Gaystoryman’s Gay Fiction

Yard Sale

By Ian Kovnats (Gaystoryman)

Copyright © 2008 ? All Rights Reserved

Part (3)

The words were said so softly, and Cory’s face was looking everywhere, but at him. His eyes were downcast as well, and he could see how his shoulders sagged, as if he really didn’t expect Garth to believe him. And why should he?

The kid had stolen from him, and okay he had his watch back, even the cash he had given him, but what else had he ripped him off of? Was there other stuff he had stuffed under his jacket, or put in his backpack when he hadn’t been looking? Stuff he’d already sold, which was why he was back, looking for more?

Yet even as he thought it, there was something about Cory, that made him regret his thoughts. The kid had a rough break, a father that obviously was a pig, in the literal sense, and a life that was riddled with hurt, and danger too. No way could living on the streets, without any built in defences, could a kid survive. He had read the papers, he knew how many left home yearly, and how many turned to drugs, to alcohol, or worse.

Somehow, he didn’t want Cory to become one of those statistics, yet he was well on his way. To steal, took nerve, and okay, so he came back with the money. It didn’t erase the fact that he had stolen from him. As good looking as he might be, as desirable as he might be, it wasn’t enough. Least not in his books, but then he did have things easier.

He had a trade, had an ability to fight for himself, to protect himself. Cory, well he doubted if he knew much about any of that, and his chances for being self sufficient was reduced dramatically by his circumstance. No college for him, unless he found a sugar daddy, and then what? Having to pay for his education with his body? Like how was that any better than living on the streets?

‘I am supposed to believe that?’

‘It’s the truth.’

‘Sorry, but why? You have to do better than that, for me to buy that.’

Cory looked up at him then, and he felt his heart skip a few beats. There was no doubt that he was falling for this eighteen year old, not something he was needing right now. Still, he couldn’t help but notice the small tears in the corner’s of his yes, the way his face was all screwed up, as if trying to not cry. He really felt for his circumstances, but the kid had stolen from him.

‘You didn’t take advantage.’

‘Huh? Advantage? I don’t uh…’

‘I am not dumb, I can see how you looked at me, just like other’s have, but you didn’t try anything, that meant something to me, still does.’

He actually thought he had hidden his desire rather well, but obviously there was a lot more to Cory. Maybe he did have what it takes to survive, if he could recognize his look. Still, it didn’t seem to make much sense. Ken sure as fuck wouldn’t think twice about getting what he wanted, and come to think of it, he did use his body just for that purpose.

Was Cory doing the same, but with more finesse?

Garth peered hard at Cory, trying to determine if he was being played for an old fool or not. There was something about Cory that made him want to believe him, to trust him, yet he couldn’t seem to get past the fact, that he had stolen from him.

‘Wish I could believe that’

‘Would be nice.’

‘Why?’

Cory looked at him oddly. His eyes were half closed, yet Garth could tell he was staring at him intently. In a way, it made him feel like he was under some microscope, being inspected for flaws. It just felt so odd, that this street kid, a runaway really, would look at him that way, or want to. Yet somehow, he hoped he was passing muster. It made no sense, as he waited for the answer, thinking about Ken, and about how meaningless some relationships could be.

He could be Cory’s father, given the age difference between them, and yet he didn’t think his feelings for Cory were just paternal. Hell, he knew he wanted to bed the kid, from the first time he saw him leaning against the tree in the front yard. Still, he hadn’t made a move on him, even when he knew his circumstances.

In all honesty, it had nagged at him the second Cory had left earlier in the day. It was why he had been so restless, because he knew he was no Saint. He had wanted the kid, to be with him sexually, yet hadn’t tried. Was he that turned off of sex, or did his rejection by Ken keep him from trotting out his rude suggestion line?

Even now, he had thoughts about him, hell, while he had been walking around on edge, he had thought about being on the road, with Cory in tow. That sure as hell would have been something, and as dangerous as hell. After all, what did he know about the kid, other than what he had told him?

Maybe his father was a Cop, maybe not. Maybe he had been tossed out but maybe from being a thief, not being Gay. There was no way for him to find out either, and why did it matter? He couldn’t take him with him, and in the morning he’d be long gone. Why did it matter why he had stolen his watch, shit, it wasn’t like he was going to be with him beyond tonight.

Yet as much as his mind tried to throw up reasons to simply send Cory on his way, something deep inside kept him from doing it. He could have called the police, but hadn’t. He could have tossed the kid out instead of inviting him for coffee. So what the fuck was he doing, trying to convince him of doing what was impossible, unrealistic?

‘Come on, what’s the reason? Why does it make a difference whether I believe you or not?’

‘You want the truth?’

‘Yes, of course I do.’

‘You won’t believe it.’

‘I’ll decide what I believe or not, come on, quit stalling.’

‘I am not stalling, oh hell, it doesn’t matter anyhow, I am just tired of being thought of as a thing, instead of me, and you, well, you didn’t treat me like thing, some little toy to buy or play with. I just wanted to remember that, to keep hoping.’

‘Hoping for what?’

‘That someone out there would like me, for me, not as some thing, some possession. That is all I was to my parents, something to show off, to parade around. Since then, oh hell, I am just some sex trophy for the pervs, you didn’t make me feel like that, I just wanted to remember that, that is all.’

He had heard a few good one’s in his time, but this one took the cake. No way was it the truth, yet as he stared at Cory, he didn’t look like it was BS. It rang true, inside, despite his natural scepticism.

‘You make me sound like a Saint’

‘No, just a nice guy. Guy’s like me don’t run into many of them.’

‘I guess not. Still…’

‘Yeah, I know, you were nice to me, and I stole from you. Nothing gonna change that, is it?’

The tears were actually run down his face, and he could hear his disappointment, in his voice. For whatever reason, Cory seemed to actually care what he thought of him. He could be a good actor, but he didn’t think anyone his age could be THAT good. Sure, there were a lot of doubts in his mind, but inside, he just wanted to reach out and hug him, to hold him.

‘I don’t know, Life never goes the way we expect it to.’

‘That’s for sure.’

It was how he said it, that troubled him. Instead of pushing him out the door, now that his coffee was finished, he offered him another cup, along with some cookies he still had laying around. Wasn’t much, but he was reluctant to just end it, to let it go.

Garth didn’t want to see him leave, and it appeared like Cory was as reluctant to go, but it came time. He had finished his cookies, the coffee, despite sipping it slowly until it was ice cold. Still, it was inevitable, and Garth felt disappointed. As much as he was smitten by Cory’s looks, he felt unable to move.

