The Coast Guard patrol was racing towards them pretty fast, but Gary saw the boat before the radar alarm went off. They were still about five hours from their destination, but rounding the tip of Florida. Any craft out here was a curiosity to the authorities since this was a drug smuggling zone. Gary turned Chris around and pointed at the distant craft.
"We have company coming; I think we better get dressed. You need to grab that stash of pot and give it to me now so I can hide it."
"Who is it...what do they want?" Chris asked.
"It's the Coast Guard patrol. They have a right to search us if they want but they usually just stop for a chat to see where we've been."
They ducked below and Gary threw on a pair of shorts while Chris did the same after handing over his stash of marijuana. Reaching under the galley stove Gary pulled out a propane tank and unscrewed the false top. The little tin went inside and he screwed it back together, putting the tank back in place.
"Cool, that's clever," Chris said.
"Yeah, I thought so too. It's held up through some pretty intense searches," Gary explained. "Just forget it's there, okay?"
"What do we do now?"
"We go topside and greet our visitors. If they hold true to course they'll swing around our stern to look at the name of the boat and call their base to check us out. I've never been busted for anything so they probably won't search us, depends upon how busy they are."
Gary turned off the auto pilot and told Chris to take over the wheel. He went over and took a few turns on the winch, dropping the mainsail a bit and spilling enough wind to slow them down. As expected the patrol boat stood off a hundred yards or so and circled their stern.
"Ahoy, Brass Balls," a signalman called from the bridge of the craft. Gary could almost see the man laughing as he waited for a reply.
Gary waved at him and the Coast Guard settled their craft in about thirty yards away and downwind to keep from cutting the sailboat's forward momentum. Once they had slowed to match speeds they stared at one another.
"Where away?" the signalman asked.
"He wants to know where we came from and where we're going," Gary explained to Chris. The boy stood fairly rigid, fascinated and probably a little terrified.
"Bahamas to Key West," Gary called back.
"Any manifest?" They asked.
"No, just out for pleasure...anything to report?" Gary asked.
"Clear sailing, enjoy the trip, Captain," They replied, and Gary waved them off.
The patrol boat eased away, and dropped behind. Once clear it picked up speed and sped away towards the coast. Chris let out a big sigh.
"Wow, that was intense," He said. "Hey, he called you Captain"
"I am Captain of this boat, they were just being polite."
"Do they stop everyone?" Chris asked.
"Only if the boat is big enough to smuggle drugs or illegal folks. But you see that little blue and white pennant I have up on the mast? That tells them I was in the U.S. Navy once upon a time, I'm sure they saw that too. Did they scare you?"
Chris laughed. "Yeah, a little. I bet they have a tough job out here."
"The toughest, I guarantee it. But if you ever need help, those are the guys to call," Gary said. "Now let's get this boat back in action."
He reset the sail and checked out their course. It was early afternoon and the chart said they had enough time to reach the marina with a little daylight to spare. Gary tuned in the navigation beacon from the Key West Airport and pointed them straight and true. If the wind held they wouldn't have to tack to come around the southern beaches and make their way north to Sunset Key.
Chris was fascinated with the way Gary could plot a course for a place he couldn't see, so all that had to be explained. Their destination was the marina on the northwestern tip of the island. It had a nice hotel and restaurants abounded in that area of town. Gary knew they would probably be there a few days at most; time enough to do the tourist thing for the boy's benefit.
Max and Shelby lived at the house off Duval Street in the heart of the island, party central for most of the locals and some knowledgeable tourists. Max would get the paperwork together for Chris as he'd done it for most of the boys.
Max was the closest thing Gary had to real family in this world. Shelby was still a work in progress. Max carried out the affairs of business, both private and corporate, collected the mail from the post office and made sure the government got their due from Gary's estate.
Shelby had been Chris' age when they first met. They had their fling and then Shelby had settled down with Max. Gary understood, his life was too much in transit at the time and the boy needed something else. He couldn't do better than Max and so Gary had blessed that union. Shelby was in graduate school now, although he might be on the island this time of year.
Shelby had been replaced by Patrick, Patrick by Neil and so on. Jerry was the boy who had sailed with him during the previous summer's trip. Gary had left them all in Max's care once they became tired of following him around. Business kept him from settling down, but at least this way he got to see the boys from time to time.
Chris might meet one or two of them. They were now children of the Conch Republic, as Key West was known to the locals. Gary hadn't been to the Keys in six months and this was going to be his usual surprise visit. There was always something exciting about bringing a new boy home.
They made landfall just before six o'clock and slipped past the southern tip of the main island. Once Sunset Key loomed large over the bow, he had Chris lower the sails and they motored into the marina. Two healthy young college boys helped them tie up in an empty slip belonging to the resort hotel. Gary smiled, they'd been there five minutes and the view was already spectacular.
