Back in Memphis, the week had been relatively uneventful.  Jonah kept up with his studies, and his physical-therapy sessions were getting a bit more intense. The doctor had now put on a walking cast so Jonah could start putting some weight on his leg.  It was painful as hell at first, and he still needed crutches to get around.  He was still doing his daily workouts in the gym with Reese; they would also visit every day, but  just as friends.  Reese had not tried to push Jonah to go any further, and Jonah was quite relieved. 

Jonah and Reese went to the weekly MAGY meeting and then out with their friends, much as they had the weekend before, but they did manage to get back in without busting the curfew as badly this time—getting back around 1a.m., again with Chip’s blessing. When they returned, though, Reese again went to Jonah’s apartment.  Upon reaching the entrance, Reese reached out and put his hand behind Jonah’s neck.  Jonah put his hand on Reese’s chest, pushing him back gently. “Reese, I… I just don’t… I mean I do…but I can’t.” 

“Jonah, it’s okay. You’re still not ready,” Reese said softly while removing his hand. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He turned and headed back to the elevator as Jonah went inside.  

The next morning, Jonah got up around 10 a.m. and dragged himself to the kitchen, where Billy was sipping on some coffee and cooking up an omelet for breakfast. “Good morning, sleepyhead. We’re doing a New Orleans breakfast today; actually it’ll be brunch,” he said, as Jonah hobbled into the kitchen on his crutches. 

“Good morning,” Jonah mumbled back as he sat at the breakfast bar.  About that time, Chip came in, dressed and ready for the day.  “Good morning, guys,” he said in an unusually happy tone.  “Jonah, as soon as we finish breakfast, you may want to go ahead and get freshened up and get dressed.  We have some special company coming to stay the weekend, and they should be here around noon.” 

“Really? Who?”  he asked.   

“Oh, just someone we haven’t seen in a while, but I thought you’d like to know, so you would be, ah, presentable.” 

“Oh, okay, well, thanks for the warning.  I’ll get dressed right after breakfast.” 

“Well, dress to go out.  We’ll probably do some sights around town, maybe even take in a baseball game; then we’re all going to spend the evening as VIPs at Billy’s club.  He’s got a really special performer tonight.  It’s a sellout.  Solomon Burke is there.  Oh, and Jonah, there’s room for at least one more, if you want to ask a friend to come.” 

“Thanks, ah, I’ll think about it.” 

They finished Billy’s excellent Creole seafood omelets complete with shrimp, crabmeat, and crawfish, andouille sausage, grits, and homemade biscuits with molasses—all of it topped off with something that Billy called Bananas Foster. Jonah was amazed when Billy actually poured brandy on and lit it with a lighter!  After breakfast, Jonah went back to his room, bathed and changed. With the way Billy cooked, Jonah was thankful for all the workouts he was doing.   

Dressed, Jonah joined Chip in the living room. He was glancing through the Commercial Appeal newspaper for about an hour when the doorbell rang.  Billy went to answer. When he opened the door, Jonah saw who it was, jumped up, grabbed the crutches and moved to the door as fast as he could.  It was Sarah!   

She ran towards him, and they met halfway.  He grabbed her in a death hug and didn’t want to let go, letting the crutches fall to the floor. “Sarah! Oh, my God!  I’ve missed you!” 

“I know, Jonah.  I’ve been so worried about you I couldn’t stand it.  This is the first break from work I’ve had in weeks.” 

“How long can you stay?” 

“Not long. This is really just a long layover.  I was on my way back to New York from LA.  I fly on to New York tomorrow night.” 

They went back to the living room and sat down.  Sarah sat on the sofa opposite Jonah, next to Chip; Billy sat next to Jonah. 

“Oh, my God!” Sarah suddenly exclaimed, “I just realized I’ve never seen you two together.  I knew there was a resemblance, but my God, you two could be twins but for the age difference.  It’s spooky.” 

“We know,” they giggled together. 

“Wow, this is some apartment!  In Manhattan, this would run four or five mill easy— maybe six!” she said looking around. 

“Jonah, how are you holding up?” she asked.  The concern and worry in her face was very obvious. 