Putting his hand in his pocket, as Cory more or less began to make the signs of standing up, he felt the old watch among the crumbled bills. His fingers touched the metal case, giving him a strange quiver. The tips seemed to vibrate as they caressed the old case, as old memories flooded back to him.

He could hear the old man now, the way he would always pull that watch out, to stare at the time, while he tried to gather his thoughts. It was one of those times, when he had finally been true to who he was, when his parents wer forced to discuss it with him. Not an easy chore, for them or him, but he could still his father now, pulling the watch out of his pocket, the gold chain attached.

When he finally spoke it wasn’t with anger in his voice, or even hurt either. He remembered the tears in his mother’s face, the way she had looked at her husband, when he spoke and at how the words had sounded so amazing to him. Not the kind of words Cory’s father would have said, that was for sure.

It was about how he was still his pride, his son. The way he had looked, the watch in his hand, as he made the fear Garth had been feeling, suddenly vanish. There was no shame in his heart, as his father wiped that away too. It was that image, that meant so much to him, and the watch was his link to it, or so he thought, as he looked up at Cory.

The young man was standing now, not sure what to say and without even thinking, he had the watch out of his pants pocket, and on the table. He saw how Cory looked at it, then at him, then at his feet. In that second, he knew he was taking a leap of faith, that he hadn’t done in decades. For once he was going to go with his heart, not his mind.

He pushed the watch forward a bit, and looked up at Cory.

‘Here, maybe this will help.’

‘I uh, I can’t, not after taking it.’

‘Sit down for a second, Cory.’

He did as Garth asked, and they looked at each other, their eyes locked in what seemed an endless struggle. Garth could see his fear, see his shame too. It was just how he had looked, when his own father had taken the watch out, to stare at its face, before he had spoken.

‘What are your plans Cory? Beyond making it to the next day?’

His eyes seemed to waver, they grew darker as if there was some inner turmoil happening. Garth waited, his finger tips touching the metal case, noticing how Cory would look at him, then quickly down at the watch. His face kept changing too, as he tried to think, or maybe just try to figure out the answer to Garth’s question.

‘I don’t know, sometimes, sometimes it is just all a guy can do, to make it through. Other times, I don’t know, not like I have a lot of options.’

Garth could hear the desperation, the hopelessness in Cory’s voice. It was in his expression too, and again he noticed how the eyes seemed to be engaged in some strange inner battle. As if he had a solution, but wasn’t yet ready to take it.

‘You could get a job. Beats living on the streets.’

‘Not easy to get, jobs. I don’t mind working, but then they ask for your address, or phone number.’

‘I didn’t think of that. Guess it does make it harder.’

‘Near impossible, there are some places that help, or try to. But they have lots of kids they try to place, it just seems, I don’t know, like it isn’t meant to be.’

‘So you just give up?’

Cory looked up at him then, and there was a hint of defiance in his look, but not in his voice. He seemed like he had been beaten, and Garth felt his pain. He couldn’t help himself, as he pressed him.

‘No, I move on, hoping things are better somewhere else.’

Garth felt his own inner struggle as he stared at Cory. There was no doubt that he was putting himself in jeopardy, but he seemed to not care, as he glanced down at the watch. His father hadn’t abandoned him, how could he leave Cory, knowing what he knew? His mind told him that naturally his father stood by him, he was his blood, but Cory wasn’t.

Every argument that could be made as to why not to do what his heart was telling him too, was made, over and over again. Still, the touch of that case seemed to hold him true to his decision. Without pausing, he had to make the offer, to make the effort. He knew what Cory was thinking, and no kid, no matter what, should have to face those issues, not yet, not in this day and age. He couldn’t leave him, it was that simple.

Maybe Cory wasn’t his kid, and maybe his reasons were mixed up between wanting to simply be the man Cory thought he was, but then, that is what his father thought of him too. He had told him then, so many years ago, and now he finally understood what he had meant. His destiny could easily have been like Cory’s, given how there was a lot less knowledge or toleration for gays back then.

‘Take the watch, if you still want it.’

He could see he did, the way the eyes looked down at it. It was if he had just given the kid a million bucks, the way his face looked, how his chest seemed to heave. The tears were still rolling down, but not from shame or hurt. As Cory reached out, Garth could see how his hand shook, trembled as his fingers touched the other side of the metal case.

‘There is one catch.’

Cory stared up at him, suddenly fear was in his face. His lower trembled as he looked down at the watch, at Garth’s fingers still touching the other side of the case.

‘Please, don’t, don’t ruin what I think…’

‘No, no Cory, it is nothing like that, not that kind of a string, though I’ll be honest, I do find you attractive, desirable even, but no, I am not asking to get into your pants.’

‘Then what?’

‘That watch, it means a lot to me, sort of in the same way it means something to you.’

‘Then why, why are you giving it to me?’

‘It is all I have left of my father. No, don’t worry, I have lots of memories of him, the watch was, well, it helped me remember him, but I don’t need that to do that.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘He was a good man, he could have thrown me out just like your father did, but he didn’t. He hadn’t a clue what being gay was, but he knew what being a father was. Those are the memories I have with that watch. Memories I wish you could have.’

Garth stood up, and walked over to stand beside Cory. He saw his body shaking, knew he was struggling to not cry either, as he knelt down next to him. He put one hand on the back of the chair, and saw the boy tense up again. God how it must feel, to know some can only think of you that way, he thought, as he looked down at his own feet, then lifted his face up to once more look at Cory.

‘I am going to the Northwest tomorrow, got a new job, new place to live, and well, I want you to come with me.’

‘Please, I uh, I mean I know I… Shit, I asked you not to…’

‘No Cory, as hard as this is for you to believe, I am not asking you to come along as my son, or sex toy either.’

‘Then, why? You don’t know me, shit I stole this from you, and now you are willing to just take me with you? I am not stupid.’

He pushed the chair back, angry and hurt, but still a part of him seemed to want to believe Garth. He was having trouble doing that, and Garth knew it was up to him, to convince him.

The body language said it all, and he knew he was running a huge risk, but deep inside, he just knew it was right. It had to be, nothing else seemed to make any sense to him, as he stood up, feeling the bit of arthritis in his joints. At this moment he was feeling his age, but there was a reason for everything.

Perhaps being dumped by Ken was why he was doing this, a rebound type thing, but he didn’t think so. Cory came into his life, at the right time, at the right moment, and he had proven he was worth the effort. Who else would come back, return cash but try to keep a worthless watch?

