All Queers Must Die

by Gerald Lopez

  “Oh, God… I’m so sorry,” James Emmett said, from where he stood in the hall across from Bart. “I… I thought you might’ve been hurt so I used my manager’s key to get in—I have keys to every room in the resort and I still had this room key on my key ring.” He looked at Bart then continued. “I heard you say ‘damn’, as if you were hurt.”

  “I’m fine… I just banged my toe on the wall,” Bart said. “You did close the door behind you, I hope?”

  “Oh, um… I’m not really sure,” James said. “I’d better check.”

  Bart noticed that James was blushing, and decided to see just how far he could go with the interim manager. When James walked back to the hall, Bart stood straight. “Can I get you something to drink, James? Come to think of it, do I have anything to drink?”

  “Probably not, since we just unlocked your place last night.” James glanced down, and was momentarily entranced by Bart’s cock. He shook his head and looked up—right into Bart’s eyes.

  “No need to be embarrassed, James, I’m the one who’s naked.”

  “Yeah, I can see that… maybe you should do something….”

  “Do you have any suggestions?” Bart said, then smiled.

  James laughed nervously, then spoke. “You’re joking of course.”

  “Of course… or maybe I’m not. Why don’t you follow me to the bedroom and we can talk—or what have you, in there.” Bart could hear James gulp behind him as he walked to the bedroom.

  Once inside the bedroom, James stood in front of the dresser and Bart walked closely by him, allowing their bodies to brush against one another as he reached toward a dresser drawer.

  “Excuse me there, James—I didn’t mean to rub my… my body against you like that.” He opened the top drawer of his dresser and pulled out gray, slim fit knit boxers.

  “No problem—I didn’t give you enough space to move around,” James said.

  Bart slipped into his boxers, making sure to bend over close to James, then he replied. “Could it be that you gave me too much room?” He looked into James’s light brown eyes, then ran his hand down the side of his cheek. “You’re a good-looking guy, James.”

  “Now you’re just teasing me, Jeremy.”

  Bart reached up, put his hands on either side of James’s face, and kissed him on the lips for just a moment.

  “I never tease, James.”

  James smiled nervously. “You’re not being fair.” He turned so his back was to Bart, then after a couple of seconds faced him again, but this time he was more composed and seemed to be in control of himself. “I know you don’t officially start working today, but I thought I’d come by and offer to give you a tour of the resort.”

  “Thank you,” Bart said, pulling on some tan-colored cotton shorts. “I’d appreciate that… but first, there is one thing I have to say.”

  “Yes,” James said.

  “Nobody gets to see me naked without at least buying me something to eat first.” He looked at the clock and saw that it was eight in the morning. So, you, Sir, owe me breakfast.”

  “I can do that,” James said. “And I apologize for using my key and letting myself in like I did.”

  “You only did it because you were worried about me, right?”

  “Yes,” James said. “I promise I won’t do it again.”

  “No, don’t promise that.”

  “In case next time you really do need me, huh?”

  “Something like that,” Bart said. “But what makes you think I didn’t really need you this time.” He saw James start to get nervous again, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “It’s nice to know I’ve got someone watching my back. I can hardly take a tour without a shirt and shoes on—”

  “I doubt anyone would complain,” James said. “I know I wouldn’t,” He ran his hand down Bart’s smooth chest, and softly across his erect nipples before pulling back abruptly. “I think I’d better wait for you outside.”

  “If you insist,” Bart said. “And next time you walk in on me and I’m naked, be prepared to show your goods too… if you know what I mean?”

  James didn’t respond; instead, he rushed out of the bedroom, down the hall, and out the door.

  Bart retrieved some deodorant from his dresser and used it. Then he pulled a T-shirt over his head, and slipped into some deck shoes. After grabbing his wallet, he used the bathroom. When he was done he walked down the hallway, and out the front door. As he locked it, he glanced toward James, who was leaning against the wall. He really did think James was handsome, though not in a traditional sense. The man was at least six foot two, lean, and had an interesting face accentuated by his short blond hair, which was only slightly thinning.

