Gary awoke with the sun once again, an old habit that was hard to break. Chris slept on peacefully, even as Gary slid out of bed to the bathroom. He stood before the toilet to pee and looked over at the mirror. Was that a smile on his face? But the answer was simple, Chris had put it there.
Gary ordered up breakfast from room service to allow Chris some extended sack time. It was glorious to see him at peace and know they had come this far. Gary still had to provide Chris with a normal life, even if it was Key West style.
The boy needed friends his own age and school was the best place to find them. Hanging out with adults all the time would rob him of that childhood sweetness. Gary sipped his coffee and gazed over at Chris' smooth clean face. The boy had maybe four hairs on his chin and this fuzz on his upper lip.
The man was there inside, but seemed in no hurry to spring forth. It would allow Gary to enjoy the progress of that growth. Moments like this were to be savored, like kisses and good wine. It was almost nine when there was a light tapping on the adjoining door to Jerry's room. Gary threw the lock and opened it a crack.
"You awake?" Jerry asked.
"Yeah, Chris is still asleep, but come in."
Jerry sat and had a coffee. "Miguel went home early and we have our lunch date at one o'clock with his father."
"You worried?" Gary asked.
"Not really…I know how smooth you are." He looked over at Chris. "He's sleeping kinda late...busy night?"
"You know I don't tell tales, ask him yourself when he wakes up."
"Miguel used two condoms on me last night, it was awesome."
"I'm sure he felt the same way, I'm surprised you can walk," Gary laughed.
"He sure knows how to make me happy. I can't wait for some time with him on the boat."
"Yeah, I was thinking about pulling up anchor on Friday," Gary said. "That storm got me thinking, maybe we best get on with this in case something else blows in."
"Everything good at home?" Jerry asked. "I figured you would call when I saw the storm news."
"Yeah, Max says they're fine...just tons of water and a little wind. Any idea what we should wear for this lunch, are we going to the palace to see the king?"
Jerry laughed. "No, he's coming here, we'll eat downstairs...a private dining room I believe, Miguel knows about it. He'll be back at eleven."
Chris stirred in the bed, the laughter had awakened him. He sat up and smiled. "I was just dreaming that I had sex with a guy last night...oops, that was no dream." He started laughing at the look of surprise on Gary's face. Little brat couldn't wait to tell Jerry.
Jerry grinned. "So, how did you like it, little brother?"
"Awesome...I wanna do it again right now."
Jerry laughed. "Someone's created a monster. Glad he's your problem."
Gary smiled. "He's no problem, but we might at least have breakfast first."
"Nice show," Jerry said looking at Chris' naked body and the morning erection he sported. The boy blushed and ran for the bathroom.
"He just had to try it, says he's gay now," Gary said.
"Oh? That was fast, do you believe him?"
"Hmm, it would explain a few things. Guess I better have my pants pressed before lunch. I hope the mayor doesn't wear a suit, but I expect he will."
"I don't know how Miguel does it without his family knowing. He does have other gay friends but the two I met don't act silly about it," Jerry said.
"You don't have to act feminine to be gay and we both like our men to act like men."
"Yeah. What's the plan for the rest of the trip? Three days out and three back like last
time?"
"Something like that," Gary said. "Depends on the weather. Does Miguel have the time?"
"I think so. Mr. Alvarez seems to like me, and of course he asked all about you," Jerry said.
"Oh? What did he want to know?"
"Business, that kind of thing. Oh, and I said mom died when I was little, the same story we put together last year."
"Good, guess I better let Chris in on that little fantasy after he gets out of the shower. I think if his mother allows me...I'm going to adopt him," Gary said.
"Wow, now that's a commitment...good for you," Jerry said. He smiled, "I think he needs that. Remember, we talked about you doing that with me but it didn't become necessary." He smiled. "You'll always be more than a father to me, Gary."
"Thank you. We have been pretty successful as a family, haven't we?"
"Yeah, Max makes a great mother. He seems to enjoy it."
"Hmm, he had a lot of practice with me growing up...but yes, he's the motherly type."
Chris stuck his head out of the bathroom. "Hey, you showering or not?"
Jerry laughed. "You better get in there. I have my own shower to take so I'll come back over in a while." He left and Gary joined Chris in the bathroom.
Just after eleven, Miguel returned to Jerry's room and they came over. Gary pulled out a map of the Yucatan and they discussed the upcoming trip. Miguel had been to Merida on the west coast and even as far as Villahermosa which was further west. Traveling by land in some of the rough countryside had not been pleasant he informed them.