‘I won’t lie to you, the first time I saw you, I thought about wanting you, doing you, as you say, but I can’t explain it any better, than you can about why you upped and stole the watch, but came back with the money. Yes, I do want to have sex with you, but not from guilt, or because you think you owe me something.’

‘Then what?’

‘Let me finish, then you can rant, walk out, or hopefully realize I am the same person you thought enough of, to be honest with. To want something to remember me by.’

‘Okay, I guess I can do that.’

‘Good, now first off, put the watch in your pocket, it is yours, whether you leave, or not. No strings.’

He watched as Cory stared at him, then the watch that was on the table. His eyes softened as his hand reached out, and touched the case. Garth could see his emotions twirling inside, knew that the watch still meant something to Cory. The hand trembled, as Cory picked it up and held it. Looking at Garth he gave him a sort of small smile, one that made Garth quiver a bit.

‘You mean it?’

‘Yep, it is yours’

‘Thanks’ he said, as he sat down on the chair he had leapt from minutes earlier. He looked so young at that moment, so vulnerable that Garth couldn’t help but smile. Inside, his heart was beating as he pulled the other chair out, and sat near Cory.

He couldn’t help but notice how Cory held the watch. The kid didn’t put in his pocket, but instead held it tightly in his hand, constantly glancing down to stare at it, like it was some sort of talisman.

‘Thing is Cory, I am tired of being alone, of the type of guys I wind up with. You are so different, so unlike them, even in the brief time I have known you, that it just makes me want to be near you. Yes, I want to have sex with you, but if not, hey, being a friend is just as good. Sex between us, well that’s for you to decide, because after this, if you come with me, I won’t mention it again. It will have to be your choice.’

‘I still don’t see why? I mean it sounds good, but…’

‘Yeah, thing is, my Dad believed in certain values, and I guess without knowing it, they sort of became mine too,, without me even knowing it. I am no Saint, told you that, and I have paid for guys your age, to get off with, had some even live with me, till they had enough or I got tired of footing the bill. Didn’t matter how young they were, well, I mean they had to be eighteen or older, but you know what I mean.

Thing is, it never worked out, because there was always conditions. Either on their part or mine, and I am too old for that shit now. I have a chance at a new life, one that can be satisfying, if I let it.

You look like you need a chance too, like the one I got from my Dad, and I think I can give you that chance, that break. If you take it, well, great. It has to be without terms, without conditions, otherwise it isn’t a chance, so yeah, I’d like to be more than a friend, but I’d rather have that friendship, that chance to help, than have a roll in bed with you now, and let it go at that.

Does that make sense to you?’

Garth leaned back in the chair. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, realizing just how nervous he was. He had been serious, honest about his reasons, though he wasn’t sure if Cory believed him or not. He had given it his best shot, the rest was up to fate.

Looking at Cory, he realized that it was exactly as he had said. He did want him, Christ the kid was a looker, even in his dirty clothes. Still, it wasn’t what he saw in his face or in his eyes. There was a brain there, a good one, and despite the way he had been treated, he still clung to hope, to faith. Then there was his values.

He stole, yes, but he came clean about it. He didn’t have to tell him about the watch, hell he didn’t have to come back to give him back the money. But he had. That said a lot about his character, despite his father, and the rest. It was worth the gamble, and as he waited, he felt that maybe Cory would think he was worth the gamble too.

‘Nothing is for free these days.’

‘True, and what I am offering isn’t free either. Thing is, you’ll have an address and phone number to put on your job application, and once you get a job, there will be rent and all. Until then, you can do chores, like laundry, cleaning, that kind of stuff.’

‘When do I have to tell you? Now?’

‘No, take the night, I am leaving as soon as the moving truck finishes loading up, they are supposed to be hear around 8, and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours for them to load, then I am off. You have until then.’

Cory stood up, and put the watch into his pocket, looking at Garth. His eyes were softer, but there was still doubt in them. He could see it, feel it even, and with a sinking heart he watched as the young man moved out to the hallway. He picked up his backpack, and slung it over his shoulder. He turned and looked at Garth, his eyes searching, yet closed to him.

Garth watched as he left, walked down the sidewalk and disappeared down the street. He didn’t know how long he just stood there, but as he felt the night air chill him, he turned and closed the door. He felt like he had done his best, but that maybe he could have said it differently, done something, so that he would have believed him, and not left.

Closing the door was more than just shutting out the night’s cold air. It felt like he had lost something, and while inside he believed he had done the right thing, said the right words, he felt that maybe he should have tried harder, specially when he was leaving.

It was irrational, crazy even, to feel so disappointed when truth was, he wouldn’t know until the moving van had left. If there was no sign of Cory, he’d know then that he had failed, or that he had been suckered. God, he could feel his thoughts now, telling him what a sucker he had been. Worse, he didn’t have the watch now, making it feel even worse.

Still, somewhere deep inside, he kept feeling that flicker of hope. If Cory could have hope, could hold onto something simply because some stranger had given him a few bucks without trying to get into his pants, he could at least wait till the morning.

Sitting in his only remaining chair in the living room, he couldn’t help but feel like he would have a long day ahead of him. He just was too restless to go to bed, though he found himself napping in the chair. Yet every noise he heard, he’d spring up, awake. It was like he expected a knock on the door, or something, and when the noise didn’t happen again, he leaned back in the chair, dozing until the next noise woke him up.

The sun had been up for a bit, and the sound of a big truck out front broke through his fitful sleep. He felt like a hundred, as he raised himself up, knowing that his moment of truth was upon him. With no sign of Cory during the night, he was already telling himself that it was hopeless. Even the deep inner voice was being silent, as his mind trumpeted its victory. He stretched, feeling out of sorts, and dirty. He needed a shave and a shower, but he’d only have time for the shave.

Stretching a bit, to get the kinks out of his body, he walked towards the front door, to greet the movers. His legs were heavy, not from sleep but from his failure. He heard the truck door slam and he turned the latch on his front door, and opened it, to wait for the movers.

As he opened the door, he spotted a shadow at the base of the tree. It didn’t seem to fit, and then he noticed it move as if it were alive. His heart gave a bit of a start, as suddenly a pair of arms shot out from underneath, and a figure emerged.

The head shook a bit, then turned to see him in the doorway. Garth felt his whole body tremble, as he saw the face break into a smile, as it stood up, dusting off the grass and early morning dew. The men coming up the walk stared at him, wondering if he was some nut job or something, the way his face glowed.

