Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Fifteen

Thanks to Rec for editing!

Sky had grown up in Central Mississippi and thought he understood the heat and humidity of the Deep South – that is, until he experienced the unrelenting heat and humidity of New Orleans in August. Surrounded on three sides by water, at elevations ten feet or more below sea level, and generally without cooling breezes that are blocked by the protective levees, New Orleans more closely resembled one huge outdoor steam room. To save on the outrageous electricity rates, Sky and Jo-Jo ran the duplex’s single, window-unit air conditioner only at night and only after they got in from work.  

The heat was oppressive, but so was this new lifestyle. Sky was working a minimum of five nights a week. If he could get extra work at other clubs on his nights off, he would do that, too. Still, he was barely paying his bills and never had anything extra for clothes or other “extras.” The booze, weed, and meth were taking a larger and larger chunk of his money. Sometimes, he would forego a meal to buy an extra hit of meth. Why not? When he was high on meth, he definitely wasn’t hungry. His already lean body began to show it; he had lost weight and was looking really thin. 

He was actually making more money than he had his first two months in New Orleans, but he was spending more, too. As tight as things were, though, he still had avoided working the stables. He knew several of the boys that did, though. He knew specifically of one who had to go to the clinic and get tested after one of the johns forcibly “barebacked” him. That strengthened Sky’s resolve not to get that desperate, but the drug habit was getting harder and harder to control. The more he used, the more he needed. It was a vicious cycle. 

One night after his last set, Eddie called Sky into Phil’s office. “Sky, Phil wanted me to have a word with you.” 

“What’s up, Eddie.”  

“Phil’s gotten a couple of comments from some of the regulars. Have you noticed your tips not being as good?” 

“Yeah, last couple of weeks or so….” 

“Look, it’s none of my business what you do when you’re not at work, but you’re starting to look like a scarecrow. One of the customers asked Phil if you had AIDS. Your dancing has been erratic, too, and not very erotic. What are you using? Meth?” 

Sky looked down at the floor and just nodded. 

“Look, you need to get a handle on this, or you’re through here. Listen, I really like you. Phil does, too. I talked to Phil, and I set you up an account at Hot Mama’s Diner. You go there and eat. This way we will know if you’re eating. I’m not giving you cash for food because I don’t want it going to the dealers. This is your last chance, Sky. I’d hate to see you back in the streets or in the stables. I know you’ve resisted that so far. Hell, in your present state, I don’t even know that Phil would let you work the stables. Ease off on the meth and put on a few pounds. I mean it, Sky.” 

Sky didn’t say a word; he just turned and left. 

He walked home slowly, thinking how he had sunk this low. He was walking because he didn’t have extra money for gas for the motorcycle he had bought. He desperately wanted, no needed, a hit of meth but didn’t have any cash, as he actually had to repay Eddie money he had borrowed two nights before. Damn. What was he going to do? He needed a hit and needed it now. About a block before he reached the duplex, he ran into a dealer he had used a few times. His name was Yard Dog, or at least that’s the only name Sky knew. He was in his thirties, big and black–all the characteristics of a gangster and someone Sky didn’t particularly care to deal with. However, Sky was really in need. He had had only one hit when he first got to the club, because it was all he could afford, and it had long since worn off. 

“Yo, dude, lookin’ like you needs somethin’,” Yard Dog said as he approached Sky. 

“Yeah, Dog, need some crank bad, but ain’t got no bread, man.” 

“It’s cool, dude. You just pay me Wednesday, but they’s a forty-dollah finance charge.”

“Man, I don’t know. I need it bad, but I’m really tapped.” 

“Man, yo homie, Jo-Jo. He’ll loan it to ya.” 

“I suppose… Look, you’ll have to wait till Friday. I don’t get cash again till then. I still owe Eddie some cash at the club.” 

“That’s cool man, but that means it’ll be a eighty-dollah finance charge.” 

“Well, I might can pay ya on Wednesday if I get a gig at one to the other clubs Tuesday or Wednesday night.” 

“There ya go, man… I knew you wanted dis Crank….”

* * * 

When Jonah had returned from his month-long visit with Sarah, Reese had gone on a two-week visit with his grandparents on his father’s side, who lived near Nashville. He wouldn’t return till the weekend before school started. Jonah was actually relieved, because he really wasn’t sure what he was feeling. He still liked Reese… a lot… but after seeing Billy and Brad and hearing them talk, he was full of doubt again and really missed Sky. If only he could talk to Sky for five minutes. If he only knew how to find him. Surely after all that had happened, they could find some way to be together. 

