Swimming with
the Dolphins

Section 8

Rob and John on Captiva in 1992

December 27-30, 1992:  I was sixteen years when I first visited Captiva in 1990 when my grandparents arranged for a family reunion over the Christmas break. They wanted all the family to see the special place where grandfather came when he was young. We stayed at the South Seas Plantation Resort for four days. There were lots of people around including ten of my cousins all younger than me. There were plenty guys and girls to hang out with. My parents focused on the little kids and let me do my own thing including staying out as late as I wanted to.

On our second day my grandfather, Bucky, convinced me to join him for a walk down the beach. He wanted to show me a cottage. I didn’t understand why but I went along. About twenty minutes into our walk we stood in front of a cottage with pealing white paint and pink and aqua trim. He said, “My father and your great Uncle Peter built this cottage.” The cottage was crowded near the gulf on a slightly elevated sandy ledge. We stood for a few minutes and continued walking down the beach stepping around hundreds of holiday sun bathers. As we stood looking at the cottage I realized that I had never been alone with Grandfather.

That night I was hanging out with girls and guys on the beach. We were sitting by a campfire chatting. Someone had a twenty-four pack of beer which they shared. Slowly people broke off. A girl named Celeste from Sweden pulled me into the shadows. She had a blanket, we necked and I ended up having sex. She had a condom and put it on me since I had never worn one. That was my first time. It was fine but not great. I was no longer a virgin. That was the best part. The reunion was fun. Less than six months later my grandmother died. I didn’t see my grandfather for quite a while but I learned from my father that Grandfather bought a condo on Capitva as his winter home.

Two years later I was on St. Maarten because I had completed all required courses at Lawrenceville Prep and wanted an adventure before I settled into college. I had convinced my parents to let me crew on a sailboat for a semester. Father knew some folks in St. Maarten who chartered sailboats and arranged for me to crew. A few days after I got to St. Maarten in October my captain, a guy named Roddy, told me we were taking a sailboat named Sulu to St. Barts. The Sulu was one of several boats that Roddy managed for various owners. In a dingy from the Marigot yacht basin Roddy said, “Kid, tomorrow we’re sailing with some novices over to St. Barts to see how many get seasick,” he laughed. We pulled up alongside a navy blue hull bobbing gently on her buoy. I could see two guys naked which was common on this French island. Roddy spoke to a guy named Andrew who told Roddy that the Sulu would be sailing to Florida soon. The other swimmer, John, was Andrew’s friend.

The following day with the boat fully stocked we set sail with Andrew and John, two gay guys named Nick and Larry, John’s sister Beth and her friend Julia and a rotund woman with ample breasts named Suzanne. I decided to tease the two gay guys by wearing as little as possible. I was not interested in either of them but they were definitely interested in me. As we sailed out I stripped off my board shorts leaving only thin white boxers. The elastic was almost gone so they hung on my hips.

I could tell from the soft whispers between Suzanne in her flowered Mumu and John that I was Nick and Larry’s objective. I could take care of myself. After setting the sails I sat up front with Nick and Larry dangling my legs over the side until the sun was scorching my shoulders. I allowed Nick to cover my back with SPF 30 sunscreen. His hands found their way into the top of my boxers. I didn’t react. After our three hour sail we anchored in Columbier Bay off of St. Barts Island and had a lunch of lobster, champagne and Heineken in a beach shanty.

During lunch Roddy told us that he did not know the owner of Sulu, Mr. Kwan. He was hired by a man in St. Maarten who arranged captains, crews and provisioning for private yachts. The deal was straight forward - $25,000 per year for an ocean-experienced captain who was willing to sail the boat wherever the owner wanted it to go. Roddy’s resume qualified him because he had made both Atlantic and Pacific crossings. It had been nine months since he was hired and the Sulu had not been further than Anguilla and St. Barts. He asked Andrew and John, if they knew when the boat was sailing to Florida?

Andrew said, “I’m not sure but I’m expecting a cable from Mr. Kwan. I am quite sure we will sail now that I’m here.” As we sailed toward St. Barts modesty was unnecessary because everyone had shed clothes and in Nick, Larry and Andrew’s case everything. To see Beth and Julia topless didn’t surprise me quite as much as seeing Suzanne balloon-like teats. I stared at Julia’s ample teats with milk chocolate tips.

After lunch at a tiny shanty on the Columbier beach Roddy gave the order to prepare to sail into Gustavus harbor. An hour later we tied up to the shore cleats. Once secured Roddy announced, “We’ll sail around St. Maarten tomorrow.”

At 9:00am the following morning we unfurled the sails and pointed the Sulu toward Baie Orientale. In late morning Roddy said, “We’re on the last reach tack. Strike the sails and we’ll motor in. Get up front and furl the jib.” I jumped up and Nick helped me drop the jib while Larry lowered the mainsail. “This bay has unofficially become a nude enclave because of Club Orient.” Roddy swung his arm toward a string of low bungalows on the sunset side of the bay. He continued, “It’s the largest nude resort in the Caribbean.” As we rounded the small island offshore we saw another boat. We were scrambling for clothes until Beth said, “The people on that boat are naked.”

After the Sulu was securely anchored we swam and lounged around until early dusk. In our dingy I ferried everyone to Club Orient for dinner. We sat in the beachside restaurant where a guitar player crooned one Neil Diamond or James Taylor song after another. Andrew knew the words to almost every song. He soloed in his rich baritone voice with the guitar accompanying him. I sat close to John. The rum was flowing and by 8:30 everyone was ready for bed. First, I took the ladies in the dingy across the glassy water first and returned for the rest.

Back on Sulu Andrew and John decided to sleep on the fore deck and invited me to join them. The warm night air did not require a cover. The half moon provided ample light. We lay looking at the stars. Soon they were holding hands. Then hands began to move up and down their legs. They included me in their touching. We didn’t speak. Andrew leaned in, kissed John’s ear and stuck his tongue in. I didn’t make a sound. My dick twitched. I sense that John was self conscience so I turned toward them and whispered, “It’s OK, guys enjoy each other. I am leaving.”

John grabbed my hand, “Stay.” He turned to Andrew, “Stop, enough.” He rolled closer to Andrew and put his face on his chest. My stiff dick was oozing. I could see Andrew rubbing John’s manhood through his boxers. John whispered, “Andrew, kiss me, please.” Andrew moved to his knees and pressed his lips to John’s mouth. I didn’t move for fear of disturbing their moment.