"Making a trip in your boat will be luxurious," Miguel said.
"I want us to have plenty of time to explore the coast and dive whenever we find something interesting. There have been shipwrecks in that area for hundreds of years and the coral is just beautiful. But both those things also make diving dangerous, so I want to check things out carefully before we go all out."
"Maybe we can find an old pirate ship full of gold," Chris said.
Jerry laughed. "I thought that too, there was nothing but rusty fishing boats where we went."
"Chris and I will stick to snorkeling most of the time," Gary said. "That will give you guys a chance to use the scuba gear. I'll check all three of you out on the equipment but it's pretty easy in shallow water."
The phone in their room rang just before one o'clock. The desk clerk said that Mr. Alvarez had arrived and was looking forward to their luncheon. That meant they needed to get downstairs right away. Miguel led the boys and Gary followed.
Mayors were pretty important people in the Mexican scheme of things. A person had to be a tough politician and a savvy businessman. Mr. Alvarez administered an important port city, and Gary was sure the connection to Cancun made him quite the business leader as well.
Miguel led them past the entrance to the restaurant and down a side hallway to a set of doors. The private room was usually decorated for parties and weddings, complete with its own bar. Now the room was bare except for a large round table, flower arrangements and hovering waiters. A distinguished looking man in his early forties stood as they entered. One look told Gary this was Miguel's father…their features were that much alike. And to his surprise and delight, the man wasn't wearing a suit at all.
"Mr. Alvarez...or should I say, Mr. Mayor? So nice to finally meet you," Gary said.
He shook Gary's hand with a large smile. "Mr. Lewis...please, I am Eduardo."
"Gary," He said in return. Good, a first name basis was much more comfortable. "And this is Jerry, whom you've met I believe, and my youngest, Chris."
Eduardo shook hands with both boys, smiling at Chris who looked just a little overwhelmed at meeting such an important man.
"Please, shall we be seated?" Eduardo said.
The men sat with Chris between them and the other two sat further around the circle. The waiters hovered and drinks were served before Eduardo began to talk.
"Miguel says you have sailed here from Key West, a small distance but a nice journey I imagine."
"Yes, Jerry was down here with me last year, but this is Chris' first trip to your country."
"And how do you like Mexico?" Eduardo asked, addressing Chris.
"It's just fine. I love sailing and we had some great excitement on the trip down."
They all listened as Chris described catching the tuna and the encounter with the waterspout. Eduardo listened carefully and exclaimed in wonder as the story ended.
"Yes, it sounds exciting...you have done very well, a noble sailor." Chris liked the sound of that and smiled.
"At least we were fortunate that the tropical storm tracked north, we had some pretty severe weather last year," Gary said. "But Jerry is quite the sailor now and he knows how to handle the boat."
"And Miguel wishes to learn of all things nautical," Eduardo said. "I went fishing on the sea as a child. All those romantic notions of childhood about pirates and great sea beasts swimming around in my head." He laughed. "But my uncle was a fisherman, to him it was a business and I worked very hard for those small moments of pleasure."
"It does take a strong mind to deal with nature and the ocean can be very harsh if you don't stay focused," Gary said. "But I'm a recreational sailor and I enjoy the pleasures of your coastal waters."
"Miguel says you have sailed the Atlantic, this is true?"
"Several times in fact, I went to Italy last year and Greece three years before," Gary said.
"In such a small boat as this? Is it not dangerous?" Eduardo asked.
"Yes, there is an element of risk in a small boat. But I always take an experienced crew and make plans in case of emergency. Sailing is something I grew up with so I have a great affection for the power of nature and the sea. I served in our Navy for almost seven years."
"That explains much, but you are a businessman now...may I ask, what is your work?" Eduardo was being cautious, fishing for business connections.
"My partner Max and I are in business security, and its mainly technical computer programming and business systems recovery. I have contracts with many clients around the world, most of whom would not like to be recognized."
Eduardo laughed. "Yes, mistakes are costly but someone has to pick up the pieces. I hope it is profitable."
Gary laughed in return. "It must be, I'm here."
It seems Eduardo had already ordered the lunch and they dined on spicy chicken, sizzling steak morsels and half a dozen vegetables. Not a light meal, but then the boys packed it away as boys always do.
