LIFE’S A GRIND
Jack Scribe
__________________________
Chapter
4, EXPANDING HORIZONS
“Did
you ace the test?” Robert asked Jeremy as they walked downstairs to the first
floor corridors and their lockers. Both seniors had opted for an open period
at the end of the day for their final year of high school; Robert used it
for studies and Jeremy took the time for travel to Bally’s. Advanced Spanish
was a senior elective that each had chosen with an agreed upon support group
of two.
“Um…all
right, I guess. You?” Jeremy nodded and smiled at some nameless sophomore
and junior girls they passed along the way. It was Friday afternoon and most
students were ready for partying. ‘Gawd, I must be getting old,’ he thought.
‘They all look so young.’
“No
problemo. We’ve almost gotten through this pathetic excuse for academic excellence
with fantastic GPAs but Spanish will probably be one of the most valuable
courses once we’re out there on the streets.” Robert stopped at his locker,
stowed the books and grabbed his jacket. Jeremy was two lockers away and did
the same.
“I
agree even if you’re so full of shit.”
“Endearing
words from my articulate pal,” Robert replied with a laugh.
“Bobby,
those GPAs and the scores we got on the SATs are going to be very helpful
getting into our first-choice schools. And for me, winning a scholarship is
a necessity.” Both had applied to the Early Decision programs at their prospective
schools: Jeremy to neighboring DePaul, Robert to Northwestern. Acceptance
notifications would be announced in early January.
“You
got it in the bag. I wouldn’t be surprised if you get one of those ‘full-board’
scholarships. I’m goin’ to miss seeing your sorry ass next fall,” Robert said
as they exited the school building.
“Sorry
ass? You’re just jealous.” He loved joking with Robert. The two had been pulling
each other’s chain for over ten years. They were both determined to keep up
the verbal jousting for a long time.
“Jealous
that your buns can only attract the younger girls at school? That’s a good
thing cuz you’ve gone through most the women in the senior class,” Robert
said as he playfully swatted Jeremy’s backside.
“A
little variety is a good thing.” Jeremy momentarily thought back to when he’d
lost his cherry…and the girl’s…two years ago. Since then, he had bedded most
of the “A” material in their class.
“A
little variety? Kee-rist, from what I hear, you’ve nailed every hot piece
in school.”
“You
didn’t hear that from me.” Jeremy had followed the advice of Uncle Win and
never bragged about his sexual successes. He was always safe and treated the
girl with respect. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were the results of
your talk with Rachael?” He remembered that Robert was going to speak with
Rachel about no longer going together.
“Kaput…over.
It was a joint decision that I told you I saw coming. The deal is we’re going
to make appearances at a few of the holiday parties for her sake and image.
She’s met someone from another school who she’s interested in…so I guess this
works out well for everyone. You’re looking at an almost single man,” Robert
said with a shrug.
“Whatever
the case it’s time for both of us to move on to college and check out all
the possibilities there. Just for the record…I’ll miss you, too.”
“We’ll
still see each other in the ’hood and I suspect Chicago’s going to be our
home for a long time. Look at those old farts shuffling around the park; I
think that’s probably goin’ to be us in 60 years.”
“For
sure…after I’m done chasing ambulances and you’ve delivered your last baby,”
Jeremy replied with a grin.
“Let’s
get through pre-law and pre-med first.” Robert was as intent on becoming a
doctor as Jeremy was a lawyer. “In case we don’t touch base later, I’ll see
you at the movies tomorrow around six. Ty and Manny will join us at the theater.”
Tyrone Brown and Manuel Sanchez were Robert’s neighborhood friends who attended
Quigley Catholic Preparatory Seminary.
“I
picked up an extra shift tomorrow afternoon so I’ll come right from work.
We’re meeting at the Village Art Theater?”
“Yep.
The new Matthew McConaughey football flick looks pretty good. Ty’s got
his car so we can grab some pizza at Piece in Wicker Park afterwards. And,
with the folks out of town, I’ll break out some smokes back at the house.
You planning on staying over?”
