“Did you finish high school, Sammy?”
“No, but a social worker helped me get my GED.”
“I guess that means you never went to college.”
“Oh, sure I did. I was big man on campus, Mr. Frat boy,” he said sarcastically.
“You also look sick. You need to get on some medicine and get off whatever you’re shooting in your veins.”
“Listen, in this lifestyle, we’re all sick. Shooting smack only helps me shut out the inevitable. If getting high makes me feel better, why shouldn’t I do it? Living my lifestyle is like playing Russian roulette every day. You don’t know what’s in store for you, so you might as well block out reality. Is that what you wanted to hear? Now, if you’re done with the twenty questions, I’ll be joining my friends.”
“Alright, here’s the other hundred and my phone number,” Julio said, handing Sammy one of his business cards along with the hundred, “just in case you think of something else that might help me later on. Or if you just want to talk. Or if…well, if you decide you want to get clean, give me a call and I’ll do what I can to help you.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he said, sliding out of the booth. “Thanks for the beers. See you around.”
Julio walked back to Otto and offered to buy him a beer. “That’s okay man. You can cut out of here. I know you’re uncomfortable.”
“Thanks, Otto,” Julio said, buddy-slapping his burly shoulder before leaving.
He couldn’t get out of this place fast enough.
Chapter 41
Friday—September 26, 1986
Andrew couldn’t contain his excitement about seeing Connie again. He was on his way to the airport to pick her up for the weekend and they were driving to upper Westchester to a romantic bed and breakfast. They were to spend the night in the country and then go back to Andrew’s apartment on Sunday. As Andrew drove up to the baggage claim area at JFK, he spotted Connie immediately.
She beamed as soon as she recognized Andrew pulling up to the curb in a sporty red Camaro ragtop. She was thrilled to see him and couldn’t get over how handsome and confident he looked as he sprinted out of the car and eagerly embraced her in his strong arms. He was dressed casually in khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt. Both emphasized his toned and muscular physique.
Andrew was still struck by Connie’s natural beauty. Her silky brown hair glistened in the morning sun and haloed her finely sculptured features. Her lightweight cashmere jacket, unbuttoned to reveal a pale green turtleneck, brought out the green specks in her hazel eyes and did nothing to hide her slender figure. The passage of so many years seemed only to enhance her wholesome good looks. Andrew thought she could easily pass for a young woman in her early twenties. Once Andrew had Connie and luggage loaded into the car, he drove off happier than he had been for a long time.
It was a beautiful fall day in New York, and the air smelled clean and fresh. “Do you want the top down?" he asked.
“Yes. I’d love the top down.”
Andrew looked at Connie and smiled widely, almost laughing as he set the top in motion. The ragtop folded itself back into place behind the back seats.
“What are you looking at and what is that goofy smile about?” Connie asked.
“I can’t believe you’re here and this is happening.”
“Well, it is, so let’s go. And keep your eyes on the road,” Connie said, laughing as he pulled away from the curb. With the side windows up, the air barely stirred her hair. Of course, the posted speed limits on the airport exits were low. Once they got moving, that would change. She pulled a scarf from her pocket and tied it around her hair.
“I’ve got directions to the inn printed out in the glove compartment,” Andrew said. “When I get off at the Salem exit, let me know where to go from there,”
Driving up the Hutchison River Parkway was breathtaking with all the fall colors. It started to get a little cool, but they kept the top down and Andrew turned on the heater.
“This is a great little car,” Connie said.
“I think so, too. I just rented it this morning.”
“You rented it…why?”
“I rented it because I don’t own a car.”
“Why not?” Connie asked.
“Because I’m a New Yorker now. I don’t need a car. I live eight blocks from my office and two blocks from my dry cleaner and grocery store.”
“You’re kidding?” Connie exclaimed.
“Haven’t you ever been to New York?” he asked.
“No, never. Why?” she asked.
