Feet on the Ground

[Kyanimal]

Oh, NO!

And, just when things were kinda settling back down to a "normal".

I am hoping that Vince is going to be O.K.!

 

[EasyRory]

Chapter 37 - Mac Defines Big


“I think I should get a tattoo,” Liam announced over morning coffee.

Euie, who was still in shock over Vince's shooting, said nothing.

“What kind? A small gesture, like a bird on your shoulder or a real statement – like a double sleeve?”

“Well ...” Liam had obviously not thought this over.

“That kind of indecision, Liam, is probably responsible for most of the tattoos in this world. The ugly, inappropriate ones, for sure; the small hidden ones, too. What does your girlfriend think?”

“I don't have a girlfriend,” he quietly admitted.

“Why the fuck not? You're a young, good-looking straight guy with an ass that screams TOUCH ME and there's a surplus of girls. You must not be trying hard enough.”

“Mac, you don't understand. I don't want just a casual girlfriend. I want more. I want ...”

“Lower your standards and up your numbers,” Euie suddenly stated. “Or wait for perfection, and, if you ever do find it ...” He couldn't finish and left the room.

“My heart is breaking for Euie,” Hollis said. “He found perfection and look what happened. He told me last night that Vince is going to survive, but the docs can't say if he'll be able to see or not. That shotgun blast in the face really tore up ...” It looked as if Hollis was too choked up to finish. “They didn't deserve what happened.” And then Hollis went to the sink and began washing the accumulated cups and dishes of the week. THAT was a first.

“The problem of evil …my ethics professor says it haunts any concept of rationality.”

“What's his answer?” I asked.

“So far, he doesn't have one,” Liam shrugged. “But he's against tattoos.”

“So he's against fashion, which leads to calling nudism the perfect state.”

“Jimmy thinks so,” Richard said as he walked in. “What brought that up?”

“Liam wants to get a tattoo and then we were talking about Vince,” Hollis explained.

Richard pondered looking at the ceiling. “Picturing Jimmy, I can't think of where I'd want to put a tattoo... if he wanted one... which I think he might. All his friends have them.”

“What friends? I thought you said he lived almost apart from civilization way out there in West-by-God-Virginia.”

“He knows some folks in Capon Bridge. People in stores. They have tattoos. Especially this chick who sells hardware. She has snakes that run up her arms. They make you wonder where they're going. Kind of makes you want to bite whatever they're going for. Course, that scheme doesn't work so well on a dude like Liam here. Unless he's wearing shorts maybe.”

Liam blushed. A those young ones; so cute, so bite inviting. “I don't often wear shorts,” he said.

“Why not? If you got it, flaunt it, as somebody said.”

“Well, sir, I got a little problem, like maybe I got too much.”

“Did you hear that? Liam called me 'sir' and I'm not even old enough to be his grandfather. Stand up young'un, let us gauge the extent of your problem,” Richard teased.

Liam blushed furiously and remained in his seat; I've never seen a face almost purple before. “How 'bout we talk about something else,” Liam pleaded.

Euie came back into the room all business. “Liam, if you're not real busy, would you want to read these court pleadings? We're looking for a sense of implied knowledge which the subject would not be logically entitled to possess.” And with that the banter ended.

“Why is Euie working court pleadings?” Richard asked me.

Hollis answered, “Because he's a fucking genius at figuring out motives and missteps and who-done-its. Totally replaced me working for Ruslan's dad. He's earned more that a hundred k for Middleburg Investments from Mr. Cole's firm in the past six months. And he's now working for a second firm. Based on revenue generated, we ought to make him a partner. That's why.”

Richard stood wide-eyed. “Awesome,” he whispered. “So how is Vince?”

Nobody else spoke up; so I answered. “He's still in critical care, but stable. They don't know how his vision will be.”

“Thanks, Mac.” Richard's face fell and he left the room. Everybody else went back to work.

