Secrets & Misdemeanors

SECRETS AND MISDEMEANORS G.A.HAUSER

SECRETS AND MISDEMEANORS Published by Linden Bay Romance, 2007 Linden Bay Romance, LLC, U.S. ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1-60202-077-1 ISBN MS Reader (LIT): 978-1-60202-076-4 Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): PDF, PRC & HTML Copyright © G.A. HAUSER, 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The work is protected by copyright and should not be copied without permission. Linden Bay Romance, LLC reserves all rights. Re-use or re-distribution of any and all materials is prohibited under law. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance t o persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental. Cover art by Beverly Maxwell

Secrets and Misdemeanors

Chapter One “I’m sweatin’ my ass off.” “Doesn’t it get this hot in eastern Oregon?” “Not like this. Not this muggy smoggy air. It sucks.” Jeff Best shook his head, laughing, “Poor Lyle. Hates LA and wishes he was still east of the Cascades.” “Shut up, Best.” Lyle Wilson wiped at the perspiration with his upper arms as the salty drops stung his eyes. Yanking his canvas gloves off in frustration, he set his yellow hard hat on the ground, then tugged his t-shirt over his head and used it to wipe his face. A chorus of catcalls and whistles caused both Lyle and Jeff to turn around. Two women were passing by and smiled flirtatiously at Lyle’s naked torso. “Stop showing off and help me get this shit done, Lyle,” Jeff grumbled. Lyle tucked his t-shirt into the back pocket of his jeans, then quickly popped his helmet on his head, slid the gloves back on, and grabbed a long pole. A crew of twenty men was setting up scaffolding around the six story building. The structure, built in the 1960’s, needed cleaning and resurfacing. From almost fifty years of pollution and neglect the window trim had rotted out. By mid-morning the blazing June sun stood exposed in the cloudless sky like a fiery orb. Even though it was only ten a.m. the temperature had already reached the 1

G.A. Hauser low 80’s and climbed a degree every hour. After continuously hauling boards and steel poles, bolting them into place to create the lattice of the scaffold, Lyle licked his salty lips and imagined an ice cold beer. The noise of the surrounding traffic had settled to a low rumble as the morning rush hour tapered off. Gone for the time being were the consistent bursts of car horns from impatient drivers tempting road rage. The relief of their first break came within a half hour. Having been up on the second level of the scaffolding, Lyle set his wrench on top of his gloves and climbed down the growing skeleton to the waiting cold bottles of water from the catering van. After paying for a couple of waters and a snack, he nodded in thanks and took the plastic bottle and granola bar he was handed. Before he drank he took off his hard hat and poured half of the refreshing water on his head. Shaking his hair, spinning droplets of cool water down his back, he then sucked the rest of the cold water down his throat in one gulp. An elbow nudged him in the side to get his attention. When Lyle turned his way, Jeff was pointing at one of the windows of the building. Lyle tilted up through the glare to see several young women standing behind the sun-kissed glass. “I think your little show has brought out some admirers.” Lyle wiped the water off his face and smiled up at them. One waved shyly. He waved back, then opened the wrapper of his bar and ate it. “They like the hillbilly from Oregon,” Jeff teased. “Hillbilly? Shut up. It’s not that bad there. I don’t know why you keep teasing me about it.” “Vale? Where the hell is Vale, Oregon? I never even heard of it.” “It’s right outside the Idaho border. It’s not that far from Boise.” “You make it sounds as if Boise is some mecca for intellectuals and entrepreneurs.” 2

Secrets and Misdemeanors “You’re working in construction the same as me, Jeff. Why the hell you think you’re better than me I have no idea. You sure you want me as your roommate? I keep getting the feeling you don’t like me that much.” “No. I like ya. I’m just giving you a hard time.” “You do. You keep pushing at me. I’ve only been in town a damn month. I don’t know why you asked me to stay at your place if you can’t stand me.” Lyle finished the bottle of water and tossed it in the trash can. When he turned back to Jeff he found a vacant stare and a slightly down-turned mouth. It was as if Jeff had checked out for a minute and lost himself in another world. The sun was shining off his high forehead to his receding hairline. His mustache was uneven and thin under his long nose. The boss started shouting at them to get back t o work. Just as Lyle was pivoting on his heels to go retrieve his gloves and tools, he felt a hand on his arm. Spinning back, he stared into Jeff’s serious expression. “I do like ya, Lyle. I don’t mean to make fun of you.” “It’s all right, Jeff. Don’t worry about it. Now, let me get back to work before the boss fires me.” Smiling as he followed Lyle back to the scaffolding, Jeff said, “He won’t fire ya. Don’t worry. He isn’t like that. He’s all right. And besides, everyone likes the pretty boy from Oregon.” Lyle shook his head at him in answer, climbed the scaffolding, then slid his gloves on, put his hat back on his head, and continued working on the frame as it began to take shape around the old building. He couldn’t help but look inside the windows as he did just to see how the other half lived. ~ The cordless phone to his ear, David Thornton stood behind his large mahogany desk and said, “Annette, we’ve been through this before. I get the kids every other weekend and we alternate holidays. It’s in the agreement.” 3

G.A. Hauser “But the Fourth of July falls on my weekend!” “It’s a holiday. It’s my holiday. Look, Annette, I don’t have time for all this now. I’m very busy. We’re short on staff because everyone is taking the summer off to be with their kids and we just started a complete remodel of the building.” “What does that have to do with anything?” “Annette, use your head for once. I’m the senior partner of this law firm. I own the damn building and I’m the one responsible for getting things done. The buck stops with me.” “You always did put that job first.” Rubbing his face tiredly, staring out at the view of the smog that lay heavily on the skyline, David walked to the window to gaze at the hot sun as it climbed high in the heavens. “No, I didn’t. I put my family first, Annette, I still do. You know I do. I worked to get this practice what it is today so we wouldn’t have to worry about anything. It was your intolerance and infidelity that broke us apart. A little compromise and faithfulness would have gone a long way, Annette.” “Compromise? That’s a laugh.” “What more could I have done for you? Hmm? You didn’t work. You had nannies for the children. You pampered yourself with hairdressers, manicurists, masseuses, private trainers…cooks… Look, sweetie, I did everything I could. It still wasn’t enough for your vacuous personality.” “Don’t start, David!” “You called me, remember? You want my weekend with the kids and more money. Always more money.” “I just think because you’re a lawyer you must have screwed me in this divorce settlement somehow.” “You had representation as well. Remember? Larry? Your male-mistress? My ex-law partner? I don’t know why you agreed to everything if you weren’t happy.” When a pole passed by the window he was staring through he started slightly at the unexpected surprise. Leaning close to the glass, he noticed the men 4

Secrets and Misdemeanors working on framing the building with scaffolding. “Because of you! I felt intimidated.” “Always blaming me. That’s a familiar strategy. We’re divorced now, Annette. Blame someone else. I have an idea. How about your lover? Or better yet, yourself.” “It wasn’t my fault!” “It never is,” he sighed. “What did I do to split us up? Huh? Did I cheat? No. Did I beat you? Get drunk in bars every night? Neglect you? None of the above. I worked for a living. That’s my only crime. I’m sorry I’m not independently wealthy, Annette. Sorry I had t o work for a living to feed and clothe you and the kids.” He stepped back from the window as two men appeared in front of it, bending over, screwing things in place, hoisting wood. His office was on the top floor so he knew those workers were high above the pavement. “Stop acting like a martyr,” Annette replied. “Acting? Who’s acting?” David stood still as one of the young, shirtless, men paused to peer into the office from outside the glass. They caught eyes for a moment, then the young man looked away and appeared to get busy. “I have to go, Annette. I’ve work to do.” “I want that check deposited in my bank account, David!” “Sure you do. Do me a favor. Read our agreement again and figure out how much you’ll get.” “You won’t see the kids on the Fourth then!” “Again. Read the custody agreement and don’t make me site you for contempt. Now, let me go.” He hung up the phone and paused, looking out that window. The young man’s back was facing him at the moment. Sandy brown hair, long enough to brush his glistening broad shoulders, flowed from under the yellow hard hat, he had a small tattoo of a heart with a ribbon across it on his right shoulder, biceps that rolled and twitched as he flexed them, and narrow hips covered by tight faded jeans. David licked his lip 5

G.A. Hauser unconsciously. The young man had another peek in. Caught staring, David smiled at him pleasantly. The attractive man smiled back. Though his skin was on fire, David nodded politely and returned to his desk, completely self-conscious of the gazing eyes that followed him. Sitting down, he cleared his throat and through the tail of his eye he could see the movement beyond the glass, male bodies, metal poles, wooden planks, and yellow hard hats. It was enough to arouse him completely. Running his hand back through his hair and trying to focus, David fought to concentrate and picked up his phone to make a call. ~ “Wake up, Lyle,” Jeff shouted as he tried to hand him the metal joint to screw in place. “Huh? Oh, thanks.” Lyle took it and crouched down, attaching it to the metal rails. “Something inside the office worth looking at? Some secretary flashing her tits at you?” Jeff laughed. “No. Afraid not. Just some guy.” “Oh.” As he cranked the wrench tightening the bolts, Lyle added in his head, …just some incredibly handsome man in a fabulous suit, that’s all. Feeling the sun’s heat on his skin, Lyle stood up and wiped his face again with his forearm. Checking to see what the other men around him were doing, he couldn’t resist spinning back and peering into that large office with the leather sofa, wet bar, abstract art on the walls, and the fabulous man sitting at his desk talking on the phone. Biting his lip as he ogled, Lyle admired his square jaw, his thick dark hair, and his broad shoulders. When the man tilted t o look directly at him, Lyle felt his crotch light on fire. He could tell his eyes were light from where he stood, but he had no idea, green or blue. “Damn,” he hissed under his breath, “who the hell are you?” As Jeff paused for a moment to check the fittings and bolts carefully, Lyle asked him, “Are we going t o 6

Secrets and Misdemeanors remodel inside as well?” “Yeah. We’re replacing all the old sash windows.” “Good. It’s air-conditioned in there. I can’t wait.” “As soon as we finish sandblasting the exterior we’ll be putting in new windows. Then you’ll get to flirt with the chicks inside first hand.” Smiling ironically, Lyle couldn’t wait to get in there. He had to find out whom this guy was and if he could get his hands on him. Then, as quickly as his smile came, it left him. They were worlds apart, he and this refined gentleman. Worlds apart. What were the odds of them even getting to speak a word to each other? Under his breath, Lyle muttered, “Million t o one. A million to one.” ~ David handed off a file to one of his paralegals then checked the time. After thanking her, he walked down the long well lit white corridor with lithographs of LA’s downtown architecture hanging on both sides of the walls, and rapped a door with one knuckle. After a voice on the other side asked him in, he pushed back the door and smiled. “You interested in lunch?” Jennifer checked her watch. “Is it that time already?” “Yes. The morning is gone.” As he watched her set some paperwork into a neat pile on her desk, David stared at Jennifer contentedly. He liked her style. Her neat pristine appearance and her sense of humor. But most of all he appreciated her candor when it came t o matters involving him and the firm. Since they shared the status of senior partner, Jennifer seemed to be the only employee able to tell him things as they were, not as he wanted to hear them. “Where to, David?” “Something light? Salads at an outdoor table?” “It’s a bit too warm for outdoors.” She smiled impishly as she grabbed her purse and met him at the door. “I’m old. I’ll melt. Or if not melt, at least wrinkle.” 7

G.A. Hauser “You are not old. Don’t be absurd.” “That’s why I love spending time with you, David, you always flatter me.” Grinning affectionately at her as she passed t o move to the hall, he closed the door behind them and followed her to the elevators. “How long do you think it’ll take for this place t o be completed?” Jennifer pushed the down button and adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder. “I was told two weeks, but if you believe that…” He gestured for her to enter the elevator first, then stood next to her, pushing the button to the lobby. “Two weeks. Good lord. All that noise, the dust…we should just relocate until it’s done.” “You think it’ll be that bad?” David gestured for her to step out first when the doors opened to the lobby. “I assumed because most of the work is outdoors that it wouldn’t interfere with business in here.” “Have any of your tenants complained?” “No, on the contrary. They’re glad to see the upgrades. It’s an old building, Jen. It needs a good overhaul.” “Shame it’s you that has to do it. Seems a lot of work and expense.” They stepped out into the warm sunshine. Immediately Jennifer searched inside her purse, pulling out her sunglasses. David noticed they were underneath part of the scaffolding. He gently took her elbow and walked her beyond it, not liking the sensation of being underneath such a spindly structure. “It is a lot of work, but it’s for my benefit as well. I can’t have clients visiting a place that’s falling apart. It’s not fair to the others either. Everyone needs a nice place to bring their customers. One that impresses people, not puts them off.” “Why didn’t you just relocate?” “I like this area. Consider it urban renewal.” Pausing, Jennifer caught his eye, laughing softly. “You’re too generous with your money, David.” “Oh? Can you phone Annette and tell her that?” 8

Secrets and Misdemeanors He winked. “She still giving you trouble? I’m telling you, David, that woman had a treasure in you and she didn’t appreciate it.” “You see? This is why I like going to lunch with you. You always flatter me.” Jennifer smiled sweetly at him, then pointed t o some men approaching with long planks of wood. She said, “Oh, watch yourself, David.” They stopped and waited for the men to pass. Instantly, David caught the same young man’s eyes he had seen through his sixth floor window. Moving back to allow the men to pass, David lost himself on the expression on the young man’s face. The stare lasted too long, those light eyes never blinked as they penetrated his own. After they had moved past them, David resurfaced to the present and noticed Jennifer watching him curiously. “Uh, I just assumed we’d walk. There’s never any parking anyway,” David said. Nodding in agreement, Jennifer held David at the elbow and they began a leisurely stroll to the downtown area where the restaurants and shops were located. After a moment of silence while they enjoyed the sunny day and surroundings, Jennifer said softly. “Nice looking man.” “Hmm?” “I said, that young man. He was very nice looking.” “Which man?” “The one holding the end of that long piece of board. You know, some of these young men are in town because they want to become actors. They just do these odd jobs for rent money. You know?” David wondered why Jennifer had chosen this topic. A slight feeling of anxiety and paranoia washed over him. “I was thinking of the Fish House. They make an excellent Caesar salad.” “Yes. That would be lovely.” ~ Trying not to over-think the comment Jennifer 9

G.A. Hauser had made earlier, David forced himself to adjust his attitude and followed the hostess to their table. Once they were seated and had their drinks served, David ran his hand through his hair and tried to relax and enjoy the meal. “So, are you having problems with Annette again, David?” Jennifer sipped her iced tea. “Nothing more than the usual. She’s trying to keep the kids from coming over during my Fourth of July weekend.” “I can never understand when one of the partners simply doesn’t get the custody agreement. It’s all there in black and white.” “Yes. I told her to re-read it.” “I’m sure that didn’t go over well.” “No. It didn’t.” David smiled and then sipped his lemonade thirstily. “It’s been almost two years, David. Isn’t it time you began socializing again? Do you want me to ask Stewart if he knows of a nice young lady?” Thinking of Jennifer’s sixty year old husband, David had to shake his head in amusement. “I don’t think that’s necessary, Jen. I’m all right. I have the kids.” “The kids aren’t a life partner. It’s not the same, David.” She sat back as the waiter set out their food. David waited until the man finished grinding some black pepper over the salads and left before he continued their conversation. “I’m too busy, Jen. I have the firm to consider, the kids, the construction on the building…maybe soon. Not yet.” “How old are you, David?” “Forty-one.” He tasted the food and then nodded, indicating it was good. “That’s right. I should remember that. We had that nice party for you for your fortieth. I’m fifty-eight, David. I’ve had a few more turns around the block than you have. Believe me, you need something more in your life than your kids and work.” 10

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Some day. Not yet. It’s always too complicated when you deal with affairs of the heart. I thought things were going to work out with Annette, but look what happened.” “That young man looked nice.” At the comment, David choked on his food. He set down a fork, then took a drink to stop the coughing. When he had settled down and was gaping at her, he found her wry smile. “Excellent salad, David. I’m glad we chose this place.” Nodding in tacit agreement, he didn’t say another word about her comment and spent the rest of the meal preoccupied and uneasy. ~ Eating a sandwich from the catering truck, Lyle and Jeff sat in the shade and sipped cold water from bottles and devoured their food. As Lyle opened a bag of potato chips, he noticed that handsome man in the business suit and the older woman walking back together to the front of the building. He stopped chewing and stared at them. Was it his wife? His sister? A co-worker? Were they involved? She was very well groomed and obviously great looking in her prime, but she couldn’t be involved with him that way. That man was seething with sexuality. No. He most likely had some young blonde bimbo to screw. Checking to make sure that Jeff was unaware of his actions, Lyle sat perfectly still and watched as this elegant man walked, his long confident stride, his slacks fitting tightly on his hips and thighs. His silk tie and jacket whipping in the warm breeze, the cotton of his shirt pressed to his skin and showed off rounded pectoral muscles and a flat abdomen. Lyle’s mouth started watering again, eager for a taste of him. When their eyes met he felt a bolt of electricity so strong it almost knocked him over. Something was there. Something was happening between them. You don’t look at another man like that unless you want to fuck 11

G.A. Hauser him. “You all right?” Lyle blinked his eyes and looked over at Jeff’s curious expression. “Yeah.” He resumed eating his chips. “You looked like you were in a trance, man.” Jeff laughed as he crushed up the plastic wrapping from his sandwich. “Naa, just enjoying my lunch break.” “Well, be quick about it. It’s almost over.” Lyle brought the tiny bag of potato chips to his mouth and shook them in, smiling as he crunched them. “What are you doing tonight? You going out?” Jeff asked as he stood up, stretching his back. “Don’t know. Why?” “Just askin’.” As Jeff walked away to dump the trash he had in his hand, Lyle stood up and tried to see if that man was still in sight. Unfortunately, he had gone. ~ After a long day, David parked his car in the underground parking garage of his home. Yawning tiredly, he used his key to enter the building and then rode the elevator upward, lost in his thoughts. Scuffing his weary heels down the carpeted hall, he opened his door, deactivated the alarm, then kicked off his shoes and headed to his bedroom suite. In the cool calm interior of his sanctuary he undressed and slipped on a pair of shorts and a cotton shirt. Moving again, like a robot whose batteries have worn down, he went to the kitchen where he opened the refrigerator door and stood in front of it. The wine bottle was selected. He poured himself a glass of white zinfandel and set the bottle down. Sipping the fruity wine, he sighed with relief to be home and able to unwind and sleep. He felt exhausted and fatigued. Passing his minimalist designer décor he moved to the picture window and gazed out at the 12

Secrets and Misdemeanors distant Pacific Ocean. The sun was still high off the horizon and wouldn’t set for another few hours. He could just about make out the shape of a container ship out on the rippling waves. Somewhere deep in his mind he wished he had the energy to get out in that summer weather, go swimming, surfing, do something. Two things stopped him. Being tired, and being alone. Ever since he remembered he’d been part of a pair. In high-school he had a girlfriend, in college yet another, then Annette after that. This was the first time he was living alone, without a partner. The novelty of freedom had worn off to loneliness. He tipped the rest of the wine onto his tongue and craved more. Drown your sorrows, David. Drown them. An irony filled him at the thought. What did he have to feel sorry about? He was standing in a luxury penthouse with a view of the ocean. “Get real,” he whispered. Then as he made a move to pour himself another glass of wine, an image flash returned to him. That young man was staring at him with so much intensity it made his skin break out in goose bumps. Why was he staring at him that way? What would make a young man look at him like that? Was he interested in him? A gay man on the prowl? Tipping the bottle contents into his glass, David wondered. What would it be like to touch a man that way? Walking back to the window, he sipped the cool wine, daydreaming of that possibility.

13

G.A. Hauser

Chapter Two There were powdery sugar-glazed doughnuts and nutty muffins on a tray in the middle of the table. Hungry hands removed them one by one. David checked the itinerary he was handed by his secretary. “Right,” he said. “Everyone got coffee and doughnuts?” A low murmur rumbled around him. “Good. I’ve got a new client here. He’s interested in representation in a divorce.” “I got it,” Danny replied, chewing on a banana muffin. “Thanks.” David had the staff pass the file around to him. “One more here, bankruptcy.” Federico raised his hand, “Got it, boss.” David nodded, then passed him the file. “Right, okay, Sonja, how’s the trial going?” “Fine. Should be going to the jury by the end of today.” “Any chance we’ll win?” She smiled knowingly. “Good job!” David said. “Just go around the table and catch me up.” He pointed to Blossom. “Uh,” she cleared her throat, “I’ve got a deposition later today. I’m representing someone in a case involving some toxic waste near a kid’s play area.” David nodded, listening as each attorney informed him of their day’s upcoming events. After he had heard from everyone, he asked, “Anything else?” Chris asked, “How long is this remodel thing going to last?” 14

Secrets and Misdemeanors “About two weeks.” David set the paperwork in front of him into a neat pile. “When do they start coming inside to work?” Sylvia asked. “Soon. Right after sandblasting. They’ll start on the ground floor and work their way up. They’ll be quick. It’ll be minimal upset. Look, when they come around to your office, just take some time off and get out. Don’t worry about it.” “Cool.” Chris stuffed another doughnut into his mouth. “That it?” David asked. Affirmative nods surrounded him. “You have anything, Jen?” David asked her before they disbanded. “Why aren’t they starting from the top down? Shouldn’t we be finished before the rest of the tenants?” “You think it makes that much of a difference?” David asked. “I’d rather mine be done sooner than later.” Shrugging, David asked the group, “Vote? Those in favor of having their windows done first?” All their hands raised. “Okay. Done. I’ll go speak t o someone. Sorry, guys. I just didn’t think you’d want it done first. I figured we should put off the mess as long as possible.” “Naa, get it done,” Sonja replied. “Okay. That’s it. Have a good day.” David stood up and pushed out his chair. Before he left to go to his own office, Jennifer whispered, “Get that nice looking young man inside here before he finds someone else.” “You are a trouble-maker, Jen.” David peered around nervously. “Have I ever given you the impression that I’m not heterosexual?” She shrugged. “You haven’t given me the impression that you’re not homosexual.” With his cheeks heating up in embarrassment, he wagged his finger at her to admonish her. “Behave 15

G.A. Hauser yourself, Mrs. Bernstein.” “Never.” Waiting as the conference room emptied out around them, Jennifer whispered, “Life’s too short, David.” David had a look around him first, whispering back, “I don’t know why you are saying these things to me, Jen. I’ve known you for a decade and in all that time you’ve never insinuated I was gay.” “Haven’t I?” she grinned wickedly. “No!” David tugged at his shirt collar uncomfortably. “Look, Jen, I know you like to tease me on occasion, and I don’t mind. Honest. You’re one of my closest friends and we share all our secrets together.” “Yes, David, that’s true.” “If I was gay, wouldn’t I have mentioned it to you by now?” “Not necessarily. You were married up until two years ago.” “Well, that should speak for itself.” “Okay, David, I’ll leave you alone. But, if I were twenty years younger and single, I’d not let a man like that slip away.” Before he could answer her, she disappeared. Left standing in the silence of the vacant room, David wondered what she knew that he didn’t. ~ His coffee consumed and the paper cup dropped into the trash can, Lyle stuck his hard hat on his head, wrapped a tool belt around his waist, and finished tightening up the bolts that held the scaffolding together. The sound of a sandblaster’s motor echoed in a deafening roar around the concrete perimeter of the avenue, ricocheting like rubber bullets back and forth across the street. A slight coolness was in the air from the night, but the yellow globe of fire was already sending burning rays to the surface of the earth. Climbing the ladders up to the top, Lyle checked the bolts as he went making sure everything was secure and 16

Secrets and Misdemeanors stable. His friend Jeff was on the ground, helping the rest of the crew sorting window frames. After having a quick look around, Lyle made his way to that window, just for a peek inside. Continuing to do his work, he leaned over and checked the screws and bolts as he went. Taking a deep breath, checking the time, seeing it was only just after nine a.m., Lyle prayed the man would be in his office where he could ogle him rather than out and about somewhere. Counting to three in his head, he spun around on his heels and stared in. ~ David had just finished a phone call and remembered he was to inform the project manager they wanted the top windows done first. Standing up from his desk to go and find him, or at least get his mobile phone number, he sensed something and turned around. “Jesus Christ,” he sighed out loud and stared directly at that handsome young man who was standing right outside his sixth floor window. It was enough staring at each other. He wanted to figure out what was going on. David walked over to him and opened the old sash window. “Hello,” Lyle whispered shyly. “Hi.” David wondered what they would say to each other. “I…I didn’t mean to bother you, sorry.” “No. It’s okay. I suppose it’s just a little strange having someone look in the window. Other than an occasional pigeon, no one has been able to peek in.” “It’s a nice office. I mean, I’ve admired it from here.” “Thanks.” David felt incredibly awkward. “Uh…I’m Lyle. Lyle Wilson.” “Lyle, nice to meet you. I’m David Thornton.” David reached his hand awkwardly through the gap in the window. “Thornton,” Lyle said as he clasped his hand. “You’re the owner?” “Yes. How did you know?” David released his hand 17

