Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Thirteen

Thanks to Rec for editing!

Sky settled into his routine; dancing four nights per week, sometimes five, and when he was off, he would sometimes work cleanup or other jobs around the club that Eddie would find for him.  Eddie, and even Phil in his own way, became quite fond of Sky and were impressed by his hard work and loyalty.  Sky and Jo-Jo had become the best of friends as well.  Sky had still resisted ‘working the stables,’ even though he had to do the occasional ‘special favors’ for the VIPs at the club.  He did learn, though, that those ‘favors’ did not extend beyond hand jobs or oral sex inside the club, as those were Phil’s rules.  If they wanted more, the customer had to pick a boy from the stables and take the activity somewhere besides the club. 

Although Sky was still upset about what went on inside the VIP room and even more upset at being required to participate, thankfully it didn’t happen often, and Phil made it worthwhile. Sky was generating enough money at the club to pay all his expenses, buy himself more clothes and costumes, and provide himself adequate spending money—or what should have been adequate spending money.  It wasn’t long before Sky developed a definite affinity for some of the drugs he started using with Jo-Jo and some of the other dancers.  Jo-Jo, Chaz and the other dancers had introduced to Sky to the neighborhood dealers.  As a result, there seemed to be an inexhaustible supply of both drugs and dealers. Unfortunately, Sky’s money was not inexhaustible.   

After Sky’s first full month of dancing at the club, Jo-Jo came to Sky one night as the club was closing.  “Sky, I’ve got us a chance to work a gig at another club for a couple of weeks.  It’s a straight club having a ladies night on Tuesdays.  Phil usually okays it and lets me pick a dancer or two to go with me.  You get to keep half of all the tips, and those chicks can tip.” 

“Yeah, sounds great.  I could use the money,” Sky replied. 

“Yeah, I imagine.  Look, Sky, you been hitting the meth pretty hard.  I’ve seen it at the house.  I know you’re using more and more.  Maybe you should try to cut back.” 

“Jo-Jo, I’m fine. I just do a hit or two when I’m really tired or down.  It picks me up.” 

“No, Sky, as far as I can tell it’s every day.  You’re getting a habit.” 

“What’s your problem, Jo-Jo? You use, too.” 

“Look, let’s drop it, Sky. Just try to cut back. I don’t want you to be a junkie and end up in the stables to support your habit—or worse.” 

“Alright, dammit, I’ll cut back. Just get off my ass.” 

“Do you still want to work the bitch show with me?” 

“Yeah, Jo-Jo, I’m sorry. Yeah, I want to work the show with you.” 

“Good. Let’s go home.” 

Phil did give the okay for Jo-Jo and Sky to work the ladies-night show at one of the larger strip clubs on Bourbon Street. When they arrived, Sky was impressed with the size of the crowd.  This club was larger than Phil’s, and the room was filled with what seemed like well over a hundred screaming women.  What surprised Sky was that the women ranged in age from anywhere in their twenties to some that must have been at least sixty—all of them screaming and getting into the show.  Some women were a lot more aggressive than some of the guys that came to his shows at Phil’s.  One woman actually jumped up on the stage while Sky was dancing and ripped off his thong.  The same thing happened to Jo-Jo that night. 

Backstage after his last show, Sky walked into the dressing room where Jo-Jo was sitting smoking a bong. “I think you’re back on in like five minutes.”  

“You up to dancing it with me?” Jo-Jo asked. 

“I guess, why?”   

“I wanna test a theory.  Another guy told me these women get off watching two guys dancing dirty together.  It may be a way to make some serious tips for both of us. Either way, we’ll split our share fifty-fifty,” Jo-Jo replied. 

“You sure? This is your time. I mean, you could keep all the tips.” 

“I know. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while—just never had a dance partner like you that I wanted to try it with. I mean, I think we would look really hot together on stage.” 

Sky thought about it for a moment, smiled, and said, “Okay, Jo-Jo, let’s go do the dirty.” 

They got out on the stage and did some dances that made the Dirty Dancing movie look like a kindergarten recital.  They simulated just about every sex act known, and the wilder they got, the wilder the women reacted.  After collecting their tips for that show, they realized there was over eight hundred dollars from that one performance.  “Damn, Sky, we gotta take this show on the road,” Jo-Jo said chuckling. 

