The evening before they left for Provincetown we were having dinner. Al handed me a piece of paper with the following message to be emailed to each of the persons who had affirmatively responded to the party Evite.
On a second sheet were driving directions from Washington, DC. The basic message was follow signs to the Greenbrier. About one mile from the Greenbrier is the intersection for Highway 27 and State Route 12. Take Route 12 west for ten miles to Ashley Corner a four way stop sign and turn right. Travel one mile on Rooster Road. The gate will be on the right and will be open. Drive in and follow the driveway through the woods. There is plenty of parking near the lodge.
Note: The tuxedos and leathers are there if your size hasn’t changed. Otherwise bring what you need.
In addition to the sheets of paper Al handed me a thumb drive. That would make sending the email quicker. He said, “Jack, Roosters and Sparrows is an event started many years ago by Curtis’ relatives. It doesn’t happen annually because the event requires a remote facility like the Roosevelt’s lodge. We held the last event three years ago. The group of invitees is almost always the same. As you noticed all the respondents are men. They are gay or bisexual and love to play. I want you to attend but you may see things you haven’t seen before. I am anticipating that about half of the invitees will bring a guest. Four of the guys are coupled. I expect about twenty guests. We have already reserved a catering company to manage the food. Do you have any questions?”
“About how long do you plan to be in Provincetown?”
“We have rented a house for three weeks. As you know Curtis and I are flying up and renting a car in Boston. We are hoping you will drive up with our car about August 12. You can stay for a week and then we’ll return. I assume you haven’t been to Provincetown?”
“No, but that sounds good. I’ve heard so much about Provincetown. But before you drive to Provincetown we want you to drive to West Virginia to check the lodge? We haven’t been there in several years. I want to make sure everything is ready for the party.”
“I can do that on a weekend so it won’t affect more of my vacation days.”
Al nodded his head. Curtis smiled and asked, “Is the key to the kitchen door still on the ledge over the door in the boathouse which isn’t locked.” Al nodded and Curtis continued, “The gate will be closed and appear locked but it isn’t. We usually leave it open during the summer and fall.” As I cleaned up the table Al and Curtis left to pack. The next morning I dropped them off at Reagan Airport for their trip to Boston and then Provincetown.
I began to feel that their car was my car since I drove it more than they did. I drove to West Virginia the following Saturday. When I left Washington it was close to ninety degrees and humid. I wish I had someone to travel with me but I hadn’t had time to find someone. I couldn’t complain because Al and Mr. Roosevelt treated me like a son. I smiled thinking I provided more benefits than a son would. I was curious about the lodge and more curious about the message that I had sent to the attendees.
I found the gate without any trouble and after traveling the meandering drive I found a sprawling log lodge sitting on the shore of a small lake. The wooden and stone structure with a cedar shingled roof had been built by Curtis’s grandfather in the early 1950’s. After retrieving the key I walked through the dated kitchen with a massive preparation island. The dining room was baronial in its proportions with a rustic-style dining table that could easily accommodate the twenty invited guests. Over the dining table an antler chandelier with thirty lights hung menacingly on its heavy chain. A massive fireplace dominated the living room which was filled with rough hewn wood furniture. On a back wall was a piece of furniture covered by a fitted cover. I walked up to it. As I reached for the cover I banged my shins on a bench. Closer inspection revealed a massive organ. Realizing what I found I looked toward the corner where there were two large speakers. I assumed they were for the organ.
Down a long hall was one bedroom after another. Midway down the hall were bathrooms which were set up like a club with one for men and one for women. Like the kitchen the bathroom fixtures were dated green porcelain. The completely tiled shower room in the men’s room was open with multiple shower heads. As I started to use the toilet I remembered that I had to go to the well house and turn on pump. I assumed that the lodge had instant hot water heaters because neither Al nor Mr. Roosevelt told me to turn a hot water heater on. I dropped my gym bag on the floor in the first bedroom.
Curtis and Al or someone had cleaned the house recently but the house still smelled musty. I opened the double doors that led onto a massive front porch with furniture similar to that in the living room. Since I still had the key in my hand I walked to the boathouse to return it to its hiding place. Al had mentioned a special locked pine-lined closet in the boathouse which I detected in the dim light. He said there were at least twelve tuxedos of various sizes, shirts and accessories for the regulars. I knew formal attire was required for the party on Saturday night.