“Well, I’d better prepare you. I live in a very small, one-bedroom, single bath apartment. It’s a co-op building in an upmarket neighborhood. If I had a car, the garage would cost me almost half as much as my monthly mortgage. I make a good living, but New Yorkers live small. Space is expensive. Kitchens, bathrooms and closets are going to look tiny compared to what you’re used to. I moved stuff around and even put my summer clothes in storage at the dry cleaners. However, know in advance we are going to have to be creative or stretch the budget and get a bigger place. You’re not getting cold feet, are you?”
“You can’t scare me off that easily, Andrew. I don’t care where you live or what you do, you’re stuck with me.”
After they took the exit, they drove through winding tree-lined roads and passed deep blue lakes and ponds. They followed the directions until they came to a sign that read Mayfair Cottage Inn.
The inn looked like something out of a storybook. It was white clapboard with dark green shutters and it seemed to go on forever. The public rooms were decorated in early American colors with original Duncan Phyfe furniture. There was a beautiful dining room, lounge and guestrooms in the main building. Connie and Andrew were in a private little cottage towards the back of the inn. They planned to ride bikes and do some hiking while they got to know each other all over again.
They checked in and the bellboy showed them to their little cottage. It was charming with a four-poster bed and wood-burning fireplace. The room was decorated in yellow chintz with a yellow bedspread, curtains and comfortable overstuffed upholstered chairs.
Andrew suggested they start out with a hike in the woods. They donned their shorts and hiking boots and began following the trails mapped out by the bellboy. There was a wonderful smell of hickory-smoked fires from nearby fireplaces and a musky sage smell in the air. Connie felt alive and energized as they walked and talked.
Connie described some of the events she had planned. Andrew didn’t seem to want to talk about his job. Eventually, they talked about their political persuasions as well as religious beliefs. Connie considered herself an Independent, but like her mother, she had some liberal ideas and was open to hearing Andrew’s Democratic ideology.
They came to a big stump of a tree and Andrew suggested they sit for a while. They both settled down comfortably on the forest ground, softened by fall rains and the falling leaves. Connie rested her back against the giant stump and closed her eyes to the warm sunshine. After a few minutes of happy tranquility, Andrew put his hand to her face and gently kissed her on the mouth.
Connie smiled and said, “I didn’t see that coming.”
Andrew laughed and said, “I’ve been thinking about it ever since I picked you up at the airport and I couldn’t resist any longer.”
Connie put her hand on Andrew’s thigh and leaned over to kiss him, long and hard. She longed for Andrew and wanted him to know it. He pulled her across his lap caressing her back and kissing her neck. Connie held on tightly, dizzy from the shock waves radiating throughout her body. Andrew ran his hands hungrily up and down her back, careful not to touch her breasts yet. Their tongues met as they savored the touch and feel of one another. Andrew pulled back gently and whispered, “Tell me if you want me to stop, but don’t wait too long," he said, his breath hot and rapid.
“I don’t want you to stop, Andrew. I love you,” Connie said breathlessly. She could feel Andrew’s hardness beneath her. He kiss
ed her longingly and whispered in a voice husky with passion that he had never stopped loving her. Connie lifted her arms and put them around his neck as he slipped his hand under her shirt and effortlessly unhooked her bra. He cupped his hand under her full breast stroking her gently. Connie held him tightly and felt herself rising to a peak she had never experienced in her life.
“Oh Andrew, don’t stop,” Connie gasped, as she felt herself reaching a starry height that spewed spasms throughout her body.
After all her tension was released, Connie looked at Andrew with amazement. “Did that really happen or did I imagine it?”
“I don’t know. You tell me; it was your orgasm.”
They laughed and then turned serious again. Andrew kissed Connie’s eyelids and neck very gently, both still surprised and thrilled that she had so easily reached an orgasm, without so much as a touch between her legs.
“I think what just happened is what I’ve been reading about all these years could only have happened with you.”