“Wow, that was awesome. I have to admit I did have fun, but I don’t know if I would get on stage and do that with anyone else,” Sky replied rather sheepishly. 

“Well, I guess the theory is right.  These women wanna see two guys doing the dirty. Listen, Sky, don’t blow this wad on dope, man.  I thought you were gonna try and save up for a bike?  I know a guy that’s got a decent Honda, and he’s only asking twelve hundred for it. You probably cleared over $600.00 tonight. You’re halfway there.  Just cut back, man.” 

“Is that what all this is about? You’re trying to get me to buy your friend’s bike?” 

“No, Sky, you can spend the money on whatever you want.  I just don’t want to see you blow everything on drugs.” 

“Get off my ass, Jo-Jo. I never touched the shit before you gave me some.  Now I like it. I need it. It gets me through this … this… existence.  Did you ever think I don’t really want to be a stripper—that I don’t like jerking off for some sixty-year old troll in the VIP room or letting them suck my dick or worse? You know what happens in there.  I can’t do it without the fucking drugs.” 

“I’m sorry, Sky.  I’m trying to help you, I really am. I’m sorry I ever gave you anything stronger than a bong.  Please just ease off a little.  Save your money, and get outta here. You got the looks. You’ve got a gorgeous face and a hot bod to go with it. Maybe you could go to L.A. and get a job as a model or doing TV or something.” 

“Yeah, right. Like that’s gonna happen. I don’t even have a high-school diploma. I’m a minor and a runaway. Any reputable modeling agency will need contracts, ID, social-security numbers, and all that.  The disreputable ones will put me in a porno.  I’ve already thought about all that, Jo-Jo.  This is my best option right now, and the drugs get me through it.” 

“Okay, I’ll shut up. I’ve just seen guys that get hooked, like I see you getting hooked.  They all end up working the stables for extra money, and some end up back on the street or worse.  Whatever you do, don’t end up owing money to the dealers. They’ll kill you over a hundred bucks. Please, Sky, I like you and don’t want to see you like that.” 

“Look, I’ll stop doing drugs when I’m not dancing.  I’ll cut back.  Will that make you shut up?” 

“Yep,” Jo-Jo said, smiling. 

The next couple of weeks Jo-Jo and Sky worked their moonlighting job, and each one was a repeat of the first.  At the end of the show, they would do the dirty dance together and get huge tips each time.  At their last performance they put on an exceptionally hot display for the ladies, and the tips reflected it.   

“Sky, this is good money tonight.” 

“Yep.  Your friend still have that Honda?  I’ve stashed away about eight hundred from the other nights. With what I’ve got tonight, it should be way more than enough.” 

“I’m sure he does, Sky. I’m proud to see you not blowing the money on dope.  I know you’re still using, but you did cut back.  Thanks.” 

“Well, I got to thinking.  It would be nice to have my own transportation.  A motorcycle is perfect for living in the city.  Don’t have to worry about parking.” 

“We’ll call him tomorrow.  We’ll go over there, pick it up, and drive it home.  It’ll be great,” Jo-Jo said, smiling. 

“Yeah, I’m kinda excited about it, too.  Never bought anything like this with my own money.  Hell, I never even had my own money except what Mom or Dad gave me.” 

“Awww, poor baby,” Jo-Jo teased. “Another poor rich kid,” he added, rolling his eyes. 

“Shut up, you!” 

“Seriously, Sky, do you ever think about going back? At least calling them?  Maybe things have changed.” 

“No, I haven’t, and things haven’t changed.  My mom is still a religious wacko, and my dad still hates all fags.  If I call, it just makes it that much easier for them to find me.  I go back and Dad either beats me up again or Mom puts me in a fucking monastery or something.  No, thank you.” 

“Well, what about contacting that boyfriend?  You said you sent him an email before.” 

“Well, I have thought about sending Jonah another email.  Guess I could use the computer at Phil’s to create a Yahoo account.  Eddie would let me use the computer. I have thought about it.  Thing is, I know he has to hate me now.  I mean, I essentially dumped him and left.  Besides, what good would it do? I’ll never get to see him again.  I’m sure his family doesn’t want him to have anything to do with me, especially his dad.  How would we ever be together again?  No. It’s better he think I’m gone forever so he can get on with his life.” 