Back in the house I opened the refrigerator hoping to find beer but there wasn’t any. I decided to enjoy the afternoon and go out to dinner at the roadhouse I passed a couple of miles back in Ashley Corner. I fixed myself Mr. Roosevelt’s drink - a gin and tonic- and took off my clothes intending to enjoy the shade of the pergola over the tiny boat dock. I dragged a heavy lounge down to the dock and found a cushion for it. I had begun to relax when I heard voices. I quickly turned to see two guys walking toward me. I covered myself with my towel. The tall, skinny guy with a scruffy beard said, “Man, sorry to disturb you. We say the gate open and decided to drop in. You see Chris and I are catering a party here next month.” The other fellow who I presumed was Chris didn’t speak. He had a sweet face marked by old acme scars and an irregular, thin beard and a soft middle pushing against his tee shirt.
I said, “Excuse me for being naked but I was enjoying the weather which is so much better than Washington. I drove out this morning.”
“So you know the Al and old fellow who own this place?”
“Yes, I work for them in their office in DC.”
“Well, Chris and me work at the bar down the road. Chris’s dad owns it.”
Chris interrupted, “Step-dad.”
“I’m Shep, by the way, and you are?”
“Jack Springfield.”
“You don’t have to cover yourself with a towel cuz’ Chris and I are naked as much as we can be. We’ve never skinny dipped in this lake because it’s private. Anyway, Chris and me work in the restaurant part of the bar. As I said this guy, Al, called me to ask if we’d cater a party that they’re having next month. We saw the gate open and stopped by to see what serving pieces were here. We only want to bring what we have to. Mind if we look around in the house.”
Being a bit suspicious of the two guys I wrapped the towel around me and accompanied them into the kitchen. They looked in cupboards and finally opened a door that led into a giant butler’s pantry. Shep said, “Shit, I thought so. Everything is here except the food. Is there booze?” I opened the door where I had found the gin. He took a quick look.
“Are you going to be at this event?” I nodded my head. “Chris’s dad told me that these guys are queer and like to wear leather harnesses. Is that correct?”
His direct question caused me to pause but I decided not to lie. “They’re gay if that’s what you mean. The ‘leather harnesses’ I don’t know about. If they do is that going to bother you guys?”
“Me and Chris shag guys and each other sometimes. Doesn’t bother us. Anyway, thanks, Jack, I’ve seen enough. Could I have your cell number? Al didn’t give us much idea what food to fix. Do you know?”
“First, I will give you my card which has my cell and email on it.” I turned and my towel dropped exposing my butt to them. Neither said anything as I left the kitchen. I returned with underpants on and handed Shep the card. “When I get back to my office on Tuesday I’ll send you the schedule that I sent to the attendees. I know there is a light dinner planned for Friday night. I will find out about the other meals. “Did Al or Mr. Roosevelt give you money to buy the food and drink?”
“The guy who called told us to charge it. I didn’t tell him I don’t have enough credit to buy champagne and things like he mentioned.”
“Let me think about it. Is there an ATM in the bar?”
“Yeah, but it charges $4 every time you take money out.” I smiled and didn’t comment.
Shep said, “Jack, do you care if Chris and me take a dip in the lake?”
“Fine with me.” We walked toward the boat dock as Chris pulled his tee shirt over his head and toed off his shoes in the middle of the yard. He was completely naked before we got to the boat house. Shep and Chris jumped into the cool, clear water. I watched but didn’t join them. Ten minutes later dripping wet they gathered their clothes and started up the yard. Shep said, “Jack, order the ribeye steak tonight. I picked a bunch up at the meat market and they look really good.” I returned to my chair and heard their motorcycle engine start.
The bar was busy on Saturday night. I did as Shep suggested and ordered the ribeye which he broiled to a perfect medium rare. It was accompanied by a baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Instead of wine I ordered a beer. When I was finishing I decided to see how much money I could withdraw from the ATM so the guys had some start up money. I withdrew $400. I asked the bartender to call Shep to come out which he did. Quietly I said, “Here is starter money but I want a receipt for how it’s spent. I will make sure Al has cash to pay you and Chris for your effort and any extra food and drink. If he said he wanted champagne make sure it’s the best. Also, my recommendation for Saturday night is ribeye as good as you prepared tonight.”
He smiled, stuffed the money in his pocket and returned to the kitchen. I received several emails from Chris with questions in the early weeks of September which I was able to answer. I told Al about my meeting with Shep and Chris and he seemed pleased that I had taken over for him.
Curtis, Al and I drove to West Virginia the morning of the party. The weather was cloudy and looked like it might rain. The weather cleared as we got into West Virginia.
When we pulled into the parking area we could see a motorcycle and an old, rusty, white Corolla. I said, “Looks like Shep and Chris are here. I wonder who owns the car.” When we entered the kitchen we found the boys unloading the food and drink with an older white haired, plumpish woman supervising. She seemed surprised to see us. I spoke, “Hi, guys.