“I think you’re right,” Andrew said, obviously pleased with himself. “There’s more of that to come, but I think we’d better get back to our cottage for the next inning before a hiker or a bear comes along. Are you okay to start back?”
Connie, still reeling, said, "I think my legs are a little wobbly. But I think I can manage."
They hiked back in silence just holding hands. Connie didn’t want to lose the magic of the moment with words.
“What are you thinking about?” Andrew finally asked, still grinning.
“I think you know,” Connie said, smiling shyly.
As they approached the inn, the owner beckoned them to come into the lounge for wine and hors d’oeuvres. She was so friendly and insistent, they couldn’t turn her down. Resigned, they followed her into the inn. Resignation turned to delight as they discovered a blazing fire in the old stone hearth and a tempting array of tidbits and cheese to accompany the local wine. They took a seat by the fire and enjoyed a wonderful Cabernet served with a sharp cheddar cheese log, grapes and dry roasted nuts.
Between the fire, the wine and the glow of the afternoon, both Connie and Andrew were in a world of their own. They politely acknowledged other couples who came in, but it was obvious to everyone around them that they preferred to be left to their own enjoyment.
After the second glass of wine, Connie and Andrew were laughing about some Julio stories when Andrew took her hand and with a wink said, “Let’s get back to our room and get ready for dinner.” Connie was quick to oblige.
Once the door shut, he kissed Connie with such passion that she lost her balance and completely fell into his arms. He slowly unbuttoned her blouse then slipped it off. Connie moaned softly as he unzipped her shorts and gently pulled them down to her ankles. He parted her legs slightly and softly caressed her most tender of flesh through her panties. He let go and stepped back to admire her in her lacey underwear.
“You are so beautiful, Constance Harriman,” he said breathlessly. His eyes moved leisurely from her face to her toes and back to her face again.
Connie just stood there and watched as Andrew took off his shirt and shorts and stood there with only his briefs. My God, she thought, he’s perfect. Andrew had the muscular physique of a young athlete. He looked like one of the Grecian Gods from her college art history books. Lust overrode modesty as her eyes focused on the bulge in his briefs.
In one strong movement, Andrew swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed. Connie held onto him with a passion she had never known. Their kisses were hot and demanding. They knew nothing would stop them from consummating this love between them, a love that had endured years of separation.
“I want to make love to you, if you’re ready. I won’t hurt you,” he said, as he slid his hand between her legs. His fingers slipped beneath the elastic of her panties and parted her to test her readiness. She groaned softly and pushed against his hand. “Oh, I think you’re definitely ready, but we’ll take it slowly.” Gently, he slid Connie’s lacey underwear off as his fingertips caressed her body. He could feel her climbing to a fever pitch and with that he entered her slowly until he was completely inside her. Quickly and naturally, they found a beautiful rhythm that turned reality into paradise.
Chapter 42
On his way back to his condo, Julio found himself pulling into the parking garage of Sylvia’s apartment building. She had a crazy way of cheering him up. And that was just what he needed right now.
Sinking into her sofa, Julio regaled her with the story of his adventure at The Lower Level. “I can’t help but feel really bad for Sammy. It’s like he never had a chance from day one.”
“I’ll try to keep an eye on him for you, that is, if I see him again. He may be done moving out.”
“I think Sammy might be hocking some of his mother’s things for drug money, which is why I think he disguised himself as her. He wouldn’t want to raise any questions with the doorman, since he comes back every once in a while for more stuff.”
“Poor kid.”
“Yeah, well, I’m still hoping I can help him.”
“How?”
“I don’t know yet. I thought maybe you could come up with something.”
“Hmm…I’ll have to think about that.” She looked thoughtful for a moment and then her eyes lit up. “Why don’t we invite Otto and Patrick over for dinner to thank them for helping us? They sound like fun.” But then she frowned. “They’re not uptight like you, are they?”
“Well, that depends.”
