Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Fourteen

Thanks to Rec for editing!

The date for Jonah’s and Billy’s trip finally arrived.  Jonah was terribly excited, as he had never flown on a commercial airliner before, had never been to New York City, and, most of all, was dying to see Sarah.  He was also excited for Billy, who was almost as nervous as Jonah—maybe more so.  Chip drove them to the airport.  The chatter was constant about all the things they wanted to see and do.  Reese was with them, riding in the back seat with Jonah.  Reese was really depressed, as he knew he was going to miss Jonah terribly for what could be an entire month.  

They arrived at the airport and parked in the short-term lot, hopped on a parking shuttle, and then carried the bags into the check-in area.  Of course, the bags had to be checked, x-rayed, and everything, but because Chip had booked their flight in first class, the airline people took care of everything.  The check-in went relatively quickly.  It was time to tell Chip and Reese goodbye.  Jonah was tempted to grab Reese and give him a kiss right there in the middle of the airport.  So was Reese, but they both realized where they were, so they simply embraced in a tight hug and gave each other a quick peck on the cheek.  The final good-byes were made, and Billy and Jonah turned and headed for the security-check area.  Once through that ordeal, they headed for their gate.  The plane was already there and ready to board. Again, being in first class, they were among the first to board and be ushered to their seats.  

The seats were large, plush, and much nicer than Jonah had expected.  They were handed a menu of drinks and available foods and told they could order anything they wanted as soon as they had decided. Both of them broke out laughing when the flight attendant asked if they were brothers. Neither was hungry, being both full from the meal Billy had prepared before they left and too excited to eat, but Billy did order a glass of wine and Jonah a glass of lemonade. 

The engines on the plane whined to life, the plane taxied out, and soon they were airborne. There were only ten or so people in first class, so Jonah and Chip had excellent service the entire flight. It wasn’t long before they were landing in New York, where Sarah was waiting for them. As soon as Jonah spotted her in the baggage-claim area, he ran to her and gave her a big bear hug.   

“Hey, Sis! I missed you so much!” Jonah exclaimed after he broke the hug. 

“I missed you, too, baby brother,” she said as she hugged him again. 

Billy cleared his throat loudly as he approached them.  Sarah immediately released Jonah and went over to hug Billy.

“I’m so glad you came, too, but I suspected you would,” Sarah replied with a giggle. 

“Have you been talking to Brad?” 

“Honestly, only a couple of times in the past month or two. Seems like when I’m in New York, he’s gone, and vice versa.  I know he’s here the rest of this month like me, but he’s working on a local project, and we’re supposed to meet him at one my favorite restaurants in Soho this evening.  I also know he’s terribly excited about your coming to visit.” 

“Is that really all he’s told you?” Billy asked. 

“Really, it is, pretty much. Why, is there something more I should know?” Sarah asked with a confused look. 

“Maybe later.  Maybe I’ll let Jonah fill you in,” Billy replied, smiling and looking over at Jonah, who just looked at him with a knowing smile. 

“Jonah Tucker Knight, you’d better spill this secret or I’ll have to tickle it out of you,” Sarah said in her maternal voice. 

“Not on your life.  This is the first time I’ve had a secret about this family you didn’t know about. and I’m going to enjoy the hell out of it for a while.” 

Billy and Sarah cracked up at that one. “Okay, Jonah,” Sarah said, still chuckling, “I deserved that.” 

Billy’s and Jonah’s bags finally made it to the luggage carousel, and after collecting them they headed for the exit. Sarah had booked an airport limo that would take them straight to her apartment. They loaded the bags and were off on their New York adventure. 

When they finally arrived at Sarah’s apartment building after fighting mid-afternoon New York traffic for almost an hour, they got out, and the driver unloaded the bags onto the sidewalk as Sarah handed him a credit card. 

“Sarah, let me get that!” Billy exclaimed, reaching for his wallet. 

“Nope, this one’s on me.  You can pay for the one taking you back to the airport.” 

