by A. V. Zeppa
“That’s for sure.”
“Marco, is that you?” he heard his father call from the library.
“Yeah, we’re in the living room.” A few seconds later Marco’s parents walked in and gave him a hug. Then Marco introduced the cute blond guy standing next to him.
“Mother, father, I would like you to meet David Emerson.”
“David, it is so nice to finally meet you,” Marco’s father said, shaking his hand and welcoming him to New York City.
“It is nice to meet you too sir,” David shyly responded.
“You are an extremely good looking young man. Is your blond hair natural?” Marco’s mother asked, while shaking his hand and looking him over with a fine tooth comb.
David felt his face turn a few shades of red. “Yes, this is my natural color.”
“Mother, I completely agree with you that David is very good looking,” Marco said, smiling as he took David’s hand in his. He gave his mother a look that said to tone it down.
“Why don’t we sit down and get comfortable. Rosa will bring us some refreshments in a couple of minutes. Dinner will be ready in about an hour,” his mother said.
“Marco, I’m excited to hear all about your trip,” his father said.
“It was fantastic. David was the perfect host.”
“I’m glad you had a nice time.” Marco’s father had a wistful look on his face as he looked at the two of them. “David, you live in a beautiful area of Michigan. I’ve been to Traverse City several times on business. All of the lakes and peninsulas are breathtaking. On one of my trips I drove up to Old Mission Harbor on the peninsula between the east and west bay. The views were spectacular.” David relaxed a bit when he said that.
“It is beautiful on the peninsula. I’m lucky to live where I live.”
“You won’t believe what we did. David took me snowmobiling. We went on these awesome trails deep in the woods. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. At one point we came out of the woods at the top of this hill and Lake Michigan appeared right in front of us. The endless blue of the lake surrounded by snow covered forests made me feel like I was part of it.”
“So you went snowmobiling. I’ve never been, but it sounds like it could be entertaining.”
“We have to get a couple of snowmobiles and go riding,” Marco suggested.
“Maybe we can plan that out for next year.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Valerio? Maybe you could make a trip to Michigan next year with Marco and we could all go riding. We have some of the best trails and plenty of snow,” David suggested, hoping he wasn’t being too forward.
“That sounds splendid. We just might have to take you up on that offer,” Marco’s father said, truly excited by the idea. Marco’s mother got this look like she was getting indigestion. “I think that might be something you boys could do without me.”
“Mother, you need to lighten up and try something new for a change,” Marco said, giving her the look.
David sensed her apprehension. “Mrs. Valerio, even though I live in the country, there are plenty of other things to do besides snowmobiling. Harbor Springs and Charlevoix are very nice tourist towns with great shopping and excellent restaurants. Many people from Chicago have lake homes where I live. Marco even told me that it reminds him of Long Island.”
“That sounds more like my style dear,” she said, trying to be polite.
Rosa finally came in with the appetizers, which alleviated a little of the tension Marco’s mother had caused. She set the tray on a serving table next to the bar and then gave Marco a slight hug on his shoulder. “It’s good to have you home. Did you have fun?”
“I had a great time. Rosa, I would like you to meet David Emerson.”
“Hi David.” She gave Marco a discreet look to let him know that she approved of the cute boy sitting next to him.
Marco’s father was curious about David. “Marco tells me that you want to be a Theoretical Physicist.”
“That’s right sir. I love math and science and I’m excited about attending Columbia in the fall.”
Marco’s mother chimed in at that point, continuing with her rude observations. “It must be a burden for your parents to send you to such an expensive university.”
That observation and her unflattering tone pissed Marco off. He couldn’t believe she would say something so snobby. “Mother, David received the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Let me educate you on just what that is. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the United States. Only one thousand students receive it in a given year. David is one of the recipients. It pays for every aspect of his college through graduate school. And oh, one other thing. David scored a perfect 2400 on his SAT.”
David felt self-conscious as he looked down at the floor.
“Your parents must be very proud of you,” Marco’s father said.
David looked up. “Yes they are. I’m fortunate to have gotten the scholarship. My parents could never have afforded to send me to Columbia without it. The university also offered me a paid internship to work in the physics department doing research. That will give me some additional spending money, and it will also help pay for trips back home during the holidays. It is important to me that I do this all on my own,” David said, letting Marco’s mother know that he was not ashamed of his middle class upbringing.
At that point Marco decided to get some distance from her, so he told them that he was going to take David on a tour and then hang out in his bedroom until dinner was ready.
“I’m sorry my mother was being such an asshole,” Marco whispered, as they went from room to room.
“Don’t worry about it, I understand,” David said, even though he didn’t. He was used to people hating him because he was gay, but he had never met anyone who hated him because he was middle-class. He started thinking that Melissa was right about being in over his head.
“I just want you to know that shit she pulled was not about you at all, it was about me. She can’t stand the thought of me making my own decisions. She refuses to let go, so she constantly tries to shred my life to pieces. She knows I like you so she has to rip you apart to let me know that I’m fucked up.”
“That is sad,” David said, trying to comprehend why a mother would do that to her own son.
