty shelves. He'd furnished the apartment with Charles' help, using a professional shopper and decorator, as they had in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The thought of food never crossed his mind. Wandering to the bathroom, he checked for tissue and various sundries that had `always' been in place and available. The cupboard was bare.
Retrieving a pen and pad from his office, he returned to the bath and kitchen making lists of things he'd need. He chuckled to himself thinking with no little sarcasm, poor man, having to do his own shopping'. On the heels of that revelation, he remembered there was no longer anyone in the kitchen to prepare meals. Laughing out loud, he thought, Well, you asked for it'.
Within a couple of weeks, Alejandro had mastered the basic skills of housekeeping, shopping and even very basic cooking. Most meals were either in restaurants or take out. Even though the place was small and easily managed, he grew tired of trying to remember to shop and when to take out trash. One trip to the Laundromat convinced him to find a service to take care of his laundry. He laughed when he ran out of clean towels and remembered he'd forgotten to pick up the laundry. Hiring some help quickly became a priority.
Soon he had a part-time person coming in to keep the house clean and tidy. She prepared simple meals and froze them with instructions for preparation. Trash and laundry needs disappeared. He chided himself at the relief he felt, acknowledging in the same moment that it was part of the lifestyle in which he had been raised. He settled into the routine.
With the season fast approaching, he and Charles compared calendars, making sure that the dates for the Met Board meeting in New York and the Modern Art Board in San Francisco were cleared. The apartment arrangement suited them both and acquisitions had been made.
Alejandro was curious to check out some of the wrestling clubs Liam had told him about. He'd enjoyed numerous matches with Liam. When he realized that Liam was a man he could trust, he'd offered a `winner take all' match with some fear and trembling.
He remembered the cold knot of fearful anticipation in his gut as he'd seen Liam's eyes glitter the day they tied up, both knowing that Alejandro would more than likely lose.
"Well boy-o, was wondering when you'd find courage. Been wantin' a piece o' yur ass. Don't worry, I'll go slow and easy with ya. But know you'll be well and thoroughly fooked when I'm done."
After each of those occasions, he had been thoroughly drained and had a sore ass as a pleasant reminder. His confidence had grown as well as his ability to hold his own. Though he'd never beaten Liam, on a few occasions during their Saturday morning sessions, Alejandro had given him a tough match and had earned Liam's somewhat grudging respect.
New York was, as usual, decked out for the holidays. Yet even with the glitter and lights, the address on 42nd street looked seedy when Alejandro and Charles had made a reconnaissance run during the day to locate the wrestling club as they did some shopping. When they returned that night around 10 p.m., the door was propped open and the stairway lighted.
As they approached the second floor, the noise grew. They entered a small foyer and paid their cover charge. Inside, it appeared much the same as Bears' Den. The crush of people, the cloud of smoke, the cheering and jeering all were very familiar. Charles had agreed to watch Alejandro's back if he were to get a match. Alejandro had a small gym bag with a towel and his wrestling shoes. He was wearing his Speedo and jock under his jeans.
They both remarked and laughed that it must be obvious that they were fresh meat since most of the clientele was giving them more than a cursory once over. After watching a few matches, Alejandro decided to up the ante. He stripped off his jeans, peeled off his sweater and put on his wrestling shoes. He draped the sweater across his shoulders as he drank his beer and watched the mat action.
Less than a minute later, a guy approached. He was dressed in skin-tight jeans with a pronounced bulge and a shirt, unbuttoned to the waist, revealing a nicely muscled chest.
"You look like you're ready for some action." He said as he groped his basket. Alejandro met his look and smiled, ready to ask if the stranger had a mat time reserved.
"If you have a mat time, I'll be glad to play jobber to your heel. After that, we can go back to your place; then you and your friend and I can have some real fun." The stranger said with a `come-on' look and attitude.
"Um, I'm not sure I understand." Alejandro said. Charles was watching the interchange and had a good idea where it was all heading but held his peace.
"It's simple. You can beat on me for 15 minutes then you and your buddy can take me back to your place and fuck me good. $200 bucks is all it'll cost ya and we'll all have fun." The stranger explained.
With a long blink and a slight shake of his head, Alejandro finally got up to speed. "Uh, no thanks. Not interested." He said with what he hoped was enough firmness in his voice to discourage the stranger.
"Hey, come on! We'd have a hot time! You look so fuckin' good in that Speedo. Looks like you've got a real fire hose in that suit!" The stranger pushed on undaunted.
"Danny, get the hell out of here! I've told you not to bother the members. You keep trying to hustle and I'm gonna throw you out for good!" The guy who interjected himself was a big, muscular, body builder type guy who'd gone slightly to seed.
"Frank, here." The new guy offered his hand. "Sorry you were bothered. I've talked to that kid a dozen times." The man said as he shook Alejandro's and Charles' hand. "Let me buy you a round."
"That's okay. He wasn't too pushy. First time I've been hustled though." Alejandro said.
