Chapter
14, LABOR DAY – WINDY CITY CONNECTIONS
Experiencing
the early August climate around Foggy Bottom could best be compared with
sitting, fully clothed, in a hot, rock-sizzling sauna. Congress had hung up the
standard Not in Session sign and the members set off to various points
of interest. Consensus was that this was not the year to be seen at resorts or
on yachts with lobbyists. The usual gravy train ‘fact finding’ trips – paid for
by the U.S. government in action – allowed several congressmen and senators to
explore ‘important’ issues in Europe while the more adventuresome traveled to
Asia…well, at least Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. Due to the stepped up
terror activity in Baghdad, posturing and posing in Iraq was out of favor this
year. A few went home to listen to their constituents.
For
most of the month, Mandy Burns’ congressional office would be running full
force. The luxury of being back in the Midwest and at her Lake Geneva vacation
retreat in August had been forfeited when she was elected minority leader. That
also meant that Phil and Kyle would be cranking out press releases and spinning
Mandy’s positions during this period. On top of their combat duty, Mandy Burns
was guest speaker at a Chicago Labor Day rally with the Mayor, and Phil had
drawn the short straw to be the official hand holder. However, he struck a quid
pro quo deal with the chief of staff: a week’s working vacation time in Chicago
the last week of August, ending with the Labor Day weekend.
Phil
decided that this would be a great time to spend a little down time, get
together with some old friends and introduce McDonald Price to the Windy
City. Mac had already planned on
visiting his folks in Texas and was re-arranging his schedule to meet Phil up
North. ‘This would be a great get away and play,’ he thought as the cell phone
rang. Although he was dreading the end of the day and the exposure to the late
afternoon heat, he perked up when he saw Mac’s name on the caller ID screen.
“Hi, bud. Is everything set at your end for the trip?”
“Hey,
yourself. And to answer your question, it worked out quite well. The folks had
an invitation to be houseguests at South Padre Island. My plan is to spend one
week with them at the ranch and then fly up to Chicago on Sunday, the 27th.”
“Fantastic.
How in the hell are you flying out of bumfuck West Texas? Last I heard American
Airlines doesn’t have direct service from the county Airport,” Phil said with a
laugh. Aside from knowing that Mac’s dad was a rancher and cattleman, they
hadn’t talked too much about the senior Price’s background. An occasional
passing reference to the ranch was all Phil knew about Mac’s childhood
home. He was also aware that Mac adored his younger brother, who was now
getting a masters in petroleum engineering at Texas A & M.
“You
got me there. As a matter of fact, the closest airport is Midland…but dad has a
Cessna and they’ll drop me off at the San Antonio airport on their way to South
Padre.”
“Another
dimension of Mr. Price with which I’m not familiar. Sounds pretty fancy.”
“Not
if you live in the middle of nowhere with no fences. Dad learned to fly as a
teenager, just like my brother. It’s just the realities of doing business down
there.”
“I’m
ready to do business right now but I’ve got a crap load of stuff on my desk.”
“At
the risk of this call becoming X-rated and your desk getting messed up, I’m
going to sign off before we get into trouble” Mac replied with a chuckle. “You
up for some dinner at my place?”
“At
the very least. What color wine can I bring?”
“Beige
would match the carpet…but red would be better. Seriously, we can talk about
the Chicago trip.” Mac paused for a moment before continuing in a throaty,
raspy voice, “And if you’re on good behavior, I’ll take care of the ‘very
least’. Bye.”
“Bu-bye.”
Phil flipped closed the cell phone and returned to a calendar mock-up for the
rest of August. From today’s date – Monday, August 7 – Phil needed to formulate
a game plan through the first part of September, based on Mandy’s schedule.
“Knock,
knock,” Kyle said from the door. “Okay to talk for a few minutes?”
“Sure,
no problem. I need to run a few things by you, anyway.”
“I
just heard that Ney from Ohio has decided not to run for re-election,” Kyle
said as he walked into the office. “Another ‘moral majority’ congressman bites
the dust.”
