“I’ve been a customer for years, Kit. They’ll get me in.”
“Okay. Meet you at your house?”
“Yeah, give me about half an hour.”
Jody pocketed his cell phone and made his way out to the parking lot. He had a reserved spot with his name on a sign. When he got to his car, he froze. His heart rate accelerated and his even breaths turned into a wheeze, a precursor to a well-deserved panic attack. He started to shiver uncontrollably, despite the temperate climate around him.
All four of his tires were flat, and the word “queer” was spray-painted in blood red across the trunk of his car.
Chapter 17
JODY couldn’t stop shaking. He’d seen this kind of reaction before, but it had always been someone else who was the victim.
Growing up in a hate-free environment had its disadvantages. He’d become complacent, forgetting that there were people out there who still considered homosexuals to be deviants. Moving to the Bay Area had put him in another comfort zone altogether. People hardly looked twice when two men had their arms around each other or kissed in public. And yet, here he stood, in the parking lot of his workplace, staring at his trashed car. He felt violated and absolutely terrified!
He dialed 911 and asked to be connected to the police department. After giving all the particulars, they told him to call someone to set up a tow, but to stay on the premises until the police officer arrived. He hung up and dialed the auto club, sighing into the phone when they told him that it would be at least forty minutes. The last call he made was to Clark, deciding at the last minute to keep the news of his car to himself. The last thing he needed was an out-of-control football player.
“Kit.”
“Who?”
“Clark, it’s me.”
“Oh, hey! I forgot the whole Kit thing.”
“It’s okay, babe. I’m tied up and won’t get out of here for another hour. Do you still want to meet for dinner?”
“Don’t you think this is worth celebrating?”
“Of course it is,” Jody replied, determined to keep the worry out of his voice. “Can I meet you at eight? That will give me a good hour to get all my stuff in order.”
“That’s fine. Shall I meet you at Chez Panisse?”
“Yes, I already made the reservation.”
“Okay.”
Jody disconnected just as the police car was pulling into the parking lot.
“Well, well… what do we have here?”
“Officer.”
“Is this your car?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you see who did this?”
“No.”
“You gay?”
“Yes.”
“Huh,” the cop said, shaking his head. “Don’t these people know what year it is? I mean, shit, man, all they got to do is turn on the TV. Will and Grace reruns are on every night.”
Jody couldn’t help but laugh. The policeman’s wry sense of humor put him at ease instantly.
“What’s your name, sir?” the cop said, pulling out a small notebook.
“Jody Williams. I’m a doctor at this hospital.”
“You know anyone who might want to hurt you?”
“No, sir.”
“Of course not. You realize that trying to figure out who’s involved in this incident is close to impossible.”
“I understand. I’m just reporting it for insurance purposes.”
“Yup. Those fancy Michelins are gonna set you back a grand,” the cop said, making a circle around the car and shaking his head.
More like two grand, Jody thought, but who’s counting?
“Well, I’ll put in a report for you, but I really wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
“I’ll do no such thing,” Jody commented just as the tow truck pulled up.
“I’ll see you later, Doc. And good luck with the new paint job.”
“Yeah, right.” He’d finally stopped shaking, but he was worn out from the rush of adrenaline. He needed a good stiff drink to settle his nerves.
He had his car towed to a body shop that had done some work for him in the past, and then he called for a cab to drive him to Shattuck Avenue to meet Clark at the restaurant.
Clark was already seated when he got there; a bottle of white wine was chilling in a silver container off to the side of the table. The waiter arrived and poured the Pinot Grigio, and Jody lifted his glass to toast Clark.
“To the hunkiest student at Cal Berkeley.”
“And the sexiest doctor at Alta Bates.”
Clark reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze. Jody was surprised by the public gesture. He looked around to see if anyone had noticed, and was relieved that most of the people in the room were engrossed in themselves and their food. Nonetheless, he pulled his hand back gently.
“What grade did you get on the final?”
“I got a B.”
“That’s wonderful, Kit. I knew you could do it.”
Clark looked like he’d just won the Super Bowl.
“That’s it, then? No more dreaded English classes?”
“I’m done with them.”
“I’m glad.” Jody could see the relief on Clark’s face, the pride in his accomplishment easily discernible. “You really are much smarter than you think.”
“You’re just saying that to get on my good side,” Clark grinned.
“I’m saying it because it’s the truth. There is much more to you than football. You know that, don’t you?”
“I know it, but no one else seems to think so. I’ve always wondered what I’d do if I couldn’t play.”
“Have you ever explored other possibilities?”
“I really like coaching kids. They’re enthusiastic and filled with so much joy for the sport. You lose that as you get older and factor in standings, money, and fame.”
“Isn’t that the degree you’re aiming for?”
“Yeah. Phys ed. I just never thought I’d actually use it.”
“Why not?”
“Jo, I’ve been told for years that I’m going to play professional football. It’s not something I ever questioned.”
“If you woke up one morning and there was nothing or no one to tell you how to live your life, would you still pick football?”