Jonah found plenty to do the next couple of weeks. Chip gave him a reading and assignment list from the school to prepare him for the transition. Also, he really had been neglecting his karate and hadn’t touched a real piano in over a month.  

By the time Reese returned from his visit, it was only a couple of days until the first day of school. As soon as Reese was home, he rushed to Jonah’s apartment. And when Jonah opened the door, Reese rushed in and grabbed him in a huge hug. “I missed you so much, Jonah.” 

“Yeah, same here.” Jonah replied, smiling, “But it’s not as though you didn’t call like every other night.” 

“Yeah, well, didn’t you want me to?” 

“Yeah, it was always good to hear from you.” 

“What’s wrong, Jonah?” Reese asked, sensing something was bothering Jonah. 

“Nothing. I guess I’m just a bit nervous about starting a new school and all,” Jonah replied, trying to avoid saying what was really bothering him. 

“Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Mom’s making me go school shopping with her tomorrow, and I’m sooo dreading it. Would you come with?” 

“Ummm, I really don’t need anything. Billy and I did a lot of shopping in New York for clothes and stuff. He took me to Brooks Brothers, Armani – all those places. Chip got the supply list from the school last week, and Billy and I went to Office Depot and got that stuff.” 

“Oh. Well, would you come just to keep me company? I hate shopping with just Mom.” 

“You sure your mom won’t mind? I mean, I’m not sure she likes me.” 

“Sure she likes you. You’re Chip’s and Billy’s nephew. It’s the idea of me having a boyfriend she doesn’t like,” Reese sighed. 

“That’s what I mean, Reese. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. If she’s okay with it, I’ll think about it, okay?” 

Reese sighed again. “Okay, Jonah, I’ll talk to her. If she invites you, will you come with us? Please?”  

Jonah had to smile at Reese’s beautiful, pouting face and couldn’t help but give in and agree. “Sure, Reese. If she’s okay with it, I’ll go.” 

Reese immediately smiled. “Great. Listen I gotta go finish unpacking. Mom makes me do my own laundry. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” He hugged Jonah and gave him a soft kiss on the lips before he left. 

Just as Jonah was closing the door, Billy was on his way out to work. “Was that Reese?” 

“Yeah.”  

“I bet he was glad to see you. Where’d he go?” 

“He had to go finish unpacking. His mom makes him do his own laundry. He wants me to go shopping with them tomorrow, but I’m not sure his mom would like that. I told him if she didn’t mind I would go.” 

Billy smiled and nodded. “I understand your apprehension about that. She’s still not too keen on Reese having a boyfriend. Umm, Jonah, speaking of that, did you talk to Reese about your feelings, your doubts – you know, what we talked about in New York?” 

“No, not yet. I’m kinda avoiding it. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m still confused. If only I knew what happened to Sky. If only I could talk to him first. I want to hear him say he doesn’t want me anymore.” 

Billy just hugged Jonah. “Jonah, I don’t know what I would do, either, in your place. It was different for me. I knew where Brad was going and why. I let him go that time, and at the time, it was the only thing I could do that was fair to both of us. Your situation is so different, and it’s all the fault of… Well, you know what caused this problem. Let’s just hope Sky turns up soon.” 

“Thanks, Billy.” Jonah said as they released their hug. 

***

The first day of school came and went. Jonah was really impressed with the school. It was much like a college, with a number of older buildings and athletic fields situated on almost one hundred acres. If anything surprised Jonah, though, it was that there were fewer than seven hundred students total. Possibly his biggest adjustment was that it was all boys.  

Jonah’s testing scores qualified him for some of the advanced-placement classes that several colleges and universities would recognize for college credit. The music department even had a recording studio and a studio band, which Jonah was quickly asked to join when the band teacher learned of his keyboard and vocal skills.  

The campus was several miles from their apartment, so Reese and Jonah decided to take turns driving. After the first couple of weeks of classes, Jonah quickly realized that this school was going to be much harder than his old school back home. 

*** 

Sarah Knight had just finished another hot, exhausting day of photo shoots and filming in the New Orleans French Quarter. She had just returned to Billy’s apartment that she had been using for the last three weeks when her cell phone rang. 

“Hello?” 

“Sarah, it’s Jenny. I’m using Teddy’s cell, mine died earlier today. He wanted me to invite… no, beg you to go out with us tonight.” 

“Jenny, I’m really exhausted. You know they’re trying to wrap this shoot up tomorrow and get out of here in case that storm comes this way.” 

