Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Eight
 

Thanks to Rec for editing!

Sky had been in New Orleans for four totally fucked-up days.  He was hungry, dirty, and wanted a bath.  He couldn’t find a job or even a hint of one.  He had met two other guys about his age who had been scrounging for food and trying to survive in the streets for weeks.  One was named Josh; his parents had kicked him out of their house because he was gay., to which  Sky could relate.  Josh came from somewhere near Little Rock, Arkansas.  He showed Sky a place to get free food—a sort of soup kitchen—but it was in a really bad area of the city.  Sky didn’t feel safe there without someone else around.  Josh didn’t, either, so they would go together.  He also took Sky to the Salvation Army to buy another blanket and a change of clothes.  Sky still had almost one hundred dollars left in his shoe, but he didn’t let anyone know it.   

He had been going around to fast-food joints, cheaper restaurants and diners looking for work.  He was at one of those places just off of Esplanade, where he asked for the manager. 

“Yeah, what ya want kid, a job?” 

“Yessir” he said looking down at the short, fat, balding guy, who reminded Sky of Danny DeVito. 

“What’s yer name, kid?” 

“Skyler, Skyler Blue.” 

“Well, Skyler Blue, I’m Carl.  Come with me; I want to show you something.”  He led Sky to the back of the diner and into the kitchen. “Take a good look around and follow me back out into the dining room.” 

Sky followed him through the kitchen and then back out into the dining room where he sat down and sat across from Carl. 

“What did you see in there?” 

“What do you mean?” Sky asked. 

“Tell me honestly, what did you see?”   

“A kitchen, some black and Mexican guys cleaning up, some more cooking, and one white dude screaming orders at everybody.” 

“Very observant, kid.  I don’t own this joint I just run it for the owner.  Those Mexicans in there will work eighteen hours a day seven days a week if I ask them to.  We don’t pay ‘em overtime either ‘cause they ain’t gonna complain ‘bout it. We really don’t even have to pay ‘em minimum wage, but we do.  Most places don’t.  That’s what you’re competing against trying to get a job around here, kid.  Look you’re what? Seventeen, eighteen?  From a good family, I bet.  Those shoes you’re wearing cost well over a hundred bucks once upon a time.  I don’t know if you’re a runaway or a throwaway, but you don’t belong on these streets, kid.  You ain’t gonna make it.  Go home.” 

“I’ve got no home, and I need a job,” Sky said looking at him as hard as he could. 

“Kid, I’ll pay your bus fare to wherever if you promise me you’ll go home.” 

“I’ve got no home. Nothing. Nobody.” 

“Okay, kid.  But I got no jobs.  Listen, I got a friend owns a club over in the fruit loop.  If you’re willing to do what he would want you for, a kid with your looks can make some serious money.” 

“Fruit loop?” Sky asked. 

“That’s the Esplanade end of Bourbon Street and the Marigny area.  A lot of gay clubs there.  He owns one.  Would that bother you, being around gay guys?” 

“No, I’m gay.” 

“I figured.  Another throwaway.  I’ve seen this city devour more kids like you than I can count.  Look, here’s the address. It’s a half block off of Bourbon -- you’ll find it easy enough.  Go and ask for Phil. Show him my card here and tell him I sent you for a job.  Good luck, kid, but I wish you’d take my advice and go home.” 

Sky took the card, said “Thanks” and left.  He found his way to the address on the card.  It was a show bar, like so many lining either side of Bourbon Street, but this one was about a half block off Bourbon between Bourbon and Royal Streets. It was dingy and dark inside and smelled of stale beer and cigarettes.  It was still morning and wasn’t busy. Sky hadn’t entered but a moment when a rather large, bald guy came walking quickly toward him and said, “No kids in here!”  

“I was told to come here and ask for Phil,” Sky said handing him the card. 

He looked at it, handed it back to Sky, and said, “Follow me.” 

Sky followed him past the bar to a door next to what appeared to be a small stage and into a hallway, where he stopped and knocked on a door.  Someone answered, and they went into a small windowless office.  An older guy Sky guessed to be in his late forties or maybe in his fifties was sitting behind an old, ugly, wooden desk that was cluttered with papers, ledgers, and, off to one side, an older computer.  Besides the desk, the only things in the room were a couple of straight chairs and a small, ratty-looking sofa against one wall. 