“Okay,” Billy sighed, shaking his head. 

As the limo was pulling away, Jonah and Billy started gathering up luggage and turned to look at the long flight of steps up to the entrance of the rather old-looking building. 

“I suppose there’s at least one more flight of stairs when we get inside,” Billy almost moaned. 

“At least,” Sarah chuckled. 

“I’m glad I had all that therapy on this leg, now,” Jonah said. 

Once they made it inside with all the bags, Billy and Jonah looked around the rather small and sparsely furnished apartment.  Sarah directed them to the second bedroom, where they could put away their bags and clothes.  “I hope you two don’t mind sharing a bed, or one of you can sleep on the sofa. It does make out into a bed.” 

Billy immediately replied, “I’ve seen Jonah sleep.  He’s all over the bed.  I don’t wanna get kicked by a karate expert. I’ll take the sofa.” 

Sarah and Jonah just laughed, but it was agreed that was the logical solution. Billy and Jonah continued to glance around the apartment.   

“You guys can use this bathroom over here,” she said pointing to a door next to the bedroom where they had just deposited their bags.  “I have a small bath in my bedroom.  We were really lucky to find a two-bedroom of this vintage with two baths, and it’s only twenty-five hundred a month. It was a no-brainer.” 

“Sarah,” Billy said looking around again.  “You really should let me help you fix this place up a bit.  I don’t mean that as an insult, really, but it’s a little ummm…. bare.  

Sarah started laughing. “I really just haven’t had the time.  When I lived in my old apartment with all the other roommates, the furnishings were an eclectic mix of what everyone had and just contributed.  Neither I nor Jennie, my current roommate, have ever had to furnish a place on our own, and both of us have been out of town so much there just hasn’t been any time.  I told her before she left you were going to insist on redecorating for me.  She just said for us to knock ourselves out, but to leave her room as it is.” 

“Actually, I would like for Brad to come over, he’s the expert,” Billy replied. 

“You think he would? I mean, I could never afford to hire him.  He’s an interior designer with a huge firm, and this place is so… small.” 

“Of course he would if I ask him, and first of all he would do it as a favor and not charge one cent, and you know damn well you can afford whatever he wants to do.  I’ll just call Chip, and he’ll send a check.” 

“You really think Brad would do it for me?” 

“Of course, silly, you’re my family and we’re …” 

“Umm, Sis, I know I’m in New York City, but where exactly?” Jonah quickly interrupted, “I know there are several parts of the city with different names and all.”   

“Jonah, this apartment is actually in what’s called Soho. It’s part of Manhattan.  Greenwich Village is a couple of blocks north of here, and that’s where Brad lives.  I think he has a huge loft in the West Village.  Anyway, to the south of us is the financial district, where the World Trade Center towers were.  North of Greenwich Village is downtown Manhattan: the Empire State Building, Times Square, Forty-second Street, and all that.  North of that is Central Park, then Harlem. We’ll get the map out later, and I’ll show you.  You’ve got a whole month to explore, if you want. Billy knows this city as well as I do.  You’re going to have a ball here.”   

“Well, I used to know it, Sarah; it’s been a few years since I’ve been back,” Billy interjected.  “I don’t think I’ve ever been to this restaurant where we’re supposed to meet Brad.  Where is it?”   

“It’s down on Spring Street at Sixth Avenue -- two or three blocks west and a block or so south. It’s definitely walkable, even in this heat.  It’s called Aqua Grill, and I think it has the best seafood in all of Manhattan,” she replied. “In fact, if you two want to freshen up or change, it’s almost time to be leaving.” 

As they were walking to the restaurant, Jonah was busy taking in the sights. He was still somewhat overwhelmed by the size of the city. They started chatting about Brad, and Jonah said, “Billy, I don’t even know what he looks like.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture.”   

“Well, Jonah, I still have some. I put them away some time after he left. It was Margie’s idea; they kept depressing me.” 