“Well, that’s sorta why he’s so insistent. If he wasn’t the best makeup guy in the world I wouldn’t call you, but we both owe him. He wants to do a blowout on Bourbon Street and go to some of the strip joints. He wants us to go with him to this gay, show-bar joint he heard about, too. He’s paying, and straight or gay there will be cute guys to look at. Please, Sarah? I don’t want to be the only girl.” 

Sarah sighed, “Okay Jen, but you owe me. I need to get a bath, cool off, and rest a bit first. I’ll meet you guys at Felix’s Oyster Bar in a couple of hours – say, around 8:00. Tell Teddy he’s buying supper, too. I’m hungry for seafood.” 

“That’s perfect! Thanks, Sarah, I really do owe you one.” 

Sarah soaked in the luxurious garden tub. She chuckled to herself a number of times as she mused about Billy and Brad sharing this apartment. She figured that Brad had been the one to redecorate the charming old French-style dwelling. She also figured it had been Brad who would have picked out a bathtub large enough for two to enjoy comfortably, and she chuckled again at the thought. She finished her bath, quickly reapplied her makeup and changed into a comfortable but fashionable shorts outfit. She then went downstairs to relax on the sofa and try to get some weather news on this hurricane that had roared into Florida and was expected to strengthen as it entered the Gulf of Mexico. 

It wasn’t long before Sarah was sitting with Jenny and Teddy at a table in Felix’s rear dining area near the large open doors that opened onto Bourbon Street. 

“Sarah, thank you for joining us tonight,” Teddy said, smiling at her 

“Someone had to come along to keep you two out of trouble,” Sarah said laughing. 

“Yeah, right,” Teddy and Jen said together as they both joined Sarah’s laughter. 

“So what is it exactly that we’re doing tonight?” Sarah asked. 

“Well,” Teddy began, “I want to hit some of the show bars. There’s one in particular that a good friend of mine told me not to miss, but it is a gay strip club. We’ll start at one of the straight ones if you want. I understand they’re having a ladies’ night, but they will let guys in if they’re with a lady, and I’m with two of the most beautiful ladies in the world. All these other guys in here are probably jealous as hell.” He then started to giggle. 

“Awww, thanks, Teddy. That’s so sweet,” Jenny purred. “But we don’t mind starting at the gay club you wanted to see first. I’m cool with that. Besides, I don’t think that ladies’ night show starts till after 10:00 anyway.” 

“And just how would you know that?” Sarah asked, somewhat bemused by her friend’s slip. 

“Oh, umm, someone told me about it.” 

“The truth now, Jen.” 

“Okay, I’m busted. I went last week with Kathy and Jan – you know, the video assistant producers.” 

“I thought they were lesbians?” 

“They are, heh, but we got there early so they could see the girl strippers. Then we stayed on till the guys started dancing for my enjoyment. I think the guys were gay, though. The very first act was two really young guys doing this dirty dancing thing with each other. One of them was hung like a horse, the other had to be barely eighteen.” 

“Oooo, I can’t wait!” Teddy interjected with a chuckle. 

“Well, okay. I guess we’ll start at the gay club. At least I’m sure the guys will be cute and hot, even if they are gay. Guess I’m just turning into a fag hag.” Sarah chuckled again. 

“Sarah, Jen tells me you have an uncle who’s marrying his boyfriend soon back in New York.”  

“Yeah, Teddy. My Uncle Billy, though he’s just a few years older than me.” 

“I think that’s sweet… I wish I had a guy that felt that strongly for me. Just a few years ago, no one would have thought gay marriage would be a reality. Who’s he marrying?” 

“A guy named Brad Parker.” 

“Brad? The interior designer Brad Parker?” 

“Yeah, you know him?” 

“I know of him. My last ex dated him once or twice a couple of years ago. He’s really famous, makes lots of money, and is known as one of the most eligible gay bachelors in New York. Lots of guys are after him, but apparently he never dates anyone for very long,” Billy replied. 

“He and Billy started dating years ago, long before Brad moved to New York. He’s originally from Memphis, where my uncles live. It was a first love for both of them, I think. They lived here in New Orleans for a while at the apartment I’m using. I’m pretty sure it was Brad who decorated that. Anyway, now they’re back together and getting married.” 

“Oh, wow, how romantic. First loves reunited and now getting married. That is just too sweet,” Teddy gushed. 

“I know; it really is,” Sarah said smiling, then she frowned. “I just hope my baby brother will find happiness like that one day.” 

“I’m sure he will,” Jenny said, trying to reassure her friend and roommate. 

“Your baby brother?” Teddy inquired. 