“Yeah, whaddayawant?” he growled as baldy left the room. 

“My name’s Skyler Blue; Carl sent me.  He said you might have work for me,” Sky said handing him the card. 

“Really, well, uh, what did you say your name was? Skyler? How old are you? What can you do?” 

“You can call me Sky. I’m seventeen. I dunno; I can clean or wait tables, or wash dishes, I guess.  Whatever you’ve got.” 

“What I got kid, umm, Sky, is a showbar that needs dancers – eighteen-year-old dancers. Can you dance?” 

“Well, I was in a famous show choir.  The same one Lance Bass belonged to.  We do a lot of dance moves.” 

“That ain’t the kind of dancin’ I meant kid.  This ain’t no place for show tunes.  I mean exotic dancing – strippin’.” 

“Uh, um, yeah, I guess, if someone showed me; I mean, I’m a quick study.  Look, dammit, I need the money.” 

He looked at Sky for a few moments then reached over, picked up his phone, punched a button and said, “Eddie, come to my office.”  

Sky heard his voice echo over a PA as he said it.  In less than a minute, an attractive younger guy, probably in his twenties, with black hair, dark eyes, and very buff body opened the door and came in. 

“Yeah, whatcha need, Phil?” he asked. 

“The kid here thinks he can be a dancer.  What was your name again? Sky something?” 

“Skyler. Sky. Sky Blue.” 

“Well, we won’t have to worry about finding you a stage name,” Eddie said smiling at Sky. 

“He says he’s seventeen; you’ll need to make him legal,” Phil said. 

“No problem. You got a driver’s license, Sky?” Eddie asked. 

“Yeah,” Sky said handing it to him. 

“Mississippi.  Hmm. They got this new format for minors, too.  All we can salvage is the photo and the social. I say we make a new photo and start over. It’s going to be tomorrow at best, Phil,”  Eddie said as he handed me back my driver’s license. 

“All right. Show us what you got under those filthy, baggy clothes, kid.” Phil said. 

“Huh?” 

“Strip.” 

Sky was getting very nervous and apprehensive at this point, but he was also desperate.  Sky took off his shirt, and Eddie looked at Phil and said, “Very nice.” 

As Sky dropped his pants, Phil said, “Shorts, too, kid.” 

Sky kicked off his shoes and stepped out of his jeans, then removed his boxers.  Sky couldn’t believe he was standing in this guy’s office totally nude. He suddenly felt cheap and dirty, but he needed a job.  

“Very, very nice.  We have a winner here, Phil,” Eddie said smiling at Phil. 

“Yeah, he’s a little skinny.  Need to buff him up.  Get the boys to teach him a few moves and he’ll pack ’em in. Where ya stayin’ kid, I mean, Sky? Got a number?”  

“Um, actually I don’t have a place yet.  That’s why I need the money.” 

“I see. The streets are pretty mean, aren’t they?  Eddie, y’all got room at your house?” 

“Our house is pretty packed right now.  We even got somebody using the couch.  Danny’s probably got room, though.  I’ll get it set up.” 

“He’ll need clothes and a costume, and make sure he gets a bath.  I smell him from here,” Phil said. 

“I’ll take care of it,” Eddie replied. 

“Look, I can’t afford new clothes,” Sky interjected. 

Phil chuckled. “Kid, you’ll pay us back out of your pay.  You’ll get paid with tips.  No salary.  The better you dance, the more you make.  Tease the fags in the audience, and they throw money on the stage, shove it up your asshole, and anywhere else you want it.  We keep a percentage.  Eddie will explain it to you. Oh, and you can get dressed now.  Eddie, get some cash from Charlie and take care of him.” 

Sky finished getting dressed and left with Eddie.  “So Sky, how long you been in N’awlins.?” 

“Four or five days.  It’s been kinda rough.” 

“You runnin’?” 

“I guess you’d call it that.  My Mom and Dad are divorced.  When Dad found out I was gay, he slapped me around a little and tossed me to Mom.  Mom’s a religious nut and put me is a program in Memphis that was supposed to make me straight through Jesus.  It didn’t work.  I hated it, so I left.” 