“Wait
’til he gets fried in court on charges of conspiracy and
making false statements. We should give Abraham a gold star for that one. The number of our
esteemed leaders that were on the take is amazing. But, Neys’ district is solid
Republican and I can’t imagine anything happening between now and November to
upset the applecart.”
“There’s
always that October surprise that could be looming in the background.”
“Kyle,
you’ve been reading too many wishful thinking, Soros-funded blogs,” Phil said
with a laugh. “Have a seat…I’m just getting your marching orders for the month
firmed up.”
“Uggh,
I knew that I had it too good,” Kyle said with a friendly shrug. “First, I
really appreciate the short work days last week so I could play nurse to Dex.”
“He’s
doing alright? I was amazed at how up he was at that little party you pulled
together.”
“Dex
is doing great since you saw him ten days ago; and up is definitely a
key word,” Kyle replied with a grin. “Seriously, the party was a great
psychological boost for him and he returned to work on a limited duty basis
today. If everything goes well, Dex will be able to be back for regular
assignments in a month.”
“Hurray
for the good guys…I couldn’t be happier. By the way, I watched some interesting
dynamics going on with Timmons and Brad. Seems that Chip’s brother may have a
good friend – at the very least – with Geoff.”
“Dex
and I noticed that they were close to each other all evening. I’m sure that
Brad will find a way to spend some quality time with the Brit once he has set a
routine with his classes and study at Oxford. It’s only about an hour by train
to London.”
“Even
if it’s one of those summer romances, Timmons seems to be a good guy beneath
the upper crust façade and Tory politics.”
“He
and Dex bonded completely after the kidnapping. Although Dex pooh-poohs it,
Geoff is absolutely convinced that my buddy saved his life. We may take up an
invitation to visit Geoff in London next year.”
“Sounds
like he’d make sure you had a great time.”
“If
Dex and I can coordinate vacation days…we’ll see. Ah, you said you wanted to
meet with me?”
“Yes,
back to business. I’ll have the rest of August put together cuz you’re going to
be watching over the press action in this office at the end of the month.”
“You’re
traveling?”
“I’m
definitely going out to Chicago for the last week of August for some R ’n R.
Mac will be joining me so I won’t get too lonely.” Phil slowly turned on a
Cheshire cat grin and literally licked his chops. “But it’ll be kind of a
working vacation cuz Mandy will be out there, too.”
“You’re
not going to stay at that flop house they call a hotel up by Boystown, are
you?”
“First,
the Suites hotel has been remodeled. And two; I’m going to be the houseguest of
an old friend and his partner. They live in a neat high-rise at LSD and
Diversey.” Although Phil was not a native Chicagoan, he knew better than to
reference Lake Shore Drive by its full name.
“From
memories of my old Chicago days, sounds like 2800. That’s a classic Mies-style
building…right?”
“The
very same. Bill Saunders and Jerry Franklin are the guys. I’ve known Bill since
our U of M days and Jerry’s family has been active in local politics forever.
Plus, his uncle has an auto dealership so I’m going to get a loaner car at a
very special rate.”
“Franklin
Chevrolet? That’s a great contact. And isn’t Jerry the dude that has that hot
management consulting company and created such a stir in the news last year?”
“The
very same. No one can ever accuse you of being a dull knife in the drawer.”
“Duh,
you don’t have to be a genius to know you’ll be taken care of. Sounds like
you’re in good hands.”
“Yeah,
I think that Mac will enjoy knowing these guys. You’ll be okay running the
office and I’m only a cell phone call away from any emergency. I can get access
to any of the Chicago network stations and CNN if Mandy needs to comment on
breaking news. Plus, she and I will get together at the office mid-week before
her Labor Day speech.”
“I’m
fine with that. Dex and I are going to keep a low profile until he heals
completely. You guys have a good time in ‘my kinda town’.”
“I
plan on it.”