“I understand that.  I still have a couple of pictures of Sky I was able to save before I left. One’s in my wallet.  The rest were in my computer that Dad… Well, it’s all I have.” 

“What does Brad look like, Billy?” Jonah asked. 

Sarah started giggling.  “Jonah, when we get there, just look for the most attractive guy in the place, and it’ll be Brad.  It’s not fair. All the great-looking guys are either gay or taken or both. You know Brad does remind me of—” 

“Of who, Sis?” 

“Nothing, it may be just me.” 

They finally got to the restaurant, a very nice-looking neighborhood place. It was fairly large inside and very busy.  Billy walked up to the hostess and asked for the Brad Parker party.  She looked down at her table chart, checked something off, and said, “Right this way, please.” 

They weaved their way past the bar and through the somewhat crowded dining area. They approached a table where a man was seated with his back to them.  The hostess announced, “Mr. Parker, your party has arrived.” 

The man jumped up, turned around and took one look at Billy before reaching out and grabbing him in a huge hug.  As soon as Jonah saw the man, his jaw nearly hit the floor. 

“Sis,” Jonah whispered to Sarah “He looks like…” 

“Yeah,” she whispered back.  “Weird coincidence, that’s all.” 

In just a moment Billy and Brad broke their hug. Brad looked over at Sarah and Jonah and said, “Hello again, Sarah. And you have to be Jonah.  I’m Brad, Brad Parker. Damn, Billy, you have your very own mini-me.  That’s truly amazing,” he said, shaking Jonah’s hand. 

“It’s good to see you again, Brad,” Billy said surprisingly calmly as they were sitting down at the table. 

“Oh, Billy, it’s like a dream that you’re really here.  I can’t tell you how excited I am that you’re finally back in New York.” 

Jonah just kept staring at Brad, so much so that Billy finally asked, “Jonah what’s wrong? It’s not like you to stare.”   

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. It’s just… well, wait a second,” Jonah reached in his pocket, pulled out his wallet and fished out the well-worn photo of Sky and handed it to Billy.   

Billy stared at it for a second and then at Brad. “There is a definite strong resemblance.” 

“What?” Brad asked, now totally confused.   

“This is a boy that Jonah… This is Jonah’s former boyfriend.  He’s run away and has been missing for over a month,” Billy said, handing the picture to Brad. 

“Hmmm, what a handsome young man, I suppose there is some resemblance.” 

Billy chuckled at that. “You goose. You know he looks like you. You’re too young, and he’s too old for me to think you impregnated his mom. But it is odd.” 

“Where’s this young man from?”  Brad asked. 

“Jackson, Mississippi,” Jonah replied. 

“His last name wouldn’t be Blue would it?” 

“Omigod, yes! Skyler Blue,” Jonah answered, his heart pounding faster. 

“I’m pretty sure he’s my first cousin,” Brad said. 

“What!?” Sarah and Billy exclaimed together. 

Brad just sighed and looked rather sad. “Dirty little family secret I never shared with you, Billy.  There was never a need to.  You see, back in the early fifties and up into the seventies, my grandfather was regional sales manager for a large insurance company.  His territory was Northwest Mississippi and Memphis.  He split his time between Greenville, Mississippi, and Memphis.  Unfortunately, he thought he had to have a family in both towns.  In Greenville he married a woman from a very wealthy Mississippi Delta family and had two sons by her.  He met my grandmother in Memphis about that same time, but a bit later and had a daughter by her—my mother.  My grandma found out about the Greenville wife and damn near killed the letch, but their marriage was void. He was lucky he didn’t get prosecuted for bigamy.  My grandma wanted him paying child support, not in jail.   

“Anyhow, the two sons by the first wife in Mississippi are my mom’s half-brothers.  Their names are David and Jonathan. I never really knew what happened to Jonathan.  My grandma told me once that Jonathan was disowned by them because he was gay. I met David once at a funeral several years ago.  He said he was living in Jackson, and he had two sons of his own.  I think one of them was named Skyler. I really have had almost no contact with that side of the family in my whole life, for obvious reasons.   