“Tough story, but I’ve heard worse – a lot worse.  Listen there’s a lot of kids end up on the streets here.  It’s bad.  You’re lucky; you got looks. It’ll help a lot.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Sky, I’m not going to lie to you.  Dancing is probably where you’ll start, but most guys end up in the stables.” 

“Stables?” Sky asked. 

“Phil also runs an ‘escort service.’  All it is really is male, uh, callboys.  The clients call and he sends a guy over to their house or hotel or whatever to, um, service them.” 

“Oh, I don’t think I’m. . .  I couldn’t . . . I’m not . . .” 

“Look, don’t sweat it yet.  We’ll get you set up with a place to stay for a while till you’re on your feet, get ya some decent clothes, and then you can talk to some of the guys and see what you want to do.  It’s all about the money in the end.” 

Eddie made a couple of calls on his cell phone.  Sky could tell from his end that he was the topic of conversation.  They left the bar after Eddie talked to a huge hairy guy Sky guessed was Charlie; Eddie was handed a wad of cash from a safe in the floor.   

They walked a couple of blocks to an older pickup truck, and Eddie told Sky to hop in.  They drove several blocks to a residential area of older houses and parked in front of one. 

“We’re here.  Let’s go in, and you can meet your new roomies.” 

They walked onto the small porch and knocked.  A guy about Eddie’s age answered. 

“Hi, Danny, this is Sky,  Sky, this is Danny.” 

“Hi,” Sky said reaching out his hand. 

“Hi, nice to meet you.  Y’all come on in,” Danny replied. 

They went inside.  The house was older and sparsely furnished, but it was clean.  The front room was a living room, where they all sat and began to talk. 

Danny looked at Sky and said, “Sky, Eddie told me you need a place for a while.  It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  A lot of guys who’ve stayed here were on the street at one time or another.  This is a gay house.  There’s several all over the city.  It’s basically where a group of gay guys live together as sort of a family.  I’ve been here for a couple of years.  The landlord is an old queen and cuts us a lot of slack, but we try to take care of the place and keep the rent paid.  You can pay me your share at the end of each month. You’ll have to share a bedroom, or you can use the couch—your choice. I understand you’re going to start dancing at Phil’s.”   

“Yeah, I’m not really sure I know what to do, but I’m a real quick study.” 

“Sky, with your looks you don’t have to be that great a dancer,” Danny said, smiling at him.   

Eddie chuckled and interjected, “We need to get him cleaned up a little first and get him some clothes. Can you find something for him to wear when he gets done with a shower, so we can go shopping?” 

“Yeah, come on, Sky, I’ll show you to a bathroom where you can shower, and I’ll bring you a t-shirt and some shorts that should fit you fine.”   

Things were looking better.  Sky had a place to stay and a job—maybe not the job he pictured, but a job.  He was a bit overwhelmed, but for the first time in days, Sky had a ray of hope that he would be able to make it. 

* * *

The rest of  Jonah’s week had been relatively uneventful.  He started working out in the gym with Reese every evening. He went with Reese to the MAGY meeting on Friday.  There was always someone interesting there.  This particular week it was a guy from some small town near Tupelo.  He was short, but not as short as Jonah and had longish, curly, dark hair; he wore black nail polish and green eyeliner—really different, but he was very cute.  His name was Jamie.  He was telling the group how he was trying to start a Gay-Straight Alliance club at his high school, but the principal had refused.  He had gotten the ACLU involved and was telling us about the fight going on with that. After the meeting, they were all just sitting around chatting when Jamie came over to Reese and very openly flirted with him.   

Jonah never really had had a chance to flirt with other guys.  After he met Sky, he never had the inclination, and before he met Sky, he was so deep in the closet he wouldn’t have dared.  Needless to say, he didn’t know how the game was played, but watching Jamie, he was catching on fast, and it actually bothered Jonah that this guy was flirting with Reese.  Then Jonah realized something: why did it bother him that this guy was obviously attracted to Reese, and why did it bother him that Reese seemed to be enjoying it?  Jonah hadn’t considered Reese any more than a friend—the only close friend he had made in Memphis, though.  Surely he couldn’t be jealous; that would be ridiculous.  Jonah knew he was not in love with Reese.  Still, why did he hate this guy for flirting like that?  It was sickening. It wouldn’t be so bad if Jamie wasn’t so obvious about it. 