Toward the end of the day a very well dressed man came in asking for Hollis. “Uh, I think he went to change. He should be back soon. He said he was expecting a friend. I'm Mac Bacon,” I said as way of introduction.

“Joseph Evans,” he replied.

“Joe Evans from George Mason U?” Euie asked.

“I didn't know I was exactly famous. Yes, I'm a teaching assistant there.”

“My boy friend worships you, intellectually, of course. His name is Vincennes ...”

“Vince! Bushy blond hair! Yes! Your boyfriend?!? Lucky you.”

“Not so lucky,” Euie admitted. “He was shot – in the hospital.”

At that moment Hollis appeared. In his new suit. With a matte black tie and white shirt. With his hair still slick and wet, he looked like a model. Everybody stared. “Hey, Joe. Ready?”

We watched them leave. “Wow!” said straight Liam. “They look like ...” Whatever else he was going to say went unsaid as we watched them get into Joe's car and drive away.

“Okay, the Tesla is a little cliche,” I said.

“Vince says Joe is the smartest person he's ever met,” Euie added.

“I wonder where they got their suits,” Liam asked.

“Hugo Boss, for Hollis. Something more expensive, I'm guessing for the driver. I wonder how a teaching assistant affords an Italian suit.”

“Mac is our fashion guy,” Euie explained to Liam.

“Well, I'm done for the day. I'm getting my fashionable ass into jeans and flannel for tonight. Feet on the Ground is having line dancing and Monica loves line dancing. And bourbon.”

“I thought bourbon and pregnancy didn't mix.”

“It's complicated, Euie,” I explained. “She doesn't drink a lot, just one or two a night. And she's drinking for two. Plus she says it kills the pain.”

“Pregnancy is painful? Whoa! Glad I'm a dude.”

“No, she's always had pain. More sometimes; less others. But she says you get used to it and the bourbon helps. Takes the edge off. And besides, Liam, it's cheaper than vicodin and zoloft.”

“Woof,” was Liam's final comment before he left for the day.

“Euie, you want to have dinner with Monica and me?”

“Thanks, Mac, I'm going to the hospital. I'll sit with Vince. They bring him food and I eat it. I don't know how they can be so good at surgery and so bad at cooking a fucking grilled cheese.”

Adding 'fucking' to the description of a cheese sandwich wasn't like Euie. What a change five years and a great love makes in a person. The old Euie was kind of raunchy, truth be told, and a bit of a slut. The new Euie is the sweetest guy I know. I wanted to hug him. He doesn't deserve the trouble he's going through. Nobody does, I guess.

“Euie, everybody loves you. You know that, right? It hurts to see what you are going through. We want to help, but you never ask and we don't know what to do. Please ask if you need anything. Anything at all. Like do your laundry, clean your apartment, seriously, anything. You and Vince are such a beacon of sanity … and love …”

He got up and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Mac. You want to wear Vince's straw cowboy hat to your dance tonight? It's actually pretty cool looking.”

The hat must have been the twenty-gallon model. It was huge. Monica said I could walk around with my dick hanging out and everybody would still look at the hat. I unzipped and she decided she was wrong about the main center of attraction and commented. Something about an Oscar Meyer weiner wearing a sombrero. We had a good time at the dance. I kept the jeans zipped.

 

[Kyanimal]

Thank "Goodness" Vince is going to survive! Shot gun to the face?! Who?? Why??? ...

Young, cute, hung, Liam is in everybody's sights, for varying reasons. Who is it that's going to be able to breach his britches?

A decade (or longer) ago around here, "Western" was the going popular trend. There was one particular steak house that went all in, including a clothing store, line dancing in the bar, etc., etc. Somewhat surprisingly, Wisconsin is BIG quarter horse country!

 

[EasyRory]

Chapter 38 - Hollis Makes a Sale


I admit I was nervous. I felt a little uncomfortable in my new suit, even though Joe said I looked great. He said that to me as he gave me a small palm tree. “You look great. Here, I brought you a living air freshener. You ready?”