“Just got here. Aunt Jenny’s came with us to help. We couldn’t bring the food on the motorcycle.”
Aunt Jenny spoke, “Hello, Mr. Roosevelt. Do you remember me? I used to help my mother clean this house.” He smiled at her and nodded his head. She continued, “That was a long time ago. I have to be going guys. Do you need anything else?”
“Nope, all set”, was the answer Shep gave, never looking her direction. We walked through the dining room intending to drop our bags in one of the bedrooms.
As we passed the organ I joking said, “Are we going to get a concert?”
I wasn’t expecting an answer but Mr. Roosevelt said, “If Walter is in the mood I’m sure we will. He and Stanley are attending, correct?” Thinking quickly at the list of invitees I remember both a Walter and a Stanley responding positively.
I said, “Yes, both.” As we drove out we discussed we which bedroom was assigned to which guest. Al and Curtis were sleeping in the massive room at the end of the hall. Since one of the bedrooms was set up as a TV viewing room that left six other rooms with either twin or double beds. Two bedrooms had two double beds in each. That meant someone, probably me, would have to sleep on the daybed in the TV room.
All guests arrived by 5:30 except one fellow who called to say he and his friends were going to be there about 8. After a few drinks on the outside deck enjoying the cooling early fall air the atmosphere became relaxed and joyful. After a few minutes of quiet cocktail conversation Curtis interrupted. “Let me give you some information about our weekend’s plans. Tomorrow you can sleep as late as you want to because I don’t know what you’ll be doing tonight.” He took a sip of his gin and tonic and pulled Al up to stand with him.
“Anyway, let me continue, early tomorrow afternoon we will gather on the lawn for a picnic. We will continue a naked tradition that was started by my grandfather more than fifty years ago.” He looked around at the new faces said, “I will tell us how the naked tradition got started.”
Al laughed. “I hope it’s not too cool tomorrow. Being an Asian I can’t afford shrinkage.” There was polite laughter but I knew Al had nothing to be ashamed of.
Curtis said, “It is supposed to be in the mid-80 tomorrow. After free time we will gather for a formal dinner. Tuxedos of varying sizes are available if someone didn’t bring one or needs a slightly larger size. Cocktails will begin at six even though the bar will always be open. Dinner will be served at seven.” Curtis paused, “The evening’s entertainment, if Walter agrees, will be an organ concert and dancing. I don’t mean to be overly dramatic but the weekend should be spectacular.”
The shadows cast by the setting sun filled the room as Curtis led the men into the basement that was barely tall enough to stand in. A light in the closet was dim but leather outfits were visible. I knew that Curtis and Al had their leathers in their room so we left the men to select what they wanted to wear for the evening’s activities. I followed my bosses back to our room. We didn’t bother to close the door since modesty was not important as they stripped and pulled on their leather outfits.
I undressed and looked at myself in the heavy, dark oak framed full length mirror. I was pleased with what I saw. I pulled on a leather jock strap leaving my ass exposed. With Al’s help I put on a chest harness and he slipped the cock ring over my dick squeezing my balls in gently. “I’ve only done this for Curtis. Do you like it?” Al smiled and squeezed my balls, patted my butt and complimented me. “Remember you’re sleeping with us.” I didn’t understand but found out later as two couples tried to entice me into their bed.
The harness Curtis wore was more complicated and his sizeable balls and penis wouldn’t go through the ring. After several attempts at manipulating them Al went back to the basement to find a bigger ring. Al was finally successful getting Curtis ready. At dinner Barkley Jefferson-Grant had donned his sky blue spandex and was accompanied by two naked slave boys. At dinner the boys’ bodies were chained in their silver collars and lay at Barkley’s feet licking his boots. Having never seen such a thing before it was disconcerting initially. The boys were allowed to eat their meals sitting on the floor. Midway through dinner the backdoor opened and in walked Jerry and Favio. We all rose to greet them making our group eighteen not counting the nameless slaves.
After dinner Curtis invited the group to join him in front of the gigantic stone fireplace which was glowing and warm. We were seated except for the slave boys who were sprawled on a polar bear rug. Curtis asked Barkley if he would tell us how and where he met his slaves. He jerked the chains to get the boy’s attention. The boys had luminescent white skin, sported dark brown eyes, red lips and fat flaccid dicks. One boy was blond and the other had orange-red hair which was repeated lushly in a deeper hue down in his pubic area. Neither boy had any body fat. I didn’t find their bodies attractive.