“What about you, Sky?  You’re still in love with the guy.  When are you going to get on with your life?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean, you don’t date; you don’t do anything except work at the club or hang around the house smoking weed.  You don’t go out, you don’t socialize—” 

“Wait a minute, Jo-Jo. That’s none of your damn business.  I don’t need to go out. I work in a fucking night club.  I’m out when I work.  I don’t need any more socialization, and I enjoy my quiet time at the house.  Just back off a little.” 

“Okay, I’m sorry, Sky.  Maybe I’m wrong; it was just my impression. I apologize already.” 

“I’m sorry, too, Jo-Jo.  You’ve been nothing but nice and helpful to me, and I act like a damn bitch.  I do miss him, but like I said, there’s nothing I can do. I mean, even if I wanted to, it’s just not possible.  I miss him real bad.” 

Jo-Jo reached out and hugged Sky.  Sky returned the hug. After they released their hug, Sky said, “Wait a minute, I know I’ve only known you a little over a month, but I don’t remember seeing you date, either.” 

Jo-Jo laughed at that and replied, “Busted. I had a boyfriend; we broke up about six months ago after a year together. He was like ten years older than I was and worked for a construction company, but hated it.  He treated me like shit.  He fucked around, then would come home, get drunk or high, and then think he could take everything out on me. I had enough and left.  Phil had that house that needed another tenant, and, well, here I am.” 

“Oh, okay, well, how come you haven’t moved on, as you put it, and started dating again?” Sky asked. 

“Well, guess I was hurt pretty bad, like you were, and just not ready.  I get that. Besides, I haven’t met anyone I was interested in–not till you came along anyway,” Jo-Jo said, smiling at Sky. 

“Jo-Jo, ummm… that’s very flattering, but I told you, umm… I mean… I know I’m not ready for another relationship like that right now. Okay?” 

“Sure that’s okay. Heh, I’m probably not, either.  Maybe we’ll just grow on each other.  Let’s go home. We’ll call about that bike in the morning.” 

*** 

Jonah was really feeling better after the visit from Doc, Dex, and his dad.  He was relieved that Dex might be able to really walk again someday. Most of all, he was absolutely amazed and delighted about his dad’s change of heart; however, he was also relieved to be staying in Memphis. Not that he hated his dad any more, but he didn’t want to live with that bitch of a stepmother, nor did he want to go back to that hick town full of asshole, redneck bigots.  He and his dad had a long talk about that before he, Doc, and Dex left to return to Alabama.  His dad agreed that being with Chip and Billy in Memphis was the best place for him now, but Jonah and his dad agreed to call and talk to each other regularly so they would be a part of each other’s lives.  Things were going well for Jonah. 

It wasn’t long afterwards that he finished his exams for school, and then just a couple of more weeks longer till that cast finally came off for good.  He still needed physical therapy for strengthening, but he was so relieved to be free of the cast.  Best of all, he could operate the clutch on his Tacoma.  Chip had told him the week before that Jonah needed to have the truck serviced before he started driving it and had sent it to Leon’s garage, where Leon did all the work on the limos.  

When he went to get the truck back, however, it looked like something out of that TV show, “Pimp my Ride.”  Chip took Jonah to Leon’s to pick it up. Jonah nearly passed out when he saw it.  The Tacoma had even been painted with one of those fading paint jobs that started off gleaming jet black in the front and trailing off to a light sparkly silver in the back. A lift kit, new wheels, and all-terrain tires had been installed that raised it several inches. It had a new roll bar with four quartz lights on the top. Brush guards, fog lamps, and a winch had been installed on front.  It had a new sprayed-in bedliner, and an extra-heavy-duty step bumper and tow kit on the back. Inside, a new stereo, GPS, and video system had been installed with touch-screen controls and a video screen that folded down from the ceiling for the rear-seat passengers. It even had a docking station for his IPod and cell phone for hands-free talking. There was a new security system with the Lojack tracking system, and the front seats had been replaced with custom Recaros,  There were matching custom seat covers for the rear. It was truly impressive.  It not only got a tune up, but Leon had something done to the engine that Jonah didn’t quite understand, which would give it significantly more horsepower and torque.  

“You pimped my Tacoma?” Jonah managed to squeak out when he could finally speak. 

Leon and Chip howled laughing at his remark. “Yeah, I guess we did,” Chip said, still laughing. “You like it?” 

