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LIFE'S A GRIND-2 |
LIFE'S A GRIND-２話 |
Jack Scribe The usual disclaimers apply. If for some legal reason you shouldn't read this...don't. A special acknowledgement to Drew for encouraging me to tell a better story through his edits and suggestions. And a big thanks to Brad for his patient proofreading and editing. Finally, a shout-out to Trab for the final tweaks to get the story 'just right.' Comments are appreciated at jack.scribe@gmail.com. __________________________ Chapter 2, JUST ANOTHER EVENING There were just enough aches in his abs and obliques to signal that Jeremy had pushed himself to a satisfying completion in his workout. 'Tomorrow will definitely be a legs day,' he decided as he saw some of the guys who only worked on their upper body - their legs looked scrawny and unbalanced. There was just enough time to take a quick shower, shave and dress for his job at the gym's front desk. At this point in his soon-to-be adult life, he got by with putting a razor to his sparse beard only a couple of days a week...usually before work. Several regulars nodded as he returned his hand weights to the rack. A few made very brief comments. Stuff like "How they hanging?", "How's school?", "Your biceps are really pumped", "Getting any?" Jock throwaway lines. Jeremy had worked out a series of pat answers that would satisfy the politeness police without any further dialogue. The people he really joked around with were either friends from high school or a select group of guys he had met at the gym and with whom he had developed a good rapport. These were buddies who he had learned to trust. They would trade confidences and share gossip while spotting for each other while lifting or working on the arms in front of the mirrors. Most were single: students in high school or college and men just starting out in their careers. Jeremy observed that the married guys, especially the ones who had children, took a more serious, measured approach to their life and tended to be more philosophical. In this group, he looked to one or two as 'older brothers' to whom he could turn for advice that only another man could provide. "Hey, Jer, you wanna get together with me and a few other guys for a movie an' a pizza this Saturday?" Without looking, Jeremy knew that it was his childhood friend, Robert Stein. Only a few very old friends called him 'Jer': he had made it known years ago that he preferred his full name. The same with Robert...but he was still 'Bobby' to a few close friends, Jeremy included. It was something from their past they reserved for each other. They had dropped the Can and Shroom nicknames years ago. 'Although the names still apply...very well,' Jeremy thought with a smile. 'Even more so.' "I should have enough time to get my homework done and I'm not seeing anyone right now, so you're on, my man." Jeremy turned to his school pal - tight since second grade - and added with a smile, "What's up with Rachael?" Robert's girl, Rachael, was another friend from grade school. "She's got some family stuff going on. Her sisters are dragging her along to buy Christmas gifts for the folks. An' I don't know if this thing is going to go on much further between the two of us. I'm going to have a talk with her this week and figure out how to cut loose. We've got some Christmas parties to go to an' I don't' want to leave her high and dry." "Bud, you're almost as bad as me on changing gals." He squeezed Robert's firm arm and thought, 'Bobby is really taking care of himself.' The two friends were both serious about their workouts...had been since their after school get-togethers had begun four years earlier. Robert, who leveled off a couple of inches shorter than Jeremy, looked a little older because of his dark hair. It had grown with more abundance...especially on his well-defined chest and the accentuated trail from his stomach, downward. And at this late afternoon hour, Robert had a 'five o'clock shadow' beard that Jeremy judged a mature, sexy look. "Thank God it's time to move on to college. We've run out of women in high school," Robert replied with a grin and