Because Ed was well credentialed he had no trouble getting in line for the rescue squad at the Washington Fire Department. When he applied he informed them that he was only available on weekends. That pleased the department since that is when they had challenging staffing issues. He told them he didn’t mind if he worked days or nights. Those factors plus his extensive knowledge led him to be invited to an introductory training session in late September. Al asked me to take two days off and stay with Curtis because he was preparing for the fall legislative session.
I was happy to help out and decided rather than sit around and watch television I would try several recipes. I had become a better cook after Minnie retired. But that was the plain food Brian, Jason, Theo and I ate. I hadn’t fixed food for Curtis and Al in a while. As I interacted with Curtis my first day I observed that he only ate a little of the food I prepared. When I persuaded him to sit down to eat he said he wasn’t hungry. The exception was cookies. I found many, varied types of cookies in the cabinet. I decided to bake cookies and prepare pasta sauce. That meant Curtis and I had to walk to the local grocery store. I felt it was a good outing for us. Once we were on our way Curtis walked into an intersection without looking. After the first crosswalk I held his elbow until it was safe to cross.
After we got home Curtis went to his room to take a nap. As I was taking the last batch of cookies out of the oven I heard the water running in Curtis’s bathroom. I went to check on him and found him squatting in the bathtub. Before I could get him on the toilet he left a large pile of excrement in the tub. He didn’t object to sitting naked on the toilet as I grabbed a handful of toilet paper to clean up his mess. He stood as I dumped the poop in the toilet. He didn’t seem perturbed or upset and seemed waiting for me to tell him something. I turned on the shower and had him get in because he had yet to clean his butt. I decided it was easier for me to get in the shower with him to make sure he was clean. His desire for attention to his manhood was obvious as his stout cock stood straight out from his body. He gently grabbed my dick and held it like it was delicate china. After I had thoroughly washed his backside I decided to give him male pleasure and began with my soapy hands. He put both his hands on my shoulder and got in the rhythm of my stroking. He did cum but only a tiny bit. He seemed happy as he kissed me on the lips. I almost cried because this man had been so vibrant a little more than a year ago and was now needed the attention one gives a young child.
At the end of the second day which was a Friday Ed was going on his first ride as a newly hired EMT for the fire department. Al had arrived back from New York and was having dinner with a select group of Senators and Congressmen who I had scheduled. He didn’t get home until after Ed went to work. I stayed until Al got home. He thanked me and I went to the P Street house not realizing how tired I was. No one was home so I showered in the big shower in Jason and Brian’s room. I was toweling off when Brian came into his room. He didn’t seem surprised to see me. Theo and I often used their shower which was fine with them. Brian didn’t speak but got into the shower without speaking. I assumed he was as tired as I was.
He said angrily, “Jason dumped me, the asshole. He’s out with another dumb jock with a big dick. I need to fuck. Will you allow me?”
I started to say I was too tired but I could tell he needed to release tension. I hadn’t had a big dick in me in a long time so I smiled. Roughly he pulled me onto his bed without pulling the covers down. I did notice he threw me a towel to pull under us. I automatically got onto my back. He was rock hard. He grabbed the lube and didn’t put on a condom. I should have objected but didn’t. I could feel his big member again my asshole. I waited anticipating him. When he pushed forward I painfully felt him go in. He was taking his anger at Jason out on my asshole. After a few minutes he seemed to suddenly calm down. His thrusting became more measured and rhythmic. Without notice he reached forward and kissed me gently on the lips. I returned his kiss. We stayed that way until he released his cum as I sprayed over my chest. He took the towel and wiped both of us. I started to go to the bathroom and he said, “Stay here and sleep with me.” By this time the only thing awake about me was my asshole. I agreed and fell asleep with his arms wrapped around me.
That’s the way Jason found us the next morning as he came to collect the few clothes he had at the house. Brian and I stayed in bed and didn’t say anything as he quickly gathered his things. As he was walking out he said, “I guess I’ll see you at the gym.” Then he was gone. Later in the morning Brian and I did go to the gym but Jason wasn’t there. As we were getting dressed Brian said, “Jack, thanks for last night. I hope you don’t hate me.”
“Brian, I was tired from the emotion of dealing with Curtis but I was happy you needed me. I was concerned that you were mad and wouldn’t realize that you might hurt me. That didn’t happen. I was genuinely happy you invited me to sleep with you. I haven’t had anyone in my bed since Theo left.”