“I’m doing fine now, Sis.  It’s taken me a while, and there were some really ugly moments, but I’m fine.  I’ve got a great doctor with Tom, and I’ve been talking things out with a shrink: Margaret, er, Margie.  We get along well.  Chip and Billy have been soooo good to me. I don’t know what I would’ve . . .”  Jonah started to get choked up, and Billy put his arm around him. 

“Jonah, that makes me feel so relieved.  I’ve been so worried about you.  So much happened so quick.  I’m so sorry I couldn’t be more support for you.  This damn job.  I mean, I love it and all, but there’s so much time away—and the traveling!  I don’t see how anyone doing this can even think about having a family life.” 

“I’ve made a few friends and even joined a gay-youth group.  I think I’m gonna like it a lot here, Sis,” Jonah replied. 

“Jonah, that’s great.  I’m so glad this is working for you.  I can’t tell you how happy that makes me,” she said, smiling at him.  “Have you talked to Dad?” 

“No, I didn’t think we had much more to say.  I’m really not ready to do that, anyway.  I think I’d probably just say something else I might regret.  I still have some issues about Jessie and all.  I don’t know how I really feel.  Sometimes, I think he loves me, but other times, I feel like he’s choosing them over me.  I’m still working on those issues. I’m just not ready to talk about them.  Besides, now I don’t feel the need to talk to him, at least not right away.  Billy and Chip have made me feel like this is my home.  I’m not sure I would go back if I could.” 

Billy gave him another big hug and said, “Jonah, I’ve been waiting weeks to hear that.  Thank you.  This IS your home – forever, or for as long as you want it to be.” 

Jonah looked up to see Sarah wiping her eyes. Even normally stoic Chip was getting kind of teary-eyed, but was wearing a huge smile.   

“The only thing I really miss is Dex and Lori, and, of course, Sky.  But at least I get to talk to Dex and Lori occasionally on the phone, and we chat on the ‘puter.  I know I’ll see them again someday, anyway.” 

“Jonah, I’m so sorry about Sky.  I wish I knew what to say, but ya know nothing I would say would make it any better or any easier,” she said, looking at me with really sad eyes. 

“I know, Sis.  I’m trying to move on.  I really am.  I’m accepting it’s over.  It’s just taking me some time. I fell so hard for him.”   

About this time, Billy and Chip got up and said they wanted to give Jonah and Sarah some time to chat and that they needed to tend to some plans for this evening, anyway, and they left the room.  Sarah stood up and came to sit by Jonah. 

“Jonah, how are you doing, really?” 

“Really, much better.  I had that panic attack I know you heard about, but I think I hit bottom there – emotionally speaking.  That night was the only time I felt like I didn’t care whether I lived or died.  I felt so completely empty and lost.  I know now I have so much to live for.  You, Chip, Billy – I know y’all care.  I know now that I do have a family that cares.  The talks with my shrink, Margie, have really helped.  Of course, she’s still got me full of happy pills, too,” he said with a giggle.  “I still play my music, and that helps a lot. See that Steinway over there?  Billy lets me play it whenever I want, and they bought me the most incredible Yamaha keyboard for my room.  It’s awesome.  I’m really happy here, Sis.” 

She hugged Jonah tightly, “I’m glad you realize that, Jonah.  You’re gonna make it through this.  Um, I know it’s soon, but have you met any, um, you know, interesting guys?” 

I know I started to blush, “Sis, uh, have you been talking to Billy?” 

“No, honest, Jonah, but you said you were going to a gay-youth group. I was just wondering if maybe . . . you know,” she said, smiling. 

I’m sure I was still blushing, “Well, I have met a really good friend, but I didn’t meet him there.  In fact, he’s the one that took me to the group the first time.  He lives here in the building.  Billy and Chip have known him for a while.  He’s my age, and I may go to school with him this fall.  I think he’s interested in me, uh, you know, like that.”  

“That’s wonderful, Jonah.  How do you feel about him?” 

“I, uh, I’ve been trying hard not to . . . not to feel anything for anybody, but I’m think I’m wearing down.  I almost let him kiss me the other night.” 

“Jonah!” 

“I know.  It’s . . .It’s still too soon.” 