wink. Both guys were planning on attending neighboring thing the two had in common were credible SAT's and grade point averages in the top 5% of their class. "But first let's get through Christmas break and the final semester." Jeremy returned the grin and rolled his eyes. "Gottcha. And first on the list is the flick this weekend." "Since it's just the guys, let's go see one of the films that Leo is in. Or, McConaughey." Like most young males, anything that featured Leonardo DiCaprio, Toby McGuire, Mark Wahlberg, Matthew McConaughey or Matt Damon was 'must see' on the priority list when it wasn't a date night. Jeremy stopped at the entrance to the locker room and said, "It's only Tuesday, so let's confirm at the end of the week. By that time we'll figure out where to meet, what to see and who's going to come. Bobby, I gotta change and get ready for my shift." "Cool. I'll see you at school or here." Robert 'high-five'd' and went back into the gym. Jeremy walked into the locker room and stopped by his locker. Being a staff member, he was assigned a permanent large locker and kept a supply of toiletries on hand. The space was just large enough for a few extra uniform shirts, gym shorts, towels, a stash of Power Bars and his health drink mix. He nodded to another guy next to him in the U-shaped locker bay as he pulled off the sweat-soaked workout tee and used it to wipe the beaded moisture from his forehead. He continued to his chest, underarms and torso before tossing the shirt aside. 'Definitely need to do laundry tonight,' he thought as he took off his trainers. He added the socks to the pile before pulling down his gym shorts and briefs. The reflection in the mirror pleased him. He had a locker that was close to the walkway and the mirrored wall. Jeremy briefly studied his trim, muscular form. Just enough definition in the deltoids, triceps and pecs to accentuate his flat six-pack and narrow waist. After the other guy left the area, Jeremy gently pulled his relaxed penis away from the sweat lock of his scrotum slowly turned to inspect his glutes. 'Yep. Everything's okay in that department.' While he regretted that family responsibilities precluded going out for school sports, he had more than compensated with his daily workout regimen at Bally's. He was pleased with the results and was aware that not many of his schoolmates could match his build. After grabbing his shampoo and shaving gear, Jeremy made sure the lock was in place and his sweaty clothes were pushed under the bench. He stepped into his flip-flops, wrapped a towel around his waist, went over to a sink, dropped off the gear and walked to the shower room. Only a few guys were in the wet area as Jeremy nonchalantly hung up the towel, found a showerhead that had adequate pressure, adjusted the water and soaped up...everywhere. The images of Uncle Win surfaced as he closed his eyes and he thought about their conversations concerning his post-pubescent modesty. He smiled as he playfully stroked himself just a few times to clean his dormant organ. 'No show tonight,' he decided. Occasionally, he would accidentally get wood in the shower and need face the wall while 'Jer, Junior' settled down. The infamous seven inches that he had been concerned about in his earlier teen years had settled in to a respectable eight and was reserved for only a few special people. At this point, the list was null and void - he had just broken up with the latest gal pal. The warm water pelted his head rinsing the shampoo off his scalp. Jeremy tentatively opened his eyes and became aware that someone a couple of showerheads away was watching him. He slowly turned to position the shower stream on his back and casually looked to his left. A young man in his mid-20s was applying soap to his torso and underarms - nothing suggestive - while he intensely watched Jeremy. The first image that came into his mind was that of a guy in a CK briefs commercial...without the briefs. When the mystery man nodded, Jeremy reacted with an immediate shaking of his head that signaled a friendly 'thanks but not interested' rejection. 