Andrew whispered “Lift your legs. I will be careful.” He didn’t seem to care if I was there. Andrew positioned himself as his erection touched John’s asshole. Andrew pushed and his dick slipped into John easily. Andrew slowly slid in and out causing John to rhythmically moan. My hand was on John’s shoulder and I reached over and touched his leg and then his cock. John pulled my dick out of my boxers and slowly rubbed it. In the moonlight I could see John smiling at me.

I sensed that John was trying to time my climax with Andrew’s. I slowed John’s hand because I was close. Andrew whispered, “I am close, very close.” He slowed as John and I picked up our pace. Andrew gave out, “Augh, here comes, aughhhhhhhhhhhhh.” His face winched like he is going to scream. I felt my balls tighten. I shot two feet in the air not once but twice times. I spit out, “Shit, wonderful, oh shit.” I kept pumping John after he shot because I enjoy his twisting and writhing. Finally, through his teeth he sighed, “Enough, enough you masochist.” All three of us were breathing heavily. They followed me to the stern and we slipped into the water. We hung onto a couple of life jackets and savored our joint lovemaking. Once out on the deck we did a long three man hug. We returned to the bow for moon drenched sleep.

Morning came early as the sun rose. In the cramped space below Beth and Julia managed to fix breakfast for eight on two small butane burners. The coffee tasted fantastic. The passengers and crew gave the chefs rousing applause. As we sipped the last of our coffee Roddy described our sail, “The first three hours will be carefully sailing past Casa Plaige. We will stop for lunch at Grand Case and then make the run to Marigot.

The consensus was “Let’s see what happens.”

Tension between Nick and Larry was evident. As we readied to sail Julia and Beth were in their bikini’s and Suzanne pulled on a giant Mumu covered with huge hibiscus blossoms. Andrew had a short sleeved white shirt on to protect his shoulders from the hot morning sun. Larry asked me to put lotion on his shoulders and back. I obliged smiling Nick’s direction. Glaring at Nick, Larry offered to reciprocate. I was getting too much sun on my Philadelphia winter white skin. As Larry put lotion on his hands he kept sliding lower and lower on my back. I kept coiling the robes as Larry’s hands pulled down my pants and layered the cream over my butt. I bend forward prepared to raise the anchor chain on Roddy’s order. Larry with lotion covering his hands put lotion on my face. He winked at me. Nick tried to hide his hard on.

Larry slipped his hand up the leg of my board shorts. I smiled to myself. Larry’s hand clutched my balls and slid his hand over my stiff penis. I shuddered. Beth’s voice resonated as she stepped up onto the top step of the galley. “When are we leaving?” With her words the spell was broken. Roddy said from below, “Soon, five minutes.” I stepped back with my dick pushing against my shorts. I tried half-heartedly to be modest. Larry smiled in Nick’s direction. John shook his head dismissively.

I sat on the front rail after raising the anchor. Larry and Andrew set the sails at Robby’s command. The Sulu slowly glided through the narrow passage from Baie Orientale into the gentle swells of the Caribbean. I thought about last night and how comfortable I felt being with John and Andrew. I shook off the thought knowing that John and Andrew were together. I focused on sailing in this paradise with friends – what more could I want? I wondered, “How does an athletic preppy, like me, know if he would be with men rather than women? I wasn’t sure.”

After we returned the Sulu to her mooring I didn’t see John and Andrew for several days. I spend my time washing and polishing the Sulu ready for sail whenever Andrew gave us the order. The following Friday night Roddy and his girlfriend, Shay and I were invited to dinner at the house where John, Andrew and the others were. After dinner John and I watched Nick and Larry splash around the moonlighted pool. John said, “If you’re ready for bed I know where there’s an empty one.”

“No, I’ll stay.”

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” John asked and without waiting he asked, “Why is a sharp young guy like you bumming around with Roddy and Shay? Aren’t you in school?”

John looked at me as I loosened my shirt buttons. “I have enough credits to graduate and convinced my mom and dad to let me crew for a semester before going to Bryn Mawr College. I promised I would come back ready for school. My dad took time off a couple of times during his academic career so he agreed as long as I promised to return by next fall.”

“Why Roddy and not an established company up in the Virgins?”

“Oh, my dad knows the guy who arranges captains and crews down here. That’s why.” John dropped his boxers stood naked beside the pool. I said, “Who is this guy who owns the Sulu?”

“He’s a Chinese businessman, who lives in Hong Kong. I started working for him about a year ago. Get undressed and let’s get in the pool.” I did as he asked and John and I dove into the inky pool. Larry made a straight line toward me. He asked, “Did you watch the 76er’s game on ESPN last night?” Larry launched into a tirade about the coach. We had a spirited conversation about basketball. Andrew joined us and came up and put his arm around John’s shoulder. A little too loudly Andrew whispered, “Do you think Rob is gay?”

I heard John say, “Naa, but he might be after tonight… ask Rob yourself. He is standing behind you.”

Andrew looked at me and gave a shy smile before continuing speaking to John, “I’ve never been this happy. Tell me this won’t end. Can I talk to you?”

John said, “You are talking to me. What do you mean?”

Andrew got out of the pool and John followed. I heard Andrew say, “Are you staying close to protect Rob?”

Looking at me John smiled, “No, he is old enough to take care of himself.”

Trying not to obviously ease drop I stood at the edge of the pool looking at Nick and Larry. I heard Andrew say, “John, if something happens to me you have to call only one person, my stepfather, not that he really cares but he has my will.”

“What’re you talking about? What’s going to happen to you?”

“I may fall off the boat, get eaten by a shark, I don’t know.” From that point I couldn’t understand what was being said because Larry came up and started talking. When he swam off I heard, “And whatever you decide, do not under any circumstances let Lee know you have the list.”

John said, “It’s cool. Let’s gather up our clothes and go inside.” I followed them into the house where John showed me a daybed in a small room across from their room.

I awoke early when the long shadows of the morning sun rested across my bedroom floor. I sat on the edge of the bed listening to soft snoring coming from other rooms. I reached for the towel thinking I would go for a swim before anyone woke up. I walked onto the pool deck and found John standing at the rail looking across the calm water of the bay. His white butt was sandwiched top and bottom by his bronze Greek athletic legs and torso. He turned and smiled as I walked up. He says, “Well, did Larry get what he wanted?”