G.A. Hauser gently. “Your name is on all the paperwork.” “Ah, I see.” In the silence that followed they just looked at each other. David could hear someone calling Lyle’s name. “You’re being paged.” “Oh, yeah.” Lyle shouted down to someone that he’d be right there, then he said, “I’ve got to get going.” “Yes. Oh! By the way, is the project manager down there? I’ve got to speak with him.” “I think so. Billy, right? Is his name Billy?” “Yes, Bill. Bill Enright.” “He was there this morning. I can check for you and let you know.” “No, that’s all right. I’ll go down and check.” “You sure?” David paused and stared at his face again. A flutter churned his stomach at how incredibly good looking this man was. Lyle said, “Let me get him for you. No need for you to come down. They started sandblasting and it’s a mess around here.” “Well, I just wanted to give him a message. Can you just tell him to start the windows from the top floor down, instead of the opposite way?” “No problem. I can do that.” When Lyle smiled, David felt his skin break out in goose flesh. The dimples on his cheeks were to die for. “I appreciate it. Thanks, Lyle.” “My pleasure, David. My pleasure.” Another awkward pause followed. Why were they just staring at each other? David knew something more wanted to be said, but he couldn’t even imagine asking this man out socially. It just wouldn’t make sense, and would certainly make him sound like a fool if all this invisible communication was not physical attraction on Lyle’s part. Another shout of Lyle’s name sounded over the din. “I’m sorry,” David said. “Am I getting you into 18

Secrets and Misdemeanors trouble?” “I don’t care,” Lyle replied softly, then licked his lips. David grew hard watching his tongue. “You don’t care?” Jen’s voice was heard behind him, “David?” As if he had been caught kissing this young man, David whipped his head around and gaped at her. Turning back to the window quickly, Lyle had vanished. With his body shaking slightly from the start, David shut the window and tried to act calmly. “Yes?” Jennifer approached him, a wicked smile on her face. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Shall I come back later?” David looked out on the ledge again. “No. He’s gone.” When Jennifer reached out for his hand, David blinked his eyes in surprise. She clasped his fingers and led him to the chair behind his desk, then she sat on the corner of the desk near him. “Are you all right?” “Yes. Why shouldn’t I be?” “Did you get his name?” “Lyle. Lyle Wilson.” “That’s a start.” “Jennifer, why are you going on about this? I can’t tell you how uncomfortable it’s making me. If word of this got out to Annette, or to anyone else for that matter—” “Calm down, David.” It was an anxiety attack. His heart was pumping, he was panting. He inhaled to deliberately relax his nerves, then rubbed his face and pushed his hands back through his hair. “Listen to me, Jennifer,” he began. “I have two children, an ex-wife, her family, this firm, and god knows what else to think about. I do not need any rumors starting.” “Yes, David. I am aware of your circumstances.” “Good.” “But, what about your needs?” 19

G.A. Hauser He raised his lashes to her and met her eyes. His needs? He hadn’t thought about his needs in centuries. He’d almost forgotten what physical touch felt like. “If this lovely young man wants you, and you want him, go for it.” “Please stop this, Jennifer.” He glared at her t o make his point, then asked, “Now, what did you come in here for?” “Sonja’s case. The jury is back. Not guilty.” “Great. That’s great.” Jennifer stood up off his desk and walked back t o the door. “Are we having lunch together later?” “Sure.” “Okay. See you later, David.” He waited for her to leave, then turned back to the window and stared out of it wistfully. ~ “What the hell were you doing up there for so long?” Jeff asked. “The head guy wanted me to give Billy a message.” “Head guy? You mean Thornton?” “Yeah. Is Billy around?” “I don’t know. Ask Keith.” He pointed to their manager. “Thanks.” Lyle whistled to himself happily as he made his way to the heavy set man. “Boss!” “Yeah? What is it, Lyle?” He took the cigarette out of his mouth. “Mr. Thornton wants me to give Billy Enright a message.” “What? What the hell are you talking about?” “I’m telling you that Mr. Thornton told me to tell Billy Enright he wants the windows done from the top down.” “Why the hell would Thornton tell you about it?” “I was just handy. I was up there at his window.” Lyle pointed to it. “Oh.” Keith looked around, then shouted, “Where the hell’s Enright?” 20

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Near the entrance!” someone yelled. “You want me to find him?” Lyle asked. “No. Get back to work, I’ll tell him.” “You make sure he gets the message,” Lyle said. Keith glared at him, then stuck his cigarette back in his mouth. Throwing up his hands to fend off the hostility, Lyle shook his head and mumbled, “I just don’t want the blame if he doesn’t get it, that’s all.” Lyle walked away and found Jeff and a few other men standing by a truck with plates of glass widows loaded on it. “What are you in trouble for now?” Jeff asked. “Nothing. When do we go in?” “I don’t know. Gotta get the sandblasting done first.” Lyle twisted back over his shoulder and found several men covered in masks and leather smocks in the heat, as grime and dirt sprayed in every direction. “They should start at the top and work down.” “What?” Jeff shouted in the noise. “Nothing,” Lyle replied, shaking his head in frustration. ~ In traffic on the way home David’s cell phone rang. Since he was crawling at around five miles per hour on the highway, he lowered the radio and found it in his jacket pocket, answering it. Seeing her mobile phone number on the LCD display he said, “Hello, sweetie.” “Hi, Daddy.” “I’m in the car on my way home. Is everything all right?” “I just wanted to say hi.” “Thanks, Ellen, that’s very sweet of you.” “Mom said we’re going to be with you for the Fourth of July.” “Yes, is that okay with you and Joel?” “Sure. I’m glad. Are we going to see some fireworks?” 21

G.A. Hauser “Of course. We’ll have a barbeque on the terrace and watch them from there.” “Great.” “Good.” “Okay. I have to go. See ya, Daddy.” “Bye, babe.” He hung up and dropped the phone back into his pocket, smiling warmly. ~ “Where’re you off to?” Lyle turned back to Jeff who was splayed out on the couch, still in his filthy work clothes, a beer in his hand and a Simpson’s rerun playing on the television. “Out.” “Where?” “Just out.” Lyle made sure he had his keys, then closed the door behind him and walked down the hall of the apartment building to the parking garage. Once he was sitting in his blue Ford pick-up truck, he turned on the radio and sat listening to a tape he had of A Fine Frenzy. Finally he started the engine and pulled out of the lot, headed for the beach. After he fed the meter some coins, he looked out at the crashing waves. It was seven o’clock and still warm and light. He loved summer. The heat, the long days, the skimpy outfits—Southern California was everything he had heard it would be. When his shoes hit beach he sat down and took them off, lavishing in the sand between his toes. Tying his laces together, he hung his sneakers over his shoulder and made his way to the water. Several people bobbed in the waves, a few young boys were trying t o catch a ride on the surf with their long colorful boards, children dug in the sand with yellow plastic shovels and blue pails. He inhaled the sea air and felt it cleanse his lungs. A refreshing cool breeze was coming off the water and dried the sweat off his face and neck. His feet making tracks in the damp sand, Lyle smiled in contentment. Maybe Eastern Oregon was a little too countrified for him. Maybe he wasn’t cut out for that kind of life. LA 22

Secrets and Misdemeanors was more to his liking. A woman walked by and smiled flirtatiously at him. He nodded and smiled politely back, keeping his pace down the long stretch of golden sand. “David Thornton,” he whispered out loud, liking the sound of his name. “What is your story? Single? Married? Divorced?” He decided to stop at a pleasant looking open space of beach and sat down on the dry sand, wrapping his arms around his knees. Here in California, he could be himself. Everyone was gay in LA. Right? He didn’t have to hide, did he? He thought about Jeff and cringed. Jeff seemed like one of them ‘good-ole-boys’. It was a mistake to move in with him. But, he was a stranger when he first arrived in town. Jeff offered. It was better than sleeping in the truck again until he found an apartment he could afford. Two girls walked by wearing shorts and bathing suit tops. They giggled to each other and stared at him. Avoiding their eyes he mumbled, “Yeah, yeah, keep moving.” After they had gone he said softly, “What are you doing right now, David? What are you doing right now?” ~ A meal of delivered Chinese food eaten and the cartons thrown out, David washed up the few utensils and his plate, drying his hands on a towel. After making sure the kitchen was clean and tidy, he headed to the living room and glimpsed down at the newspaper headline without interest. Moving to the large picture window, he stared out at the crashing waves, wishing he could hear the sea from where he was. But it was too far away. If he went out on his rooftop deck all he’d hear is the rumble of traffic, car horns, and jet planes. He could just make out a few surf boards riding the curling waves, the beach dotted with bathers. Almost tempted to go out and have a stroll along the shoreline, he let his exhaustion change his mind. Dropping down 23

G.A. Hauser on the soft leather sofa, he picked up the paper and perused the articles with little interest. Slapping it down on the coffee table in frustration, David rubbed his face and murmured, “Maybe I do need a life. Living for the kids every other weekend isn’t enough.” Resting his head back on the cushions, David pictured Lyle in his mind. How does one go about getting into a gay relationship?

24

Secrets and Misdemeanors

Chapter Three As he pulled into the parking lot at the office, he could see the men already working on sandblasting the top level of the building. Layers of grime and soot came off to show a lovely cream-colored facing. The improvement was immediate. Parking in his reserved spot, he locked his car with a chirp of his key fob and made his way to the front of the building. Waving, he greeted the project manager who hurried over to him. “Mr. Thornton, hello. We’ve finished cleaning outside your office, so if you would like, we can begin putting the new windows in now.” “Oh. Great, Bill. Yes. Get started. I’m sorry about the change. I didn’t know the staff would have an opinion either way. I hope it didn’t screw you up.” “No. Not at all. All the windows are the same size. It didn’t matter where we started. We just wanted to get the outside done first so the new windows wouldn’t be damaged.” “I understand.” David caught someone standing behind Bill. Lyle was there, staring. The sight of him completely distracted David. For a moment he lost his train of thought. “Anything else, Mr. Thornton?” “Hmm? No. That’s it, Bill. Thanks.” David smiled at him and then took a step aside to allow Bill to get 25

G.A. Hauser back to what he was doing. “Hello, David,” Lyle said softly. “Hello, Lyle. Hot one again today, isn’t it?” David tilted his head up to the sun and narrowed his eyes. “Very hot. Very, very hot.” Focusing in on Lyle’s expression, David found that seductive curl of his lip. “Uh…right. I’ll be seeing you then.” David backed up slowly, making his way to the front entrance. When he tilted to look over his shoulder, Lyle was still there seemingly admiring the view from behind. “Jesus,” David muttered under his breath, “don’t make it obvious, Mr. Wilson.” ~ Imagining him naked, Lyle whispered, “Hot, hot, hot…god, I have to get you into my life.” “What?” Blinking his eyes, Lyle found Jeff standing next t o him. “Talking to yourself, Lyle? You know, that’s the first sign of going insane.” “What’s the second?” Lyle smiled and adjusted his hard hat to set better on his head. “Listening to yourself.” Jeff shoved him and then nodded for him to follow him. “Where to?” Lyle asked. “Inside the air-conditioning. We’re doing a window!” Jeff pumped his fist into the air. “Excellent!” Lyle shouted and rubbed his hands together in glee. ~ The moment David walked into his office he spotted two men outside his window making large crosses with masking tape on the glass. “Oh. Okay,” he said under his breath. He stared at his desk for a moment wondering what he needed to take with him, imagining sitting in the lounge or the conference room to catch up on his work. As he stood behind his desk thumbing through some files, he heard someone enter his office. 26

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Sorry, sir. I was told we were doing this room first.” David looked beyond the skinny man with the mustache who had spoken, to Lyle, who was smiling brightly behind him. “Yes. No problem. Let me get out of your way.” He grabbed piles of paper off his desk, feeling clumsy as he gripped them, hoping they wouldn’t fall to the carpet. The noise of chiseling was heard behind him and the man with the mustache began spreading drop cloths around the area. As he made his way out, David passed Lyle, whose stare was unnerving in its unrestrained desire. Not knowing what else to say as he moved by him, David smiled politely and joked, “Do a good job.” “Oh, yes. I aim to please.” Imagining running his tongue over those dimples, David nodded his head shyly and left. Right after he did, he couldn’t help but look back to see if Lyle was staring. He was. After another awkward nod and smile, David carried his paperwork to the conference room and set it down, then tried to catch his breath. He was shaking and didn’t know why. ~ “Ya ganna help or just stand there?” Jeff asked. Coming back to reality, Lyle hurried over and grabbed the far end of the drop cloth and spread it out over the plush beige carpet. The sound of snapping wood was heard as the men outside began prying the frame out. Lyle worked on it from the inside and the glass and frame popped out. A gust of warm muggy air wafted in. Trying to focus on the task and not drift off into a fantasy, Lyle kept yearning to be nosy and look around David’s desk, maybe see a photo, get some idea what his situation was. With two new windows installed, their ten-thirty break had arrived. The men on the outside of the window climbed down the scaffolding to the waiting catering van. Jeff nudged Lyle to go as well. Lyle nodded, then said, “Let me just go to the restroom. I’ll 27

G.A. Hauser be right down.” “Okay.” Jeff shrugged then jogged down the corridor so he didn’t miss the food wagon. When he left, Lyle peered around the vacant room first, then walked behind the big imposing desk and inspected the items on it. Indeed there was a picture frame. A young boy and girl were smiling. The girl was around six or seven and had a tooth missing. The boy was a little older, maybe ten or eleven. No wife. There was no photo of any woman. “Divorced?” Lyle mused out loud. He heard a noise and moved away from the desk, exiting the room before anyone found him snooping. About to leave the building to get a snack and search for Jeff, he noticed a men’s room and stepped in quickly to relieve himself, preferring it to the port-o-potty down on street level. ~ His coffee cup empty, David set the paperwork he was reading down, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He checked his watch and wondered how long the men would take to put the windows into his office. Standing up, interested in having a look at their progress, he left the conference room, stopping at the bathroom first as the coffee made its way through him. He was surprised t o see Lyle standing at one of the urinals. Pausing, thinking of leaving, David was trapped when Lyle turned around and found him there. “Hello, David.” “Lyle.” David cleared his throat and walked up to another urinal, then tried to be as casual as possible and pee. When he was done, Lyle moved to the sink to wash his hands, then he took off his yellow helmet and set it down so he could splash his face with the cool water. David finished, fastened his trousers and stood next to Lyle to wash his hands. “Uh, how’s the job going?” “One more window to do in your office.” “Good. Very good.” “Are we messing you up? Do you need to be in 28

Secrets and Misdemeanors there?” Lyle leaned back against the sink casually. “No. No, you’re fine. Just finish up.” David dried his hands on a towel, pausing for a moment to think. Lyle was staring at him again. As the awkward silence grew, David was about to excuse himself and head back to his work when Lyle hissed, “Christ, you are absolutely beautiful.” Tilting his head, like a dog who can’t understand English, David was certain he hadn’t heard him right. “Uh…what did you say?” “You heard me. I can’t get enough of staring at you.” “You’re embarrassing me, Lyle.” David felt his cheeks light on fire and prayed no one entered the bathroom. Lyle moved closer, as if he needed a better look. “Blue,” he said. “Blue?” David echoed. “Your eyes.” “Oh…yes, uh…this is very awkward.” David felt as if he needed to step back to make more personal space between them; then again, maybe not. When Lyle touched his arm, David almost jerked back, but didn’t. At the crush of Lyle’s body against his, David was filled with so much fire he actually thought his shoes would melt to the floor. A hot mouth met his, sucking at his lips, searching for his tongue. With a sensation of pure sexually driven adrenalin rushing through his body like a tsunami, he felt as if he would pass out from the dizziness. Like a madman, David grabbed Lyle’s smooth square jaw and devoured his mouth as if he had never kissed another soul and was starving for it. In the sterility of the white tiled room, their whimpers of pleasure echoed and wrapped around them. He couldn’t catch his breath. David felt as if he needed air but couldn’t breathe. That masculine tongue was driving him insane. A trace of cologne, a hint of male testosterone, all added to the maddening urgency. When hands cupped over his crotch, he parted from those lips and panted to catch his breath. 29

G.A. Hauser “Lyle…someone will come in.” As David waited, it took a moment for Lyle t o come around after what appeared to be a swoon of his own. “Lyle,” David whispered, but with more force. Taking a step back, David straightened his clothing quickly and then smoothed his hand back through his hair. “I want you.” At the intensity of those three devilish words, David found nothing short of pleading expressed in Lyle’s green eyes. “Do you think this is a good idea?” David glanced back at the closed door in paranoia. “David, please.” “Yes…yes, okay. How? Where? Not here.” “A hotel? I don’t know.” “A hotel? Oh no. Not that. Not a hotel. Where do you live?” “I live with Jeff. The guy who came into your office with me. I can’t bring you back there. He’s not the kind that will understand…uh…do you live with your wife?” “No. I don’t have a wife. I have an ex-wife.” “Okay…then?” “I take it you want to come to my place.” “Not if you’re not okay with it.” David checked the time. “Uh…” Lyle bit his lip, waiting. “Okay. Come to my place.” The door opened and someone came in. David spun on his heels and turned on the taps, washing his hands again. He looked into the mirror and found Lyle putting his hard hat back on and looking at his reflection. “Hey, David,” Federico said in greeting. “I hear they’re doing your office at the moment.” “Yes,” David dried his hands and said, “I was just discussing that with Mr. Wilson, here.” He nodded t o Lyle who appeared to be deciding what to do. 30

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Better do a good job.” Federico smiled at Lyle. “This is the man who signs the paycheck.” Lyle straightened his back and seemed to relax again. “Don’t worry. He’s top on the list for pleasing. Talk to you later, Mr. Thornton.” “Right.” David nodded to Lyle, glad he was leaving and not making the moment any worse. After he left David nodded to Federico and made his own excuses t o leave. Once he was in the hallway David looked around for Lyle, but didn’t see him. ~ “Where the hell were you?” Jeff caught up with Lyle back at David’s office. “You missed the food truck. Did you eat anything?” “No. I just got stuck up here talking to some people about the job.” “That’s not right. You deserve your breaks. Go tell Keith you got tied up.” “No. It’s okay. I wasn’t that hungry anyway.” Lyle noticed the two men on the scaffolding outside the window and crossed over the expanse of floor to meet them. He grabbed a chisel and began working on his side of the widow frame, all the while the lingering sensation of that man’s kiss was driving him insane. ~ David was just about to knock on Jennifer’s office door to ask her out to lunch when he noticed Lyle and the other man carrying the drop cloths to the next office. He approached them and asked, “All finished?” Jeff stopped and stood as if he were at attention for a general. “Yes, sir. We should get in there with a vacuum and finish cleaning the dust for you first.” “Oh. All right. Let me just see how the windows look.” “I’ll go,” Lyle tilted his head as he replied. Jeff nodded and headed to the next office. David sensed Lyle’s eyes on him as he walked towards his office door. It was as if a warm hand were caressing his back. He stepped in and stopped to see the 31

G.A. Hauser windows from the entrance, then walked across the room to check more closely. “Double-glazed. Top quality, David,” Lyle said, opening one up for him. “Yes. Nice job, Lyle. The finish is excellent. You can’t tell they were replaced.” Lyle looked past David to the door, then he whispered, “Where do you live?” Fear washed over David’s length like an ice water bath. Closing the window, keeping out the hot humid air, David didn’t answer. “I don’t have a lot of time!” Lyle whispered in desperation. David walked to his desk and sat down, taking one of his business cards out of his drawer to write his home information on the back. The photo of his children caught his eye. “David!” Lyle hissed when David stopped moving. Raising his eyes to meet Lyle’s, David was completely torn. Lyle took off his yellow hard hat and approached him. He touched David’s cheek lightly and said, “Okay, babe. I get it. Okay. Maybe next time.” Just before Lyle made it to the door, David shouted out to stop him. He scribbled on the back of his card and walked across the room with it extended in his hand. Lyle looked down at it first, then took it gently. “I’ll call you.” Nodding, David made sure he had another close inspection of this man’s face. Yes, it was as gorgeous as he first suspected. No mistake. “Okay.” Watching Lyle as he put his hat back on his head and vanished into the next office, David couldn’t wait to kiss him again, but the anxiety was almost edging out the anticipation. ~ “You want to stop for some food on the way home?” Jeff asked as he drove. 32

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Uh, no. I just want to get back and shower.” “What will we eat? There’s nothing in the house.” Lyle ground his jaw in annoyance. He had to get out of this living situation. It felt as if he already had a wife, or worse, a mother. “Drop me off, then you can go out and get something.” “What’s with you?” “Look, Jeff, I’m tired, I’m hot, and all I want to do is take a shower. Okay?” “Geez! Don’t bite my fucking head off, man.” The moment the car stopped, Lyle jumped out of it. After he shut the door, Jeff hit the accelerator and chirped the tires on the hot tarmac. “Fuck you,” Lyle said in response to Jeff’s actions. He jogged to the lobby and stuck in his key, then took the stairs two by two, bypassing the slow elevator. The minute he got into his apartment, he took the card out of his wallet and sat down next to the phone. “Hello?” “David? It’s me.” “I’m still in traffic on my way home. Where are you?” “I just got home. You want to get together tonight?” Lyle tapped the business card on the counter with nervous energy. After a long pause, David said, “Yes. All right.” “Great. Let me shower and I’ll be there in about an hour.” “I’ll have to buzz you in. Just press the intercom button that reads ‘penthouse’.” Lyle smiled brightly. “Okay, babe. I can’t wait.” “Uh…will you buy some things…you know?” Lyle laughed softly. “Yes. I’ll take care of it.” “Oh. Okay. Let me go. I need to get off the highway soon.” “Okay. See ya.” “See ya.” Lyle hung up and then jumped to his feet, stripping off his clothing as he went, on his way to the shower. 33

G.A. Hauser ~ David stood at the bathroom sink, a towel around his hips, staring at his reflection. Touching his rough jaw, he wondered if he should shave. If he had a date with a woman he would shave. “I am so out of practice for this,” he whispered, wiping the steam off the mirror. Spreading shave cream on his face, he ran the razor over his chin quickly trying to get rid of the rough growth. Once he’d finished he splashed his face with cool water, scrutinizing his features. “What does a young man like that see in an old man like me?” A touch of gray hair had begun to haunt the dark hair at his temples, tiny laugh lines were visible near his eyes. Flipping off the light in the bathroom, David headed t o his bedroom to decide what to wear, checking the time nervously. Dressed in light beige shorts and a white polo shirt, he had a walk through the rooms to make sure everything was in order and clean. He put a bottle of wine on ice in a bucket on the kitchen counter, then stood at the picture window and waited, his heart pounding in his chest. ~ Lyle found parking across the street from the front of the building. Craning his head up to the top of the brand new high-rise condominiums, he whistled through his teeth and knew the mortgages would be well beyond his reach. Checking the list on the door for the occupants’ names, at the bottom was the unobtrusive word “penthouse” without a name to identify its owner. Holding a small paper bag in one hand, Lyle pushed the buzzer with the other. David’s voice came through the speaker. “Top floor,” was all he said, then a loud metallic click followed. Lyle tried the door. It was unlocked. Standing at the elevator, surrounded by angular lines imitating the silhouette of the Empire State Building and 1920’s furnishings, a twenty-first century attempt at art deco, Lyle inhaled deeply to try and relax. When the doors opened without a sound, he 34

Secrets and Misdemeanors stepped into the immaculate elevator to ride to the top floor. When it stopped, Lyle stepped out only to find a small lobby and one door. After running his hands through his hair and looking down at his tight faded jeans and black t-shirt, Lyle stood tall and knocked. The door swung open and the sight of David in his casual attire made his mouth water instantly. “Hey.” David stepped back allowing him to enter. “Hi.” Pausing to admire the interior, Lyle was stunned at the open space and light clean style of this luxurious home. Before he said anything, Lyle absorbed the benefits of a lifestyle he could never hope to achieve. “Come in. You want a drink?” Blinking his eyes as if coming out of a dream, Lyle nodded and followed David to the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, black marble countertops, an island with a gleaming work surface and sink, high bar stools next to a breakfast counter, recessed lighting, panes of glass overlooking the sea, Lyle’s head was spinning. “Holy shit, David. What an amazing place.” “Thanks, Lyle. I have wine chilled. Is wine okay?” “Hmm? Yeah. Wine is fine.” He set the tiny brown bag on the counter and stuffed his hands into his pockets. In his head he was warning himself, Don’t get attached. This man is way out of your league. David handed him a delicate stemmed glass. Lyle took it very gently thinking his grip could snap off the narrow stem. Used to beer out of a can and fast food, Lyle felt like an alien from another planet, and hated himself for his lack of class. “Why don’t we just relax in the living room?” David gestured to the living space with the wall of glass with a view. Nodding, almost rendered speechless, Lyle made his way in, wondering if he should take off his shoes. They sat together on a black leather sectional sofa facing the ocean. David placed two coasters down on the coffee table and set his wine glass on one. 35