“I meant to tell you I heard from Theo while you were out of the office. He told me he has the proper papers to start working in Hong Kong. He has decided to stay with a friend because he hasn’t received his housing permission. He wants me to come over. I’ve decided to go during the session recess at Thanksgiving.” We parted as Brian went to the office and I went back to the house to straighten up. Outside on the front steps was Jason. He said he had forgotten something but I think he wanted to explain to me why he and Brian broke up. I invited him inside to get a pair of trainers that were right inside the front door.
He came into the kitchen where I placed a bottle of water in front of him and me. “Jack, understand I really like Brian. When I told him I wanted to date around he blew up and called me all sorts of names. I may not be the brightest guy but that wasn’t right to do to a person who really likes you. I couldn’t see myself with someone his age long term. I was afraid I would become attached not only to the person but the money and things he could buy for me. I’m probably a dumb asshole but that’s what I thought.”
“Jason, you are right Brian has a temper and what he said to you was wrong. You have to do what is best for you. Do you have a new boyfriend?”
“Yeah, you know him, Eric, from the gym.” I smiled wondering how two big, beautiful bears could find happiness. I put that thought out of my mind. He finished his water, took a quick walk upstairs to check again if he had left anything. He came down with a jock strap which he stuffed in his trainers and hugged me before he left. As I watched him leave I decided I wouldn’t tell Brian about Jason’s visit.
Several times that fall Al asked me to be with Curtis when Ed was working and he had a business dinner or cocktail party. Brian told me about his travel plans to see Theo. He asked if I would drive him to Dulles on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I took Al and Curtis’s car out of the garage for the first time in months and drove out to Dulles. On the way back I texted Al and told him I had the car out and did he need it for any reason. He texted me to stop at the Watergate and tell the doorman the car is was Al’s. I did that and went up to the condo.
Al greeted me with a businesslike hug and thanked me for bringing the car. He then said, “Leave the car here because I have Brian’s parking space. My lease on our current parking garage ends next month. Having the car will save a little money.” He paused, “Oh, you can use it whenever you need to. I’ve got to get on a call. Let yourself out.”
I laid the car keys on the kitchen counter. It was cool, not cold, morning so I decided to walk home knowing I had no plans for the holiday. I was feeling sad for myself. That feeling didn’t last because of events that took place on Monday before Thanksgiving. For me the Monday at the office was normal but slow because the Congress wasn’t in session. I didn’t see Al until early afternoon. He stayed a short time and was gone when I came back from the toilet. I didn’t see him at all on Tuesday. I was puzzled since I had scheduled some courtesy calls for him. I knew he didn’t have to be in the office to make the calls but he usually told me if he was using his cell from home. I was more concerned when I didn’t hear from him on Wednesday. Thanksgiving morning in the big empty house I was lounging in Brian’s big bed when my cell buzzed. I reached for it and saw Al’s number. I answered, “Hello.” Al’s voice was shaky and all he said was come over at 11:00am and he apologized for not contacting me earlier. He ended with, “The last three days have been hell.” He hung up. I showered and had coffee wondering what had happened.
I arrived at the Watergate promptly at 11:00am, Al opened the door and I saw Ed and Mark sitting at the breakfast bar. I understood that they were going to Harrisburg to be with Ed’s family. I am sure I looked puzzled and looked around for Curtis. I didn’t see him. Al said, “I’m so sorry I didn’t let you know what happened. You saw me Monday. Well, after the call as I came out of my office you weren’t at your desk. I had planned to call you as I went home.
“While I was in my office and my cell buzzed. I rarely get any calls so I looked at the number and it said Watergate Security. I picked it up and fortunately our regular front desk guard was on duty. She said something like Mr. Al, Mr. Curtis just walked out of the building in his slippers and bathrobe. I quickly thanked her and called Ed’s cell. I woke him since he had worked all night. I told Ed what she told me.”
