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 Chael for assistance in editing and 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:
After everyone was gone, the guys collapsed and toasted the event with some of the remaining wine. They all had agreed earlier that a staff would come in to wash dishes and restore the condo. Matt and Paul headed to the guest room. Alejandro smiled as he stood in his bedroom door and watched them walk down the hall, arms around each other's waist. There was much to be thankful for.
Chapter 49
Every year it seemed like Thanksgiving was the starting gun in the mad dash toward Christmas. For all the work it had been, the Thanksgiving party had been the best. Having Matt and Paul help entertain their friends with all the mess and chaos was what made it special for Alejandro. He knew it would not become habit -- just too much damned work to do often; still it made some great memories.
It was toward the end of the week when Alejandro got a call from John Abernathy.
"Hey Alex, how's it hangin', Buddy. Bet it's coldern' a witch's tit up there now. Wish you were here. It's in the mid 80's. We coulda' gone skinny dippin' and had a good ole time."
Alejandro smiled listening to the Texas good-old-boy drawl roll like water off John's tongue.
"Great to hear from you, John. You coming to see me like you promised?" Alejandro asked knowing that John was just as busy as he was in December.
" `Bout that visit. Sorry, Buddy, no can do. Wife's got me busier than a one-armed paper hanger, or whatever the hell the saying is. You can't get down this way, can you? Love to see you and fool around."
"John, same thing here. Stuff going on nearly every night. I understand about you being tied up. Sure wish I could get away. Might just decide to throw you in bed and go drillin' for oil," Alejandro said with a bad Texas accent.
"Whoooeee, ride `em cowboy! You got the bit and auger to do a job on me, that's for sure. So when we going to get together, Bud?"
"It'll have to be after first of the year," Alejandro said.
They talked a few more minutes before hanging up. Alejandro sat smiling, thinking of the fun he and John had had on his ranch, or little spread, as he called it. It would be fun to see him again. He penciled in a note for January to make plans for a visit.
The season was soon in full swing. Alejandro shook his head with a rueful smile thinking about how uncomfortable he'd been the Christmas after his Father had died. It was all on him, representing the family at the round of social events. He'd weathered that season and now he actually enjoyed most of the things he was obliged to attend.
A call to Charles was all it took to lock down a few days of R and R in New York.
"Not before Christmas, please!" Charles had exclaimed when Alejandro mentioned a visit. They both laughed, each knowing the other's hectic schedules. It was to be Charles' first New Year in the city and he tried to get Alejandro to stay over but Alejandro knew Charles likely needed to do this one with his new friends. Another year perhaps.
Matt and Paul were going to their respective homes for Christmas day. It was under duress for both of them but as Matt said, "You build a bridge a plank at a time." Alejandro and the Duo were all going to spend the day after Christmas together and go riding if the weather cooperated.
Midnight Mass at the Cathedral was crowded, not only with throngs of people but with memories for Alejandro. He sat and let it all wash over him as he sang full-voiced the carols of Christmas. As he walked to the rail for the Sacrament he felt tears spring from his eyes. Joy or sorrow, he didn't know, though he was sure, in that moment, he wasn't alone.
The next week rushed by. He woke up New Year's morning and remembered this time last year. Again he took a cup of coffee to the deck to greet the day. As he sipped and shivered he recalled the past year. '72 had been full of changes. Hopefully things would be a bit smoother this year.
He remembered his penciled note to consider a visit with John. As he watched the weather, that idea was quickly erased. It was a mild winter for the northern third of the country. The south central plains, on the other hand, were being hammered with unseasonable cold. `No thanks,' Alejandro thought.
The mild weather allowed several of the buildings to move to completion faster than scheduled. The apprenticeship program had opened with fits and starts but finally had its legs under it. The first cohort of students had a 90% attendance rate -- outstanding for that part of Chicago. The partnership was getting favorable press on numerous fronts.
When Alejandro was called for a quote or an appearance he deferred to the other partners. He was gratified that no one seemed to need to grandstand and grab limelight. Usually most of the calls were deferred to Paul or Matt since they were more fluent in conversing about the entire program.