'I've seen this guy before,' he thought as he moved around so his backside was the only view. 'Maybe he's a model who's looking for some action on the side?' Even if he was remotely curious, Jeremy knew better than to encourage any contact with a member of either sex in his place of employment. He finished the shower, grabbed his towel and discovered the guy had disappeared when he turned around. 'Just as well. The last thing I need is some sort of confrontation before my shift begins.' He looked at the wall clock and noted that he was due at the front desk in 12 minutes. 'Just enough time to get squared away,' he thought. Squared away included grooming, getting dressed in his uniform and mixing the energy drink with tap water. The drink and two Power Bars was dinner. Jeremy purposely had a big lunch at the school cafeteria each day to pound in 'real' protein and vegetables. He dried off, wrapped the damp towel around himself again and went out to the sink area. Mystery man was not in any of the visible locker bays when Jeremy scanned the locker room's image in the mirror while lathering his face. With a trusty Bic in his hand, Jeremy took care of the spotty three-day growth with a minimal amount of effort. As he took a final few strokes on his chin, another man arrived at the next sink. He let his eyes move slightly to focus on his shaving neighbor. The two men made contact with their eyes and Jeremy mumbled a "Hi." Jeremy's attention immediately returned back to his reflection as he rinsed the razor and splashed some water on his face. 'Christ,' he thought, 'It's Gay Gordie in the nude as usual. That's all I need.' The late 40's man, completely hair-free except for his eyebrows, routinely showed off his steroid-enhanced body, cock ring and the locker room. He always hit on a new guy...at least once...while shaving. Most members were used to Gay Gordie's nude form at the sink and had given up complaining. Jeremy was a little taken aback the first time he had seen the piercing a couple of years ago but Uncle Win had patiently explained the reasons some men preferred it...information that the young teen filed away for reference only. 'Different strokes,' Jeremy thought as he gathered his gear and returned to the locker for the final 'squaring away' process. '4:58 p.m. Another on-time performance,' he proudly judged while signing in at the front desk. "Hey, dude, whazzup?" Jeremy bumped knuckles with Pete - the receptionist with whom he worked most evenings. During the crunch period, two staff were needed to check I.D.'s, direct prospective clients to the membership consultants, handle personal trainer appointments, man the phone and answer general questions from the members. "Snowed under with exams, thank you." Pete was a student at DePaul majoring in Computer Sciences. "Um, could I ask you to do me a big favor and close for me tonight? I really need to be with a study group if I'm going to ace the test." "Ah, I really don't have a way to get home that late." Jeremy had hitched a ride earlier with a friend and didn't want to be wandering the Street area going home at midnight. "Trust me...a guy like you will have no problem getting a ride," Pete replied with a wicked grin. "Looking for a pickup is the last thing I need or want. Plus, I'm still under-age until next month." Jeremy liked Pete but thought his mind wandered into the gay gutter too much. His co-worker was completely out and loved to harmlessly flirt when no one was near the desk. Jeremy would usually play along verbally - up to a personal boundary that Pete respected - and had developed a casual friendship with the college sophomore. "Just joking...not. Ah, what if I gave you five bucks for a cab? That should be enough and you'll get your studly bod home without complications." "I think that's the dealmaker, buddy. Let me use your cell to call home and make sure everything's okay. If so, you're on." "Here ya go," Pete said while fishing his cell out of his backpack. He gave it to Jeremy and continued, "I'll hold down the fort." Jeremy took the cell, nodded and walked outside the gym and stood across from the entrance. Bally's was located on the top floor of the Century Mall - a vertical shopping mall that years ago had been a humongous movie palace - and there was always foot traffic coming and going. He wanted to blend in and not be spotted by his supervisor making a call on company time. Naomi, his sister, answered on the third ring and verified that everything was quiet. Jeremy said he should be home by midnight and purposely mentioned that he would take a cab. 