G.A. Hauser “Nice view,” Lyle whispered. “I do get lost on it. I only wish I was close enough to hear the waves. I would love to fall asleep to the sound.” “You’ve really done well for yourself, David. You should be proud.” “Thanks, Lyle. I suppose if you work like a dog for years, sometimes it pays off.” “I can’t imagine my work paying me like this,” Lyle replied, smiling. He sipped the wine, then set it down on the coaster carefully. “Did you choose construction? Or is it just something to do while you look for other work?” “I suppose it’s just something to do. I don’t really like it. I just don’t know what else I’m trained for. I didn’t go to college, so I’m limited to my choices.” “Did you want to go to college?” David faced him, folding his leg underneath him. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve always been a little lost that way. I’ve never had an idea of what I wanted t o do, then had the determination to do it. You know what I mean?” “Yes. I do. I’ve a sister who is like that. She simply can’t decide on a career, so she keeps jumping from job to job.” “It sounds bad. I don’t like that idea. I have to just think hard and make a decision.” “You’re young. You can do anything you’d like. How old are you, Lyle, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I don’t mind. Twenty-five. You?” “Forty-one.” “I would never have guessed that. You’re in great shape. You work out, right?” “I do. Between everything, yes.” “I can tell.” The conversation fizzled into awkward silence. David cleared his throat and asked, “Are you hungry?” “No. No, I’m all right.” Lyle took a swig of the wine for courage, set the glass back down, then slid over 36

Secrets and Misdemeanors the couch so he could touch him. He rested his hand on David’s naked knee and waited for a reaction. Was he going to be the aggressive one again? He noticed David’s light eyes flicker to it, then raise up again t o meet his. Lyle knew they were both very nervous, and that wasn’t helping matters. “I don’t do this usually.” David leaned closer, as if very interested in the comment. His cheeks heating up, Lyle continued, “I don’t normally date men, David. I don’t know if you’ll be thinking I do things like this, you know, and maybe have AIDS or something.” David shook his head, “I didn’t think that of you.” “Good. Uh, actually…I’ve never been with a guy. I used to live in Eastern Oregon, and if someone thought you were a fag over there, they’d skin you alive.” “Is that why you came to LA?” “Yes. If I’m honest with myself, that is the main reason. I do like it here. I like the atmosphere and the excitement of this city. But, it is the real reason. I didn’t feel as if I could be myself back home.” “I understand.” Lyle smoothed his hand along David’s thigh to the edge of his shorts. “You really turn me on, David. Everything about you. And it’s not some status thing. I don’t give a crap about how much money you have. I just thought you were incredible when I first set eyes on you.” “Ditto.” Lyle perked up and laughed. “Really?” “Really.” “Wow.” As if in slow motion, David reached out to him, drawing him near. Lyle moved closer, across that bent knee of David’s, resting on top of David’s lap to reach his lips. Closing his eyes, Lyle went for that kiss and wrapped his arms around David’s neck. It was soft and slow, not the fever pitch he had imagined it would be. But, they had time, they could savor it. And as far as 37

G.A. Hauser Lyle knew, this could be the first and last time they would be together. ~ Something about their kissing felt right. David imagined some awkwardness and fidgeting when it came time to get romantic. There was nothing awkward about this. It was as if it was natural to them both. The amount he was turned on was the only surprise. Trying not to be too distracted by his thoughts, David wondered if it was the fact that he hadn’t touched another living soul in over two years, or if this man was really the aphrodisiac he felt he was. Either way he didn’t care. It was physical contact, and he was starving for it. When Lyle’s hand slipped under his polo shirt and touched his chest, David let a tiny whimper out in reflex. With both his hands he cupped Lyle’s face and intensified the passionate kissing, opening his mouth wider, going for his tongue with more lust and determination. Hearing that tiny whimper echoed by his lover, David thrilled, truly savoring this contact. Slowing down, pecking his lips, David managed t o whisper, “Come to bed.” Slowly, Lyle sat back and stared at him. “I brought rubbers.” “I noticed the bag.” David stood, raised his wine glass and finished the contents, then went to the kitchen to set the empty down and retrieve the brown paper bag. Lyle followed him, having done the same. David reached out his hand to him, then brought the bag and this handsome young man with him to his private bedroom. Light poured in through a sliding glass door that led to a garden terrace. The bed was dressed in a shimmering off-white spread with large fluffy pillows. After he set the small bag on the nightstand, David pulled the bedspread down and revealed the crisp white cotton sheets. Before he could undress, Lyle was there, helping him slip his shirt over his head. Allowing him, 38

Secrets and Misdemeanors David watched as the shirt was dropped to the polished wood flooring, then he waited to see what Lyle would do next. ~ Lyle stood in a trance, running his palms over those perfect, round pectoral muscles. The body of a twenty year old, he said in his head. Leaning down, Lyle licked David’s right nipple, circling it with his tongue until it was erect, nibbling it between his teeth. While David’s hands caressed his hair, running his fingers through its thickness, Lyle kept trying to remember this was reality and not some wild dream. Running kisses along David’s abdomen to his belly button, Lyle knelt down and stared at the bulge in his beige shorts before he touched it. Peering up first, seeing David’s reassuring smile, Lyle then placed his hand over that hard mound and closed his eyes. Tingling sparkles passed over his skin as if he were on fire. Image flashes of sneaking Playgirl magazines into his room as a boy washed over him. Masturbating at the sight of nude muscular men, craving the touch of their living, breathing flesh. Here it was. Here it was. ~ The heat of Lyle’s palm was driving him insane. I t was as if Lyle was saying some kind of prayer while kneeling, his eyes closed, one hand on his hip, the other on his cock. David waited. Was he reconsidering? About to ask if he was all right, before David breathed a word, Lyle’s eyes opened and he popped open the button of David’s shorts. David closed his mouth again, watching. Down came his zipper, then his shorts and briefs were lowered to the floor around his ankles. The moment before Lyle’s mouth made contact, David felt as if he would fall over from the anticipation. A blow job? When the hell was his last blow job? Annette never did it. One girl in high school did. How many years ago was that? Thirty? Oh, Jesus Christ… He had to grip Lyle’s shoulders the sensation was so 39

G.A. Hauser strong. That wet heat was wildly luxurious. He couldn’t imagine more pleasure rushing through him than it did at that moment. Like velvet, wet velvet, that tongue lapped at him, those lips ran along his length. The tip of Lyle’s tongue tickled the tip of his cock. “Oh, Christ,” David said, then realized it was out loud this time. Blinking open his eyes he gazed down at the incredible matinee-idol-look of this young man and wanted him, needed him, absolutely adored him. “I…I…” about to tell him he was going to come, David found he couldn’t actually say the words. As if he knew, Lyle stopped and stared at that large engorged cock, licking his lips. “Why don’t you lie down on the bed and I’ll finish the job.” Needing no other encouragement, David shed the clothing at his ankles and climbed back on the bed, leaning up against the pillows and headboard. As he watched, Lyle, very slowly and seductively, began taking off his clothing. That skin tight black t-shirt inched up a belly that was so tight David could count the muscles in it. While one hand drew the fabric over his head, the other smoothed up that flawless bronze skin, rubbing hungry fingers over his chest and neck. Another groan escaped from David’s throat as he stared, engrossed, as this gorgeous male stripped for him. As if timing the pauses, Lyle waited, then opened his jean button and shoved his thumbs into the waistband. David couldn’t believe the show. Whatever this young man had done to prepare for this meeting, he had done well. Lyle’s hand rubbed over his crotch first, then he pulled down his zipper slowly, painfully slowly. As the top of his jeans parted, David waited to see the color of his briefs. As those tight jeans were lowered and pubic hair came into view, he realized no briefs were there. He was completely nude under them. David sucked a hiss of air between his teeth as his lust was growing out of control. His fingers gripped the sheets, his cock 40

Secrets and Misdemeanors throbbed and his urge for contact, deep, penetrating contact, grew with his desire. ~ Lyle loved that look, those expressions of agonizing craving, as he played the stripper for him. The seduction was half the fun. He’d read enough about it, knew how he would want to be seduced, and enjoyed it as much as it appeared David was. Hey, if it was a one night stand, he may as well go for broke. Turning his back to David as if in modesty, Lyle dropped his jeans down, bending over to give David a good view of his ass. Just as he was stepping out of them, he felt strong arms wrapping around his waist and lifting him back to the bed. He burst out laughing and said, “But, the show’s not over yet!” “Get over here, you fantastic creature,” David hissed. Chuckling, flattered, Lyle kicked off the rest of his clothing and squirmed on that hot male body underneath him. Wrapping his legs around the ones under him, he smoothed his hands up and down David’s sides. Lyle’s face was gripped in strong hands and urged forward. David’s hot hungry mouth wanted more kisses and Lyle was thrilled to give them away. Then suddenly, a move was made for dominance. Lyle felt David spin him around so he was lying under him on the bed. As David sat up over him, Lyle watched him reach for that bag and dump out the contents. Panting to catch his breath, Lyle stared with soft loving eyes as David rolled a condom on his cock and squeezed the tube of lubrication into his palm. “I want to see you,” Lyle whispered. David nodded, keeping Lyle facing up on the mattress. To get them into position, Lyle raised his legs to rest on David’s shoulders. Propping himself up by sliding his hands under his back, Lyle kept his attention on David’s large, eager cock and wondered what on earth it would feel like to be entered that way. “You ready, babe?” David asked, placing his body on 41

G.A. Hauser target. “Yeah,” Lyle panted, yearning for it. “Let me know if you want me to stop.” “I will. Fuck me, David.” On his knees between his legs, David pushed in very slowly, closing his eyes and releasing a low masculine groan. The sound of it sent chills all over Lyle’s skin. “Okay?” David asked, pausing. “Yesss, oh yess…” As if reassured, David began pumping his hips. Lyle couldn’t believe the sensations. He knew if anything touched his cock at the moment he’d shoot cum across the room. “Ohh, Christ, David…that is amazing…” As if that line was all he needed, David’s body tensed up and he grunted as he came. Lyle quickly opened his eyes to see his face as he climaxed. He wanted that expression on film so he could savor it over and over again and it would not fade with time. Hanging his head as he recuperated, David gently pulled out, discarded the rubber, and caught his breath. Just as he was going to ask him how it felt, Lyle gasped as David dropped down on him and began sucking his cock. His legs falling to a wide straddle, Lyle knew it was going to be a climax that would rock him to the core. Staring at that amazing man as he gave the most glorious head, Lyle tried to prolong it but knew that was useless. Hot hands massaged his testicles and then an index finger slipped back inside him. Instantly he opened his mouth to gasp and shot out cum as if his cock would explode. ~ David sucked and sucked, wanting to please him as much as he had been pleased. His head felt light as if he were on drugs, his skin was covered in dewy perspiration and his pelvis was still tingling from one of the best orgasms he could recall ever experiencing. Hearing Lyle’s vocalizations of euphoria were enough 42

Secrets and Misdemeanors to tell him he did all right. Swallowing that hot cum, amazed it went down so easily, David didn’t want t o stop sucking him, but did slowly come to a stop and leaned up to see Lyle’s face. At the wild look in his light eyes, David chuckled, then began laughing. As if it were contagious, Lyle’s body rocked with it. Exhausted, David dropped down on top of Lyle and wrapped around him to roll side to side on the bed, showing this young man his affection and pleasure. “You are amazing…amazing,” David breathed. “Oh, David…man, that was incredible. I never imagined it would be so good. I mean, I can’t believe it.” Loving that sticky heat and sweat between them, David suddenly had a chill of dread pass over him. Could he fall in love again? ~ Tears were in Lyle’s eyes. The warmth he felt for this stately man was scaring him and exciting him at the same time. With that affection came fear. Fear of wanting something too much, fear of showing your heart on your sleeve. And fear of being used and rejected. As their breathing became more controlled and the weariness that followed the release arrived, Lyle wondered if he would be shuffled out. A handshake, thanks for coming, and then shown to the door. How would he ever face him again if he did that? “David?” As if rousing from a nap, David leaned up to see his face. “Yes?” Biting his lip, knowing whatever he said at that moment could make or break them, Lyle decided not t o bring emotional baggage in. Instead, he smiled and said, “Thank you.” Looking confused, David asked, “Thank you?” “Yes.” “You’re not leaving, are you?” “No!” Lyle was infinitely glad David wanted him t o 43

G.A. Hauser stay. “You don’t have to thank me, Lyle.” Was it the wrong thing to say? Lyle thought in fear. “No. I don’t mean that. I just want you to know it means something to me. I really like you. Really like you. I don’t want this to just be a one time thing between us. I want us to be able to be together.” Seeing his babbling wasn’t making the impression he was hoping for, Lyle shut up, staring at David with wide nervous eyes. ~ David didn’t know how to react. Shouldn’t they just snuggle together quietly enjoying the afterglow? Dropping down to lie next to him on the pillows, David said, “I want us to be together again as well. I just don’t know how this is going to pan out, Lyle.” Lyle leaned up on his side, touching David’s chest as he spoke. “What do you mean, ‘pan out’?” “Well, I see my kids every other weekend and every other holiday. I don’t ever want them to know about this.” “I understand.” “And my ex-wife, well, she’ll just have a field day if she finds out.” Lyle nodded. “And work, you can see my position at work…” David didn’t want to get into all this. He just wanted t o cuddle. Why were they talking about all this? “I won’t mess you up, David. I’m not like that.” Tilting his head to face him, David replied, “I know. I’m not insinuating you are.” When the light faded from Lyle’s expression, David felt terrible for it. He wrapped around him and embraced him, wanting to snuggle. “Forget it. Let’s just enjoy the moment. Okay?” ~ Lyle hid the one tear that fell from the corner of his eye and nodded, closing his eyes as he rested on David’s chest. 44

Secrets and Misdemeanors

Chapter Four Lyle arrived home the next morning just in time t o change for work. Jeff kept badgering him with questions: Where did he go? Did he meet a girl? Did he screw her? Was he at her place all night? Which bar did he pick her up at? “Jeff, give me a break!” Lyle headed to his room t o find fresh clothing. “What? I didn’t know what to think when you didn’t come home last night.” “What are you? My fucking mother?” Lyle took off his t-shirt and found an older one, one he wore for work. When he began taking off his good jeans, he paused and found Jeff staring. “You mind?” “No.” “Jeff, go to work. I’ll be done soon.” “What do you mean, ‘go to work’? Aren’t we going in together?” “No. Not today. Sorry.” Lyle turned his back on him and yanked his jeans down; when he peered over his shoulder Jeff was staring. “Best! Get lost!” Lyle put the jeans over his nakedness until Jeff stepped outside his room reluctantly. “I don’t know why you’re being so modest. I’ve seen you naked.” Tossing the jeans aside, Lyle stepped into his work ones and then paused to ask, “What? Seen me naked? No you haven’t!” 45

G.A. Hauser “Never mind, Lyle,” Jeff said, poking his head back into the room. “What’s the deal?” “The deal is, I’m going to drive in on my own.” Lyle tucked in his shirt and took his wallet and keys from out of the other pair of jeans. “Fuck you,” Jeff said as he left. “I love you too, dear!” Lyle shouted sarcastically, then heard the door slam and shook his head sadly. As he climbed into his Ford truck and started the engine, Lyle knew he had to find his own place. Jeff was getting impossible to live with. Blissfully alone once more and in the relative quiet of his enclosed cab, Lyle relived the night of affection and good strong man-on-man loving. It was better than he imagined. He wasn’t kicked out or told to leave because of some pathetic non-existing reason. They showered together, he was fed a nice breakfast, kissed, hugged, touched, and reassured that they would indeed meet again for another bout of the same. What more could he ask for? A commitment? A ring? Lyle laughed to himself. “Oh, I’d marry ya if I could, David Thornton. Oh, I would be your sex toy for life.” ~ David parked his car in his reserved spot and hummed to himself as he chirped the door locks shut. Shielding his eyes as he stared up at his building, he could see the sandblasting was completely finished on the front and the sunlight sparkled and shone on the freshly exposed surface of the original rendering. Several men were already up on the scaffolding busy replacing more windows. After a quick scan of the area, David couldn’t find Lyle. Waving hello to the foreman as he passed him, David entered the building and looked forward to exchanging secret glances with his lover and making clandestine plans to meet again for more hot sex. Just as he stepped into the elevator, a woman’s arm shoved through to stop the doors from closing. David 46

Secrets and Misdemeanors quickly pressed the button to open them back up, helping her, and caught sight of Jennifer’s smiling face. “Good morning, Mrs. Bernstein,” he sang happily. “Hello, Mr. Thornton,” she sang back, then stood along side him as the elevator doors closed them in. “Did you have a nice evening?” Blinking his eyes in surprise, David asked, without thinking, “Yes, how did you know?” Jennifer faced him, as surprised as he was, and replied, “I didn’t. Know about what?” Realizing his faux pas, David shook his head and said, “Oh, nothing. Never mind.” “David!” she scolded as the doors opened to their floor. Walking in front of her to avoid her interrogation which he brought on by complete accident, David was almost at the safety of his office when he bumped into a young man in the hall, literally. “Oh! Sorry! Oh, hi, David.” Lyle straightened his yellow hat as it had been jarred by their contact. “We’re done with your office. It’s all cleaned up and we’re out of your hair.” David paused, looked back at Jennifer who was grinning demonically, arms crossed over her chest with the worst I told you so look on her face that he could imagine. He turned back to Lyle and said, “Great. Thanks, Lyle. You know I appreciate it.” “No problem, Mr. Thornton. No problem at all.” When Lyle walked off, whistling a happy tune, David blushed to the ears and continued heading to his office with Jennifer in hot pursuit. The moment they were closed in and alone she said, “How was it?” Pretending he was ignorant, he asked, “How was what?” “David!” she shouted with the same urgent tone as earlier. He dropped down behind his desk and sank into his chair. “It was remarkable.” She clapped her hands and hurried over to sit on the 47

G.A. Hauser corner of the desk near him. “I knew it! Oh, he’s a lovely young thing, isn’t he?” “Oh, yes…” David smiled slyly. “Will you see him again?” “I assume so. But, Jen, I’m really torn about this affair. I mean, the kid could so easily blackmail me.” “Oh, stop it.” She waved her hand at him dismissively. “I’m serious. I sometimes feel as if I’ve hung myself out to dry.” “He doesn’t seem the type, David.” “How do you know? How the hell do I know? I thought Annette was a sweet, humble, girl next door, look how wrong I could be.” He leaned his elbows on the desk and hung his head. “Look, David, I agree we don’t know everything about an individual at first, but we try to use our common sense and good judgment and hopefully when you treat a person kindly they return it. There are no guarantees though, are there?” “No. No guarantees.” “Okay, let’s get ready for the office briefing. Come on. Let’s get a cup of coffee and get to the conference room.” She hopped off his desk and headed for his door. Forcing himself to stand and follow her, David knew his fears were in vain. Lyle was a good man. He wouldn’t ever do anything to hurt him. ~ Jeff deliberately bumped into Lyle with his shoulder. “Hey, watch it!” Lyle shouted as he was trying t o hold the glass window in place as the men on the scaffolding popped it into the track. “Screw you, Lyle,” Jeff responded. “It was your turn to drive and you made me drive in on my own. I did you a favor, asshole. Never forget that. I took you in when you needed a place to stay. Ingrate.” “Shut up. Stop acting as if you’re my fricken mother. I don’t need a babysitter asking me a million 48

Secrets and Misdemeanors questions when I come home, all right?” “I’m just curious! I don’t give a shit what whore you screw.” “Good. Then leave me alone.” Lyle stood back as the window was caulked and walked to the next gap in the wall to fit another. Feeling Jeff’s stare boring a hole in his head, Lyle peered over his shoulder to see him. A pang of guilt washed over him. He didn’t want to be mean to the guy. He just didn’t need to be harassed about his social life, that’s all. ~ “We would really appreciate you on this case, David,” Blossom said, “At least to close.” “I will if you need me, Blossom, but I haven’t been sitting behind that table for three weeks like you two have. You think the jury will care?” “You have a certain, je ne sais quoi, David, a way about you that makes people trust you, believe you.” “Are you losing?” “In a nutshell, yes.” “Okay. Give me the case files and I’ll read them. When are we closing?” “Errr, this afternoon?” Blossom peeked around the table at the rest of the staff meekly. “Fine.” David didn’t think a public chastising would do anyone any good. “Anything else?” As the room emptied and chairs were pushed under the table in a noisy chaotic chorus, David followed Blossom to her office and waited as she went to her desk for her paperwork. As they entered, David spotted Lyle and his coworker. David didn’t realize they were working on her office and for some reason was surprised to see them there. “This is the file,” Blossom said as she handed it t o him. “Carole has the notes from the case law. They were too numerous so I didn’t include them. This is just my notes and what was done up to date in the trial. All the witness testimony…” 49

G.A. Hauser Her voice became a dull cadence of unintelligible syllables as his sight was set on the broad back of a man he had just screwed all night. Awash with chills, recalling that hard cock poking him awake, hungry for more, the deep masculine rumbling laughter as they embraced and teased each other as to who was the most insatiable, those magical fingers that knew all the right places to stroke, to penetrate, that tongue that seemed to have a life of its own as it danced over his skin or inside his mouth. His cock grew so hard thinking about it, he fantasized walking up behind him and yanking those tight faded jeans down his bottom, pushing him to bend over, and humping that pretty boy… “David?” “Hmm?” “You getting this?” “Yes.” At the sound of his voice, Lyle spun around instantly. It was so distracting, David had to physically fight with himself not to stare at him. “Let me just read it over. What time do you want me in court?” She checked her watch. “Three. But, I’ll call you if anything changes either way.” “Fine.” David looked back at Lyle. He was having the same problem concentrating on his task. Knowing it was wise for them both, David left and walked back to his office, sat down at his desk and tried to read without constantly imagining the man’s cock in his mouth, or visa versa. ~ By noon Jennifer was rapping her knuckles on his door. Setting the work aside, David rubbed his eyes tiredly and waved her in. “I suppose it wasn’t very nice of our dear Blossom to spring that on you,” she said, sitting down on his desk in her usual spot. “They need a good closer. I can do it.” “Of course you can. You should be in the courtroom more often, David. We miss you and need you there.” “That’s a crock. You know we have the best group 50

Secrets and Misdemeanors of young lawyers in the county. You only need me for fatherly advice.” When she stared at him in her reprimanding way, he asked, “What?” “You sometimes talk as if you’re old, David, and it confuses me.” “Come on, Jen, half the staff is fresh out of law school.” “What about your young man? How old is he?” “First you push us together, now you want me t o feel ashamed?” “David! Where are you getting that from? I never said such a thing. I think as long as the boy is over eighteen—” “Boy? Eighteen? Jesus, Jen!” She blinked her eyes at him and closed her mouth. And as if she had asked some accusatory question, David shouted, “He’s twenty-five and he’s a man, Jen, not a boy!” “David,” she said calmly. “A boy…” he muttered. “She thinks I’m a pedophile now…I’m having sex with a minor…” “David,” she repeated more sternly. After some internal self-flagellation, he heard her and looked up from his misery. Very clearly she enunciated, “He’s a man, David, not a boy. There is nothing wrong with your relationship. Don’t put ridiculous words into my mouth.” “Sorry. I’m sorry, Jen. I must just be feeling some remorse over it. I shouldn’t take it out on you.” “Remorse? Whatever for? David, you’ve been depriving yourself of physical contact ever since this divorce. Stop punishing yourself for being human. Now, what are you hungry for?” “Lyle Wilson,” he quipped, then laughed. “That’s better. Okay, my choice. How about Mexican? I crave a nice plate of nachos.” “Sounds great.” He stood up and closed the file on his desk. 51

G.A. Hauser ~ Lyle was chewing his sandwich, sitting in the shade. Jeff was reclining next to him on the grass, guzzling down a can of coke. When David and that older lady emerged from the front of the building, Lyle sat up and stared. They approached, drew closer. Lyle’s pulse went racing. The woman was smiling at him in a very knowing way. David was grinning at him impishly as well. “Lyle,” David said as he passed. “David,” Lyle answered back, almost swallowing the word with his food. Once they made their way down the sunny sidewalk, Jeff sat up and asked, “Did he just say hello to you? And you answered using his first name?” Trying to be casual, Lyle said, “Yeah. He’s a nice guy. I had a chance to chat with him. He’s okay.” “You know how rich that guy is?” Lyle shrugged, taking another bite of his sandwich, and said, “I don’t really care.” “Probably wants to shove his dick up your ass.” Lyle pushed Jeff so hard that Jeff fell back onto the grass. “Shut the fuck up!” Lyle shouted. “Just shut the fuck up!” In shock, Jeff held up his hands in surrender. “I was just kidding, man.” “You’re really pissing me off, Best…keep pushing it, buddy, and I’ll kick your ass.” “Jesus, Lyle.” Jeff sat up, brushing the grass off his arms. “I never knew you were so sensitive, man. I’m sorry. All right?” Lyle stood up and stormed away, not looking back. He had to find another apartment. Had to. ~ When he arrived back at the office after court, David felt ashamed by all the attention. Blossom was behind him shouting to everyone on the floor, “He was brilliant! Had them eating out of his hand!” “Did he really wow them?” Sylvia asked as she stood 52