We got in his Range Rover and started for Washington. “Seriously, Hollis, are you ready for the responsibilities of being a plant parent?”

“What do I have to do?”

“Almost nothing. There's a hole that you fill with water once a month. And that's it. Did I tell you you look good in that suit?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you do. No joke. I'm serious. You could be a model.”

“You mean I look like an expensive escort? What's going on?”

“I'm trying to build you up in case you're nervous about your presentation. Not that you need it. Maybe. Are you feeling nervous.”

“No. I've sold experienced Virginia farmers on these contracts. Why should I worry about some Washington analysts? They're not customers.”

We parked in the garage of the Park Hyatt in the West End. It wasn't a super posh place, but it was okay. We went to a private room on the second floor and picked up name tags. “They spelled my name right,” I told Joe. Joe patted my back and led me into the room. There was a small platform seating four people at a table and maybe fifty or so chairs arranged in front of it. In the back of the room was an open bar. I ordered an ice water.

“Good choice for a speaker,” Joe said and then greeted somebody who walked over. “Hey, Jerry, let me introduce Hollis Harris. Hollis this is Pritchard Smoot.”

“Ah, our featured speaker,” Pritchard "Jerry" Smoot said in a broadly gay voice and gave me a very limp hand to shake. I had no chance to say a word as Jerry was immediately called away by another obviously gay man.

“Hollis, this is Naylor Ames. Naylor, Hollis Harris.”

“Hello gorgeous!” said Naylor. “You're with Middleburg Investments? Is that the all-gay bunch out in Fauquier County? I've heard STORIES about you!!!”

“We don't bill ourselves as all-gay; and, in fact, we aren't all gay. But there are some. We're a small firm,” I told him. The guy cooed a bit and moved on. “Joe, is this whole place gay?”

“No, sorry to say; we're not. But the financial industry is by somebody's calculation twenty-nine percent gay; so you will run into a few here and there.”

“You must be Hollis,” said one of the straight ones. “I'm Trent Beale, the dean of this-here bunch. We're happy to have you here and look forward to hearing about your new investment vehicle.” He looked hard at me and moved on.

Somebody banged a gavel and shouted, “Okay, people. Take your seats please. We don't want to be here all night.”

“Those of us who got a room plan to do exactly that,” said a slightly drunk Naylor Ames at my side. “If you hurry, you can get another drink,” he said tome.

“Thanks,” I said and took a seat with Joe in the second row of chairs. After the usual opening business and an introduction, I got up to give my pitch. I thought of it as an explanation, but it turned out to be a pretty effective pitch for investment in rural Virginia. To be honest, my knees were shaking a little and I immediately forgot everything I had planned to say; still somehow the words flowed and I sat down again to applause. Not a thundering ovation that shook the room, exactly, but it was more than merely polite.

“Perfect presentation,” Joe whispered. “Comprehensive enough to show you know your stuff and make them want to know more.” Then Joe got up and called out, “He was also a varsity lacrosse player at James Madison and if you want to know more, come to my class at George Mason next Tuesday. Hollis has agreed to address the class and take questions.”

Mixing later, I collected a fist full of business cards with promises to discuss investments. Who knew if anything would pan out? But I was pretty pleased with myself. Joe asked if I was ready to go and I was. “Just a quick trip to the men's room, okay?”

I was standing taking a piss when the drunken Naylor pulled up alongside. “Hey, Champ, nice talk,” he slurred while staring at my dick. I tried to ignore his gaze and mumbled a thanks. “Nice dick, too. Prolly bigger than mine,” he added as he pulled back to show me what he had to offer. He misjudged his step and fell sideways to the floor. He lay there moaning quietly. I tried to help him up but he was heavier than he looked and was not cooperative. I stuck my head out the door looking for help. “Kid, help me in here.”

A very fruity voice answered, “Me? You're asking me?”

“Yes. A guy's on the floor and I can't get him up.”