'No reason to worry Mom or Sis.' "I'll trade you the cell for a five," Jeremy said when he returned to the front desk. "Mom's fine and sis will be home for the evening." "Thanks. I really mean it. The test coming up is 'make it or break it' time for my scholarship." A $5.00 bill and the cell phone traded hands and the two receptionists proceeded to handle their duties as the early evening crowd began flowing in. This was time for the 'see and be seen' exercise class and machine circuit workout crowd to arrive. With Step aerobics, Spin, and yoga classes at 6:00 p.m. start times, the desk was frantic. The women - several surgically enhanced - arrived in full makeup, not a hair out of place, ready to change into a designer sport bra and stretch shorts combo. Men were more realistic about dressing for their gym appearance. Tightness of the tee or tank top depended on how fit and trim the body was. In contrast, almost all guys wore baggy, knee-length shorts. Universal amongst the 'cool' ones were low-cut, no-show socks with the newest Nike or New Balance shoes. The younger personal trainers and their groupies privately amused Jeremy. The two he was closest to were recent college graduates and ACE-certified. Although they were serious about fitness training, Zach and Gio liked to play the role of strutting, proud peacocks on the gym floor. They were very aware that their well-honed physiques were walking advertisements for the training business. Jeremy knew that several female clients had crushes on these two hunks and was sure that a few of the men signed up because of the same attraction. For the trainers, a good clientele base meant an average $25.00 per hour after Bally's got their cut. Zach had confidentially told Jeremy that he was just biding time until a position became available at the prestigious East Bank Club. By the time he turned 26, Zach planned on making 45 grand a year as a trainer. His goal was to be partner with Gio in an exclusive private workout facility by the time they were 28. He also shared that Gio was his roommate and 'very close friend.' Nothing more had been said but Jeremy assumed that the two guys were in a relationship. There was a certain intensity that Zach and Gio projected when they were together. On a few occasions, a touch by one or the other would linger just a longer than usual – something that Jeremy picked up on from being with his uncles. When Zach and Gio didn't have clients they would go through their personal fitness routines, frequently with a few of the guys who liked to hang and work out with the trainers. There was a close bond between all of these young men who enjoyed the companionship of like-minded fitness devotees. The trainers would share workout tips with their friends when they lifted weights or worked out on the machines. On their own time, the two would wear their own gear rather than the Bally's generic personal trainer uniforms. Zach, with features that favored his Nordic heritage, wore snug tank tops that were tailored with different colored materials to accentuate his muscular deltoids, lats and tapered torso. Gio preferred stretch sleeveless tees that clung to his lanky body like a second skin in colors that accentuated his darker Italian complexion. Nothing was left to the imagination above the waist...and that was their intention. Tonight was busy for the trainers and the two guys wore the official uniform: a Bally's polo shirt, workout pants and a jacket. Jeremy and Pete continued to handle the front desk flawlessly. Several times Zach or Gio would come up to greet someone with an appointment. By 8:15 p.m., Jeremy felt confident that he could handle reception by himself and, after a short break, sent Pete off to his study group. About the same