Gary thanked the two sweet young men and made sure to tip them generously. One look at Chris and the boys flashed him a knowing smile. But Chris was staring out across the docks towards the hotel grounds.
"Wow, this is some fancy place," He said.
"If you had to pick a class wouldn't you rather go first class?" Gary laughed.
Chris responded with a beautiful smile. "I've never done this before, Gary."
"Ah, Chris, my boy, life can be exciting...welcome to my world."
They left the baggage on the boat's deck, walking the planks of the dock to the sidewalk and over to the hotel lobby. The staff was dressed impeccably as always. Gary and Chris managed to pass in board shorts and T-shirts with sandals on their feet. Key West had to be the most casual corner of the world. Here money talked and even a man in rags would be assumed a valued customer if he had a valid credit card.
They booked a room and the desk clerk smiled. Gary was sure the computer screen told her that Mr. Gary Lewis was a valued customer and maybe something else. Max had a piece of this place in their portfolio, and why not...it was a great investment. Gary mentioned their bags were still on the boat's deck and she offered to have them carried up to the room in short order.
It was too early for dinner and they both craved a shower so he took Chris into the coffee shop for a drink while awaiting the delivery of their bags. Gary noticed the boy had an affinity for coffee just like he did. Probably not a great habit for anyone, but then for Chris it was just another drug of choice.
This was the first full day that Chris hadn't indulged in getting high and Gary knew that was a good thing. If meeting Max and some of the others didn't scare Chris off then Gary might be able to make a little progress on the boy's education.
He couldn't say if Chris had any gay feelings, so far that avenue had been blocked with negative words…Gary wasn't buying that. He'd been around young men all his life and with that experience came the feelings, the intuition about these budding relationships. It would only be a matter of time; Chris had not made his decision just yet.
They gave it fifteen minutes with the coffee and some light conversation, and then went up to their room. The bags were laid out on a luggage stand at the foot of the king sized bed. If Chris noticed there was only one bed he never said a word, instead he gawked at the rich appointments of the room. He turned with a laugh after gazing out the window.
"This sure beats Motel 6. I've never stayed in a real hotel before."
That seemed to call for a hug and Gary put his hands on Chris' shoulders and pulled him in.
"I think you'll have a lot of new experiences in the next few weeks," He said. "Just enjoy yourself and allow me the pleasure of watching you have fun."
Chris sighed. "No one has ever been this nice to me."
"So, you're not sorry you hitched a ride with me?"
"No way, this is awesome. I really, really like you, Gary."
"Then I should be grateful," Gary said. "I hate to break up this touching moment but we both smell like dead fish…time to shower and you may go first."
"Oh...I kinda thought we'd bathe together like we did on the boat," Chris said.
"You like someone washing your back?" Gary asked.
"Hell yeah, it makes me tingle."
This is why Gary had chosen a room at the hotel for their brief stay…he could be alone with Chris. If the boy was at all self-conscious then sleeping in a bedroom at the house with others around would be a concern. But here he could pamper the boy, and that was exactly what he intended to do.
The shower arrangements were more than adequate. Chris had overcome his modesty, and their naked moments had not been sexual…until now. The washcloth was covered in suds as Gary scrubbed away on Chris' back, and he felt the boy tremble. This was all a lot more intimate than the bath they had shared on the boat and Chris was just beginning to figure that out.
Gary reached a soapy hand around Chris' waist and grasped the boy's erection. He'd known it would be there and as his fingers closed for a gentle squeeze he heard Chris moan.
"Gary…what are you doing?"
"Nothing you couldn't do for yourself. I just want to make you happy."
The feelings were familiar, and yet this was someone else's hand. Chris couldn't deny the pleasure he felt and so Gary began to stroke. It wouldn't take long since the boy had not relieved the pressure in several days. Gary placed his other hand on the boy's chest and pulled him closer. Chris leaned his head back on Gary's shoulder and groaned as the feelings increased.
Chris didn't try to pull away and that was surprising. He had to feel Gary's hardness pressed against the crack of his butt. The long slow strokes soon had the desired effect and Chris leaned back as the orgasm wracked his body. This was a far cry from the chaste hug of yesterday and Gary hoped this had been the right thing to do.
This had been a revealing moment and Gary felt the trembling subside, wondering if this was the first time Chris had allowed someone to touch him.
"Ah....wow," Chris finally said. "That was amazing."
Gary stroked the boy's wet hair and rubbed his neck. "I figure you needed that."
"Um...it seemed just about right," Chris replied. He was embarrassed now, maybe feeling like he had gone too far. "That was pretty gay, wasn't it?"
Gary smiled. "Could be."
"Yeah, but it felt good," Chris said. And that was the end of their first sexual encounter. There was no need to delve into it any further.