Matt was savvy enough to make sure that each member's constituency remained well informed. It was Paul's idea to have a grand opening for the apprenticeship building. It took a while to get everything spit and polished with displays. He insisted that it be the students who gave the demonstrations. They were quickly becoming competent in their various technical areas and eager to show off.
Everyone pulled in all their chits and the turnout was great. The Governor and Mayor joined in cutting the ribbon. The Aldermen for nearly every district were present. Cardinal Cody from the Archdiocese of Chicago lent his presence along with leaders from the various community groups from the South Side of Chicago. To everyone's amazement, except Alejandro's, it made national news.
As the year progressed they continued to earn accolades and recognition. It was refreshing to have something positive to report on in the backwash of Watergate.
Behind the scenes, Alejandro did his best to work the system to keep the project front and center with every new opening or celebratory event. There were many. It didn't hurt that there was a press tent for each event, out of the cold with plenty of good food. Those in the partnership who were conversant with the appropriate fodder needed for news copy kept fresh material at the ready.
It was a heady six months. Several buildings in the project opened and the apprenticeship program grew to maximum capacity.
Largely due to his involvement with the rehabilitation program, Alejandro was hard-pressed to keep current on his obligations to boards and committees. There were many times when he flew in and back out the next day with apologies to friends who wanted him to stay longer and visit. He did manage an early spring visit to the Yucatan to share a weekend with Cesar at the Casa del Placer. Cesar had insisted. He and Alejandro had kept in touch with each other by phone and Cesar subscribed to the Tribune in order to stay abreast of Alejandro's local projects.
Cesar enforced times of rest and recreation. They talked occasionally of a casa for Alejandro as he warmed to the idea more and more. Unhurried dinners were followed by long, slow walks on the torch-lit beach. Their time shared in bed was deliberate. Cesar was determined to give Alejandro maximum pleasure and release. When Alejandro left it was with a fond farewell and a promise to return.
As the warm days of spring turned to summer and the canyons of Chicago began to heat up, Matt's work moved forward at warp speed, a term made popular by the recent television hit Star Trek. All the hardscape preparation of borders and greenhouses were attacked by a legion of oldsters and youngsters. Matt had been recruiting and training most of the winter, just in time before the first building had opened.
He'd worked with community groups and churches and had a waiting list for every square yard of tillable dirt. With the first hint of consistent sun, despite the cold, the greenhouses were planted with cold weather crops. By late spring, folks were harvesting, eating and selling produce. This jump-start helped put down deep foundations for the nutrition leg of the project.
The press loved it. There were color Sunday features, regular reports in the dailies and the TV news even asked for a segment to be aired on both the Chicago network and a nationally broadcast morning show.
As they say, success breeds success. Volunteers increased, donations to the various sponsoring organizations were made and earmarked. When the partners were petitioned by a group to establish a daycare program it was met with cautious optimism.
By fall a plan was in place. Space on the first floor in one of the recently opened buildings was carved out for the program. It was a model and many other groups copied it. It was a piece of good news that people grasped for in contrast to the crisis in transfer of leadership as President Nixon resigned and his Vice President, Gerald Ford, took his place.
As cold weather tightened its grip on the city Alejandro was in the middle of his fall series of meetings. He'd managed to steal a weekend mid-November to visit Texas and renew his acquaintance with John, Stan and Tony.
He and John spent two lazy days in Somerville. They'd met up with a couple of John's friends and Alejandro had his first experience water skiing. Time by the pool was easy and relaxing as was their time in bed. Both mornings they'd gotten up before dawn and been saddled for an early morning ride. It was bliss for Alejandro.
The weekend with Tony and Stan was fun but high energy. Alejandro was glad he'd gotten some rest. They reprised their visit to the wrestling club. Stan and Alejandro were amused watching Tony get engrossed in several of the matches. His boner was obvious and he took the teasing with good nature as he promised Stan that he'd be the beneficiary of all the pent up horniness.