  “I’m ready,” Bart said. “Lead on.”

  They walked downstairs, across the parking lot, through the courtyard where the welcome back party was held, and toward the back of the lobby area. Once inside the lobby, they took a right turn and, after a short walk, ended up in the resort café, which was simply called The Café. The room which jutted out from one side of the main building was half-moon in shape and had a wall of glass, which gave diners a spectacular view of the beach. Tables were neatly set with white tablecloths, and the decor was kept simple, so as not to detract from the view.

  “Get whatever you want, Jeremy, my treat,” James said.

  They found a table for two, and a waitress headed their way carrying two menus and utensils.

  “Hi, my name is Debbie,” The young, brown-haired waitress said. “What would you gentlemen care to drink this morning?”

  “A glass of orange juice, please, Debbie,” Bart said.

  “I’ll have the same,” James said.

  While they perused the menus the waitress went to get their drinks. Once she’d returned and set their drinks in front of them, she moaned lightly in disgust.

  “What’s wrong, Debbie?” Bart said.

  Debbie looked toward the entrance of The Café and rolled her eyes. “It’s Mr. Orion again, with his new so-called grandsons in tow,” Debbie said.

  “That’s enough,” James said. “I won’t have you commenting on guests of this resort.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Debbie said. “Sorry, Sir.”

  Her face still had a look of pure contempt on it for all the world to see.

  “I suggest you put on a believable smile—and fast,” James said. “I’ll have scrambled eggs and toast with bacon.”

  “Yes, Mr. Emmet, Sir,” Debbie said.

  Hank Orion, dressed in a white Polo shirt, khaki pants, and deck shoes walked toward their table accompanied by two boys dressed in snug white T-shirts, white shorts, and deck shoes. One had straight, shoulder-length, light blond hair; and the other had light, curly, blond hair, which hung to right above his shoulders. They were both very slim. Bart looked closely at Mr. Orion. The man looked to be in his sixties, had receding, thinning black hair, and looked in surprisingly good shape—his arms were toned, and his stomach flat.

  “Good morning, James,” Mr. Orion said. “And who’s your friend.”

  “This is Jeremy Kent. His appearance has changed because of the accident, but it’s the same Jeremy that was here before training to be manager.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you again, Jeremy; I’ve heard about your amnesia, so I don’t expect you to remember me. I’m always visiting the resort with my grandsons, so I’m sure we’ll bump into each other again. Please, enjoy your breakfast, I’ve got to get my two boys fed—they’re positively famished.”

  Debbie cringed visibly, and was given a hard stare by James, so she said, “You and your grandsons enjoy breakfast, Mr. Orion.”

  “Thank you, Debbie,” Mr. Orion said. “I feel like we’re in the middle of a heat wave, but I suppose it just means the boys will enjoy swimming to cool off; and once we’re outside, they can take off those hot T-shirts they’re wearing.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Debbie said.

  Mr. Orion and his two grandsons walked toward a back table, and Deb
bie let out a sigh of relief.

  “Do we need to send you back through training, Miss Hall?” James said.

  “No, Sir, but—”

  “Debbie, I’ll have the same as James is having,” Bart said, in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

  “Yes, Sir, I’ll get that order in straight away,” Debbie said. “And, Mr. Emmet, I apologize for my behavior. I really do need this job, because of my mom being sick and all. I promise to do better, Sir.”

  “You’d better go and put in our orders,” James said. “I’m sure Jeremy is hungry by now.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Debbie said. “I’ll do that, Sir.”

  “I can relate to that heat wave,” Bart said. “God knows, I was feeling a bit overheated myself earlier.”

  James quickly changed the subject, once he noticed Debbie had left the room and gone to place the orders.