Frank just shook his head. "I'm too soft for my own good. The kid is on the street if he's not hustling somewhere. Lots of times I let him crash and shower here. He's got a locker where he keeps some stuff and I wash his clothes when I do the towels. But he's NOT supposed to work the room!"
"It's okay, Frank. We're big enough boys to say no and not be threatened." Charles added.
"Haven't seen you guys before. Guests of someone?" Seeing them shake their heads he asked, "Well, how did you find out about the place?" Frank asked.
Making the story short, Alejandro explained the contact through Liam. He added he'd enjoy a work out and asked if Frank could help with recommendations. Frank had a couple of suggestions of gay-friendly places they could go to work out and enjoy some eye-candy. He and Alejandro talked briefly about wrestling preferences. As he left, Frank promised to check with some of the guys to see if any were interested and had mat time reserved.
In a few minutes, Frank returned with two beers, insisting they were on the house. He said he'd asked around and a couple of guys were interested and trying to work it out. With that he left, went back to the bar and kept working. Alejandro and Charles were enjoying the wrestling and all the muscle on display. Alejandro observed that this place had nothing on Bears' Den for action and men though.
A few minutes later, a blond haired, trim-built kid approached. Dressed in a longish T and some Bermuda type shorts, one couldn't tell much about his body. Offering his hand, he introduced himself.
"Hi, I'm Eric. Frank said you were interested in a match." The Australian accent was as disarming as it was attractive. The man wasn't pretty' but had a sunny, clear complexion, even teeth, and his dimples were to die for. He had model' good looks with a million dollar smile and was masculine as hell. Alejandro was a little caught off guard but quickly recovered. Introducing himself and Charles, he offered to buy Eric a beer.
"Thanks, but no. Just finished one and if we're gonna tangle, I don't need that sloshing around inside to distract me. So, tell me what kind of match you enjoy." Eric asked.
As they talked, they sized each other up. Eric explained he was only a bit better than a beginner, but would enjoy a match if Alejandro was interested. He explained his modeling work was why he needed to be sure an opponent would not try to leave obvious marks or cause injury to keep him from working. With clothing hiding Eric's assets, Alejandro guessed the man was about his weight and size. Eric told Alejandro that they could wrestle in the 11:15 slot. If he wanted to warm up and stretch, there was a place in the back near the showers that he could use. Eric offered to show him the way.
Looking at Charles to see if he minded being left alone, Charles waved him off with an elegant dismissal that brought a smile to Alejandro's face. Mouthing fuck you', he laughed as Charles mouthed back you wish'. Eric looked at both of them having missed the silent interchange.
"I'll explain." Alejandro said as he grabbed his bag. They moved toward the locker area. Eric offered his locker for Alejandro to use as he stripped off his T and shorts. Eric was 6'2", blond, smooth and defined. Wearing some high cut briefs, he sported what appeared to be a respectable piece of meat, though not large. His blue eyes sparkled against the sea of white.
Their body types were in stark contrast. Alejandro saw him looking, almost studying, his chest. Looking up and seeing he'd been caught, he blushed charmingly.
"Sorry, didn't mean to be so obvious. Guys like you get me going, if you know what I mean. In my business, only a few guys get away with sporting chest hair. Seems like directors are looking for smooth-chested blokes. Damn, listen to me. I sound like some teenager with galloping hormones." Eric laughed at himself easily, obviously confident with no trace of arrogance.
As they stretched and talked, they became comfortable with each other. Eric shared that his wrestling experience was limited to mostly horsing around. He enjoyed getting away from the cameras, makeup people, dressers and the drama. His recreation was dancing or simply time to hang and enjoy some rough play.
"It sounds lame, I know. Truth is, I really enjoy the rough and tumble. I can only do this when I'm booked for shoots for clothing that covers my body. Come swimsuit season, mat burns would put me out of work in the proverbial `NY minute'.
"So how do you know I'm not the type to take advantage of you and put you out of commission?" Alejandro teased.
Eric looked up a bit startled then smiled when he saw Alejandro smile. "Well it might sound a bit insulting, but you seem like the type of guy who enjoys this for fun, like me. There's some rough trade here, but you don't look the type. Am I right?" Alejandro nodded. His smile widened. He turned the conversation back to Eric's job.
"Aren't you doing ads for summer now?" Alejandro asked a bit confused.
"No we're heavy into the fall `69 catalogue shooting. We stay a full year ahead," Eric explained. They chatted easily about Alejandro's work and the reason for his visit to the city.
"It's just great this time of year. Can't get enough of it. After our match I'm heading out for a bit of dinner. Came straight here from a late shoot. I'm looking forward to some time to get some air. Been a long day with a real piss-ant director. It pays well but he is, without exception, the worst to work for." Eric explained.
"How long have you been in the States?" Alejandro asked.
"What, the accent still that strong is it?" Eric responded smiling. "Ya know sometimes it's fun just to turn it up a bit when I think it'll get me what I need. That sounds awful, but when I've got to get a bite mid-day and it's crowded, sometimes a nice smile and a bit of Aussi charm do the trick.