They took a private stairway to the second floor and finally made it to Marco’s bedroom. David couldn’t believe what he saw. It was everything a guy could ever want.
“This is unreal?” David said, totally in awe as he looked around.
“This is my little sanctuary,” Marco said, beaming with pride.
“I don’t want to sound nosy, but how big is your bedroom?”
“Counting the dressing room and on-suite, I think it’s around fourteen-hundred square feet.”
“I’ve never seen a bedroom like this. I mean, you have a living room and an office in here.”
“Cool, isn’t it? It’s like having my own apartment. All I need is a separate entrance and I’d totally have it made.”
They walked over to Marco’s office area so he could show David where he did most of his writing. David loved the modern furnishings and atmosphere. It fit Marco’s personality to a tee. “This must be an inspiring place to write. I can’t believe the view you have from here.”
“Yeah, I love to look down on Park Avenue and watch the city in motion. I get a lot of ideas for stories when I look out there and let my mind wander. Come on, let me show you the rest of the place.” They made their way to Marco’s dressing room. It was at least three times as big as David’s bedroom. It had special lighting, custom made cabinets, racks and racks of clothes, and a whole separate section for Marco’s numerous pairs of shoes. One wall even had floor to ceiling mirrors. David looked at the thousands of dollars in clothes and shoes and didn’t know what to say. His closet was only five feet wide by three feet deep. He owned four pairs of jeans, two pairs of dress slacks, fifteen shirts and sweaters, and five pairs of converse sneake
rs. Marco recognized the look. “I know it looks like I’m a spoiled brat, and in reality, I probably am. Shopping is one of my weaknesses. Whenever I’m feeling down, shopping picks me up. I know all of this is over the top. I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. This is your life and I would never judge it or judge you for a minute. I think we just have to get used to each other’s lifestyles. This relationship is a new thing for both of us.”
“Thanks for understanding.” Marco put his arms around David and kissed him. They spent the next hour listening to music and talking. Marco even got some of his writing out so David could read it. He was impressed by the style and depth. “Marco, this is amazing.”
“Thanks. I’m slowly developing a style that feels right.”
David sat quietly reading a few more pages while Marco nervously watched. Marco’s phone started buzzing, startling both of them. It was Rosa texting to let them know that dinner was ready. Then, as he was putting his phone in his pocket, Zander sent a text. “Why don’t you and your li’ll ole country boy drop by. I’m having people over tonight and they all want to meet the guy who has stolen you away.”
Marco texted back, “Fuck off. We’ll be over around eight, and you better be nice or you’ll have to deal with me.”
To Marco’s surprise his mother was very gracious during dinner. She even complimented David several times and truly seemed to enjoy hearing about his growing up in Northern Michigan.
Then things turned slightly awkward again when she asked a personal question. “David, I do not wish to pry, but maybe you can answer a question for me. What is it like growing up as a gay teenager in a conservative part of the country?”
“Well, it’s not like it is in New York. Marco is fortunate to live in a place that pretty much accepts the gay community. To tell you the truth, I had a rough time when I first came out. My mom was ok with it, but my dad had a hard time, which was understandable. Most of the people who I thought were my friends started bullying me after I came out. I only had two friends who stood by me. Six months after I came out four guys jumped me at school and hurt me pretty bad. I was in a coma for a few days and the doctors didn’t think I was going to make it. But I did, and as I lay in that hospital bed, I vowed that I would never be ashamed of being gay.”
Marco’s parents looked semi-shocked by what David had just told them. “I am sorry that you had to experience that kind of hatred,” Marco’s mother said, now feeling ashamed of her prior comments.
“You are a brave young man,” Marco’s father added, sympathetically.
“I would never want to go through that again, but I have to show everyone that I’m proud of who I am. Every once in a while someone will say nasty things, that I’m a perverted queer, or that I’m going to hell, but for the most part they leave me alone. Please don’t feel sorry for me.” David changed the subject at that point. “Thank you for inviting me to stay with you and Marco. This is a dream come true for me.”
“We are happy that you could spend a few days with us,” Marco’s father said.
After dinner they went back to Marco’s bedroom to get ready for a night with his friends. A half hour later they said their goodbyes and cabbed over to Zander’s penthouse. Marco was excited to have everyone meet his new boyfriend. “I just want to warn you that Zander is a real piece of work. Don’t let anything he says bother you, ok?” David gave him a weary smile. “Thanks for the warning.”
“He can be a real asshole at times, but he is one of my best friends. My best friend is Claire. I can’t wait to introduce you. She reminds me a lot of Melissa.”
“She must be a great person then.”
“Yeah, she is. Claire’s been there for me since we were little kids. I think all of us gay boys need to have that one special female in our lives.”
You’re right. I love Melissa more than anything.” David started feeling homesick all of a sudden.