Cory flung the backpack over his shoulder, as he trotted over to Garth. He threw the pack into the doorway, grinned at Garth, then turned to watch the two men coming closer.

‘Should I make coffee for four?’

Making An Entrance

By Ian Kovnats (Gaystoryman)

Copyright © 2008 ? All Rights Reserved

Part (3)

Don found a parking spot in front of his apartment complex, not wanting to go to his assigned spot. Call it superstition, or just plain old fear, but last thing he wanted right now was to go to his spot, and perhaps see another car in it. Least this way he could keep the mood, the feeling inside that Alex was totally wrong. He really hated these nagging doubts, and as he walked towards the front door, he realized it was not going to end, even if he found nothing once inside.

The doubts would always exist, simply because he was so much older than Rob. There would be those thoughts, whether Alex or someone else said another word about it or not. It was part of being older, thanks to the notion that old men with younger men was about sex, not love. Society, his society, didn’t seem to accept it as much as the straight world. Walking up, he felt a bit saddened by that realization, wondering how Rob would take it.

Would he throw a fit, or would he understand? After all he was a lot younger, he hadn’t gone through the really painful years of being Gay, and having to hide it. Now it was easier, you didn’t have to look over your shoulder constantly before going into a gay bar, though you still need to be cautious. Still, would Rob understand? He hoped so as he pressed the button to go up and confront the doubts, to maybe put them at ease.

Even if the worst was true, that Rob was turning tricks, or something like that, it wasn’t the end of it all, or was it? Would he understand if Rob was seeing other men, for money? Leaning against the back of the elevator, he thought about it, wondering just how he felt. Did it matter as much, it wasn’t like they didn’t practise safer sex. Condoms were always on hand, but the risks were there none the less. Still, would it make him feel less if Rob was cheating? Was it cheating?

Not like they had exchanged any vows, or even signed any papers to say they belonged to each other, and he wasn’t sure he wanted or needed that type of legal stuff. Sure in some cases it might be practical, but hell he wasn’t about to kick off tomorrow, so what was the worry?

Rob had some pretty definite ideas on that one, and frankly he rather agreed with him. Society wasn’t designed to be monogamous. Advertising sure as hell didn’t cater much to that concept, and neither did the shows either. Though he found he enjoyed just sitting back in the sofa, reading a bit, while the stereo played some non stop music. Rob would read too, another trait that was unusual among the younger generation.

He enjoyed his mystery novels, loved reading them, while he was more of a general fiction type. Though he was reading a few more mysteries these days, which made him grin a bit. See, Alex was wrong, because when he thought about Rob, there was always something to remind him of his affection, his love. Reading a book, just one of them.

They had so many good memories, and really, it hadn’t changed since they met. They were always off making new memories together, things to look back on, to talk about at night. It wasn’t like they ignored each other most of the time, or were doing their own thing. They talked, and okay, yes at times it got physical, but in all honesty, he really could say, that he and Rob, had more than just sex going for them.

Don really hated this, knowing that all these doubts were just that. It wasn’t like Rob had given him reason to doubt him, that it was simply Alex and his more so called mature friends. It gnawed at him, but hopefully walking in now, he could put them aside, feel free from them for just a bit. Maybe he should have stopped to pick up some flowers, or chocolates, and make it one more of those special memories?

Now that would certainly tick Alex off. The idea gave him a bit of a warmth, as he came to his apartment door. He stopped, to pull out his keys, and heard the laughter coming from inside. For a second he felt a bit cold, before realizing it was more likely the television. Still, it had given him a start, as he put his key into the lock and turned it.

Entering, he could smell something cooking, realizing that dinner was already on the go. He could hear the noise now, relaxing as it was indeed the television set. Though a bit too loud, he just felt relieved. He felt like he was on pins and needles, as he walked in, expecting to see Rob on the sofa, ready with his excuse.

The room was empty, with no Rob on the sofa, just the television blaring. Stepping in he turned towards the bedroom door, as it opened and out walked Rob. He was shirtless, and the vision of his bare upper body made the hairs on the back of his arms stand up. He felt like he was on the edge of a cliff, as Rob stopped dead in his tracks.

A look of surprise was on his face, not a smile, just sort of shock. The eyes were wide open, the mouth slightly open, as he recognized Don standing there. Other than shock, there was something else in his eyes, a look Don had never seen before. It bothered him, making him suck in his breath as he looked at the younger man.

His hair was in a mess, and he just didn’t look like he expected him to look. It was as if he had been running and was just pausing to catch his breath. Rob was standing too still, to much like a statue.

‘Don, you are home early’

‘Yeah’

‘Something wrong? Man you look like you seen a ghost.’

‘You don’t look much better, more like you just fell out of a hay loft or back of a truck, but no, nothing is wrong. Should there be?’

‘What the fuck is that supposed to mean?’

He could see the spark of anger in his lover’s face. The way his eyes now narrowed, his mouth set firm, the chin jutting out a bit.

‘Nothing, you just get out of bed?’

He saw the shot hit home. The way he suddenly stiffened, his arms going rigid, his whole body becoming more erect. Even his eyes seemed to suddenly smoulder, as if there was a fire lurking behind them, as they darkened.

‘Yeah, and alone too.’

‘I didn’t say anything about there being someone else in there.’

‘No, your look did though, so come on, go inside, see for yourself.’

Rob turned to one side, letting a space show between him and the doorway. Don could feel the anger, almost see it, touch it, as he just looked at the young man. He was pissed, something Rob rarely showed. In fact, in all the time they had been together, it was Rob who had the cooler head, who never showed anger. Least until now.

‘Christ, you are half naked, what else should I expect?’

Don moved away, turned his back on Rob and headed over to the sofa. This wasn’t going the way he wanted, besides, why the fuck was Rob so suddenly defensive? Did he have someone in there, or had before he got home? Sitting down, he stared back at the glowering younger man, wishing he had stayed at work, wishing he had turned the car around, anything but what was going to turn into a major battle.

‘That’s why you are here, isn’t it? You think I am doing some one else, don’t you? Come on, admit it, you are here checking up on me.’

‘It isn’t like that, look, this is getting out of hand…’

‘Out of hand, shit Don, you come home in the middle of the afternoon, accuse me of having someone in the bedroom simply because I don’t have a shirt on? Fuck man, sometimes I walk around in my undies, doesn’t mean I just fucked someone in the bedroom.’

‘No, no I know that, it is just that, I uh…’

‘What? You didn’t come home to check up on me? I am not stupid Don, give me some credit.’

‘Fine, yes, yes I did come home to check up on you, happy now, make you feel better?’