The rest of their conversation was light. Gary mentioned meeting Ricardo during his first visit and Eduardo let on that he did considerable business with the man and his friends. Tourism was a wonderful thing for the area and a small number of local business leaders. To say they were the local mafia might be a bit strong, but Gary knew they were all involved in some shady dealings.
Eduardo would not be where he was if he didn't have friends in higher places, and Gary wasn't thinking about government connections. Miguel would not know about any of this, but he did...it was part of his business to know such things. Mexico might be lagging behind on the world stage but there was a criminal element here that was trying very hard to catch up.
After lunch the boys took a walk out around the pool while Eduardo ordered coffee. They sat in comfortable chairs by the broad windows overlooking the beach.
"My son is very enthusiastic in his friendship with your Jerry. Like many teenagers he has this fascination with your country." This was Eduardo's opening salvo.
"It is his wish to attend university in Florida and I think this would be good for him. He is my oldest and with him gone I believe his brother and sister will become stronger persons. It is not a criticism, but Miguel is such a strong headed boy...or I should say man. He has not seemed like a boy in a very long time. Is this true of your son?"
Gary smiled. "Jerry came into his own last year, Eduardo. Emotionally he took charge of his life quite early, not long after the death of his mother."
"Miguel has told me of your loss. It must be difficult to raise two so young by yourself. And you have not married again?"
Gary sighed, playing the story out. "I am married to my business, unfortunately, and she takes all my spare time. Keeping a family together is demanding, but I have enjoyed every moment of our time together. These trips have brought us closer and allowed me to judge their character. The small moments of danger we encounter tell me a lot about how well they will deal with life. I have confidence in Jerry's abilities and Chris is still a work in progress."
"Such is the task of fatherhood," Eduardo said. "I believe Miguel's friendship with Jerry will do them both much good. I have already decided to allow him to leave when he wishes, and if he chooses to attend university near your home I would ask that you keep an eye on him for me."
"Most certainly, he will be welcome in my house at any time," Gary said.
"The Navy did not teach you to sail in small boats, this I am sure. What did you learn as a sailor?"
"Communications...security...top secret, that's about all I can say. There are people in my government that still keep track of us all in that branch of service. I should have known that someone would be following me for the rest of my life after I got involved with...but that wasn't your question, I'm sorry. I learned to sail as a small boy so there is salt water in my blood."
It was Eduardo's turn to smile. "The sea has placed its mark upon your face as well. I will always know a sailor when I see one. I would give anything to just escape on a boat like yours and find peace upon the ocean, but this is not possible. I am facing the election again this winter, and I'm not sure I wish to continue a political life."
"It must be difficult, too many demanding hours...I sure couldn't do it," Gary said.
"And I must, there are too many issues at play in this state. The resort has attracted so many people I do not desire to have as friends. But it is business, and we both know that it is unavoidable." Eduardo smiled...a sad smile.
"Then I am fortunate, I can choose my partners and associates," Gary said. "My father invested wisely when he was alive, I have the benefit of that wisdom. I may just retire when the boys are grown, they will never have to worry."
"Ricardo said you were a wealthy man and that you could choose not to work. I would wish that on myself someday, someday soon so that I can still enjoy life while I feel young."
"Our children keep us young, Eduardo."
"Yes...yes they do," He agreed. "It is unfortunate, but I must go. I am sure Miguel will be safe in your hands this week. It is an honor that you will explore the best my state has to offer during your trip. I must consider buying a sailboat such as yours since it would give me great pleasure to escape on such a trip."
They stood and shook hands. That's when the doors opened and two men appeared. They had the unmistakable look of cops, or bodyguards. Gary imagined that a politician in the mayor's position must have a lot of friends, and enemies as well. Eduardo turned and waved as he left. It had been a good meeting, and now Miguel would be glad to know what his father thought.
One day Eduardo would discover his son's sexuality and distantly remember this conversation...and the things Gary had not told him. But Miguel would be grown and in charge of his own life by then. The father would choose to support his son, or not. Jerry might still be a
part of Miguel's life then but it was too soon to tell. Now they were young adults playing at love and discovering their boundaries, it was glorious to watch.
In some way Gary felt sorry for Eduardo, he was trapped in his political associations and had said as much. He hadn't glossed over the issue of dealing with less than upright citizens in his career as mayor and that had to be respected. Maybe down the road Gary would seek a friendship as he had with Ricardo. That would have to be qualified by how the man dealt with his gay son. That day of discovery would come. His reaction would say much about the man behind that political face.