time, Gio came to the desk in his street clothes and coat. "I'm outta here. There's no more clients and I need to go home." "Zach's not leaving?" Jeremy asked. "He's got a last minute appointment that was booked on the floor. Chances are he won't be able to leave until 9:30 or so. Take care, my man. See ya around." Gio 'high-five'd' Jeremy and walked to the door. "Later." Jeremy watched Gio walk out to the mall area. Over at the railing by the atrium was another young guy that Jeremy only knew as George; a preppy stockbroker-type who came to the gym a couple of times a week. George smiled broadly when Gio walked up to him. 'Whoa, what's that all about?' Jeremy wondered when he saw Gio grab and squeeze George's denim-covered buns. The two guys laughed and walked towards the elevator while they chatted. 'Man, that's a little advanced for just a friendship.' "Um, earth to Jeremy." A shorter guy in a Bally's exercise outfit drummed his fingers at the desk in a good-natured way. "Oh, sorry, Seth." Jeremy was embarrassed that his supervisor had caught him not being alert at the desk. The Gio and George thing really had gotten Jeremy rattled. "I was just thinking about some family things I've got to do this weekend." He hoped that his nose was not growing with that fabrication. "No problem. Pete told me you were covering the closing. Do you have any problem if I boogey around ten? It should be pretty quiet by then and you know the closing drill." "Yeah, that's fine with me. I've got the security code and have all the lock-down procedures memorized. You can trust me." "I have absolutely no worry about that. Double-check each locker room to make sure we don't leave anyone here for an unauthorized late workout session," Seth said with a loud laugh. "No midnight nooky?" "You got the picture. I'll see ya before I leave." Seth walked back onto the workout floor and greeted a few members along the way. Jeremy was helping a 'walk-in' prospective member fill out the profile application when Zach, dressed in street clothes, strolled over to the opposite corner of the front desk. 'Wow, this doesn't look like a happy camper,' Jeremy judged from his friend's expression. He nodded to Zach and put up his finger to indicate Zach should wait. A membership consultant arrived and steered the stranger over to a bank of desks off the entry area. "What's with the change in clothes? I thought you had another training appointment?" "The client had a last minute change of plans...his wife called him on his cell. So, I'm going home." "Um, maybe it's not my business...ah, is everything okay? You seem a little agitated." There was no traffic at the desk and Jeremy decided to devote a little quality time with his friend. "Oops, is it that obvious? It's just, ah, that me and my par...ah, roommate are having some piddle-ass conflicts about something. That's all...I guess we'll work things out." Zach slowly zipped up his coat and pulled out a cotton cap. "Zach, maybe I'm just a kid in your eyes but my uncle and his partner – they were also roomies - hit a few rough patches and I understand what you're going through. Talk it out with Gio. My uncle always told me that keeping things bottled up is a sure way to experience disaster." "Ha, I guess that Gio and I haven't kept our relationship very well hidden." "Naw, not at all. There's been no talk that I'm aware of. It's just that I'm a guy who lived around two, close gay men since I was a baby. You might say that I know what to look for." Jeremy stuck out his hand for Zach to grab it for a shake. "I'm a straight guy...well, I think I am...but very gay friendly." "Your uncles...wait, you said 'lived' in past tense. Are they..." "Uncle Karl passed a couple of years ago and my real uncle, Win, died last year. They were neat and kinda the dads who helped me grow up. What about you two? Gaydar's one thing; picking up on a troubled guy is another." "We met at school about four years ago at to get jobs in one-bedroom over in Wrigleyville until, um, we can afford to buy something. The last couple of months just haven't been good between us...that's all. I suspect that...well, um, Gio is a