‘Hell no, I just don’t like being lied to, anymore than you do.’

‘I haven’t lied to you.’

‘Then what is this about? Why suddenly do you feel the need to check up on me?’

‘I don’t know, maybe the talk from others, maybe it’s not wanting to fully believe my luck, I don’t know, just that I had to, to put it to rest.’

‘Talk? What from some of the perverts you call friends? Who? Bet I know.’

‘Look, calling them names isn’t going to help, and they aren’t perverts, they are my friends.’

‘Yeah right, real good friends you got there, and Don they are perverts, Christ how many times I have… look, you can believe what you want about them, I just, I know better, okay? And I don’t cheat.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean? How many times what? Don’t imply something without giving me the details? I have a right to know.’

‘Oh, do you?’

‘Yes, damn it, I do.’

‘and I don’t?’

‘Huh?’

‘Not like you are telling me what they are saying behind my back, now are you?’

Don looked up at Rob, saw the way his nostrils flared, realizing just how angry he truly was. It was hard for him to not feel like shit, but he couldn’t just let it all drop now. Too much had been said, and yet he couldn’t help but admire the guy. It was like he was lashing out, not from a guilty conscience, but because he really did care, because he really was hurt by the notion that Don thought he would cheat.

‘I didn’t want to piss you off, besides, I didn’t know how to bring it up’

‘Yeah sure, but you believe them.’

‘No, not really, okay, maybe a bit, but…’

‘I wouldn’t do that to you Don, you should know that.’

The anger was gone, and Don could hear the sadness in Rob’s voice. His head seemed to hang down, to stare at his feet, as he just stood there.

‘I should, I do, deep down inside, I do, it is just the age thing, it crops up and…’

‘Screw that shit, you and your friends are the only one’s worrying about age differences, not my friends, sure as shit not me.’

‘I suppose.’

‘Suppose hell, ten to one it’s Alex doing most of the talking too.’

‘Yeah, he the one being a perv?’

‘Yeah, but I can handle him.’

‘In your undies?’

Rob smiled at that, and moved closer. He sat in front, on the coffee table, facing Don. He couldn’t help but check him out, which kept the smile on Rob’s face. Yet there was a serious side to him, one he hadn’t really appreciated before now. The anger in his face, was more from hurt, something that made Don feel ashamed. He should never have let Alex, or the other’s get to him.

‘Hell yes, give the creep a thrill and a heart attack, all at once.’

‘You are sick’

‘He’s your friend’

‘Yeah well, he does have some good qualities.’

‘Like?’

‘Right now, damn if I could say.’

‘Look Don, I like what we have together, I don’t want it to change, do you?’

‘No, no I don’t either, but the whole age thing, it’s not easy.’

‘I can see that, but, I am not that way Don, I am a one guy man, I am not a tramp, never have been, I just can’t do that.’

‘You really walk around in just your undies?’

‘Yeah, why not?’

‘And if someone comes calling?’

‘Like Alex perhaps?’

‘Yeah, like Alex’

‘Well see, he can’t get into the building without buzzing, so naturally I’d let him in, go and put on a suit of armour and everything would be fine, now if it was maybe the paper boy, well…’

‘You bitch’

‘Hey, it’s not easy waiting till you get home.’

‘I have seen our paper boy, and let me tell you hun, he ain’t no boy. Hell, he’s older than me.’

‘Yum, I like ‘em older, didn’t you know?’

He couldn’t help but laugh as he felt the tension easing. Rob was smiling a bit now, no longer looking like he could kill someone, and the lines around his mouth, his forehead were softer now.

‘So I hear’

‘Yeah, well next time, don’t use your key, buzz, and who knows, you might get invited to the party.’

‘What party is that?’

‘This one’ he said, as he stood up and more or less leaped onto Don. He felt his body press him hard into the back of the sofa, and his mouth was firmly pressed onto his. It had taken him by surprise, yet as he felt the hands urgently moving up and down his body, touching him, he realized just how lucky he was.

They kissed hard, as he felt his lips pushed apart by the urgent demands of Rob’s tongue. The rush was unbelievable, as he tasted Rob’s breath in his mouth. There was a lingering flavour from the toothpaste, but also something more, almost a musky type scent. His body was being pressed back hard, then suddenly Rob was standing.

Don glanced up, as he saw that glint, that evil little smirk that Rob would get every now and then. In the back of his mind, he knew that this afternoon was about to be one of those times.

His eyes moved down Rob’s body, following the motion of his hands, as they ran down his lean body, towards his waist. They lingered around the belt, then Don watched as the belt began to slide out. He had missed it being opened, and now it hung down, draped down the thighs on either side.

The fingers were at the button, and he heard the pop, then the metallic sound of the zipper being slowly pushed down caught his attention. At the same time his eyes kept noticing how the pants were growing, how they were not flat, but beginning to show a definite bulge to them. Don felt himself licking his lips, as he glanced upwards.

Rob’s face was peering down at him, a soft warm glow coming from the eyes, the face. The little smirk around his lips was a bit more pronounced, as the pants were flung open, revealing the pubic patch of hair. Don sucked in his breath, realizing Rob wasn’t wearing any undies

He looked up, his eyes questioning Rob’s, as he felt his own body beginning to become aroused. His face was feeling flushed, as the smile grew across Rob’s face.

‘Sometimes, I don’t wear anything.’

As he said it, he dropped his pants down his legs, showing off his fully hard cock. It looked as hard as a rock, and seemed to stare right at Don. He couldn’t help but gasp, realizing just how thick it looked, from that angle, and more than that, how full it looked. To think, he had that effect on someone like Rob, well, screw Alex, screw them all he thought, as his doubts were cast away.

Don stood up, and grabbed hold of Rob, surprising him. He pulled him close, kissing the side of his neck, groping him all over. His hands moved up and down the naked flesh, caressing it, feeling it as his own body arched inwards. His arms were pulling Rob into his own body, as he felt the hard cock against his thigh.

Time seemed to have disappeared as his emotions took over from his reasoning. Don wanted Rob, then and there. His whole body seemed to shake, as he literally ripped his shirt off, tossing it to one side, while reaching and undoing his pants. It was like he was in some sort of frenzy, as he stepped out of the pants and underwear, before Rob could utter more than a gasp of surprise.

Quickly, he took Rob into his arms, kissing him again and under his chin, then his Adam’s apple, then he pushed him away, still holding him firmly by the shoulders. He looked squarely into Rob’s eyes, saw the surprise, saw the lust too. He knew Rob wanted him, as much as he wanted Rob. That was all he wanted to see.