The kid looked down at Naylor. “His cock is hanging out.”

“Just help me get him up,” I said. We got Naylor to his feet and he roused himself some.

“Take me to my room; it's lucky 711,” he requested.

I supported an unsteady Naylor and told the kid, “Put his dick away before we go outside.”

“ME?”

“I don't see anybody else with a free hand. It won't bite you.”

“Bite you on the ass,” Naylor slurred. And then, “Mmmm. That's a soft warm hand. I think you know what you're doing, kid. Is your mouth as good as your hand?”

“Maybe,” the kid said as he zipped up Naylor's gaping fly. “Okay. Let's go.”

We passed Joe. “He needs a little help to his room,” I said. “Be right back.”

Joe chuckled and nodded. “Sexy Samaritan,” he said to me with a wink.

It seemed like forever but it was only a couple of minutes before we got to Room 711. “You have a key card?” I asked.

“In my pocket,” Naylor said and he tried to find it. “Kid, a little help?”

With only the three of us present, the kid was more relaxed about personal contact. He went fishing in Naylor's pocket and I guess found what he was looking for. “Nice!” Naylor cooed. The kid continued feeling around and found only dick. “I forgot to tell you it's in the other pocket.”

The kid laughed. “You didn't forget.” He tried the other pocket and came up with the card.

We got Naylor into the room and dumped him on the bed. He got tangled up with my jacket and I heard a rip as he fell onto the bed. “Ahh,” he sighed.

“Let me get your shoes off,” the kid offered.

“Why stop there?” Naylor asked.

I stood back and surveyed the damage to my suit coat. There was a small but obvious tear at the left pocket. “Shit,” I muttered.

“Sorry,” Naylor commented. I looked at him and saw how efficiently the kids had removed everything but his underwear. “You want to stay? Have some fun?”

“No,” from me. “Yes,” from the kid.

“Let's see what we'll be working with, kid,”

“I'm out of here,” I said. The kid said nothing; he pushed his his pants half way down his thighs and held his cock out for inspection. He was already half hard.

“Will this do?” I heard as I walked to the door. Naylor managed an appreciative “Uh-huh, kid.”

“Call me Darren,” the kid demanded. “Darren,” Naylor whispered. “Lick it,” the kid ordered; it was definitely an order.

I closed the door and hurried down the stairs to Joe. “Let's go!” I said trying to blot out the memory of Room 711. I don't know why I was tense; I wasn't involved in anything. No denying though, the kid was hung. I could still see his hand holding out that thick cock with a slight downward curve. I felt the start of an erection. But then Joe's cheerful commentary on my performance held my attention and the erection faded.

We got back to my place and Joe walked me to the door. "You don't have to do that; I'm a big boy,” I told him.

“I know,” he said. “But I wanted to. I had a good time seeing your success. You'll probably get an invitation to join the analysts club.” He smiled and suddenly kissed my cheek. “Not bad for a first date, huh?”

“A date?”

“Well, I brought you flowers, I took you for dinner and drinks, ok, you provided the entertainment, I brought you home, I gave you a kiss; yeah, I'd call it a date.” Joe gave me a huge smile.

“And Tuesday is our next date? At your school?”

Joe looked down and held my hand in both of his. “No, Tuesday is not a date. Tuesday is business.” He turned and left.

 

[Kyanimal]

I've been in that same conference room. Different places. Different times. Different reasons. Same room. Almost the same people. No Darren, though.

 

[EasyRory]

So have I. A couple of times there was a Darren. One of the Darrens inspired my old "Hanes" story about the dude at the Moscone fountain, if you remember. Nah, nobody remembers.

 

[EasyRory]

Chapter 39 – All RoadsLead To Macon


“Euie, sweetie, were you here all night?” I got to the office early for me and found Euie asleep at his desk.

“Ummm. Nngg. Ooouw.”

“Sorry to wake you. Were you here all night?”

“Mmmm. Most of it. I'll love you forever if you make some coffee, Mac.”