The meeting finally started to break up, and Reese wanted to meet Mike and Benjie and Kat and Nora for some burgers and late-night snacks.  Jonah agreed, and they got in Reese’s car and headed off.  “Good meeting,” Reese commented as they were pulling out of the parking lot. 

“I guess,” Jonah sighed. 

“What’s the matter?” Reese asked. 

“Nothing. It’s just still hard for me to mingle and all with this cast, and I still don’t know these guys too well.  I guess I was just a little bored.  You sure looked like you were enjoying yourself with Jamie, though.” 

“He’s a great guy, and really smart. Besides this stuff he’s doing at his school, he’s a writer. He’s published stories at a site on the internet for gay authors. He goes by the pen name ‘Razor’.  Wait a minute! You’re jealous!” 

“Am not! You’re being ridiculous. Don’t flatter yourself,” Jonah huffed. 

“Whatever,” Reese said smiling.  

Damn that smile and those dimples, Jonah thought.  It was going to be hard for Jonah to win a fight with this guy when he turned on that charm. 

They didn’t speak again till they pulled into the Backyard Burger, where they were meeting the rest of the guys.  They got out and went in.  Mike, Benji, and the rest were already inside waiting.  Reese and Jonah ordered and sat down with them. 

“So, Jonah, how you liking Memphis so far?” Mike asked. 

“It’s OK.  I really haven’t seen that much.  I pretty much just stay around the apartment.  These meetings are about the only time I really get out.” 

“Man, that’s a bummer.  You need to get out more.” 

“I really haven’t felt like it.  It’s still tough getting around on crutches. Besides, I’ve been in a really bad mood,” Jonah said rather matter of factly. 

“Oh, well, excuse me,” Mike said in a really sarcastic tone. 

Jonah noticed Reese looking over at him and really frowning. Jonah realized he was doing it again. He really was feeling sorry for himself. Jonah also realized he needed to get over it; he was bumming everyone out. 

“That’s about to change.  What’re we doing after we get done scarfing burgerage?” Jonah asked no one in particular and anyone who wanted to answer, trying his best to put on the happy face. 

“Well, whatever you’re up to; you’re still the new kid in town,” Benjie replied. 

They finished the burgers and took Jonah riding around, looking at the various sights.  It was a tight fit, but they all managed to get in Reese’s car with the top down, and Kat sitting in Nora’s lap most of the time.  They would stop at a park, a coffee shop, or some other place to hang out and just talk and crack jokes.  It was fun, and Jonah thought they all really were a hoot. At some point someone broke out some grass. Jonah figured, what the hell, and took a couple of hits; before long he started feeling really good.  He spent most of the rest of night laughing his ass off.  Before he knew it, it was after midnight and his cell was ringing.  It was Chip, of course.   

“Chip, I’m so sorry.  I lost all track of time.  I’m with Reese and some of his friends.  They’ve been showing me around Memphis.” 

“That’s what I figured.  Just don’t be too late and knock on my door to let me know you’re back.”
 

“OK, thanks.  I’m really sorry.”   

“No apologies for having a good time. You deserve it.  Bye.” 

It was almost 2:00 a.m. before they got back to the apartment building. Reese wanted to just drop Jonah off in front so he wouldn’t have to walk from the parking lot, but Jonah insisted he park the car so they could walk together.  They parked and got out. “I had a really good time tonight, Reese, for the first time in a very long time,” Jonah said as Reese was getting the crutches out of the back. 

“I’m really glad, Jonah.  I’ve been worried I would never get you outta this funk.” 

“I know.  I’ve been pretty depressing company and not much of a friend.” 

They started walking across the street toward the apartment building.  Sam was gone, of course, so Reese pulled out his security card, swiped it, and punched in his access code. “I’ll ride up with you and make sure you get in okay.” 

“You don’t have to. I’m a big boy now.”

“I know; I want to,” Reese said smiling. 

