Life's A Grind 19

LIFE'S A GRIND-19

LIFE'S A GRIND-19話

Jack Scribe

The usual disclaimers apply.  If for some legal reason you shouldn't read

this...don't.

 Comments are appreciated at jack.scribe@gmail.com.

 __________________________

Chapter 19, HOME SWEET HOME

The clock radio announced the new day abruptly at 7:30 a.m. when Van

Halen's "Runnin' With The Devil" suddenly blared from the speaker.

 Jeremy's taste in music had matriculated to the 'classic rock' genre –

 probably because Charlie had 'The Loop' FM station tuned in at his

 apartment. The DJ, a guy named Johnny B, bumped the end of the song

 with time and temperature before introducing the newsreader. 'Nobody

 should be that cheerful this early in the morning,' Jeremy thought with a

 shudder as he turned off the radio and got out of bed. He yawned,

 stretched and scratched while he became more coherent.

His plan of action...at least for the next few minutes...included taking a

whiz, starting the coffee and getting cleaned up for the day. He

 considered the extra pleasure of 'rubbing one out' while he was

 showering but decided to wait for the real thing later that night. Jeremy

 grabbed a pair of briefs, opened his bedroom door and made sure the

 coast was clear. He didn't want his sister to catch him in the buff

 sprouting a woodie that had a mind of its own. 'It's easier to take a

 morning pee and let little Jer deflate before attempting to put on my

 underwear,' he rationalized as he did a fast walk to the bathroom.

A few splashes of water on his face and a swig 'n' swirl of mouthwash

 gave Jeremy enough time to allow his member become more pliable and

 assure a fairly accurate aim into the commode. He quietly sighed while

 doing his business and thought about calling Charlie. They had planned

 on picking up their tips and going to the bank later in the morning. 'I'll call

 him around 9:30,' Jeremy decided. 'He'll be up by that time.' His

 concentration was interrupted by a couple of taps on the closed door.

"Jeremy, I guess you're up for the day?" Naomi asked from the hallway.

"Not any more, Sis. It never lasts that long," Jeremy replied with a

snicker.

"Ewww. Things about my brother I don't need to know."

"You're right - it's a guy thing. To answer your question, it's going to be a

busy day. I'm just about finished here and on my way to make coffee.

 You want to do your thing in here first? I can take a fast shower after

 you finish."

"That works for me. I won't be too long. By the way, dear...I'm going to

 miss your joking around."

Jeremy flushed the toilet, put down the seat and stepped into his CK's.

After a few adjustments, he opened the door and said with a grin,

 "Morning, sexy."

"Right. My hair's a mess, no makeup and I'm wearing one of your old

Cubs tee shirts. I wish Tom was as easy."

"Brotherly love...what can I tell you." Jeremy stepped out to the hallway

 and added, "Take your time. I'll do coffee, eat some cereal and watch

 the morning news. I also need to write that lease termination letter. It's

 days like this when I wish I had a computer." He had decided to buy his

 first computer and it was on the list of 'things to do' with Charlie later that

 day.

"Go ahead. I need to get ready for my shift at the hospital...then the john

 is yours." Naomi winked and closed the door.

The local morning show droned in the background while he drank coffee

 and ate his cereal. Jeremy's thoughts were more on the pending moves

 and sudden change in his living pattern. However, he couldn't blame his

 sister for wanting to get on with her life. Charlie had never spoken about

 their living together and Jeremy was unsure what the reception would be

 if he should bring it up. His lover seemed pleased at the arrangement

 they currently had and Charlie's apartment was really sized for one

 person. Jeremy cleaned up his dishes and wrote a lease termination letter

 in longhand.

"I'm finished and ready for coffee." Naomi was now in her professional

 nurse's aide mode. She poured coffee and took a sip. "I hope I can

 teach Tom to make coffee half as good as you. He's into green tea."

"There's probably plenty of things you're going to teach him...including

 wiping up dribbles and putting the toilet seat down," Jeremy said with a

 laugh. "Would you look over the letter? It's just a draft so fix anything

 you think should be changed."

"Will do. I'll probably be gone by the time you get showered."

"Go. I'll write the rent check and we can settle up later." Jeremy kissed

 Naomi lightly on the cheek and returned to the bathroom.

By 9:30 he was clean and dressed for the warm August day. He went to

the living room and dialed Charlie's number. "Hey, Babe. I figured you'd

 be up by now."

~~~ "Hi, hot stuff. I've been up 'bout fifteen minutes. We're still planning

 on me picking you up around eleven to do banking and shop for a

 computer?"

"Yes. Something came up last night, however, that I didn't plan on.

 Naomi told me she's gotten engaged to Tom Goldsmith."