“Yeah,
I’m cool with that. I dunno about weed, though. I get all goofy when I smoke
then fall to sleep,” Jeremy said with a shrug. “Ty and Manny are okay with
it?” The two guys were more of acquaintances than friends to him. He knew
they were honor roll students and wrestled on Quigley’s team. He judged that
they probably competed in the 140 to 145 pound class. ‘Wiry, compact little
guys who weren’t afraid of anyone.’
“Even
if they become priests someday, they ain’t yet. We all just chalk off weed
as a life experience and tension reliever. I figure smoking is pretty safe
at my place. And since they live down the street from my house, there’s no
driving involved.” Robert stopped at the corner and added, “I’ve got some
Christmas shopping to do so I’m catching the bus down to Michigan Avenue.”
“Okay,
Doc. I’m off to the gym. See ya tomorrow.” Jeremy waved goodbye and started
his journey to Bally’s.
It
was a sunny early December afternoon and the short walk down to Lincoln Park
was pleasant. Jeremy hated January and February when he had to head east into
the wind as it whipped off the lake. But today was a breeze – literally and
figuratively. ‘One more week before Christmas break,’ he thought while he
waited for the Clark 22 or 36 bus. ‘Got just enough saved up to get Mom and
Sis new sweaters.’ In Chicago, one never had enough warm layers of clothing
for the long winter.
Friday
was always Jeremy’s day of workout dread. After using his favorite upper-body
machines, he always spent the last half-hour on an inclined treadmill at a
7 mph pace. To pass the time, he either watched one of the television channels
– reading the dialogue – or listened to FM music on his old Walkman. He was
sure that he was the only guy in Chicago without an iPod…but that wasn’t part
of his tight budget. ‘Maybe down the road,’ he considered while he pounded
out miles on the moving tread.
By
the time he checked in at the front desk, Jeremy still felt the burn in his
legs – a good indicator of physical accomplishment – and a general tightness
throughout his body. He had pushed himself and considered the various rewards
that might be available after work. ‘Might stop off at the Baskin Robbins
for a sundae,’ he considered. Tonight was a solo night for him at the desk.
Friday and Saturday evenings were usually the slowest: class schedules at
minimum attendance and trainers who didn’t have many appointments. Worst of
all, for the company, was the lack of walk-in potential members.
He
casually waved when Zach walked by with a client and busied himself with paperwork
and housecleaning to make the evening pass by faster. Jeremy was re-arranging
the logs when he sensed someone walk towards the counter. He looked up, automatically
smiled and reached for the member’s card to swipe in the computer. In a delayed
moment, he realized that this was his mystery man from the showers the other
day – the stud who had been checking him out.
Jeremy
froze his smile and waited for the computer screen to give the member access
to the club. ‘Gotta save this screen after he goes inside,’ he decided. “Hey,
Garin, have a good workout,” he said when the access was approved. “It’s pretty
quiet tonight so all the machines will be available without much of a wait.”
He handed the card back to Garin J. McManus and studied him. ‘Yeah, he must
be some sort of model.’
“Thanks,
Jeremy. I’m just in for a fast workout. Gotta pump up for the ladies, ya know?”
Garin smiled and winked.
“S’pose
so.” Jeremy nodded and realized he had been identified by his nametag. But
the guy was so smooth that he never broke eye contact. “This is a work night
for me.”
“Buddy,
from what I’ve seen, you probably have no problems with ladies…or guys.” Garin
raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
“Um,
just for the record, it’s ladies.” Jeremy didn’t quite know where this impromptu
conversation was heading but his degree of comfort was rapidly diminishing.
‘Christ, I wish someone else would come up to the desk,’ he thought while
shifting his weight from one leg to another.
“You
know, I really should apologize. I was joking and I think it came out wrong.
Just for the record, it’s ladies for me, too. But several of my friends are
gay. No hard feelings?”
“No,
I appreciate that you clarified where you’re coming from.”
“Here,
let’s shake and start all over again. Okay?” Garin replied as he offered his
hand.
“Deal.”
Jeremy took the extended hand and shook it. He had an immediate positive impression
about Garin, the mystery man and filed away the recent cruising encounter
in the showers as a misunderstanding.