“It’s hard to answer that right now. I’m at the top of my game and enjoying it. Ask me that when I’m having an off day and our scores suck.”
Jody smiled. “That wouldn’t be fair though. Your decision would be based on a whim, a bad mood. I’m asking you now, while you’re at the top, if you were given a choice, would you play ball?”
“I think so, at least for a year or two. I’d like to experience playing against the big leagues, see if I’m good enough to compete with those guys. Then I’d like to do something else.”
“You can be whatever you want to be, Kit. Your choices are endless, so don’t limit yourself to two.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, okay?”
“Okay.”
The rest of the evening was a pleasant blur for Jody. He had too much to drink and not enough food, but the incident with his car kept haunting him, and he attempted to wash it away with the excellent white wine.
“I’m going to have to drive you home.”
“I know,” Jody replied with a goofy grin. “That’s why I took a cab.”
“You did? Where’s your car?”
“Left it at work.”
“Good thing. Did you have a bad day?” Clark asked, obviously surprised to hear that Jody had left his car.
“Same old shit, different day.”
“That bad, huh?”
Jody shrugged.
“Let’s go back to your place, Jo. I’ll make it all better.”
Jody smiled suggestively and leaned forward. “Is that a promise?”
“You bet.”
Jody put his hand up and signaled the waiter.
A SATED Jody rested next to me in his bed. “I’m getting better
and better at this, aren’t I?”
“You’re a good student,” Jody slurred, barely able to keep his eyes open. “I think you’ve just graduated Blow Job 101.”
“You’re so fucking drunk.”
“I know. Sorry, Kit.”
I wondered what had set him off. Jody was always in control, and it never occurred to me that a day on the job could affect him so much. There must have been one hell of an accident to cause this much grief.
A moment later he fell asleep, gently snoring. I went outside, too wound up from all the excitement to go to sleep. Seeing that passing grade was as good as hearing I’d been chosen player of the year. It was better, actually, since I’d accomplished something much harder than playing football.
I turned on the TV and threw myself on the couch. It was the usual late-night crap, and I surfed the channels trying to find something good, finally settling on The Tonight Show.
Jay was interviewing a couple of the actors who had starred in that cable show about the gay guys. I listened with half an ear, wondering if they were really gay or not. I also wondered how long I was going to keep up with my charade.
It was becoming increasingly obvious to me that I was crazy in love. I assumed that the feelings were reciprocated, but since neither one of us was willing to make the verbal commitment, I could only hope. Which brought me back to square one. What do I do about it? I could only pretend for so long. It was getting harder and harder to leave him at night or early in the morning to go back to my place. Eventually, we would have to talk about me moving or something.
How long could I keep on pretending that we were just friends? If Nikki suspected, so would my family, and eventually the team would get wind of this, and I’d have to confront them, make some kind of decision. Was I willing to jeopardize my entire future? See the look of disappointment in my dad’s eyes when I said the word “gay”? He’d probably never talk to me again, and I could only imagine what the press would make of this.
Christmas was a week away. I couldn’t bear the thought of Jody being gone for ten days. He’d asked me to come with him, meet his family in Chicago. At first I’d balked at the idea, but now, I realized it might be a good thing. I would be far away from the constant pressure in a part of the country I’d never seen before. It was already snowing out there. That alone was inducement enough. Having a white Christmas had always seemed like a fairy tale to me, something in the picture books that I’d never experienced.
I decided to take him up on the offer. I’d go to Folsom in the next couple days, bring the presents, and make my excuses to the family. It would be the first time I’d ever been away at Christmas, but Jody was my priority. I had to be with him.
THE drive to Folsom had been uneventful, which was a good thing, because I was apprehensive enough. I didn’t want to subject Jody to any backlash or unpleasantness from the Stevens clan. He didn’t deserve it or need it, so I insisted on doing this by myself.
I pulled up to the driveway and parked in my old spot. I made my way into the house with an armful of gifts, went into the living room, and dumped them on the floor underneath the Christmas tree.
The house smelled really good, the fresh pine scent always a precursor to the holiday season. Mom had probably made cookies last night because that smell was also prevalent.
“Clark! When did you get in?”
My mom came into the living room, staring at me like I had two heads.
“I just got here.” She continued to stare so I went over and gave her a big hug.
“Why are you here? You’re not due home for another few days.”
“Just thought I’d bring your gifts and tell you and Dad that I’m going away for Christmas. I won’t be home this year.”
She was shocked. The expression on her face surely said it all.
“Where are you going?”
“To Chicago.”
“With him?”
“Yes.”
She stepped back, acting as if I’d slapped her. “No,” she said, the horror in her eyes saddening me.
“Come on, Mom. Don’t get all wigged out.”
“You can’t go with him, Clark. What will people say?”
“What people?”
“Your father, for one thing. And your brothers!”
“Do they know he’s gay?”
“Of course not! You think I’m crazy? If I told them he was gay, your father would have driven to Berkeley and dragged your ass out of that apartment.”
“And done what, Mom? Throw me over his knee and spank me? I’m not a child anymore. He can’t make me do anything I don’t want to do.”