Their cab finally pulled up to Zander’s apartment building on Madison Avenue. David felt anxious as the doorman opened their cab door and escorted them into another beautifully decorated lobby. David felt like a celebrity holding Marco’s hand and having the staff fawn all over them. It amazed him how no one thought twice about the gay thing. When the elevator doors opened this older woman walked out and commented on what a handsome couple they made. They thanked her, wished her a happy holiday and then stepped into the elevator. David smiled at how normal he felt being accepted as just a person instead of someone always having to wear the gay label and feeling bad about it.
As they rode the elevator to the twenty-third floor Marco asked, “Well, are you ready to meet my crazy friends?”
“I’m a little nervous, but yeah, I am. Please stay close to me though, ok?”
“Believe me, I will. I don’t want anyone hitting on you.”
Zander’s housekeeper wished both of them Merry Christmas and pointed towards the noise. It went dead silent when they walked into the entertainment room hand in hand. David stayed calm even though a zillion pairs of eyes were on him. Marco broke the silence by wishing everyone a happy holiday. He gave David’s hand a gentle squeeze, then turned and kissed him.
His friends seemed stunned by that kiss. Zander panicked at the thought of an emo bastard twink having his best friend under a spell. Marco’s sudden affectionate side confirmed that David was a real threat in more ways than one.
“I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, David Emerson.”
David smiled and said hi. The tension eased as everyone started talking again. One by one people began introducing themselves. The girls seemed nice for the most part, but the guys were on edge and aloof. David felt the best strategy was to get in good with the girls first. Claire was the last charming female to introduce herself. “David, I’m happy that we finally get to meet.” She gave him a friendly hug and then kissed Marco on the cheek. A few seconds later Zander walked over and gave Marco a hug, forcing David let go of Marco’s hand. After they got through hugging, Zander turned and finally acknowledged David. “I’m Zander. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you too.” He gave David a forced smile and then focused on Marco. “I missed you. You should have partied with me in the islands. It was fucking hot.” Marco gave him a vicious look, but that just made Zander faux smile even more.
“I’m sure you didn’t miss me then. I had a great time in Michigan. It was the best vacation I’ve ever taken,” Marco said, giving him a fuck you look of satisfaction.
There was an awkward silence at that point. Fortunately the rest of Marco’s friends came over and introduced themselves. From that point on Zander started getting in his little digs.
He leaned against Marco as he checked David out. “Marco, your country boy is smokin hot. Now I know why you flew all the way to Canada to be with him.” David was surprised by his comment, and the fact that Marco’s other friends laughed. Marco immediately went to David’s defense. “Yeah, I had to go to the other side of the earth to find a guy who is real, compassionate, and smart. He’s nothing like New York guys, thank god.”
“Hey, I’m only joking. David, please don’t take anything I say seriously, ok?” Zander tried to smooth the situation. Claire sensed the tension building, so she took David by the hand and lead him to the couch so they could talk. Marco leaned in close to Zander and said, “Come with me.” The rest of the guys followed. Marco was fuming by the time he closed the library doors. “You need to fucking cool it or we’re leaving. Who in the fuck do you think you are?” he yelled, trying to hold back from decking him. “Hey, I’m sorry, ok? I promise I’ll be good.” Adam, Camilo, and Sean stood there grinning like they were in on some big secret.
“Are you really serious about this relationship?” Zander asked.
“Yeah I am. We officially became boyfriends a couple of days ago.”
“Cool. Have you fucked him yet?” They all gave Marco the look, knowing how much he liked to talk about his sexual encounters.<
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“That is none of your business. Get your smut minds out of the gutter for once.”
“I’ll bet he’s a great fuck. He has a cute little ass, and I bet he moans nice and soft for you.”
“I’m going kick your ass if you don’t stop.”
“Come on, I’m just fucking with you. I do have to admit he is one of the cutest twinks I’ve ever seen.”
“Look, you don’t have to believe this, but I’ve changed. I like David a lot. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Give him a chance and you’ll see.”
Marco walked back to the great room to see how David was doing. Claire was sitting next to him trying to keep Tracy, Debra, Eve, and Becca from stripping him naked. Marco could see they were crushing on him big time. Eve moved over and made room for Marco. “Claire has been telling me all sorts of things about you,” David told him.
“I hope she hasn’t incriminated me in any way.”
“I would never do that.” Claire said, with a sly grin.
“She was telling me how long you guys have known each other, and that you’re best friends.”
“Yeah, Claire and I have a special bond.”
Zander and the guys finally came back and joined in on the conversation. “So David, tell us all about Michigan.”
“Sure. I live in Harbor Springs. It’s in the northern part of the state near Lake Michigan. It’s pretty remote but I’ve enjoyed growing up there.”
“Are you a farmer? You know, do you live on a farm?” Zander asked, in a serious tone.
Marco shot daggers at him and the rest of the guys. David knew what was going on.
“No, but there are quite a few farms in the area. I live a few miles from Harbor Springs on fifteen acres. My dad and my uncles built our house.”
Claire strategically took over the conversation at that point. “I think you and Marco make a great couple. Some people refuse to let go of the past.” Then she said something that shocked everyone. “Marco told me that you had a perfect score on your SAT.”
“So, you’re the quiet genius type,” Zander said, unable to hide the jealous glare.