“Cool.”
Garin shook hands and said, “Listen, I’ve got a business situation that you
might be interested in discussing and I’m not coming on or trying to hit on
you. You’re here in the evenings during
the week…right?”
“Monday
through Friday - five to nine.” Jeremy was very curious and intrigued. ‘Business
situation? Hmmm, where is this guy was coming from?’ He wondered as he slowly
lowered his guard.
“I’d
like to talk about something confidential but away from here. I’ve got a part-time
job available that might be of interest to you.”
“Job?
What kind of…”
“Nothing
illegal or dangerous. And it pays good money. Correction…make that great money.
You’re around, ah, 19 and in college?”
“No.
I turn 18 the end of next month and I’m a senior over at Lincoln Park High.
Planning on going to DePaul this coming fall.”
“That
works. Would it be possible to buy you some dinner on Monday night so we can
run over what I have in mind?”
“I
could manage that. Most of my tests were over this week. But I gotta be home
by ten or so. Family obligations.” Jeremy’s curiosity had been aroused but
he decided to set up some limitations on any meeting. ‘The guy seems okay
and I don’t feel threatened,’ he concluded. ‘If it’s a job that pays more
than the eight bucks an hour, I’ll be able to help out with Mom and get a
little extra for school. Maybe a few other things for me.’
“We’ll
eat around here someplace and I can drive you home. If not before, I’ll see
you on Monday. Oh, here’s my card.”
“Thanks,
Garin,” Jeremy replied. He watched the handsome man disappear into the gym
before looking at the card. The printed information matched the name and telephone
number on the computer screen. The business was something called Big Smiles,
Ltd. and listed only a post office box address in the same 60057 zip code
neighborhood. ‘Looks legit,’ he thought while feeling the engraved, raised
lettering on the card. ‘Is this guy a dentist or something like that?’
“Hey,
buddy, you look a little perplexed,” Zach said as he approached the counter.
“Naw.
Just caught up in some paperwork.” Jeremy put the card in his pocket and added,
“I see you’ve got one more appointment that should be arriving soon.”
“Typical
for a Friday. I’ll be able to get outta here early.”
“Where’s
Gio? You guys are usually like bookends.”
“He
decided to take the evening off cuz it’s slow. We’re meeting for dinner at
Mia Francesca at eight.”
“Did
you two get everything worked out the other night?” Jeremy had sensed tension
between the men the past couple of days. They were business-friendly but guarded
with each other.
“We
both learned things about each other. It wasn’t exactly the way I had wanted
it, but then sometimes it’s best when there’s spontaneity.” Zach looked at
the reservation sheet for the next couple of days and added, “We’ll both be
here tomorrow all day…it looks busy.”
“I’ll
see you guys, then. I’m picking up an afternoon shift.” Jeremy studied the
good-looking trainer and picked up that Zach didn’t want to discuss anything
more about Gio. ‘I think I’d better let them bring up this subject,’ he sensed.
‘This is a potential minefield.’
“Great.
See ya then. By the way, your expression is giving you away. Don’t worry about
Gio and me. We’re working out some shit together. Tonight’s dinner is…to sort
things out.”
“Good
luck on settling it…whatever the deal was.”
“The
‘deal’ was pretty big. But, like your uncles, I think that Gio and I have
a good chance to be together a long time.”
“That’s
cool,” Jeremy replied. A slight shiver went through his body at the mention
of his uncles. “Take care and good luck.” He signaled a ‘thumbs up’ before
turning to greet an arriving member.
*****
Saturday
was definitely boys’ night at the movies. As planned, Jeremy met Robert, Ty
and Manny at the theater for the testosterone-laced movie, “We Are Marshall”.
He noticed that a majority of the viewers were young males in for their macho
fix. His gaydar also picked up on several men who were obviously past school
age. Jeremy observed that Manny got just a little too bubbly and excited with
his enthusiasm about some of the young male actors. ‘Bingo,’ he thought, when
he saw Manny’s hand rest on Ty’s thigh for a few moments in the theater during
one of the more emotional scenes. Ty just smiled and placed his hand on top
of Manny’s before they disengaged. ‘Maybe the priesthood wouldn’t be a good
vocation for either guy.’