~~~ "That's great news. You like him and he'll be great for Naomi."

"I agree but that's only part of it. She's going to move in with him and I

 don't want to stay here by myself. We're giving up the old apartment and

 I'm going to have to look for a place to live."

~~~ "And that's a problem?"

"Charlie, I don't know what to do. I'm probably too late to get student

 housing. Christ, classes start in almost a month."

~~~ "Sloan, get your head out of your ass," Charlie said, a little irritated.

 "You forget that your partner...the guy you love and who loves you...has

 an apartment."

"Um, I thought about it. But it's too small for both of us." Jeremy was a

 little surprised that Charlie had taken this immediately to heart.

~~~ "Who's the blond guy I see over here most of the time?  I wouldn't

mind at all waking up with you next to me every morning."

"I...I really like you saying that, Hon. But after I get all of my meager

 possessions over there and set up a study space, we'd be on top of each

 other." Silently, Jeremy beamed with happiness that Charlie was so

 insistent about the two living together. "If ya don't mind, why don't we

 put off going to the bank until later? I'd like to come over to your place

 so we can talk."

~~~ "That works. Bike on over and we can figure something out. But

 give me a little time to do a few errands that can't wait. We can do an

 early lunch while we talk."

"Charlie, I really love ya. Just so you know, I'd enjoy waking up next to

you every morning. I'll be there around eleven."

~~~ "Love ya back. See you then."

Jeremy took the time to clean up his room and kitchen. He then re-wrote

 the lease termination letter and hand-delivered it with the rent check to

 the landlord before departing for Charlie's place. The street traffic up

 Clark Street during the day was always a bitch for bicycles and today

 was no exception. Experienced cyclists like Jeremy were always on alert

 for car doors opening, sudden right-hand turns by drivers not paying

 attention and crazy cabdrivers. He arrived unscathed and secured the

 bike to the rack in front of Charlie's apartment building.

"I got us ham and cheese sandwiches, cole slaw and watermelon. Plus

 beer or iced tea," Charlie said when he opened the apartment door.

"A banquet for kings." Jeremy eased up for a daytime kiss as soon as the

 door was closed.

"Mmmm, yum," Charlie said after returning the kiss. "And a few queens,

 I'm sure. Since you're not working tonight, how about a beer?"

"Okay, but only one. Wouldn't be cool to be arrested for being drunk on

 a bike." Jeremy set his helmet on the coffee table and joined Charlie in

 the kitchen area. "What can I do to help?"

"Just be a good guest. The deli at Treasure Island made the sandwiches

 and the slaw. I figure we better spend our time working out your

 problem." Two plates were already out on the counter, each holding a

 sandwich and slaw. "Grab your food and some napkins for us while I get

 the beer. I'll follow you back to the couch."

As they had done many times, Jeremy sat on 'his' part of the couch while

 Charlie took the easy chair. Charlie handed Jeremy a beer and they

 silently saluted each other before taking a swig.

"I've been mulling over the news that Naomi dropped on you last night.

 Big changes all the way around."

"But not completely unexpected. Tom's a neat guy and they're clearly in

 love. Between his new residency status at the hospital and Naomi's

 school, they decided that this wasn't the time to tie the knot. Their

 decision to move in together just caught me off guard, that's all."

"I don't blame you for wanting to move rather than staying there alone.

 Your old home has many memories," Charlie replied. "I also agree that

 this place probably isn't large enough for both of us...24/7. Overnighters

 are one thing, but two guys trying to live here full time is another." He

 paused for a moment before continuing, "But don't think for a minute that

 I wouldn't want to share with you. I'd love to figure out how we could

 find a place together but the timing is crazy."

"Yeah, we're both starting school in less than a month and the job's

 keeping us very busy. I promise not to whine too much," Jeremy said

 with a small smile. "Maybe I can post a notice for a roommate at the

 school and Bally's." Jeremy bit into the sandwich and smiled. 'I'd love to

 find something with Charlie,' he thought. 'Maybe next year?' He nodded

 to himself while he chewed until he was able to say, "Super sandwich."

"Thanks." Charlie joined him by taking an equally enormous bite. "Muh

 muffer 'ould kill me if see saw me wuffin dis down like dis," he attempted

 to say.

"Let's give it a second." Jeremy laughed, took another sip of beer and

 leaned back into the cushions. "Next we'll be talking in 'pig Latin'."

"Ood-gay, oint-pay." Charlie said before he stuck out his tongue.

 "Seriously, I may have a possible solution to your problem. No...make

 that our problem."

"Really? Whazzat?" Jeremy sat up with excitement. He really liked the

 way Charlie was thinking the plural.

"Just found out a little while ago - after we talked this morning – that

 there's going to be a studio available on this floor...very soon. The guy,

 who I only know from running into at the mailbox once in a while, told

 me that he's being transferred to Brazil...like, A.S.A.P. Apparently the

 whole thing came up very suddenly but it's a promotion he can't turn