“On what?”
“On what they’re wearing—buttoned up business suits or assless leather pants.”
“Well, now, that sounds interesting.” She waggled her eyebrows.
“They’re gay, Sylvia.”
“I can still look, can’t I?”
He laughed. “I suppose so. Actually, you, Otto, and Patrick would make a great team.”
“Bring ‘em to dinner some night and we’ll have cocktails. That’ll give me a chance to wear my S & M Dominatrix outfit.”
“Oh, yeah, the boys would love that. Does that mean you’re going to cook for us?” Julio asked.
“I make a damn good brisket.”
“Okay. I’ll buy the brisket and you cook it.”
“Any night but Tuesday,” she said.
“What’s Tuesday?”
“I do Cosmic Bowling and then Karaoke.”
“Is this a weekly thing?” he asked.
“It’s gonna be. I organized it. I’ve got to get some of these old farts out of the building and get their blood pumping. The senior center sends a van to drop us off and pick us up. That way no one has to drive,” Sylvia said.
“That’s very wise on behalf of the senior center.”
“I’ve got an idea.” Sylvia smacked her knee. “Let’s make this a real party and invite Sammy. I’ll leave a note on his mother’s door for him to come to dinner, too? Hopefully, he’ll see it. We’ll tell him it’s a come as you are party and we can take bets on whether or not he’ll wear the wig.”
Speechless, Julio didn’t know what to say. Sylvia was so outrageous, he wasn’t sure whether she was kidding or not. “Whatever you say, Sylvia. Just make me up the grocery list and I’ll check with the boys to see when they can come. And then we’ll wait to see if we hear from Sammy.”
Chapter 43
Sunday—September 28, 1986
Sylvia busied herself in the kitchen, finishing last minute preparations for her dinner party. The fragrance of the beef brisket tenderizing gently in its own juices permeated the apartment. The potatoes were mashed, buttered and seasoned. The bean casserole was assembled, and the green salad was safely cooling in the refrigerator. A meal fit for three handsome young men who should be arriving at any moment.
The front desk called and announced Julio was on his way up. The concierge no longer asked permission as it was common knowledge that Julio was welcome no matter what time of day. The looks Julio had received from th
e building staff lately made him uncomfortable. He figured Sylvia had been careful not to dispel any of the rumors that she might have a young paramour circulating throughout the building. By the time he reached the sixth floor she was waiting for him with the door open.
“Sylvia you never cease to amaze me. What do you have on your head? I can hardly see your face.”
“I just wanted to see if blondes have more fun. I always envied Vreeland’s perfect platinum pageboy.”
“I see, and what are you wearing? A tennis outfit?”
“That’s right and who do I look like?”
“By the looks of the bouffant hair, Grandma Barbie, maybe?”
“I’m Farrah Fawcett-Majors. I had the pageboy wig layered and fluffed.”
“Well, fluffed is the understatement. Your hair is bigger than you,” Julio said.
“It may not suit me, but I knew if I put on my Rocky Horror Picture Show dominatrix costume, you’d have a shit fit seeing as you’re so conservative.”
“I don’t even know what a Rocky Horror Picture Show costume would look like,” Julio said.
“It’s the transsexual from Transylvania. Frank-N-Furter. I thought that would be fitting considering what’s going on across the hall. Besides, I just had a feeling the boys would get a kick out of it. Never mind. I’m happy with this outfit.”
“I’m sure the guys will like it,” he said. “I brought a special California Cabernet that I think will be good with the brisket.”
The telephone rang again and this time it was the front desk calling to announce Otto and Patrick. “Send them up.” Sylvia hung up the phone, and shortly the doorbell rang. Sylvia rushed to the door.
Time for the fun to begin, she thought, opening the door.
The two men standing there neatly attired in khaki slacks and polo shirts watched her face fall in disappointment as she looked them up and down and then looked past them down the hallway. They looked at each other and shrugged.
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