Secrets and Misdemeanors in the hall with an armful of books pressed to her chest. “He was amazing!” Blossom gushed. “All right,” David said, “Let’s not get carried away.” He looked up and noticed Lyle with drop cloths in his hands about to leave an office nearby, pausing t o listen. “It was right out of Boston Legal, I swear!” Blossom waved her hands expressively. “David went right for their sense of patriotism and pride! Brilliant! The jury was near tears. Oh, David, why you aren’t in the courtroom every day is beyond me.” “Because I spent almost twenty years there, B. I paid my dues. It’s time for the young bucks to take over.” “But we can learn so much from you!” Sylvia shouted. Jennifer popped her head out of her office to add, “She’s right, David. Watching you in a courtroom is pure poetry in motion.” “Let’s not get absurd,” David shook his head as he replied. Lyle was smiling in adoration at him. “Well, it’s a crying shame you’re not interested in it any longer, David,” Blossom said as she walked to her office, “A crying shame.” “David,” Jennifer whispered, then nodded her head to Lyle. David turned around and spotted him. “Hello, Lyle.” “Sir,” Lyle responded formally. “Uh, you have a minute? I’ve some questions for you about the windows.” “Yes, sir.” Lyle stood at attention, but David knew it was a tease. “Good. Meet me in my office in five.” “Yes, sir!” As he passed by Jennifer, David winked at her and she winked back. “Well done, David.” “Thanks, Jen.” “I mean about Lyle, not the courtroom.” “I know.” He grinned. 53

G.A. Hauser ~ Meeting Jeff in the hallway, Lyle shoved the bundle of fabric at him and said, “Take these, I have something I have to do.” “What?” Jeff shouted as Lyle hurried away. Not answering him, Lyle slipped down another long corridor and into David’s office. David was pulling the blinds down over the new windows. Without the sunlight burning in, the room dimmed to a dusky gray. Standing still, feeling too grimy to be in the immaculate office to begin with, Lyle watched carefully as David finished lowering the shades and went to the door of his office, locking it. “Holy shit.” David heard and smiled at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t have sex with you on my desk.” “Why the hell not?” Lyle took off his hard hat and set it down on a chair, running his hands through his hair to fluff it up again. Having a feeling that David was high from the successful courtroom drama, when he finished making the room more private, Lyle waited curiously to see what he would do. When he was swung around in David’s arms, he embraced him, finding his mouth. Lyle’s body arched backwards as David dipped him in a sexual dance. As quickly as he started, David set Lyle back on his feet. “Wow,” Lyle sighed, touching his lips as if they were numb. “Can you come by tonight?” “Yes!” Lyle replied. “Good.” “I heard what they said about you. You know, your performance in court. I would love to watch you one day.” “I don’t go into court much any more. But, saying that, I have to admit it was fun.” “I’ll bet you are amazing.” “Now you sound like Blossom.” David laughed, his cheeks growing rosy. 54

Secrets and Misdemeanors “No. For real, David. I would love to sit in one day and see you in action.” “Well, maybe one day.” David drew closer. “I feel like a sweaty mess.” “You smell delicious.” “Do I?” Lyle’s skin covered with chills. “Yes.” When David began kissing his neck and chewing on his earlobe, Lyle melted in his arms. “Oh, god…let me go home, shower, change and get to your place.” “Lovely,” David whispered, still kissing his neck. “It’s Friday. Can I stay?” As if he had said something wrong, David stood back and parted from him. “David?” “Uh…my kids are coming to my place this weekend.” “What time? Do you go and pick them up?” “I do. Sometimes Annette drops them by, but I usually go there and get them.” “I can leave any time you want me to.” He walked closer, needing contact. When he cupped David’s jaw, he knew it would make a difference in his decision. “Yes. All right. Stay and we’ll get you out before I go and pick them up. Why not?” “Great.” Lyle kissed him, then said, “Let me go. The sooner I get home, the sooner I get to your place.” “Fine.” After another peck on the lips, Lyle spun around, grabbed his hat and waved to him as he left. He literally skipped down the hall to the lobby, noticing that older woman smiling at him as he did. He smiled and waved at her, then stood at the elevator trying to hurry it up. ~ Bursting through the apartment door, he startled Jeff who was having a beer and still in his work clothing. Without a word of greeting, Lyle stripped in the bathroom and showered, shaving his face and brushing his teeth. After he splashed some cologne on, he opened the door and found an irritated Jeff standing 55

G.A. Hauser there waiting. Lyle made sure his towel was wrapped around his hips, then tried to move passed him to his bedroom. “Why can’t you just tell me about her?” “Because you’ll get jealous.” Lyle nudged him out of the way, then tried to close his door so he could change. “I won’t. Maybe she has a friend you can set me up with.” Lyle sighed and then said, “Look at you, man. I can’t set you up. You need to shave, get a hair cut, clean up a little. You didn’t even shower after coming home. You never wash your damn clothing. You stink, if you want to know the truth.” “What the hell did I ever do to you!” Jeff shouted. “Nothing! You asked why I don’t set you up. That’s why. Now let me get dressed.” “At least tell me her name.” “What good will that do?” Lyle took some clean clothing out of his drawer, set it on his bed, then faced Jeff impatiently. “I don’t know. It’s what friends do. If I had a girlfriend, I’d tell you all about her. I’d find a date for you and everything.” “Michelle. Okay? Michelle.” “That’s a nice name.” “Can you close the door so I can get dressed?” “I don’t mind, man.” Lyle blinked at him in disbelief. “Shut the door, Jeff.” It closed slowly. The minute it did, Lyle dropped the towel and stepped into his denims. “Don’t you wear underwear?” “Jeff!” Lyle quickly zipped up his jeans. “Does that turn the girls on?” “I need to find another place to live. This is pathetic.” Lyle placed a clean shirt over his head and then stood in front of the mirror on his dresser to brush his wet hair. “I’m sorry, Lyle. You’re right. I’m a failure with 56

Secrets and Misdemeanors women. I just need some guidance.” “Well, clean up for a start. I told you. Shave that horrible mustache off, get a hair cut, wash your clothes…” “Shave my mustache? Are you insane?” “Yes. It’s gross.” Lyle stuffed his wallet into his back pocket and then found his keys. When he looked up, Jeff appeared devastated, running his hand over his lip in agony. “You asked, bro. Sorry.” “I thought chicks dug mustaches.” “Maybe in 1975, not now.” Lyle sat on his bed and pulled a pair of socks on, then his shoes. “Right. I’ll be back in the morning.” “You’re staying over again? Christ, Lyle, you’re so fucking lucky.” “Maybe I am, Jeff, but you have to at least try t o clean up your act.” He walked past him to the door. “Yeah, you’re right, man, you’re right.” “See ya.” “See ya.” ~ “I’ll pick them up in the morning, Annette.” “Okay, David.” “I’ll take them to breakfast so you don’t have t o cook for them.” “Oh! Great! Thanks! Why are you being so nice t o me?” “I’m always nice to you, Annette. You divorced me, remember?” “That’s more like the David I know.” “Look, let’s not go there, for the kid’s sake, okay? I want them to be at least slightly normal.” “Don’t blame me!” “Don’t start. So, nine is okay?” “Yes, nine is fine. Oh, Ellen needs some clothing for school this fall.” “And?” “Well, I thought you could take her shopping.” “What do you do with the child support money, 57

G.A. Hauser Annette? Hair cuts and manicures for yourself?” “David!” He heard the buzzer to the intercom. Walking over with the cordless phone he buzzed Lyle in and opened his front door for him. “What was that? Was that your door buzzer?” “Yes. Now, Annette, I will take Ellen shopping, but, I want you to remember that child support money is for their things, not for you—” “Who’s come over? Did you meet a woman, David? Are you dating?” “Why on earth do you think I will tell you anything about my social life?” “Because it affects the children, David!” “Oh? Did you think of that when you were pawing my best friend’s dick behind my back?” “David!” “No. Of course not. That was ‘different’.” He spotted the elevator door opening and stood at his doorway waiting for him. When they met eyes, David put his hand to his lips and Lyle nodded, he understood. “At least the kids know Larry. He’s not a stranger.” “Your skewed logic has never ceased to amaze me.” David closed the door and waved for Lyle to follow him to the kitchen. There he offered him a choice of beer or wine silently. Lyle chose the beer. “It’s better than you parading strange loose women around my impressionable ten year old son.” “Now, let me see if I got this straight…” David took an iced beer mug out of his freezer and handed it t o Lyle. “You cheated on me with my best friend, the man who was the best man at our wedding, the one I went to college with and became a partner in a law firm with, and that’s okay for the kids. But, I begin dating after two years of celibacy and that’s unacceptable.” He caught Lyle’s eye and winked at him. “Yes! No! Oh, don’t play lawyer with me! I hate it when you do that.” “Playing lawyer with you? You played doctor with 58

Secrets and Misdemeanors Larry for Christ’s sake! Look, forget it. I can’t stand dredging all this up again. I’ll be by to take the kids for breakfast at nine. My strange loose woman has arrived and I have to go.” “David!” “Good-bye, Annette.” He disconnected the phone and stared at Lyle in comic exasperation. “Wow, she’s bad.” Lyle sipped his beer as he leaned back against the counter. “Tore me up when they did that to me. I never thought I’d get over it.” He opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of wine, pouring himself a glass. “Cheated on you with your best friend? Ouch. That’s harsh.” “Tell me about it.” “But why? How could this guy be better than you?” “He must have been better in bed.” David put the bottle back in the refrigerator and signaled with a nod of his head for Lyle to follow him to their spot on the couch. “No way.” After he sat down and sipped the wine, David set it on a coaster and sighed. “Yes, way. Look, I don’t really get off on women too well. I suppose there was something lacking in the bedroom department.” “Then you don’t blame her?” “Oh, I blame her all right. Big time. I would have put up with it. I did put up with it.” “Was she good in bed?” Lyle gulped his beer, his eyes wide as he listened to the gory details. “No. Not at all. At least not with me. Maybe Larry brought out the animal in her. With me Annette was a cold fish.” “You obviously screwed, you have two kids.” Lyle chuckled softly. “Don’t tempt me to get their DNA tested.” “No!” David shrugged. “Wouldn’t put it past her.” “Get it done!” 59

G.A. Hauser “No. I love the kids too much. At this point I don’t want to know. And it would devastate them.” “You’re a good dad.” Lyle set his empty mug down and crawled onto David’s lap. “I try to be.” David sniffed Lyle’s hair. “Christ, you always smell good.” “And you always feel good.” Lyle smoothed his palm over David’s crotch. Cupping Lyle’s face in his hands, David held it firm and said, “I absolutely adore you.” “Good!” Lyle laughed, rubbing the backs of David’s hands affectionately. David pulled him to his lips for a kiss. At the touch, David felt instant fire. Stretching out under him, David adjusted Lyle’s body to rest on top of his own, then went for the back of his jeans and slid both hands inside. The moment he felt nothing between the denim and skin he went mad for him. He pressed Lyle’s bottom down so his cock was against his crotch and humped him in excitement. Lyle wrapped around his neck and sucked at his mouth hungrily. “Oh, god, you are fantastic! This body of yours!” David groaned in yearning. “It’s yours, David. All yours.” “Oh, I like the sound of that!” David laughed wickedly. Lyle rolled to his side and opened his jeans, releasing his cock from them. The moment David could he wrapped his hand around it. “I love the way you touch me.” Lyle closed his eyes as he moaned. “I swear, Lyle, I feel out of control when I’m around you.” David pushed Lyle’s shirt up his chest, trying to get at his skin so he could taste it. “I’m not asking you to control yourself!” Lyle laughed at the irony. “No. I know.” David tried to get at each part of Lyle all at once. “I need more hands, and definitely another mouth.” 60

Secrets and Misdemeanors Lyle burst out laughing. “Come on, Mr. Wilson. Get naked and in my bed. I can’t hold back.” “Growl! I’m your sex slave!” Lyle jumped up and sprinted to the bedroom. Taking a moment to savor it, David lay still on the couch and whispered, “Heaven. I’ve found heaven.” ~ Lyle had stripped off his clothing, turned down the bed and was kneeling up on the mattress waiting. Masturbating himself slowly, he couldn’t wait for David to round that bend and see him. Just when he licked his lips in anticipation, David did indeed step in. As he paused before he moved deeper into the room, Lyle whispered, “Take what you want.” A low deep laugh rumbled through David’s chest at such an invitation. Lyle loved it. Loved it! As David crossed the wood flooring, closing the gap between them, Lyle scooped up his genitals and offered them up for David. And without hesitation, David sat next to him on the bed and cupped his tight bottom in one hand and grabbed his cock in the other, stuffing him into his mouth. Lyle arched his back and groaned in pure pleasure. As he gripped David’s shoulder to steady himself, Lyle held on as long as he could, trying t o prolong it, loving David’s technique of sucking and swirling simultaneously. David used one of his hands t o nudge Lyle flat on the bed. Lyle fell on it with a bounce, and propped his head up to be able to see him. As his cock stood at attention, Lyle watched David get naked. The rubbers and lube were put within reach. “Fuck me. Fuck me, David.” Nodding, David pushed Lyle’s legs apart and sucked on his testicles first, rolling them in his mouth. It was almost too much for Lyle. Lyle started raising his hips into the air as if he were screwing a ghost. And David obviously knew what he wanted, because he wrapped his hot hand around him again so his thrusts had some lovely warm friction. With his head spinning, Lyle 61

G.A. Hauser screwed David’s palm like a horny mongrel. The buildup, the tongue on his ass and scrotum, was making him completely insane. Arching his back, pushing his cock through those tight fingers, Lyle came shooting cum into the air. As it spattered David’s shoulder, Lyle moaned in exquisite agony. Gasping to breathe, making an “Ah! Ah! Ah!” sound as he recuperated, Lyle just wanted another, and another. ~ David licked his fingers as he wiped off the semen drops, then grinned wickedly at Lyle. “Oh, yes…” David hissed. When did sex become so sublime? So spiritual? Never in his life had he experienced this kind of loving, never. Like a madman he rolled the rubber on his cock, spread slippery lube on that tight ass and went for it like a starving maniac. Sealing his eyes shut, thrusting into this Greek god, David felt as if he were levitating off the bed. The climaxes were so intense he felt as if he would split open from them, his heart would burst and explode like the cum from Lyle’s cock. That crooning voice, coaxing him, “Fuck me, David, harder, harder…” was almost too surreal to believe. Hot swirling sexual pleasure began at his pelvis and spread all over his body. When he opened his eyes just before he came, he couldn’t believe Lyle was working himself for his second one. At the sight of his hand jerking on that lovely cock, David gasped and came, shivering in almost convulsive spasms. Underneath him, Lyle spattered his own chest this time, panting, gasping. When he found the strength, David pulled out, tossed the spent condom on the floor, and collapsed on his lover just to feel his heartbeat, his breathing, and his sticky cum between them. “I love you!” Lyle shouted as if he couldn’t contain it. “Oh, David, I love you so much!” Laughing at the wonderful sound of those words, David tried to catch his breath to answer. Before he 62

Secrets and Misdemeanors could, his reply was sucked out of his lips by a hungry mouth and wild tongue. They rolled back and forth over the bed, wrapped around each other like coiling snakes, hands cupping the back of heads, tight pumping backsides, narrow waists. When he parted from Lyle’s kiss with a breath, he stared down at his perfect features and whispered, “I love you too.”

63

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Chapter Five “Daddy! Daddy!” “Hiya, baby. How are you doing?” David picked up Ellen as she jumped on him. “Grandma and Granddad are here.” “I know. I saw their car.” He set her down and heard voices in the next room. “Should I get my bag, Dad?” “Sure. Tell your brother to stick it in the car with his. Where is he?” “Up in his room.” David nodded, forcing himself to enter the room where he knew a war would start. When he walked in, they all shut up instantly. “Hello, Avis, Gil,” David said, imagining shaking his ex-father-in-law’s hand, but reconsidered when he found them all glaring in his direction. “Tell him, Mother!” Annette shouted. “Annette, calm down. We can talk about this rationally,” Avis chided, then said, “Sit down, David.” “I prefer to stand. What’s all this about?” “Your whore!” Annette yelled. “I should have known.” David rubbed his face tiredly. “I start dating again after two years and now I’m with a whore? Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black, Annette?” “David, really,” Avis hissed. “All right, calm down everyone.” Gil moved his 64

Secrets and Misdemeanors hands as if he were lowering a helium balloon. “Sit down, David,” Avis insisted. “No. I’m here to pick up the kids for my weekend and take them for breakfast.” As he attempted t o leave, Annette whined, “She better not be there!” Turning around slowly, David asked, “How many times have you gone out with them with Larry?” “That’s different! Mother, tell him that’s different! Larry is a family friend!” “Friend?” David snorted, “He’s a snake.” When he moved to the front door, he found both Ellen and Joel standing there waiting, their backpacks in their hands. He took his car keys out of his pocket and handed them to Joel. “Go wait in the car. Your mother wants to yell at me some more.” “David!” came her predictable shout from behind him. David rolled his eyes in a silly gesture at his son, making him laugh. Joel took the keys and Ellen followed him out. Trying to be patient, David warned, “Don’t do this in front of them, Annette. They don’t need to hear this crap. Just let me get on with my life. I won’t do anything to harm them. Okay?” “I want to meet her first!” “Oh, right. I need your approval? Are you kidding me? You lost your rights over me when you screwed Larry. Go control him. You have no control over me.” “David, come back here!” “Annette, this is my time with my children. Your parents are here. I’m sure they’ll let you complain about how horrible I am all day, all weekend, if you want. Just stop wasting my time.” “I’ll find out who she is! I’ll get to the bottom of this, David!” She wagged her fist at him as he stepped outside to the porch. “Mind your own damn business. Stop acting like what goes on in my life is any concern of yours. You lost all your rights, Annette. It was your choice, not 65

G.A. Hauser mine.” “David! Stop walking away!” Turning back one last time, David whispered, “ I t was fine when I was alone, right, Annette? When I was isolated and lonely? That pleased you. But, the idea that someone else might fall in love with me, want t o be with me? That irritates you, doesn’t it? Tough. Go whine to Larry. Leave me alone.” As he walked away he heard her burst into tears behind him. He didn’t bother to turn back and wondered why on earth she was so upset about him dating. He climbed into the driver’s seat and Joel handed him back the keys. “Thanks, buddy.” “Why’s Mom crying?” “You tell me.” David started the engine. Ellen piped up from the back seat, “She’s been upset ever since Uncle Larry left her.” Smiling to himself, David whispered, “Oh. I get it.” “I’m glad,” Joel said, “I didn’t like him.” David checked the mirrors before entering traffic, then replied, “No, I didn’t like him either.” ~ When Lyle arrived home the apartment was vacant. Sighing with relief at not having to endure the battery of questions from Jeff, he headed to his bedroom for a change of clothing, intending on a quick shower and then a bite to eat for breakfast. As he sat eating his toast, an open newspaper on the table in front of him, he began circling ads for apartments that he could afford. The sound of a key in the door alerted him. He stared at the newspaper wondering if he should hide it, preventing an argument. Removing the real estate section, he folded it up in four and stuffed it into the back pocket of his jeans. Jeff walked into the kitchen. “Hey,” Lyle said, then paused and stared at his face. “You shaved your mustache.” “And got a hair cut.” Jeff sat down at the table with him. 66

Secrets and Misdemeanors “You look better, dude. I mean that.” As he rubbed his naked lip, Jeff mumbled, “Feels like shit.” “Well, if the withdrawals get too much, you can always grow it back.” Lyle stood and washed his coffee cup and butter knife in the sink. He jumped in a start as he felt Jeff pulling the newspaper section out of his back pocket. Exhaling in annoyance as he waited for the rebuking, Lyle watched as he unfolded it and found the circles on the addresses. Without a word, Jeff tossed it on the table and walked out of the room. “Jeff…Jeff, wait.” Lyle dried his hands quickly and hurried after him. When he caught up to him, Jeff was slouching on his bed, his shoulders hunched over, his face drooping. Moving slowly, Lyle entered the room and sat down next to him on the unmade bed. “I just thought it would be for the best.” “I don’t know what I did to you. Why are you so pissed off at me?” “I’m not,” Lyle replied, guilt written all over him. “I just think it would be less complicated if I had my own place.” “I won’t bug you anymore. I swear. I won’t ask you about Michelle or anything.” “Michelle?” When Jeff stared at him in suspicion, Lyle remembered. “Oh, right, Michelle. Uh, it’s not that. It’s me. I just can’t explain it. Or maybe I can. Look, I’ve never had my own place. I was living at home before this and I just think it’s a good thing to be on your own and not dependant on anyone.” “I get it. You don’t have to keep explaining things to me.” When Jeff stood up intent on leaving the room, Lyle sat there in frustration, upset with himself for hurting a man that was good enough to invite him in. A friend. He’d hurt a friend and that was intolerable. Chasing after him again, Lyle touched his shoulder 67

G.A. Hauser and asked, “You want to go kick around down at the beach?” Jeff tilted his head at him warily. “Why? Aren’t you seeing your girlfriend?” “She’s busy.” As if he was taking a moment to assess the offer, Jeff finally nodded, “Okay.” “Great. Let me get my wallet…oh, do you have a Frisbee?” “No. I’ve got a Nerf football, though.” “Cool!” Lyle smiled, then jogged to his room to get his wallet and keys. ~ “What do you guys want to do today?” David gave the waitress some cash to pay the check and took a last sip of his coffee. “I want to go shopping,” Ellen replied. “Mom said you’d buy me some clothing for school.” “I don’t want to be in a stuffy mall,” Joel moaned. “Let’s do something outside.” “I want some new clothes!” Ellen crossed her arms over her chest in defiance. “Okay,” David quieted them down before they grew any louder. “Let’s do this…we’ll go for a swim first, then after lunch we’ll hit the mall. Fair?” He watched them exchange looks, then they faced him and nodded. “Good. Let’s go.” He drove them back to the penthouse and they changed into their swimsuits. David packed a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, then checked he had sunblock and a book to read. Once he had rallied the troops, they were back in his car, headed to the surf and sand. With the two racing to the beach in front of him, David fed the parking meter and carried the cooler with him across the dry grassy shoulder to the hot white sand beyond. Even in the early hour the beach was filling with sun-worshipers and bathers. Joel waved to him as he claimed a spot, and Ellen raced back to hurry 68

Secrets and Misdemeanors him up as good ol’ Dad seemed to be moving too slow for them both. David set down the cooler, then unraveled a large beach blanket that Joel was carrying for him. Instantly Joel and Ellen kicked off their sandals and tops to race into the waves. “Hang on! Put on some block first!” David hollered. They stormed back and plopped down on the blanket as David found the bottle and doused them both in it. “Okay, go, but stay where I can see you. Check back every once in a while because the waves will push you to one side.” “Okay, Dad,” Ellen said as she jogged off. “Joel!” He paused and looked back in annoyance. “Keep an eye on your sister.” “Okay.” David watched them for a moment, then took off his shoes and shirt, spreading some lotion on his exposed skin. Not a cloud formed in the dry sky. The horizon seemed to go on forever with little to disturb its thin consistent line. The warmth getting to him quickly, David stood up and made his way to the water, watching his kids jumping over the cresting waves together. The moment Ellen noticed him in the water she raced to him and held his hand to encourage him t o come out farther with them. As they laughed and splashed water at each other, David tried to enjoy it and edge out any intruding thoughts about Annette from his mind. Once they had grown tired and hungry, they found their beach blanket again and dried off, dropping down on it to pant and catch their breath. David handed out fruit drinks and sandwiches, then sat up and unwrapped one for himself. ~ After tossing the Nerf ball around to the point where they were both dripping in sweat, Lyle caught the last pass and then jogged over to Jeff. “Let’s cool 69

G.A. Hauser off in the water, what do you say?” “I didn’t wear my bathing suit.” Jeff stared down at his shorts. “Go in those.” Lyle stuffed his wallet and keys into a shoe then tossed his shirt over the top of it. Standing back, he waited for Jeff to do the same. After some hesitation, Jeff took off his t-shirt revealing a pale bony chest covered with dark hair. Trying not to stare at him, Lyle instead gazed around the area at the selection of nearly naked bodies. “You think our stuff will be all right?” “Huh? Yeah,” Lyle said, “Don’t worry. Come on, let’s go.” Lyle waded out into the water diving head first, spearing through a wave as it crashed in. When he surfaced, he wiped the salty water off his face and found Jeff still standing knee deep in the receding tide. “What the fuck?” Lyle mumbled to himself. “What a fucking weirdo.” After floating in the water for a few minutes as Jeff never moved any deeper into the crashing tide and kept twisting back to look at his things on the beach, Lyle gave up and started leaving the waves behind. “Aren’t you coming in?” “No. I’m all right.” “It’s so hot. You must be insane!” “It’s not that hot.” Shaking his head, Lyle walked out of the ocean towards their pile of clothes and dropped down on the sand next to it. Shading his eyes, he watched as Jeff made his way closer, hunched over with body language that shouted his insecurity and self-doubt as if he had a sign on his back. Biting his lip at that sight, Lyle knew moving out would really hurt this guy and didn’t know what to do about it. After Jeff sat down next to him, his knees bent tight, his hands wrapped around them, Lyle asked, “Are you okay?” “Yeah.” “You sure?” 70