 down. Bottom line is that he's only taking his laptop and clothes. The

 furnishings - basically just-out-of-college starter stuff - are available at a

 good price. And if he can find a new tenant, so much for the better in

 terms of getting back his security deposit."

"Man that sounds almost too good to be true." The idea of being steps

 away from his lover - but not smothering him in the same cramped

 apartment - was very appealing. "I can imagine it's probably painted

 purple with an orange shag carpet," Jeremy rolled his eyes.

"Naw, he seems like a pretty cool guy. I told him about your situation and

 suggested that you might want to talk with him. He's taking off from

 work today and is in his place. Les - that's the guy's name - would be

 available to meet at 1:00 p.m. Whaduya think? I can tell you up front

 that studios in this building are kinda small but it's not like you're going to

 entertain with sit-down dinners for eight," Charlie said with a snicker.

"Only for two...with a good friend who lives down the hall and is used to

 take-outs. We'd probably wear out a path between the two apartments."

"Just remember that we couldn't run back and forth in our underwear."

"Babe, all I need is space for my clothes, a bed for the rare evening when

 I'm not over here and a desk for studying. This might work. Can we give

 him a call?" Jeremy considered this option a complete win-win situation

 and crossed his fingers.

"Let me do that right now." Charlie pulled out a piece of paper, grabbed

 his cell and dialed the number. "Hi, Les. This is Charlie Barnett in 208.

 My friend is definitely interested in seeing your place and I wondered if

 1:00 p.m. is still good for you?" Charlie nodded a few times and finally

 smiled. "Fine. We'll be there in a few minutes. Bye."

"Sounds like we're in business." Jeremy was getting excited about the turn

 of events.

"Les is waiting for us. He'd appreciate it if we could come down now.

 There are a few errands he needs to run."

"I'm too excited to eat anything else. Let's do it." Jeremy stood up,

 grabbed his plate and took it to the kitchen.

Charlie picked up the two beer bottles and bussed his plate back to the

 kitchen. "I'll put the beers back in the fridge. We can finish everything

 later...including the watermelon."

Thirty seconds and as many steps later, Charlie knocked on the door of

 221. The door opened and a short guy in a polo shirt and shorts greeted

 them. Jeremy guessed that Les was probably in his mid-20's and of

 some sort of Latin American ancestry.

"Charlie, come on in. This is your friend?"

"Yes. Jeremy Sloan. This is Les..." Charlie paused and indicated that he

 was stuck for a last name.

"Les Modolo" Les extended his hand and Jeremy took it. "One thing

 about these studio apartments is you can't get lost inside," he said as the

 two guys entered. "I told Charlie that this was my first place out of

 school and it's really got nothing in it that I want to move to S縊 Paulo.

"Why such a fast move...if you don't mind me asking?" Jeremy asked as

 he scanned the studio room. He was relieved that the carpet was generic

 rental beige with the walls painted off-white. The framed modern poster

 art was probably from the Art Institute.

"Not at all. The man I'm replacing was in a serious auto accident and

 won't be back at the job for a long time. My fluency in Portuguese

 moved me to the head of the line because the company needed someone

 there...fast. Go ahead and check out everything. Don't feel shy about

 opening the closet, cupboards or going into the bathroom."

Jeremy nodded and quietly absorbed the surroundings. The small kitchen

 faced out into the studio. Furnishings included a queen-sized bed, a

 couple of easy chairs with a table, lamps, and a small credenza on which

 a conventional TV set was positioned. Like Charlie's apartment, Les had

 the dining area set up for a small office with a desk and swivel chair. He

 thought the style could best be described as IKEA/Crate and

 Barrel/Pottery Barn basic black modern with laminated surfaces. 'More

 than adequate,' he thought. 'In fact, it's pretty cool.' The closet was a

 small walk-in jammed with clothes. The bathroom layout, upon

 inspection, seemed to be the same as Charlie's.

"Les, this is just what I need. I should tell you, however, that I'm just

 starting college at the end of the month and I'm not too flush with cash.

 What kind of money are you thinking of asking for your stuff?" Jeremy

 held his breath for fear that Les was going to toss out a number that was

 too high.

"I can remember what you're going through very well. Here's my deal.

What I bought three years ago was fine and served its purpose. In Brazil,

 I'll probably have a chance to buy furniture that is better than this

 assemble-by-the-numbers stuff you see. Ah...for everything, including

 the kitchen stuff and TV, if you could come up with two grand, the

 whole shebang is yours."

"$2,000.00? Hmmm." Jeremy looked around, mentally calculated how

 much this would eat into his savings and compared it with what buying

 new would cost. 'Not that bad of a deal,' he decided with a smile. 'But

 let's see if I can negotiate down a little bit. I gotta spend a lot to get a

 computer.' Jeremy walked around for a few moments and added, "I

 think I can swing $1,200.00. But that's about it." He turned to Les and

 looked at him with a steady gaze.

"Charlie, your friend drives a hard bargain. However, I'm what they call