“So your mom’s maiden name is Blue?”  Billy asked.  

“No, when she was five or six, my grandma remarried, and that guy, who I called my grandpa, eventually adopted my mom and they changed her name.  He died about six years ago.” 

“I remember that,” Billy said.  “We went to the funeral together.” 

“Right.” 

“I still can’t believe you and Sky are first cousins,” Jonah said. 

“Well, I guess that’s just something else you and Billy have in common: a taste for very handsome men,” Brad said, chuckling. 

“Goose,” Billy scolded. “By the way, I spoke to your mom before we left… to see if she wanted to send anything.  She sends her love but wants to know why you never call.” 

Brad sighed and rolled his eyes.  “I call her at least once a week, and I’ve brought her up here twice this year already.  She’s just so lonely.  I know she’s buried herself in her work.” 

“Yeah. Tom mentioned she’s now a nursing supervisor at The Med. I think they work the same floor,” Billy replied. 

“She needs a personal life, though. She’s got enough years to retire, but she won’t. I wanted to buy her a puppy or something to take care of, but she’s never home. I even tried to talk her into moving here, but she says all her friends and family are in Memphis.” Brad sighed again and looked rather sad. 

 “So, Jonah, Sarah told me this is your first trip to New York.  What do you think so far?” Brad asked.

“I don’t really know yet.  We just arrived a couple of hours ago.  I’m still a little overwhelmed by how huge it is.” 

Brad laughed. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get used to it quickly enough.  Billy knows the city pretty well, and I’m sure Sarah does, too, so you’re in good hands.” 

Billy had been resting his hand on the table. Jonah noticed Brad almost unconsciously reach over and take it in his as he continued speaking.  “What have you planned for you guys to do, Sarah?” 

Jonah was smiling at Billy and Brad when he noticed Billy blush slightly after Brad took his hand.  

“Well, I’ve reserved four tickets for Wicked, The Lion King, and Mama Mia for starters – on different nights, of course.” 

“I hope you like musicals, Jonah,” Brad chuckled. “Four tickets?” 

“Of course, silly, you’re going, too.”

“Well, I have been wanting to see Wicked, but are you sure you want to go with three gay guys to a spinoff of the Wizard of Oz?” 

Everyone at the table broke down in laughter at that one. 

“I do love musicals, and The Lion King music is by Elton, my hero,” Jonah said smiling.

“God, another one. Damn, don’t tell me you play piano, too?” Brad asked. 

“Of course, he does.  He’s my mini-me.  Remember?  Besides, he’s much better than I ever was and has a huge repertoire.  I think he can hear a piece one time and then play it perfectly,” Billy interjected, smiling broadly. 

“Actually I have to hear it at least a couple of times usually,” Jonah said somewhat sheepishly. 

“This is spooky how much you two are alike.  It really is, Billy.  You like the same things and are attracted to the same type of men and the same music. You even sound alike, and don’t even get me started on how much you two look alike.  That’s just – it’s just unreal.  He looks almost exactly like you did when I first met you, just a bit younger, perhaps.  I feel like I’m having this really weird déjà vu experience.”  

“Chip has said the same thing.  Think about it from his perspective.  Jonah is almost the same age as I was when I moved in with him,” Billy observed.  

“I’ll bet it has been interesting for both of you,” Brad replied.  “Jonah, I don’t mean that in any bad way. I know that Billy and Chip love you and your sister very much, and they always have.  They always wanted to be a part of your lives; now they are.  I know they’re both thrilled to have you there with them, Jonah.” 

“We really are, Brad. Jonah is everything I thought he would be: smart, polite, sincere, talented, and just a great kid,” Billy said before Jonah could answer. 

“Awww guys, will you stop that. You’re embarrassing me,” Jonah said, starting to blush. 