After
a feast of pizza, the crew returned to Robert’s house where the two seminary
prep students not only enjoyed more than their fair share of hits on the bong;
they shared a volley of silly, semi-clean jokes. Jeremy purposely paced himself
smoking and Robert followed his friend’s lead. When the humor seemed to run
its course, Robert plugged his iPod into the living room stereo system. A
steady stream of Incubus, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails
and other alternative rock groups – new and old – helped to further loosen
the atmosphere. So loose that after an hour of pop and pot, the two Quigley
guys were keeping beat – in disjointed slow time – to the music while they
stared at the glowing, glob-rolling, vintage lava lamp on the bookshelf in
the corner.
“Bobbie,
let’s go down and shoot a few. I think Ty and Manny are in orbit somewhere,”
Jeremy said. He felt a little light-headed and needed some activity. The basement
was typical of those in many midwestern houses: furnace, washer/dryer equipment,
storage and a rec area. In the case of the Stein family, the rec room included
a pool table in mint-condition.
“Yeah,
I don’t think we’ll be missed. But let me put the stuff away and you crack
a few windows,” Robert said with a giggle. He gathered the bong equipment
and grass before disappearing up to his room.
Jeremy
walked over to Ty and Manny and watched as they mumbled the words to the old
Nirvana song, Turnaround:
“…Take a step outside the planet
Turn around and around
Take a look at where you are
It's pretty scary.”
“Bobbie
and I are going downstairs and play some 8-Ball. You guys okay?”
Manny
turned to Jeremy with a shit-eating grin and said, “Um, cool…dude…just…veg
out…here…have…fun.”
“We’ll
just be in the basement.” Jeremy thought the two bantam-sized, stoned athletes
were cute together…and completely wasted. Manny with his dark eyes and seductive
eyelashes; Ty with a light mocha skin coloring that was almost lickable. ‘Hope
they can figure out how to handle the friggin’ church.’ He recalled how pissed
his uncles were at the Catholic Church’s stand on homosexuals. Worse, the
denial and cover-up – especially in the Boston and Los Angeles archdioceses
– of pedophile priests. He went to the windows and opened each only an inch.
“Ready
to whip your ass,” Robert said with a slight slur as he playfully goosed Jeremy.
“Whipping’s
one thing; grabbing’s another.” Jeremy turned around, wetted his finger and
swiftly lodged it in Robert’s ear. “That’s the only thing wet you’re getting
tonight,” he said playfully as he led the way out to the kitchen and to the
basement door. ‘I think my buddy is horny…and has a definite buzz.’ He flipped
on the light and carefully walked down the stairs. “Whoa, I’m glad I’m staying
here. I’m in no shape to go home.” He was happy to be standing on the floor
of the basement.
“Join
the club. But then I am home.” Robert snickered as he walked over to a cabinet
and reached for two cue sticks. “Rack ’em up.”
“You
wanna see who goes first?” Jeremy asked as he grabbed the triangle and racked
the balls.
“Naw,
you can break them. I don’t think either of us will be playing in championship
form.” Robert handed Jeremy a stick and added, “Just be careful with the table.
Dad would really be pissed if sumpin’ happened.”
“Understand,
buddy.” Jeremy positioned the stick on his hand and missed the cue ball on
the first stroke. “Ah, give me one more chance.” He chuckled and managed to
send the white ball into the cluster of balls with a minimum of force. “Jeez,
I think that pot is stronger than I imagined…good shit.”
“Acapulco
Gold is what they call it. You’re doing fine,” Robert said as he lined up
the 14 ball for the corner pocket. “Better than the guys upstairs.” He hit
the cue ball and watched as it slightly nudged the target.
“They’re
real fun tonight, but I got a question about ’em…if you don’t mind.” Jeremy
lined up on the same striped ball and tapped it into the pocket.
“Damn,
I made that too easy for you. Question about what?”
“Ty
and Manny. I couldn’t help but notice that they’re very friendly with each
other…like maybe they’re boyfriends. Whaduya think?” Jeremy walked around
to identify the next shot.