horny guy and I think that he's...ah..." "Finding a little extra on the side?" Jeremy asked. "Ah, he and I have a different view of what's a relationship. He's been fucking around on the side since we were in school. Not often, but often enough to piss me off. I give him the silent treatment and he gets the message." "Tell me to screw off if ya wanna...but I hope you guys are, er, safe an' everything?" "I don't mind telling you that I've, um...I'm the one who, ah...you know...I always use protection. I love the guy but I can't handle this open relationship stuff he seems to want." "Sounds like talking time is definitely in order - if I can be so bold to toss that out. Tell Gio what your expectations are as a couple and see if they match up with his. I got a gut feeling that he doesn't understand what the deal is. He seems like one of the good guys and I'd hate to see something like this mess up your friendship." "Buddy, you're definitely not a kid in my book. Thanks for the suggestion." Zach pulled on his cap and added, "I'm going home and try to get this worked out. But if he doesn't agree to being just with me, well...I might be single the next time you see me." He waved with his hand and left Bally's. "Uh, oh," Jeremy said to himself. Something, after putting the pieces together, told him that Gio hadn't gone straight home. 'This timing might be lousy.' For the next two hours, the traffic was primarily flowing to the exit door as the members left for the evening. Shortly before 11:00 p.m., the gym floor was vacant and the staff had signed out. Jeremy flipped through the security camera screens and determined that no one was left in the gym and pool spaces. With an Allen wrench, he tripped the crash bars to the front doors so they were locked to anyone on the outside. This would allow him to perform a final walk-through in the lockers, toilets and showers...the only spaces that weren't covered by cameras. He grabbed a large, long flashlight and proceeded with the final security check. The ladies area was quiet and fairly messy. 'Women can really be pigs,' he thought while checking the toilet stalls. Sometime in the early hours of each morning a maintenance crew cleaned the entire fitness center prior to the 7:00 a.m. opening. Jeremy turned off the lights and left to do a final check of the men's area. However, as he walked into the men's locker room, a noise in a distant corner alerted him to proceed with caution. He quietly crept forward and gripped the flashlight a little tighter. "Yeah, urmph...ah...give it to at least two people were in the final bay of lockers. "Fuck, you're tight," said a second voice. "Move it in faster and...oh, man, that's a big one." 'Oh, crap. Why do these guys have to screw while I'm trying to get closed and go home?' Jeremy thought as he arrived at the location of the voices. He saw two guys; one propped up on the bench lying on a towel with his legs spread, and the other man plowing his cock into a willing butt hole. For a moment he thought about the time he had walked into his uncles' bedroom as the two were screwing. These guys were probably in their 30's and, Jeremy considered with relief, rather slight in build and muscle. 'Okay, here goes the spoiler.' "Sorry to break up your little party, boys, but I'm giving you one minute to get your clothes on and get out of here. Now." Jeremy stood with his legs apart, tapping his flashlight on a locker, and glared at the two nude men. The aggressive man on top appeared startled as he exited the other man's ass. He spun around, stood up and clumsily tried to hide his wilting, slick erection while the man on his back lost balance and fell to the tile floor. Jeremy automatically mentally labeled them as 'top guy' and 'bottom guy.' "We weren't harming anybody," top guy said with some defiance in his voice. "Just my job security and the license of this gym, asshole," Jeremy barked back. "Help your fuckmate up and leave immediately after you find your clothes." "But, ah..." "If you're not gone in one minute, I'll suspend your memberships. I should do that anyway but this is the Christmas season. After that I'll call 9-1-1 and get vice to handle this." Jeremy stood there as the two men, without saying another word, scrambled to their lockers and quickly put on their clothes. Jeremy shook his head as he spotted a wedding ring on the 'bottom' man's finger. He wasn't sure what the police could do but he wasn't challenged. "I'm sorry about breaking the rules. We'll be invisible in 30 seconds," bottom guy mumbled as he put on his shirt. "Meet you guys at the entrance in 20 seconds," Jeremy replied as he walked away. He still had to change into his clothes, after the lovebirds departed, and finish the lock-down. 