~~~~~
The
next two weeks passed by without any major incidents or distractions. Mandy was
pleased that the two Illinois senators would be joining her at the Chicago
Labor Day rally – especially the hot superstar, Barack Obama. The Mayor, while
still very popular, was starting to lose his image as the ‘Teflon mayor’ due to
some of his appointed cronies’ playing games with phantom employees on the city
payroll and questionable contracts with the city. However, even with
controversy in the air, the current thinking in the Mandy Burns office was that
you didn’t want to piss off the big guy in city hall.
Phil
flew out with Mandy on a late Friday afternoon flight. She planned on spending
the next week before Labor Day in her Michigan Avenue congressional office
during the morning and lunching with friends in the ‘must be seen’ restaurants.
He was very grateful that Mandy had arranged for a car and driver at O’Hare to
drive them into the city. They were able to discuss a few final items of
business before the limo dropped him off at 2800 Lake Shore Drive and she
continued to her Lincoln Park home.
It
was just after 5:00 p.m. when Phil asked the security doorman to buzz the
Saunders/Franklin condo. He was relieved to find that Bill had come home early.
The doorman directed Phil to the proper bank of elevators and he was
immediately whisked up to the 35th floor.
“Hey,
buddy, get your ancient ass in here,” Bill called out from the condo doorway as
Phil stepped out of the elevator.
“What’s
it been…six months? Seems I’m always doing fly-ins to Chicago with Mandy.” Phil
walked into the condo, dropped his two suitcases and gave Bill a big hug.
“Too
long. Let me take one of the suitcases and we can drop them off in the
bedroom.” Bill grabbed the largest suitcase and walked down a small hallway.
“Gee, is it possible that we’ve been friends for 15 years?
“Actually,
closer to 18. And we’ve both found partners that seem to have some shelf life.
I really look forward to seeing Jerry, again.” Phil was always impressed at the
way Bill made him feel at home. The guestroom was large and very comfortable.
Phil sat down his suitcase and took off his coat and tie. “Ah, this is better.”
“And
we want to meet Mr. Right – MacDonald Price.” Bill took the jacket and hung it
up in the closet. “You mentioned he’s on the White House staff?”
“Yeah,
Mac is really special and is Mr. Right in more ways than one. He’s a dyed in
the wool Republican. Or, maybe I should say dyed in the cowhide…”
“Cowhide?
Oh, because he’s from Texas?” Bill asked with a questioning expression.
“He
grew up on a ranch and, well, I’ll let you two Republicans get to know each
other when he gets up here, Sunday. He would appreciate it if you didn’t
mention anything other than him being a White House lawyer. He gets a little
self-conscious about the West Wing thing.”
“Cows,
law degree, gay Republican and super-modest. Doesn’t sound like a shark to me
and I look forward to talking with him. In the meantime, tell me all about your
job and the boss lady. She’s really making a name for herself. And, if you
swear to secrecy, I’ll admit that I plan on voting for her in November.”
“I
am impressed. What gives?”
“First,
she’s a sharp politician…but that’s no news to you. However, I’m really getting
pissed at the GOP do-gooders and ass kissing of every evangelical that comes
along. And they’re so busy lining their pockets with someone else’s silver that
they can’t get business done...except their own. Not that your side is much
better. It’s just a matter of the lesser of two evils...Mandy excepted.”
“Understand
completely. She’s definitely one of the good guys. Your attitude is something
we’re picking up in polling throughout the country. This election may very well
be a house cleaning with a broad broom.”
“Interesting
times, my friend.” Bill walked over to the wet bar and asked, “What’s your
poison?”
“Would
it be too nelly to suggest a cosmo?” Phil said with a laugh. “I mean I could
butch it up with a bottle of beer…”
“A
cosmo for the lady it is,” Bill said with a snicker. “In fact, I’ll have one
with you. Ketel One Mandarin is how we make ’em here.”
“Make
what, babe?” came a voice from the door.
“I’m
making cosmos for Phil and myself. You want to join us?”
“Absolut…or
I should say Ketel One?” Jerry Franklin, looking a little uncomfortable in his
pin-stripe ensemble, walked over and grabbed Phil. “Buddy, great to see you
again and I look forward to meeting this guy, Mac.” He gave Phil a big kiss and
continued, “And we both married well, as my Jewish mother would say.”