The boys returned and Gary heard their questions but refused to say anything in such a public place. They adjourned to the hotel room where he laid it all out.
"The trip is on since your father trusts me to bring you back in one piece it seems. But he had a lot more to say, and this you will like even better." Gary smiled at Miguel, enjoying his moment of privileged knowledge. "Your father is going to send you to Florida for school."
Those words released a torrent of emotion in both Miguel and Jerry. They danced around the room with joy as Chris and Gary stood gazing with amusement at their antics. But it was Miguel who broke off first, rushing towards Gary to be embraced with tears of joy in his eyes.
"You did this, Gary...you have made my life possible." Miguel's hug was so sincere, so loving. If anything, Gary now seemed to have another gay son on hand. Jerry came over and added his arms to Miguel's.
"God, Gary...you did it," He said.
Jerry would get his chance with Miguel now, a chance to love someone for a long time. It would test them both, it would validate their feelings. Gary was happy for him. It's what a father should do for his son…it was something he wanted Chris to see.
Chris watched them share the good feelings, knowing that Jerry would now have a boyfriend to love even after they returned to Key West. Gary wanted to tell Chris that this is what he did, that he would always do whatever he could to make their lives happy.
Jerry and Miguel soon left, probably to discuss the future and share a little spit. Gary turned to Chris and was puzzled by the look on his face.
"What's on your mind, sweetie?"
Chris sighed. "I was thinking that if Jerry has Miguel around then he won't wanna spend time with me."
Gary pulled Chris into a hug and kissed his cheek. "I think you have that "glass is half empty" attitude, but I think you're wrong. Now you have a Mexican brother to share, Miguel will not allow Jerry to ignore you. They will become like their own little family, sorta like you and me...and we have Max and Shelby, too, remember?"
"Yeah, I guess. Things change a lot, don't they?"
"Yes...change is good. Jerry is growing up and this is his first real boyfriend. He needs to explore the feelings he has now with Miguel. If they get together at home then their lives will be about so many more things than just sex, it will be exciting to watch."
"Miguel's father still doesn't know. Will he be angry when he finds out?" Chris asked. Figures the boy would go right to the heart of the matter, but then he was bright.
"I just don't know. My father couldn't handle it so I know some men feel threatened by having a gay son. I hope he's a bigger man than that," Gary said.
"And if he doesn't, what will Miguel do?"
"That's why he has us, sweetie...we'll have to invite him into our family."
Chris smiled. "Yeah, that would be cool. He'd really need us then."
Gary had enjoyed watching Jerry and Miguel make the connection. There was always the chance that Chris would meet someone else. There could be someone like Miguel out there right now, waiting for the chance to steal him away. It wasn't a paranoid feeling just a glimpse at reality.
Chris was dependent now and the greatest joy would come in helping him grow into a man and lose that dependence. In doing that Gary was his own worst enemy. But he needed to put aside such thoughts or he would become a basket case.
He had the love of this boy now, but Chris would be the one to choose what happened in the future. And no matter what the choice, no matter how life brought changes to their relationship, Chris would always be loved.
As if sensing these deep thoughts, Chris raised his head from Gary's chest and smiled. That loving smile made everything all right.
"I love you, Daddy...you're the best," Chris said.
There was Gary's epitaph…he could die a happy man.
With less than twenty-four hours remaining to prepare for their trip, Gary took Chris shopping once again. He had given Miguel a real list of things to bring, all joking aside. If they went ashore to dine or even seek the comfort of a motel for the night he would need clothes. It would be much more interesting to have a native speaker along this time. Maybe Miguel would help them learn the local customs.
Gary had wanted this trip to be fun, but along the way had hoped it might also be educational. So many of their northern comrades had never left the country or learned anything about other people. That only served prejudice and ignorance, things Gary just wouldn't tolerate in his boys. Miguel was a bonus, and not just for Jerry.
The night was uneventful...as if any night spent with Chris could ever qualify for that title. Miguel had come to stay over with Jerry so that they might get an early jump start. The boat was packed and ready, the tanks topped off. Now all they had to do was rest up and sail away.
The advanced weather forecast for the region was calm seas and little major rain in the week ahead. The local climate could be quite hot at times in summer and Gary hoped they would get at least some local showers to cool down. But thanks to Max he was mindful of the weather patterns flowing off the west coast of Africa, hurricanes developed that way.