“What do mean? If you mean did he suck or fuck me, no he did not get the chance.” The physical thing was standing between us. I want him as a friend. But I decided I didn’t want to give up my gay virginity to him.”

John said smiling, “I can take care of that if it’s a problem.” I smiled and jumped into the pool. That began one of the most unbelievable twenty-four hours of my life. Andrew must have had a premonition because eighteen hours later he was dead. Andrew sensed his own demise. The police said he was an accidental victim of a deranged waiter at an Italian restaurant we went to in Phillipsburg. John thought that there might have been foul play involving this guy named Lee who owns the Sulu. Andrew’s death did not change the fact that the Sulu was going to be sailed to Tampa as directed by the constant flow of Telex messages arriving for John. Mr. Barkley, who owned the house, arrived with his large family. Larry and Nick decided to fly north to be with their families during the holidays. John moved onto the Sulu which was tied up at the yacht club. I was sleeping in a small room at Roddy and Shey’s so John invited me to move onto the Sulu with him. We quickly decided the yacht club noise was unacceptable and moved the Sulu to anchor in Simpson Bay. The water tanks were full and the holding tanks were empty. We weren’t sure how long we were going to be there.

The first few days on the Sulu were taken up by an overnight sail to St. Bart with a family of four – mother, father and two young teenage daughters. With Roddy’s permission John captained and I was crew. Both girls strutted around in tiny bikini trying to get my attention. I pretended not to notice them in their skimpy bikinis. I got really tired of the constant giggling of the immature girls. After returning them to the yacht club on Christmas Eve John and I serviced the Sulu and moored her far out into the bay.

With the anchor set John and I jumped into the bay to cool off. For our Christmas Eve meal we decided to cook onboard and spend a quiet Christmas Day. John said to me, “How does it feel to be away from your family?”

“OK, different. I am fine. What about you?”

 

“Remember, it’s not the first time for me. I’m fine.”

We floated around quietly until I said, “John, you are one handsome dude.”

“Thanks, stud,” brushing my comment aside. He jumped on top of me pushing my head underwater. We wrestled around until he stopped. I said, “You’re handsome yourself. Those young girls were dying to have you pay attention to them.”

“I get paid to be sexy. But they were so immature – giggly little girls.”

“Soon to be attractive young women ready for sex.”

“No interest. I would rather have sex with you.”

“You’re nineteen and I am over the hill at thirty. If you are interested in guys shouldn’t they be your own age?

“Guys my age are only interested in pussy and beer. They act so stupid. Have you ever seen those Boys Gone Wild videos? They’re so fucking juvenile. Guys get drunk on Spring Break and make fools of themselves on camera. I wanted to get away from that.”

“Like Roddy and Shay, adults who never grew up!” After a laugh John continued, “I am flattered that you would want to be with me. I’m almost a virgin. Andrew is the only male person I ever had sex with.”

“Really! I was a flirt and fooled around with a couple of guys in my prep school. I could care less if someone saw me naked because I felt I had something to show off. Most guys, even the gay ones, didn’t know how to respond to my openness.”

“I can understand that. Let’s get out and have a beer. Maybe we can get wild,” John said laughingly. As I pulled myself up the ladder I could see John’s dick sticking straight out. Without speaking he followed me up the ladder and gave my butt a slap.

I went below for two Heinekens. As I stepped on deck John said, “I see why you weren’t ashamed. You have nothing to be ashamed about.”

“Yep, I have enough dick and a beautiful bubble butt.”

“Are you a top or a bottom?”

“Honestly, I have only been a top. What about you?”

“I have been the top and bottom but only with Andrew. He preferred being the bottom. I guess they would call me versatile. Can I get you another beer?”

John came back on deck, sat down beside me and put his arm around my waist. I shivered and my cock twitched. I wanted to get it on with him. He bent down and took my dick in his mouth. Slowly he began to move up and down. The sensation was magnificent. He quickened his pace and I put my hand on his head. “Slow down, I want this to last.” He lifted his head and moved toward my lips. We kissed.

He took my hand and led me below deck. The hatches were open and a cooling breeze blew across the forward bunk. I pulled him on top of me. His hairy chest against my smooth one was a real turn on for him. He ran his fingers down over my stomach to my throbbing dick. He grabbed it and began to slid up and down until I said, “Slow down, I want you to come inside me. I’m afraid I’ll lose my nerve if you don’t do it now.”

“I will get you ready.” He reached for the lube and put the slippery liquid on his right index finger. “Do you want a condom or not? I will go either way. With me you don’t have to worry. Andrew and I were tested and I know our results were negative.”

“Bareback, I have heard is better even though it’s dangerous.”

He generously lubed my dick and had me lie on my back. With my legs up his cock pushed gently against my asshole. He told me, “Push out like you are taking a crap.” He pushed against my hole and I winced as he slid into my cavity. He slowed to let me adjust. He had my arms and legs firmly around his neck as he began to move in and out. I knew I only have only a few more thrusts. I whispered, “I can’t hold on much longer.”

He replied, “I will stop anytime you want me to.” I shook my head and pulled his butt cheeks signaling him to continue. He smiled and said, “Let her fly.” He pushed in and out four more times before his cum shot inside me. He cried out, “Oh, my God, oh my God.” Untouched my dick erupted between us in three giant volleys. He grabbed my sensitive dick and pumped it. “Stop, you are killing me. Oh, my God, pain, pain. Stop, you…” my voice trailed out as I calmed down. He was smiling. He pulled out and I grabbed his still oozing dick and proceeded to give him some of his own treatment. There was little he could do but grit his teeth and moan. “Enough, uncle...”

We had uninterrupted, lustful sex for the next three days. We discussed our feelings and our apprehensions. We learned together and it was wonderful. I was completely comfortable being top or bottom. I felt no guilt being with an older man. I was beginning to accept that I might be gay. I loved every moment I spent with John. He seemed less and less insecure about me being younger.

Early the third evening John and I were sitting under the canopy drinking a beer and finalizing our final plans to fly to Florida. I said, “Let’s go for a swim.” Floating around with our Heinekens in hand I described my trip to Captiva a couple of years ago. “I hope you get to meet my grandfather. He’s a real cool guy. We went to Captiva for a family reunion.”