They did some sightseeing, dined at one of the upscale restaurants and afterward went clubbing. The guys had made Alejandro loosen up and lose the Chicago look. With jeans, a flannel shirt and some boots, he fit right in `til he opened his mouth. Even with the accent, or lack thereof, he was hit on by more than a few Texas cowboys.
He was still smiling at some of the antics and memories of his few days in Texas as he landed back at O'Hare. Alejandro went home and showered. Things had been happening so fast that he thought he'd better check in with Paul and Matt to see if anything had happened that he needed to know about before going to the office.
"Nothing major really except that the White House has been calling," was the answer an excited Paul gave him.
"What!" Alejandro was speechless for a moment.
"Yeah, seems like the new administration has seen what we're doing as a potential model for other urban centers. The invite came through the Governor to the Mayor's office.
"The bastards!" Paul had finally encountered the underbelly of politics in Chicago and was a little disillusioned to say the least. "The Mayor was ready to send a delegation to Washington the next day.
"You're gonna love this. Love it! Daniel Beeker, Assistant Secretary for HUD, thanked them but said he and the President wanted to sit down and talk with the people who got the process started and those keeping it running. How ya' like that?!"
Alejandro immediately wondered how this was flying with the partners. They'd all had their share of the spotlight but this was different.
"Alex, you there?" Paul asked into the silent receiver.
"Yeah, Paul. Sorry. That's a lot to take in." A gnawing worry started in his gut.
As if reading Alejandro's mind, Paul said, "Relax `Mr. Man-Behind-the-Scenes'. The partners have met, had to, with the pressure from the Mayor's office for a response. To a person, everyone has said you need to go and be the spokesperson for all of us. Now before you say anything, think about it. You've got no specific vested group interest, you are the guy who brought the idea back from San Francisco, and you look good on TV."
"Yeah, okay." Alejandro's response was hesitant and thoughtful. "As much as I don't like it, it makes sense and I'll do it on one condition."
"What's that?" Paul asked.
"Go get Matt, or better yet can we get together to talk about this. Talk about being blindsided!"
"We're both muddy and nasty at the moment. Greenhouse work you know. Hold on I'll call him." Paul put the phone down and Alejandro could hear the door close and a muffled `Matt, commere!'
Paul returned to the phone. "He's on the way. When did you want to get together? Oh, here's Matt." With that Paul muffled the receiver and quickly filled Matt in on the conversation. Alejandro heard Matt's muffled, "Well I'm not going anywhere tonight."
"What did you have in mind Alex?" Paul asked diplomatically.
Alejandro was grinning, imagining Matt, dirt up to his elbows, boots caked with mud, sweat running down his bare chest.
"It can wait. I'd like to talk to both of you before I respond to the committee, Mayor or even the White House."
"Hold on." Paul covered the receiver again, against the possibility of another outburst from Matt.
"We can't come into town tonight. Can you come out here?"
"Glad to, I'll be there in an hour and a half." Alejandro said before Matt could respond. Hearing nothing more from Matt, Alejandro continued, "This isn't something I want to do alone. We three need to talk. You want me to pick up some dinner on the way?"
Muffled conversation followed, "Naw, we've got leftovers here we were planning to eat. There's plenty. See you soon. Bye."
Alejandro laughed softly to himself imagining Matt's comments, momentary frustration and strong desire just to clean up, eat and take his lover to bed for an early evening.
Both guys heard him drive up and met him at the door. Matt smiled sheepishly, "I know you had to hear some of that. Sorry. You know you're always welcome."
"Don't worry. Feed me, I'll talk fast and get out of here. I imagine you've both had a hard day and want to get to bed." Alejandro said with his most innocent smile.
Over dinner Alejandro explained why they had to go with him to Washington. Among the three of them they had the inception of the idea, the nutrition piece, the actual architectural requirements and the apprenticeship piece nailed down.
"All I can do is tell how it started. That's really nothing. It's not what they want to hear. Of course they'll want to know how it got put together - how the political coalition was built. I'll cover that. You guys will have to do the rest. As far as I'm concerned, if you don't go," he said looking at both of them, "let the Mayor go. I don't need this kind of trouble right now."