Secrets and Misdemeanors Jeff didn’t respond a second time. “Why didn’t you take a dip? It’s fucking hot and you know it.” “There are sharks in that water, Lyle. I’m not going in.” “Sharks?” Lyle laughed. “Yeah. You know how many great white sightings there have been off the California coast? Millions.” “Millions? As many as that?” “You know what I mean.” “So? You won’t swim in the ocean now? Because you may get bit by a shark?” “Yeah.” Lyle had to choke back his laughter because Jeff looked so serious. “Take a look out there, Jeff. How many people do you think are in the water at the moment?” Lyle waited as Jeff seemed to be scanning the waves. “You think,” Lyle continued, “out of all those people, the shark would single you out?” “My luck, yeah.” Lyle paused a moment considering the comment, then said, “Man, you really need some self-esteem, Jeff.” “Shut up, Lyle.” “No, I mean it, man. You really have zero confidence. It puts off the women, Jeff. They can read that body language a mile away.” “I said shut up, Lyle.” “I’m just saying—” When Jeff made a move to grab his things out of his shoe to leave, Lyle shut up. “Sorry. I’ll leave you alone now.” Jeff went back to staring at the water. Lying back on the sand, Lyle put his hands behind his head wondering what the hell to do about his living situation. ~ They all felt a little sun-kissed as they entered the penthouse. David set the sandy things out on the terrace and then shouted, “I’ll be in the shower! You 71

G.A. Hauser two take one as well!” Hearing their affirmative answers, David closed himself into his private suite and stripped. The shower felt nice and cool on his hot skin. As he rinsed he wondered what Lyle was doing and wished they were together. A nasty shiver passed over his body and he didn’t think it was from the slight sunburn. It was from Annette’s threat. “Christ,” he hissed in anger, “Why can’t anything in my life be uncomplicated?” After he was dressed, he looked around the penthouse and found Joel on his mobile phone. As he drew closer he could hear his conversation. “…no, we went to the beach and then the mall, Mom. No. There isn’t a woman here!” David stood in front of him with his hand out. Joel happily handed him the phone. “Annette?” “David! I was talking to my son!” “Leave the boy alone. Don’t involve him in your sickness.” “David!” “Good-bye, Annette.” David disconnected it and handed it back to Joel. “You hungry for dinner?” “Yeah.” Joel set the phone down on the table in the living room and followed his father to the kitchen. “Where’s Ellen?” “Still in the shower, I guess.” David took out some ice water and glasses and poured three tall ones for them all. Both he and Joel guzzled the refreshing water thirstily. After he set the empty glass down, David said, “Right…down t o business…what’s for dinner?” As he rummaged through the meat he had purchased for a barbeque, he overheard Ellen coming into the room. “…and I got some new clothes at the mall…no, Mom, there isn’t a woman here.” “Oh, for cryin’ out loud!” David shouted. “Give me that phone, Ellen.” She handed him her mobile and then took the 72

Secrets and Misdemeanors remaining glass of water from the counter and drank it. “Annette!” David shouted into the phone, “Stop harassing them!” “I don’t believe any of you! You just told them t o lie and say there was no woman there!” David rubbed his face as if it ached. “Please,” he lowered his voice, trying to control himself for his children’s sake. “Please, just leave us alone.” “I’m warning you! I’ll get to the bottom of this, David!” “Do I need a restraining order, Annette? Do I?” When she disconnected the line he looked down at the little pink mobile phone and shut it off. “Mom really is going nuts, isn’t she?” Joel asked calmly. As he set the tiny phone next to Joel’s on the table, David said, “She just isn’t adjusting well to the idea that I may have a life.” “Do you have a girlfriend, Daddy?” Ellen asked. “No, sweetheart.” He went back to the refrigerator and began his rummage again. “Okay, chicken or steak?” ~ The bar stunk of cigarettes and BO. Jeff’s nose was in his beer glass, his eyes glazed and distant after several shots of Jim Bean. Lyle could only sit and watch the self-destruction helplessly. A very thin girl wearing a denim mini skirt and macramé halter top paused at their table. When Lyle raised his eyes tiredly she grinned and sang the word, “Haaay…” in such a way that it annoyed him. “Hey back,” Lyle replied without her enthusiasm. “What’s your name?” “His name is Jeff Best.” Lyle pointed at his forlorn friend. “You think you can make him smile?” “Shut up, Lyle,” Jeff mumbled, then stuffed his glass back into his mouth to nurse. “Lyle? Did he say your name was Lyle?” she asked, obviously not taking the hint. 73

G.A. Hauser “No. He said you lack any class or style. Sorry, honey, not interested.” “What?” she said as if she couldn’t understand the insult. Turning in his chair to face her full on, Lyle enunciated clearly, “Go away.” That she understood. “Fuck you, you conceited bastard,” she said as she gave him the finger. Rubbing his hand through his hair, Lyle asked, “Had enough booze yet, Best? Isn’t it time to wave the white flag and go home?” “One more,” he drooled. “No. Let’s go.” Lyle pried the glass out of Jeff’s hand and dragged him to his feet. With the man literally leaning on him for support to be able to move upright, Lyle escorted a very intoxicated roommate out of the tavern and into the warm night air. The streets were crowded with tourists and restaurant patrons all taking advantage of the long days and summer parties. “Come on, Jeff. Can’t you walk?” Lyle tried t o shove him off his shoulder. “No.” With Jeff’s hands gripping his shirt, Lyle sighed tiredly and kept them moving down the busy sidewalk avoiding the sneering stares. He knew what it looked like, he and this man connected that way. With David he wouldn’t mind. With Jeff he was sickened at the thought. Luckily they were only blocks away from their apartment house. Shoving Jeff back to rest against the wall, Lyle found his key and opened the door to the lobby. “Come on, Jeff, walk!” “I can’t, man.” “Jesus Christ. Remind me never to go out drinking with you again.” He yanked Jeff forward, helping him inside the building, then propped him up beside the elevator. “You better tell me if you’re going to be sick.” “No. I’m not sick.” 74

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Good. Because if you throw up on me, I’ll kill you.” The elevator door opened. Lyle dragged Jeff in and once again propped him against a wall. Silent as they ascended, when the doors opened again, Lyle asked, “Can you walk?” Jeff immediately latched onto Lyle’s shoulder and waist. Sighing in annoyance, Lyle helped him to their door, then propped the man up again to get out his key. Once they were inside, Lyle helped him to his bed and was intent on leaving him there. A very strong hand gripped his forearm not allowing him to go. “What?” Lyle moaned in exasperation. “Wait.” “Wait for what? Come on, man, sleep it off.” Lyle tried to pry off his grip and felt as if he were being tugged downward. Trying not to fall, he suddenly realized Jeff was making a clumsy attempt at seduction. Jeff’s heavy limbs were like tentacles around his neck, noisy heaving breaths stinking of alcohol passed by his ear, wet sucking lips grazed his cheek. “Oh, shit…come on, Best…cut it out.” “I love ya, man…I love ya…” “You sound like a fucking corny beer commercial. It’s the alcohol talking, man. Come on, let go.” “No…no, Lyle, I do. I’m crazy about you. I just couldn’t tell you before. But, now that you’re thinking of leaving…I have to tell you.” Fending off his hands, Lyle said, “Jeffrey, you are drunk and lonely. And I’m not interested. So, go t o sleep and forget this happened.” “No. Don’t leave, man. Stay here. Sleep here tonight.” “No! Let go of me, Jeff. Come on. Don’t make me get rough.” “Get rough…yes, get rough on me!” “Jeff!” Lyle shook off his clutching hands and stood back, staring at him. “I’m not gay, Lyle…I’m not.” “I have news for you, Jeff. You are.” 75

G.A. Hauser “No. No, it’s not that. It’s just you. You’re really hot for a guy.” “Jeff. Go to bed.” He headed to the door and turned around one last time before he left the room. Seeing Jeff with his penis out of his pants alarmed him. “Jesus!” he shouted, then left the room and shut the door. The moment he was on the other side he whispered, “That’s it. I’m out of here.” ~ David checked on his two children before he went t o bed. They were both sleeping soundly. He tiptoed back to his bedroom where he had been watching television. The Tonight Show was just ending. He lowered the volume and picked up his phone from the nightstand. “Hello?” “Hey, babe. Is it too late?” David whispered as if his children could hear him. “No, I was still up.” “You all right? You sound a little strange. Should I not have called?” “No. No, David, I’m glad you did. I’m just tired, that’s all. How’s it going with your kids?” “All right. We went to the beach for a few hours, then spent the afternoon at the mall. We ended up back here and had a barbeque on the terrace.” “Sounds nice.” “I wish you were here with us. It would have been great to have you here.” “Me too, believe me.” “What did you end up doing?” After a deep sigh, Lyle said, “I hung out with Jeff. Man, what a crappy idea. He’s such a downer.” “Oh?” “I have to get another place. I don’t want to live with him anymore.” At the tone Lyle used, David was getting the impression something serious had happened. “That bad?” “Yes.” 76

Secrets and Misdemeanors “You want to tell me about it?” “I will, just not tonight. I’m really tired.” “Oh. All right. Uh, you want to come by Sunday night after I drop the kids off?” “Yes. Yes, David, I do. Very much.” “Wow…you need a place to stay, Lyle?” David didn’t like the way he sounded and was very worried. After a pause, Lyle said, “We’ll talk about it when we see each other. What time do you want me there?” “How about seven?” “I’ll be there.” “Good.” “Good-night, David.” “Good-night, Lyle.” David set the phone down slowly. He wanted to know what had happened because what he was imagining in his head was angering him. I t had to be worse than the truth.

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Chapter Six David pulled up in front of the split-level house and inhaled a deep breath, dreading a confrontation with Annette. “Bye, Daddy!” Ellen leaned over and kissed his cheek from the passenger seat. “Bye, sweetheart.” David returned her kiss and then twisted to see Joel climbing out of the back seat. “So, I’ll see you soon, Joel?” “Okay, Dad.” Joel slung his backpack over his shoulder and stood outside the car waiting for Ellen. “David! David!” Cringing, David looked towards the house and found Annette rushing out of it. She leaned her pointy face into the passenger side after Ellen climbed out and said, “You can’t get the kids to lie for you forever. Eventually they’ll tell me what’s going on!” “Please don’t do that to them, Annette. I’m asking you to please not badger them.” “Then she was there!” she shrieked. Grinding his jaw, David replied calmly, “No, Annette, there was no woman there. Please don’t involve them in our problems.” She twisted around to see where they were. They had already gone inside the house. Before she closed the door to the Mercedes she warned, “This isn’t the end of this David. I don’t want strange women around 78

Secrets and Misdemeanors them.” Feeling his veins about to burst, David once again bit his tongue and tried to be calm. “I know you’re not seeing Larry anymore. You’re probably just feeling a little hurt.” “Fuck you, David.” She slammed the door and stormed off, into the house. ~ By the time he arrived back at his home he noticed Lyle standing in front of the glass lobby doors, waiting, leaning back on the wall near the intercom buttons. David checked his watch and found it wasn’t yet seven o’clock. He drove under the building into the parking area and then quickly jogged down the hall to the front entrance. As he opened the door he noticed Lyle deep in a daydream, unaware he was there until David said his name. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t even hear you open the door. I buzzed. Did you just get home?” David held the door open for him and they both stood in front of the elevators. “Yes. Sorry. Am I late? What time did I tell you? I thought it was seven.” Checking his watch, Lyle said, “You’re not late. I’m early.” They stepped back as another tenant exited the elevator, then they were closed into the silent box. Though he wanted to touch him, comfort him for whatever he was dealing with, David waited, his hands deep inside his pockets. His right hand held his keys, fiddling with them nervously. At the top floor they stepped out and Lyle waited as David unlocked his door and bid him entry. Allowing him a moment to relax, David tossed his keys on a side table and assessed this man more closely. His skin-tight pale blue jeans wrapped around his muscular body showing off every sinewy curve. Through the threadbare thighs tiny seductive glimpses of his flesh showed. A dark blue cotton tank top clung to his chest, and that small heart tattoo stood exposed. 79

G.A. Hauser “Sit down. You want a drink? I have some of that beer left.” Lyle hesitated as if he was still lost in his head. When it took too long for him to answer or make eye contact, David crossed the polished teak flooring and touched his arm, leading him to the sofa that had a view of the ocean. Once they had sat down David caressed his long hair softly and asked, “Can you tell me about it?” Instantly Lyle met his eyes and replied, “My roommate made a move on me last night after he got shit-faced drunk.” It was the last thing David expected and he was trying to battle back the surge of jealousy. Instead of answering, he waited for more information before he formed an opinion. Lyle took a deep breath and continued, “He’s kind of a freak, David. I get the creeps from him at times. I know it sounds stupid. I shouldn’t be afraid of him. Right? I circled some ads for new places to live but I just need to find the time to get out there and look. It’s just hard to do with full time work, you know? And I don’t want to call in sick.” “Move in here.” David said it without thinking and felt as if he were daring him. The startled look on Lyle’s face explained his reaction. Before Lyle could respond, David tried to make a case for it. “Look, if you would like, let’s call it temporary until you find a place. If that man makes you uncomfortable, then I want you away from him.” “I didn’t bring it up to for you to invite me in out of pity, David. And it’s too soon for us to be considering anything like that. I mean, you have kids. You can’t just have some guy—” “Some guy?” David laughed and cupped his gorgeous face. Smiling shyly, Lyle said, “You are a very generous man, David, and I will not take advantage of it.” 80

Secrets and Misdemeanors Unintentionally he wounded David by his reluctance. It was beginning to feel like rejection. “ I know it’s sudden. I don’t mean to push you. I’m sorry. I just thought I was being helpful.” As if he knew he had said something controversial, Lyle wrapped around David and met his eyes. “No. Don’t take this the wrong way. Please. I love you so much I ache and I would kill to live in this place with you. Believe me, I’d stay here by your side forever. But…look at us, David. Look at us. We’re like two opposite worlds colliding. How would you explain it to your family? And how would I feel if you supported me and I couldn’t make it on my own? You see? It’s more complicated than you think.” “It doesn’t have to be.” David ran his hands through Lyle’s hair gently. Lyle groaned in frustration and then rested his head on David’s shoulder. Hugging him, kissing his hair, David stared out at the Pacific Ocean’s eternal liquid expanse of blue and actually had to admit to himself he admired Lyle’s common sense. ~ He wanted it so badly he felt like crying. Live with him! Lyle shouted in his head as he inhaled his cologne, the scent of his skin, touched his warm neck. But, how long had they known each other? Since last Monday? Less than a week? He didn’t want them to rush in only to find out after the big jump of cohabitating that they hated each other. No. Wait. Wait. Lyle set back and smiled into David’s pensive eyes. “Ask me again in a few weeks, David. Ask me again after we’ve had some more time together.” David smoothed his hands over Lyle’s naked shoulders and nodded. “I will. Don’t worry.” “Right. So? How was your weekend other than the beach, the shopping mall, and a barbeque on Saturday?” “Don’t ask!” David laughed sadly. “Oh? The kids misbehaving?” 81

G.A. Hauser “No, their mother was. Never mind. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?” Lyle grinned at him wickedly and sat back, opening the button on David’s shorts. “Ah. Okay. Hungry for sex. Sounds good to me.” When David nudged him gently, Lyle stood off the couch, then clasped his hands as he was led into the bedroom. An image flash of Jeff lying on his bed with his penis sticking out of his pants made its cruel way past Lyle’s mind’s eye. Stopping in the middle of David’s bedroom, Lyle found he actually had to rub his eyes t o get rid of it. When he opened them, David was staring at him with concern. “Are you sure you’re all right?” David asked softy, closing the gap between them, caressing Lyle’s arm. “It’s stupid.” “No. It’s not. Come here.” David urged Lyle to his bed and sat next to him. “I’m a good listener, Lyle.” A catch formed in Lyle’s throat. Something emotional was stirring and he didn’t know why or if he was ready to face it. “What did this guy do, exactly?” David held Lyle’s hand and brought it to his lap to caress. “I’m making more of this than what it is, David. I t wasn’t attempted rape. I can tell by your face you’re thinking it was serious.” “That’s exactly what I was thinking. I have t o admit I was wondering if it was an assault and we should pursue it.” “No. No, David, nothing like that.” Lyle knew he was waiting for more of an explanation. Inhaling deeply first, Lyle said, “Look, he drinks heavily. Most of the guys on the construction site do. They come home hot and tired and quench their thirst from a beer bottle. Jeff isn’t any different except that most of the guys I work with are married and have kids. A few are in their twenties, but most are in their thirties. Jeff is in his thirties and still single. He’s hard up for a date of 82

Secrets and Misdemeanors any kind, David. He’s not very attractive and his personal hygiene sucks. He stinks, to put it bluntly.” Lyle paused as David kissed his hand lovingly. “Anyway, he gets completely drunk after doing some shots and I’m stuck with literally carrying him back t o the apartment. There’s a pub right on the corner of our block. Pickles. You know the one?” David shook his head. “By Marina Del Ray, off of Culver,” Lyle said. “So, I have to drag his ass home, drunk. I get him to his room and he starts pawing at me. You know, saying some stupid drunken rambling about how he loves me. Then he pulls his fucking dick out of his pants. It was revolting.” It appeared as if David was suddenly sorry he had asked. He released Lyle’s hand and scooted back on his bed so he was leaning against the headboard. Lyle shut his mouth and regretted retelling the tale. “Why are you looking at me that way?” “What way?” “I don’t know. Kind of accusatory.” “Am I?” “Yes.” “Why do you two live together?” David asked. “When I first got into town I applied for a job with B.J. Construction. He was the first person I met. We got talking and I told him I was living out of my truck until I found a place. He offered to share his apartment. I took it out of necessity. I’m not attracted to him, David. Not at all.” “Did you know he was attracted to you?” “No. He talked about girls all the time. He still has no idea I’m gay.” “You sure?” “Yes. Why are you asking me these crappy questions?” “I just can’t imagine a guy just making a pass at you if he thinks you’re straight.” Lyle didn’t like where this was going. He stood up 83

G.A. Hauser and walked to the doorway until David stopped him. When he felt his grip on his arm, Lyle twisted around and whispered, “This is why I can’t live with you.” “Wait. I’m sorry. Please.” Lyle allowed David to bring him back to the bed. Sitting down heavily, he stared at David’s worried eyes and tried not to get too upset. “Look, Lyle, I’ve been burned, remember? My wife went out on me. Maybe that makes me a little gunshy.” Lyle shrugged, indicating for him to go on. “You want the truth?” David asked. “Yes,” Lyle said without hesitation. “Fine. I’m insecure, Lyle.” “What?” Lyle laughed. “I am. Here I am, forty-fucking-one years old, madly in love with a man who’s only twenty-five with looks to put Brad Pitt to shame.” “Shut up,” Lyle chuckled shyly at the compliment. “And you don’t think I’m nervous about someone coming along and swiping you away from me?” David cupped his jaw. As he gazed into David’s light blue eyes, Lyle noticed water rise in them. Impulsively he gripped David’s face in both hands and kissed him. At the touch of their lips and tongues, Lyle felt his insides burst into flames. Forcefully he shoved David back against the pillows and pressed his body down on his, pinning David under him. Straddling David’s hips, Lyle explored David’s mouth with his tongue, sucking at it, squirming on him wildly as his desires and emotions began a rocket launch. With his lips still connected to David’s, Lyle leaned up so he could unbutton David’s shirt. Once he had it loose, he pushed it wide over David’s chest. Sitting up, he tried to catch his breath and stared down at that naked torso for a moment, then he lowered himself again so he could suck on his nipple. With that hard tip in his teeth, he stuffed his hand down David’s shorts. 84

Secrets and Misdemeanors ~ Never in his life had anyone else played the aggressor. David’s head felt light and giddy from it. He was being man-handled in the most exquisite way. I t was rougher than any woman would have been, and the thin edge between pleasure and pain had never been explored by him previously. As teeth nibbled on his nipple and a hot palm squeezed his cock, David thought he would combust from the thrill. As he was about t o reach for Lyle and draw him down into an embrace, Lyle sat up over him and began yanking his shorts down as if getting him naked was urgent. Lifting his hips, David helped him strip him of his attire. After Lyle let David’s shorts and briefs drop to the floor beside the bed, he wrapped his hands around David’s cock and stuffed it deeply into his mouth. Without meaning to, David gasped out loud, arching his back and clamping his eyes shut. Within moments cum was spurting out of him, releasing him of all his cares and worries. The chills rushed from his nipples to his balls as he savored the aftershocks, those hands touching him in places he never remembered being touched. When he finally opened his eyes, Lyle was staring at him with the most passionate set of green eyes he had ever seen. Through his teeth, Lyle hissed, “Don’t you ever doubt yourself, Mr. David Thornton. You are the most incredible human being I have ever met.” A tidal wave of emotion rocked David to the core. For two years he had felt unloved and unmoved by a single soul. Suddenly this man walks into his life and he’s forced to deal with all the gaping holes in his heart. ~ The minute David reached to dab at a tear, hiding the fact that he was touched by his words, Lyle wrapped around him and hugged him tight. David held him close, squeezing him as if his life depended on him. Just as he felt cozy, Lyle blinked his eyes as David rolled them over so he was on top. Pinned to the bed, Lyle stared in 85

G.A. Hauser awe as David shoved his dark blue shirt up his chest and began sucking on his nipple, just as he had done t o David. A hand was wedged into his faded jeans and fingers clutched around him. Lyle spread out his legs and pushed his hips upward, inviting more. With deft hands, David had his jeans open and began yanking them down his thighs. Lyle helped him out until he was naked as well. When David began sucking on his cock, Lyle dug his hands through David’s thick hair and closed his eyes to savor it. The minute one of David’s fingers penetrated his ass he went into a spasm of ecstasy and came, clenching his teeth as he did. Rocking his hips with the aftershocks, Lyle took a long moment to recover, then opened his eyes. “Oh, David, lover…get over here.” He reached out to him hungrily. David’s body felt welcoming and warm on his tingling skin. Lyle couldn’t explain it when tears ran from his own eyes. Instead of being embarrassed he started to laugh. When David leaned up to see his face, Lyle said, “I must love you a lot because I never cried after sex before.” “Are we mad?” David dabbed at his own teary eyes. “Who cares? We’re in love. That’s all that matters to me, David.” As they snuggled together in bed, Lyle felt David’s soft kisses on the back of his neck and smiled. A lovely drowsiness was upon him and he couldn’t get enough of it. Sighing softly, Lyle sang, “I love you, love you, love you…” David squeezed him tighter and echoed it back t o him. Within a few moments, they both fell asleep.