“No, that’s not what I was going to say.  I think that’s great!  Jonah, I just want you to be happy.  I hope he’s a nice guy cause if he hurts you—.” 

“Sis, calm down.  We’re not even a couple.  Not yet, anyway.” 

“Listen, I think Chip and Billy are planning for us to go out this afternoon and tonight.  Ask him to go with us.  I’m sure they won’t mind.” 

“I know Billy won’t mind.  I think he’s been setting this whole thing up since I got here.” Jonah smirked, rolling his eyes.  “I’m pretty sure he’s encouraging it.” 

“Please, Jonah, ask him.  I’d like to meet him.  You said you guys were friends.  It doesn’t have to be like a date.  I mean the three of us are going to be there, too.” 

“Okay, you win.  I’ll call him.” 

About that time, Chip and Billy returned.  Chip said, “Hey, guys, It’s after one, and I’m assuming Sarah hasn’t eaten much.  Let’s go get something to eat.” 

“Eat, I just stuffed myself on brunch!” I exclaimed. 

Billy laughed.  “I think he wants to go get barbeque.  I’m pretty stuffed, too.  You and I can split a plate of ribs, Jonah.” 

“Mmm-k, but I got a make a phone call.  Sarah wants me to ask Reese to go out with us today, if that’s okay.” 

Billy shot Sarah a funny look, then a knowing one after  he smiled.  “Of course, it’s okay.  Run and call him.  If he wants to go, we have plenty of time to wait for him to get ready, or we can come back by here after lunch.” 

Jonah called Reese’s cell.  He said he was out somewhere with his mom but would be back in an hour or so.  He quickly accepted the invitation to go out with them that evening. 

Chip, Billy, Sarah, and Jonah decided to go on for barbeque.  When they got downstairs, Leon was out front waiting for them.  They climbed in the back of a stretched Lincoln and took off.  They only drove a few blocks before he pulled up outside the Peabody Hotel.  “I thought we were getting barbeque?” Jonah asked. 

“We are.  It’s right across the street,” Chip answered. 

They got out of the limo and walked across the street and down a creepy little alley and into a restaurant called The Rendezvous.  They had to go down some steps, which were a bit of a challenge to Jonah with the crutches, but he was getting used to them; at least, he could put some weight on the cast.  About halfway down, Jonah was hit in the face with the most delicious aroma he had ever inhaled.   

After they were seated at their table, Chip said, “Jonah, I should have brought you here a long time ago, but with you on those crutches and all. . . . Anyway, this is a Memphis landmark and has some of the best ribs anywhere in the world.  Next time I plan this, though, I’ve got to make sure Billy doesn’t have one of his ‘theme breakfasts’ planned—or we could come later in the evening.” 

They ordered; Billy and Jonah shared an order.  Sarah was obviously starved.  She put away a whole order and then ate some of Chip’s.  Jonah wondered how she could eat like that and keep her model’s build, but then realized that Chip and Billy could put away the food, too, without getting fat.  Jonah was hoping that leanness was a genetic trait.  

When they were done, Leon was waiting for them with the limo.  He then took them on one of his special guided tours of Memphis for an hour, pointing landmarks out for Jonah and Sarah along with their histories, including scandals.  He really knew the city and everything about it.  They then went back to the apartment to pick up Reese. By then, it was late afternoon.  Reese met them outside the apartment and climbed in the limo.   

Jonah introduced him to Sarah, and she looked back at Jonah with a nod and a wink. Reese didn’t seem to notice her reaction. Billy did, though.  Jonah saw him grin and chuckle at the little exchange.  Jonah felt himself blushing. 

They drove only a few blocks before they pulled into a parking lot by the river.  Chip spoke up, “Jonah I had a hard time deciding on how to show you some fun without a lot of walking.  Billy actually came up with this idea, but I love seeing this city from the river, too, and it’s something I haven’t done in a while.  We’re going on a riverboat cruise for a couple of hours and then to Billy’s club for the show, with dinner afterward.” 

“Thanks, Chip. Man, that does sound like fun.  I’ve never been on a riverboat.  I always wanted to.  I’ve been watching them from the balcony at the apartment; I just never said anything,” he  said. 