“Like it? I love it, but you shouldn’t have.”

“Why not? I just want to make sure you have a safe, comfortable ride. I wanted to get you something else—a real truck like an F-150 or Silverado—but your dad said you had some emotional attachment to the Tacoma—something about Sarah and your mom—so I just fixed this one up a bit.” 

“A bit! Oh man, this is sooo awesome.  Thanks, Chip,” Jonah replied almost in tears as he hugged Chip tightly. 

Leon checked Jonah out on all the new gadgets, showing him where all the new buttons and switches were and what they did, and finally how to work the security system and the GPS, which was pre-loaded with maps and directions for the entire continental U.S.  When they were done, Leon said, “Well, Mistah Jonah, how you like da ride now, man?”  

“Leon, this is beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks.” 

“No problem, man. Mistah Charles wanted me talk to you about something else.” 

“Oh?” 

About that time, Chip came back over to where they were standing, and Leon continued, “Yessah, he wanted me to ask you about your karate.  He said you were needing a new master–a new sensei.” 

“Yeah, I do. You know someone?” 

“Yessuh, well, that’d be me.  If you want.” 

“Huh?” Jonah replied somewhat stunned. 

“Jonah,” Chip interjected, “Leon was in special forces in the military–the Seals.  He was a strike-team leader.  He’s cross-trained in several disciplines of the martial arts.  I never told you this, but he’s more than a limo-company operator.  I also use him occasionally as a security consultant.  It’s a lucrative sideline for him.” 

“Oh, wow! Okay, sure, Leon. I’ve studied Kenpo and was third degree and wanted to advance, but never got the chance before everything happened.” 

“Third degree at your age? Mistah Jonah, that’s very impressive.  I know Kenpo, Jujutsu, Aikido, and others.  I trained in Okinawa with some great masters. You been practicing your Katas?” 

“Not much till recently, I just got the cast off a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t gotten to the long routines yet, but it’s coming back quickly.  I could use some help, though.” 

“I’d be real happy to help, Mistah Jonah.” 

“One thing, Leon, please drop the Mister.  It really makes me uncomfortable.”  

“Whatever you want, Jonah,” Leon replied smiling. 

*** 

The next few weeks were relatively routine for Jonah.  His leg continued to get stronger, due in no small part to his physical therapy combined with his workouts with Reese and the new drills and Katas he was learning from Leon.  Jonah was in awe of Leon’s skill, grace, and ability.  Leon was lightning fast, and his moves were like those of a cat–silky smooth and fluid.  Leon was stealthy as a cat, too. He could move absolutely silently and at those lightning-like speeds.  Jonah wanted to learn everything.  

Jonah and Reese continued to date, mostly on the weekends.  Their relationship still had not become overtly sexual, but they had gotten closer. Much closer.  Jonah was certain he was falling in love again. Margie had convinced Jonah that he was right to move slowly before taking another sexual step. He was only sixteen, after all.  His relationship with Sky had started off sexually and had become a very deep, loving relationship.  Margie suggested he try this one the other way around: fall in love first and let the sex part happen when they were both ready.  Reese had been wonderfully understanding about that, and Jonah told him about his talks with Margie. 

It wasn’t long before it was time for Jonah and Billy to go to New York for the visit with Sarah.  They had talked to Sarah off and on, and they would be there for at least three weeks—maybe a whole month.  Jonah was getting really excited about the trip.  A few days before they were to leave, Billy took Jonah out shopping for the both of them. Jonah had noticed that every time they even talked about going to New York, Billy would get this faraway look and smile.  This particular day, they were shopping for the trip, so Billy was in a particularly good mood. Jonah had tried not to pry, but finally had to ask. 

“Billy, what’s really up with you and the trip to New York? I want the real truth.  What don’t I know?” 

“I don’t know what you mean, Jonah,” Billy replied with a huge grin. 

“That…that’s what I mean: this look you get every time the subject comes up.” 

Billy sighed, “Okay, you win, let’s go sit down.”  

They walked over to the food court, got some Cokes and sat at a table.  “Jonah, it’s complicated.  Let me start with the restaurant and club.  I’ve got an offer from a group that’s been trying to buy us out for months.  They manage a number of large clubs very successfully all over the country.  They’ve been wanting to get into Memphis for years. Even Chip says I would be an idiot to turn this offer down.” 