 'motivated'." Les turned back to Jeremy and said, "If you can come up

 with the money today, I'll accept your offer. I need to be out of here in

 10 days and the rent is paid through the end of the month. You need to

 change over utilities to your name by the time I leave. Pretty simple.

"I know I'm just a guy recently out of high school but I know that a deal's

only good if both parties feel it's fair. I'm good with it so shall we shake

 on it?" Jeremy asked with his hand extended. "I can have a check –

 certified if you require it - by this afternoon."

"It's a fair deal," Les said as he took Jeremy's hand. "Just write the check

 - no need to have it certified - and I'll deposit it tomorrow.   Looks like

 you've just bought everything. One thing: we should set a time when we

 can go over to the leasing office on Broadway. Charlie, just so you

 know, they may want you to co-sign for Jeremy because of his age."

"That's the very least I could do. We're close friends."

"I've got my checkbook back where I live. Can I stop back with the

 check later today? And if you want to meet at the leasing office

 tomorrow, I'm available all day." Jeremy was almost unable to contain

 himself with excitement.

"You know, don't worry about coming back today. Charlie and I are

 neighbors and if he's your friend, that's good enough for me. Let's meet,

 say at nine, tomorrow morning, with the check and we can finalize

 everything. Then, I can show you around the place in detail, if you want.

 Okay?"

"Better than okay. You just made my transition into college a little easier.

 See ya at nine."

The two guys said goodbye to Les and went back to Charlie's apartment.

 As soon as the door was closed, they drew each other into a tight,

 lengthy hug.

"Babe, this is fucking amazing. You sure that you're going to be okay with

 me so close?" Jeremy knew the answer but loved to hear the

 reassurance of being wanted.

"That's an understatement. It's almost like having our own place...just the

 hallway between bedrooms is a little long and very public. Let's see how

 this works out and then think about getting our own place next year."

"I like the ring of 'our own place'."

"And I'm not talking about renting. At the rate we're both earning money,

 we should buy a condo together and split the tax break. I don't think you

 really appreciate the income that you're going to have to declare to the

 I.R.S."

"You're right. It's just been the Bally's check in the past. Honestly, I

 haven't even thought that far." Jeremy started thinking about the tips that

 he'd have to declare for taxes. "This probably seems stupid but I really

 don't know how to handle the tax stuff."

"Later this week, I'll make an appointment for you to see the guy who

 helps me with taxes. He'll probably recommend - no, make that 'insist' –

 that you start paying quarterly estimated taxes. It's not too complicated

 but he can explain it better. Basically, it keeps the Feds and Illinois off

 your butt."

"Ha. The only one that I want on my butt is you." Jeremy pulled Charlie in

 again and hugged tightly. "Anytime, any place."

"Rain check 'til tonight? I wouldn't mind going at it, you dog, but we've

 got things to accomplish first."

"Alright, babe. Tonight...if not sooner. Maybe we can get everything

 done and have a little time before dinner."

"And you think of me as a horn dog. Let's finish those beers I left in the

 fridge and figure out where we go from here." Charlie playfully stuck his

 tongue into Jeremy's ear, laughed and pulled his partner into the kitchen.

 "We'll go to the bank and then go over to Best Buy to see those Geek

 Guys about getting that computer for you. I saw some good deals in the

 paper that might move you into the 21st century."

"Yeah. I'm from the Stone Age. I must be the only guy about ready to

 enter college who doesn't own a computer. I'll need your help cuz I don't

 know megabytes from gigahertz."

"I'm not much better. We need to find something that has good memory

 and horsepower. You might like to play video games or get involved

 with digital photography. Then, there's all the downloads for an iPod and

 shit like that."

If we have time, I should really get a cell phone."

"Consider that a done deal. With a cell, you don't need phone service in

 the apartment. For the Internet, you can buy a modem from the cable

 company."

"Charlie, I can't believe how friggin' behind the curve I am with all of this.

 A computer, Internet, cell phone and cable...I've never had any of these

 things."

"Things have looked up for both of us since we met. Besides loving you

 and being proud that we're partners, I'm happy to help you with

 everything." Charlie choked a little and his eyes got a little moist. "See

 what you made me do. My mascara is running." He smiled and brought

 his lips to Jeremy's willing open mouth. They kissed with

 determination...but as two men who cherished each other. Both knew

 that intimacy would be later in the day. Silently, they held each other an

 extra moment before releasing. They smiled, stood back and admired

 each other.

The lovers grabbed their unfinished beers out of the refrigerator and went

 back to the living room. This time they both flopped down on the couch,

 shoulder to shoulder, took long pulls from their beer bottles and grinned

 at each other like two Cheshire cats.

"Since we don't work tonight, how about going out to celebrate your new