“Guess
their little secret isn’t so secret.”
“Well,
if they are as affectionate with each other in front of others as they are
tonight, the secret isn’t being very well-kept.” He spotted the red 3 ball
and said, “Side pocket.” Jeremy watched the red ball bounce off the bumper
and roll close to the corner. “Fuck. I’m making this too easy for you.”
“Turn
about is fair in…well whatever the saying is.” Robert looked at the red ball
and tapped it in with no difficulty. “We’re even.” He analyzed the table and
continued, “Ty and Manny came out to me a couple of years ago and really make
it a point to fly under the radar. When I called them about getting together,
I told them that you were cool about gays…that’s all. So they let down their
guard. You don’t mind what I said about you being gay friendly?”
“Hell,
no. Have been…always will be friendly. And your word about me must have worked;
they’re really relaxed. Jeez, and studying to be priests, too.” Jeremy put
down his cue stick, rested his butt against the table rail and let out a big
yawn.
“Relaxed?
That’s an understatement. We’ve talked about that. They’re both going into
pre-law at DePaul. You’ll be classmates,” Robert replied with an even louder
audible yawn.
“And
their commitment to the church?”
“Once
DePaul admits them, they’ll send an official letter declining further consideration
joining the priesthood. What say we give up this game and get some sleep?
I’m really getting tired and you’re having a hard time keeping your eyes open.”
“Works
for me.” Jeremy retrieved both cue sticks and placed them back in the cabinet.
“Go on upstairs. I’m right behind you.” Neither was completely steady as they
ascended step by step very cautiously.
The
two slightly wasted guys returned to the living room. Robert walked over to
the stereo to turn off the music while Jeremy checked out Ty and Manny. They
were snuggled into each other in deep sleep. Manny’s hand was again resting
on Ty’s thigh. It was close enough to the crotch to leave no doubt about either’s
sexual orientation. Both had expressions of contentment.
“I
might as well put a pillow behind their heads and cover them with a blanket.
They’re in place for the night.” Robert went over to the coat closet and retrieved
the bedding. After he arranged the pillow and blanket, he added, “There goes
your bed. Any objection to sharing mine?”
“Hell,
Can, it’s nothing I haven’t done before…although it’s been a while,” Jeremy
said with a laugh as he pulled out the old name he had for his friend. For
the past two years, he had used the sleeper couch when he stayed over for
the evening.
“And
I haven’t heard that nickname for a while…Shroom. Although, I must say, judging
from what I’ve seen in the locker room, that mushroom of yours has definitely
grown.” Robert smiled and shrugged.
“And
that can of yours has gone from 12 ounces to 16 ounces.”
“Fuck
you. Let’s hit the bed. Go on upstairs while I turn off the lights and make
sure everything’s locked up.”
“See
ya in a few.” Jeremy walked up to the second floor and into Robert’s room;
a familiar route that he hadn’t traveled recently. ‘Christ, Can and Shroom…does
that bring back memories from a couple of years ago,’ he thought while he
undressed. He neatly placed his clothing on the desk chair and stowed the
shoes underneath before going to the bathroom. After relieving himself, Jeremy
brushed his teeth with the old red toothbrush. This was his toothbrush that
was kept for emergencies when he stayed over. The only difference was that
tonight he would be sharing Bobbie’s king-sized bed. ‘Those were fun times,’
he thought as he remembered those hot evenings when they explored their sexual
urges. ‘A little kinky…but fun.’ He was finishing rinsing when his buff and
bare host came in.
“Jeez,
I gotta whiz bad,” Robert said as he immodestly stood in front of the toilet,
aimed and let loose with a forceful, steady stream.
“You
planning on sleeping like that?” Jeremy asked as he walked to the door.
“Well,
duh. This is like I always go to bed. It’s not like we haven’t been this way
before. That’s okay, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,
no biggie.” See ya under the covers.” Jeremy went into the bedroom, pulled
down his briefs and kicked them over to the chair by his shoes. ‘No biggie…right.