Ed entered the conversation, “I jumped into my pants and shoes. I was pulling my shirt over my head when the elevator door opened. It took forever to get to the first flower. All I did was look at the guard and she pointed to the right. I ran out hoping to see Curtis. I saw him on the ground in the intersection. Several people were standing over him. A bystander told me not to move him. He told me he called 911. I reached down to Curtis whose eyes were glassy but I couldn’t see any blood. I looked around and asked if anyone saw what happened. The man who said he called 911 said Curtis stepped right in front of his car. He said, ‘I slammed on my brakes but didn’t hit him. He fell that’s all I know.’ I could hear the ambulance coming and watched as the EMT’s carefully lifted him onto the gurney. The EMT’s took him to the GW emergency room so I ran back inside to call Al. Al and I both got to the hospital at the same time. Al checked in with the attendant and was told she would let the doctor know.”
Al picked up the story, “We waited for perhaps thirty minutes having no idea what was going on. When a doctor came out he said, ‘Who is here with Mr. Roosevelt?” We both raised our hand and he walked toward us. ‘You’re family, I presume.’ I shook my head, ‘Mr. Roosevelt appears to have broken his right hip but we have him in X-ray right now. He has a bad bump on his head from the fall. We are going to do an MRI which gives us a better picture of his brain because we think he may have had a stroke. Has he had brain issues before?” I said, ’Yes, he has dementia.’ The doctor nodded and turned back.”
That was Monday afternoon. Where is he now?”
“Fortunately, his hip was only cracked not broken but the MRI suggested he had a major stroke. Either Ed or I were with him Tuesday but Wednesday they moved him to a rehabilitation center hoping to quickly start physical therapy. He’s in a facility near Sibley Hospital. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to talk so we don’t know what he remembers. I’m so sorry I didn’t call you earlier.” The security desk called Al’s cell and announced a food delivery driver wanted to come up with a delivery. Al collected the food and Ed and Mark started setting up our takeout Thanksgiving dinner.
Al and I went to visit Friday morning to see how Curtis was doing. In consultation with the chief physical therapist we found out that he has lost significant mobility on his left side but he is able to stand on his own. She confirmed that she had not heard him speak so assumed a speech therapist would check on him. We sat with him in his room and he didn’t stir from his sleep. After watching him for a half an hour we decided to return later. Al said, “Do you think I should cancel the trip to the west coast?”
“Getting the meeting in Silicon Valley was really difficult to schedule. Are you sure you want to do that?”
“You’re right. I’ll ask Ed to visit Curtis daily. He can use my car.” Al and I flew off first to Seattle then to San Jose. He seemed totally distracted even to the extent that I came over Sunday to make sure he had the clothes he needed. He insisted that I stay overnight and take the car service with him to Dulles. In bed Sunday night he wanted me to hold him which is something he had never asked me to do. He whispered almost crying, “What will I do if something happens to Curtis?” I didn’t answer and squeezed him tighter. It turned out the trip was important and I’m glad we went. Al publically was right on but at night all he wanted to do was have me hold him. We flew back Friday morning and went directly to the rehabilitation facility from the airport. Ed was there to meet us.
He reported little progress with Curtis speaking but told us that the physical therapy was progressing well. As we sat in Curtis room Ed told us that after his weekend shift he was planning on going to Harrisburg to help Mark empty their house and move to Rehoboth. He asked Al if he could continue to stay in the condo over the weekends that he was working. Al agreed. It seemed to all three of us that Curtis would not be coming home to the Watergate anytime soon.
Over the next several weeks there were a series of calls that determined our course of action. Al informed both of Curtis older sisters of his situation. They were both considerably older than he was and the oldest, Shirley, thanked Al for taking care of things.
Al spoke to Brian in Hong Kong who indicated he wanted to stay in Hong Kong with Theo for, at least, another year. Brian decided to list his condo for a year. He knew the condo association would be strict on approving a new tenant. Fortunately, Al suggested approaching the new Congresswoman from California’s 14th District who he knew had plenty of money and could easily afford what Brian wanted for rent. Al called her and she immediately accepted never having seen the condo but insisted that the lease be for two years. She also asked if she could decorate to her tastes which Brian reluctantly agreed to.
Al and I moved back in the P Street house. Al wanted to have his study back so we once again moved furniture up from downstairs. I assumed I would be in Al’s bed. That left the basement apartment available for Ed and Mark when Ed was on duty.
During early winter Curtis’ social worker recommended that Curtis be moved into their memory care unit. Curtis was mobile. She was concerned Curtis might decide to escape. The memory unit door could only be unlocked by a member of the staff. The patients had to wear small alarm devices around one ankle.