Sarah started to giggle, and Brad and Billy started laughing with her. 

About that time, the waitress came to take their orders. As no one had really studied the menus, Billy asked Brad to order for the table, which he was happy to do.    

After finishing a splendid meal, Brad paid the bill and they were ready to leave.  “So, what’s the plan now?”  Brad asked. 

“I figured Billy and Jonah would be tired from their trip, so I really just thought we might take a quick trip to midtown and walk around Times Square for a few minutes so Jonah can at least get acquainted with the city a bit, then come home,” Sarah replied. 

“Sounds good. There’s a subway station right across the street.  We can take that to Grand Central, then walk to Times Square.  Give Jonah a real taste of New York,” Brad interjected. 

“Cool. I’ve never been on a subway before,” Jonah said, beaming and obviously excited. 

The rest of the group just laughed as they headed for the subway. 

After a couple of hours of taking in dazzling sights like none he had ever seen, Jonah was starting to get tired and told Sarah he thought he was about ready to head home. 

“Brad, Billy, I think Jonah’s getting tired.  You two can do whatever you like.  I think we’ll just catch a cab and head back to my apartment.  It’s been a really busy day for him. I think he’s on city overload, too.  I think he’s a bit overwhelmed.” 

Billy chuckled. “I expect he is. Lord knows, my first trip here was overwhelming. I’ll go back with you guys.” 

“Billy, um, would you stay for a bit?  I thought we’d go have a couple of drinks somewhere and chat. Please?” Brad begged. 

Billy nodded and turned to Sarah, “Don’t wait up.  I’ll be home later.” 

Sarah and Jonah hailed a cab and headed back to her apartment. The next morning, Jonah stumbled out of his bedroom to go to the bathroom and noticed that the sofa bed didn’t appear to have been slept in; the sheets that Sarah left out for Billy to use were still folded and lying on the arm.                                        

Jonah, starting to panic, knocked on Sarah’s bedroom door. “Sarah, Sarah! Wake up! Something’s happened to Billy!” 

Sarah almost immediately jumped out of bed and opened her door. “What, what happened!?” 

“Billy didn’t come home.  His bed wasn’t slept in.” 

Sarah started giggling softly. “He called my cell phone last night after you were asleep. He, um, stayed with Brad last night. He’ll be here in a bit, and he’s bringing something for breakfast.” 

“He spent the night with Brad? I guess things went pretty well.” 

They both started giggling. “Jonah, now are you going to tell me what’s going on with Billy and Brad?” Sarah asked. 

“Nope, not until Billy says it’s okay.  I am anxious to find out what happened last night myself, though.” 

Sarah put on her robe, started coffee, and poured Jonah some juice while Jonah took care of his business in the bathroom.  He returned and joined her at the small table where she was just starting to sip her coffee. 

“Sis, I’m glad we have this time alone. I need to talk.” 

“Okay, what about?” 

“Everything.  I was actually glad to be able to get away from Memphis for this long to give me time to think.  Margie thought it was a good idea, too.  I’m really confused.” 

“About what, Jonah?” 

“Feelings, emotions, Sky, Reese, everything.” 

“You’d better give me a little more detail.” 

Jonah sat back and just sighed. “I’m still in love with Sky.  I know that.  But, I really like Reese, too.  He’s such a nice guy—cute, and he really cares about me, too.” 

“Jonah, I wish I had an easy answer for you, but I don’t.  You’re going to have to make some choices.  It’s as simple as that.” 

“I know.  I just wonder if I rushed into this thing with Reese just because he was there and wanted me—especially after seeing Billy and Brad and how long they’ve loved each other and waited for each other.”  

“Now I don’t know what you’re talking about.  I thought Billy and Brad had broken up and this was some sort of reconciliation going on.” 

“Oops, I probably said too much already.” Jonah started to blush. “Anyhow, I’m going to use this time to try and sort it all out.” 

“Well, I’m here anytime you want to talk, baby brother.” 