The barrier was down. It wasn't gay man vs. straight boy anymore…Chris had moved closer to the center. Unlike some of the boys Gary had met who professed to be straight and allowed themselves to have sex with a man, this one was entirely different. He could understand a bi-sexual boy doing it because any kind of sex felt good, but that had not been Chris' reaction to the situation.
Chris had allowed himself to be led, to see if he could trust Gary not to hurt him. That could only mean there might have been men who did hurt him, and that didn't necessarily mean sexually. Gary didn't know enough about Chris' background, but he would find out. It seemed like he better do just that, and soon. He might not understand all of Chris' needs but he knew his own, and if possible this was going to be more than just a casual friendship.
They dried off and dressed for dinner, shorts and tee shirts as always. Gary wanted to show Chris his town and the fun people had here. But in his heart what he really wanted to do was to show the boy off. Chris would be the best looking thing this old place had seen in a long while.
They set off towards Duval Street and the center of the island's nightlife. Max would be down here in a while, but it was still very early and the local night owls didn't venture out until at least ten o'clock. They stopped in for something to eat at Squeaky's place, the best little seafood shack around. Barry, aka Squeaky, was behind the bar and he came around to give Gary a big hug.
"Gary...so good to have you back in town," Barry said. "And who is this?" He asked, giving Chris the eye.
"This is Chris, he's my crew for the summer," Gary said.
"Welcome to the island...is this your first visit?" Barry asked.
"Yes sir, it sure is," Chris replied.
Okay, Gary knew what was coming, the boy sure didn't. Oh well, they all had to go through it the first time here...and Barry knew how to make it special.
"Well, well…we'll make sure you have a good time," Barry said, throwing Gary a wink.
He took them to a table at the back of the room, one with lots of extra space around it for what was about to happen. "Be right back to take your order," He said.
Chris looked around in all innocence and Gary thought about warning him.
"You know, Key West is a special place, a place full of traditions," Gary began as the boy listened. "It's a place of artists and sailors, shipwrecks and pirates, and they say many of them still haunt the old quarter of town. Being an island, the town virtually covers every square inch of space and we've been told by some pretty smart people that the gods of the ocean only tolerate our presence.
"You'll see some pretty strange sights down on the beach at night. The locals are called Conches. The real treasure of this island is the people, and they often gather to light fires on the beach and make offerings to the ocean gods, especially Neptune, King of the Deep..."
That's all he had a chance to say before all hell broke loose and Neptune himself appeared. Barry had thrown on the costume rather fast this evening and his staff was with the program as well. There were bells hanging on the walls of the bar and now they were all rung, causing the place to suddenly become quiet. To the old timers this was a ceremony to be witnessed with amusement for they knew what was about to happen.
A roar came from behind the beaded curtain across the entrance to the kitchen as the bells ceased their ringing, Neptune was here. Chris looked shocked and Gary had to laugh. There was a flash and a bang as Neptune burst through the curtain in all his glory. Chris nearly fell off his chair.
"Who comes to my kingdom unannounced," Neptune roared. "Off with his head."
A pretty girl dressed as a mermaid leapt forth and placed her hands on Chris' shoulders. "Oh, Great King, do not harm this sweet young sailor, I implore you."
The bartender stepped forward and draped a bright yellow rain slicker over Chris' shoulders. This was a new touch, at least the boy wouldn't get soaked and smelly. Gary had been prepared to take Chris back to the hotel for another shower. He might still need it.
Neptune rushed forward and draped yards of fresh seaweed around the boy's neck. Fortunately, Chris didn't resist, he was still too stunned. The mermaid laid a large dead fish in his lap and Chris held onto it.
"My daughter pleads for your salvation...what say my merry band of conch lovers?" Neptune yelled.
"Douse him," Everyone yelled in reply. Chris stared at Gary, slowly realizing he was in on the whole thing.
Neptune reached to the bar and picked up a pitcher of beer, pouring it on the boy.
"By the ancient customs of the conch, thee have been baptized," Neptune roared. Barry turned his head to Gary and winked yet again. "What gifts do you bring to appease the gods of the deep?"
Chris was unsure of what to do next, but he made the right choice, he handed Neptune the fish. Barry grinned and held the fish above his head. "Stand little conch and feel welcome here with your brothers."
What a trooper, Chris stood and took a bow. The place broke into applause and Gary joined in. And then with more ringing of bells, Neptune vanished to the kitchen and someone took the seaweed and slicker off of Chris. Amazing, the boy had managed to stay dry. But he did smell a bit like the beer which had trickled down his neck.
Chris grinned. "So…I'm a conch now...like you? That was awesome."
"Yeah, now you're one of us. I couldn't warn you but you did all the right things. Barry has inducted hundreds right here in his bar. I'll take you down to the beach one evening so you can see the bonfire ceremonies up close."