There was an announcement from the federal health authorities that a virus had been discovered in China and drastic steps needed to be taken in nursing and elder care facilities. In Curtis case the patients were not allowed to have visitors which meant our regular visits with Curtis ended. As the weeks progressed more state and local authorities applied mandatory stay at home orders. The Roosevelt, et all offices were closed and everyone was told to do their work remotely. Congress was on quarantine. Personal meeting with Congressional members became virtual meetings. We set up the study room with laptops for Zoom meetings which took some getting used to.
Ed was on the front line of virus exposure we rarely saw him when he in Washington. I prepared food for him which I put in the little refrigerator downstairs. We bought a small microwave for him to use to warm the food. If we interacted with him it was with masks on. At first that seemed so unfriendly but he agreed it had to be. For our exercise Al helped me pull out an old exercise bike which we moved up into the study. Since we couldn’t go to the gym we could get regular cardiac exercise on the bike. Al and I would walk long distances on days that were warm enough.
Our worst fear occurred on February 1 when the nursing home called an told us that Curtis had been taken to the hospital because he was showing signs of what was be now called COVID 19 virus. All we could do was contact the hospital to check on his condition. We received increasingly grave news on his condition until finally we got the call that we had been dreading but expecting. Curtis had passed away with respiratory failure. The social worker called inquiring as to the plans for his body. Al was too upset to answer so I talked to the lady. I had alerted the crematorium of Curtis death and they indicated they would collect Curtis body. Al sat quietly for several days in the study uninterested in doing any work.
The third afternoon as he sat quietly. I walked in carrying a chilled bottle of white wine. Al never drank anything stronger than white wine if he drank alcohol at all. I asked him if he would like a glass. He said, “I’ll have a little if you’ll join me.” That was my plan and nodded my head in agreement. As I sat down Al said, “Jack, you know Curtis and I have been together for twenty-five years. For the most part they have been wonderful years. I remember the first day I met this forty year old elegant, polished guy. I was a brand new graduate from Harvard Law. I arrived for my first interview with Roosevelt, Frick, McKinley and Dulles. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Curtis. He was so handsome and dashing. I had no idea how I did in the interview. Fortunately, I didn’t screw things up too badly because I’m still there today.
“Back in those days I was in the closet as a gay man. I knew Curtis was divorced but had no idea if he was interested in me beyond my legal knowledge. I didn’t find out for some months until he invited me to this house for dinner. I assumed it was a dinner party. To my surprise we had pizza around his kitchen table. I remember I was totally overdressed for the occasion. He didn’t say anything except to ask me to take off my jacket. I have no idea what we talked about but I do remember he put his arm around my waist as I was leaving. I took that as a sign but I didn’t know for what.
“I found out a month later when we took our first overnight trip together. I remember we stayed at the Fairmont in San Francisco. We walked into our hotel room and there was only one king size bed. We put our suitcases down and went to dinner. As you might imagine that was not all we did that night. We agreed that we would keep our relationship private. I continued to call him Mr. Roosevelt in the office for almost a year.
I was not out to my family but I really wasn’t close to them either. My parents lived in Los Angeles as did my four siblings. I was the youngest. I finally came out to my closest sister a couple of years later. She suggested I not tell my parents or my brothers. She said she and my other sister suspected and loved me no matter. She said they were anxious to meet Curtis which did happen subsequently on one of our trips to the west coast. Unfortunately, my mother died before I had a chance to tell her and telling my father or brothers never occurred.”
“Whoa, did Curtis tell his family?”
“In early November Curtis got an invitation from his oldest sister, Shirley, who lived in a grand estate in Easton, Maryland. She invited him to come for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. He accepted for Thanksgiving, took me along and introduced me as his law partner. I was welcomed into the family not only by Shirley but his other sister, Esther. I remember that there were other family members present but I don’t remember who. I was shocked how easily I was embraced by his family. That was twenty-five years ago. Curtis and I have had a wonderful life but we worked too much. We have plenty of money and could have done more traveling than we did. Our relationship was the best when we were working.”
I sipped on my wine wondering what was going to happen between Al and me. We quietly drank the wine until the bottle was empty. I took the empty bottle and went downstairs to fix dinner.