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Chapter Seven Lyle hummed to himself happily as he stood on the scaffolding and set the new windows down carefully as he took them off the hoist. Inside the office two men where removing the old windows. They had finished the top floor and were working their way down. When Jeff climbed up on the same level as he was, he twisted back and found his brooding expression. “Hey, Jeff.” He barely got a nod in reply. Ignoring him, Lyle reached out for one of the old windows as the men inside pushed it out. By their ten-thirty break, Lyle hadn’t said another word to Jeff. Giving each other the cold shoulder, they climbed down, bought some snacks from the catering truck and sat in the shade away from each other. Lyle hated it. It was bad enough to have had the horrible experience with him on Saturday, Jeff didn’t have to make it worse by blanking him. ~ Jeff dreaded Lyle telling anyone about what he had done. All night he had imagined Lyle bragging to the other men on the site about the incident, the men leering or mocking him afterwards. It sent nauseating cold shivers down his back. When Lyle didn’t come home last night, Jeff felt even more isolated and guilty for what he had done. Avoiding him, having no resources to face up to it, Jeff was tempted to ask the foreman to move him away from Lyle’s area, but the 87

G.A. Hauser idea that that could bring any suspicion about them made him even more afraid. Noon had come and Jeff stood in line for the food wagon counting out his money. At the sound of voices, he turned to look over his shoulder. Mr. Thornton, an older woman, and Lyle were standing together on the sidewalk talking. It was inconceivable to him. The men in suits never mixed with the men in hard hats. It was against some unspoken rule. The three of them were smiling and laughing, sharing a joke or story. In complete paranoia Jeff wondered if Lyle was telling them about what he had done. Were they laughing at him? He was nudged from behind as his turn came to order some food. Distracted by the trio still chatting behind him, Jeff asked for a sandwich and a cola quickly, then handed the man some money. When he stood still staring at the group, he was stunned when Mr. Thornton winked at Lyle and touched Lyle’s shoulder gently. As the woman and Mr. Thornton walked away, Lyle was still beaming at them, his dimples showing as he smiled. “What the fuck?” Jeff mumbled, then he had another thought. “I don’t fucking believe it.” ~ Lyle was still grinning after the nice compliment from Mrs. Bernstein. It amazed him that she knew about him and David and was so supportive of them. About to walk over to the catering truck for his lunch, he noticed Jeff standing near it, his food in his hand, glaring at him. A cold chill washed over his skin as he wondered what had happened that could have alerted this man to his attraction for David. Then he remembered David’s wink and light touch. “No. That couldn’t be enough. No way.” He cleared his throat and made his way to the van. The line had dwindled as most of the men were already lounging around consuming their food. As he passed, Lyle asked, “What the fuck are you looking at me like 88

Secrets and Misdemeanors that for?” Jeff didn’t respond, as if he were waiting for Lyle to get his food first. Trying to concentrate with Jeff’s gaze boring a hole in his back, Lyle bought a sandwich and a carton of milk, then intended on eating alone on a shady spot on the lawn. When he sat down, so did Jeff. “Leave me alone,” Lyle sighed. “You and Thornton are having an affair, aren’t you?” “What? Don’t be stupid. I told you the guy is just nice. You’re an idiot.” Lyle didn’t give Jeff his undivided attention, trying to be casual about the nerve-wracking accuracy of this imbecile. “Oh. I just thought it was weird the way he winked at you.” “Did he? I didn’t even see it. Naaa, he’s got kids and a wife. Don’t be a dork.” Exhaling as if he felt badly for his comment, Jeff then asked sheepishly, “You stay at Michelle’s last night?” “Yeah. Sorry.” “You going to move in with her?” Jeff stuffed the rest of his egg salad sandwich into his mouth, leaving a trail of it on his grubby face. “I don’t know.” Lyle wondered if that would work as an excuse to move out. “You can bring her by. I won’t act like a jerk.” “Thanks, Jeff. I appreciate that. I thought you weren’t talking to me anymore after what happened.” “Ah, yeah, Lyle, about that.” “Don’t worry. I won’t breathe a word of it t o anyone. You were just drunk, Jeff.” “Yeah, I was. I don’t really like you that way, Lyle.” “Good. Let’s forget the whole thing.” Jeff extended his hand. Hesitating, Lyle forced himself to shake it, then used his left hand to continue eating with. He shuddered to think where Jeff’s hand has been. 89

G.A. Hauser ~ “He’s a darling young man,” Jennifer said as she sipped her iced tea. “I asked him to move in.” “No! Oh, I can’t believe it. So soon, David?” He spread his cloth napkin on his lap and then replied, “That’s what he said. Do I sound desperate, Jen?” “Are you?” “Maybe. Or maybe just in love.” “Look at you. You’re positively beaming.” “Am I?” David blushed and straightened his silverware out of nervousness. “When is he moving in?” “He isn’t. Not yet. He’s pushing common sense into our relationship. I could spank him for it.” “I’ll bet.” She sat back as their salads were set before them. After the waiter left she said, “What will you do about Annette?” “What can I do? I have to keep it from her.” “Forever?” “Any other suggestions?” “Oh, David, just come out. What can she do?” “She can take my children from me.” “Nonsense. Listen to yourself. You’re not afraid of that. You know it’s impossible.” “She’ll put all of us through hell trying.” He took another bite of his salad then said, “Look, I know her, she’s like a pit-bull when she gets something into her head. She’s going completely crazy because she thinks I’m seeing another woman. Imagine what she would do if she finds out about Lyle. I just can’t deal with her, Jen.” “I doubt your wish will come true. Sooner or later she will either see you two together, or hear it from the kids.” “If the kids tell her a male friend is hanging around, Annette would never get that connection.” “Never? You sure? She’s not that stupid, David. 90

Secrets and Misdemeanors Women do get it when a man begins a relationship with a ‘special’ friend who shows up at everything. She will catch on eventually.” David chewed his food, feeling slightly defeated. “Stop pouting. Things will work out.” “I know, after another ten thousand dollars and three more years in court.” Jen shook her head at him sadly as he ate his food. ~ Feeling hot and sweaty, Lyle was glad the shift was over and he could go home and shower. Jeff caught up to him before he climbed into his truck. “You coming home, Lyle?” “Yeah. Going to shower and change first.” “Oh. Going out again?” “Sorry, man.” Lyle tossed his hard hat on the bench seat and stuck his key in the ignition. “You mind if I tag along with you guys?” “I do. It’s just still too new with Michelle. Can I let you know?” “Okay, Lyle. See you at home.” Lyle tried to smile. After he walked away, Lyle grumbled and slammed the truck door closed. Before he turned on the engine, he found his mobile phone and sat with the scrap of newspaper on his lap. “Yeah, ah, I was calling about that studio apartment? Is it still available? Yeah? Can I drop by to see it now? Cool.” Lyle started the truck. “I’ll be there in five.” ~ David parked his car and was just entering the hall when he spotted Annette standing on the front steps, leaning her hawkish face against the glass front door. The minute she noticed him she started banging her fists on it. “David! David, open this door!” “For crying out loud, Annette!” He opened it and she flew in, looking around him and out to the parking garage. When she was through with her little search he shouted, “Satisfied?” “I’ll just wait until she comes. I want to meet this 91

G.A. Hauser woman, David.” “There is no woman, Annette. Go home. I’m tired, hungry, and in no mood for this.” “Oh, she’ll be here. She’ll be here sooner or later, David.” “And? What will you do, Annette? Stake out the place? Question every woman who walks into the lobby? You’re making a fool out of yourself. Go home. Who’s with the kids?” “Mother is. David, just let me meet her. I just want to see who she is.” “Go away, Annette.” He pushed the button on the elevator. “Why are you making this so difficult?” “Me? Oh, that’s rich.” He shook his head as the doors opened. “I’ll find out sooner or later, David!” she shouted right before the doors closed. “Good-bye, Annette,” he replied, then blessed the silence when the doors shut her out. Rubbing his face tiredly, David kept muttering, “What an idiot! Woman, leave me alone!” ~ “Sorry I’m so grubby,” Lyle smiled shyly. “I just came from work. I don’t usually look this bad.” “No problem.” The manager opened the door for him and stepped back allowing Lyle to enter first. “It’s pretty small, but it’s got everything you need.” Lyle poked his head in. The smell of new paint and carpet greeted him. “So, ah, this is it, right? Just one room and that little galley kitchen?” The man walked through the small space to one door. “That’s the bathroom and shower.” Then to a second door. “That’s a closet.” “Shit.” Lyle felt claustrophobic in it. “We have a one bedroom that just opened up. It’s six hundred a month though.” “Bigger than this? I hope?” “Yeah, come on. Let me show it to you. We still 92

Secrets and Misdemeanors have to paint it and steam-clean the carpets.” He gestured for Lyle to exit the room. After a ride up one floor in the elevator, Lyle was shown another door. A larger version of the studio appeared with a separate room for the bedroom and a small area for a living room. The kitchen was big enough for a small table. “I’ll take it.” “It won’t be ready till next Monday.” “That’s okay. How much you need down?” “First, last, and a damage deposit of two-hundred.” “Ouch!” Lyle added it up. “Sorry.” “Uh, I need to take out an advance on my credit card.” “Okay. Here’s the paperwork I need filled out and signed. I’ll give you two days, then I’ll start showing it around.” “Deal.” Lyle shook the man’s hand. ~ Just as he was walking into his apartment, his mobile phone rang. Jeff’s head bolted up in interest. Lyle closed the door behind him and took it out of his pocket as he continued to walk to his bedroom for some privacy. “Hello?” “Hey, babe. I was just wondering if you were still coming by.” “Sorry, I’m late. Hang on.” Lyle gave Jeff a cheesy grin, then closed himself into his bedroom. “Sorry, I got delayed. I went to check out an apartment.” “Any luck?” “Yeah. I found a neat one bedroom and I just have to come up with the deposit and first and last month’s rent.” “When can you move in?” “A week from today.” He heard something at his door. “Hang on a minute, David.” After David acknowledged him, Lyle crept to his door and listened. When he swung it open quickly, Jeff fell on his face on the carpet after having his ear stuck to the door. 93

G.A. Hauser “What the hell are you doing, Jeff?” “David, huh? That wouldn’t be David Thornton, would it?” He snickered. “I have to go,” Lyle said into the phone, then disconnected it. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing eavesdropping on my private conversations?” “How the hell did you and David Thornton get together?” “It’s not David Thornton! Will you get that out of your pin-head?” “Yeah, right,” Jeff stood up off the floor and pretended to brush his legs off. He was still in his work clothing and filthy. “It’s my fucking brother, Dave! Okay? Geez, give me a break!” Lyle tried to close his door. “I didn’t know you had a brother named Dave.” Jeff wedged his foot in it, keeping it open. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Jesus! Let me shut the door so I can change! Why are you such a pain in the ass?” Jeff removed his foot. Sighing in irritation, Lyle shut it, then yanked his shirt over his head. When the door clicked behind him he spun around and shouted, “Leave me alone!” “You’re moving out, aren’t you, Lyle?” Pausing before taking off his jeans, Lyle groaned in frustration. “Yes! Because you won’t lay off!” “Why? Why are you leaving me? I don’t want you to move out.” “Jeff, come on…I just need to shower.” “I’ll pay your half of the rent. Don’t leave.” “Don’t be stupid. Now, get out of my room so I can change.” When Jeff didn’t, Lyle wondered what would happen if this got violent. Jeff was tall but wiry, he couldn’t be that hard to beat. “Give me one more chance, Lyle. Please don’t move out.” “Fuck this.” Lyle found his backpack and started packing some clean clothing into it, intent on 94

Secrets and Misdemeanors showering at David’s if he had to. “What are you doing? You’re not leaving!” Lyle spun around and felt as if he was going t o explode. “You won’t get out of my room so I can shower, Jeff, what the hell am I supposed to do?” “I’m not stopping you.” “You are! I’m not letting you watch me get undressed again!” “Why not? I’m not hurting anyone.” Spinning around, Lyle continued loading the pack with clothing, then started taking important papers as well, just in case. “Lyle.” “Don’t touch me, man!” Lyle jerked away from his hand and pointed a rude finger at him. “You’re fucking weird! Okay? Just let me get some shit and I’ll get out of here.” “I don’t want you to go.” “Oh? You think you can stop me?” Lyle dropped what he had in his hand and stood tall. “I don’t want to fight you, Lyle.” “Then get the fuck out of my room!” Throwing up his hands in frustration, Lyle waited. When nothing happened he got busy shoving things into his pack again. When his mobile phone rang, Lyle knew it was David. The way he had hung up left him guessing and David knew his thoughts on Jeff. He grabbed it and answered it, staring at Jeff who was blocking the way out. “What’s going on, Lyle?” David asked. “Jeff’s going crazy.” “Don’t tell them that!” Jeff shouted in anger. David growled, “Get out of that apartment now, Lyle.” “I’m trying to pack a few things first.” Lyle looked around the room. “I’m coming over there. What the hell’s the apartment house number on Culver?” 95

G.A. Hauser “Don’t come here.” Lyle knew Jeff was trying t o hear who was on the other line. “Like hell, Lyle! I’m not going to let that moron do anything to you.” “Let me handle it.” “Lyle!” “I’ll be there soon. Okay, Michelle?” “Michelle?” David asked. “See ya.” Lyle disconnected the phone and stuffed it into the pouch of his backpack. “Nice try, Lyle.” “What?” “I could hear a man’s voice.” “Look, Jeff, sooner or later I’m going to move out of here. Even if you delay me one night, it’s not going to make me stay.” When Jeff got to his knees as if t o beg, Lyle staggered back, falling against his bed clumsily. “What will make you stay, Lyle? Huh? What can I say? What can I do?” “Jeff! Come on, this is getting stupid!” “You want a blow job?” “No! I want you to leave me alone! Why can’t you get that, man?” Lyle shoved his hands back from his lap. “Come on, let me suck it for you. Come on…” “No!” Lyle once again felt as if tentacles were grasping at him. “I’ll end up hurting you, Jeff! Get the hell off me!” ~ David was pacing. He couldn’t just sit there. Grabbing his keys he stormed out of his home and punched the buttons on the elevator urging it to hurry. When he arrived at the ground floor Annette was still in the lobby. “Jesus Christ! Get a life!” David shouted, then hurried past her to the door to the parking garage. “Where are you going?” She rushed after him. “None of your damn business!” He slammed the door behind him and jogged to his car. “The world’s 96

Secrets and Misdemeanors gone fucking mad!” he choked in disbelief. As he exited the garage he hit the gas to find his way to the Marina Del Ray area. Stopping for a traffic light, he looked in his rear view mirror and couldn’t believe his eyes. “Woman, you will stop at nothing!” When the signal changed he cut a few sharp turns in an effort to lose her. “This is absurd!” he shouted, then began to sweat. Thinking of Lyle’s well being, the sick woman following him, and the fact that everything could come to a head in a single event was maddening. But, the priority at the moment was Lyle. “Let all else be damned,” he hissed. ~ Having no other choice, Lyle grew violent. He shoved Jeff back, hard enough to make him fall and hit some furniture. Standing over him, his bare chest heaving in anger, Lyle warned, “Don’t fuck with me, Jeff, you’ll lose.” “Lyle, wait. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” “Let go of me!” Lyle tried to pull his leg away from Jeff’s grip. “Man, what are you on? Are you on something? You are completely out of control!” “I’m sorry! I mean it, Lyle! Don’t leave like this!” “Jeff! Get lost! I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but this is getting way out of hand!” He jerked his leg back forcing Jeff to let go. Lyle reached for his backpack and headed to the door. Just as he made his way to the living room, he felt Jeff attach himself t o his back, embracing him. “Don’t go, Lyle! Talk to me! We can work this out!” “Jesus, Jeff!” Lyle tried to peel him off. “Just let me get out of here for a few days until you come off of whatever the hell you’re on!” “No! I won’t let you leave like this! You’ll never come back!” “Do you fucking blame me? You’re bonkers!” Lyle started battling with him again to pry him loose. “Get the fuck off me!” “No! Lyle! You’ll tell all of the guys at work!” 97

G.A. Hauser “Tell them? Are you kidding me? I’m fucking embarrassed by this, man!” Lyle had to shed the backpack for a moment to twist around and face Jeff. He was suddenly playing tug-of-war with it. “Let go!” “Just sit down and let’s hash this out!” “Sit down? Hash this out? Are you insane? Let me go!” Lyle shoved Jeff back and he stumbled and hit the coffee table. At the clatter Lyle paused and looked down at him. “You okay?” ~ David slowed down. The pub on the corner had a banner on it. Pickles. He parked, glancing around for any sign of his lunatic wife. Leaning over the steering wheel to have a look, he realized the entire block of Culver Avenue was one apartment building after another. “Fucking great,” he mumbled. Climbing out, he set his alarm and then walked up the steps to the first one, looking for Lyle’s name. Then he realized it wouldn’t be under Lyle’s name. I t would be under his roommate’s name. The sense of helplessness overwhelmed him. He knew his name was Jeff. That was it. Walking up and down the street looking for Lyle’s truck, hoping it may be parked in front of the right building, David was losing hope quickly. When a police patrol car pulled up and double parked on the street, he paused and watched curiously. ~ “Ya didn’t have to throw me down, man.” “Yeah, I did, Jeff. You wouldn’t let me go. How’s your head?” “I’m okay. Just a bump.” Lyle checked the back of his greasy head and found a raised lump but no blood. “I wouldn’t have had t o push you so hard if—” he stopped talking when someone was knocking at the door. “Shit.” Lyle imagined it was David. “Who’s that?” Jeff sat up and kept rubbing his head. “Bet I know!” He jumped to his feet and flew at the 98

Secrets and Misdemeanors door. Before he could stop him, Jeff swung it open. Two big Los Angeles Police officers were standing there. Both men stared at them in surprise. Lyle moved Jeff back and asked, “You got the right apartment?” “Yeah. One of the neighbors called and reported a fight disturbance in this one.” “A fight?” Lyle tried to laugh. “No. No one’s fighting in here, officer.” The bigger of the two cops asked Jeff, “You have anything to say?” Lyle glared at Jeff, hoping his look expressed the homicide in his heart. Then to Lyle’s horror, Jeff said, “Me and my lover were just arguing.” “What?” Lyle shook his head in denial. “In your dreams, man! But, now that you guys are here, I’m leaving.” Lyle reached for his backpack. “Not so fast.” One of the cops held up his hand. “ I want each of you to tell us your story. You, go with my partner here. You, stay with me.” Lyle dropped his pack to his feet and gave Jeff another punishing glare in warning. Once Jeff left the room with the other cop, Lyle exhaled and said, “Look, he’s angry because I’m moving out. Okay? I found another place to live. I can’t take it here anymore.” “Anything physical happen?” “With him? You kidding? He’s a pig.” “I meant fighting.” Lyle blushed to the ears and then said, “Oh. No, nothing. We were just shouting. I’m sorry we bothered you.” After giving his name and date of birth to the cop, Lyle noticed the other police man come in, then he and the first cop whispered together. Lyle stared at Jeff in fury, knowing this was not going to end well. The first big cop asked Lyle, “You know anything about a bump on this man’s head?” 99

G.A. Hauser Lyle felt sick. A movement caught his eye from the hall. The door had remained open. ~ Lyle’s truck was parked out front of a three story building. The police had just gotten the manager t o open the door, then they went inside. David jogged up the steps quickly and asked the manager before he disappeared, “Excuse me, sir, does Lyle Wilson and his roommate Jeff live here?” “Jeff? Jeff Best?” the man asked, then pointed his thumb over his shoulder at the police. “They’re headed to Jeff’s unit right now. Did he call you?” “Yes! He did. Thanks.” David hurried passed him and stood in the hallway, hidden, as the police knocked. He could hear some of the conversation from where he stood. Instantly he recognized Lyle’s voice. After the cops entered the apartment, David crept closer t o listen. ~ “David!” Lyle shouted to him. One of the cops stopped David from entering. David produced a business card, handing it to the officer. “I’m a lawyer. I need to speak to him.” “A lawyer?” the cop asked. “Why does he need a lawyer?” “Am I being accused of something?” Lyle asked, feeling more confident with David there. Both cops looked back at Jeff for that answer. Jeff’s jaw dropped as David stepped into the apartment. Like he was a bobble-head doll he started shaking it in exaggeration, “No. I’m not accusing anyone. No.” “Good. Then I’m leaving.” Lyle picked up his pack and met David in the hall. “You need him for anything else, officer?” David asked. “We’ll write it up as a verbal disturbance, Mr. Thornton.” “That’s fine.” David took a good look at Jeff before 100

Secrets and Misdemeanors he left, glaring at him in hatred, then followed Lyle down the hall to the exit door. The moment they stepped out into the sunshine, David heard his name being screeched. “Oh, just shoot me.” David rubbed his face in agony. Lyle stopped in his tracks and asked, “Ex-wife?” “Yes. I don’t believe this.” He paused and waited as she stormed over, then she stared at Lyle curiously. “What’s going on, David?” Annette spat out angrily. The two cops left the apartment house behind them. They nodded to the men and then walked back to their police car. “Nothing that concerns you, Annette.” David tilted his head to Lyle and they walked passed her. “David! Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” “No.” He turned to Lyle when they were well out of her hearing range and asked, “You following me to my place?” “Yes. I need my truck.” David nodded, then looked back to see Annette staring at him with a puzzled look on her pointy face. He sighed tiredly, walking down the street to his car as Lyle pulled out into traffic. By the time he had parked his car in his private space and came through the building, Lyle was already standing at the lobby door. David opened it for him and they remained quiet until they were inside the penthouse. As soon as David closed the door, he asked, “What the hell did that moron do this time?” Lyle rubbed his face wearily. “At the moment I’m desperate for a shower, David.” “Oh, all right. Come with me.” David led the way through the halls to his private suite, then pointed t o the bathroom that was attached to it. After Lyle set his backpack down and took off the rest of his work clothing, he stepped into the shower stall, wetting down. David moved closer as he stood 101

G.A. Hauser under the spray. Unable to resist, David pushed back one of the doors slightly so he could watch. When Lyle realized it he smiled sweetly at him. As he ran a soapy scrunchie over his skin, Lyle began talking tiredly, “He did the same thing again, David. I think the guy is just really lonely.” “Did he attack you?” “Not really. He just kept pushing himself on me. It’s not the same thing.” Lyle stood under the shower head to rinse. “Are you out now? Do you have everything?” “No. I still have some stuff there. I do need to go back.” “I’ll go with you.” Lyle laughed softly and shut off the taps. As he stood dripping he said, “You can’t keep going back there with me like a fricken’ bodyguard.” “Keep going back there? How much stuff do you have?” David handed him a towel. “Not much, but I have to live there until Monday, remember?” “Oh, no you don’t.” David stepped aside as Lyle emerged from the shower, rubbing a towel over his head. “You’re staying here. You’re not going back there.” Lyle paused, as if considering it. He looked around the sparkling large bathroom, the bathtub in the corner complete with power jets, two sink basins and a well lit vanity mirror with marble top surfaces. “Okay. Till Monday.” “Good.” Lyle kissed David on the cheek, then walked passed him to get clean clothing out of his pack. When the towel dropped, David got a good look at that lovely firm bottom of his. He wanted him to live there permanently. “You must be hungry.” “Starved.” Lyle zipped up his jeans and then stood straight, pushing his wet hair back from his eyes. “Should we order a pizza?” 102

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Is that what you want?” Lyle shrugged, suddenly getting shy. “I have some meat we can grill on the outdoor barbeque.” “Oh! Cool!” Lyle found a sleeveless t-shirt and slipped it over his head. David watched as he tucked it in, totally distracted. “Uh, chicken or steak?” “Steak!” “Great. Come with me to the kitchen.” Smiling in delight, Lyle followed him. ~ He felt completely out of his comfort zone. Sipping an ice cold beer, Lyle watched as David prepared the steaks, made salads, and skewered vegetables for grilling with so much ease and confidence it made Lyle feel ten years old. Admiring him, trying to learn everything he could from studying him, Lyle felt clumsy as he helped David carry the food bowls to the outdoor patio. The sun was still warm and the breeze blew across the rooftop as he set his arm load of items down near an immaculate gas grille. Sitting down, his beer back in his fist, Lyle watched David light up the gas fire and set the marinated meat and veggies on the racks to cook. Once he had everything laid out in neat rows, David raised his wine glass to his lips for a sip and gazed out at the ocean view. Following his line of vision, Lyle just noticed that fantastic panoramic vista of the Pacific Ocean and the beach surrounding it. Instantly drawn t o it, he stood near David and gazed out at it silently. After a long pause, Lyle sighed, “Wow. What a life you lead, David. I envy you.” David turned to face him, staring at his profile. Half expecting some confirmation of the pleasure from his luxurious lifestyle, Lyle caught David’s eyes and smiled, but no smile returned. “Did I say something wrong?” Setting his glass down, David tended the meat and vegetables first, then said, “I suppose it looks glossy 103

G.A. Hauser from outside.” “Yes, I’m afraid it does, babe.” Lyle laughed, then relaxed at the table with his beer again. “I guess one gets wrapped up in one’s problems and takes the good things for granted.” Once he had drained his wine glass, David added, “I should be grateful. I have a good life.” “It’s better than mine, David. I wouldn’t complain if I lived like you do.” David took the vegetables off the fire and checked the steaks. “You said medium?” “Yes.” “It’s done.” He found a plate and put the meat on it, handing it to Lyle, then did the same with the second cut. He shut off the grille and sat down, offering the bowl of salad to Lyle along with two skewers of the roasted vegetables. Lyle licked his lips, scooping some salad out onto his plate. After his first bite of the steak he moaned, “Wow, this is fantastic. I’ve never had a piece this tender.” “Good. I’m glad you like it.” “Christ, it would be so easy to get spoiled.” When he looked up to smile, David was staring at him with a very serious expression. “What? Do I keep putting my foot in my mouth or something?” “No. You keep hinting you want to live with me, and yet you’ve kept me at arm’s length. It’s a little puzzling, Lyle.” “I’m doing that? Oh, you mean not living here full time.” Lyle chewed another bite of meat, then sighed, “I want to. I do. You have any idea how much your lifestyle appeals to me? When I left Oregon I promised myself I would do something good with my life. Make a success of it.” “Oregon?” “Yes. I’m from Vale. You see, David? How much do we know about each other?” After taking a sip of wine, David replied, “We can 104

Secrets and Misdemeanors find out everything we want to know in one night.” “Can we?” Lyle chuckled. “Yes. Tonight. We can make a game of it.” “I’m not sure I’m a game player, babe.” Lyle finished the steak and started on the vegetables and salad. “Not that kind of game. Look, I’ll start… I was born here in LA on September 1, 1966. I have two older brothers and one younger sister. I married Annette in July 1993 when I was twenty-seven. Both my parents are still alive and live in Palos Verdes. Dad’s a retired senator and mom’s never worked.” Lyle blinked his eyes, absorbing this strange conversation as if it were some bout of ‘true confessions’. “…My wife cheated on me with my best friend and ex-law partner, Larry Arnot. I found them in my bed in the early afternoon when I came home unexpectedly from court. I found out they had been seeing each other for almost a decade behind my back and for all I know my children are probably his. But some of this you already know…” Lyle stopped eating, pushing his plate aside. “…the only one of my siblings I speak to is my oldest brother. He’s been fighting testicle cancer for the last three years and losing. My other brother is estranged from the family because he’s been addicted t o heroin his whole life and goes in and out of rehab like it’s a night club. My sister and I don’t speak because she’s jealous of my income and never went to college, so she’s managed to eek out a living being a hair dresser and is married to a slob who never seems to be able t o hold down a job.” Waving a fly away from his face, Lyle waited to see what else would be revealed from this monologue. “…I love theater, mostly black comedy and farce. I hate television on the whole and usually just watch the news. I love classical music and some old rock and roll from the seventies and eighties. My favorite color is 105