They had spent an hour reviewing the charts for the coastline ahead. Gary had marked the known areas of danger such as underwater rocks, shoals and shallow water. He was determined that all the boys be made aware of these issues, they would be part of the watch.
Dawn came and Gary was awake with Chris snuggled up tight. He tickled the boy awake and they hit the shower. Jerry must have heard them because he knocked on the door soon after they dried off, Miguel would be ready shortly. Bless their hearts...room service brought the quick breakfast Gary had requested the night before. A coffee or two later they were ready to leave.
The docks were quiet as Jerry cast off and Gary started the motor. Miguel sat on the stern bench and watched them work the boat but he would be helping out soon enough. Gary took them out beyond the boats at anchor and they set sail. There was just a hint of humidity in the air but an offshore breeze and Brass Balls soon hit seven knots, a respectable speed.
The wind patterns along the tip of the Yucatan were fickle at best so Gary would have to head out and then tack back to round the peninsula. He explained to Miguel how the wind affected the direction of travel and that quite often the only way a sailboat could reach the intended destination was by tacking back and forth.
Two hours later they rounded the point and headed west along the coast. Gary slowed them down and began watching the charts. Jerry took the bow with Miguel to keep watch in these shallower waters. Chris manned the wheel, his favorite chore. It was heating up out here and the clothes started coming off.
To his credit, Miguel didn't hesitate and was soon standing his watch quite naked with Jerry at his side. Chris started leaning this way and that to get a view of the boy's ass and Gary had to admit the view was spectacular. Jerry must have noticed Chris' activities and said something to Miguel. They both laughed and looked back.
Miguel resolved the issue by turning around and brazenly walking back to the stern. He stood in front of Chris and allowed the boy to perv his body. Then he turned to Gary, giving Chris the butt view and asked if anyone wanted some water. It seems Jerry was thirsty.
Gary laughed and told Miguel to bring a bottle up from the galley. He smiled and then went below. It was good to have an all gay crew like this so they could amuse one another. Amazingly enough Chris didn't sport a stiffie from the sighting.
Miguel returned and offered Chris a drink. They laughed together before he went back forward.
"Horn dog," Gary said.
"You looked too. Yeah, well it was nice to get that out of my head, now I won't stare unless he jumps on Jerry right in front of me."
Gary laughed. "You hope, huh?"
Chris returned the laugh. "Yeah, it's all I live for...not."
"Hey...submerged object on the port bow," Jerry called out. Chris eased up starboard a few points and Gary went up to look. There was something down there all right, Jerry had good eyes. Might have been a wreck in the past year or so.
It wasn't on the charts so Gary made a note in the navigation program and an 'x' appeared where the GPS said they were. The program would eventually be downloaded to a web site and that mark would appear on any charts as something new to be warned about.
"Now you know why we keep a watch this close to shore," Gary told Miguel. He nodded in understanding and went back to stand with Jerry. They made a cute couple and Gary could see what fueled Jerry's desires.
Their bodies were built much the same, shape and strength being almost equal, but Miguel was six inches shorter. Chris was thinner and just as short, Gary's idea of the perfect playmate. Chris was a late bloomer and could still grow taller. Somehow Gary didn't think that would be an issue.
Off to the south along the coast was a tiny string of islands, mere clumps of coral built up from the reef and covered in sand. The year before they had stopped there, anchoring the boat in twenty feet of water, a good safe place to visit once again. There had been many species of brightly colored fish to look at in the surrounding waters.
It might be only noon, but this would be a good chance to sort out the diving gear and learn how to secure the boat as a group project. Gary guided Chris, pointing towards a likely spot. Jerry kept a close watch on the bottom and called out when he saw it start to rise. Miguel helped lower the sails and Jerry dropped the forward anchor. The boat swung on its leash and when it was completely turned the chain went taunt and Gary dropped the stern anchor.
Miguel smiled. "You work well as a team," He said.
"It's a necessity, what affects one affects us all. Jerry and I anchored here last year. Over that way is a large coral reef with lots of color, and the fish are amazing. Only one rule, touch nothing...and I mean nothing. There are some poisonous fish out there, pretty and deadly. And the coral is fragile. We don't take souvenirs on my boat."
"Unless it's pirate gold, then we take it all, right?" Chris piped in.
Jerry laughed. "Yeah, you can keep all the gold you find down there. I dove all over this place and never saw a thing."