"To answer your question, it's been, well, I guess going on three years now." Eric said.
"Got a break doing some swimsuit work back home. The director and I hit it off, stayed in touch and there you have it. Got to admit though, even as beautiful as this city is this time of year, I know back home I'd be on the beach enjoying the sun. It gets a little lonely for anyone away from home at Christmas."
Alejandro, curious about Eric and wanting to learn more asked, "It's a little late for dinner. I know you wouldn't want to wrestle on a full stomach but how late does your day run?"
"During the week, I'm a monk." Eric laughed. "I only play on the weekends. Tonight after our match, I'm heading for dinner and a club to do some dancing. Care to join me? You and Charles, of course."
"We'll ask him afterwards." Alejandro replied.
The match was a light session of exercise for Alejandro. As they grappled, he found himself setting up situations for Eric to see how he'd respond. Letting himself get tied up in those firm muscular limbs was not onerous, but neither was it a challenge. They both managed to work up a sweat and enjoy the mat time and the erotic grinding that kept them both on the verge of erection.
After the match, in the showers Eric said, "I could tell what you were doing out there." "Obviously you're much more skilled than I. Hope it wasn't too boring for you."
The tone was light and humorous. Alejandro laughed and, stretching the truth a bit, told Eric that he had the makings of a good wrestler. Eric seemed pleased and reiterated the invitation to join him for dinner and time at the club.
Showered and back at the table with Charles, they readily agreed to Eric's suggestions. Alejandro had never been to a gay night club and it sounded fun. After a light dinner at a stand-up pizzeria, they headed cross town.
Eric insisted on picking up the cover for all of them. The place pulsed with the music of The Bee Gees, Bruce Springsteen, Earth Wind and Fire and other chart-makers of the year. Alejandro just stared in wonder at the lights, the crush of bodies and scantily clothed dancers on raised lighted platforms dressed in skin tight leather, bikini briefs and jocks. Eric saw several people he knew and introduced Alejandro and Charles as they moved across the floor to the bar.
With drinks in hand, they tried to shout conversation until one of Eric's friends pulled him to the dance floor. Tossing down their drinks, Alejandro and Charles followed, blending in with the gyrations and nearly constant body contact with others as they danced.
The heat of the body contact raised the ambient temperature remarkably. Several of the men had their shirts off. Charles locked his eyes on Alejandro and began a sexual and somewhat teasing massage of his chest, abs and crotch. It was erotic as hell to see the normally staid Professor Dr. Thibodaux sinuously rubbing his own body with his hands.
Alejandro reached out to touch Charles. Charles captured one hand and sucked the middle finger deep into his mouth then pushed the hand back. Reaching for the hem of his T, Charles began a seductive strip. When his torso was fully exposed, Charles looped the shirt around Alejandro's shoulders and pulled them together. They rubbed their crotches hard against one another as their bodies gyrated.
Releasing his hold on Alejandro, Charles quickly tucked the shirt in the back of his trousers and began to pull off Alejandro's shirt. Taking the cue quickly, Alejandro began his own striptease, fully letting himself go in the moment. He looped his shirt around Charles' butt and pulled them into more cock bumping.
Eric and his friend sidled over and grinned at the action. "Didn't figure you for such a player, Charles," Eric teased. His naked torso was covered with a sheen of sweat. "What do you say we trade?"
With that, Eric caught Charles' arm and pulled him into the mix on the floor. Eric's friend eyed Alejandro head-to-toe and licked his lips lasciviously as they began to gyrate to the music. Alejandro marveled at his own lack of inhibition as he let his body yield to the pulse surrounding him.
It was hours before the taxi delivered them to their condo. Pleasantly buzzed from the drinking and dancing, they laughed and stumbled over each other's words as they talked about the night and their experiences. Charles tuned in a radio station and as they showered, they both sang choruses of the songs they'd danced to as they ground their slippery, hard bodies against each other. Finally oblivious of the music, they humped out their loads against each other. Toweling each other dry, they fell into bed and into a deep sleep.
His reverie was broken when Zach tapped him on the shoulder. "Where are your thoughts, Birthday Boy?" Zach leaned back, resting both elbows against the stainless steel railing that circled the flagstone paved knee wall of the garden area.
Alejandro turned. "Just taking a short walk down memory lane. The last three years have sped by. Hey, thanks again for coming for the party." He said as he turned toward his buddy from San Francisco.
"My pleasure, bud. You know, taking a page out of your playbook and leasing the plane was the smartest idea I've ever stolen. Makes trips like this from the coast so easy. So when are you going come back to the Bay Area? That last visit was just too short. We packed a lot into it and I hated to see you go!
"That was one hot match at the club last time you were in Frisco. I want to see your bod in action again soon." Zach sank his hand in his trouser pocket and fondled his swelling member as he grinned at Alejandro.
Alejandro looked down and smiled. Zach was such a cock-tease and he knew Zach was, at the moment, just messing with his mind, but given half a chance would have taken the action inside to the bed.