 residence?" Charlie asked. "I'd like to go to Brasserie Jo down by the

 club. It's one of those 'Lettuce fucking Entertain You restaurants' and is

 supposed to be terrific. You up for a little country French chow?"

"Frog food sounds good," Jeremy said as he shifted his body closer to his

 lover. "But I really would like an appetizer here...before we go out for

 dinner."

"Babe, not only an appetizer. And, I think we can squeeze in

 dessert...later on."

"No-cal, of course."

"I'll hold back on the whipped cream and cherries," Charlie replied.

"What do you think, Charlie? Did I make a good deal? I don't think I'll

 even have to do a paint job. Probably just leave the poster art where it

 is." Jeremy needed to have his decision validated.

"Buddy, you've got a great deal. Even the first price would have been

 good. Everything looks like he took care of it and the place is spotless.

 Les is anxious to move...just like you. Since we're going to be very close

 neighbors, we need to discuss how to handle study time. If you want to

 sleep with me every night, I'll be very happy to oblige. But we're both

 going to need separate time to study. The only thing I ask is that we

 work out some sort of schedule."

"I buy that. It probably is good that we'll have our own free zones to go

 to." Jeremy's voice faded away and his eyes glazed over for a moment

 before snapping back. "These past six months or so have presented big

 changes for me. Sometimes I find myself just staring off into space at the

 wonder of it all - like what has happened."

"Yeah, I saw that. And, my boy, you really came out with your sexuality,

 big time. That had to be a relief...to figure things out and talk about it."

"Big relief. But I'm particularly thinking of all the people who've become

 important to me. First I found a big brother in Zach after losing my uncle.

 Then Garin lines me up with a great job and the opportunity to make

 some serious money. Finally, you come into my life at a time when I was

 really discovering what's what." Jeremy moved closer and added,

 "You're really my rock...my lover...my best friend. Thank you for helping

 this here kid get his shit together."

"Kid? Hardly. Hon, I feel the same way about you. I'm a little older...but

 not by much. We're a support group for each other and I need you, too.

 The phrase, 'been there, done that' is true but only by a hair. Christ, I

 won't be 21 until this fall. Like everything else, I'm only a few steps

 ahead of you. But look at the others that helped you. It's remarkable that

 Robert is still your best friend after all these years."

"Bobby and I will be friends forever."

"And I second your salute of our boss, Garin. He's been an important

 person in both our lives and will likely be there for several more years."

 Charlie paused and kissed Jeremy on the forehead. "And then, out of the

 blue, comes Jim Franklin. Who would have thought our former principal

 would have your back covered when you were attacked? Those

 assholes are now the guests of Illinois down-state because all your

 friends were looking out for you."

"Put that way I feel pretty lucky. There's no doubt that we're all going to

 be together for a long time and I've also got a neat, new prospective

 brother-in-law."

"And don't forget my Mom. She's mad about you and asks about you

 every time we talk. I even think Dad is getting the picture."

"Charlie, hold me for a minute and pinch me...I want to make sure I'm not

 dreaming." Jeremy rested his head on his lover's chest and sighed.

"You're not dreaming."

"Promise me that after I move in and we're busy with everything, if I bug

 you by being around too much...you'll say something."

"Don't see that happening as long as we don't interrupt each other's

 studying. Let's agree to respect that aspect of our lives; I suspect

 everything else will fall into place." Charlie put his hand on Jeremy's knee

 and squeezed it for emphasis. "This is forever and forever for me. Being

 a 'Gio' is not my deal."

"Me neither, babe. Me neither." Jeremy understood what he was hearing

 and felt the depth of his special bond with Charlie. He knew that they

 would be life mates.

"How about us going out to take care of our errands and shopping now?

 I'm anxious for that appetizer before dinner."

"Charlie, I don't think anxious is the word I'm thinking of."

*****

The final sentence was typed and Jeremy hit 'save'. He was pleased at

 the composition of the mid-term paper he had written and would 'proof'

 it one more time before submitting it in the morning. He rolled back his

 desk chair and smiled at the large, framed poster print of himself wearing

 only a provocative grin and a pair of UnderGear briefs. He was quite

 proud of that modeling milestone and pleased when June, his first

 photographer, gave the poster to him as a housewarming gift.

The upcoming weekend promised to be crazy. Sunday night was a few

 days before Halloween and the monthly 'men only' performance had

 been marketed as a costume party for the mostly gay audience. Jeremy

 was particularly excited that Kent Jackson was taking a break from

 taping the TV soap shows to visit Chicago. Kent and a friend planned on

 seeing the Barecats performance in a private box and then joining

 Charlie and him for dinner afterwards.

The chirping of his cell brought him back to the present. Jeremy smiled

 when he saw Charlie's name displayed. "Hey, babe. How's studying

 going?"