Almost simultaneously they said, "Us?" "Seriously?"
"Yes to both questions. Tell me now so I'll know how to plan my week," Alejandro said bluntly.
Their conversation was brief and nonverbal. A questioning look, answered by a shrug and a nod.
"Okay, who do I call within the partnership to get their take on all of this? Who responds to the White House? What else can you tell me?" Alejandro was all business now and wanted to get this handled.
Before he left, they had sketched out who would speak to which topics. He knew who was heading up the partners' decision and how to deal with the Mayor's office. Protocol, protocol...he reminded himself to be patient and to talk to his lawyer in the morning before he did anything.
By week's end, Alejandro was on a first name basis with Dr. Beeker's secretary. She convinced him that this was from the top and the President wanted a White House meeting in his office which was to be followed by a working luncheon with HUD officials and select members of Congress. A mid-December date was set.
As they flew to D.C. Alejandro teased the Dynamic Duo about how well they cleaned up. Matt just gave him his typical wry smile. Paul pretended to be put out with the backhanded compliment. He soon warmed up and all three of them laughed and joked about the next day. Alejandro knew it was serious but more than anything it was good PR for the project but also for the White House. There had been a full frontal assault to change the topic away from the political mess during fall and he knew they were just a small part.
They were booked into rooms at the Hay Adams, compliments of the HUD Secretary. They all oohed and ahhed at their accommodations.
Their meetings and luncheon went flawlessly. As Alejandro had expected it was as much for public consumption as substance. He kept his peace and smiled nicely for the cameras. Matt and Paul were on cloud nine as they flew home that evening. There was a press conference, a meeting with the Mayor and of course the partners.
More good press; it never hurts.
The rest of December was a race to the finish. Alejandro was almost glad to see it go.
After Midnight Mass he stayed in bed Christmas morning. It was his gift to himself. He breakfasted in his boxers and T, didn't shave until noon and generally relaxed until he couldn't take it anymore. He was amused at his deep-seated habits as he pulled on his clothes after his shower and shave. He ate a light lunch, enjoyed a glass of wine and opened a book, looking forward to a rare afternoon of quiet.
Later in the day, he called Cesar not really expecting to find him at home but hoping to at least leave him a message of Feliz Navidad. The person answering the phone took his name and said she would see if Senor Garcia was available.
A moment later Cesar was on the phone with his own Christmas greetings. He'd followed the stories in the Washington Post and Tribune and heartily congratulated Alejandro, making him promise to convey congratulations to his compadres.
They discussed their holidays and the brief respite from work. When Cesar discovered that Alejandro was free that week he convinced him to come to the hacienda and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of Mexico.
Alejandro demurred but Cesar brushed away all his excuses. Finally he consented with growing pleasure at the thought of spending time with his good friend, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the slower pace of the Yucatan.
"The sooner the better," Cesar insisted. "I know how it will be with you on New Year's Day. You will begin to worry about work and will leave. Promise me you will pack and make your arrangements today and fly out first thing tomorrow."
Alejandro promised to call later and let Cesar know how soon he could leave saying that arranging for his plane on less than a day's notice, particularly on Christmas Day, might be a challenge.
"I know better, my friend. You have the phone numbers and the way you pay your people they will not mind making arrangements for you at a moment's notice, Christmas or no," Cesar said laughing. "I expect a call this evening. I will not be here but be assured there will be someone to take a message."
Alejandro was already looking forward to the unexpected trip and the pleasure it promised. As Cesar had predicted, his phone calls were welcomed and promises made that all would be ready by 7 a.m.
By 4 p.m. the next day, Alejandro was being driven to Cesar's hacienda. Guillermo Sanchez had volunteered explaining that Cesar would have preferred to meet his friend but he was taking care of all business today so their week would not be interrupted.
As they were driving, Guillermo pointed out things of note in the villages they passed.
"Guillermo, tell me more about the Mayan influence in the area, please."
Guillermo turned to Alejandro who had politely declined the rear seat and sat beside Guillermo.