“Jerry,
the last I heard your mother is not Jewish…although she makes great latkes,”
Bill said as he measured out the triple sec into the cocktail shaker.
“But can spread on a guilt trip when
necessary. While my personal bartender is making drinks, I’m going to change
into something more comfortable.”
“Throw
on some shorts and a tee. I figured that Phil would want to wind down tonight
so I picked up some great steaks and a couple bottles of a neat Barolo. The
potatoes are in the oven.”
“Shorts,
it is. See ya in a few.” Jerry waved and walked away to the master bedroom
suite.
Bill
made the drinks and suggested that they move into the more casual seating in
the massive kitchen/entertainment room. “So what do you make of this whole Iraq
mess?” He took a sip of the cocktail, smiled with satisfaction and looked at
Phil.
“Other
than killing our guys and draining the treasury? A pretty lame, naïve idea that
the neocons conjured up and the President bought into. Wrapped up with 9/11 and
the infamous MSD’s, the theories sounded good, but…”
“It’s
not working. The President is in deep doo-doo on this one. At least he’s stopped
saying ‘stay the course’ all the time. Dubya should have listened to his
daddy’s advisors.”
“The
problem is that we’re in the quagmire and, with all due respect to several on
our side of the aisle, very few have any ideas. That’s what Mandy’s trying to
promote…ideas. But all she gets from the party leaders in Congress are
rhetorical drive-by snipes at the administration’s policies.” Phil paused and
drank a fast swallow of the cold cosmo. “The political problem is that most in
our party don’t have the balls to go out on the limb for fear of being painted
as someone who’s not supporting the troops.”
“A
real standoff. There has to be a way out of this.”
“Mandy’s
really interested in the Biden proposal of dividing Iraq into three states: the
Kurds in the north, the Sunnis and the Shiites. In fact, she’ll roll out a few
ideas in this vein next weekend at…”
“Well
I’m ready for that drink,” Jerry said, looking much more relaxed in cargo
shorts, polo shirt and Topsiders.
“And
I think we’ve talked enough politics for a while.” Bill handed Jerry the
cocktail and continued, “Wait ’til your Republican partner arrives on Sunday.
Then we can have a little more balanced discussion.”
“Fair
and balanced? I’ll drink to that.” Phil raised his glass and toasted his hosts.
“Thanks, guys.” The tongue-in-cheek reference to Fox News was not lost on
anyone.
~~~~~
As
Phil drove to O’Hare in the light, early-morning Sunday traffic, he thought
about Mac calling every night the past week at 10 p.m. Washington time.
Gradually, Phil pieced together from their lengthy conversations that the
‘ranch’ was home to 12,000 head of cattle on 20,000 acres of land that also
contained several working oil wells. He joked on one of their long distance
calls that it sounded like something right out of the old epic movie, Giant.
“Hey,
don’t believe everything you see on the screen,” Mac replied very seriously.
“Meaning…?”
Phil was aware he had hit a nerve without realizing it.
“That
the story is, umm…a blown up, twisted version of my two great granddads’
lives.”
“Er,
I…ah, if this is something you don’t want to talk about, I’ll take a pass.”
Phil was becoming more concerned that he had opened a door that contained dark
secrets or a sinister past.
“No,
it’s okay. Nothing to hide…especially from you,” Kyle replied. “It’s just that
I’ve just never felt comfortable telling this part of my ancestors’ past to
anyone. The movie kinda focused unwanted attention on us in Texas when I was
younger and dad always drilled into us the importance of not flaunting our, um,
background, ah, you know…position, money…stuff like that.”
“You
have my attention…and that old movie is one of my favorites. In fact, I had a
crush on James Dean when I was a boy.”
“Not
Rock Hudson?”
“Naw…not
even close.” Phil was relieved to hear that Mac seemed to lighten up.
“Like
the movie, one man was a cattleman – the other, a wildcatter. But, in real
life, they actually became friends and raised families on adjoining ranches. My
granddad and grandma were the only children of the two families…and that’s
where my dad comes in.”