Suddenly Barry reappeared. "And what would you gentlemen like for dinner?" He asked as if nothing had happened.
"Seafood, of course," Chris said, and he laughed aloud. Gary was so very proud of him at that moment.
It was still early after they finished eating but they walked up the street in the early darkness and headed into the adjoining neighborhood. Chris was amazed at the chickens and ducks which roamed the streets. Gary explained they were protected by local law and people had been arrested for hurting them. Then he led Chris up a quiet side street to a small house fronted with a white picket fence.
"Who lives here," Chris asked.
"I do, this is my house," Gary said. "My friends, Max and Shelby, live here too, and who knows...whatever guests they might have at the moment. You'll like them, Max always has something interesting going on."
Gary walked right up to the front door and opened it. This was the way he always came home. Shelby was sitting in the living room and he jumped up when he saw them.
"Gary," He yelled. "And I was just telling Max yesterday...it's the right time of year for you to come home." They hugged and then Shelby paused, suddenly aware of Chris standing in the shadows. He stuck out a hand. "Hey...I'm Shelby."
"Chris...nice to meet you."
"So, did you guys have dinner?"
"Yeah, I got conched," Chris said.
"Oh no...really? That's so much fun. I should have known, you do have a faint odor of beer about you," Shelby laughed. "Thank God Barry has toned that ceremony down a bit, he used to start fights. Well, Max is out back...and we have a surprise visitor...Jerry dropped in on us last week."
Jerry, the boy's name still made Gary smile. He'd found the boy on the streets of Miami the year before, abandoned and looking like hell. But beneath all that unwashed clothing beat a heart of gold and Gary had seen something special in those eyes. He would be nineteen now, and something had brought him back…probably something bad.
As if sensing Gary's concern, Shelby gave them the condensed version. "His sister got picked up again. He did the right thing coming back here."
Jerry had done last summer's cruise to Mexico and then said he wanted to go home. He was a different boy after a month on the water and Gary had sent him off to his sister's place. There was no other choice; the parents were worthless to the bone. But as Gary had told Chris, he would always have a place here if needed. That was the reward for any of them. Jerry knew he had a place of refuge.
Gary had known Jerry was gay from the outset, but he was the brightest boy and deeply handsome...another real beauty. Chris would have to be told and understand what kind of relationship Jerry had shared. It wasn't a competition since Chris didn't even think he was playing the game, but he was.
Chris followed along into the back…way in back since the house was six times as long as it was wide. It was the typical Key West style of construction. The back yard was a profusion of lights and plantings, pools of water and birdcages...everything Max enjoyed. And standing next to the grill was Max, beside him stood Jerry. Gary wasn't surprised to see he had a bong in hand.
Jerry was the first to see them. "Gary," He screamed, rushing over and nearly dropping the bong in his excitement. Max looked up stroking his gray beard, his eyes zeroing right in on Chris.
Jerry kissed Gary on the lips and then stood back. "Where have you been?" He asked. And like Shelby he stuck out a hand to Chris and introduced himself, Chris did likewise.
It was a given that Gary always brought new boys home unannounced, Jerry had been through it as well. And not knowing how Chris, or any boy, would react to questioning, no one pushed to find out what they meant to one another. They waited to be told.
Max gave Gary a quick hug, but he was cooking tuna steaks on his grill. He was a serious cook and didn't like interruptions so Jerry led them back to the table where they all sat down. Max would listen and learn as they talked.
Jerry filled the bong and handed it to Chris, who then looked at Gary.
"Go on," Gary said. "You two are like peas in a pod. Just be careful, they smoke some pretty strong shit down here."
"He's right, we won't do much," Jerry said, and Chris nodded. "So, you back on the high seas?" Jerry asked.
Gary knew what he wanted to hear. "Yes, I thought about sailing south all winter long and Chris came along just at the right time to crew for me."
Chris handed the bong back and slowly let the smoke trickle out of his mouth.
"Does that mean you're an accomplished sailor?" Jerry asked, and Chris shook his head.
"Two days' worth...that's it. I was hitching a ride home from a party and this guy pulls up and asks me if I wanted to sail to Rio...next thing I knew we're here."
Gary was surprised that Chris felt comfortable enough to lay it all out like that, but then the bond between them was growing.
"Wow...Gary just picked you up and...that's amazing," Jerry laughed. "But then he's a pretty amazing guy...I'm sure you know that by now. I was his crew last summer to Mexico."
That was enough to tell Chris of the past relationship, the rest would fall in place very quickly. "The only thing I hate about sailing so far is the salt water baths," Chris said.
"Oh God, tell me about it," Jerry replied. And the boys were off comparing notes. Gary grabbed a beer out of the cooler and then stepped over to talk with Max by the grill.
"Damn, Gary...how do you do it?" Max asked. "He's beautiful."