John said, “You told me you lost my virginity to a girl on that trip.”

“Yes, but it was a fuck, nothing serious.”

“That wasn’t the best part. My grandfather took me and a Black kid named Jeremy to an offshore island to swim with the dolphins. Jeremy’s family owned the cottage that my grandfather built. I met Jeremy two years ago. He knew more about me than I knew about him because he asked me if my grandfather had taken me to swim with the dolphins. He hadn’t but later Grandfather, Jeremy and I were able to sneak away and took a small boat to North Captiva Island. We watched for dolphins. Grandfather insisted that the only way to get them to come close was to swim naked. Jeremy and I stripped off layers of boxers and shorts and waded into the surf. I was scared to death. Next to Jeremy I was really self-conscious. I know that is hard to believe now.

“Gramps told us to swim out about twenty yards and tread water. Less than five minutes later I was bumped and something brushed against my stomach. My hand moved as the dorsal fin cut the surface of the water. I was quiet and suddenly a big dolphin scooted right by me. I reached out to touch him. Gramps said, ‘Wait a few moments.’ The big gray mammal came back. I grabbed for his fin and got pulled fifty yards. I was scared but hung on. My heart was pounding like a jackhammer. I let go when he dove. Three dolphins pulled and pushed us along for more than an hour. It was a blast.”

“That sounds like great fun.”

“Maybe we can convince Gramps to take us.”

The sun’s gold touched the cottony clouds on the western horizon when John and I were dropped off at the airport the following evening. Both of us fell asleep as soon as the plane took off for Miami. When we arrived we rented an SUV and drove across Alligator Alley to Naples where I dropped John off. His brother and family plus Beth, his sister who I met in St. Marten, were packed and ready to go the airport. They were returning to Chicago sooner than expected trying to arrive before a winter storm descended. After I met John’s family Beth followed us toward the rental car, “Something is different between the two of you,” I blushed and smiled knowing that she was correct. She kissed both of us on the cheek

On the second evening we were sitting on Gramps screened pool enjoying a glass of white wine when my cell phone played its tune. I answered and John said, ‘Rob, can you come down get me so I can see Captiva.’ I told him my parents were leaving in the morning and Gramp’s condo would be empty except for him and me.”

“I am ready any time.” John spoke without hesitation. “As soon as you can get here I’m ready.”

“If I leave now I can be there in about two hours. That way you can meet my parents. I have told them about what happened.” Laughing, he added, “Not everything. I mean about Andrew.”

“Just call when you are getting close. We may be out at dinner but I will have my stuff with me.”

I picked John up at his grandparent’s condo. When we arrived back on Captiva John explained Andrew’s story to my parents. They seemed to like John. I got the impression they thought he was watching after me in St. Maarten. I smiled thinking, “If they only knew.” John and I slept on the couch in the living room but not together.

The next morning my parents left for the airport. Gramps asked us to call him Bucky said, “OK boys what is on the agenda for today?”

I responded without a breath “Can you take us to North Captiva to swim with the dolphins? And I want to show John the house on the beach.”

He hesitated with a slight scowl, “I don’t know if we can get a boat. We’ll see.”

The clouds were gathering and I thought it probably wasn’t the best day to go. “Looks like rain to me.”

“That’s when the dolphins love to play,” Bucky commented.

Bucky called the South Seas Plantation marina to see if a boat was available. He was told that there would be several back from morning fishing trips after noon. He reserved a fishing boat for one o’clock. We put our things in the second bedroom room. There was a big queen size bed so sleeping with John wasn’t going to cause a stir. I sat on the bed as I pulled on my board shorts and topsiders. Bucky walked in and stood by John, “Ready for a walk down the beach so I can show you boys the house.”

“I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” I turned away and bared my rear end in their direction.

“Nice ass,” John quipped.

“I agree and no tan lines.” Bucky added.

“I don’t have any lines either,” John chuckled.

“Well, you may be surprised but I don’t have them either,” Bucky said smiling.

We laughed and joked as we walked west on a great curve of sandy beach toward the cottage. Twenty minutes later we stood in front of the white cottage trimmed in pink and aqua with a rope fence where ‘No Trespassing’ signs hung from the rope. As Bucky was telling us the story of building the front door opened and Jeremy and another well-built Black man came out”.

“Hi Rob, what are you guys doing?” Jeremy said.

“Jeremy, what’s up? I called.

“Oh, Gramps is telling my friend, John, the story of your house.”

“Oh, Mr. Hearn did you know that my grandfather died last year?”

“Yes, Jeremy, I was with him in the hospital several times. He was a great guy. We go back a long way, you know.”

“I miss him a lot.” A taller guy walked out, Jeremy said, This is my brother, Javal. I was telling him about the dolphins this morning. You guys going up?”

“We’re going this afternoon. Gramps, can they come along?”

“The more the merrier. We’re leaving the marina at one. Meet us there? Jeremy, you know what to wear.”

“Yeah, nothing.” His brother scowled.

“I told him about it and he may not come.”

We had towels and a cooler with beer and sodas. Jeremy and his brother were at the marina at one. They were joined by an older, deeply tanned man who they introduced as Ted, their father. Bucky knew Ted and assumed he was coming along. We motored up to the island north of Captiva. As we walked onto the beach I stripped and sprinted into the Gulf.

Within minutes Jeremy, Javal John and I were in the water. Bucky called instructions as Ted stood smiling. We all got multiple rides. When we had enough we exited the water every guy was sporting some stage of a hard on. Bucky commented, “I see everyone had a good time.”

Javal laughed, “Better than my sex life lately.”

Bucky said, “Did you boys ever hear of the anatomy lecture your grandfather gave me, my brother and your father about the reason for the difference in dick size between white boys and you?”

Embarrassed I said, “Gramps, that is too much information.”

Jeremy added, “I know our grandfather was well hung. I took care of him when he was sick.”

Bucky started, “Well, after riding the dolphins Mr. Jones said very seriously, ‘Boys come over here and sit down.’ I started to slip on my shorts when he added, ‘No leave them off.’ I raised an eyebrow but did as I was instructed.