“What work was so compelling you spent the night?”

“Long story.” He paused. “Short one really. Vince's mother arrived and she's staying at the apartment. I'm not staying there because she hates gays. I believe 'disgusting' was her exact word.”

“But it's half YOUR apartment.”

“Not worth arguing about. She's only supposed to be here until Vince gets his bandages off, which is next week.”

“Behold,” Hollis blewin the door with a bag. “I bring goodies from the bakery. Pain au chocolat for Euie, cerices en croute for Mac our cherry boy, and plain croissant for me because I'm the healthy one.”

Euie and I said thanks without enthusiasm.

“What's wrong? Did I go to the wrong bakery?”

“Vince's mother hates gays and threw Euie out of their apartment,” I explained.

“Euie,” Hollis questioned, plainly appalled. Euie just nodded. Hollis, with more spontaneous emotion than I had ever seen before, grabbed Euie out of his chair and hugged him. “No, no, she can't do that.” I think Euie appreciated the hug. “She can't,” Hollis repeated.

“She can. It's not worth arguing about. It just upsets Vince and I don't want him upset over something that's nothing.”

“It's not nothing. You can live with me. I'll help you move your stuff. Right now. Let's go.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, you get the bed; I'll take the couch. No discussion. I'm shorter; I fit on the couch better. Let's go right now.”

“Why don't you wait until she leaves?” I suggested. “Besides the coffee's ready. And who wants luke warm coffee? And how is Vince, anyway. You said he gets his bandages off.”

“He's in good spirits except for the argument with his mother. She complained about me being around and he said I'm the most important person in his life, so of course I'm around.”

“God damn right you are,” Hollis confirmed. “What's wrong with this bitch?”

“Just old-fashioned. Vince told her, 'You've got three other sons who have given you eight grandkids so far, just leave Euie and me alone.' And she spouted some stuff about religion and the Old Testament. Then Vince called the Old Testament 'bad history, crazy ethics, and wishful thinking.' That was when I left them yesterday.”

Hollis tried to hug Euie again but Euie said, “Quit hugging me; I'll spill my coffee.” And then he kissed Hollis's cheek. “But I appreciate the sentiment. ”It was a very band of brothers moment. I may have teared up a little.

“No tears, Macon. We love you, too,” Hollis laughed.

I dabbed my eye and sniffled. “I can't help it.”

Richard picked that moment to arrive. “Alright, who is the wisest of all? Probably you, Mac. You've experienced the most disappointments. Anyway I need some advice. I told Jimmy I love him and he didn't say it back. He just said, 'That's the nicest thing I ever heard.'”

“And then?” I asked.

“Well, then he fucked me,” Richard replied. “Did I do wrong? Admit too much? What do I do now? I'm guessing I should have kept my mouth shut. But Jimmy is lookin' so hot lately, I barely want to get out of bed.”

“Lately? Jimmy was always hot – a little scruffy at first, maybe, but ALWAYS hot, Richard.”

“Was it a good fuck?” Hollis asked.

“It's always a good fuck, ever since that little piece of shit Anthony gave Jimmy lessons.”

“Well, I'd say ...”

Richard cut me off. “Too long winded. I want a couple words.”

“Do nothing. Wait for the right moment and tell him again. Let him deal with it,” Euie said.

Richard said, “Not just a pretty face, Euie. No wonder Vince loves you. Are the pastries all gone? I think love is making me hungry.”

“Look in the white bag,” Hollis told him. “I think there's one or two left. Maybe not enough for a growing boy who's in love though. Love, huh? I guess it's never too late, huh, Richie?”

Richard swallowed what was in his mouth and said, “You know, Jimmy calls me that and I kind of like it. But I'm a senior partner around here which means I'm Richard to all you assholes.”

“Speaking of assholes,” George said sticking his head in the door, “Mac, I need you to visit the Paul Penwood place.”