Taking Rob firmly, he quickly turned him around, so that Rob’s backside was to the sofa, and with surprising force, he guided him down onto it. Not once did he let his eyes leave Rob’s, as he let himself rest on top of the younger man. His own hard cock pushing Rob’s to one side, digging down into the side of the thigh, to rest between the soft inner thigh and the leathery skin of Rob’s sac.

He felt so alive, so full of life, he lost track of all that was happening. His whole body was nothing but a mass of rolling waves of emotions. Every time he touched Rob, or Rob touched him, it was like being hit with a bolt of lightning. His breathing was ragged, his chest ached, as they kissed each other.

It was almost like they were just discovering each other, the way their bodies shook, moved to meet the other. His mind was lost, confused, dazed, as it struggled for control. His body refused, and soon his mind stopped trying, enjoying, instead, the flow of emotions that passed through. His heart raced, and he couldn’t believe how strong it felt, how loud it sounded in his ears.

The room had been filled with sunlight when he walked in, but now it was like being in a rainbow itself. The colors that flashed all around him, made him groan, made him whimper even. He felt Rob’s thick cock, felt his own as their bodies shifted, and moved. He could feel the tightness around his cock head, felt it being strangled by the firm hold of something.

His eyes glanced down, to see himself penetrate Rob’s tight pink hole. The lights grew brighter as they were reflected off the rubber sheath, that he hadn’t even recalled putting on. All he could feel was the love that held his cock, that made his entry slow and steady. Tossing his head back, he saw his hands gripping the ankles of his lover, holding them up and over his head, as his body filled the warm hole.

Maybe later, he’d remember the details, but for now all he could do was feel the passion holding him, stare at the hard pole pressed by his own stomach against Rob’s flat one. His own dick moving slowly inside of Rob. It was a feeling that just overwhelmed everything else. His eyes were coated from the dripping sweat off his forehead, but he didn’t care. He could even see the drops as they fell to splatter against Rob’s heaving chest.

It was all there, he could see it, feel it, and yet it wasn’t. The way his whole body seemed on fire, as if about to melt, yet his heart only raced faster, his lungs aching more. The muscles grew hard, feeling like they would break from the strain, yet on it went. His head was dripping sweat, pools gathered and rolled down the rolling flesh of Rob’s bare torso.

In some ways it was like watching a rolling wave coming to the shore. Endless line of white crests, coming on and on, despite the rocks, the outcroppings that stood in their way. On it came, as his body continued to pound, to act on its own and yet not.

Every sinew in his body was screaming, even his lungs were crying out and somewhere, lost in all that internal noise, was his own cries that seemed so soft compared to the rest. He could hear Rob’s pleading tones, feel his heart as it matched wild beat to wild beat of his own heart. It all was there, but his mind couldn’t cope, couldn’t decipher all the various signals.

He heard the cry, just as his eyes seemed to clear. His whole body was on a precipice, as if he was standing on the shore, watching a towering white capped wave looming over him, then come crashing down. Don felt his heart stutter, felt it tremble, as the power from within came rushing out, out powering everything else that was happening.

His mind was blank, his heart was like a racing engine suddenly thrown off kilter, struggling to regain the high ground, to stop from slipping, racing faster and faster.

His legs were about to crack, the bones inside stretched past their tolerances, as the crashing wave enveloped him. He heard his spluttering cries, felt the cold water cover him, sizzling as it struck his burning flesh. Steam swirled around his eyes, as the white water seemed to just close all around him, the flashing lights dimmed and made more amazing by the transparent coating of the water..

It was an illusion, he knew it, but refused to accept it. He felt lost among the crashing waves, felt himself falling, felt his whole body being buffeted by the force of the crashing wave. No longer could he feel his legs, nor his arms, as he felt himself twisting and falling. Nothing was there, but the swirling water, as he blinked, as his body finally surrendered to the power inside, that now exploded around him.

Everything was dark around him, and the noises were like some one huffing, as if their lungs were starved of oxygen. There were sounds of moans, as if a major catastrophe had happened, and the injured were crying out, when he finally realized the noises were of his own making. His eyes flickered, and light poured into the tiny slit, blinding him, making him recoil a bit, causing his body to move.

The pain shot through his whole body as he finally managed to look up, to see the dark wet strands of hair that were next to his mouth, the golden glare of skin, glowing red as if a fire was dying down within. His body shook, as he felt the pain in every muscle of his body, as slowly he turned his face, to find himself staring into Rob’s face.

The lips were parted, the nostrils flaring and the look in the eyes were like red orbs of burning embers. Don felt himself tremble, as he lifted his head up, the skin sticking to Rob’s as he slid onto his side, next to Rob. His heart was still beating a mile a second, and he could see Rob’s chest rising & falling quickly, struggling to catch it’s breath.

Looking into Rob’s face, his mind began to slowly unwind, slowly began to process all that had happened. The wetness all over his naked body was cooling in the room’s air, and yet the fire inside, seemed brighter, hotter, than ever. His arms were like lead weights, as he struggled to lift himself up.

Rob’s eyelids fluttered a bit, as he stared deeply into Don’s face. They were filled with a glow he had never seen, or felt before, as he just stared back. At last Rob moved a bit, giving Don a bit more room, as one arm now rested over Don.

‘I think you should start checking up on me more often.’

Yard Sale

By Ian Kovnats (Gaystoryman)

Copyright © 2008 ? All Rights Reserved

Part (1)

Garth stretched his arms over his head, and yawned as he surveyed the few remaining people picking through his collection of goodies, things that at one time had meant something to him. Now they were simply a way to get some needed extra cash, to clear out the junk before the final push, the move out. He felt a bit dejected thinking of it all, but then, hell it was life.

Besides, ever since Ken had left, it really hadn’t been the same, not even close to it. Selling the house, moving clear across the country would be a real break, a real new beginning. So why take all the old memories with him? It didn’t make sense, plus the way things were, every extra dollar would come in handy on the long drive away from here.

First he had lost his job, which had been a shock. After almost 20 years working his way up the ladder at the plant, it was all gone in a blink of an eye. Shortly after, Ken left. No real explanation, just like the factory owners, just a ‘sorry but time to move on’ bullshit excuse. Yes, it made him angry, and he knew people could see the scowl on his face, the one over at his collection of CD’s seemed to notice it the most, though he doubted if he would understand. He was just way too young, and judging by his long hair, his thin frame, the guy couldn’t be more than 20 at best, more likely 18.