“You’re selling the club?” 

“Maybe. It kind of depends on what happens on this trip.” 

“Huh?” Jonah replied with his whole face in a questioning look. 

“Well, this is where it gets complicated.  It’s Brad.” 

“Your ex?” 

“Well, he never was exactly an ex.  I mean, I let him leave.  I didn’t want him to.  He always wanted me to come with him.  I never would.” 

“I don’t understand,” Jonah replied with the same confused look. 

“Brad is a very gifted interior designer.  My restaurant and club was his first commercial job.  He also later did the condo where we live, including all the common areas of the building and most of the other apartments, but he couldn’t stay in Memphis.  Word of his talent spread after a couple of trade-magazine articles on the club and a couple of other jobs he did, and he got offers from all over.  He never really liked Memphis or the South generally.  He’s very much the gay activist and didn’t want to live where he might get hassled just for holding my hand walking down the street.  He asked me to move with him. He offered New York, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, and even Miami.” 

“Why didn’t you go?” 

“Oh, Jonah, you should understand that.  The club was doing phenomenally well, but just getting started, and Chip was counting on me to run it.  Chip had invested much of his own money in that venture just so I would have a way to support myself.  I couldn’t just walk out on him after all that. I owed him that and so much more.  If it hadn’t been for Chip, I could have ended up homeless on the streets somewhere.  He sacrificed everything for me: his marriage, his money—everything.”  Billy was starting to get teary-eyed.  “But at the same time I had to make a choice.  I knew I couldn’t keep Brad in Memphis anymore than I could walk out on my obligations to Chip.  I chose to give up Brad. He moved to New York and became partners in one of the most successful interior-design firms in the country—the world for that matter.  He has contracts and jobs that take him all over the globe, but he calls New York home.” 

“But you guys have been separated a long time. I still don’t understand what this trip has to do with anything.” 

“Yeah, it’s been over three years since he finally left to pursue his dream. It wasn’t any easier for him.  He stayed in Memphis a year after he started getting offers; then the offers started going away.  He had to make a decision, too, and I couldn’t stand in the way of his success.   We never really stopped communicating, but the phone calls and emails have gotten less and less frequent as he got busier and traveled so much.  Anyway, after I got this incredible offer on the club, I called him. He wants me to come up there and start a small restaurant and bar in the Village.  He wants to be together again.  He’s asked me to come up there and marry him.  Right now it’s legal in New York, but even if the courts change that, we can go to Vermont.” 

Jonah’s eyes got like saucers and his mouth flew open. “BILLY! How could you not tell me this before!?” He exclaimed, his surprise turning into a look of being hurt. 

“Oh, Jonah, I was going to tell you.  It was you who begged me to tell you, remember. I was going to wait and tell you after I had a chance to sit and talk with Brad. I haven’t given him an answer, but I said I would come up there, and we would talk.” 

“So you haven’t decided?” 

“No, Jonah, not on anything.  I put the offer on the club, Brad, everything on hold to see how it went up there.  Sarah doesn’t even know about Brad’s offer, nor does Chip completely, though I think he suspects.  You’re the only one that knows that Brad asked me to marry him.  Please don’t say anything to anyone. Not yet.”   

“Wow! That’s some secret, but no, I won’t tell a soul. But, Billy, if you do that, you’ll leave me, and I need you.” 

“I know, Jonah, that’s what’s making this so hard. But you have Chip, and Reese cares a lot about you, and if I do this it won’t happen for months.  I wouldn’t sell the club till after the busy summer season, which lasts till after Labor Day.  That way I don’t lose those profits.  Then, it would take some time to make the move to New York.  I just don’t know yet, Jonah, so don’t get upset about it now.  If it happens, it’s still a ways off.” 

“Wow, you two have waited this long to be together, it makes me wonder…” 

“Wonder what, Jonah?” 

“If I jumped into a relationship with Reese too quickly.  I still have strong feelings for Sky, but I don’t know if I could wait…” 

“Sounds like you have some things to sort our while we’re away, too, Jonah.  Maybe this trip will be just the thing both of us need to sort out our feelings and thoughts.”

Once again my special thanks to CJ and Colin for all your help.   Most of all I appreciate you, the one reading this story.  Please don’t be shy about sending comments. 

 Hugs,

Rick