“He
was their only son? You’ve never mentioned aunts or uncles.”
“Correct.
I guess the Price family isn’t into big families. Thank god I’ve got a very
healthy heterosexual brother who, the last time I checked, has all the
functioning equipment to produce the next generation,” Mac said with a laugh.
“He’s going to carry on with the ranch and the family. I don’t think you and I
are going to produce grandkids,” Mac said in a much lighter attitude.
“But
we’ll be great uncles. Mac, I hope you didn’t consider me prying. We never
really talked much about your family…that’s all.”
“Nothing
I was trying to avoid or be mysterious. The folks are terrific people and…um,
I’m just very low-key as far as the family is concerned. My dad was very
involved in getting Dubya to run for governor and then, the presidency.”
“I
guess that explains your initial appointment in the Vice President’s office?”
“Yep,
but I had to earn the respect and promotion. Hey, enough about me…how about you
coming down here at Christmas to meet them?
They know I’ve found someone that I want in my life. Although my dad
will crap his pants when he finds out that you’re a big deal on the other side,
you two will get along great. And mom is the greatest.”
“I
don’t know about ‘big deal’ but I’d love to get to know them. Sounds like we’ve
got some further planning to do. Maybe we could visit Texas for Christmas and
travel to Phoenix for a few days before New Year’s to see my folks. They’re
just as curious about who this Mac Price is.”
“I
can do Arizona in December and meet the people responsible for bringing you
into the world. And if we’re out that way, why not spend New Year’s Eve in
L.A.? I’ve got an old college buddy who’d love to host us if we can get out
there.”
“Sounds
like we’ve got our holidays taken care of.” They had already planned on working
at a homeless shelter for Thanksgiving before having an early evening dinner
with Dex and Kyle. Phil felt very satisfied that Mac and he might be creating a
cohesive family unit.
Phil
parked his Chevy Impala and walked briskly to the terminal. He looked at the
LED arrivals display, reviewed the listings and proceeded to American’s G
concourse after using his congressional ID to allow access beyond the security
checkpoints. ‘Hmm, I’m glad Mac’s flight is on time.’ The display had indicated
that the flight from San Antonio would arrive at 9:15 a.m. ‘I’ve got 10 minutes
to spare,’ he thought, as he spotted a Starbucks sign. ‘Time for a final
caffeine fix.’ Phil was able to order a ‘Tall’ breakfast blend and get to the G
10 gate in time to watch the shiny, stainless steel fuselage of the AA 757 ease
into its gate space. The Jetway slowly telescoped forward and docked at the
cabin door. Phil smiled to himself: the mechanical connection of the Jetway and
the fuselage reminded him of copulation. ‘Man,’ he thought, ‘I must be horny.’
Watching
the waiting people and the deplaning passengers was further proof that he was
away from the protected, insulated enclave of D.C. The people – mostly regular
folks – were dressed in summer casualness as opposed to the stuffy, dark
pinstripes that was the uniform 12 months of the year at Reagan National
Airport. There was an innocence and cheerfulness as opposed to the self-proclaimed
seriousness. There was unspoken optimism as opposed to impending doom and
gloom.
“Hey,
Phil.”
The
familiar voice snapped Phil out of his momentary daydream. He smiled when he
focused on this cowboy dude – albeit Ralph Lauren style – walking towards him.
Mac had shed his D.C. look in favor of a Black polo shirt, well-worn 501s,
boots and a hand-tooled belt with silver buckle. The ensemble set off his
tanned complexion, slightly mussed blond hair and radiant smile. ‘Wow, my buddy
is hot,’ Phil judged as he resisted running up and planting a wet one on Mac’s
perpetually pouting lips.
“Hey,
yourself. Welcome to Chicago,” Phil
said as they moved over to a corner of the concourse. “Let me help you with
your carry-on.”
“I’m
ready for some fun in this big city. One week on the ranch was enough.” Mac set
down his small suitcase and took Phil’s outreached hand. “And some fun with my
bud.” He was still holding a suit bag. “I’ve only brought a blazer with me.
