Chapter 24

“I’ve been gone and avoided life for so long. I don’t know if this place still exists, but I always wondered about it when I was a kid. We all did. When I was older, I avoided it because I didn’t want my dad to find out I’d gone there, but I’d like to try going to Gilby’s.”

Julian was again taken aback. Gilby’s was a restaurant and gay bar. Tate must really be serious about accepting himself if he wanted to go there. This time, however, Julian tried to hide his reaction to Tate’s choice. Keeping his voice even, he said, “Gilby’s is still here.”

Sometime later they arrived at the restaurant. They were led to the same booth that Julian, Craig, and Stephen had occupied the day Craig had cornered him and demanded a full accounting of why Julian had returned from New York City.

Julian had convinced Tate to use a cane, as he was still unsteady on his new leg. Julian noted Tate had chosen to wear jeans, the first time he’d seen the young man in anything but shorts. Julian had to admit Tate looked extremely sexy in his tight jeans and his USMC t-shirt.

The same lanky host showed them to their seats. Whereas when he had seated Julian and Craig he’d been aloof, today he positively gushed over the handsome former Marine, bending close as he pointed out the specials on the menu.

When he left, Tate said, “Well, that was awkward.”

Julian smiled. “You can’t blame him. It’s not every day a gorgeous young hunk comes into this place. Nowadays it caters mostly to middle-aged guys trying vainly to hang onto their youth.”

Tate blushed.

“The hangout for the younger gay crowd, I understand, is Sidekicks. We could go there if you like.”

“No,” Tate said, with a shake of his head. “I’m fine here.”

Their server, whose name tag read Stanley, spent as much time as possible taking their orders, all the while blatantly flirting with Tate. Tate seemed uncomfortable with the attention. Julian watched him closely, ready to offer support if needed.

While they waited for their meals to arrive, Julian heard a familiar voice.

“Well, well, well. Who have we here? Julian, is this the shy young man you were telling me about?”

It was Craig. Julian groaned inwardly.

Tate looked over at Julian with a quizzical expression.

Deciding not to lie, to cover the fact he’d mentioned Tate to Craig, Julian said, “Yes. Craig, this is Tate.”

Without being invited, Craig slid into the booth next to Julian and sat facing Tate. “So, you’re Julian’s mystery man. Oh, don’t worry,” Craig said, evidently reading the puzzled look on Tate’s face, “he kept me completely in the dark, didn’t give me any details. But I can see now why he didn’t want to let you out in public. Didn’t want any of us old queens luring you away from him.”

Julian didn’t know what to say. He searched Tate’s face, hoping Tate wasn’t taking this the wrong way. The young man, however, just smiled and said, “It’s nice to meet you, Craig.”

“So, tell me why haven’t I run into you before? I’m sure I would have noticed. Are you new here?”

“No, I grew up here. Julian was my high school English teacher.”

Craig turned to Julian with a raised eyebrow. “Fascinating,” he said with a lurid grin.

Julian took a deep breath.

Tate was continuing. “I’ve been gone for a few years. I’ve just been discharged from the Marines.”

At this revelation, Julian thought Craig would swoon.

“A Marine! Then that shirt is for real. I was wondering. Oh, I do love a man in uniform. Well, now that the cat’s out of the bag, Julian can’t keep you all to himself, we’ll hear it from you. We’re having an end of summer pool party at a friend’s tomorrow night, and you simply must come!”

Tate looked over at Julian. He had a ‘What do you think?’ look on his face.

“Julian?”

Julian was torn. On the one hand it would be good for Tate to get out and meet people. On the other, Julian didn’t want Tate to take on more than he was ready for. And this crowd of gay men were more than a bit to the left of center, as far as the gay community was concerned. That was the very reason Julian had been trying to steer clear of Craig, Stephen, and their cronies, the reason he’d left Virgil. He fidgeted and shifted in his seat.

Craig capitalized on Julian’s obvious discomfort. “Uh, uh, Julian!” he said, wagging a finger in Julian’s face. “No coaching. Let the Marine speak for himself.”

Irritated, Julian responded, “Of course he can speak for himself. If he wants to go, then we’ll go.”

Tate smiled. Then hesitantly, while still looking at Julian, he said “I think I’d like that.”

“Splendid!” Craig said as if he’d just won the lottery. “Now, remember, it’s Speedos only! None of those ghastly, baggy things that hide the merchandise that men are wearing for swimming nowadays. Oh, Stanley,” Craig called to the server, “can I see a menu?”

Julian smiled weakly at Tate.