“Looking at me and Todd Hudson he said, ‘Do you boys know that I am an English and biology teacher? I am going to give you a special lecture on human anatomy. There is too much misunderstanding between the Negro man and the white man. We are all men as you can see. We have exactly the same parts inside and outside. Bucky, you notice that Ted has a longer penis than you do when relaxed.’ I couldn’t help but look at Todd who was examining his flaccid penis. I am sure I was blushing.

“Ted said ‘Father, for Christ’s sake why do you embarrass me all the time’. Bucky smiled at Ted. “Mr. Jones continued, ‘A lot of racial trouble has a sexual base and you can see for yourselves the reason. Some white men are jealous of what they see as the Negroes sexual apparatus. When not excited the white man is small but grows when the man is sexually aroused. His manhood serves women fine. When Ted’s penis stiffens it doesn’t grow much.

“Too many Negro men resent the white man for his power and influence. The white man wants to keep Negroes in their place for fear they will take white women with their supposed sexual power. Both groups are wrong but the perception exists.

‘Todd said, ‘You are right about the Negro pecker. Whoa, I should be so lucky!’ Mr. Jones rose and told Robert and Charlie, his sons, to get their swimming suits on and follow him. The boys fussed about wanting to keep swimming but followed him. As I remember he said nothing to you, Ted. I remember Todd broke the awkward silence with ‘I guess we should get going’.”

Slightly embarrassed, Ted said, “Bucky, that is pretty much the way I remember it. I see much hasn’t changed looking around at the boy’s apparatus. Thank goodness the environment in the country between blacks and whites is some better.” I was anxious for Bucky to end the conversation so I got up, dressed and was followed by the others. I handed everyone a beer.” I discretely put my hand around John’s waist. When I didn’t think anyone was looking I nuzzled into his left ear. “You are fucking cool.” I smiled, “We can fuck tonight.”

“You sure? Your grandfather will be in the next room.”

When we arrived at the marina Bucky invited Ted and the boys over to his condo. Ted declined but invited us over the following evening for cocktails. He said the boy’s Aunt Mary was expecting them for dinner.

Rob and I slept together and quietly made love. The sun was brilliant when I heard rustling. I opened the door to find naked Bucky fixing coffee. With me commando and John in white underpants we joined him. He smiled knowingly. I suspected that he knew about our lovemaking.

“You boys want coffee?”

“Mine with milk and sugar,” I said.

“Black for me.”

“Go out on the deck.” We didn’t dress even though there were other condo porches nearby. Bucky didn’t seem to care. He came out with a tray of coffee cups and the pot. He went back in for the sugar, milk and donuts. He sat down on his chair with his sizeable dick and balls hanging over the edge of the custom. He picked up his cup of coffee and studied it.

Looking at us he said, “I can tell you boys are more than friends. Did you have fun last night?”

I blushed, “Yea. Did we wake you?”

“I am a light sleeper. I could hear the sweet sounds of love making. I am totally fine with it. My uncle was gay. We called him a homosexual. He had a lover who died with him in an automobile accident. Did you ever hear that?”

“No, I didn’t. Just for the record I am not sure whether I am gay or bisexual. I like being with John a lot but I haven’t given up on women.”

Bucky added, “Rob, what if I told you I have a Hispanic man as my companion.”

“When do we get to meet him?”

“He’ll be over soon. He lives with me. Since you parents were here we decided that it was best to get him a room over at ‘Tween the Waters for a couple of days. I have known him for many years but we have been together less than a year. It is really wonderful. He is so nice to me. I don’t want you to think I played around while your grandmother was alive but I did some.”

“Bucky, like you said. I am fine with it.” Just then a distinguished, dark skinned man with a full head of white curly hair in his sixties opened the front door. He saw us sitting naked and smiled.

“Come join us, Carlos.” He set his duffle by the door and shed his shirt exposing his muscular chest. He pulled a stool up close to Bucky.

“Carlos. This is my grandson, Rob, and his friend John. How was your vacation?” Both of us laughed.

Seriously Carlos said, “Did you tell your grandson about me?

Before Bucky could answer John’s cell phone rang. I retrieved John’s phone from our bedroom. John read a text message from his Hong Kong office: “Go to Philadelphia before returning to St. Maarten. More later.” John rose and went inside to the bathroom.

When he returned he said, “Rob, I’m going to Philadelphia from here.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know but I am sure more information will arrive.” he frowned.

After we finished coffee John began calling about reservations to Philadelphia. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to go back to St. Maarten without John but I didn’t have the money to fly to Philadelphia. I shared my dilemma with Bucky who told me he would pay for the ticket to go with John. He told me I could pay him back sometime.

After a bathroom break Bucky reminded us that we were due at the Jones cottage at 5:30. He hesitated slightly and said, “Rob are you interested in hearing some family history?”

“I’d love to but it may bore Carlos and John.” They both shook their heads. “OK, I’ll start and if I go on too long tell me.”

“Can I take some notes? Bucky smiled and waited while I retrieved a pad and a pen from his counter.

“Rob, don’t worry about getting all the details of the story. I have diaries from your great grandfather and his brother that tell the whole story. If you are interested I will entrust them to you. They reveal family secrets that our relatives would prefer no one knows.”

“Yesterday when we stood in front of the pink cottage with the aqua dolphin railing you said you would tell me how it came to be.”

“When was the original cottage built?”

“Not too fast. I’ll get to that part of the story.”

“John and Rob, my brother, Peter, was a homosexual. He had a long term partner, CeCe that Carlos, remembers. Carlos was with us when we completed the cottage in 1946.”

Carlos nodded his head and said, “CeCe and I had been friends until he was killed in the auto accident with Peter in El Salvador. That was the late 1940’s, right?”

“Yes, it was 1947. The last addition to the cottage was completed in 1946. The cottage’s exterior has not been altered since. Rob, the addition which includes the dolphin rail and circular staircase occurred when Uncle Peter along with me, Mr. Cosgrove, his sons Bill and Mike and Todd Hudson came for spring recess in 1946. For your benefit, as well as that of John and Carlos, let me digress.

“Later on when we walk down the beach for cocktails with the Jones’ I will tell you more.” He got concurrence from the group. There was a lull as Bucky and Carlos took bathroom breaks. John and I pulled on shorts and T-shirts. As soon as they returned to the porch Bucky continued, “Near the end of World War II my father and Uncle Peter bought the remaining interest in A.E. Chandler & Sons, Ltd. from the family, after Paul Chandler’s sudden death of a heart attack. The wartime contracts with the US and Canadian military had been lucrative, so we were living well. The company’s main offices were in New Orleans where Uncle Peter and CeCe lived.