They got upstairs and walked over to the door to the apartment. Jonah was propped on his crutches while he reached in his back pocket for his key card.  When he did, one crutch slipped on the slick marble floor and he started to fall.  Reese stepped under Jonah and caught him.  Suddenly, Jonah was in his Reese’s arms, his face less than two inches from Reese’s.  Reese pulled Jonah back up, but didn’t let go.  He was just standing holding Jonah, but Jonah, for reasons he didn’t understand, didn’t pull away. They just stared into each other’s eyes for a minute.  Jonah knew what was coming next.  Reese leaned in to kiss him. 

“Reese, I’m sorry… I … I just can’t.  It’s too soon.” 

Reese picked the fallen crutch up, put it back under Jonah, and backed away from him a few inches. “Reese, I like you, but I’m not ready for… I’m still messed up, Reese.  My heart still belongs to Sky, even if he doesn’t want it.  I’m getting there.  I actually had fun tonight, but I’m not ready for…you know.” 

“It’s cool, Jonah, but I’m not going to lie.  I was attracted to you from the first time we met.  I said I was a really patient guy, and I am.  I’m not in any hurry, either.  I’ll be here when you’re ready. Goodnight, Jonah. He put his finger to his lips in a sort of kiss and then put it on Jonah’s cheek, turned and walked back into the elevator and was gone. 

Jonah just stood for a few minutes. His own feelings were a total mystery to him. He did still love Sky, but he almost let Reese kiss him.  Maybe he wanted Reese to kiss him.  Reese said he was attracted to Jonah.  What was that about?  Reese never even hinted that he wanted to be more than friends. Jonah entered the apartment totally confused.  

It wasn’t more than thirty minutes after Jonah had gotten back in the apartment after the near kiss with Reese that he heard Billy coming in.  Jonah’s bedroom door was still open, and he called Billy’s name softly, trying not to wake Chip again. 

“Billy?” 

“You still up?” Billy replied somewhat surprised. 

“Yeah, can we talk a minute?” 

“Sure, Jonah, what’s up?” 

“I went with Reese tonight to MAGY.  Afterward we went out with some of his …our friends, and we had a really good time.” 

“That’s great. I’m glad to see you enjoying yourself and making friends.  It’s about time.  Is that what you wanted to tell me?” 

“No, it’s something else. We just got in a few minutes ago. After we got back, Reese came up with me to make sure I got in okay.  I slipped in the hallway, and he caught me. Well, afterwards, he… well, I just let him hold me closely for a minute, and he almost kissed me, but I stopped him.” 

“Jonah, I’m not sure I’m following this, are you telling me he assaulted you?” 

“NO! No.  Nothing like that. I like Reese.  That’s the problem.  I’m still in love with Sky, too.  I’m just confused.  I think I wanted him to kiss me.  I was scared.  I’m scared to get involved again.” 

“Jonah, I know exactly what you’re feeling.  I’ve had those same feelings and fears. Brad and I were together for years.  I thought I would spend the rest of my life with him.  He’s been gone for quite a while, now. I still have trouble turning off those feelings for him. I know that.  I just haven’t been lucky enough to meet someone else I’m interested in.  It’s normal to be scared of another relationship when you’ve just been badly hurt in another.  Life is full of risks, Jonah.  You can play it safe and just seal yourself up -- close your heart and go on avoiding relationships—but that’s awfully lonely.  I know. I’ve done it for a while.  Or, you can take that jump off of that proverbial cliff and see what happens.  I wish I could offer you a parachute or safe landing, but life doesn’t come with guarantees.  Well, I’m done talking in clichés now, but I guess you get the point.” 

“Yeah, I do. Thanks, Billy. You’re right; it’s up to me. I’ve got to get past being afraid.  Reese seems so nice. I’m starting to feel comfortable around him, and I think he likes me.”    

“Reese is an amazing kid, Jonah.  He’s a very strong person. He’s been through a lot and handled it with amazing maturity.  Just like you. I think you two would have much in common. Besides, he’s not bad to look at either is he?” 

“Biiillllyy!” Jonah drawled, smiling at Billy with a serious blush. 

“Go to bed and get some rest.” 

“K, g’nite. Thanks.” 

“Goodnight, Jonah.  You’re most welcome.”  Billy was chuckling to himself as he left the room.

 Special thanks to Colinian and CJames for their time and help!  Thanks to all of you who commented or sent emails.  I do read and cherish every one, even though sometimes I am slow to reply.  Again, a special thank you just for reading!

Rick