Bobbie – or Can – is definitely filling out there.’ He was sure that his friend
was showing a little excitement a few moments ago and that image created a
little tingling in Jeremy’s crotch. ‘I can’t believe these high school years
are almost over,’ he thought as he got into the large bed and pulled the covers
up to his chest.
“You
remembered which side I like,” Robert said with a laugh as he turned off the
light and crawled into his side of the bed.”
“I
remember a lot of things. Friendship forever…and that’s not the weed talking.
G’night, Can.” Jeremy couldn’t help but snicker.
“Shroom,
you’re too much. Night, babe.” Robert sighed and moved his leg over to the
other half of the bed until it touched Jeremy.
Jeremy
felt the contact and started breathing a little heavier. His bedmate’s leg
started rubbing where the two had made contact. As Robert’s movement became
more aggressive, Jeremy reached down and gave his awakening cock a few strokes.
‘Oh, yeah,’ he thought. ‘Little Jer is definitely getting up and ready for
a little stroking.’ Within moments,
his erection was full mast and ready to sail. Suddenly, he felt Robert’s fingers
rubbing his balls with a tender grip. ‘What the…”
“I
figure you need a little hand,” Robert said with a sigh. “And that’s not the
weed talking, either. Stop me if I’m overstepping the boundaries.” He slowly
scooted over to Jeremy’s side and firmly gripped his buddy’s steel-like dick.
“For
old time’s sake?” Jeremy hoarsely whispered. He lay in place and reveled in
the touch of his old buddy. ‘Man, this is really a trip,’ he thought as he
felt an emission of pre-cum. There was no way he was going to turn down his
best friend’s overtures.
“Yeah,
that and more. You’ve fucked about every hot chick in school…and I haven’t
done too badly, either.” Robert moved his thumb up to Jeremy’s piss slit and
tenderly rubbed the pre-cum around the mushroom head. “But, I still get a
charge by being with you. That make any sense?”
“Perfectly.”
Jeremy put his arm around Robert and slightly adjusted his body so that the
pleasurable handling of his cock wasn’t interrupted. He pressed his forehead
against Robert’s and continued, “I love you, Bobby, like a brother. And I
guess that I still like to share…this… with you.” He leaned in until their
lips connected. He pressed further until Robert slightly opened his mouth
to receive Jeremy’s tongue. They swapped spit while their tongues were reacquainted
with each other. Each allowed the other to be invaded and probed.
Robert
pulled back and said, “Oh, fuck, Jer. I’ve really missed this. I love you,
too. Maybe a little more than a brother; I’m sorry but that’s my problem to
deal with.” Without missing a step, he rotated around so that they once again,
after two years, assumed a position where both could orally pleasure each
other.
“I
guess I’ve always known that down deep, Bobbie. But ‘brother’ is the best
I can do for you.” Jeremy moved his head closer to his best friend’s crotch
and tentatively kissed the willing, leaking cock fixed at attention in front
of him. He knew that he was opening doors to his sexuality that had been closed
for a long time. Part of Jeremy knew that the family genes Uncle Win had had
in spades were taking little baby steps in his life. ‘What does this mean?’
he wondered as he gripped the massive girth of Bobby’s veined, meaty manhood.
“Then
brothers it is…well, brothers who mess around with each other. This is something
special that I hope is part of our lives for a long time.” Robert licked his
buddy’s balls before taking the large, flared mushroom head into his mouth.
“Oh,
yeah…for a long time to come,” Jeremy said with a groan. His sexual desires
were on high alert as the wet lips and warm mouth engulfed his cock. While
Robert went through the repertoire of oral stimulations, Jeremy was thinking
about the times when other males whetted his curiosity – in the locker rooms,
or around the school corridors, or on the streets. ‘What the fuck does this
mean?’ he wondered as he opened wide to accept his friend’s mammoth penis.
‘I need someone who can give me advice. Pete at the front desk? Naw. Gio?
He’d probably jump my bones. Maybe Zach?’ Jeremy, along with everything else
from his past, wished his uncles were still there to offer counsel. However,
it wasn’t long before he gave up thinking anything coherently and just lived
the pleasures shared with his best friend.
____________________
TO BE CONTINUED