I graduated from Princeton in 1945 I moved to New Orleans much to my parents dismay. They wanted me to go directly to law school. I started working for A.E. Chandler & Sons, Ltd. running the processing and warehouse facilities. I got to know many of the Chandlers. I served as an escort to various nieces and friends to balls and cotillions. I was planning to marry your grandmother at Christmas time that year. She was finishing her senior year at Bryn Mawr College where you are going this fall.

“In late February, Uncle Peter invited me to join him on Captiva for two weeks in April to work on the cottage. He didn’t tell me what we were going to do or who else was coming. When I questioned him for details he responded, ‘You’ll see.’ I flew from New Orleans to Tampa on an Eastern Airlines DC-3. The bridge to Captiva was impassable because a major storm hit the island the previous December. I was ferried across Blind Pass and walked the final mile carrying my duffel. The storm, while not a hurricane, had done considerable damage not only on the island but also to our cottage.

“As I walked toward the cottage I was amazed at the number of new places that were under construction. I approached the cottage from the beach and found another surprise. Not only were my father and uncle working. My younger brother Jake was joined by Todd Hudson. Todd was finishing his first year teaching at the Taft School in Connecticut. He wasn’t engaged but knew he was going to marry Melody Hargrove in a year or so.

“We were joined by Mr. Cosgrove, Bill and Mike. Bill had just been discharged from the Navy after serving two years. He was married to Gretchen Moran. They were expecting a baby in several months. Todd and I had been in their wedding as groomsmen. His brother, Mike, was on spring break from Colgate University. My father and uncle had planned an early bachelor’s party of sorts. Unfortunately, CeCe was not there. He had returned to Cuba for a reason I don’t remember.”

Bucky was losing our attention, “Too much information. I suggest a walk on the beach. Rob leave your pad and pen here. You’ll remember enough.”

Once on the beach, Bucky continued, “Rob the first thing I did when I arrived was to go skinny dipping in the ocean. There were people around but certainly not like today. I am sure when they saw me strip off my towel that they thought I was crazy but I wanted that tradition to continue.”

“What do you mean ‘tradition’?” John asked.

“Well, as Carlos knows, we rarely got swimming suits wet because skinny dipping was so much fun.”

I smiled at John, “Bucky, that’s the way John and I swim in the Caribbean. But you couldn’t do that here today. You’d be arrested.”

“We still sneak out on warm nights for a dip, don’t we, Carlos? We can do that tonight if you want to.”

“We’ll be right behind you,” John chimed in.

Bucky continued: “The Hudsons had their place for sleeping even though a tall palm had blown over into their upstairs dormer. When I arrived at our place the Cosgroves and Hearns were sweeping up broken glass, taking down torn awnings and raking mountains of decaying mangrove leaves. We piled up the soggy, mildew saturated furniture and burned it. Father and Uncle Peter had hired carpenters to help fix the damage. At dinner that first night, someone suggested expanding the deck. That led to a discussion of changing the entire front of the cabin. The rum, gin and other spirits were plentiful. Our discussion included Truman, Stalin, sugar futures, and Communism. Every now and then someone would say, ‘I think we need a weathervane or why not add a spiral stair? Let’s try a new color scheme.’ This went on until after midnight.”

We walked slowly and when we reached the Jones’s cottage I said, “Bucky what are those strange things?”

Smiling Bucky said, “They’re drunken dolphins.” He let out a hearty laugh.

I furrowed my brow and repeated, “Drunken dolphins?”

Shaking his head Bucky said, “You had to be there! On our second morning someone sketched on an envelope something that resembled those creatures. No one remembered who drew the original sketch.”

“Who came up with the color scheme?”

“I do know the answer to that question. We wanted all who had benefited from the house to be represented. We choose pink with aqua trim for girls and boys. We choose white and black for the fence and railings to represent the two races.” As Bucky finished statement the door to the cottage opened and a tall, distinguished black woman stepped onto the deck.”

She smiled graciously, “You must be Mr. Hearn. The boys told me about you.”

“You must be Jeremy and Javal’s mother?” Bucky inquired.

“I am their aunty, Ted’s sister. You knew our father, I believe.”

“Yes, very well.”

“I understand that you are returning for cocktails this afternoon.”

“We are available.” There was a group nod to reaffirm the invitation. We walked back to the condo for lunch. I was concerned that John was bored but he told me he found the story engrossing. The four of us gathered on the screened porch about 3:30pm. There was a steady breeze causing the palm fronts to noticeably whisper. Bucky said, “Rob, are you ready for more of the story? If I am going into too much detail cut me off.”

“Keep going.”

“Rob, the renovation and rebuilding became an all consuming obsession. Each of us took responsibility for something. I got the job of going into Ft. Myers and finding a cabinet maker who would cut sixty drunken dolphins. Peter’s job was to find a welder who could make the spiral stairs. We weren’t sure he would succeed. Todd, Uncle Peter A car that belonged to Mr. Chandler’s house which had been ferried over before we arrived. It was a Buick from the 1920’s and was parked at Blind Pass on Sanibel. Uncle Peter drove us to the ferry for the trip to the mainland with the car.

“Peter, Todd and I arrived at the Chandler’s house for two nights. The house was for sale which was prompted by Paul Chandler’s death. Because of the house’s location and the sizeable acreage, the asking price was $46,000. Uncle Peter thought that was too high. Todd and I put our sparse belongings on the upstairs screened porch. Peter selected Mr. Chandler’s old room. We opened the windows to hear the leaves of the great oak trees rustling and palm fronts swishing. We decided to shower before dinner. Todd followed me into the bathroom across the warm mahogany floor boards that squeaked with every step. Todd slapped my bare butt as I stepped into the big shower. He joined me and we mutually satisfied each other. That was the first of two showers that night. The second shower followed my first experience with Todd’s dick impaled in my butt. That was a first for both of us. ”

Bucky paused waiting for a reaction my reaction. I said, “Too much information. Anyway, both of you got married.”