"He wasn't kidding. He was out hitch-hiking at two in the morning and I was faced with the trip down here alone...I just asked."
"God, you are so lucky. Is he...?"
"He doesn't know yet, but he's learning...he'll do just fine in a few weeks," Gary said.
"You docked at the hotel?"
"Yeah, got in around six. Hey, they have some new dockhands, pretty impressive stuff."
"Yeah, the college crop is distinctly better his year...oh momma," Max laughed.
"So how is Shelby doing?" Gary asked.
"Great, doing well in college, good grades...he's everything you said he'd be. I am so proud of that boy."
"Yeah, I knew he'd turn out all right. So, what's with Jerry?"
"Dumb ass sister of his...well, she's gonna be locked up a while, we're all he has for the moment. I asked him to stay here and go back to school; he gets along with Shelby very well so they aren't jealous of one another."
"Well that's good," Gary said.
"I overheard your boy say Rio, but I don't think you'll want to head down that far this season. Some bad currents flowing off the African continent, we're gonna have some major storms brewing up down south very soon."
Max was usually right and Gary trusted that knowledge more than the weather bureau with all their fancy forecasting.
"Cancun, can I at least get that far?" Gary asked.
"Probably, I think most of the activity will be along the east coast of the mainland and on up into the Gulf. Just don't lollygag around for too long in the Yucatan. Go down, have your fun and beat feet home. Hey, you missed the Pride festival last week...hmm, of course you did, and you always do. The college boys were out in force...awesome."
"Chris says he isn't gay...but he has ambivalent feelings about sex, I can tell. He's got a nasty home life with his mom, I want you check her out for me."
"Glad to," Max chuckled.
"I don't know where this is going yet, it's his call. Right now we're playful friends. He has a good head on his shoulders and the rest of him is pretty spectacular. I'll need some paper to take him out of the country so maybe we can shoot his photo tomorrow and get that in the works," Gary suggested.
"No problemo, I even have some authentic passport blanks this time," Max said.
"You do? Oh, I don't want to know how...you always amaze me."
"Ask me no questions and I won't have to lie to you. Did you stop in the Bahamas this time?"
"Yup, I knew you'd want to see the customs stamp," Gary said.
"Good man, nothing like a fresh imprint to copy before it gets smeared," Max chuckled.
Within two days Gary would have an American passport with the name Chris Lewis on it; he would henceforth be Gary's son to any foreign government. The customs stamp from the Bahamas was the kicker, their passports would match and that made it look even better. There had never been any doubt about Max's ability to forge the best documents.
Jerry and Chris were pretty stoned by the time Gary sat back down. He watched their interaction for a moment and then made a decision.
"Max says Rio is out of the picture because of the hurricane season this year," Gary said. "Maybe we'll just make a run to Cancun like last summer."
"Yeah, Chris will love that place," Jerry said.
Max announced that the tuna was done and Jerry got up to fetch the plates, leaving Chris at the table. Gary studied Chris for a moment and then spoke his mind. "So, how would you feel if I asked Jerry to come with us to Mexico...you might enjoy the company?"
Chris looked surprised but he nodded an approval. "I like him, he's cool. He was your boyfriend last summer, wasn't he?"
"Yes, he's a sweet kid. But he wanted to go home to his family and that didn't work out I'm afraid."
"Yeah, he told me about that. Does he think I'm your boyfriend this summer?"
"No, Chris. None of my friends will think that unless you tell them you are. You know I like the company of handsome young men, but that doesn't mean you automatically become my boyfriend. Jerry is gay, but he'll tell you about it if you want to know what it's been like for him."
"You mean I can ask?"
"Yes, he knew all about himself even before he met me. He's a pretty incredible young man...just like you."
That made Chris smile. "I think it would be fun to have him along, besides he knows a lot more about boats than I do."
"You'll both be experts by the time we come back, I assure you. Okay, I'll ask him…or would you rather do it?"
"Can I...you'd let me?" Chris asked.
"I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing it from you."
Chris nodded and Gary could see it would be nice for him to have a companion for the trip. They wouldn't be pressed for time alone together and Chris would still share his bed. Somehow having Jerry along would allow Chris to see and hear some things he never imagined.
Chris was the embodiment of patience as they watched Max, Shelby and Jerry finish off their meal. They shared the strawberry shortcake for dessert and then out of the blue Chris laid his request on Jerry, and he did it with such style.
"Jerry, you went to Cancun last year, is it a hard trip?" Chris asked.
"Not really, well you might get some weather like we did. I was pretty scared during the storms but Gary is a pro, I was never in any danger," Jerry replied.
"I don't know if I'm good enough to do this alone...why don't you come with us?"
Jerry looked over at Gary and then back to Chris. "You guys want me to come...for real?"
"Yeah, we do," Chris said.