Christ, to be 18 again or 19 or even 20, would be great. Not a care in the world, a sense of invincibility that he had back then, all gone now, in the blink of an eye. Working hard, moving up to where he was running an entire shift of guys, all gone because of cheap crap from abroad. And the Politicians, with their sympathetic words, but empty promises, only made it all worse. The whole town had seemed to just sag when the factory closed, and the owners, well they were off at their fancy digs at Martha’s Vineyard, consoling themselves with domestic cavier instead of Russian. Like that really helped him and the hundreds of others suddenly unemployed.

Ken hadn’t even tried to be supportive. He had shrugged, asked him what did he expect, then proceeded to bag and leave him there, alone, facing unemployment and worse, by himself. Well fuck him, fuck the company, and fuck the politicians too. He wasn’t going to just cave, like others. He didn’t go to the bar every night, to drown his sorrows, instead he got his resume together, got his house listed quickly before the others even thought about it, and made his plans.

He wasn’t a quitter, but he would be damned if he’d just sit back and watch the bank take his house, watch the Politicians promise him the moon and deliver cheap domestic cheese instead. He sent out hundreds of resumes, all across the country. Sure, at his age, 45, it wouldn’t be easy, but he had learned stuff, had some experience that should count for something, and lo and behold, over in Washington State a company agreed.

The salary wasn’t as good as he had, but at least he’d not be starting all over as a stock boy, or gopher. He would have some responsibilities and the company was small enough, that it might not move towards outsourcing. Plus, the owner was local, not some suit who showed up once a month to go over the figures. He lived near the plant, and was there everyday, so maybe it would last.

Then too, it was close to Seattle, which meant at least some night life that was more gay friendly than around this place. He really was feeling bitter, but as he watched the thinning crowd picking over his belongings, he felt relieved too. It was time, even at his age, to get real, to stop daydreaming. He knew from the start that Ken was just there for the ride, and yeah they had some good times, but it had always cost him, not Ken.

Looking at the kid again, he wondered what his story was. He had tattered jeans, bit threadbare and Garth figured if the kid had ten bucks on him, it would be his life savings. The hair was long, straggly looking and dirty. His face was a bit ashen, but that could be from simply being unwashed. He really should just go over and shoo him away, as there was no doubt he was just killing time.

Still, he liked his look, and while some of his so called friends would call him a cradle robber, he did have a yen for the more younger type. One reason why Ken had gotten in behind his defences. The guy still looked like he was in his early twenties, even though he was 33. Now this kid, well he had that look, that hungry look that always gave Garth a bit of a lump.

Mind you, he didn’t really have the patience for it anymore, for the chase, the hunt. Sex was good, when he got it, but since Ken had left, there had only been two brief little ventures in the sex department. Not that he couldn’t get it up, but he was damned if he’d play the games, nor was he willing to offer the other inducement of cash. Hell, be rather stupid to pay for a night of sex with some hustler, when he was selling everything he owned to just survive.

Pickings were slim at the best of times in this burg, but he had always managed. A little extra expenditure on drinks, maybe dinner, and he got what he wanted. Even now, at 45 he wasn’t a dog. Working the line with the others, despite his elevated status as foremen, helped keep his look from showing his advancing years. He was nearly 6 foot, and could still fit into a 30 inch waist pair of pants. His legs were full, and his arms didn’t sag under the arms either. His stomach was flat, and sure he could pinch maybe an inch, but that was it.

His face showed the years a bit more than his body. The lines across his forehead were etched and only growing more pronounced, and the bags under the eyes seemed to only be getting darker with time. His nose had a bit of a curve at top and just before the tip, from being broken more than once. It wasn’t easy working a production line, and sometimes a good right cross helped solve a few personality conflicts. His face showed it more than he liked, but he thought it added character to him.

Some of the younger crowd at the local gay bar said so, though in all honesty they were hoping for a paying customer, and when he made it clear he wasn’t about to be one, they just drifted off. The way the kid at the CD’s looked, he knew he would be one of them, too. He had that look, that glance that said he was available, for the right price.

Funny how he could spot the working boys, while the others he knew had trouble figuring out if the guy was queer, never mind on the hustle. Still, as much as the kid looked interesting, looked like he could be fun for a quick romp, he wasn’t about to waste his cash. Not now, not after all the shit that had gone on. He shook his head, and let himself sit back up, thinking maybe it was time to call the sale off.

He had been out there since 8am, and it was nearly 4 now. What was going to sell had long since been taken away. The remnants just weren’t going to make him any cash, and would wind up either in the trash or the free pile. Still some of the stuff, might make it into the back of his car, but room was limited.

Garth stood up, and began to pick up the boxes or put the loose items back into boxes. He was stacking them near the garage door when the kid by the CD’s came over, looking more at his dirty sneakers than at Garth. He seemed nice enough, but he did have a bit of the ‘road odor’ to him, that made Garth cringe a bit.

Finally he stood up and stared at the kid, who finally glanced up, shuffling his feet as he haltingly asked if Garth would like some help putting stuff away, in exchange maybe for a sandwich. The way he said it, the way his voice sounded, touched Garth, and while he was about to say no, he noticed the scar down the kid’s face.

Asking how he got it, he felt suddenly sick as the kid told him. It was like a story from hell, and was said in such a dry tone, devoid of any emotion that Garth couldn’t help but wonder if it was even true, but then looking into the boy’s face, he realized it was all true, with perhaps a lot left out. When he asked why, he felt strangely connected to the kid, as he said ‘because he was gay’. The face looked up as he told him, the eyes seemed to be suddenly filled with a bit of life, and the tone of his answer had a bit more strength too.

It impressed him, as he sort of stepped back a little, glancing at the young man. It was odd, but he felt strangely impressed, and instead of saying no, he just nodded to the stuff up at the far end of the yard. The kid dropped his pack next to the house wall, and began to move up to the street. Garth noticed how nicely he filled the seat of his jeans, but he still felt the tremble inside, from what he had said.

He leaned up against the wall, watching as the kid began to put stuff back into boxes. It was quick, deft, but done with care, with pride even. The stuff was really just junk, but the kid seemed to treat it like it was gold. He even wiped a few things with the back of his sleeve, before stacking them inside the boxes. Rather impressive as the young man wasn’t slow either, he moved with the minimum of effort, wasting no time in doing the job, but in doing it well. That struck a chord with Garth, who just enjoyed the show.