  “It’s not that I don’t have the same reaction as Debbie every time I see Hank Orion,” James said. “But our orders come straight from the top—from Lisa herself.”

  “And what exactly are those orders?” Bart said.

  “Mr. Orion is to be treated as an honored guest,” James said. “She didn’t give a reason as to why, only that it was at her husband’s insistence.”

  “And Marcus approves of what Mr. Orion is doing?”

  “What exactly is Mr. Orion doing?” James said.

  “Well, I think it’s pretty obvious.”

  “Like you would say, Jeremy… maybe, it is obvious, and maybe it’s not. Sometimes our eyes can betray us and keep us from seeing the truth of things. To see truth in a situation, one has to be disciplined enough to recognize it.”

  “I’m impressed with your way of thinking,” Bart said. “Of course, if one has to find the truth, that means there’s a lie being perpetrated. And for there to be a lie, there must be a liar. Are you the kind of man that tells lies, James?”

  Chapter 8

  Playing Games

  “DOESN’T everyone lie, at least a little?” James said.

  “I’m not talking about everybody; I’m asking specifically about you… James Emmet.”

  “What’re you playing at, Jeremy?”

  “Have you decided that I’m just playing games, then?” Bart said.

  “I don’t know, but I’m beginning to feel uncomfortable… and a bit hurt.”

  “Welcome to my world—I’m back at work with no knowledge of what transpired the last time I was here, except that I wasn’t very well liked from the beginning, because I was fat.”

  “I don’t exactly fit in with the beautiful people either, in case you hadn’t noticed,” James said, then looked down at the table.

  They were both silent for a moment, then Debbie appeared with a tray carrying their juice and breakfasts. She set everything down in front of James and Bart, smiled, then spoke. “If either of you need anything else don’t hesitate to ask.” She smiled again, then walked away.

  James picked at his food with his fork, then decided to drink his juice instead. He looked up when Bart placed his hand on top of his. Bart thought James looked like the saddest man on the planet at that moment. There was a real, deep down, grief behind his eyes.

  “In answer to your last question, James… I hadn’t noticed whether you fit in or not, because in my book, you’re a lot more interesting, looks-wise, than anyone else I got reacquainted with at last night’s welcome party. And by interesting, I mean attractive and handsome. The other boys were common in their looks—you’re far more unique.”

  “Now, you’re the liar,” James said. “But I appreciate your attempt at cheering me up.”

  Bart leaned across the table, so his face was close enough to James’s face that he was invading his personal space. “What’s your story, man?” Bart said, acting coldly on purpose. “I think you’re the one playing games, and I’m pretty sure I can guess why. Speaking of games, I bet you weren’t invited to play any of them with the other boys when you were growing up. In fact, I’m guessing you were left on your own most of the time—I can still see the sad, pathetic boy you must’ve been when I look in your eyes.”

  “That’s enough,” James said.

  “Do you know why I can see it so clearly?” Bart said. “Because losers can recognize one another—we’re drawn together like freakin’ magnets. It’s the shared pain and all that kind of crap—it leaves its mark on us. That’s why we losers need to stick together against the popular jerks of the world.”

  James finished eating the bite of egg that was in his mouth, then responded. “It never really changes, does it? The whole world is nothing but one big playground, and there’s no room for people like us… or at least, people like me. You’re gorgeous, Jeremy. You can have the world at your feet. At the very least, you’ll be allowed entry into the world of the beautiful and popular people.”

  “And why the hell would I want that?” Bart said, keeping up his act, before chewing on a piece of bacon.

  “Because those are the people who control the world we live in.”

  “I thought you controlled our world, James; at least, until I take over the resort.”

  James laughed, drank some of his orange juice, and thought about Bart’s comment before responding. “The only power I have is the power they let me have, Jeremy. If certain people decided this resort was no longer popular, we’d fail tomorrow.”

  “Do you really believe they have that much power?”