"Senor Algara, there is a chance we will be traveling together this week. Nearly everyone who knows me calls me Sanchez. I would be more comfortable with that if you don't mind." It was said with a smile and a nod to underscore the request.
"As we say in the United States, I'll make a deal with you," Alejandro said as Sanchez grinned widely.
"So what is this deal?" The smile increased. "Yes I am familiar with this saying."
"If I am to call you Sanchez, you must call me by my familiar name, Alejandro. Agreed?"
"Si, Alejandro. I hope we will become friends in that you are the friend of my good friend, Cesar. He will discuss some ideas he has for the week and perhaps we will get to know each other better."
Conversation was easy between the two men for the remainder of the trip. It was obvious to both that Cesar had shared bits of information with each of them about the other. When Sanchez mentioned his time in the military, Alejandro pursued the topic, very interested in the life of one who worked in Special Forces. He knew Sanchez would open up in his own time, if ever, but at least the interest had been expressed.
Sanchez spoke of his various duties in general. Of his postings he was more specific -- Alejandro realized geography was a safer topic and broadened the base of conversation. Betting on a hunch, Alejandro told Sanchez about Matt and the Sambo type of combat.
"Having never served in the military, I don't know what kind of hand-to-hand combat training is given. What does the branch of service you were in train with?"
Sanchez looked straight ahead as he drove. Alejandro was uneasy he'd pushed too hard. Sanchez after a few seconds gave him a quick look.
"It is no secret that I was in the GAFE," he paused to see Alejandro's reaction. Alejandro knew what he meant but kept his face impassive. Sanchez continued, "It is an Air Mobile branch of the Mexican Army. There are numerous specialties within the larger group. Each receives general training along with additional training that best fits their likely deployment.
"My training in combat was general - grappling, knife defense and killing techniques," again he shot a look toward Alejandro. "We learned subversive tactics to penetrate an enemy's position and to render them, shall we say, ineffective, with a variety of methods.
"Tell about this, Sambo. Did I say it correctly?" He had said it perfectly and Alejandro knew it was a shift to another topic, away from Sanchez' training.
Alejandro explained it as best he could, never having participated nor seen it practiced. His answer seemed to satisfy Sanchez.
"Alejandro, you asked earlier about the Mayan influence in this area. More accurately the question should be asked, 'What is the Spanish influence on the Mayan culture?' Spaniards have been here not quite five hundred years. We Mayans predate them by more than a thousand years as a unified people. As subcultures we predate them by millennia."
Sanchez's response in another circumstance might have offered offense. Alejandro realized he was simply setting the record straight.
"How then should I phrase my question?" Alejandro asked as he noted Sanchez's quiet demeanor.
Sanchez looked over with a neutral expression, "Alejandro I meant no offense. I trust none was taken."
"No, it was a good answer. I hope it will lead to much discussion of the Mayan presence and history on the peninsula."
Sanchez began a narrative that was sweeping in its breadth and indicated an intimate knowledge of both history and culture. He ticked off the major historical and cultural benchmarks. He framed his comments in ways that allowed the listener to focus on periods not epochs. To Alejandro, the information was fascinating.
At Cesar's casa, Sanchez refused to let Alejandro carry his bags as they entered to find Cesar. Alejandro wondered where they'd find the balance between them. He knew he'd not be comfortable with Sanchez in a subservient roll.
Cesar solved part of the dilemma when he entered the room. He embraced Alejandro with a big hug and welcome then turned to Sanchez with a look of years of affection.
"Thank you, my friend. It was a great help and I accomplished much." Sanchez nodded at Cesar's thanks, said, "Good night" and left.
Cesar watched the door for a moment, turned and said, "A person is most fortunate to have one such friend in a lifetime."
Alejandro knew they would be equals in the time they shared in the week ahead. He looked forward to getting to know Sanchez much better if the man allowed.
Cesar roused Alejandro before dawn so he could be ready for a big breakfast and steamed café con dulce. Sanchez joined them on the lanai with a cheerful fire blazing in the chimenia to ward off the chill of the winter morning. Between mouthfuls of egg, sausage and sweet bread, Sanchez told Alejandro the things they would see at Chichen Itza.