"My eyes are better than yours," Chris said.
It was Miguel's turn. "Only when you're looking at my butt."
Chris' face turned scarlet and they all laughed. "Hmm, someone got caught," Gary said.
Miguel gave Chris a punch on the arm, a love tap. "It's okay, you can look all you want...you have a cute bottom too."
Chris grinned, score one for the kid.
"Just make sure the fish don't nibble on your noodles, guys," Gary said, and the boys laughed. "I am not kidding. You dangle that bait in front of some of these fish and they will think it's edible. Not always painful, but quite a shock."
"I'm wearing shorts," Chris said, and they all laughed once again.
The quiet solitude of an ocean dive, a thrilling view of the strange paradise man rarely gets to see. Gary beheld the beauty of nature's vast world with awe as he slowly kicked his fins. Chris snorkeled beside him, one hand never far from Gary's arm for security.
Chris had entered the water with trepidation, but after an hour his excitement at the view before him won out. He tagged Gary's arm again, pointing at a cluster of parrot fish. The bright colors of these fish gleamed in the diffused light from above but they were only a few of the many species they had seen so far.
Miguel and Jerry had not wandered far from the boat and Gary could still see the trail of bubbles rising from their regulators in the near distance. As he had been taught, Jerry had run the diving flag up the mast before they entered the water. Scuba gear was cumbersome, and in shallow water it was unpleasant and bulky. Although the dual tanks Gary had were not large, they were aluminum and not very heavy. They held enough compressed oxygen for the average diver to spend an hour or so underwater.
All three boys had sat watching as Gary set up the equipment. After a ten-minute safety lecture Gary helped Jerry strap the tanks to his back. He would wear the dive watch and be responsible for keeping time. The tanks were full but twenty percent was figured as a reserve. A diver would get little warning when he started to run out of air.
To the inexperienced diver like Miguel that meant unnecessary panic. They would only be twenty some feet underwater and could easily surface. But safety was Gary's major concern and the boys would have to follow the rules. There was no need to mention that as a Seal he had broken every rule in the book. The simple snorkel was far better for where they were, and much easier for a beginner like Chris.
The brat was much like a fish himself, wiggling around and plunging to the bottom when he saw something he thought interesting. He had quickly learned how to clear his air tube and seemed to be able to hold his breath for quite some time. Gary stayed at the surface, making lazy circles and watching the progress of all the boys.
For the money you couldn't get a better science lesson than what they were doing here. All the boring slideshows that students endured in a classroom could not match the gallery of images to be seen in the real world. Here the coral was not some hard brittle object in a display case but a living thing in its natural state, and it seemed the variety was endless.
The school of parrot fish flashed in and out of the coral canyons, feeding on stray bits of this and that. Chris saw something of interest and headed down. He came back with a short piece of encrusted pipe, turned it over in his hands and let it fall back to the bottom.
Miguel and Jerry were right down at the bottom, maybe fifteen feet below them. Gary had made them wear gloves since he knew they would be able to touch things down there. Maybe he was being too cautious but coral was sharp and they didn't need any infected cuts marring the trip.
Gary saw Jerry reach into the sand and pull up an old rubber tire. He looked back at Miguel and gave the thumbs down sign. Humans littered the planet, why would this place be any different? They could spend the day picking up litter and not make a dent in the waste found down here. In time nature would bury the debris of man's foolishness but if they kept polluting the planet for too long then nature might bury them as well.
By three o'clock they were back on the boat, charging the tanks for another day and talking about all they had seen. Chris thought it might be fun to do a little fishing since they had seen some bass and other edible fish close at hand. Jerry and Miguel were up for exploring the sandy bar of land several hundred yards away, but Gary knew they just wanted some time alone.
They had a snack, saving themselves for a larger dinner, and the boys took off swimming towards the beach. Chris and Gary rigged poles and cast towards the deeper water.
"I bet they're gonna have sex," Chris said, a knowing grin spreading across his face.
"Oh? I hope they don't get a lot of sand in the wrong places," Gary replied.
"Yeah, that would hurt."
"Tomorrow, I thought we would sail along and drop into one of the towns along the coast. You haven't seen how most of these people really live and I think that would be interesting. The real Mexico is very easy to overlook when all we see is the tourist areas."
"Miguel said his ancestors came from Europe, does that mean he isn't Mexican?" Chris asked.