“Yeah, he’s gay, too. He fell real hard for this really nice boy. To make a long story short, they were caught in bed by our stepmom, and, well, it just wasn’t pretty. She freaked, and Dad almost disowned him. There was an incident at his school with some homophobe idiots that led to a horrible automobile accident, and Jonah, my brother, wound up living with our uncles. The other boy’s parents sent him to this ex-gay ministry camp to try to make him straight, but he ran away. No one’s heard from him since.” 

“Oh, my God! How horrible! Some parents should just be shot and put out of everyone’s misery,” Teddy exclaimed. 

Sarah pursed her lips and nodded. “I think Dad has finally seen the light. Jonah is dating another boy now, but I don’t think he’s really in love or really happy – not like he was with Sky, the first boy.” 

They finished their meals, Teddy paid the tab, and they wandered out into a fairly crowded Bourbon Street. In the evenings, the city erects barricades across Bourbon street, making it a very busy pedestrian mall. This night was no exception. There’s always a busy evening and night crowd on this famous street, which is lined with bars, restaurants, jazz clubs, hotels, souvenir and t-shirt shops, and, of course, the famous show bars and strip clubs. There’s nothing quite like walking down Bourbon Street, where it is legal to carry your alcoholic beverage openly as you peruse the many sights and sounds.

Teddy, Sarah, and Jenny stopped at a sidewalk bar and ordered three frozen Hurricanes, a fruity and very alcoholic concoction indigenous to the city, and continued their stroll toward the gay show bar that Teddy wanted to visit. Most of the bars and jazz clubs are open to the street so people walking past can hear and enjoy the numerous jazz bands playing mostly improvised tunes. That is exactly what this trio of friends was doing until they reached their first intended destination about a half block off of Bourbon.  

There was a guy standing at the door as they entered. He reached out to shake Teddy’s hand. “Hi. Welcome to Phil’s Cabaret. There’s no cover; just find a table anywhere you like and enjoy the show. There is a two-drink minimum.” 

“Oh, man,” Sarah moaned. “I had a glass of wine with supper, and I just had this Hurricane. Now, I gotta order two more drinks?” 

“Relax and have some fun,” Jenny said, laughing at her friend. 

“Jen, remember it’s going to be a long day if we finish up tomorrow. I’d like to fly out on Friday as soon as we can, in case that storm heads this way.” 

“Okay, we’ll order our two drinks, watch the first show here, and then go to the other club. If there’s a minimum there tonight, just order soft drinks or juice.” 

“You win,” Sarah said. 

About that time, the music started and the first dancer took the stage. Sarah was amazed at how young some of the dancers looked. She noticed some of the posters and flyers around the room and the names of some of the dancers – Chaz, Jo-Jo, Sky. Sky!? 

When the waiter brought out the second round of drinks, Sarah asked him, “Excuse me, do you have a dancer named Sky working here?” 

“Yes, ma’am. We have a dancer named Sky, but he’s off tonight. He’ll be back tomorrow, but if you promise you won’t tell anyone I told you, he’s probably dancing at another club for a ladies’ night show tonight with Jo-Jo.” 

“I promise not to tell a soul. Which one?” 

“Queen of Hearts on Bourbon,” he replied, as Sarah reached in her handbag for a tip. 

“Thanks, so much,” she said as she slipped him the money. 

“Thank you!” he said as he looked at the generous tip. 

“Jen, hon, what’s the name of the club we’re going to next?” Sarah asked loudly enough to be heard over the loud music. 

“Umm, Ace of Spades or Queen of Hearts or something like that. Queen of Hearts, I think. We passed it on the way here.” 

“Can we go ahead and go over there as soon as we finish this round of drinks?” 

“Sure, I think I can pry Teddy away from this eye candy. I think this is the last dancer for this show anyway.” 

In just a few minutes later, they were exiting Phil’s and heading towards the Queen of Hearts. Just as at the previous bar, there was a greeter outside waving people inside, and once again there was no cover, but a two-drink minimum. The crowd was predominately female, but there was an ample scattering of male customers. They took a seat towards the back of the club at Sarah’s insistence. She told her friends that the loud music mixed with the drinks was giving her a headache. The waiter came by and took their drink orders just as the show was about to begin. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the announcer began over the very loud PA system, “Welcome to Ladies Night at the Queen of Hearts. Our first act tonight has become a local favorite of our regular wild girls, and here they are performing together again and hot as ever: Jo-Jo and Sky.”  

The music started its loud pounding beat as the two dancers took the stage. As soon as they started their act, Sarah leaned over to Jenny, “Jen, when that waiter comes back, go ahead and order my second drink. I’ve got to go make a phone call. Don’t say anything, but that’s him. That’s Jonah’s boyfriend, Sky.” 