“Good. How ‘bout you Sarah?  This okay?” 

“Absolutely. I’ve never done this either, except for a dinner cruise in New York, but those aren’t paddlewheelers like these, and the Hudson is a far cry from the Mississippi.  This is indeed cool.” 

They got out of the limo and boarded the boat.  It wasn’t very crowded at all: mostly just a few tourists. Chip explained it really didn’t get busy until summer when school was out, unless there was a big convention in town. They went into the main salon area and sat around a large table next to a window.  Sarah, Chip, and Billy ordered drinks; Reese and Jonah got a Coke.  After the boat left the dock, Sarah wanted to go to the upper deck.  Chip and Billy went with her. Jonah didn’t want to attempt the narrow stairway;  Reese volunteered to stay with him.  Sarah gave Jonah that little smirk and wink of hers. Jonah was beginning to think she planned that, or maybe that they all had.  He was beginning to think he had been set up.  A romantic river cruise with a very cute guy, and they make themselves scarce?  Nah. Yeah, right. 

Okay, this was awkward.  “Um, Reese, uh, ‘bout last night, uh, I—” 

“Forget it, Jonah, I’m sorry.  I was pushing. It won’t happen again.” 

“Damn, that’s not what I wanted you to say.” 

“Huh? What did you say? What does that mean? I’m sorry -- I don’t get it.” 

“I mean, um…damn this is hard for me. I mean, I think I need to try to . . . I mean, I like you, Reese. I guess I want you to keep trying.  I will if you will.” 

“Jonah, do you mean it?” He asked with an expression of a little kid that just got his Christmas wish. 

“Yah, I want to try to move on with my life.  I just want to go slow, okay?” 

“Jonah, I said I was patient, I just want to know there’s a chance, you know, that we could be . . . that we could be a . . .us . . . you know, together.” 

“I think there’s better than a chance, but I want to be sure this time.  I want  . . . I want to not be hurt anymore.  I couldn’t take any more hurt, Reese.” 

Reese reached up and took Jonah’s hand that had been resting on the table and squeezed it and looked up into Jonah’s eyes. “Jonah, I would never do anything to hurt you.  Not on purpose.  I’ve dated some, but I’ve never had a real relationship.  I’m going to be learning how this works, okay.” 

“What about Mike and Benji?  I thought they were your boyfriends or exes or whatever.” 

“I went out a few times with both of them, yeah, but that’s all it was.  Mike totally wanted to dominate the relationship.  Everything had to be his way.  Benji was the exact opposite.  He wanted everything done for him, every decision made for him.  It didn’t take me long to figure out that those two were made for each other, and I set them up for a date.  They’ve been together ever since.  I don’t want a one-sided relationship.  I want someone I can share with on an equal basis, you know?” 

“That’s all there was?  You mean you’re a . . . You mean you never really had a boyfriend?” 

“I’ve been out a couple of times with a couple of other guys, but it never got past the first or second date.  No, Jonah, I’ve never had a boyfriend, and if you must know: yes, I’m a virgin.” 

“I’m sorry, Reese, I didn’t mean anything; I mean, I think that’s great.  I suppose you know that I’m not, though—a virgin, that is.  Does that matter?” Jonah couldn’t look him in the eye right then; he felt embarrassed.  He looked down at the table. 

Reese was still holding his hand—right there in a public place with other people sitting around them—and Jonah didn’t mind.  Reese took his other hand and put a finger under Jonah’s chin and lifted it up so that Jonah was again looking in his eyes.  “Jonah, why would that matter?  Honestly, I don’t care, but if we do this, I want you to want me for who I am. I don’t want to compete with a memory.  I don’t want to be second fiddle to Sky, or the consolation prize.” 

“Oh, Reese, I can’t promise anything right now other than I’ll try.  I said it’s going to take me some time.  I want to get to know who you are.  That’s the point of dating isn’t it?” 

“Yeah, I guess it is.  Jonah, I think I can make you happy if you’ll let me.” 

“I want to try, Reese.  I really do, but one step at a time.” 