He told of El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado, or Castle of the Plumed Serpent. It was one of the chief pyramids dedicated to a popular deity of the Mesoamericans and named Kukulkan. Sanchez' voice took on a more somber tone as he described the large ball court. He explained the game pok ta pok and shared the element of human sacrifice that accompanied it. The sacred number seven's use throughout the stone playing field was eerie to Alejandro. Sanchez looked at him with that expression that said `you'll see'.
Alejandro's fascination grew along with his excitement. Cesar was pleased as he watched the exchange. It was familiar territory to him but he loved sharing it.
At day's end, Alejandro was physically exhausted from the climb to the top of El Castillo and tromping all over the site. Sanchez was a font of information and his eyes glowed with pride in the telling.
For the remainder of the visit Sanchez was with them almost all the time. He chose to drive, though Cesar offered several times. They drove to the coast to the new tourist destination, Cancun. Cesar had sold land for some of the development. Alejandro guessed that it had to have been a princely profit from the explosive growth they saw.
They drove along the northern costal road enjoying the spectacular views. Cesar mentioned that he had shared with Sanchez his encouragement for Alejandro to build a small casa on one of these beautiful sites. Several times Sanchez would stop the car and they would explore an area, always suggesting that something closer to them would be more beautiful still.
The next morning Cesar roused Alejandro long before dawn. Sitting in a chair next to Alejandro's bed Cesar said they would have a surprise for breakfast so to enjoy his café now.
It was still dark when they began their trip. Alejandro could tell they were heading north and west, toward the coast. They had traveled this road several times.
After nearly three quarters of an hour of driving on the one-lane gravel road Alejandro could see the shading of deep blue of approaching dawn. Cesar turned onto the coastal road and traveled a few more minutes until they turned off. Alejandro thought he saw a horse trailer.
As they got out of the car, Sanchez greeted them. He was all smiles, obviously part of the surprise.
"Someone tell me what's going on, please!" asked Alejandro.
"Alejandro, these are horses. We ride them," Sanchez managed to get out before he laughed.
Cesar answered the question, shooting a dirty look at Sanchez. "We will ride the horses to the beach. A bonfire is ready to light to give us warmth. Breakfast is prepared and in baskets in my car's trunk. We will eat, enjoy watching the sunrise and give the horses some exercise. How does that sound? I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep but Sanchez' idea seemed a wonderful opportunity to me. I hope you will enjoy it."
Alejandro was grinning at Sanchez. "Thank you, my friend. I've never done anything like this. This is too much," Alejandro said to both men.
"Alejandro, forgive my making a joke when you obviously were confused. And don't thank us too much," he said with a wink at Cesar. Smiling he continued, "We're using you as an excuse to do what we used to do as youngsters. But I am glad you like the idea."
With no further talk except to give and take instructions, the baskets of food and blankets were secured to the horses. The men mounted and began down a gradual zigzag path to the pounding surf below.
There they tied their horses securely, away from the bonfire. Sanchez lit the driftwood fire and as it blazed they spread their blankets and fare to enjoy as the sun rose.
The preparations were as thorough as they were sumptuous. The eggs and meats were chilled, as would be expected but a pan was provided to warm them on coals that Sanchez pulled from the fire. They feasted and with their café still steaming from the thermos, toasted the dawn of a new day as the edge of the sun broke the water's surface.
They lazed by the fire as the colors of sunrise bathed the sky with its own particular glory. As the coals began to die down the men packed up the remains of their feast, and rolled the blankets. As Sanchez carted the containers on horseback up to the road, Cesar and Alejandro kicked sand over the remaining coals.
They rode the coast for several hours, stopping at times to admire a limestone escarpment that rose abruptly from the sand. Sanchez explained that much of the foundation of the peninsula was limestone and was riven with freshwater fissures.
Occasionally the talk returned to Alejandro's casa as it was called, as if it were a reality and not a supposition. The strange thing, Alejandro thought days later, was that he joined fully into those conversations. Had he made the decision and not realized it?