  “This resort and the island resort I managed have one thing in common,” James said. “They’re playgrounds for the rich and fabulous people. If one of the popular people in the group says the resort is no longer ‘in;’ and instead, there is a different preferred place to play, then the rest will follow, and the resort will go down in flames.”

  “You seem smart enough to find a way to attract new guests,” Bart said. “And don’t tell me that Mr. Orion is one of the pretty and popular people.”

  “No, but he’s connected. You’re right, you know—about me, I mean. All you said about me was 100 percent right.”

  “I didn’t doubt it for a moment,” Bart said, then drank some of his juice. “So, if I hung out with Miss ‘bitch,’ Rachel Kristoff, and her friends, what would I discover? Could I find out their secrets, and use them to our advantage in running this place?” He let his bare knee rub lightly against James’s.

  “You could do it, I think. Not before… but the way you look now, they’d let you into their social sphere. I’ve seen the way they look at you, Jeremy.”

  “How do they look at me… like they want me?”

  “Like they want to own and possess you as their pretty property. And maybe, you’ll want to be owned or kept by them.”

  “I don’t think it’s such a bad thing to belong to someone, but I wouldn’t want to belong to them. We’re different animals all together—I’d prefer someone more like me. I’m going to join their group; and when I do, I’ll come back and share their secrets with you, James.”

  James was silent.

  “Does that scare you, James?”

  “No, but it makes me worry for you, Jeremy. That crowd parties hard, and I got the impression you weren’t into that scene.”

  “Have you seen enough of ‘that scene’ to help me get in with them?”

  “Yeah, and I’m even willing to help you—for a price,” James said.

  “I’m all ears.”

  “The problem is there are too many ears around us right now,” James said. “Finish eating so we can start the tour, then we can meet up later tonight and take a walk on the beach.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They finished eating, James gave Bart a tour of the resort, then they discussed resort business for the rest of the day.

  IT WASN’T until Bart was walking back to his apartment alone after dinner with James, that he remembered something. He’d never gotten to the truth of the Mr. Orion story—oh well, at least he’d stuck to the original plan. All that was left to do was ree
l James all the way in, so he’d help them when they needed him. And he was still going to be meeting him on the beach later. As he walked upstairs, he heard someone speak to him.

  “How’s it hanging, boss man?” Reese said from where he stood at the top of the stairs, wearing only flip-fops and a towel around his waist.

  “Pretty good, how are you doing, Reese?” Bart said.

  “I’m tired and sore, that’s why I’m headed to the steam room.”

  “Shouldn’t you be wearing a robe; or at least, a shirt when you’re walking through the resort?”

  “I’m not going that far. We have our own employee steam room right here. Rachel had it installed when she moved in.”

  “I didn’t realize she lived here,” Bart said.

  “Only when she feels like it. Hey, why don’t you get undressed, wrap a towel around yourself, and join me? We can go for a swim afterward; it’s only the two of us.”

  “Sounds good, I just need a minute to change,” Bart said, as he walked to his door and unlocked it.

  “I’ll wait, so I can show you where the steam room is located,” Reese said.

  “Thanks. You might as well come on in,” Bart said, holding his apartment door wide open.

  He walked inside, followed by Reese.

  “I’ll go change and be right out,” Bart said, before walking to his bedroom.

  Reese looked down the hallway, then followed behind Bart and poked his head in the doorway of the bedroom. “Like I said, Jeremy, it’s just us here. Rachel and Julia are staying at the Kristoff mansion, tonight, Frank’s got the night shift, and Jenna’s doing an evening class.”

  Bart removed his shirt, shorts, and underwear… slipped into his flip-flops that were by the bed, and walked past Reese in order to get a towel from the bathroom.

  “Nice abs—you really did get in shape while you were gone, Jeremy.”

  “I did my best. Say, you didn’t mention what Simon was up to tonight.” Bart wrapped the towel securely around his waist, then walked to the front door.

  “Simon has a private training session, which he expects to last most of the evening.”