Reese took Jonah’s hand and pulled it up to his lips and kissed it gently.  Jonah thought it was very sweet.  It was then that Jonah saw Sarah, Billy, and Chip come back in. He knew they had to have seen the kiss.  Jonah jerked his hand back, causing Reese to look; Reese saw them, too, and straightened back in his seat. 

Billy, Chip and Sarah walked back over to the table and took their original seats.  Sarah spoke first, “Really great view up there. Um, I bet it’s just as nice out on the front deck on this level, too.  Jonah, let’s go check it out.” 

“Yeah, y’all go check it out. We’ll order fresh drinks,” Billy said. 

Sarah and Jonah got up and walked out the door that led onto a large, outdoor covered deck area. They found a couple of empty deck chairs and sat. “Jonah, I’m so proud of you.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean, Chip and Billy are just nuts about you.  You have really impressed both of them.  They love you so much—Billy, especially. You’re all he talks about.  He practically gushes when he talks about you, which is all the time.  Chip is amazed at how well you’re adjusting here. I also just saw that little thing with Reese.  I’m proud to see you able to move on with your life.” 

“Thanks, Sis.  It’s not that simple, though.  I’ve had some rough moments, but they treat me so well, so it’s just hard not to like them.  Reese, too.  He’s been nothing but supportive since I’ve been here.  He’s been helping me meet people my age and making me work out; he seems really concerned.  That’s the only reason I’m willing to try to take it to another level with him.  I trust him, but we’re not there yet, what you saw—” 

“He’s damn cute, too, Jonah.  How in the hell do you do that?  How do you find these gorgeous guys that fall for you so?” 

“Just luck, I guess.  Reese sorta like came with the new family.  It was like he was there waiting for me, but, Sis, we’re not a couple. Not yet.” 

“Maybe there is a God looking out for you, too, Jonah.  Don’t turn your back on Him just because of what’s happened before.” 

“I honestly haven’t thought about religion much since—” 

“What Dad did was wrong, Jonah. Just as wrong as all those narrow-minded judgmental hypocrites that populate that congregation back home. Not every church or every Christian condemns gays.  I don’t believe God does, either, and I don’t think you believe he does.  Open your mind, Jonah.  Reclaim your faith…. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get off on that.”

“It’s okay, Sis.  I’ve been giving it some thought actually.  You know MAGY, that gay-youth group, meets in a space donated by a church.  I’ll find a church I like one day.  I just haven’t been too mobile, you know.  I don’t even have a car anymore.” 

“I talked to Dad about that. Your truck will be sent up here.  That was my car; I paid for most of it, and it was my gift to you.  You’ll have your truck by the time that cast comes off.” 

“Thanks, Sis.  I really love you, ya’know.” 

“I know,” she said as she came over and pulled Jonah into a tight hug.  “Ready to go back inside?” 

“Yeah, before I start crying like a baby again.” 

She smiled, and they went back inside and joined the others.  Just as Jonah got to the table, Reese said, “Jonah, I want to go back to where the paddlewheel is.  Come with?” 

“Sure, let’s go.”  They walked out a side door and down the narrow deck to the back of the boat, where there was an open deck area facing the stern and the paddlewheel.  The sun had just set, and it was just beginning to get dark.  The lights from the city were beautiful.  The sound from the rhythmic splashing of the paddlewheel was almost hypnotic. 

“This is cool,” Reese said as they stood there.  “I’ve lived in or near this city most of my life, and I’ve never been on one of these boats.” 

They walked on toward the back of the deck and nearer the splashing wheel.  They just stood there watching it a while.  Then Jonah noticed Reese turning toward him. Jonah did the same and they were facing each other, only inches apart. 

“Jonah, I really do like you a lot.  I have from that first talk we had at Chip’s and Billy’s.”   

“Thanks, I like you too, Reese.  You’ve been really, really nice to me, especially those times I wasn’t being really nice to anyone.  I’m sorry I’ve been so . . . moody.” 

“I think you had reason.  I figured you just needed some space and time.” 

“Thanks, Reese.”  

