“Okay. But why a broken down slut like me and a rookie like Josh? Tell me that…”
“Why. I don’t know exactly. I guess a lot of it is because of the way I have seen you two act together. I mean the way you seem to talk to each other that I have always read about, but never thought could exist. I suppose because, maybe, I can bask in some of that glow that just seems to envelop the two of you when you are together, being in love…”
“How do you… I don’t get it Gordon… you never acted like this. Why the change? It can’t be because of watching us make out or how
gaystoryman we look at each other?” “Yes Billy… that is why… because watching you two and seeing the way Josh acted last night, how you tried to make your pain less in front of him. It all brought it home to me… how I have missed out on what I really want.”
“What’s that?”
“Love. To be around because I am actually wanted, not because I am just the old guy paying the bills. I think with you two, I can get some of that. I think you two will help me be what I always wanted to be… a good friend. Is that too much to ask?”
“No… no… I guess not Gordon… but how? I mean anyway you slice it… I am who I am… and how…”
“Look Billy, I am not the answer man. What I am is someone who is learning as he goes along. But if you really don’t want to do what you do anymore, if you really want to have that life everyone else seems to have. And to have it with Josh here, then maybe together we can find our way to getting that.”
“I am not sure. I don’t know what else there is for me? I mean, how can I support Josh and myself if I don’t turn tricks? If our deal is dead, I have to find a place to live, and all of that isn’t cheap, least not in this place.”
“Who said anything about leaving?”
“Well, okay no one did, but how the fuck am I supposed to stay here and earn our keep, if the deal is dead… I don’t get it.”
“Yes. I can see your consternation, but William, a friend doesn’t charge his friends for his hospitality, nor does he toss them out the door when they need his help.”
“Sure, so I have been told, but get real, just how long are you going to put up with us staying here and you footing the bills.”
“Well, for starter’s Billy, you will be helping in that field… no, not with any special trips to the bedroom; and before you start, not for Josh either. But Manuel is getting rather old… and you two seem to handle the party pretty good, why not more of that? Why can’t you help out around the place, be sort of assistants to Manuel, least to start with. Then maybe we can find you a regular job… I don’t know Billy, shit I am winging this too.”
“Are you serious Gordon? I mean you really want us to stay here? No bedroom?”
“Yes William… if you want to that is… and if maybe Josh will forgive me?”
“Forgive you? Fuck, I’ll kiss you… are you really going to do this for Billy and me?”
“Hehe, yes Josh… I really am… if you’ll both let me that is… don’t get me wrong, we will have to work out some rules and stuff. But I do
gaystoryman want to do this. What do you say William? Think you can learn a new trade and stay off your knees except for Josh here?” “Oh, now he’s a funny man… fuck yes I can, but Gordon… do you really realize what you are asking?”
“Yes, I think I do, hell Billy, this is all strange to me too, all I do know for sure is I don’t want to have to see that pain in your eyes ever again or that anger in Josh’s eyes. I don’t know… but last night after I had made up my mind about this… well, I had the best sleep in over 40 years. That in itself makes it all worthwhile.”