“You owe him, Clark.”
“Owe him?”
“Yes. After everything he’s gone through, we’ve gone through to ensure that you have this career, you owe it to us to succeed.”
“Mom, I can’t believe I’m hearing this.”
“Believe it! You will not jeopardize an NFL career by associating with a known homosexual.”
“What if I told you I was a homo as well?”
“Don’t be disrespectful by even mentioning that in this house. You and I both know that you’re not!”
“Right,” I said, replying like a robot, the word automatically coming out of my mouth. I was too shocked by her attitude to say anything else. If she was reacting this way, I could only imagine how much worse it would be with my dad.
“I’m leaving, Mom. Say Merry Christmas to everyone. I’ll call you and Dad when I get back from Chicago.”
“Clark, please!” Her eyes held a desperate look, but I couldn’t feel sorry for her. I was too shocked and too hurt. I’d hoped to find an ally, someone who would help me through this, and all I ended up with was one more person I’d have to convince.
Chapter 18
SNOW everywhere! It was a glorious sight and one I’d been looking forward to for days. Leaving Berkeley had been easy once I’d gotten over the hurdle in Folsom. My dad never called to try and stop me, so I assumed that Mom had chosen not to share the fact that Jody was gay. Her reasons were pretty obvious, and I was grateful for the opportunity to go on this trip without any interference on his part.
Jody’s mother and father embraced me as heartily as if I were a child of their own. I was comfortable instantly.
“We’re so happy you could come,” his father stated, taking my coat and hanging it in the closet near the front door. He was much older than my dad, but I’d expected that, remembering our earlier conversations, when Jody first told me that this was his dad’s second marriage. He was slim and erect for a man in his late seventies. He still had some hair on his head, although it was as white as the snow on the lawn. He was strong enough to lift my duffel and carry it to the basement, which was set up like a separate apartment, complete with a kitchen.
“Dad, this turned out really nice,” Jody said, looking around and admiring the renovation.
“Your father has been working on this nonstop,” Margaret Williams gushed, eagerly showing off her husband’s handiwork.
“He did this all by himself?” I was shocked that someone his age could take on such a task, much less finish it. It looked like a professional job.
“My dad is a wonder with the saw. He has hands of gold,” Jody said, smiling at his father.
“So do you, Son, except you’ve chosen to use your talents in the medical field.” He embraced Jody and just stood there, holding him close. “I’m so glad you’re home,” he said, beaming from ear to ear. “We both are. Isn’t that right, Marge?”
“Oh, yes,” she replied. Turning to Clark, she added enthusiastically, “We’re so glad you’ve come with him, Clark. Jody has never brought anyone home for Christmas.”
“Really?” It surprised and flattered me.
“We’ll leave you two to get settled. Come upstairs whenever you’re ready. Dinner is at seven,” Marge said sweetly. “I hope you like pot roast, Clark?”
“You’ll find that I eat almost anything, Mrs. Willi
ams.”
“Please, call me Marge.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“And you can call me Steve,” the septuagenarian said easily, treating me like someone special in Jody’s life and not some guy he’d picked up in California. I became more impressed by the minute.
“Thank you. I’m very grateful to you for having me.”
“We’re grateful that you’re making our boy smile again. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen that,” Steve said. “Not since Rick.”
“Dad,” Jody said gently, shaking his head.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Shouldn’t I have mentioned that name?”
“It’s okay, Dad. Clark knows.”
“Then you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen that beautiful smile. I thought it disappeared forever,” Marge said, looking at Jody with a loving mother’s gaze.
“Okay, you two need to go and let us unpack. We’ll be up soon,” Jody said, taking both his parents by their hands and moving them toward the stairs. “Out you go,” he joked, pushing them gently.
“They’re wonderful,” I said, taking Jody in my arms and holding him against me. “Now I know why you’re so sweet.”
“Shut up and kiss me. It’s been hours.”
I did as he asked, pressing my mouth on his. It started out slow and easy, but rapidly turned to heat, the chemistry between us ever-powerful.
“Do we have time for a quickie?”
“Yes,” Jody responded. He played me like a piano, knowing which part of my body would respond to his touch. He was a master at bringing forth the sounds that were music to his ears. He grazed my engorged cock with a feather-light touch. “Have you been saving this for me?” he whispered, every nerve ending in my body heightened by his presence.
“Jesus—”
“Kit,” he moaned, running his tongue around my lips. He slid my zipper down, and slipped his hand inside my pants, rubbing my cock outside my briefs, feeling the wet spot that seeped through the cloth.
“You’re primed for action,” Jody observed.
“Please,” I begged and pushed him to his knees. He took me in his mouth, and I wondered how I’d ever lived without this. He milked me, making short change of my boner. I grunted and sighed, leaning against the wall as he did all kinds of wonderful things. I knew I wasn’t going to last very long. I’d been on the verge of an orgasm for hours, wanting to jump his bones on the plane and being denied. We had that one kiss, right after takeoff while the cabin was darkened; he’d fondled me and pulled his hand back as soon as the lights came back on. I’d been semihard since then.
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