I could feel the blood draining from my face. “Uh, George, do I have to … you know.”

“Cheer up, he's dead. There's something in his will that his daughter wants to work out with you. She asked for you, specifically. Otherwise I would have sent Hollis. Hop on your horse, please. I told her you'd be there at nine.”

Just to be contrary, instead of hopping on my horse, I answered the phone. “Middleburg Investments. Mac Bacon speaking. Can I help you?” I listened to the voice. “Hollis it's for you.” Then I jumped on my horse, a gently-used Prius, as the sleezy salesman called it. There was a little shimmy in the front end if I pushed the Prius much above forty-five, so it took a while to get to Penwood's place. I knocked and rang the bell.

“Hello, I'm Rappahannia Penwood. You are Macon Bacon? Come in.” We went to Penwood's study, the scene of so much history.

“What do I call you?” I was trying to be polite.

“Depends how you like what I have to say. Miss Penwood, probably; or River for laughs.”

We sat. “River …Rappahannia? Oh I get it. Funny.” I didn't laugh and neither did she. “Ok, then. What do you have to say?” That was forward of me, but from the sound of things, what came next wouldn't be pleasant. I glanced over at the couch and pictured Carlos lying there spatchcocked, waiting for my dick. Sweet, so-fuckable Carlos.

“My father's will stipulates that you get ten percent of his estate if you can explain why he wants to remember you. For your purposes, the estate is worth about twenty-seven million. So you would get ...”

“More than I ever imagined.” I was surprised and at the same time wary. “Your father and I had a ...”

“Don't explain to me. Here's the estate's lawyer's phone number.” She passed me a printed card. “You were fucking him, right?”

“Or it may have been that he was fucking me.”

“I'm not thinking much of that. He was such a voyeur. He watched me lose my virginity at a tender age while he masturbated. He knew I could see him.”

“Yes, well … Um … Is there more you want to tell me? You're not the daughter I met. Are there two of you?”

“Yes, two. And a deadbrother.”

“One more question. Another man named Carlos was often involved. Is there any mention of him in the will?”

“That's all I have to say about it. Please call the lawyer. He may be able to help you. Thank you, Mr. Bacon.” I was dismissed.

Not so fast, toots, I thought. “Why did you ask me to call? Couldn't the lawyer have done all this?”

“I was curious about who was worth ten percent of the estate. I wouldn't have guessed you. You look … very ordinary.”

“I am ordinary - married with two children, doing a little better than surviving.”

“Well, lucky you. A little windfall then.” She closed the door after looking annoyed by the car that was disgracing her front door.

I drove back to the office slowly, of course. Maybe she had a right to be annoyed with my Prius and its driver. For all she knew I had made off with ten percent of her inheritance by having sex with her father. Would she have been as annoyed if I had been a woman? Was it the homosex or just the sex that got to her. Or was she just a natural-born asshole? Hard to say.

“Technically, the ten percent goes to the company,” George said, after I recounted the meeting to him. “Everything you did with the Penwoods you did as our agent.”

“The sex part? I thought the performance of illicit sex could not be part of a contract.”

“How about the company takes a fifth and you get the rest? You'd get over two million. Besides, it would cost you more that a fifth to pay the costs of a lawsuit.” George always sounded so reasonable ever when he was delivering a death sentence.

“That's not going to get you a Nobel Prize nomination, George, but I accept your offer, assuming the estate's lawyer doesn't do me out of everything. And I have a feeling that may be the exact plan.”

 

[Kyanimal]

Great to hear that Vince is still with us! I'm certainly looking forward to finding out what the Hell, and who, was going on!

Since Mac is part of the company, would he also get back a portion of the fifth that George is trying to steal?

Fascinating as always!

 

[EasyRory]

Mac and Euie are not partners in the firm, as George, Richard and Hollis are. As much as George, Richard (increasingly), and Hollis like them, they don't bring in enough business to make partner - yet, anyway.