G.A. Hauser blue.” He took a breath, then continued, “I lost my virginity at fifteen to my high-school sweetheart. We went to the prom together. I went to college at Harvard where I graduated with honors. I met Annette at a party my parents’ gave me for passing the bar the first time. I had one gay experience when I was seventeen. A male friend and I exchanged hand jobs when we were very high on pot. I’ve traveled throughout Europe, some of Asia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, and most of Canada.” He stopped and tapped his chin, thinking. “Oh, as far as politics and religion go, I’m devout in neither and can take or leave each.” As the silence filled the gap in the one-sided conversation, Lyle didn’t know what to say other than, “Phew!” “Anything else you need to know?” “Uh…I don’t know. It’s hard when you just rattle it off like that. It’s not the same when you learn things about a person over time.” Leaning back in his chair more comfortably, Lyle noticed David once again seemed slightly hurt by his reaction. “I get what you’re trying to accomplish, David. I just think it doesn’t work that way in reality.” “Why? If I give you information about me, and you decide if you like the information and share with me what you have in common, then—” “Common? What we have in common?” Lyle laughed and then covered his lips with his fingers. At David’s sad puppy eyes, Lyle added, “We like to screw each other. That’s what we have in common.” “No. There has to be more to it than that.” “Is there?” Standing up abruptly, David started clearing the table of the dirty dishes. Lyle let him, giving them both a chance to think. After David had left the patio, Lyle stood up to stare down at the ocean view. It was nearing seven p.m. and a few surfers were taking advantage of the late sunlight. ~ 106

Secrets and Misdemeanors He couldn’t remember feeling this foolish. Oh, yes, he could. The day he found his wife and best friend in bed. David set the dishes into the sink and sank down on a chair to wallow. Maybe he’d been lonely too long. His self-confidence had left him and some idiotic insecurity had taken its place. “I’m not good at this. I can’t do this anymore.” “Yes, you can, David.” He spun around in surprise seeing Lyle in the kitchen behind him. He waited as Lyle closed the gap between them placing his hands on David’s shoulders t o comfort him. “We need time, David.” “I feel as if I don’t have time.” “You do. Loads of it. Can we go back to taking things day by day?” Standing up, feeling those hands fall from his shoulders, David faced him and said, “I don’t know if I can live that way, Lyle. I’m not comfortable with it. I need to know where I stand.” “Black and white? Everything has to be in black and white? We can’t just let it progress naturally?” “Will it? Or will you find someone your own age and let me down?” Feeling like a complete fool, David could hardly meet his eyes. “What Annette did to you? I could kill her for it.” The truth in that statement wasn’t lost on him. David reached out to him. Lyle immediately responded and they embraced, rocking gently. The feel of him against his body was so much comfort, David felt like bursting into tears. He kissed his hair, his cheek, then his neck. It was Lyle who found his mouth, kissing him back. At that curious assertive tongue, David felt weak in the knees. He parted from him and whispered, “Come to bed.” Lyle allowed him to escort him to the bedroom, then they parted and disrobed without any pomp or ceremony. Once they were both naked and under the cool sheets, David wrapped around him, coiling like a 107

G.A. Hauser second skin. The scent of this man, his taste, drove David completely mad. As he licked and sucked on his warm flesh, David reached downwards, between Lyle’s legs. When he did, Lyle’s thighs opened for him instantly. Once he lay in a wide straddle, David explored every inch of him. Their lips met again. As the passion rose, David cupped those heavy soft balls as if they were precious gems, fondling them, rolling them in his fingers. A small sound emerged from Lyle’s throat in longing. David moved his hand up to his cock, gripping it tightly. “What do you want? Tell me,” he hissed in Lyle’s ear. “Suck it.” Without hesitation, David scooted down on the mattress, crawling between Lyle’s thighs. After touching it lovingly, David lapped at it first, teasing him. Those moans grew as Lyle began writhing on the bed. Maybe this is all we need for the moment. Maybe this is enough, David thought. He shoved him deeply into his mouth and stopped, feeling it pulse and throb. Then he began stroking it with his tongue. Lyle let loose the most sensual sound. A whimper of agony. Sublime. It was pure gold. Working Lyle up to a frenzy, David’s lips, tongue, his fingers probing, in minutes Lyle was grunting in orgasm, his hips thrusting forward as he came. David sat back and stared down at his cock, then panned upwards to that amazing face. “Ohhh, Christ…” Lyle groaned, his head moving from side to side as if in disbelief. “You give the best head on the planet.” David had to chuckle. He’d been praised for many things, but never that. “What do you want, lover?” Lyle asked, his face appearing angelic in the dim light. “Your ass.” As if he were on springs, Lyle spun over so he was face down, then propped up his hips. 108

Secrets and Misdemeanors David found what he needed in his nightstand, prepared himself, then moved inside his lover’s body. The heat, the tightness, the fact that he loved this man so much he ached, all added to the euphoria of the act. Hearing a hissing whisper, Lyle using dirty words t o excite him, David jammed his cock inside Lyle harder, coming and closing his eyes as he did. Waiting a moment to savor it, David then pulled out and climbed off the bed to dispose of the rubber and wash up. When he returned, Lyle was staring at him with soft bedroom eyes. He slithered under the covers and enveloped him once again, wrapping all his limbs around the body next to him. “I love you so much.” Lyle tightened his embrace and echoed it. “You too, David. With all my heart.” After a moment where he almost dozed, David heard Lyle whisper, “You see? What more do we need in common?” A deep chuckle rumbled from David’s chest. “Nothing more.”

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Chapter Eight At David’s insistence they drove in together. Lyle knew it was folly but David stood firm on them not being ashamed of being ‘friends’ and how ridiculous it was to drive two cars to the same location. Insisting David drop him off before he entered the parking garage and his assigned space, Lyle accepted his quick peck on the lips, then hopped out of his Mercedes and stood still for a moment as it vanished into the underbelly of the building. Inhaling the warm air, Lyle popped his hat on his head and began walking to the foreman to find out what he was doing for the day. The minute he spotted Jeff, he cringed. “You’re on the south side exterior,” Keith said. “Okay, boss.” Lyle nodded, then headed to the ladder. Before he had made it to his spot, Jeff was under him, climbing like a rat to catch up. Once they were both standing on the same level on the scaffolding, waiting for the windows to be lifted to them by a small crane, Lyle said, “Leave me alone.” “I saw you come in with him.” “Shut up, Jeff.” “I saw you get out of his car. You made up Michelle, didn’t you? You fucking liar. You are queer.” “I said, shut up, Jeff.” Lyle grabbed at the edge of the new windows as they swung close, steadying them. “You acted like I was a freak pushing me away like 110

Secrets and Misdemeanors that when you like men’s cocks!” “Shut up!” Lyle roared. “Are you helping me with the fucking windows or not?” They both heard shouting underneath them. Someone was waving at Jeff and calling him down. Lyle felt a slight cold chill wash over him even though the morning air was already warm. Instantly Jeff spun around and glared at Lyle to accuse him. “What the fuck did you do to me now?” “Me?” Lyle pointed to his own chest in defense. Another man was seen climbing up to their level. When he got to them he said to Jeff, “Enright wants you.” After one more punishing glare from Jeff aimed at Lyle, Jeff began his descent to ground level. Lyle asked, “What the hell’s going on, Brad?” He shrugged, “The project manager wants to talk t o him. I have no idea what he’s done. He’s such a fuck-up it could be anything.” That was the first time Lyle had heard anyone commenting on Jeff’s work ethic. Lyle was the new guy on the job. He had no idea what these other men knew about his roommate. Trying not to get distracted by what was happening to Jeff, Lyle nodded to Brad he was ready. They began pulling the windows off the lift and onto the scaffolding just as the men inside the office pried the old ones out. ~ “Best. Get over here.” Jeff lowered his head sheepishly and approached him. “You’re off the job. Go back to the main office and see if they can reassign you.” “What? Why? I haven’t done nothing wrong!” “Well, you must have, because these orders are from Mr. Thornton himself.” Jeff spun around and narrowed his eyes at the glaring sunlight reflecting off the windows as if he would see the senior partner himself watching. “That son-of-a111

G.A. Hauser bitch.” “Yeah, whatever. Get going.” “You know he and Lyle Wilson are fucking each other? You know that?” “Why don’t you shut your fucking mouth, Best? It’s what most likely got you into trouble in the first place.” “I’m not lying! They drove in together today! You watch them leave together today! You watch! You’ll see I’m not full of shit!” “I said get going or you’ll be collecting unemployment checks!” Jeff yanked off his hard hat in a huff and stormed off. He took one last look behind him and found the foreman craning his neck to where Lyle was working. Jeff mumbled, “Yeah, you watch. You’ll find out I’m right.” ~ David stood looking out of his window. The moment that idiot started on Lyle he made a phone call. After he hung up he stood and waited. Watching Jeff being sent off the job site felt very satisfying. “Good riddance, you bastard.” ~ When his break came, Lyle looked around for Jeff curiously. After he bought some snacks off the food van, he sat down on the grass next to a few other men and asked, “You seen Best anywhere, Chuck?” “Enright sent him home, I think.” “Yeah? Why?” “Orders from Thornton.” “Did Enright tell you that himself?” Lyle chewed his food and stared into this man’s eyes. “No. I got it from Frank.” He nodded to another man nearby. “Why? Did Frank say why?” After a moment, Chuck replied, “No, but he said you and Thornton were screwing each other and Jeff found out.” 112

Secrets and Misdemeanors The look on Chuck’s face, the lip curled in revulsion, unsettled him. “What crap,” Lyle replied in defense. When more time had past and Chuck kept staring, Chuck finally said, “You look like a fag.” “Shut the fuck up,” Lyle said, trying to laugh it off. “All you pretty ones are.” “You think I’m pretty?” Lyle smiled wickedly. “That sounds like a homo-erotic come-on, Chuckie…maybe you have tendencies as well.” The man bristled. “You want a fat lip?” “You said it, not me.” Lyle stood up and dumped his trash into a can, then looked up at David’s office window and sighed sadly. “What the fuck did you do now, David?” ~ At lunch time, David met Jennifer in her office. “You ready?” “Yes. I’m starved. Where to, David?” She grabbed her purse. “I don’t know. You decide.” “What’s wrong? Did you and Lyle have a fight?” “No. I’ll tell you over lunch.” He opened the door for her and followed her down the hall. Two of the workmen were leaving the offices. They were replacing the windows on the floor below and were in the elevator with them on their way down. When David smiled politely at them he was blanked. Both men turned their face away and didn’t return his greeting. It sent an odd sensation to his mid-section which he tried to ignore. As they stepped out of the lobby and into the sunlight, David scanned the area for Lyle. “He’s there, David. On his own on the grass.” He tilted to where Jennifer was pointing. There, by his lonesome, was handsome Lyle Wilson, eating his lunch by himself as if he were an outcast. As they drew near, David paused, then when Lyle still hadn’t noticed him, he said, “Lyle?” 113

G.A. Hauser The look on Lyle’s face surprised him. When all he got was a slight frown and ignored, he felt Jennifer nudging him to move on. “Keep going, David. Don’t embarrass the poor man.” David kept moving down the street with Jennifer’s hand on his arm urging him. When they arrived at a café David waited until they were seated and ordered some salads, then he said, “I think I fucked up, Jen.” She took a sip of her water and just stared at him in expectation. “I…I told the project manager I wanted one of the men removed from the site.” “Go on.” “Well, he’s Lyle’s roommate, or should I say, was his roommate. He made some unwanted moves on Lyle last week, including last night where the police were actually called to their apartment. I thought it would be best to get rid of him.” “Uh huh,” she raised her eyebrows expressively. “Well, perhaps I shouldn’t have been that hasty.” “Perhaps. Perhaps you should have let Lyle deal with it his own way. He’s not a child, David.” “I know. I thought I was protecting him.” David thanked the waiter as he set their food down. “Protecting him? David, listen to yourself.” After he took a small bite and swallowed, David said, “Well, judging by the looks I got from the two guys in the elevator, maybe the cat is out of the bag on the job site.” “You think Lyle would tell them?” “No. Jeff Best would.” “The man you had evicted from the area?” “Yes.” “Oh, David…” she shook her head sadly. “Sometimes I think you are brilliant, and at other times…” “Look—I didn’t want that maggot anywhere near him! He kept pushing himself on Lyle. What was I 114

Secrets and Misdemeanors supposed to do?” “You were supposed to treat Lyle like a big boy and let him fight his own battles. Did he ask you for your help?” “No,” David lowered his eyes, losing his appetite. “No. I didn’t think so.” “I fucked up, Jen. I fucked up.” She smiled sympathetically and patted his hand. ~ At five p.m. Lyle took off his yellow hard hat and wiped the sweat off his face. Looking behind him first, seeing the crew dispersing quickly, he walked towards the gates of the parking garage and peered into the dimness. David was just climbing into his car and pulling out of his space. Lyle sighed tiredly and waited. The gate opened and the shining black car cruised through silently. Opening the passenger door, Lyle leaned in and said, “I’m filthy.” “I don’t care. Get in.” Still dreading getting the dusty dirt all over the clean seats, Lyle climbed in gently and then sat back. He tossed his hat to the floor, then fastened his belt. As they left he noticed his manager Keith and Bill Enright staring at them. Feeling as if he had to hide, Lyle covered his face with his hand and turned away from their curious eyes. Once they were on their way, he asked, “What the fuck did you fire Jeff for? Do you know the crap I’ve had to deal with all day?” “Look, I’m sorry—” “You’re sorry? David, Jeff made sure everyone knew we were screwing each other. He made damn sure he said something before he left. Why the hell did you do that?” “I just didn’t want him near you. I saw him annoying you the minute you two were together on the job.” “I can handle it, David.” 115

G.A. Hauser “I know. I’m sorry…” “What I can’t handle is everyone shunning me. None of the guys will sit next to me now on our breaks. They barely acknowledge me when we are working and it’s fucking with my head!” “You want me to talk to someone—” “No!” Lyle rubbed his eyes, then took a deep breath to calm down. “Look, I know you mean well. I do, David, but I’m not your son. I don’t need my daddy t o fight my battles.” Cringing, David replied, “That’s not fair, Lyle.” Lyle exhaled loudly and sat facing forward. “You didn’t object when I stepped in yesterday, when it involved the police.” “I could have dealt with that as well. It was just easier to shove the word ‘lawyer’ at them.” Lyle brushed off the dust that had settled on the seat around him. “David, I do appreciate the fact that you love me and are willing to help me. I do. Please don’t think I am ungrateful. It’s just that I really would have liked t o have had a chance to do this one on my own. I didn’t want all the macho men I work with to know I’m gay. I knew it wouldn’t go over well with them. It’s not like I’ve been working here for years and they know me. They don’t really know me at all. I don’t think any of them want to be associated with a gay man.” “You don’t need them.” “Don’t I?” Lyle laughed as they sat in traffic on the freeway. “No. They’re below you.” Shaking his head, Lyle replied, “You’re a snob, David. It’s not flattering.” “I’m just saying these things to protect you. I want you to see that if these men aren’t open-minded enough to not care about what your sexuality is, then screw them. I don’t mean to say they are less of a human being. Though, to be honest, being homophobic doesn’t exactly make them more of a human being in my book.” 116

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Are you done rambling?” David peeked over at him, then looked back out of the windshield as they crawled inch by inch. “For whatever noble reason you may have had, David, I am screwed on the job now.” “Quit. Quit and live with me.” Lyle started laughing, but it wasn’t an amused laugh. “When did you cut off my dick and balls, David?” “Lyle!” “Never mind. If I didn’t know you so well, I’d say you were a complete control freak. But I do know you. You’re only thinking of me.” “Yes! Thank you!” Relieved they were finally getting off the freeway t o the side streets, Lyle sighed, “But, I need to work, I need to be independent, and I don’t want you taking care of me.” “Why not? If someone had asked me when I was your age I would have accepted.” “Bull shit.” “No, it’s not bull shit. Lyle, I understand you have some urge in you to prove something, but life is so fricken short. Christ, I know men my age that have been cut down with a heart attack. What’s the point?” “Then retire, David.” “Huh? Me? Retire?” David pulled up to his parking garage and waited for the gate to roll back. “Yes. Put your money where your mouth is.” “Speaking of money…you know how much child support is costing me? And alimony? I wish I could.” He pulled into his space and shut the engine. “What if you sold the practice? What about all that rent you get on the building?” In silence David stepped out of the car. Lyle did as well, looking back at the seat in dismay. When he started swiping at it to clean it, David told him to stop. “I’ll get it detailed. Don’t bother.” As they came through the hall, David reached back for Lyle’s hand. Lyle took it. It was a peace offering 117

G.A. Hauser and he knew it. Just as they stopped to stand at the elevator, a loud shouting and banging sound echoed in the lobby. ~ David’s heart sank. He shrugged off Lyle’s hand quickly and shouted, “Annette! Christ All Mighty!” “David! David, let me in this instant!” He couldn’t. Standing there rubbing his face in agony, David didn’t make a move to the door. Lyle had turned his back to her, standing perfectly still. “David! I swear to god, if you don’t open this door right now and tell me what the hell’s going on, I’ll ruin you!” “Let her the fuck in, David,” Lyle whispered. “I can’t. She’s impossible.” Annette screamed, “I saw you holding his hand, David!” at the top of her lungs. An older woman that had come in from the parking garage gasped at the comment, then made for the stairwell hastily. Wanting to wring Annette’s neck, David opened the door. The moment he did she shoved him back and stood there, panting and foaming at the mouth. “ I don’t believe it! No woman, you said! No woman? Well! I can see why now! I hope to hell you didn’t bring him around the children!” “Shut up, Annette!” David looked around the halls in paranoia. “I should go.” Lyle made a move to the lobby door. “No. You stay. You!” David pointed at Annette, “Why don’t you get the hell out of here!” “Are you kidding me?” she choked, “We have t o talk about this one!” “What for?” “David!” Seeing Lyle cringe, David hit the elevator button again and the three of them entered it; Annette tapping her pointy shoe, Lyle trying to hide, and him with a terrible headache. 118

Secrets and Misdemeanors When they entered the penthouse, Lyle instantly left them alone to go shower and change. Annette slammed her purse down on a table and folded her arms across her chest. “This is the lowest, even for you.” “Shut up, Annette. Since when did you become so narrow-minded?” “I can’t believe it! You? Gay? What the hell’s going on, David!? Is this all just to get back at me? To get at the children?” “Will you listen to yourself? What an ego!” “That’s it! I don’t want them coming here ever again! You’re perverted, David! I don’t want that man touching my son!” David balled up his fists and had to forcefully stop himself from hitting her. “How dare you…” he growled. “How-fucking-dare you make a comment like that!” “Oh, you can forget seeing them again! I’ll get a court order!” “Will you?” he mocked. “Will your ex-Larry write one up for you? And you expect a judge to bar me from seeing my children simply because I have a male lover? Use your head, Annette. You’ll make a fool of yourself.” “How could you? How could you touch him? I don’t get it! You’re not homosexual, David. Are you just going through some mid-life crisis?” “Shut up, Annette. You said what you came to say. Now go. I’m tired and I don’t need this.” He attempted to coral her to the door, handing her her purse. “You haven’t heard the last of this, David. I will go to the judge and tell him. I’ll tell him he molested my son!” Without a thought he smacked her face. She blinked in shock and held her cheek. “You assaulted me!” “Your word against mine. Now get out!” “You hit me!” “Get out!” “I’ll get you for this, David! Mark my word, I will 119

G.A. Hauser get you for this!” He shoved her out and slammed the door, then rested his forehead on it to calm himself down. When he could breathe again he headed to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a scotch with shaking hands. After he gulped it down, he closed his eyes and moaned, “Oh, this just hasn’t been my day.” ~ Lyle finished showering and stepped into his jeans and a t-shirt. Before he left the safety of David’s bedroom suite, he listened to see if the coast was clear. Opening the door a crack, he stuck his head out and then emerged to a penthouse that was completely silent. Room by room he checked for David, then finally found him slouched in a chair in a dim corner of one of the many spare rooms, an empty glass of booze in his fist and a glazed look to his eyes. Tiptoeing in, Lyle sat down on the arm of the chair David occupied and stared at his profile. Very gently he began petting David’s dark hair back from his forehead. At the caress, David shifted over to lean his head on Lyle’s side in comfort. They didn’t speak. It just didn’t seem that anything they could say would change anything. As Lyle continued to stroke David’s head softly, his eyes drifted off to the contents of the room. A large plasma screen television, the latest stereo equipment, an Andy Warhol print on the wall of Mick Jagger, stacks of CD’s and DVD’s, the room dripped with wealth. The battle began again in his head. How easy would it be to give in, quit work, and move into this glorious home? Too easy, that was the problem.

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Chapter Nine Lyle left the penthouse early, alone. Both battle weary, they didn’t argue. With intentions of stopping by the apartment to get more clothing, Lyle parked out front and made his way to the lobby, his key in his hand. When David had asked him why he was leaving so early he evaded the question. He knew if David was aware he wanted to come back here, he wouldn’t have let him go alone. The last thing he wanted was for David and Jeff to fight. “Hello?” Lyle called inside when he opened the door. No one answered. He looked around the apartment curiously, but Jeff wasn’t there. “Good,” he said as he headed to his bedroom and found a large suitcase he had stashed in his closet. After opening it up on his bed, he began going through the dresser draws t o get the rest of his clothing. He paused when he opened the first one. It was nearly empty. “Oh, shit. What did you do with my things?” A few items were still hanging in his closet. He packed them in the suitcase, then began checking around the house for anything else that belonged t o him. Jeff’s bedroom door was part-way open. Lyle peered into the dimness. Seeing something a little odd, he pushed the door back further and stepped in, flipping on the light. “What the fuck?” All his missing clothing was heaped in a pile on Jeff’s bed. 121

G.A. Hauser “You’re sleeping with my clothes? You sick fucker,” Lyle whispered out loud. He began pulling them off carefully, looking at each one as if it were now alien and contaminated. Certain there was something nasty on them, he left to find a plastic garbage bag and decided to wash everything before he wore it again. “Christ, why does it stink in here?” He cringed, dumping his things into the bag with distaste. “I should just forget this crap and buy new shit!” he growled in anger. Once he had filled the bag, he tied it up and carried it to the front door, then picked up the few books and CD’s that were his and made sure he didn’t have t o come back again. As he rummaged through the clutter, he found a pad of paper. Scribbled in Jeff’s lousy penmanship was ‘Lyle Wilson’ from top to bottom in several different styles. “Jesus!” Lyle blinked his eyes in horror. His skin began crawling with gooseflesh. Visions of being trapped inside the tiny three rooms with a madman haunted him. He dropped the pad down and made a move to the bedroom to close up the suitcase and get the hell out of there. As he snapped the latches shut he thought he heard a noise. His heart pounding in his chest, Lyle crept to the doorway t o look out. ~ The moment David arrived at work he was met by a barrage of police cars and uniformed officers. Before he even entered the parking garage he parked his car in a tow away zone and climbed out, hurrying to the front of his building. About to ask what was going on, David became distracted by some movement on one part of the scaffolding. He covered his mouth in a reaction of instinct and through his foggy brain he heard Jennifer’s voice shouting at him to come over to her. ~ No one was there. The noise must have come from the hall. Lyle exhaled in relief and set his suitcase by the door with the plastic bag. He did one last search 122

Secrets and Misdemeanors around the small apartment, then, satisfied nothing was left behind, he hauled the two items out with him, shutting the door. Running late, but not by much, Lyle locked the suitcase and plastic bag in the back of his truck which was covered by a canopy, then tried to find a parking space near the job site. It was harder than usual, so he parked two blocks away and walked briskly to the building. The first sight of a police car didn’t faze him, then slowly as he turned the corner, he found the area in complete chaos. David was calling his name, but he felt slightly disoriented and didn’t respond. ~ “Lyle! Lyle!” David shouted again and again. Finally he jogged to where he was frozen and touched his arm. Lyle blinked and met his eyes but didn’t say anything. “Where have you been? I’ve been ringing your cell phone!” “What’s going on? Why are there cops here?” Lyle’s eyes darted to a coroner’s van. “Lyle,” David whispered, “it’s Jeff.” “Jeff?” Not wanting to shock him, struggling to find a way to avoid it, David held Lyle by his elbow and gently led him away from the turmoil and noise. When they were alone, hidden behind a corner of the brick wall, David waited until he got the full attention of Lyle’s light eyes. “Lyle.” “David, I can’t figure this out.” “Lyle, listen to me.” David waited for him to come back to reality. “Lyle, the first people to come in this morning found Jeff.” “Found him?” David swallowed first, then whispered, “Found him dead.” “What?” Pausing for a minute to let it digest, David 123