Jerry jumped up and hugged them both. If Chris was looking for a sailing lesson Jerry was the right boy, if he wanted lessons about what it was like to be gay then he had outdone himself. Jerry was the least inhibited kid Gary had ever bedded, but then maybe that would help Chris decide about himself.
As the evening progressed Gary watched and tried to consider his feelings about having them together. The nudity on board would be their first introduction body to body. Jerry was well hung, something Chris was bound to notice, and he was uncut just like Chris, something else in common.
They all walked down Duval after the clock said it was late enough. The real die-hard members of the Conch Republic slept late in the day so they could party into the early hours of the morning. The boys seemed to enjoy the music and silly acting grownups that surrounded them.
Max was one of the old men of the island even though he was just in his early sixties. But it also meant he was offered free beer at most places so he would stick around. He could tell the greatest stories about the history of the islands. Yeah, Max was a tourist attraction all by himself.
By midnight Gary could see that Chris was dead on his feet. Jerry walked back to the hotel with them and then said good night. Gary hugged and kissed Jerry, and Chris gave the boy a big hug. Yeah, this trip was going to be a blast.
Chris showered even though he was asleep on his feet, but then he hit the sack and was out for the count. Gary showered and then crawled in beside him. Their first night in a huge bed and they would both do nothing but sleep…there were always tomorrows.
The coming adventure was something Gary needed to clear his mind. Work would always be there, but he had Tommy's brilliance to keep things running. They had cleared the decks for the next several months allowing Gary this respite from the pressure. He could have allowed himself to plug back into the feelings about Marty and what the others faced on a daily basis, but not this time…this time he had Chris.
He had felt that familiar connection the first time he saw the boy. It wasn't the age that he found attractive; it was the aggressive youthful energy the boy exuded. Chris was filled with it, and yet he hadn't reached his potential. He needed someone to guide him, and Gary knew the boy had been searching for that person.
Finding Chris on the road was no accident, he had put himself there for a reason. It was a desperate way to conduct a search, but maybe it was all he had left. Yes, Max would have to investigate the mother. It seems Chris had been adrift for a long time, but his search was now over, Gary would see to that.
First light brought Gary awake and he went off to empty his bladder. No sooner had he crawled back in bed than Chris got up to perform the same task. He came back into the bedroom and stood looking down at Gary.
"You were right, I like your friends," Chris said.
"Good…they like you too."
Gary threw back the covers and took Chris' hand, pulling him back into bed. They lay
beside one another and Gary reached over to brush the hair from Chris' face. The head turned and the eyes fixed him with a stare.
"This whole…the gay thing…I thought it would be different," Chris said.
"Different how?" Gary asked.
"I mean, you know what people say…it's not like that, is it?"
Gary sighed. "I don't know what you've heard, but I don't imagine it's been very positive. Gay is just a word, Chris. We're all different just like everyone else. I know you've been trying to figure me out, just as I've been studying you."
Chris smiled. "And what have you learned?"
"I've learned that I need to know more. It's too easy to only look at the handsome outside and forget that inside you have needs and desires. But I won't find out what they are until you learn to trust me."
"Jerry trusts you, I can see that," Chris said. "You guys were really close last summer…you still are."
"Yes, it's important that you understand that. What Jerry and I share is unique, and even though our lives have changed that special quality we have will never disappear. I love him dearly, even though we may not be in love anymore."
"You…you guys slept together…had sex," Chris said.
Gary smiled. "It was glorious. He's very accomplished, like an Olympian."
"Oh…sorry, I'm being nosey."
"Look, Chris. You must have figured out by now that I would never ask you to do anything you aren't interested in doing. All boys are curious and sex is fun, but if anything scares you then we ought to talk about it."
Chris rolled over on his side and stared down at Gary's face. Those bright blue eyes were filled with questions. "Did you…did you put your cock up his butt?"
"Hmm, yes I did. But it was more like he raped me, I had to do it," Gary laughed.
"You're kidding?"
"Jerry was a very experienced boy when we first met, that's why I encourage you to ask him about his life. I know things haven't always gone so well for you but his life was so miserable he almost ended it. I'm not telling you anything he wouldn't say himself, but do you know why he's so open about himself?
Chris shook his head. "Why?"
"Because he had me to save him, it's what I do best. We talked for a whole week on our trip south to Cancun, and yet I didn't touch him. He was used to men abusing him and I couldn't be like that…it wasn't what he needed. Jerry played every game he could think of to seduce me, but if I had given in then I would have been just another asshole in his life.
"By the time we got to Cancun he was telling me everything he could about himself…and things I wish I'd never heard. But after Jerry had been truthful I slept with him and we never stopped loving one another. He's a very lucky boy."
Chris leaned down and placed his head on Gary's chest. "I think I'm pretty lucky, too, even if I don't know what it means to be gay."