“We did, but we remained really good friends. We had secret rendezvous for many years until immediately before his death in ’87. Our wives knew that once or twice a year we would go somewhere to do something special together. In the early years it was to Captiva. Later we invited other men of like minds to join us to reduce suspicion. I loved Todd. We had a special bond that included affection and plenty of raw sex. Carlos, did you ever suspect?

“It doesn’t surprise me. I am sorry Todd passed away, but I can try to take his place as your buddy.” He provocatively rubbed the front of his shorts. John and I laughed.

“Dinnertime came and we joined Mrs. Mason, the Chandler’s housekeeper, who must have been 75 years old. She no longer kept the house by herself and had a Black woman help with cleaning and cooking. She insisted that we eat dinner in the dining room, as she said, ‘like the old days.’ We dressed up in clothes we found in the various closets and cedar chests. When we entered the dining room candles were casting a soft coral glow over the room. The table was set with polished silver, fine china and sparkling crystal water and wine glasses.

“When she stepped out of the dining room Uncle Peter told us that she was as gracious as when he and my father came the first time in 1920. She returned to pour wine and serve fried chicken and boiled shrimp, plus much more. We ended with feathery key lime pie for dessert. Uncle Peter went into the kitchen and escorted Mrs. Mason into the room. She blushed as we applauded her. Her assistant stood near the doorway beaming as we acknowledged Mrs. Mason. I suspect it was a crowning moment in the long and gentle life she spent tending to the house and the Chandler family. I learned from Uncle Peter that she died in her sleep just days before the grand Floridian mansion was sold to a developer.

“Soon we need to walk down the beach for cocktails so I’ll be brief. We left the car at Mr. Chandler’s and drove a truck back with sixty drunken dolphin fence rails, an iron spiral stair and gallons of pink, aqua, black, white and light green paint. Uncle Peter ‘borrowed’ tools from Mr. Chandler’s garage. Two carpenters and the seven of us not only completed the work on our place but also the Hudson’s dormer by the end of the first week. With the drunken dolphins in place we settled into serious partying at night while either swimming or fishing in the day. It was a glorious time and the last time I really spent any time with Uncle Peter.” He audibly sighed as he rose indicating it was time to go.

We walked toward the Jones’ cottage, Bucky told us that he and his wife, my grandmother, Jeanne, had been married for forty-four years so she had heard plenty of stories about the bachelor party. He added that early in their marriage they spent several wonderful weeks on Captiva after my father was born in 1948. Bucky told us that they sold the cottage in 1953 right after the causeway was completed. He said grandmother wanted to have a place in Winter Harbor, Maine for summer fun and to go in the Caribbean during the winter. He reiterated that she passed away shortly after the 1990 reunion from cancer which she had kept a secret from the family. Momentarily, he paused looking across the Gulf of Mexico then walked with purpose toward the Jones’ cottage.

“Hello, Ted,” grandfather called. Ted rose to greet us along with Jeremy and Javal. Mary, the woman we met earlier was not present.

As we climbed the shell ledge Ted spoke, “I knew you would walk down the beach.”

“Is there any other way? I knew you would expect it,” Bucky responded. He solidly hugged Ted who asked if we would like to see the house. There was an affirmative nod from me. The tour was quick and I was surprised how dated the kitchen and the bathrooms were. After returning to the deck Mary served iced tea and lemonade. She joined us as Ted was telling us how the Jones’s came to have the house.

“My father, Marcus, bought the cottage in 1961. We were the only Black people who owned a place on Captiva. I didn’t like to come, but father insisted. The house had sustained heavy damage in a hurricane the previous year and there had been serious beach erosion. The house was only twenty to thirty yards from the water.”

Mary stated, “Our mother was certain that the house would be washed away into the gulf but buying this place was something father really wanted to do. He got the place cheap. Luckily, we haven’t lost anymore shoreline.”

After a long drink of lemonade Ted said, “This is our last night in the cottage because we have sold to a developer for a lot of money.”

“Too bad. I heard that the cottage has been sold,” Bucky conceded.

Ted spoke to Bucky, “Have you heard the story of your father’s first trip to Captiva?”

“He has told me about diaries but I have not heard much.”

“Let me fill in a couple of details that my father told me.” Jeremy and Javal walked toward the surf and began throwing shells. Ted continued, “They know the story and I am afraid they’re embarrassed.” Looking at me he continued, “Anyway, thanks to your great grandfather, your namesake, my father lived a long happy life. He retired from teaching in 1971. He passed last year at the age of 87.”

“Bucky said, “Tell Rob in as much detail as you remember. He may write a family history.” Jeremy and Javal returned and sat quietly as Ted continued.

“Stop me if I am going on too long. Your great grandfather, Rob, did something special for our family. He came to Captiva with his brother in 1920 when my father was about 13 or 14 years old. That year the cabin was started but definitely not finished. Your great grandfather met my father, Marcus Jones, on that trip. Marcus was a helper on their fishing trip to the island. When your great grandfather went back to Philadelphia he promised my father that he would help him get his education to become a teacher.”

Having turned back Javal spoke, “How could he do that when he was up north?”

“As father told me in early 1921 a letter arrived from New Jersey. It was addressed to Marcus Jones, c/o General Delivery, Ft. Myers, Florida. The postmaster did not know Marcus Jones so he sent word to the pastors of the Negro churches that a letter had arrived for a ‘Marcus Jones’. One Sunday morning as my father was leaving the little Baptist church with his mother and six brothers and sisters, the pastor pulled Marcus aside and told him a letter had arrived for him from New Jersey. The pastor volunteered to go with father to the post office to pick up the letter. When father told his mother about the letter she was suspicious. The next day father and the pastor went to the post office and signed for the letter.

“According to father the pastor stood back as he opened the letter. He pulled out a letter and a $5 bill was folded inside. Father told me he almost fell down he was so surprised. Father tried to read the letter but it was in cursive script so he couldn’t. The pastor read it to him. In essence the letter said something like ‘here is some money to be used to help you reach your goal of learning to read and write so you can become a teacher.’ Father said the pastor was surprised but asked him if he really wanted to be a teacher. Father said, ‘Yes’.