Then Reese moved forward and put his hand gently on Jonah’s shoulder. Jonah leaned forward. Reese moved closer.  Jonah glanced around. There was only an older couple back there, and they were facing away from them. Jonah closed his eyes. Reese’s other hand was now behind Jonah’s back. Jonah felt Reese’s lips gently brush his, tentatively. Jonah leaned forward just slightly, and he felt Reese’s lips again. This time Jonah lingered a little longer.  It was like a small electric shock going through his body – a tingle. Jonah let his tongue escape his mouth and touch Reese lips, which parted and accepted it.  Jonah’s mind began to swirl, and his body felt suddenly warm, flushed.  Jonah looked up into Reese’s eyes as their lips parted.  Jonah thought those eyes were so beautiful.  Reese backed away a few inches and stood there looking at Jonah with the most wonderful smile.  Jonah became lost in that smile and those eyes.  He was thinking what a beautiful boy this was. 

“Jonah, that was—” 

“Yeah, it was.” 

Jonah couldn’t help but smile back at him.  His mind was still swirling.  He was nearly breathless. He had almost forgotten that swooning feeling.  They just stood there looking at each other for what must have been several minutes, not saying anything.  Suddenly they were both snapped out of their mood by several loud voices.  A group of people had come to just hang out around the paddlewheel, as they had.  Jonah and Reese turned and started walking back toward the main salon to join the rest of their group.  Jonah felt strangely refreshed and relaxed. 

They walked back inside and sat back down at the table.  Jonah was sure their smiles and the look he and Reese were constantly giving each other gave them away -- at least to Billy and Sarah, who looked at Reese and Jonah, then each other and started chuckling. “Jump of that cliff yet?” Billy asked. 

“Yep,” Jonah replied.  He glanced over at Reese who looked confused.  “Private joke.  I’ll tell ya later.” 

 Chip looked totally lost.  “What?” he asked. 

Billy leaned over and whispered something to him. Chip’s eyes got wide, and then he smiled and actually blushed. Jonah thought Billy and Sarah would fall out of their chairs laughing at him.  Jonah was blushing, too, and he could see that Reese was, also, but they both had to join in the laugh.

Sarah leaned over to Jonah and whispered, “Well?” 

He whispered back into her ear, “We kissed.” 

She just smiled, patted him on the leg, and said nothing else. Jonah was sitting between Reese and Sarah.  Billy and Chip were on the other side of the table; they all sat and talked about nothing in particular, while Chip would occasionally point to something of interest out the window.  At some point during the conversation, Jonah noticed Reese had taken his hand and was holding it under the table. It felt nice. 

It wasn’t long before they were back at the dock.  Of course, Leon and the limo were there to greet them and shuttle them to Billy’s club.   

When they arrived at the club, they were treated like royalty.  There was a line waiting to get in the front, but they just walked to the front of the line and walked right in.  Jonah felt kind of funny about it at first, but figured when you own the place, you can do whatever you want.  The manager, wearing a name tag that said Sherry came over, and Billy started introducing them to her, but before he got to Jonah, she said, “You, have to be Jonah.  Man, we have heard so much about you. You’re like legend here.  It’s great to get to finally meet you.  Damn, you do look just like Billy.”  They all started laughing.  

“Yeah, thanks. Legend?” Jonah asked. 

“Yeah, we know you can sing and play piano like a pro, you’re some kind of super karate expert, straight A’s in school, and, damn, you are cute.  Billy’s braggin’ on you every day about something,” she said while shaking Jonah’s hand the entire time. 

Jonah was getting very embarrassed, but somehow he was also very flattered.  It made him think.  Jonah couldn’t remember anyone ever telling him that his own father had ever bragged on him about anything to anyone.  This was now the second person telling him how much Billy cared about him, and this was a perfect stranger.  He was very flattered.  It felt really good—embarrassing, but good.   

They were seated at a semi-round booth right in front of the stage area.  Jonah was again between Reese and Sarah, and Chip and Billy were on the ends.   Billy got up and excused himself to go check on things in the kitchen and elsewhere, but promised to be back to catch most of the show with them. 

“That is the very reason I don’t come here with him to enjoy an evening.  He can’t stand not to be in the middle of it and just let the people he hires to run the place run it, and I get left sitting alone,” Chip said obviously annoyed. 