Gary stroked the long blond hair and smiled. "Gay isn't something you choose, Chris. If a person is gay then they have feelings they don't often understand. You don't have to be gay for me to care about you."
There was silence in the room and Gary wondered if the boy had fallen back to sleep. But then he felt a hand press against his stomach, a gentle touch. Chris was thinking about something and then he raised his head. Again, the eyes and then they came closer until Chris pressed their lips together.
Gary gave Chris a hug and the boy responded in kind. Anything was possible, Gary knew that now, they just needed to know one another better. It would give Chris the excuse he needed to learn about love. What a lucky man he was indeed.
Max had chosen Shelby six years before. Gary's life had been full of boys by then, it was enough that he could hand over that one to someone he loved and valued deeply. Max had never betrayed that love for Shelby, and Gary was so envious of what they had.
Gary explained they might get a late breakfast with those at the house if they hurried up. Max always said his heart didn't start beating until noon, Chris thought that was very funny. But Jerry wasn't a sleep addict so he might get up if they went over to the house. Chris thought they should give it a try since it was already nine o'clock, and they took to the streets again.
"Morning, Gary" was said by a half a dozen people before they'd even left Duval Street. To be polite Gary returned the greeting and introduced Chris as part of his sailing crew for the summer. The neighborhood knew he sailed, they knew he took boys on as crew, and whatever else they thought was kept to themselves.
"Gosh, does everybody here know you?" Chris asked.
"I sure seem to know a lot of people, huh?"
"How long have you lived here?"
"Hmm, I'd say about twenty years more or less."
Chris knew how old he was, all he had to do was the math. "You were just a kid...did your parents come here to live?"
Now that was harder to answer. "No...I came alone actually, and then I met Max."
"Oh...um, was Max...was..."
"Yes, he was my boyfriend for almost six years, Chris. Now you know why I think he's so dear. Anything else you want to know, my life is open for you to see."
"Sorry, I don't mean to be nosey again. Wow, you and Max. That was a long time ago."
"He took me off the street and he loved me. He made me go to school and then college. He did all the things my parents couldn't do for me...wouldn't do for me."
Gary stopped at the tiny park on the corner and sat Chris down on a bench. It was time to tell the truth.
"My parents threw me out when I told them I was gay. I was fourteen and their attitude really hurt me. My dad was an important man in the town where we lived and my mother was too weak to stop him. I took off south because I didn't want to be stuck sleeping under a bridge when it started to snow. I hitched rides for over a week to get down here, but this is the place I chose."
"And you met Max down here...how did that happen?" Chris asked.
"On the beach, two days after I arrived. He took one look at me and said I needed a bath and some food, he was right. I went home with him and never left...but that's not quite the end. He made me go to school and paid for my college. Then I joined the Navy because Max said I should see the world, and he was right as always."
"But you lived here…did you have a job after you got out of the Navy?"
"Nope, didn't need one then, I have my own business now," Gary replied.
"I'm missing something, but maybe it's none of my business."
"I won't hide anything from you...."
Chris nodded. "I mean the money. I can tell you're a rich man."
"Rich? Never, but I am comfortable...maybe even wealthy...it all came from my dad."
"I thought he threw you out. Oh, he died...I'm sorry."
"While I was in the Navy Max tracked my parents down. I was their only child and I don't know what he said to them, he still won't tell me. But seven years ago they both died in a storm when their car went off a bridge on the Outer Banks in Carolina. A lawyer got in touch with me thanks to Max and I took leave from the Navy to come home."
"That's so sad...I would miss my mom if something happened to her," Chris said.
"Yeah, I missed my mom the most. They had a nice funeral and then I got a real surprise, they left everything to me. It seems my dad had invested in the stock market and did it right, I was pretty well off after that. I resigned from the Navy and bought the sailboat up in Lauderdale, Shelby was my first crew that summer...the rest you already know."
"But Shelby is Max's boyfriend. Oh, you did that for him, didn't you?"
"Yes, I knew they had feelings for one another the first time I introduced them, it felt good to be able to do something for Max."
Chris placed his hand on Gary's thigh. "I think you're about the nicest guy I ever met, Gary. I understand why people like you, it's easy."
"I haven't always liked myself, Chris."
Chris scooted over as close as he could. "I don't see why, I'm glad I came here with you. But you're sad and I know why."
"Okay, wise man...why am I sad?"
"Because you see how happy Max is and you want to feel the same way. Shelby went for him and not you, but you allowed it to happen because of the great guy you are. And all the other boys in between, including Jerry, it just didn't happen, did it?"
"No, O Wise One, it didn't. I don't believe I'm talking to you about this, are you sure you're only eighteen?"
"Yup, but Gary...um, this is hard to say. Uh, did you pick me up to find another relationship? Because if you did…well, I think I might like that."