“What? The runaway?” she gasped. 

“Yeah. I gotta call Dad or Chip or someone right now. I’m not sure how to handle this. I don’t want to scare him off, so I don’t want him to see me, either – not yet, anyway. Don’t do anything or say anything to anyone about this.” 

“I won’t. I’ll tell Teddy you’re not feeling well and meet you outside after we get the second drinks and the tab paid.” 

“Sarah headed for the door, and after explaining to the greeter/bouncer that she wasn’t welching on her drinks and just needed to make a call, she stepped outside and dialed her dad’s cell only to get the infamous “not available” message. She then dialed her dad’s home number. An obviously drowsy Jessie answered. 

“Hello, Jessie? This is Sarah. I’m sorry if I woke you. Is Dad there?” 

“No, he’s at some insurance seminar in Mexico or some damn place. Can you imagine with all these storms in the Gulf and me due in less than a month that he goes off to Mexico?”  

“I’m sure it’s an important meeting. Listen, it’s kind of an emergency. If you hear from him, have him call my cell, please.” 

“Yeah, okay. I’ll tell him to call. Did something happen to that little faggot brother of yours? Is he in trouble again?” 

“No, Jessie. Just tell him I called, and I need to speak to him as soon as possible.”

“Bitch!” Sarah almost yelled after she hung up the phone. 

Seeing no other alternative, she scrolled the numbers in her phone till she got to the number for Chip’s and Billy’s apartment. She knew Billy would be at the club and that Chip turned off his cell at night before going to bed. 

Jonah heard the phone ringing and reached for the extension next to his bed. “Hello?” 

“Jonah? What are you doing up? It’s almost midnight.” 

“I’m still working on a homework assignment. I’ve got two Shakespeare plays to read and analyze in the next couple of weeks. This school is tough.” 

“Oh, okay. Is Chip still up? I need to ask him something.” 

“I think he’s in bed. Is something wrong?” 

“Umm, no, not really, but I do need to ask him something really important. We may be finishing up here tomorrow and leaving on Friday. I just need to know something. Can you get him, please?” 

“Sure, Sis, hang on.” 

Jonah went down the hall and knocked on Chip’s door till he got a response. Chip opened the door wearing his bathrobe. “Jonah, what’s wrong?”  

“Nothing, I hope. Sarah’s on the phone and says she needs to speak to you.” 

“Oh, okay. Well let me pick up in here, then you can hang up.” 

Jonah returned to his room as Chip went over to his phone. “Okay, Jonah, I’ve got it. You can hang up now.”  

“Okay. Good night, Sarah,” Jonah said as he pushed a button on the phone. 

“Now, what’s up, Sarah? You don’t usually call this late. Is something wrong?” 

“Chip, I’ve found Sky – Jonah’s Sky. He’s down here in New Orleans. He’s working as a dancer in a show bar on Bourbon Street. Dad’s in Mexico at some conference. I didn’t know who else to call. I don’t know what to do.” 

“Calm down, Sarah. I’ll find Jim. I’ll get in contact with him in the morning. I have the office numbers for both their Birmingham and Jackson offices in my computer. I should be able to find Mr. Blue as well. I’m sure their associates or secretaries have some way to contact them. Did Sky see you? Did you speak to him?” 

“No. As soon as I saw him, I came outside to call. I don’t think there was any way he saw me.” 

“I won’t ask what you were doing in one of those places, but are you sure it’s him. He’s not eighteen; I don’t see how he could be working there.” 

“I was here with some friends, but I’m positive it’s him. He looks real thin, almost sickly, but I’m one hundred percent sure it’s him.” 

“Okay, go back to the apartment and let me handle this now. I’ll call you as soon as I’m able to make contact with Jim or Mr. Blue. Keep your cell with you as much as you can. I know you’re working. I’ll text you if I miss you.” 

“Okay, thanks, Chip. I knew you would know how to handle this.” 

“It’s all right, Sarah. It’s a miracle you saw him.” 

“Okay, I’ll watch for your call tomorrow. Thanks again, Chip. Good night.” 

“Good night, Sarah. Talk to you tomorrow,” Chip said as he hung up the phone. 

In the next room, a very excited Jonah waited till he was sure Chip had hung up the phone before he pushed the button to turn mute off and hung up his extension.

Special thanks to Colin and Jules for invaluable assistance!  As always, a really warm thanks to all of you for reading and comments.  Happy Holidays everyone! 

Hugs, 

Rick.