Barkley started, “Well, I met them at a fetish party in Rehoboth last year. It brought back memories of me as a young guy. God, I was so young and in much better shape when I became Curtis’ Grandfather’s slave. He wanted every kind of sex in every orifice. His body was fit and well-toned for an older guy. He was a real exhibitionist -- we would have sex in front of one person or ten people.
“I remained his on-again, off-again slave for several years. I attended my first party here thirty years ago when Mr. Roosevelt was in his seventies. That is when I met Curtis for the first time.” He looked toward me and said, “We were about your age, Jack, when I met and fucked Curtis the first time.”
Barkley continued, “I have always wondered why some people got AIDS and others like Curtis and me constantly put ourselves in harm’s way and didn’t die.” By this time the slaves had totally undressed Barkley and proceeded to lick his entire body until they got to his penis which they stimulated to full erection. He got up with the slaves crawling after him to their bedroom.
I could see others were uncomfortable because swollen dicks pushed again our leathers. Members of the group sauntered off to bed about eleven. Once we had showered Curtis, Al and I got into the oversized bed under plush down comforters. The rooms had no door so nighttime sounds of others were audible. I heard the motorcycle motor and assumed Shep and Curtis were leaving.
I was awake early because in addition to not closing our non-existent door we hadn’t drawn the floor to ceiling drapes so the morning sun came streaming. I got up to close the drapes so the light didn’t disturb Al or Curtis. I didn’t bother to dress and walked to the kitchen wondering when Shep and Chris would be back. I started the coffee and was joined by Walter and Stanley who were wearing dressing gowns. I noticed that cups and cereal bowls were already on the counter so I assumed that Shep and Chris weren’t planning to arrive too early. Stanley asked if there was tea which there was so I put the tea kettle on the stove. I continued by putting out bread, butter, jelly and peanut butter along with milk and sugar. Couple after couple came into the kitchen most partially dressed.
A motorcycle engine was quietly audible before Shep pulled into the parking area. When he and Chris came in Shep said, “Good you didn’t wait for us. Sorry we slept a little later than we planned to. But our asses were dragging.” Without anything else being said they stripped off their clothes. Shep took a tray with coffee, milk and sugar to the front porch. Chris began gathering dirty dishes. Al and Curtis hadn’t appeared as I walked to the lawn and went down to the lake. I dove into the brisk water and swam to the swimming dock. I climbed on top. An older plump fellow and his very young Asian companion followed me. They were strong swimmers. After they climbed up the ladder the older man spoke, “I think your name is Jack, correct? I forget names. I’m Ted and this is Theo, he’s Chinese. He’s studying at GW in Washington.” I had watched Theo last night and his manners were annoying. He sat on Ted’s lap and seemed to be whispering or licking Ted’s ear. When he walked it was like he was on his tip toes. He had a cute smile and very red lips. I couldn’t decide if he was Ted’s date or partner. I would find out.
Standing on the swimming dock we shook hands even though we had done so yesterday. Theo eyes seemed to intently looking at my middle section. We sat talking until Theo jumped up. I could see he was fully extended as he dove into the water. With strong strokes he swam toward the shore.
I noticed that Curtis was standing on the pier and waving to get our attention. Ted and I swam following Theo. The others were standing there waiting for us. Curtis was holding a small box as he spoke, “Most of you remember Marcus Robinson who regularly attended the Rooster and Sparrow events. After Marcus prematurely died a couple of years ago I got a call from his partner who I did not remember. He said that an addendum Marcus will gave instructions that we spread his ashes on the lake at the next Roosters and Sparrow event. This seems like a good time to do it.” The group watched as Curtis opened the box. With the wind gently blowing away from us he pulled the plastic bag from inside from the box. He opened the contents. The breeze carried Marcus’s remains over the sparkling, leaf dotted surface of the lake. We silently watched and then applauded as the ashes dispersed. Breaking the silence I jumped into the water further spreading Marcus’s ashes as everyone laughed. Theo and several others paddled and floated around for thirty minutes before retreating to lodge to shower. I felt Theo’s hand brush my butt and I wondered.
The day was sunny and warm. Some guys swam, others sunned and one car load went into Ashley Corner to look around. As announced there was picnic on the lawn at two. Shep and Chris laid out a table of luncheon meats, rye and wheat bread, condiments, cole slaw and potato salad. There were two plates of brownies one labeled ‘with’ and the other ‘without.’ As Theo got his plate he whispered to me, “What does ‘with’ and ‘without’ mean?”