 

[EasyRory]

Chapter 40 – Beauty is in the Eyes


“I'm Chiquita Banana and I'm here to say … Bananas have to ripen in a certain way ...” What an infectious beat. I samba-ed around the office swaying my hips and filing customer folders. “When they're flecked with brown and have a golden hue ...”

“Good morning , Carmen Miranda,” Euie said putting his arms around my waist and joining in my samba around the filing cabinets. “...bananas taste the best and are the best for you.”

“I forget what a good singer you are,” I told him. Then, “Euie, let go; I'm a married man!”

He let go. “I used to sing at all those birthday parties Rabbit put on. The kids loved me.”

“Ah, yes, Rabbit. Your former slut days.”

“Maxie, I need a favor,” he said. Was he deliberately using Carlos's old nickname for me? “Could you come with me to the hospital for Vince's bandage removal. Old Mother Hubbard is being a real bitch about it and I figure if somebody else is along, she'll tone it down.”

“Sure, sweetie. Be glad to.”

Hollis arrived with the pastry bag of goodies. He has got me eating an apple danish that is worth the calories since it is almost as good as a strudel. “Damn, that old mattress of yours is a bed of pain, Mac. When is Vince's mother leaving so we can go back to our regular sleeping arrangements?”

“Soon, maybe. Bandages are coming off today. She's got no reason to stay. Vince is physically fine from the neck down, completely able to take care of himself.” Euie did his best to sound cheerful.

It was early, but a Fedex truck arrived in the parking lot and it's semi-cute driver came to the door. “Delivery for Hollis Harris. I need a signature, please.” He was clean and presentable; of course I checked him out. Semi-cute and semi-packin'. I was still staring at his hint of a bulge when Hollis elbowed me aside.

“Here, I'm Harris. Where do I sign?” Hollis drew his very precise signature on the guy's tablet and took the envelope. “Excuse my friend here. He likes to pretend he's a married man.”

“Sorry,” I said.

“No harm looking,”said the semi-cute Mr. Fedex.

“So you are interested,”Hollis laughed.

“I could be. Fedex doesn't pay much.” Mr. Fedex gave us a semi-grin.

“Neither does Middleburg Financial,” I said, starting to close the door with a smile.

“Wait. Do you have a card?” Hollis asked, getting a bigger grin from Mr. Fedex. Hollis looked at the card. “Dylan Thomas? Like the poet? I may have something for you.”

“Hollis!!!” I pretended horror. “Professional behavior at work, please.”

“Since when?” Hollis opened the envelope and took out a black bordered card. “This card entitles the bearer to two Hugo Boss suits of his choice.” Hollis read an accompanying note. “Sorry, Naylor.”

Euie and I exchanged glances as Hollis sat at his desk. He punched at his phone and waited while it rang. “Hollis Harris for Naylor Ames, please.”And then, “Naylor, you didn't have to do that … Yes, well thank you anyway. Now I'll be twice as well dressed. By the way how did things work out with Darren? … Really? … You like him except for the sex part? … He's willing but no good at it? … I may know a teacher, strictly professional, he charges five hundred an hour. …Glad to help. Expect a call from Anthony.”

“Not our Anthony?” I asked; and Hollis laughed in answer.

“Mac? Hospital? We should go now,” Euie said. It took a while to get to Stone Springs Hospital, which was close to Dulles Airport.

“Lucky you didn't have to bring – what's her name? - along.”

“Winifred,” Euie said without further comment.

“How's she getting there?”

“She drove down from New Jersey. So she has the ability to leave at any minute.”

“ANNND she's off on her Broom V-8!” I exaggerated and got Euie to laugh.

We got there first and waited while the nurse said they needed to do some preliminary things for Vince. A moment later Winifred arrived. Euie introduced us and said he needed to visit the men's room.

“A friend, huh? So I guess you're one of those ...”

“Married men with one kid and another on the way,” I cut her off.

She changed instantly to her version of charming. “OH! How nice for you! When is the new baby due?”