The tears came to Gary's eyes without warning and he didn't know how the emotions had washed over him so fast. Chris grabbed his hand and squeezed. He was being protective and that felt so good. Every boy Gary had encountered needed something, but this one was so special.
"I haven't cried in weeks, I don't have to anymore," Chris said. "I got so sad when my mom drank too much. I was afraid I would wake up one morning and she'd be dead. She was all I had left...but now I have you."
"You really want me that bad?" Gary asked.
"Yeah, I do...does that make me gay?"
"Oh sweetie, nothing can make you gay, not even me. If you are you'll know it someday, but only if it matters to you."
"Can I love you without being gay, would that work?" Chris asked.
Gary laughed at the thought. "Sure you can love me, but I think if we were in love you'd want to be gay."
The house was quiet as they crept inside. Gary could hear the shower running and the guest room door was open, Jerry was up.
Chris followed him into the bedroom and sat on Jerry's bed. Gary looked around and saw the baggage of teenage life. The boy had definitely pulled out from his sister's because he'd brought everything he owned. The rainbow scarf Gary had given him was tied around the bedpost. That had come from Cancun because Gary knew the boy was bold enough to wear it.
Chris smiled, knowing they might get a glimpse of Jerry's goodies. Bold little boy, had he been like this when they first met? Gary remembered the doubts about coming along, but had he been afraid...no, Chris wasn't timid, just cautious.
The bathroom door opened and Jerry came down the hall, towel around his neck He stepped through the doorway and froze. Yeah, the same nice body Gary remembered. Chris seemed to have the same idea and they applauded quietly.
"Bravo...encore," Gary said.
"Whoa, mamma," Chris said, wiggling his eyebrows.
Jerry smiled at the silliness but did nothing to cover his nakedness. Instead he bowed and blew kisses. "Next show in five minutes, get your tickets please," He said, and they all laughed.
"Thought you might want breakfast," Chris said.
"Yeah, you look good enough to eat," Jerry threw back.
Chris blushed, caught at his own game.
"I was thinking Suzy Q's, they have those wonderful rolls...and the omelets are to die for," Gary said.
"Don't have to twist my arm. Let me throw some clothes on," Jerry said.
"Need any help?" Chris asked.
Jerry looked at Gary. "What have you done to him, he wasn't like this last night?"
"Don't look at me. He seems to be evolving at his own pace."
Jerry pulled on his board shorts, the boy never wore underwear. A tee shirt and sandals then they were off for the best early meal in town. Suzy Q's served breakfast most of the day since it took the town that long to wake up.
"I have a surprise for you this trip, Jerry. Chris cooks," Gary said.
"What, no more powdered eggs? Excellent."
"Oh, I didn't say that, he just knows how to make them taste like something besides sawdust," Gary laughed.
Jerry leaned over to Chris. "You know I love this guy but he can't cook worth shit. I'm not sure he's even gay. The gay guys I know can at least boil water. Too bad there's no carry out on the high seas."
"Yeah, shark bait...just wait, I'll get you back for that crack," Gary said.
"There he goes, after my butt crack already," Jerry slung back.
Chris was in fits of laughter at their antics, this was gonna be a great cruise. Max still had Jerry's passport from last summer stashed away for safekeeping. Good, that was one less obstacle. After breakfast they would walk Chris down to the post office and have his passport photo taken for Max to use.
Gary ordered a pan of sweet rolls and each of them decided on the western omelet, it would take a while as the place was already busy. Jerry told them all about the Pride Day festivities the week before, he'd enjoyed every minute. Some of his descriptions got a little graphic in nature but Chris didn't bat an eyelash.
Knowing about gay sex and doing it were two different things to Chris, he liked knowledge...the rest was coming along just fine. Maybe if he talked to Jerry enough about the subject it might increase his interest. When the challenge finally emerged, Chris would do whatever he felt like.
They ate everything on the table and Gary left a tip before they walked down to the post office. Twenty minutes later they had the photos of Chris. Max wouldn't be up for another few hours so Gary led them back to the hotel and down to the boat. Jerry walked around her deck, becoming familiar once again with all the equipment.
"What did you do when it stormed last year?" Chris asked.
Jerry laughed. "You mean after I panicked? I hid in the bathroom...uh, the head. I barfed my brains out, I was seasick for two days afterwards."
Chris didn't like the sound of that. "He didn't take his Dramamine like I told him to," Gary said. "You won't get sick if you listen to me."
"He's right, I was just a stubborn little punk back then," Jerry said. "This is gonna be great, I'm really looking forward to this trip."
"And what would you have done all summer if we didn't show up?" Chris asked.
"Hmm…I probably would have found some rich old man on the beach to support my bad habits."
Gary rolled his eyes. Yeah, they needed to get out on the water, and soon.