'Jeez, these guys are too old to be doing it like rabbits,' he thought from his teenage point of reference. 'On the other hand, maybe I'll still be ready for it when I get to their age.' He waited at the entrance and saw the two men, slightly disheveled, walking rapidly with coats and gym bags in hand. When they approached the desk, Jeremy said, "I want you guys to stop for a second and look up at the corner of the room. That's right, you're on candid camera...for the record. I'm not going to do anything this time - just a word of warning. Don't do anything like that at this gym again, ever again." Top guy had apparently thought things over and nodded in a contrite manner. "Man, I'm sorry that this happened. You're right; we shouldn't have done this at the gym. Thanks...I really appreciate it and apologize for being such an asshole." "Okay, we're cool. This is not the place for, um, you know." Jeremy watched the men push the crash bars to exit the gym and depart. He pulled at the door to make sure it was secure before he returned to the locker room to change. 'Crazy shits,' he thought as he took off his uniform shirt. ______________________ TO BE CONTINUED |
ジャック・スクライブ いつもと同じだよ。18歳以下の人は読んじゃ駄目。 ドリューに。俺のストーリーをチェックしてくれたり、コメントくれたりしてありがとう。辛抱強く間違いをチェックしてくれたブラッドにも感謝。最後に、俺のストーリーを「これでよし。」ってなるまで弄ってくれたトラッブ（作者：多分トラビスのニックネーム）に！ （作者注： shout-outっていうのは、TVなんかでカメラに向かって友達の名前を言って手を振ったりするあの感じ？訳しにくくてごめん。） コメントは大歓迎だよ。 jack.scribe@gmail.com ――――――――――――――― 第二章、いつもの夕方 頑張って満足のいくワークアウトをやった後の、心地よい痛みを腹筋と脇腹に感じた。“明日は足を重点的にやらなくちゃ。”ジムで上半身ばっかり鍛えてる他の男達を見て、ジェレミーはそう決めた。彼等の足ときたら、バランスが悪くてガリガリだ。フロント・デスクの仕事に戻る前に、ちょうどシャワーを浴びてヒゲを剃るだけの時間があった。大人になる一歩手前のジェレミーは、今のところジムでの仕事の前に、週に何回か、ちょこっと生えた髭に剃刀を当てるだけですませることができた。 ジェレミーがラックにウェイトを戻していると、ジムの常連が何人か彼に挨拶がわりに頷きかけ、何人かはちょっとした挨拶の言葉をかけた。「やあ、調子はどう？」（作者： How
they hanging? ってHow’s
it hanging? のことだと思うんですけど…。男同士でちょっと相手をからかいながら挨拶する感じ？ itはアレとの2重の意味）とか「学校はどうだい？」、「君のバイセプは凄いね。」、「最近やってるかい？」なんて感じでエクササイズ馬鹿達が声をかける。あんまり下品にならないように礼儀正しく、でもそれ以上会話を続けないですむように、そういう場合にやり返す適当な返事のパターンをいくつか考えてあった。ジェレミーは、高校の友達か、ジムで会って親しくなった決まったグループの連中だけと、一緒にジョークを言ってふざけ合うことにしていた。 ジェレミーにはそんな風に信用できる友達が何人かいた。鏡の前でウェイトを上げたり、腕を鍛えたりしてる相手をみつけては、内緒の話や、ゴシップを交換し合う。そのほとんどは独身で、高校生や大学生、社会人になったばかりの若者だった。ジェレミーの見るところ、結婚してる男達、特に子供のいる連中はずっと真面目で、人生に対する考え方がきちんとしていて、哲学的っていってもよかった。こういう男達の中の何人かを、ジェレミーは自分にアドバイスができる人ってことで、「兄貴」みたいに頼りに思っていた。 「やあ、ジェア。土曜日に他の連中も入れて映画とピザはどう？」 そう後ろから声を掛けられたけど、振り向かなくても、ジェレミーにはそれが幼馴染のロバート・スタインだってわかった。ほんの何人かの昔からの友達だけが、彼のことをジェアって呼ぶ。もう何年も前から、それ以外の友達にはジェレミーって呼ばせることにしていた。それはロバートにもいえることだったけど、ジェレミーを含めて、親しい友達にとっては、彼は今でもボビーだった。お互いのために取っておいてある、昔を思い出させるあだ名。缶とキノコっていうあだ名の方はもう何年も前にお払い箱になっていた。“とは言っても、あのあだ名は今でも通用するけど…立派にね。”そう思ってジェレミーは微笑んだ。“今の方が凄いし。” 「週末までに宿題を片付ける時間は十分あるし、今は彼女がいないしね。その話、乗ったよ。」ジェレミーは７つの頃からずっと一緒の同級生に向き直って笑顔で続けた。「それで、レイチェルとはどうなってるの？」ロバートの彼女、レイチェルはやっぱり小学校からの友達だった。 「家族となんか用事があるらしいんだ。お姉さん達に引っ張られて、親のためにクリスマス・プレゼントを買いに行くらしい。それと、俺達これから先どうなるかわかんないんだよね。今週中に彼女と話し合って、別れることになると思う。クリスマス・パーティーには一緒に行かなきゃいけないと思うけど、この時期一人にしてパーティの相手がいないなんてことになったら可哀想だし。」 「やれやれ、彼女を変えてばっかなのって俺と同じだな。」そう言うと、ジェレミーはロバートの逞しい腕をギュッと掴みながら思った。“ボビーの奴、しっかり鍛えてるな。”放課後を一緒に過ごしていた4年前から、二人ともワークアウトには真剣に取り組んでいた。ロバートの方はジェレミーより少し背が低かったけど、黒髪のせいで少し年上に見えた。その髪はフサフサと豊かになり、胸毛は特にはっきりして、それがお腹に線を描いてその下まで続いていた。そして午後5時の今、ロバートにはうっすらと無精ひげが生え、ジェレミーはそれを大人っぽくってセクシーだって思った。 「もう直ぐ大学に行くんで助かったよ。もううちの高校の女の子で付き合ったことない娘、残ってないし。」ロバートがニヤッと笑ってウィンクした。二人とも秋から、この近くのデ・ポール大に通うことになっていた。女の子をしょっちゅう替える以外、もう一つ二人に共通していたのは、クラスのトップ５％に入る成績と、希望の大学合格圏内のSATのスコアだった。（作者： SATっていうのは希望の大学に進学できる成績かどうかをチェックする共通試験。） 「でもまずはクリスマス休暇があって、それから最終学期が待ってる。」ニャッと笑い返しながら、ジェレミーがクルッと目を上げてみせた。 「わかってるって。とにかく最初に今週末の映画どうするかだな。」 「男だけで行くんだから、リオ・デカプリオか、マコナヒーが出てる映画がいいな。」