“Thanks, Sis. Umm, did you think it was more than weird that Brad is related to Sky?” 

“Yeah, you know I don’t believe in luck or coincidence, Jonah.” 

“Yeah, Sis, I know.  It’s part of God’s plan or something.  I know.  That’s something you and I may disagree about, but it is weird.”

*** 

The days in New York started to fly by for Jonah.  Billy spent most nights with Brad, but would come to Sarah’s apartment while Brad was at work to spend time with Sarah and Jonah during the day.  Brad would usually join them in the evenings for dinner, shows, or whatever they had planned. Brad did find time to redecorate Sarah’s apartment, and she was delighted with it. They went to see all the best plays and musicals Broadway and off-Broadway had to offer.  They ate at the best restaurants and shopped at Armani, Gucci, and other fine stores.  One night well into the third week of the visit, Billy announced that they were going to eat at an intimate little Italian restaurant that Brad liked and that it would be a very special evening. 

When they arrived at the restaurant, Jonah was surprised at how small, modest, and unassuming it was.  From the outside it appeared to be just another storefront eatery. Inside, though, it was nicely decorated with linen table cloths, and the waiters wore tuxedoes. There were only about ten tables in the whole place. 

The dinner started with a very good wine, of which Jonah was allowed to partake, followed by some antipasti appetizers.   

“Why do I get the feeling this is some sort of special occasion?” Sarah asked. 

Brad chuckled, “Because I guess it is.” 

Sarah looked over at Billy and then Brad, and they were both grinning from ear to ear. 

Jonah noticed as well. Then it was if a light bulb clicked on. “Billy, you’ve decided! You’re gonna do it!” 

“Do what, dammit! Someone tell me what’s going on!” Sarah was becoming exasperated. 

Billy, Jonah, and Brad started laughing.  As soon as he composed himself, Billy said, “I now know I can trust Jonah with any secret.  Sarah, for me this whole trip has been to see if I … if Brad and I still … awww, dammit.  Sarah, we’re getting married.” 

“What!! How? When? I mean… what about Chip, the club, everything? I don’t understand.” 

“Sarah, I’ve had an offer to buy the club that even Chip thinks is too good to turn down; I’d be an idiot not to take it.  Brad and I have been talking for several weeks.  He wants me to move up here, get married, and start a small restaurant and bar in the Village.  He even has a place picked out for it.  We would only open four or five days a week for lunch and dinner. I may even do lunch buffet-style. It would be a lot less stress for me than what I’m doing now.  Apparently there is a huge demand for southern fare here and few places offering authentic southern cooking.  It will be a niche place.” 

“Jonah, you knew about this?” Sarah almost scolded. 

Jonah nodded sheepishly. 

Brad and Billy got a nervous and worried look on their faces—worried that Sarah didn’t approve, not that it would have changed their minds. 

“Sarah?” Billy began. “I hoped you would be happy for us.” 

She looked at them, then smiled broadly. “Happy? I’m ecstatic.  I think it’s wonderful. Apparently, you two belong together.  If you guys can hold out as long as you both have, I have no doubt it’s meant to be.” 

“Well, to be honest, Sarah,” Brad began, “I did date some after I left Memphis. Whoever I was dating, I kept comparing to Billy.  Billy is the only true love I have ever really known.  He was my first and the only true love.  The rest were just poor imitations or substitutes, at best.  It took me a long time to figure that out, but I’ve never been surer of anything in my whole life.  I want to spend the rest of my life with no one but Billy.”

“Jonah and I have already had this talk,” Billy said. “But I never fell out of love with Brad, either.  I didn’t date because I was both too busy and just had no desire after Brad left.  I guess I closed off that part of my life and buried it in the club.  I sort of built a wall around myself and refused to let anyone in.  When Brad started calling, I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to try again.  Now, after just a few short weeks, it’s almost as though we were never apart.  I’m sure, too. I’m going to miss Chip and Jonah terribly, I know, but we will have visits.” 