“In about two weeks.” I never got to say another word. She launched into a dozen baby stories, some about Vince, until Euie returned.

“Okay. We can go in,” Euie said. “The doctor just finished removing the bandages and gave Vince instructions on how to take care of the wounds.”

“The wounds?”Winifred's voice trembled.

“That's what he called them. The nurse is still in with him, but we can go in.”

There were three gasps,two quiet from Euie and me and drama from Winifred. Vince looked ready for a ghoulish Halloween. Red and purple, swollen, distorted. Euie walked to Vince's side and took his hand. Winifred grabbed the foot of the bed to keep from collapsing.

Vince was pretty cheerful.“I can't see too well right now, but the doc said that should pass quickly. He turned to Euie and asked him, “How do I look, Champ?”

Euie hesitated and then answered calmly, “You look exactly like the man I love.” He pulled Vince's hand to his face and kissed it.

Winifred sobbed and I teared up a little. The nurse was choked up, too, and managed, “Why can't I have a boy friend like that?” She turned to Winifred and said, “Those two are the most beautiful couple I've ever met.”

I needed to support Winifred or she would have fallen. I led her to a chair near the bed. “Hi, Mom. Didn't I tell you Euie is the best ever?” Vince said with only a little impediment.

“You did,” Winifred gasped and watched to two lovers. Light touches, careful smiles, and silent volumes. “Don't they talk?” she whispered to me.

“When the need to,” I answered. “They don't always use words.” She looked dazed.“Would you like to get a cup of coffee?” I asked. I let her lean on me as we walked to the cafeteria. Two coffees and a large outmeal cookie for Winifred.

“Call me Winnie,” she said as she bit into the cookie. “You sure you don't want some?” She offered. I shook my head no and she asked, “Do you have any pictures of your child?” Of course I did, although almost no one ever asked. “Oh,” she sighed; “Beautiful. And that's your wife? She's gorgeous.”

Monica was many things. Smart. Inventive. Stylish. But not beautiful. At least not to me.

“Look how pretty her face is; and how slim she is. I think slim is so much more attractive than whatever those Kardashi-asses are.”

“I think so, too,” I managed.

“Now, I've heard, one of them is having a butt reduction.” She giggled a little.

“Oh my gosh,” I said.“You are the picture of Vince when you smile.” I think I won her favor forever when I said that. She was at a momentary loss for words. We drank up and went back to the hospital room.

Euie and Vince appeared not to have moved since we left. “The nurse said I can go home if I feel good enough,” Vince said, turning toward us. “I definitely feel good enough!” Laughing made him cough a little. Euie stood back a little and let Winnie approach her son.

“Sweet boy,” was all she could say as she held his hand.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Meanwhile, not that faraway, Naylor said, “But it won't hurt to try, Darren. We are having a great time together but the sex could … well, the sex could use some improvement. How can it hurt to talk to someone? And Hollis says this guy - Tony Something - is an expert.”

“But our sex is good, isn't it? I never tell you no. And you seem to be pretty pleased with… fucking me.”

“Yes, I am. You're a beautiful fuck; but are you pleased? I don't think so. It can't hurt to talk to the guy. Friday, ok. We go to his place. We can leave anytime. We just see what he has to say. It's up to you. I'm pretty happy with the way things are. But, admit it; you're not. I can tell. You endure our sex; you don't enjoy it. I want you to love it.”

“I do like it, Naylor. Come on, fuck me. Right now.”

Naylor fucked him; but neither was happy.

 

[Kyanimal]

Rory bud! I'm always thrilled when I see something new from You!

You have a talent to cover a lot of ground in few words. A hint here. A mention there. Sometimes seemingly random, butt we all know better.

What a beautiful, heartfelt, and wonderful "reunion" between Euie and Vince! And, I can just picture Winnie. You handled her well.

I'm looking forward to finding out who, what, why, etc., with Vince's "encounter".

Thank You for the visions!
Chaz