~~~ "Finished for the evening. How'd you fare with your paper?"

"Just wrapped it up. I'm going over it one more time tomorrow morning.

 Hope the professor likes it."

~~~ "Don't worry. If it's anything like your other report I read, it'll be

 super. I was wondering if we're still on time for you-know-what?"

"Yes. I'm ready to come over for our...since when did our shave become

 a 'you-know-what?" Jeremy said with a chuckle.

~~~ "Just adding a little mystery to our weekly appointment. When can

 you be here?"

"How about 30 seconds? The commuter traffic will be light tonight."

~~~ "Give me a few minutes to put my books away. I'll be waiting for

 you."

Jeremy took his keys and a book with him. He was pretty sure the other

 neighbors on the floor observed the number of times he spent shuttling

 between the two apartments. And the sweat pants, tee and flip-flops

 certainly indicated that he wasn't going out into the chilly fall evening.

 Somehow, carrying a book gave the short journey some sort of validity.

 He knew it was stupid to think that way but it was just part of his

 Midwest sensibility and propriety. Jeremy imagined everyone on the

 floor kept track of how often he got laid.

Each man respected the other by automatically lightly tapping a double-

knock before entering the other's apartment. Jeremy performed this

routine almost daily since he moved in; the knock followed by slipping his

key into the lock, turning it to disengage the deadbolt and opening the

door. Tonight the visual greeting surprised him when he stepped into the

 apartment. The only lighting in the living room was several clusters of

 votive candles and a single trail of candles that led to the bedroom. He

 closed the door and stood silently for a moment. His olfactory senses

 picked up the burning apple cinnamon incense coming from the bedroom

 along with the soft lyrics of John Mayer. Jeremy slowly walked toward

 the source of the music:

And if you want love

We'll make it

Swim in a deep sea

Of blankets

Take all your big plans

And break 'em

This is bound to be awhile

Your body is a wonderland

Your body is a wonder - I'll use my hands

Your body is a wonderland...

He arrived at the bedroom and saw Charlie standing by the bed with only

a towel wrapped around his middle. Jeremy noticed that more candles

were carefully positioned around the bed and the light reflection was

bouncing off his oiled body. "Hey, babe. From the look of things, it

appears you have something planned?"

"I decided tonight would be a special treat for both of us. Welcome to

 Charlie Barnett's massage parlor. After we shave each other, I'm going