ほとんどの若い男の子と同じ様に、レオナルド・ディカプリオ、トビー・マグワイア、マーク・ウォールバーグ、マシュー・マコナヒーそうじゃなければ、マット・ディモンが出てる映画は、デートの夜じゃない限り、ジェレミーにとって見なくちゃいけない映画のリストのトップにあった。 ロッカーへの入口で立ち止まるとジェレミーが言った。「まだ火曜日だから、週末までにそういうの決めよう。それまでには何を観るのか、どこで待ち合わせるのか、誰が一緒に来るのか大体決められるだろ。ボビー、俺、もう着替えて仕事に行かないと。」 「わかった。じゃあまた。学校かここで。」ロバートは片手を上げてジェレミーとハイ・ファイブをするとジムに戻っていった。 ジェレミーはロッカー・ルームに入ると、自分のロッカーの前で立ち止まった。ジムのスタッフとして、ジェレミーは石鹸や髭剃りの道具なんかを入れるための自分のロッカーを持つことが出来た。ジムのユニフォームのシャツや、ワークアウトのためのショーツ、タオルの予備や、汗止め、ドリンクに入れる健康ミックスなんかを入れると、ロッカーはちょうど一杯になった。汗に濡れたシャツを脱いで、それで額の玉の汗をふき取りながら、Uの字型に並んだロッカーの隣にいた男に軽く頷いてみせた。そのまま胸や、腋の下、上半身を拭ってから、シャツをポイッと投げ出した。“今夜はどうしても洗濯しなくちゃ。”トレイナー・シューズを脱ぎながら思った。ソックスをシャツの上に放り投げて、ジム用のショーツと下着を脱ぐ。 鏡に映った自分の姿にジェレミーは満足した。彼のロッカーは通路と鏡張りの壁の傍にあった。サッと、自分の引き締まった筋肉質の身体をチェックする。綺麗に割れた腹筋と、細く締まった腰を引き立てるのにぴったりの肩の盛り上がり、腕と胸の筋肉のトーン。隣にいた男が出て行った後、ジェレミーはリラックスしたままのペニスを汗まみれの陰嚢の毛からちょっと離して、お尻をチェックするためにゆっくり鏡に背中を向けた。“うん。この辺もオッケーっと。”家庭の事情から、学校でのスポーツに参加することができなかったけれど、バリーズのジムでのワークアウトを根気良く毎日続けることで、申し分のない結果を得られていた。その結果に満足していたし、彼ほど体格のいいクラスメートはあんまりいないこともわかっていた。 シャンプーと髭剃りセットを掴んで、ロッカーにきちんと鍵が掛かっていること、汗臭い服をベンチの下に押し込んでしまったことを確認した。サンダルを履いて、腰にタオルを巻くと、シンクの横に髭剃りセットを置いて、シャワー・ルームに向かった。シャワー・ルームにはジェレミーの他に２、３人しかいなかった。タオルを掛けて、適当な水圧のシャワーを探して、水量を調節すると、石鹸を塗りたくる…どこもかしこも。目を閉じるとウィンおじさんのこと、思春期の自分が恥ずかしがっていた時におじさんと交わした会話を思い出した。今は休憩中のソコを綺麗にするために、何回かチョコチョコ撫でながら微笑んだ。“今夜はショーはなし。”そう決める。 時々、突然シャワーの最中に硬くなることがあって、そういう時はジェア・ジュニアが落ち着くまで、壁の方を向いて立つことになった。中学生の頃心配してた17センチは、今や立派な20センチになって、特別な少数の人のためだけに取ってあった。今のところ、その特別な人のリストは存在しないも同然で、ジェレミーは最近つきあってた娘と別れたばっかりだった。 温かいシャワーが頭皮からシャンプーを洗い流していった。目を開いたジェレミーは、２、３個隣のシャワーで、男が彼を見ているのに気が付いた。ゆっくりシャワーの位置を変えて背中に掛かるようにしておいて、何気なく左に目をやった。20代半ばの若い男が上半身と腋の下に石鹸を塗りながら−それは誘いかけるような特におかしなやり方じゃなかったけど−熱心にジェレミーを見ていた。最初にジェレミーがその男を見て思い出したのは、カルバン・クラインのブリーフのコマーシャルに出て来るモデルだった…ただしブリーフは履いないけど。その謎の男が頷きかけてきたから、ジェレミーは「ありがたいけど、興味ないんだ。」っていう合図のつもりで、急いで首を振って見せた。“前にも見たことがあるんだけど。”相手に背中しか見えないように立ち位置を変えながらジェレミーは思った。“モデルがちょっと遊び相手を探してるってとこかな？”多少の好奇心があったとしても、ジェレミーは自分が働いてる場所で、男女を問わずジムのメンバーとそれ以上関わらない方がいいくらいは心得ていた。 シャワーをすませてタオルを掴んで振り向いた途端、さっきの男がいなくなっていたことに気が付いた。“それでいいさ。バイトが始まる前にゴチャゴチャしたくないし。”壁の時計を見て、後12分で受付に座ってなきゃいけないことに気が付いた。“準備するのにちょうどいい時間だ。”髪を撫で付けて、ユニフォームを着て、水道の水にエナジー・ドリンクのパウダーを混ぜる。そのドリンクと2本のパワー・バーがその日の夕食だった。ジェレミーは学校のカフェテリアで「ちゃんとした」たんぱく質と野菜を取るために、大盛りのランチを食べることにしていた。タオルで身体を乾かすと、濡れたタオルを巻いてシンクに向かった。 ヒゲを剃りながら鏡に映るロッカー・ルームの人影をチェックしたけど、さっきの謎の男はどこにも見当たらなかった。髭剃りを手にすると、チョイチョイっと3日分のまばらなヒゲをすぐに剃り終えてしまった。最後に２、３回顎を剃っていると、誰かが隣のシンクを使い出した。目だけ動かして隣に来た男を見た途端、その男と目が合って、「ハイ。」と声を掛けた。直ぐに鏡に映った自分の顔に注意を戻して、髭剃りを洗うと、顔にも水を掛けた。“やれやれ、ゲイ・ジョーディじゃないか。いつも通り裸で。ついてないな。”（ゲイのGordieっていう意味がわかりません。Gordieっていうのはイギリス北部に住む人々だそうです。） 40代後半のその男は、眉毛以外の毛は一本もなくて、ステロイドを使ってるとしか思えない身体と、コック・リング、それに一物をロッカー・ルームで見せびらかすのが決まりだった。新しいメンバーが来ると、髭剃りをしてる間に、少なくとも1度はちょっかいをかける。ジムのメンバーの連中は彼が裸でシンクの周りをうろつくのに慣れて、文句を言うのを諦めていた。何年か前にそのピアスを初めて見たときにはゾッとしたけど、ウィンおじさんが一物の飾り、その歴史、どうしてそれを好む男がいるかってことを辛抱強く説明してくれた。若いティーンの男の子が、単なる知識として頭の隅に放り込んでしまった情報…。“色んな奴がいるってこと。”仕事に取り掛かる前の準備をすませるために、髭剃りセットを取りまとめて、ロッカーに向かいながら思った。 “4時58分。また時間ぴったり。”フロント・デスクにつくとそう思って自分を誉めた。「よう。どうしてる？」そしてピートと拳を合わせて挨拶した。ピートとはほぼ毎晩一緒に受付の仕事をする。ジムの混み合う時間には、IDをチェックしたり、入会希望者をメンバーシップ・コンサルタントに回したり、パーソナル・トレイナーとの予約を確認したり、電話に出たり、他にもメンバーからの色んな質問に答えるために、受付には二人必要だった。 「試験で一杯一杯だよ。」ピートはデ･ポール大の学生で、コンピューター･サイエンスを専攻していた。「悪いんだけど、今夜ここ閉めてくれると助かるんだけどな？このテストで上手くやるつもりなら、どうしても今夜の勉強会に参加しないといけないんだ。」 「でもそんな遅く家にどうやって帰ったらいいか…。」その日ジェレミーは、友達に送ってもらってジムまで来ていた。真夜中近く、家に戻るのにフラートン通りを一人でうろつくなんてゾッとしない。 「君みたいないい男なら乗せてあげようっていう奴は一杯いるじゃないか。」ピートがそう言うと悪戯っぽく笑った。 「そういうの勘弁して欲しいんだよね。大体、僕は来月までは未成年だよ。」ジェレミーはピートが好きだったけど、直ぐこういうゲイっぽい方にばっかり話を持っていくのはどうかって思っていた。ピートは誰にもゲイだってことを隠してないし、受付の周りに人がいないときは、ジェレミーをからかうのが大好きだった。ピートがやりすぎにならない限り、ジェレミーも大抵はそれに受け答えして彼の相手をした。それでこの大学2年生の同僚とはおおむね上手くやっている。 「冗談だよ…じゃないけど。えー、タクシー代として5ドルあげるけど、どう？それで足りるはずだし、君のその素晴らしい肉体も無事に家に到着できるだろ。」 「それならいいよ。携帯貸してくれたら家に電話しとく。一応遅くなるけど問題ないって知らせなきゃ。いい？」 「ほら。」ピートはそう言いながら、バックパックから携帯を取り出して、「俺がここに頑張ってるから。」ジェレミーに携帯を渡しながらそう言ってくれた。 ジェレミーは携帯を受け取ると、ピートに頷ずきかけておいて、ジムの外に出ると戸口の向かいに立った。バリーズのジムはセンチュリー･モールの最上階にある。ずっと昔は大きな映画館だった建物が今はショッピング･モールになっていた。そしていつでも人が大勢出入りしている。ジェレミーは人波に溶け込んで、就業時間中に私用電話しているところをボスに見つからないようにした。携帯が3度鳴ったところで、彼の姉のナオミが電話に出て、家の方は何も問題がないって言ってくれた。ジェレミーは真夜中近くなるけど、タクシーで帰るから心配しないようにと、ちゃんと姉に伝えた。“母さんや、姉さんを心配させるなんてよくないもんな。” 「5ドルの代わりに携帯でもいいよ。」受付に戻るとジェレミーが言った。「母さんは体調がいいみたいだし、姉貴も今夜は家にいられるって。」 「本当にありがとう。奨学金受けたいから、このテストで頑張らないと。」5ドル札と携帯を交換すると、二人の受付は、夕方のこの時間、そろそろ増えてきたジムのメンバーを迎える役目に戻った。 |