* * *
It has been a year since Curtis died and I am still sleeping beside Al every night hugging him. He never resists me and we have wonderful sex but that doesn’t seem to be the essence our relationship. Only time will tell. Because of the COVID 19 quarantines we decided to have a virtual funeral for Curtis in early April and read Curtis’s will. There would be a special remembrance of Curtis in October at the lodge in West Virginia. Curtis wanted to leave it to the family. The April remembrance did not occur because of the virus but the October event did occur. Al and I knew the contents of Curtis’s will and knew we were going to have plenty of money to do whatever we decided we wanted to do.
We contacted Theo and Brian about returning for the October event. Even though Theo’s green card application was still in process he didn’t have trouble getting a visitor’s visa. Brian had decided to leave the firm and permanently represent a large Chinese conglomerate with Theo assistance. They both hoped Theo’s green card application would be approved. They weren’t sure they would move back to the USA anytime soon. When they arrived for the remembrance they stayed at the JW Marriott even though they were with us most of the time. One afternoon when Brian was away speaking to his real estate agent and Al was on Capitol Hill Theo and I decided to have lunch at the St. Greg Restaurant where had first planned to meet more than two years ago.
I was interested in finding out about his job and his relationship with Brian. After we placed our order I said, “So let’s be honest how is it living with Brian?”
He smiled, “It’s fine most of the time. We really aren’t partners but more like roommates. We have a nice two bedroom flat with a fantastic view which neither of us could ever afford alone. We have an arrangement that he has to let me know when he is bringing one of his many Chinese muscle boys home. I do the same but I am more likely to be with one of my many ex-pat friends.” He smiled and I knew he had not lost his interest in older white men whatever language they spoke. As we were finishing I suggested that Al and I come join them on a trip somewhere in Southeast Asia next year. He thought that would be a great idea.
The four of us drove to West Virginia the day before the modified Rooster and Sparrow event to make sure things were in order. The meals were catered by the Greenbrier under Shep’s watchful eye. He assured me everything would be first class. Curtis’s sister Esther could not attend for health reasons but his eighty-two year old sister, Shirley, did attend with her two sons, their wives, and four of her six teenage grandchildren. Esther’s family was represented only by her son and his wife. They had no children. Weather maps forecast a magnificent fall weekend. Some in our group were apprehensive about the after effects of the virus. We informed attendees that anyone who wanted to wear a mask was encouraged to do so.
Our Saturday night dinner was pear and gorgonzola cheese salad, crispy roast duck in red wine sauce, roasted potatoes, a delicious cauliflower and broccoli casserole and finally chocolate soufflé which was Shep’s pride and joy. The massive, rustic chandelier gave the room a welcoming feeling. After dinner the group gathered in the great room in front of a fire in the massive fireplace. I had hoped someone would have been able to play the organ but no one did.
Al got everyone’s attention and started explaining how important the lodge was to Curtis. He told the family about the fantastic times he and Curtis had had together at the lodge. He didn’t share many details which, I’m sure, would have upset the family. Al said that details aren’t as important as what Curtis wanted to do to preserve the lodge for the family and avoid family arguments. After Al read the sizeable monetary bequests to his three nephews he said, “Now let me explain what he hopes will happen to the lodge. First, at his request, I had a new shake shingle roof put on the house. I have had the wiring and appliances upgraded. Curtis bequeathed the lodge to his three nephews plus a maintenance account of $500,000 for repairs and taxes. If there is no interest in keeping the lodge the sale price and the maintenance fees that remain will be divided equally between the two families. His hope, which he can’t dictate, is that the money will be given fairly to each grand nieces and nephews when they reach twenty-one. There was pleasant chatter after the short will was read except for chuckling wondering if his $250,000 gift to Georgetown Law School would even be noticed.
Curtis’s will stipulated that I would have my complete tuition paid if I was admitted and completed Georgetown Law School. Since I knew that was in the will I had already taken the Law School Admission test and was informed that my score was high enough to be admitted to Georgetown. I was apprehensive since I didn’t know how I would do in the law school’s challenging curriculum and continue to work.
The following crisp fall morning as the sun shone on the sparkling leaf covered lake Al stood on the dock and held the ashes close to his chest. When he opened the bag the ashes flew into the breeze. There was soft applause as champagne was served to everyone for a final toast. I could see the tears in Al’s eyes as the ash dust settled on the water. I put my arm around his waist.