"It means he has Spanish blood mixed in with the native variety. The Native Indians in the Yucatan were overwhelmed by the Spaniards, their culture was suppressed but they did mix together. You can see the native part of Miguel in his features. I imagine there are more pure native people living along the coast and that's what I want you to see."
"Okay, um, where are the binoculars?"
"In the locker under your butt," Gary said.
Chris got them out and scanned the coastline. Gary knew where this was going as the boy slowly turned for a magnified look at the island.
"Do you see them?" Gary asked.
"Nope, they must be on the other side."
"Pervert, you really want to watch them?"
Chris nodded. "Sure, why not? Maybe I'll learn something. Oh, there they are. Ah, they're just sitting in the sand...no sex."
"They have a lot to talk about," Gary said. "Probably best if they don't get too frisky over there. The nature preserve is just two miles down the coast, and we're not the only ones with binoculars." Chris smiled and handed over the glasses. Gary turned away from the land and scanned the sea. Several boats out there, more of those big yachts and then a real nice sailing ship.
"Look, that's a schooner," Gary said, pointing out the large boat under sail.
Chris gazed through the lenses at the full rigged vessel making way towards the Caribbean. "Wow, that's huge," He said.
"Yeah, those things have more masts and carry a bigger spread of sail. A lot more than one or two guys can handle, they probably have a crew of thirty or more. That ship is probably a hundred feet long."
"What's the difference between a ship and a boat?" Chris asked.
"All ships are boats, but we couldn't be considered a ship. Size, weight, the number of masts...lots of differences between us and them."
"So, they can sail anywhere because they are so big, I see. Were pirate ships that big?" Chris asked.
"Some I imagine. Pirates sailed in warships and had lots of cannon to take over other ships. But most ships back then were cargo ships, big wide slow moving things so they could haul a lot of cargo in their holds. They went around the world looking for goods and many of them were caught by pirates for their cargo."
Chris sighed and Gary knew exactly how he felt. The glory days of ships under sail were long gone, but the romantic notion still lived in their minds. Chris would not have enjoyed those days because the reality was harsh and cruel for the working sailor. But Gary's mind still went out to that schooner in the distance, the romance lived on.
They caught a nice bass, and then three more. These they could bread and bake for dinner the way Chris was used to cooking. It was fun sharing the necessities of life with him. The romance of this adventure aside, he was such a dear boy with practical needs and Gary wanted to teach him the skills to enjoy life.
Gary turned the glasses back on the island and saw the boys lying in the sand. Oh, now they were doing something a little more to Chris' liking…but Gary wasn't about to say anything. Jerry deserved his privacy.
Gary knew if he had played the lottery the night he met Chris that he would have won millions, which was how lucky he felt. Boys like this did not just drop into your life, but this one had. He would never temp fate again, all his luck had been used up with this one encounter. Maybe Chris felt the same way? It would be something to ask him...someday.
Jerry would agree, Miguel had been a rare find as well. Gary saw them swimming back to the boat and quickly stowed the glasses.
They ate an early dinner and then bathed in what Gary considered to be an excess of fresh water, but then they could replenish tomorrow up the coast. None of them wanted to spend a hot evening encased in salt, especially since the planned activities promised to make them sweat.
Miguel complimented Chris on the fish which brought a smile. Miguel revealed what he had seen the cooks doing in the kitchen with fresh fish and they talked cooking. Jerry looked over at Gary and shrugged, it was a strange relationship these boys had developed. Gary knew Miguel had a younger brother. Maybe that affected the relationship. In any case, they were now buddies.
Jerry gazed on the scene with eyes that only looked at Miguel. Gary had seen their unprotected sex on the beach and realized they had kicked things up a notch. It was bound to happen and there was probably nothing to worry about, both were sensible boys. In a short time they would be separated for a while. It might be a month or so before Miguel could make his way north.
By now universities had already planned their fall class schedules and most students were registered. Gary wondered if Miguel would be able to get in this late. They had a contact at the University of Florida, at least Max did. He could pull a few strings if needed without telling the boy. Miguel wanted to do this on his own and Gary understood why...it was a test of his survival skills. Now Gary had two boys striving to become men, it was fun to watch.
They watched some silly comedy movie and all hit the sack. Jerry and Miguel were in the main cabin, the bathroom walls would give them some privacy. Gary didn't know how much noise they might make during sex, but Chris would sure love to listen to that soundtrack.