“That pastor became his first tutor. He used the money to pay the pastor. The pastor helped father get a job as a janitor at the Synder’s Outdoor School for Boys which was located where the main dining room at the South Seas Resort sits today. Anyway, your great grandfather, Robert, sent my father an occasional letter with $5, $10 and sometimes $15 for two or three years. Father printed and later wrote Robert letters describing his progress. I remember father telling me how he could stand at the back of the classroom at Synder’s as part of his pay. He was not allowed to sit down nor permitted to speak, but with the help of the pastor he could do the lessons.

“Every November when the boys came down from North Carolina until they left at Easter father got to go to school. I am sure it was much better instruction than he would have gotten at the Black local public schools in Lee County. In 1924 or so he was permitted to take an entrance test to see if he qualified for college. He did not have a high school diploma but did well enough to enter Florida Southern Teacher’s College in Tampa. He had little and probably could not have attended if Robert had not loaned him $100. Father went to Tampa where he worked and went to school for two years when he was able to become certified as a teacher in 1927. He started teaching in a two room school house for Black children in Lee County. He also coached the basketball team at the Black high school. He got his college degree in the 1930’s and his master’s degree in 1946. I attended his graduation.”

He turned to Jeremy and Javal, “Your grandfather was so proud on that day. We could hardly get him to take off his robe and mortar board. He strutted around like a peacock.”

Returning his gaze to me, Ted said, “I know Robert loaned father money but that was never as important as the encouragement he must have written in those early letters. I think my father saw your great grandfather when they did the big project on the cabin in the late 1940’s. I don’t believe they saw each other after that.”

Bucky entered the conversation, “You are almost right. He did meet one other time. Your father came to Philadelphia for an NAACP Convention in the 1970’s. My father was not well but we met your father for lunch at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel which had a segregated dining room. Your father was hesitant because it was soon after integration. I really don’t remember much about the conversation. On our drive home I watched the tears run down my father’s face without him saying anything. When he spoke he said, “Marcus did it not me.” Bucky and Ted were both teary. I felt a tinge of pride that comes from knowing what one of my relatives did to help one man and his family.

After gaining his composure, Ted concluded, “Father retired after 37 years from Lee County Schools in 1971, having taught English and biology. Ted looked at Bucky who responded with “The lecture!” They both laughed and we groaned, having heard the ‘lecture’ yesterday. We said our ‘Goodbyes’ and Ted thanked Bucky for taking Jeremy and Javal to North Captiva for the dolphin swim.

Bucky assured Ted that he would be back in the morning to observe the concluding chapter at the pink and aqua cottage on Captiva Road. We silently walked back. I held John tightly around the waist as he did me. Once back in the condo, Bucky and Carlos went into their bedroom. Shortly we could hear soft snoring. I said to John, “It has been some day. Are you ready for bed?”

“Let’s sit down on the porch. Is there anything to drink? Maybe white wine?” He got up to search and returned with two half full glasses. “Rob, I know you are not ready for a steady relationship with me or, for that matter, any man. But I think you are one cool dude. If you decide to give a long term relationship a shot keep me in mind.”

“John, you know I will. We have so much coming up with the sail and solving Andrew’s murder. Besides that, when we go back to Philadelphia day after tomorrow, I have to complete my application to University of Pennsylvania.”

“I know but I just wanted you to know I like you very much. I enjoy your grandfather and hearing the stories about your family. I hope to hear more. I know you are still deciding which way your life will lead you. If there is a place for me I would love to be there. And that is coming from a boring accountant.”

“Well, would this ‘boring accountant’ like to fuck me? I am ready.” John smiled and got out of his chair and pulled me up. I undressed him and he undressed me before we got into the shower together. Once in bed we turned on the bedside radio to disguise any unexpected sounds. John began to work on first my ear lobes, then teats before surrounding my swollen dick. Gently he rolled me on my back and took each foot and placed one on each side of his neck. He lined himself up and slowly pushed. I was tight and not as relaxed as I could have been. “Oh, oh, oh,” I moaned as he slipped into my bowel cavity.

“You OK?” without waiting for a response he pushed in further. I couldn’t move because it hurt. “I’ll go real slow.” He began to slide in and out which caused my dick to deflate. The sensation was extraordinary. The pain was lessening but very real so he rubbed quickly to his climax and smiled all the way. As he came down he said, “Well, you are definitely not a virgin now.”

“You are definitely right. I want you to know I will do it again. I want to be versatile.” I implied that I would work on him which he declined. I was happy because I wanted to remember my first time as a bottom. I left him to use the bathroom and when I returned I found him sound asleep. I joined him wondering what would happen to us.

Bucky stuck his head into our room shortly after seven. He stood in the doorway without hesitating as John and I walked into the bathroom. Coffee was ready on the porch where Carlos had a cup in his hand. Bucky left us for a short time and returned with a beat up, dusty cardboard box. He set it before me. “Rob I want you to have these journals and letters. I suggest you take them with you to Philadelphia and get a safety deposit box. It is probably best that the rest of the family not see them until I’m gone. You decide for yourself what do with them.”

I didn’t say anything because Bucky changed the subject. “Guys, if you want to see the house come down we have to get going. They will demolish her this morning. Get dressed quickly. My guess is the job will be over in a matter of minutes.”

John stood as did I. We were back in five minutes in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. “We’re ready.”

The four of us were joined on the beach by Ted, Mary, Jeremy and Javal as the yellow crawler stalked toward us.

Bucky said, “Even though they’re tearing her down they can’t take the memories of the people who have come and gone from this house.”

“They should’ve renovated it. Why didn’t they?”

“Too lazy, I guess. People want it all new.”

Seeing the demotion was not nearly as fascinating as the twenty-four hours prior to the demotion of the white cottage with pink and aqua trim. I had been entrusted with stories of my family recorded in journals and letters. As we walked back to Bucky’s condo I saw the affection that Bucky had for Carlos. When they retreated to their bedroom I heard the sweet sounds of lovemaking. As we packed into the rented SUV mid-morning Bucky handed me another bulky manila envelope I stuffed it in my backpack.

As soon as the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign on the plane went out I retrieved the envelope from my backpack. The title page read, Remembering Todd Hudson by Robert ‘Bucky’ Hearn. I silently read a page and handed it to John. The only sounds we made were gasps and giggles as we got acquainted with Bucky in a totally unexpected way. That was my last time I saw Bucky and Carlos and the last time I was on Captiva.

Appendix 1
FAMILY TIMELINE
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