“It’s what he does, and he obviously enjoys it. Besides, you’re not alone tonight,” Sarah said trying to calm him. 

“Enjoys it!?  It’s all he lives for.  He needs a life outside this place,” Chip huffed. 

“From what I hear, you’re a fine one to talk,” Sarah said. 

“Guilty.  I guess we’re both workaholics in our own way,” he sighed, “and you’re right, I have great company tonight!”  His whole expression changed as he looked at the three of them and smiled broadly.  Jonah really enjoyed being around Chip when he let loose a little and wasn’t as cold and business-like as he usually was.  

The show was awesome.  Jonah always loved blues music, and this was some of the very best, if not the best in the business.  Jonah was worried that Reese might not enjoy it, but Reese really seemed to get into it as well.  Somewhere during the first couple of songs, Jonah scooted a little closer to Reese.  In just a few minutes, Reese reached over and took Jonah’s hand.  

About midway through the show, Billy came back, and they had to scrunch up a bit to make room.  Reese reached up and put his arm around Jonah, and Jonah just sort of snuggled into him. Jonah was looking at Sarah when Reese put his arm around him, and she just gave Jonah a smile.  Billy did the same, and Chip just kind of rolled his eyes, shook his head, and grinned.   

After the show, Billy ushered them all to a private dining room.  The table was set, and the salads were waiting.  When they were all seated, Billy said, “Special menu tonight, guys.  I had live Maine lobster flown in; we also have special-cut Filet Mignon;  stuffed potatoes; and the dessert is going to knock your socks off: a chocolate mousse soufflé. I’ve also selected a very special wine to go with the meal.  Jonah, Reese, you two are limited to two glasses with dinner.  I suggest you use them with the entrée.” 

“Wow! What’s the occasion?” Sarah asked. 

“You are! Just having the whole family together for the first time ever.  I wanted to do something extra special.” 

“Billy, that’s so sweet, but you didn’t have to.” 

“Yes, he did,” Chip interrupted. “It was my idea.”  

“I kinda feel like I’m intruding on a family thing here,” Reese said. 

“You were specially invited by my niece and nephew.  I would have been disappointed if you weren’t here, Reese.  You know we’ve always treated you like family, anyway,” Billy said. “Everyone sit, eat, and enjoy.” 

The meal really was wonderful.  After they were done, it was back to the limo.  Billy stayed behind at the club to close up and check the receipts for the evening.  He also said something about having to get the liquor order ready for Monday.  Anyway, Chip, Sarah, Reese, and Jonah piled back into the limo and headed home.  It was only a few blocks, but Jonah was sure glad they had the car.  All that food, wine, and crutches would have made for a long walk.   

When they got to the apartment building, Leon let them out and drove off, as Sam greeted them and opened up the door.  “Reese, come on up.  We’re just going to sit on the terrace for a while. It’s such a nice evening,” Chip said. 

“Okay, I’m sure Mom won’t mind.  She’s probably unconscious anyway,” he sighed. 

“Gettin’ bad again, Reese?” Chip asked. 

“’Fraid so, Chip.” 

“Well, come on up.  Maybe we can cheer you up.” 

When they got to the apartment, they all went straight to the terrace, except Sarah, who had to take a restroom break.  Chip led the way outside and flipped on a switch that turned on the concealed rope lighting that outlined the railing all the way around the terrace area, flipped another switch that started the gas fire pit, and turned yet another on for the small, lighted fountain and lights in the various potted plants.  Reese and Jonah sat down on a small bench next to the fire pit, and Chip sat on the one opposite us. “So guys, have a good time today?” 

“Absolutely, ” Jonah said. “It was incredible.  Everything, really.  I don’t know what I enjoyed more.  Billy outdid himself with dinner, though, and that show. Thank y’all so much.” 

“Be sure and tell him, Jonah.  It would thrill him to know you really enjoyed it.” 

About that time, Sarah walked out onto the terrace and sat by Chip. “My, this is gorgeous out here, and the view…” 

“We spend a lot of time out here in the spring and summer.  It’s just now getting warm enough to really enjoy it,”  Chip said. 