I smiled, “That means some of the brownies have marijuana mixed in. You should try one.” He tentatively picked one up and put it on his plate. We sat with Ted and several others around a table on the porch. Chris came with beer, sodas and iced tea. I watched to see if Theo ate the brownie which he did. They must have been strong because within a few minutes he got more boisterous. Ted seemed surprised and suggested he and Theo take a nap. Theo followed Ted into the lodge. I gave them twenty minutes before I deviously walked by the room they shared with another guy and his date. In the dim light I could see Theo topping fat Ted who was joyfully moaning.
As per the invitation the group gathered for cocktails at six in tuxedos except of Barkley’s two slaves who wore black pants and shirts with white long ties. While there was still sun Curtis wanted a picture of the group on the steps leading down to the lawn. She used several cell phone cameras to capture the attractive group of men. At promptly seven Chris rang a tiny crystal bell to call us to dinner. The dining room table was splendidly set with sparkling crystal, expensive China and eight pieces of silverware around each place. I was honestly surprised Shep knew how to set such a table.
The light from the giant antler chandelier cast artistic shadows across the room. We looked elegant in our tuxedos of various styles and Jerry in his Stewart kilt and sporran. Shep and Chris outdid themselves. The meal was preceded by chicken liver pate on toast points with champagne. That was followed by a savory Boston lettuce salad with gorgonzola dressing. After a brief interlude to taste our red wine we were ready for the ribeye steaks grilled to perfection, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli florets and tomato garish. At the end of the meal Al went into the kitchen and had Shep and Chris to come in. There was a hearty round of applause for their tremendous effort. I was pleasantly surprised because I wasn’t sure they could cook a hamburger when I first met them.
Shep thanked everyone and said, “Dessert will be served in the living room with coffee, tea and liqueurs in about thirty minutes. The group settled into overstuffed chairs and sofas before the fireplace where a small fire glowed. Walter and Curtis walked to the covered organ console. They slowly lifted it off. Walter slid onto the seat and I could see the lighted keys brighten. Nothing was said as Walter played a Cole Porter song called Begin the Beguine followed by a lively rendition of I’ve Got Rhythm by Gershwin. He turned and said, “I am happy to take requests.”
Curtis said, “Play something we can dance to.” He turned back to the console and played several upbeat tunes but no one got up.
Al got up and said, “Let’s push this sofa back and move that rug to give us a little more space. Jack, come over here and we’ll show them how it should be done. I was more than pleased to have been asked. I stepped up to him and got into position. We did what I would call a rumba which was easy for both of us. Before the song was complete Curtis cut in and took Al into his arms. Up until that point no one had joined us. I saw two men who had been quiet most of the day get up as Walter started a waltz. In their matching tuxedos Curtis and Al were elegant dancers.
Theo stepped toward me, “Ted, doesn’t dance but said I could dance with you if you want to.”
“I only lead.”
“That’s fine because I can do either.” As the waltz continued we took our place. From the first three steps Theo and I were instinct. The next song was a jive tune from the 1950’s. The other couples left the floor leaving the fast dance to Theo and me. He was fantastic. At the conclusion of the song Walter turned, “Is that enough? I see the boys have the dessert cart ready.”
Curtis went up to Walter, “That was wonderful. I bet this organ hasn’t been played since the last time you were here. It sounded great.” Walter graciously accepted our applause as Stanley stood by his side. There was a bucket of champagne alongside the liqueurs. I poured myself a glass and offered one to Theo and Ted. Only Ted accepted while Theo got a cup of tea. By eleven the group had dispersed except for Curtis, Al and myself. We sat watching the last of the fire’s embers die out. Curtis said, “I remember when the parties would go on to two or three in the morning. Sad to say but we are getting older.”
Al said, “Curtis, do you think there’ll be another Rooster and Sparrow event?”
“Probably not. You know I’ve been thinking about selling the lodge. After we leave I don’t see us coming back until next spring at the earliest. Admittedly, it doesn’t cost too much but I know we have to put a new shake roof on in the next year or two. Let’s think about it.” I sat quietly sipping the last of my champagne.
Everyone left by late morning. Shep and Chris cleaned the kitchen and stored all the dishes, silverware, serving pieces and pots and pans. Al paid them and thanked them for doing an excellent job. They were on Shep’s motorcycle and gone by noon. We didn’t completely close up because the cleaners were scheduled for later in the week. They would not only wash sheets and towels but also see that the water tank was drained and the pumps were turned off.
As I put on the shorts I planned to wear I stuck my hand in my pocket and felt a paper. When I pulled it out I found Theo’s contact information. I smiled and knew I would give that boy a call.