Tell me we don’t have to do anything with ties?”
“Promise...unless
you want me to get kinky and tie you up tonight,” Phil said in a low, gravelly
voice.
“Oh,
something new?” Mac replied with a smile and raised eyebrows. “I think I’ll
keep it pretty vanilla, monsieur Marquis de Sade.”
“Then
vanilla, it is. Jerry and Bill have planned a little party for us tonight and
I’ve got some tickets to a Cubs game on Friday. This is definitely going to be
a casual holiday.” He picked up the suitcase and asked, “Do you have any
baggage checked in?”
“No,
we’re good. Although I’ll have to buy some hair stuff. That whole FAA ruling
about not carrying on gel products got me spooked. I suppose that I could have used my White House ID but figured
that spending a couple of bucks for gel in Chicago would be the easiest thing
to do.”
“I
guess we’d better stop someplace for some other products.” Phil laughed when he
observed Mac’s double take. “Just joking. I cruised over to this store in
Boystown yesterday and got fresh supplies.” They walked through the concourse
security exit and made their way to the down escalator.
“Phew,
ya had me worried. I like my nooky very painless, thank you,” Mac replied with
a wink. “Where’d you park?”
“I
splurged and used the short-term garage. If this was during the week with the
crazy traffic, I would have suggested that we take the train. It’s really
faster and very efficient.”
“Buddy,
I’m ready for a fast drive to your friends’ condo. You sure we won’t be in the
way at their place?”
“Naw,
not at all. It’s large; the guestroom is at the opposite side of the condo and
their master bedroom. You can yell ’til the cows come home.” They continued
walking in the lower-level lobby to the tunnel leading to the garage.
“I’ve
been living with the cows for the past week and this cowpoke is ready for some
man-sized action.”
“Then
action it is. And I’m just the man to do it.” Phil grinned and added, “I think
the guys have a little brunch planned for us. But between that and the party
tonight, I intend on hearing some mooing.”
“Moo,
you fucker. Now let’s get outta here and meet your friends. Brunch sounds fun,
but mooing sounds funner.”
“You
smooth-talking lawyers have a way with words,” Phil replied as they stopped at
the garage elevator.
“But
after brunch, I’m going to have my way with you.”
“That,
Mr. Price, I will hold you to.”
“You
can hold on all you want cuz it’s going to be a wild ride. This cowpoke is
ready for some pokin’.”
“You’re
the poker and I’m the pokee?” The elevator doors parted and the two men entered
in spartan, stainless steel-lined cab. Phil pushed the floor button as the door
closed and they slowly ascended.
“For
openers. But like everything, it’s open to interpretation.” Mac turned, pulled
Phil into an embrace and kissed him while grinding his groin into Phil’s
expanding crotch.
“Ummm,”
Phil said as he pulled back. “Let’s wait for that interpretation until after
brunch.”
“Yeah,
probably wouldn’t be good form to show up at your friends’ place with wet
stains on our pants.”
“I’d
have to tell them that you’re a sex fiend and you made me do it.” A
buzzer signaled they'd arrived at their floor and the door opened.
“Okay,
you win. I’ll make you do it in the privacy of our room.” Mac lightly swatted
Phil on his butt as they walked into the quiet garage towards the car.
“Buddy,
you can make me do anything you want. Let’s get outta here.”
~~~~~
The
party was more of a small gathering of guys that Jerry worked with, their other
halves and a few mutual friends. However, it was obvious that Jerry Franklin
took the lead in the social part of the Saunders/Franklin partnership. Phil was
especially pleased at the instant friendship the guys showered on Mac. That
Bill Saunders and he were lawyers and moderate Republicans was a bonding moment
that would probably be the basis for a long-term friendship.
“This
group is a real mixed bag of politics,” Trev said in a soft, Southern drawl.
Trevor Winston told Phil that he had joined Franklin Associates after he
received his MBA from the University of Chicago six years ago.
“You
came with that doctor, um, Russ?” Phil couldn’t help but admire the shorter,
compact man who arrived with Trev. He noticed that Russ was talking to Mac.