The sun was high when they finally returned to the cold remains of their predawn fire. The horses easily climbed the path to the vehicles. Soon both men and animals were making their way back to the casa. Alejandro realized, as they drove, they'd never left Cesar's hacienda.
When they arrived at the casa, Sanchez called to one of the men nearby and told him to take the trailer and care for the horses. Alejandro was impressed with the care he instructed the man to give them.
The three of them collapsed on the lanai. Cesar instructed the young lady who appeared without being called to bring them cerveza. They quietly relished the first quenching swallow of the cold beer. Talk turned to the New Year's Celebration. Alejandro noticed Cesar give Sanchez a stern look that he didn't see.
Finally Cesar said, chagrin on his face, "Alejandro, I fear I have done you an injustice. It was selfish of me and I beg your forbearance. I host a celebration here for many of my friends each New Year. I was afraid if I told you, you would think you were intruding and would not come and visit. Forgive me if you are embarrassed or if I have made you uncomfortable." Cesar was almost begging.
The last reaction he expected was Alejandro's spontaneous laughter. Alejandro quieted Cesar's fears and told him of his first visit to San Antonio and Stan's discomfort. Alejandro quickly assured Cesar that he would truly enjoy meeting his friends.
The relief on Cesar's face was remarkable. He first looked at Alejandro with doubt, thinking that his response was polite. When he saw Alejandro was serious, Cesar began to describe the people he'd be meeting. Sanchez was obviously familiar with these people as he began to make humorous asides to the more formal explanations Cesar was giving.
As preparations began to ramp up for the party and influx of overnight guests Alejandro and Sanchez pitched in and soon all were taking instructions from the head housekeeper as to what went where.
In a quiet moment, Sanchez said, "The place we were this morning. It is the best for your casa. Since Cesar and I began to speak of it I've been casually looking at many places on the nearby coast. It is geologically stable and it is close to a village, my village. Of course it is close enough to the casa to easily visit for a cerveza or a meal.
"This will sound odd, I imagine. I am Cesar's only close friend within many hundred miles. It would please him greatly for you to accept his offer and invitation. I have seen that what he said of you is true. I, too, would welcome you and know you as a friend. Please consider the offer as most genuine." Alejandro assured Sanchez he would. As he watched the man walk away Alejandro realized how much like brothers Sanchez and Cesar were.
The next three days were controlled chaos. Nearly two dozen people were ferried from the nearby airport to the casa. As was custom, the house staff had vacated their rooms and all was ready for the guests. Soon after the first guests arrived, Alejandro was swept along by the camaraderie and warmth of Cesar's close friends.
To a person, they seemed know of parts of Alejandro's story and his work with the poor in Chicago, as they referred to it. He was lionized, to his embarrassment, by some who made their home in the capital, Mexico City.
The group was a congenial mix of men; journalists, lawyers, governmental higher-ups and two priests. They all were either gay or gay-friendly, as the current term described people. Alejandro couldn't tell which was which; nor did he spend much time trying.
By the luncheon on New Year's Day he'd talked to each one at length and found them engaging, sometimes challenging but always welcoming to the outsider. His views had been enlarged and at times painfully stretched as he was exposed to views that exploded his parochial Chicago mentality. He found his passion and empathy growing for the downtrodden and those living on the thinnest of margins of survival.
He joined Cesar and Sanchez in providing transport for the varied guests as their departure time approached. He could tell that this event was important to all for a variety of reasons. Their inclusion was valued and they held Cesar in highest esteem.
As Alejandro looked back on the event, he realized it was during that time with those men he made his conscious decision to build a casa in the Yucatan.
Both Cesar and Sanchez traveled with him to the airport. Sanchez was particularly interested in the avionics of a new plane. The pilots were glad to have someone knowledgeable who appreciated all their toys.
"You are safe. This plane and those men are more than competent." He embraced Alejandro as naturally as a brother, as did Cesar. Once again, Alejandro was reminded of the sense of fraternity. It was a gift he would not take lightly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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