“You better believe you’ll have visits.  You might as well go ahead and add a bedroom to that apartment of yours,” Jonah said. 

“Actually, I’ve done quite well this year,” Brad said. “I’m currently working on designs for an apartment building being renovated on Central Park West.  I’ve bought one of the condos. It’s a huge space and will have three bedrooms and three baths, all with park views.  One is definitely reserved for you, Jonah, anytime you want it.” 

“Cool,” Jonah exclaimed. 

“So when does all this happen?” Sarah asked. 

“Well, I won’t close on the club until probably some time in late September or early October,” Billy replied. “We want the wedding to be at a time when it won’t interfere with Jonah’s school.  We want both of you to be part of the wedding.  Reese is on the guest list as well.  Sooo… we’re probably going to have the wedding over the Christmas holidays.  There’s nothing like New York at Christmas. Well, it probably won’t be a church wedding, but Brad has already reserved a room at Tavern on the Green for a reception,” Billy chuckled, “We’re trying to decide on a honeymoon.  He wants to tour Europe; I want someplace warm and tropical.” 

Sarah giggled. “I would have to go with warm and tropical, too, if you’re getting married in New York in December.  Well, anyway, that’ll probably work for me.  I’m usually pretty busy the first part of December, but it gets better around Christmas.  Everyone takes off.  I’m just glad this wasn’t going to be right away.  I’m going to be in New Orleans most of next month, and I’m really dreading it.  It’s sooo hot there in August.” 

“New Orleans?” Billy asked. “Why on earth would you want to be there in August?” 

“I’ve got to be there. It’s a great job.  I’ll be shooting a series of ads for a whole new line of clothes, shoes, and accessories.  They wanted a French flavor for the ads, but didn’t want to go to Europe to shoot. One of the producers is paranoid about this terrorist thing, so they settled on the French Quarter in New Orleans.”

“Well,” Billy said, “I know from experience how hot it is there in August; it’s hot as hell there now. Take several changes of clothes and lots of deodorant.  You know, I still have my apartment there.  Chip never would sell it.  He uses it occasionally when he checks properties and other investments down there.  I don’t think anyone’s used it in months. It’s only one bedroom, but it is roomy and air-conditioned.  It’s in the Vieux Carré, you could easily walk to the French Quarter proper.” 

“Thanks, Billy, I may take you up on that.  I get a per diem for expenses like a hotel room, food, and rental car. I could save some of that money,” Sarah replied. 

“I didn’t know you had an apartment in New Orleans,” Jonah interjected. 

“Well, when I studied down there, Brad was also doing some of his post-graduate work at Tulane, Chip was investing in different properties in New Orleans, and this apartment was part of several buildings involved in some trade or other. Brad and I lived in it for several months till we were through.  Chip says he got it for almost nothing and fixed it up – Brad did the interior design and decorating – so he’s just hung on to it.  He says keeping it is cheaper than renting hotel rooms when he goes.  It’s really old, but in a great location. It’s two stories with a large bedroom and bath upstairs plus a small study, and a lovely balcony on both the front and back. The living room, kitchen, and a half bath are downstairs. The back opens into a beautiful courtyard shared with other apartments in the adjacent buildings.” 

“I’ve never been down there. I would love for you to take me if you have time, Billy.” Jonah stated. 

“We can probably squeeze it in, but I don’t want to go while it’s so hot.  We’ll wait till fall break.” 

*** 

Jonah thought quite a bit about the things both Brad and Billy said that night: how Brad had jumped to other relationships, but how none satisfied him the way his relationship with Billy had.  He thought deeply on what Billy had said, too: how he had built a wall around himself and refused to let anyone in.  He was still thinking on these things a week later when it was time to return to Memphis. 

Again, a special thanks to Colin and CJ for special help and suggestions.   Please keep those comments coming… and as always THANKS FOR READING!!!!

Hugs everyone,

Rick