It had been a while since he had seen anyone take pride in their work, in how they did even the smallest task. As the boxes were filled, the kid brought them down to Garth, who stacked them inside the open garage door. It was done in no time. As the last box was placed on top of another, he noticed how the kid just stood aside, waiting patiently, looking pleased, but still with that hang dog expression.

‘Come on, let’s get inside’ he said, as he closed the door and headed towards the front door. The kid trailed behind him, and once inside, he looked around at the bare rooms, the empty spaces. Off in one corner was still a small little sofa, a card table in the dining room, and boxes piled up in one corner was all that was left to show that someone lived in the place.

Pointing towards the kitchen sink, he told him he could wash up there. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Cory’

‘Appreciate the help Cory, now what would you like, I have some roast beef left, bit of ham too I think.’

‘Anything you can spare will be fine, uh, thanks.’

‘Been awhile?’

‘Huh? Oh, uh yeah, guess so’

‘That uh, that story you told me, that for real Cory?’

He didn’t know why he asked, but he had to. The way the shoulders suddenly tensed up, the back going rigid as he washed his hands under the faucet, told their own story.

‘Yes’ was all he said, and he didn’t look around, but continued to just wring his hands under the hot water. It was like he was trying to ignore him, to not show any emotion.

‘Didn’t your Mother do anything?’

‘Sort of, I uh, it really is no big deal, least uh, not now.’

‘Didn’t you go to the Police? I mean that had to need stitches.’

‘No stitches, it didn’t bleed for long, and I did put some stuff on it, but no stitches.’

‘And the Police? Did you go to them?’

Cory turned from the sink, to look at Garth. There were tears dripping from his face, as he looked at him, trembling a bit too. His face was stretched in a strange agonized sort of way, that tugged at Garth’s heart a bit, and gave him a feeling of pity, of sorrow. To think a father could lash out like that, just because his son was different, was gay, made him angry too.

‘No’

‘Why not?’

‘He was the Police’ he said, and turned away. His shoulders seemed to heave for a minute or two, then he bent over the sink and began to wash his face. Garth stood there, stunned and yet also feeling a bit frightened as well. To think of what it must have been like, to be treated that way and have no one to go to, no one to help, to step in. He felt sorry for Cory, but he felt his mind telling him to back off, to not get involved. Besides, he was leaving, soon too. There was no sense in getting involved or even trying.

Turning away he began to pull the food out of the refrigerator, to make the boy his sandwich, and to avoid any further discussion. It felt wrong, and he could feel the struggle going on inside of him, as he piled the sandwich with the roast beef. It wouldn’t make it go away, but maybe it would stop his blasted heart from aching, or lecturing him. He hated feeling this way, and besides, as his mind told him, he was leaving, didn’t know the kid, know the circumstances, plus, there just wasn’t room for such involvement.

Garth grabbed a large glass from the cupboard and with the plate he took it over to the card table. He then brought the half full jug of Milk over, filling up the glass and leaving the jug next to it. He looked over, to see Cory staring at the plate, his eyes wide as he noticed how high it was piled up with meat. The way he licked his lips told Garth it had been more than a day or two since he had last eaten.

It gnawed at him, as he pulled the chair back and then stepped back, watching the young man sit down, and take hold of the food. He turned and glancing up at Garth, he thanked him. There was even a hint of a smile around his mouth, that gave him a rather attractive look. For some reason, he felt rather pleased as he left Cory to enjoy his food.

He rummaged in the refrigerator, and found a can of peaches, and there was still a bit of dream whip left in the container. He quickly grabbed a bowl, putting the can of fruit into it, then topped it with the remaining dream whip. No idea why he did it either, other than feeling sorry. Inside, his mind was urging him to not prolong it, while deep inside, he felt bad for not wanting to do more. But as his mind kept telling him, there really wasn’t anything more he could do.

Cory finished about half the sandwich, then stared at the other half. It was odd, and then he turned to look over at Garth.

‘Do you mind if I save this half for later?’

He felt his heart break, felt it trying to change his mind, though he knew he wouldn’t. Instead he told him to go ahead and eat it all, that he’d give him another to take with him.

The pleasure that showed on his face was gut wrenching. It was as if no one had been nice to him, not when he had been at home, or since. It pissed him off too, because how hard was it, to be nice? Yet even as he thought about it, he could hear his heart bitching, saying yeah how hard, but you planning to let him go. He hated having a conscience, but he had been burned enough lately. He just couldn’t go through more.

Garth let it drag out, and he could see that Cory was reluctant to leave, but really, he just couldn’t let him stay. Instead he felt inside his pants, feeling the crumpled bills from his garage sale. He had done okay and while Cory was in the bathroom, cleaning up and all, he counted the cash he had earned. It was what he had expected as he took a pair of twenties and a ten, stuffing the rest back into his pants.

Cory came out, looking a lot cleaner, and younger too. The dirt had shown a rather sun tanned face, free of blemishes. The eyes still had a bit of life in them, now that he was cleaner and fed. In other circumstances, Garth knew he would be attracted to him.

‘Thanks, for the food and all.’

‘No problem, uh, how old are you?’

‘18’

‘I see, well thanks, it was nice to get all that cleaned up fast. You did a good job.’

‘Sure, uh, I uh, uh, thanks, the food was good, and well, thanks.’

It was awkward, and he wished for a moment that Cory wouldn’t leave, that he could find something else for him to do, or hell, just to stay. He felt like he was throwing him back to the wolves, but he had his own life to worry about. The moving van would be here first thing, then he’d pack his car, and be gone. He sighed, wishing things would be different.

‘Look, you don’t do drugs or anything do you?’

Cory was about to open the front door, and stiffened, then turned to look at Garth. He had that dogged look, a bit of deviance in his face as he shook his head.

‘No’

Garth reached out with his hand, saw Cory shrink back from him. He stopped in his tracks, then slowly opened his hand with the crumpled bills.

‘Good, it isn’t much, but maybe it’ll help for a few days.’

‘I can’t, I can’t take that.’

‘Course you can.’

The way his eyes looked down at the money, then at Garth’s face was hard to take. He could see the wheels turning, knowing exactly what the younger man was thinking.

‘I only packed a few boxes, you already paid me, I can’t take your money.’

He held his hand out, towards Garth. There was a glimmer in his eyes, telling him he really did want to take the money, but that he was afraid of what it might mean, of him. Garth felt saddened by it, and determined too. It was the least he could do, besides it felt right.

‘You can use it, no strings, go on, a sandwich and use of the bathroom isn’t much pay, go on, its okay.’

Cory looked up at him, then wiped his eyes with the back of his arm. Tears were welling up