 to give your muscles a little work over."

"All of them?" Jeremy asked in a suggestive tone as he raised his

 eyebrows. "We haven't done that for a while."

"I think the official term is a 'complete release' and I figured that we

 deserved a little detour from our usual straight-forward grooming

 session." Charlie grinned and slowly licked his lips.

"I love the detour, but I didn't bring anything for a tip." Jeremy pulled off

 his tee, kicked off his flip-flops and eased out of the baggy sweat pants.

"Oh, I think you'll think of something. But time's a-wastin'...let's get the

 stubble shaved and hair trimmed, first."

Charlie discarded his towel on the bed and each man looked admiringly

 at the other. Charlie took his partner's hand and led him across the hall

 to the bathroom. He switched on the lights and sighed. "Kinda blows the

 atmosphere but I don't think shaving by candlelight would work."

"I can get back into the mood at the flick of a light switch." Jeremy leaned

 in and lightly kissed Charlie. "This is just a sample of what I've got in

 mind after the massage."

"Babe, when did I last say 'I love you'?" Charlie took a washcloth from

 the basin filled with hot water and gently started to moisten Jeremy's

 chest. Their routine was to shave from top to bottom.

"I think it must have been...at least 15 hours ago. When we got up. As I

 recall, I said something like that to you."

"I know. It's something I never tire of," Charlie replied as he applied the

 shave gel.

"Then I'll say it again. Charlie Barnett, I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you, Mr. Sloan, more than life itself."

In silence, Charlie continued to carefully shave his partner. While the

 razorblade did its job, handled with expert and loving precision, Jeremy

 was transported back to an earlier time when they had somewhat

 clumsily started their weekly routine. So much change had taken place

 since then and he looked forward to when they had their place together

 and finished college. Although the Studz Barecats would ultimately

 become part of their past, they would maintain friendships with the

 dancers. Indeed, they would grow their circle of friends as they shared

 their lives together. Without talking about it, he knew Charlie felt the

 same way.

___________________

THE END

ジャック・スクライブ

いつもと同じ。18歳以下の人は読んじゃ駄目。

コメントは大歓迎だよ。　jack.scribe@gmail.com

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第十九章、僕の家

朝の７時半になると、ヴァン・ヘイレンの"Runnin' With The Devil"が突然クロックラジオのスピーカーから流れ出して、その日の始まりを告げた。ジェレミーの音楽の趣味は、クラッシクロックのジャンルに傾きつつあった。多分チャーリーのアパートでラジオがいつもループFM局に合わせてあるせいだろう。ジョニーBっていう名前のDJがニュースを読み上げる前に、曲の終わりに合わせて元気よく時間とその日の気温を告げた。“こんな朝早くから、こんなに元気だなんて信じられない。”ジェレミーはラジオを消してベッドから出ると、肩を竦めながらそう思った。あくびをすると、頭がはっきしするまでの間、伸びをして、身体を掻く。