“Russ
Bennett. He and I have been together – through thick and thicker – for the past
nine years. I had just moved up North and we were invited, separately, to join
a group of friends for a week of fun up on a lake in Minnesota. Dave, the guy who owned the cabin, was
Russ’s childhood friend and Dave’s lover was a friend of my close Memphis
friends. We met and the rest was, well…”
“History?
Sounds like it’s the old six degrees of separation.” Phil hoped that he and Mac
would still have that lasting spark of love after nine years.
“It
gets weirder. Russ was in medical school with Jerry’s younger brother and they
were residents at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. When I was finishing my MBA,
Russ set up a meeting with Jerry. So, the rest really is history…and the
future.”
“Mac
and I are just starting out on this boyfriend and partner thing. We’re going to
meet each other’s families during Christmas and then go out to L.A. for the New
Year’s to visit a friend of his.”
“An
L.A. visit,” Russ said as he joined the group with Mac. “I’m envious. While
we’re freezing our buns off in December, you’ll be enjoying the beach.” Russ
grabbed Trev’s hand and squeezed it. “I’ve really enjoyed talking with Mac.
Sounds like you guys are another mixed family.”
Mixed?
As in…”
“Trev’s
a card-carrying Log Cabin Republican and I’m active in the Stonewall Democrats.
I’ll occasionally drag him to some event but we pretty much check politics at
the door when we’re home.”
“What
Russ leaves out is that the Stonewall Democrats are a cuter crowd. Great eye
candy.” Trev playfully punched Russ lightly on the shoulder. “My Log Cabin
group are nice guys but generally tend to be a bunch of old farts.”
“On
behalf of Mandy Burns, I’d like you to pass on her regards to the Stonewall
troops. They’ve always been great supporters.”
“I
will and maybe we can get her to one of our Stonewall meetings next year?” Russ
asked.
“She’d
love it and it’ll give me a chance to get back to Chicago. Just not winter
time, please,” Phil replied.
“No
winters are noted. You know, maybe Trev and I could escape out to L.A. for part
of the holidays and we could get together. My friend, Dave, is always a widow
on New Year’s Eve because his partner is in the restaurant business and always
working that night.”
“Y’all
don’t have to convince me to get out of Chicago in December,” Trev said. “This
sounds like a serious plan…plus we’ve got some other great friends that you two
would love to meet.”
“Looks
like we’ve got some reservations to take care of when we get back.” Mac put his
arm around Phil and continued, “My college buddy is a lawyer in L.A. and has a
convenient condo in the middle of West Hollywood. I guess I don’t have to add
my friend is also a friend of Dorothy.”
“Lawyers?
West Hollywood?” What am I missing?” Jerry asked as he walked up to the group.
“Mac
and Phil are planning on being in L.A. around New Year’s Eve and I was thinking
that it’d be a good time for a little escape with Russ for a little West Coast
partying…that is, if you could give me some time off.”
“Trev,
you got it. Things will be a little slow over the holidays and it’d be a good
time to get out of town.”
“Why
don’t we get together for lunch or dinner sometime this week and do some
planning?” Russ asked. “I’ll call Dave in L.A. and see if his guestroom will be
available.”
“We’re
not doing anything on Wednesday. How about some great, greasy deep-dish pizza
at Gino’s East on Superior? I’d love Mac to experience the place.”
“Great.
My hospital schedule is pretty much days so we could meet you two anytime after
7:00 p.m. We live in a condo not too far from there so maybe we could meet for
drinks at our place and go from there?”
“Mac,
you up for that?” Phil turned to his partner and winked.
“Jeez,
I’ve only been in town for eight hours and I already feel like a Chicagoan. It
sounds great and I really look forward to knowing you two better.”
“The
same for us.” Trev offered his hand and Mac shook it.
______________________________
TO BE CONTINUED
Footnote: Some readers may be familiar with the two Chicago hosts –
Jerry Franklin and Bill Saunders. They are central characters in another story,
“Other Avenues.” Dr. Russ Bennett and Trevor Winston are characters from the
“Splash” series.