“Reese, Jonah said you take him to work out.  Is there a gym nearby?  I really ought to find some time to go tomorrow.  I can’t believe how much I ate today,” Sarah said, chuckling. 

“The gym is right here in the building, down in the basement.  It has everything,” Reese replied.   

“Really.  That’s nice.  Chip, you didn’t tell me the building had its own gym.  Why don’t you show me?”   

“Now?” Chip asked. 

“Well, I like to work out real early, unless you’d rather get up at 6 a.m. and show me.” 

“No, let’s go,” he said; they got up and headed for the door. 

I turned and looked at Reese, “That’s it. I know for sure now.” 

“What?” 

“C’mon, we’ve been set up all evening.  The limo, the romantic boat ride, the dinner.  Why did you ask me to go to the back of the boat to see the paddlewheel?” 

“Billy said he and Chip needed to talk to Sarah for a minute alone, and he wanted me to walk outside with you.” 

“Uh-huh, and don’t you find it a little odd that when Billy flew in the lobster, he ordered enough for you, too, and now, Sarah practically drags Chip outta here so we can be alone?” 

“Billy and Sarah conspired to set us up on a date, and we didn’t even know it?” Reese asked amazed. 

“Yeah,” Jonah replied. 

“Well, it worked—at least for me, Jonah.  I had a great time tonight.” 

“Yeah, me, too.” Reese then leaned over and gently put one hand on Jonah’s arm just below his shoulder and the other behind Jonah’s head and pulled him into a kiss.  Jonah didn’t resist. In fact, he leaned into him till their lips gently touched.  Their lips parted simultaneously, and their tongues met and danced in each other’s mouth.  That tingle and then the warm flushed feeling started all over again for Jonah. Reese’s hands were now around Jonah’s waist and neck.  It was truly a wonderful kiss.  It was electric, and Jonah felt lightheaded;  his head was swirling. That familiar feeling in his groin that he hadn’t felt in weeks was returning.  Yeah, he was definitely hard.  Jonah hadn’t really thought about it, but he had had no desire for anything sexual since… since he got caught with Sky!  He hadn’t even jacked off!  But the sex drive was back now.  Jonah knew he needed to slow this down.  He pulled back slightly, breaking their kiss. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Reese, nothing’s wrong.  I just needed some air.  I just need to slow it down a bit.  That was wonderful.” 

“Yeah, incredible.  That, kinda took my breath away, too.” 

Jonah sat there looking into Reese’s eyes for a moment.  They were almost irresistible; no they were irresistible.  He moved his hand to Reese’s shoulder and the other to the back of Reese’s neck and pulled him into another kiss.  It was even more passionate than the last, if that was possible.  Their tongues resumed their dance again, and Jonah was totally lost in their embrace and that kiss.   

“Ahem!” They were both startled out of the kiss and turned to see Billy standing there, smiling at them. 

Reese jumped up and started blabbering, “Billy, uh, . . . . I’m just,  uh, we were  . . . . I mean I didn’t know you were —” 

“Shut up, and sit back down, Reese, I’m not upset, I’m delighted,” he said chuckling. “Where’re Sarah and Chip?” 

“Sarah dragged him off to show him the gym,” Jonah replied.  “That’s another thing; I know what you two have been up to.  I figured out that you and she set us up to have a date without us even knowing we were on a date. Shame on you two, both of you.” 

“Uh-oh, busted,” Billy said looking very sheepish. “Did it work?” 

“After what you just walked in on, you have to ask?”  

“Good,” he said smiling. “So, what’s the problem?” 

Jonah decided to try and make him sweat a bit.  Jonah put on the angriest look he could muster and stood up and hobbled over to where Billy was still standing.  Billy really looked worried and upset.  Jonah looked him square in the eye, and said, “Billy Tucker, I can arrange my own dates, thank you very much, but . . .” then Jonah smiled at him and continued, “you have to be the sweetest, most thoughtful guy in the whole world to do all this for me.  I love you, Billy.”  They then grabbed each other into a tight hug.

 Another special thanks to CJ and Colin.  Thank you to all you readers… You are the ones who make it worthwhile and keep me going.  Please keep the comments coming!!