次の行動計画…少なくとも次の２、３分の間の計画は、おしっこをしたら、コーヒーを沸かして、シャワーを浴びることだった。シャワーを浴びてる間に“マスを掻く”楽しみについて考えたけど、その夜の本番まで待つことに決めた。ブリーフを掴むと、寝室のドアを開けて、廊下に誰もいないのを確かめた。姉のナオミに、コントロールの効かない勃起したモノが突き出しているのを見られたくない。“おしっこをして、息子が小さくなってからパンツを穿くほうが楽だからね。”バスルームに向かって急ぎながらそう思う。

顔に何度か水を掛け、マウスウォッシュでうがいをすると、ジェレミーのそれがちょっと柔らかくなって、トイレに正確に照準をあわせられるようになった。そうやって、することをしている間、ジェレミーは静かにため息を吐くと、チャーリーに電話することについて考えた。チャーリーとジェレミーは、朝のうちに一緒にチップを銀行に預けに行くことにしていた。“９時半頃に電話しよう。”そう決めた。“その頃にはチャーリーも起きてるだろう。”バスルームのドアが何度か軽くノックされて、ジェレミーの思考が中断された。

「ジェレミー、もう起きてるのね。」ナオミが廊下から聞いた。

「ううん、もう勃きてないよ。そんなに長くはもたないんだ。」ジェレミーがクスクス笑いながら答えた。

「いやだ。弟のそういうこと、聞きたくないんだけど。」

「その通り－－これは男にしか関わりないことだよ。質問に答えるけど、今日は忙しい日になりそうなんだ。もうすぐバスルームから出て、コーヒーを沸かすけど、先にバスルームを使う？姉さんが終わったら、僕は後でサッとシャワーを浴びるよ。」

「そうしてもらえる？私も直ぐにすむわ。それにねジェレミー、あなたのそのジョーク、聞けなくなるの淋しいわ。」

ジェレミーはトイレを流すと、シートを下ろして、カルバンクラインの下着を穿いた。ちょっとそれを直すと、ドアを開けて、にっこり笑いながら言った。「おはよう、セクシー。」

「まったく。髪はグチャグチャだし、メークはしてないし、あなたの古いカブズのTシャツを着てるっていうのに。トムもあなたくらい寛大だといけど。」

「兄弟愛…そう言っとくよ。」ジェレミーは廊下に出ると付け加えた。「急がなくていいよ。コーヒーを沸かして、シリアルを食べたら、朝のニュースを見てるから。ここの賃貸契約を打ち切る書類も書かないといけないし。こういう時は、ほんとにコンピューターがあったらいいのにって思うよ。」ジェレミーはその日チャーリーと一緒に、生まれて初めてのコンピューターを買うことにしていた。

「じゃあそうして。病院のシフトに間に合うように用意しなきゃ。後でキッチンに行くわ。」ナオミがウィンクするとドアを閉めた。

ローカルニュースが流れている間、ジェレミーはコーヒーを飲んで、シリアルを食べた。でもニュースより、引越しのことや、これから起こる急な生活の変化にジェレミーの頭は占められていた。姉のナオミが自分自身の人生を生きたいと願うことは、もちろん責められない。でもチャーリーとは、今まで二人で一緒に住むってことを話し合ったことはなかったし、ジェレミーはその話を持ち出した時の彼の反応を予想できなかった。チャーリーは今の状況に満足してるみたいだったし、彼のアパートは二人で住むには小さすぎる。それからジェレミーはお皿を片付けると、賃貸契約を打ち切る書類を手書きで書いた。

「シャワー済ませたから、コーヒーが飲みたいわ。」ナオミはもう看護婦としてのプロフェッショナルな雰囲気に変わっていた。コーヒーを注ぐと一口飲む。「トムに、あなたの半分でも上手にコーヒーが煎れられるように教えられるといいんだけど。彼、緑茶が好きなのよ。」

「他にもトムに教えることがきっと沢山あるよ…垂らしたものを綺麗にするとか、トイレのシートを下ろすとかね。」ジェレミーが笑いながら言った。「書類を見てくれる？まだ下書きだから、直すところがあったら変えるよ。」

「分かったわ。あなたがシャワーをすませる頃にはもう出掛けてると思うけど。」

「いいよ。家賃は払っておくから、後で清算しよう。」ジェレミーはナオミの頬に軽くキスすると、バスルームに戻った。

９時半には、ジェレミーはシャワーを浴びて、暑い８月に向けた格好をしていた。リビングに行くとチャーリーの番号をダイヤルする。「ああ、ベイビー。もうそろそろ起きてる頃だと思って。」

「ああ、ジェレミー。僕なら１５分くらい前に起きたとこ。君を１１時頃僕の車で拾って、銀行へ行ってからコンピューターを買うっていう計画に変わりはない？」

「うん。でも夕べ、予定外のことが色々あっったんだ。ナオミがトム･ゴールドスミスと婚約したんだよ。」

「それ、いいニュースだね。君は彼のこと好きなんだろ。きっと彼とナオミは上手くいくよ。」

「うん、そうなんだけど、それだけじゃないんだ。ナオミはトムと一緒に住むって決めたんだよ。それで僕、ここに一人で住みたくないから、僕ら二人ともこのアパートを出ることにしたんだ。だから、僕、住む場所を探さないといけなくなっちゃって。」

「何か問題でもあるの？」

「だってチャーリー、僕、どうしていいか分からないんだ。寮に入るには遅すぎると思うし、授業は後１ヶ月で始まっちゃうし。」

「スローン君、ちょっと考えてみてくれよ。」チャーリーがちょっとイラついた口調で言った。「君のパートナーのことを忘れてないかい…君は僕を愛しているし、僕も君を愛してる…僕、一人でアパートに住んでるんだけど。」

「その、それも考えたけど、でも君のアパートは二人で住むには狭すぎるよ。」ジェレミーはチャーリーが直ぐにそういう風に思ってくれたことに、ちょっと驚いていた。

「僕がここでしょっちゅう一緒にいるブロンドの男は誰だと思う？毎朝、君と一緒に目覚められたらどんなにいいか。」

「君がそう言ってくれるのは凄くうれしいよ、ハニー。でも僕が自分の物を持ち込んで、勉強する場所を確保したら、足の踏み場もなくなっちゃう。」ジェレミーは心の中で、チャーリーが自分と一緒に住むことに、そんなに熱心でいてくれることを嬉しく思った。「もし良かったら、銀行に行くのは後回しにしない？僕、君の所に行きたいんだ。そしたら話ができるから。」