G.A. Hauser continued, “He hung himself, Lyle.” “Wha-at?” Lyle’s eyes dilated as he became pale. Inhaling deeply, David repeated it, then added, “They found him hanging from the scaffolding.” In the same gut-reaction, Lyle covered his mouth, then gasped, “I was just at the apartment.” David bristled in anger. “You didn’t tell me you were going there? I told you not to go there alone.” “He’d piled all my clothing on his bed, David. I found a pad where he kept writing my name over and over…” “Oh, Christ.” David shook his head. “Lyle, the cops want to talk to you. They know you two were roommates.” “Okay,” he shrugged. “Lyle,” David focused on his eyes again. “They know you two had a fight.” “So?” “I…I had to be your alibi.” “My alibi?” Lyle choked in fear. “Shh, don’t worry. I want to be there when you talk to the police. Okay, Lyle?” “My alibi? Why would I need an alibi?” David nudged him to start moving around the building, back to the action in front. The project manager had sent everyone home, so the area was beginning to clear out. The office employees had begun making their way inside, whispering, after the body was cut down and placed in back of the coroner’s van. With his hand on Lyle’s back, David escorted him to a waiting sergeant. “This is Lyle Wilson. Jeff’s exroommate. Should we go somewhere private to chat, sergeant?” “No. That won’t be necessary, Mr. Thornton. I just want to ask Lyle a few questions, that’s all.” David peeked back at his lover. Lyle’s eyes were distant and void. “Lyle?” David whispered, “Sgt. Lee has a couple of questions to ask you. Can you help him out?” 124

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Huh? Sure.” Lyle nodded, still appearing numb. “Come over to my car, Lyle.” Sgt. Lee gestured. The three of them walked to the curb. Sgt. Lee opened the passenger side of his patrol car and told Lyle to sit down. He did. David leaned next to the opened door to listen; his lawyer persona had kicked in. “When was the last time you saw Jeff, Lyle?” the sergeant asked. “Uh…yesterday. Here.” “Did he phone you at all after that?” “No. I was at David’s. I had my phone off.” “Can you check it to see if he left you any messages?” Fumbling, taking it out of his pocket, Lyle looked as if he was having trouble remembering how it worked. “Is this necessary?” David asked. “It would be nice to know if he left any last words.” Sgt. Lee leaned on the opened door, watching Lyle. Lyle put the phone to his ear. Shaking his head he said, “No. Nothing.” “Okay. Lyle, was Jeff depressed?” “I think so. He whined a lot about being alone.” “Anything happen that may have put him over the edge yesterday? Mr. Thornton said he was asked t o leave the site.” David withstood the look of suspicion Lyle shot quickly at him. In response to that glare, David said, “ I told him Mr. Best wasn’t up to standard on the job.” Staring into space, blinking his eyes slowly, Lyle didn’t answer. Sgt. Lee asked again. “Lyle?” “Uh…I don’t know,” Lyle finally said, averting David’s eye. “Okay. Nothing more for now.” Sgt. Lee backed up, allowing Lyle to get out of his car if he wanted to. “Lyle, if you think of something that can help, let us know.” “Why?” David asked. “It’s an obvious suicide. What 125

G.A. Hauser more do you need from Lyle?” “It’s just for Mr. Best’s family. They tend to ask a lot of questions in these cases and expect the police t o do as much as possible to find out what the cause was. There isn’t going to be an investigation.” “What if someone killed him?” Lyle whispered. “Lyle!” David felt like hitting him. Sgt. Lee perked up. “Why would someone kill him, Lyle?” Shrugging, Lyle said, “I don’t know. He wasn’t well liked, was he?” “All right, enough.” David was furious with him. Just as it seemed complete, Lyle opened his mouth for no reason. “Come on, Lyle. I’ll take you home.” “You two live together?” Sgt. Lee asked. “Yes.” David tapped Lyle’s shoulder, then helped him to stand. “When did you move out, Lyle?” Sgt. Lee took out his pad. “I took the rest of my shit today. It’s in my truck.” He nodded to it, as if it were behind him. “Really? That recently?” “That’s enough, sergeant. I think you have everything you need.” David held onto Lyle’s arm and physically dragged him away from the sergeant who was staring at them suspiciously. When they were out of his hearing range, David growled, “What the hell is wrong with you?” “Me? Why did you lie to him?” “What?” David stopped when Lyle pulled out of his grip. “Why didn’t you tell the cop why you fired Jeff? You lied and said he wasn’t doing a good job. Why?” “I just thought it would make it less complicated. Where are you parked?” “Down there somewhere,” he pointed, but it was weak and lacked accuracy. “I’ll drive you. Get your car tomorrow.” “All my shit is in it.” 126

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Fine. I’ll drive you to it and you can load it into my trunk.” David tapped him and pointed to his car parked in that tow-away zone. “No. I need it. I’ll meet you at your place.” Knowing it would cause an argument, David nodded, tight-lipped and walked to his car. David began the drive back home in a daze trying not to think, then again, unable to stop thinking. He parked in his assigned spot and then noticed Lyle walking underground towards him carrying a suitcase in one hand and a black plastic bag in the other as the gate began to close behind him. Waiting as he approached, David was about to ask him a question when Lyle said, “He had all my clothes piled on his bed.” Crinkling his nose in distaste, David asked, “Is that the reason for the trash bag?” He pointed down at the one in Lyle’s hand. “Yeah.” “Come on. Let’s drop them off at the cleaners now. I don’t want them in my house.” Lyle dragged the load to David’s car as David popped open the trunk and helped him put the two items in the trunk. “He was writing my name over and over on a pad,” Lyle whispered. “All right, enough.” “I killed him, David.” Spinning around to him in terror, David shouted, “You what?” “I shunned him. I didn’t give him the time of day.” “Oh…I thought you meant…well, he didn’t go about it the right way, did he?” He shut the trunk and unlocked the doors again with a chirp of his key fob. “No. But, neither did I.” Lyle climbed into the passenger seat tiredly. “What were you supposed to do? Mercy screw him? Come on, Lyle, the man was revolting.” David started the car and backed out of the space, clicking the garage door opener. “But, he was human. It’s not right.” 127

G.A. Hauser David rested his hand on Lyle’s leg and squeezed it gently. “Sometimes things in life just aren’t. You can’t help that.” “Couldn’t I?” “Look, lover, you did the best you could at the time. You have to give Jeff some of the blame. He didn’t exactly romance you. He assaulted you, or at least attempted to. Don’t forget what he did, twice.” “Yeah, but, he invited me to live with him when I was alone and on my own.” “Oh? And why did he do that? Hmm?” David shook his head. “So he could get into your pants. Forget it, Lyle. Forget it.” “But, what about his family. That cop said they ask questions.” “Let his secret die with him, Lyle. Don’t imagine they’d be happy to know their son committed suicide because he was shunned by a man he molested. I’d not want that on my epitaph.” “No. No, you’re right, David. You’re always right.” Pulling off the street at his drycleaners, David shut off the car and said, “Just relax, I’ll be right back.” “You want me to help?” “No. Just sit there.” After Lyle nodded, David climbed out and took the black bag of clothing out of his trunk. He brought it in and set it on the counter. “Yes, hello. I’d like this clothing washed for me.” He took the ticket and thanked the man, then opened his car door and found Lyle slouched down low on the seat, daydreaming. “It’ll be done by Friday.” “Okay.” David started the car and headed home with a heaviness to his heart. Life was never the way you wished it could be, was it? Lyle carried his suitcase inside the penthouse. After he set it down, he asked, “Can I use your phone?” “Hmm? Of course.” David gestured to it. “I’m just going to change out of this suit.” 128

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Okay.” Lyle waited until he left, then sat on the sofa and picked up the phone, dialing. “Hi, Mom. It’s me.” David tried not to eavesdrop. When he heard he was calling his mother, he smiled sadly and went to change. Standing in his walk-in closet, David took off his business suit, slipping on some comfortable jeans and a soft cotton shirt. He located his mobile phone and sat on his bed with it. “Hello, Jennifer.” “David…how’s Lyle holding up?” “Okay for now. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. Is everything okay there? I’m sorry I didn’t stay for the morning briefing.” “It’s all right, David. Nothing new. Everyone is fine. You just take all the time you need.” “What would I do without you?” He smiled. “You’d be broke and miserable…only joking. I mean it, David. Don’t worry about work.” “I know everyone is capable, Jen, it’s just the sense of duty.” “And we all love that about you. But, everyone takes days off around here. If we need your advice, you’re a phone call away.” “I am. I’ll be in tomorrow.” “You don’t want another day?” “No. I know Lyle will be back on the job as well.” “They’re almost done here, David. Though I hate the noise and dust, I’ll miss all those strutting male bodies.” He burst out laughing and it felt wonderful to do so. “You’re fantastic, Jennifer. Stewart is a lucky, lucky man.” “I tell him that every day, David.” “I’ll see you in the morning, sweetheart. Thanks for holding down the fort for me.” “Have a nice evening. Tell Lyle not to fret over it.” “I will. Thanks again.” He hung up, smiling. Setting the mobile phone on his nightstand, David headed back to where Lyle had been sitting. As he walked into the 129

G.A. Hauser room he found him standing at the door about to leave. “You going somewhere?” “Uh, yeah. Just for a minute.” “Can I ask where?” “Just out. I won’t be long.” About to nag, David bit his lip, then rummaged through his pocket and found his keys. “Here. This one’s to the lobby door, this one’s the house key.” “Oh. Thanks, David. You need me to pick up anything while I’m out? Booze? Some dinner?” “Oh…uh…let me have a look.” David tried to keep his temper under control while he jogged to the kitchen to check out the contents. Where did he have to go? Why was he leaving and not telling him why or what was going on? Fighting with himself to treat Lyle like an adult and not a child, David hunted through the alcohol and meat selection, then headed back to where Lyle was standing at the front door. “If you want more beer, buy some.” Lyle stayed David’s hand when he tried to hand him some money. “I’ve got it. So, just beer?” “Yes. I’ve got a ton of food in the house.” “Okay. See you in about an hour.” Battling with himself over asking one more time ‘where are you going?’, David smiled tightly and nodded, then waited until the elevator opened and waved as he left. Closing the door slowly, he scuffed his way to his study, poured himself a scotch and mumbled, “I’d have gone to work, Lyle, if I knew you’d leave.” ~ After the conversation with his mother, Lyle felt even guiltier about Jeff. Imagining it was his mother the police were contacting about his death, Lyle felt sick t o his stomach. Touching a tear before it left his eye, he sat in his truck and started the engine, then drove off quickly, wanting to get back so David wouldn’t worry. Fifteen minutes later he parked and hopped out, then jogged up to the front lobby door and used his key to get in. He stood for a moment in front of his 130

Secrets and Misdemeanors apartment door, then opened it and looked in. It was exactly how he’d left it. He closed the door, then paused, as if letting himself get used to the place in the knowledge that it had changed. The tenant was now deceased. It made a difference, a big one. “Oh, Jeffrey…why? Why, why, why?” he moaned. It seemed as if he needed to tidy up. It was only right. He set to clearing up the mess Jeff had made of the place. Washing dishes, dumping old newspapers into the trash, hanging up clothing, putting shoes away in closets, straightening cushions…vacuuming. After an hour he was dripping with sweat. Pausing at Jeff’s room, Lyle stared inside. It was amazing how dirty it was, and it stunk. Forcing himself into the room, he stood, staring at the grossly disheveled bed and shivered with revulsion. After a deep breath, he began removing all the dirty laundry from the top of the covers, folding it, and placing it in the drawers with the clean clothes. What did it matter? It never mattered when Jeff was alive. He shook out the bedspread and two magazines dropped onto the floor. After he made the bed tidy, Lyle picked them up to look at. “Holy shit.” Rushing, holding them as if they were lethal, he stuffed them into the overflowing trash bag in the kitchen, then washed his hands. Shivering in disgust, Lyle took a moment to shake off the affect, then bravely headed back into Jeff’s room to straighten up a little more of his things. Lastly he took the bathroom air freshener and doused the room in cinnamon and cloves. When he set the aerosol can back into the bathroom, he flipped up the lid and relieved himself, then looked around at the mess around him. “Jesus, Jeff, for a guy who never liked to shower, you have enough shit!” Checking his watch, knowing it’d been almost two hours since he left David’s place, Lyle quickly went through the shower products and threw out everything old and mildew-covered or almost empty. Tugging open the cabinet under the sink, he 131

G.A. Hauser crouched down and gazed at the plethora of crap in amazement. None of it was his. Rogaine, cheap hair dye, a box of rubbers that were coated in dust and at least a decade old, and other unmentionable cures for fungus, warts, and a multitude of vile conditions he wouldn’t wish on anyone. “What the fuck?” he pulled out a plastic bag to inspect. Pills. It was loaded with pills but without a prescription bottle. “Uh huh…your fucking stash. I knew it.” He picked up one tablet, reading it. “Pain killers. Great, Jeffrey, great.” Shaking the hundreds of multi-colored pills into the toilet, Lyle flushed them down and washed his hands again. When he heard a noise at the door, his heart stopped. He poked his head out and found two burly men standing at the doorway. Behind them was the manager with the key. “Oh. Lyle. I knocked but no one answered.” “Sorry, Jack. I was in the bathroom cleaning. I didn’t hear you.” He looked into the eyes of two very angry males. “Uh. Hello?” “Who the fuck are you?” one snarled. “They’re Jeff’s brothers, Lyle,” Jack said softly. “I’ll leave you to it.” As Jack bid a hasty retreat, Lyle stood straight and pushed the damp hair back from his forehead. “I’m Lyle Wilson. I was Jeff’s roommate.” He held out his hand politely. Neither took it. “He never said he lived with anyone.” The older of the two looked around the room. “I…I moved in only a short while ago. And, I don’t live here anymore…I was just—” “You was just what?” Lyle didn’t like the vibes he was getting. “Uh, I was cleaning the place up.” “What the hell fer?” “I don’t know. I just thought it was the right thing to do.” “You rifling through his shit to steal it? He’s been through his shit I’ll bet, Jimmie.” 132

Secrets and Misdemeanors “You stealing shit from our brother?” Jimmie asked angrily. “No. I wouldn’t do that. I was just trying to clean up…it was for when you guys came by. You know, his family. I thought it was a nice gesture.” “Jimmie, ask him why Jeff killed himself. Ask him.” “You ask him Arthur! You’re standing right there!” Lyle imagined making a dash to the door, but two large hillbillies were standing in his path. “I don’t know why.” “You live with him and you don’t know why,” Jimmie shook his head, snorting. “I don’t think you lived here. I think you’re lyin.” “How would the manager know me? Jack said my name. Remember?” “Oh. Arthur, the manager said his name.” “That’s right, Jimmie. Unless they’re in it together.” “Uh, you guys aren’t from LA, are you?” Lyle tried to move closer to the door. “I ain’t from no stinkin’ LA. Just queers and bitches live here. No way. I don’t know what Jeffrey saw in this shit-of-a-place. Do you, Jimmie?” “No, Arthur, I don’t.” “Right. Well, nice meeting you guys. I’ll be going now.” As he moved slowly towards the door, Lyle noticed that pad with Jeff’s scribbling on it. Knowing they were watching his every move, he cursed himself for not throwing it out earlier. He had actually imagined keeping it, as a keepsake from Jeff. Staring down at it as he passed by, he asked himself how the hell they would even know he hadn’t written it? I t didn’t matter. Did it? “So, you don’t live here anymore?” Arthur blocked his path. “No. Oh. Here. Take the keys.” Lyle yanked them out of his pocket and made sure they were the right ones. He handed them over, then tried to skirt around the tight room to freedom. “Sorry about Jeff. He was a 133

G.A. Hauser good friend.” “If he was a good friend, why the hell don’t you know why he died?” “Well, we didn’t know each other that well. We had our own lives.” “I better not find out you been lyin to us. We’ll find you, pretty boy.” “He looks like one of them queers…” “Shit. See ya.” Lyle pushed his way behind large Arthur to the hall and didn’t look back. As he crossed the lawn to where he had parked his truck, he peered back over his shoulder in paranoia, then sighed. “Hope I got rid of all that porn for you, Jeff, for the sake of your poor mother!” ~ He was pacing. Several times he lifted the phone t o dial his mobile, then hung up. Slightly buzzed on booze, David checked the time and felt foolish to be drunk at noon. When his phone rang he raced to it and picked it up. “Hello?” “Dad?” “Joel. Hi. How did you know to call me at home?” “I tried your cell phone and got the answering service, then when I called work they said you were home.” “Oh.” “Are you sick?” “No. I just took a day off. What’s up?” “Mom said we’re not spending July Fourth with you now. What’s going on?” “Is that all she said?” He heard the front door and spun around, staring at it. “Well, she said some other things, but I don’t want to repeat them.” Seeing Lyle come in and acknowledge him, then head directly to the bedroom, David walked with the cordless to keep an eye on him. “Like what, Joel? What kinds of things?” “You know Mom.” 134

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Look, we are seeing each other per the agreement, Joel. And that includes the Fourth.” Peeking into the bathroom, David watched curiously as Lyle stripped for the shower. He checked his watch again and was dying to ask why he needed to wash so early. “I don’t know. Mom said we aren’t seeing you anymore.” “Don’t get yourself upset, Joel. Your mother sometimes says things to get a reaction.” He positioned himself so he could watch Lyle scrub up through the shower doors. “I’ll say.” “Are you going to tell me what she said, Joel?” “It’s embarrassing, Dad.” “Then she did tell you.” “Are you?” Tearing himself away from that naked god so he could focus on his son while his brain was already inebriated, David walked to the window to stare outside and sighed, “Yes. Look, nothing’s changed between us, Joel. It makes no difference to our relationship.” “No?” David’s heart broke. “Are you saying it does?” “Come on, Dad!” “Joel, this really hurts me. Does Ellen feel this way too?” “She was just crying about it. Mom really made out like you’re some kind of a monster.” Rubbing his face, David dropped down on his bed and sighed. “You know that’s not true.” “She said this strange guy you are dating will molest me.” Wanting to scream, David took a deep breath and said calmly, “Would I ever let anyone hurt you?” “No.” “This man I am seeing, he’s a very nice man. I think both you and Ellen will really like him.” “Wow, that’s not what Mom said.” “Joel, what do you expect from your mother? Has 135

G.A. Hauser she ever behaved rationally towards me since this split up?” He waited and heard nothing. “Look, I can’t defend him. You just have to spend time with him and make your own opinion.” “I don’t think Mom will let me.” “She doesn’t have a choice, Joel. It’s ordered by a judge.” David spun around as Lyle stepped into the room, a towel around his hips. “She said she’s going to get the judge to write up a new thing. Look, Dad, I don’t want to stop seeing you, but I don’t want some guy touching me.” “Joel!” David shouted, then calmed down, “That’s not going to happen. Did Larry ever do that to you? No. Then you don’t have to expect Lyle to.” “Larry wasn’t gay!” “Okay, enough, Joel. The next time I see you in person I want to have this conversation. Just not over the phone.” “But, Mom says—” “Joel— I said the next time we see each other.” David checked his watch again, then asked Lyle in a whisper, “What day is it today?” “Wednesday.” “Wednesday, right, look, Joel, I’ll see you next weekend. I’ll be there at my usual time. Eh!” he cut him off again, “My usual time. Okay? Until then, stop being upset about it. I promise you it’ll work out.” He peered up and found Lyle’s light eyes watching him intently. “Okay, son, good-bye.” He hung up and set the phone down on the nightstand, then rubbed his eyes tiredly. “My ex-wife is a complete idiot.” “So I gathered.” Lyle sat down on the bed next t o him. “Can I ask where you were?” “I went back to the apartment, David.” “Oh. Just to see if you left anything behind?” “No. I cleaned up. After talking to my mother I just thought if it was my mom who had to come there t o clean up my things, I’d want it to look neat.” 136

Secrets and Misdemeanors “I could have helped out.” “It’s okay.” David collapsed back on the bed with a bounce and put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Lyle cuddled up near him. “I think maybe it’s a good thing that Jeff’s dead.” David raised his eyebrow at the odd statement. Lyle crawled closer, as if he needed to whisper in the privacy of the room. “Why would you say that?” David asked, wrapping around his naked torso. “I found some nasty magazines…” “Oh? Don’t most men have things like that?” “Not this type.” Lyle choked in a sarcastic laugh. “Raunchy?” David ran his hands through Lyle’s wet hair lovingly. “Little boys.” David froze. “No.” “Yup. Sick!” David dropped his arm down to his side and closed his eyes. Lyle curled around him even closer. “And he had a stash of pills, David. All sorts. Pain killers, antidepressants, sleeping pills. I’m surprised the guy could function.” He began unbuttoning David’s shirt. “And when I was just about done, two men showed up. His brothers…Christ, David, it was like something out of Deliverance. Scary! I barely got out of there alive.” He kissed David’s neck. “Wanna screw?” Through his hand, David began laughing. When he tilted to look down at his lover, Lyle was grinning demonically having gotten David’s shirt undone and smoothing his hand over his chest. “Yes.” “Good!” Lyle whipped his towel off and began squirming on top of David’s body. “Do it with your clothing on.” “My clothing on?” David stopped taking off his shirt. “Yeah.” Lyle got to his hands and knees wearing the 137

G.A. Hauser wickedest smile on his face that David had seen yet. “Just pull down your zipper.” After reaching into the drawer of the nightstand for what he needed, David got to his knees behind Lyle, then slid on a rubber and paused. “Okay?” “Yeah…go for it…” Pushing in through the slippery lube, David inhaled a deep breath, then gripped that narrow waist tightly and began rocking in a rhythm. With his hand feeling behind him, Lyle touched David’s clothing, as if keeping the picture in his mind while he couldn’t see him. It took nothing for David t o come. Just the sight of Lyle naked was enough. Thrusting in deeper, David closed his eyes and savored the aftershocks, then sat back and caught his breath. As he did, Lyle spun around to see him. While David watched, Lyle appeared to be inspecting him top t o toe. “What?” David finally asked. “Look at you…that cock of yours sticking out of your jeans…luscious, David. You are so good looking.” Taking the rubber off, David carried it to the bathroom to dispose of, washed his hands, then paused once he returned, just to admire Lyle as he lay spread out on the mattress. Moving closer when Lyle craned his finger at him seductively, David crawled back over the bed to him, lying low between his thighs, then took him into his mouth gently. Every time he peeked up t o see him, David found Lyle staring at him as he sucked. In minutes he tasted cum in his mouth and closed his eyes in pleasure, the sound of Lyle’s gasps in his ear. Once they had both been satisfied, David inched his way higher on the bed to lie next to Lyle on the pillows. Closing his eyes, exhausted, David felt Lyle curl up over him, cuddling affectionately. He wrapped his arm around him, bringing his naked body closer, then they both fell asleep.

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Chapter Ten The last level of windows was being installed. Parts of the scaffolding were being removed and carted away. David stood near his desk gathering items he needed for their morning briefing, then made his way to the conference room. His secretary set a steaming cup of coffee down for him. A large basket of muffins and doughnuts set in the center of the table gave off a sugary sweetness he could taste out of the air. As his colleagues filtered in noisily, conversing about each case they were involved in, he spotted Jennifer and smiled sweetly at her. She moved to her place beside him at the table and set her coffee cup down as she sat in her chair. “Good morning, David. How is Lyle?” “He’s fine. He’s out there today on the site.” “Good.” Once everyone was present, David cleared his throat and took a sip of his coffee. “Right. Good morning, everyone.” A murmur returned to greet him. “What’s top of the list this morning?” A strange silence surrounded him. After he read the paperwork in front of him to discuss each case he peered up to see the group staring at him with odd expressions. “What?” Finally Danny said softly, “There’s a rumor going around, David.” “Oh?” He sat up straight and paid close attention. Since Danny had opened Pandora’s Box, Blossom boldly asked, “Are you gay, David?” 139

G.A. Hauser He had expected it sooner or later. People talk. People listen. “Yes.” He stared at each face wondering what they would say or do about his admission. “Cool,” Chris said, nodding his head. “Then, you are seeing one of the guys on the site?” Sonja asked, narrowing her eyes as if she couldn’t believe the rumors were true. Again, David said, “Yes.” This time he peeked over at Jennifer, who was smiling at him. Frederico leaned over the table to ask, “You are dating one of the construction workers?” Clearing his throat uncomfortably, David once again replied, “Yes,” wondering what more they expected him to say about it. In the silence they exchanged looks between them. “Now…anything work related?” David asked, trying to move the meeting on. Then as if Blossom couldn’t resist, she asked, “Which one, David? There are a few really adorable guys out there.” After a quick look to Jennifer for her support, David said to Blossom, “Lyle Wilson.” “Which one’s he?” Sylvia asked, looking at everyone else for the answer. Jennifer responded, “Gorgeous hunk. Tall, muscular, light green eyes, long brown hair, tattoo of a heart on his shoulder.” “Oooooh! That one!” Sylvia sang dreamily. “Nice one, David!” Blossom winked. “Best looking one of the bunch.” “Okay…now,” David tried to move them from the topic again, “Dan, you were handling the new client in a divorce case…” “Did Lyle know the guy who hung himself, David?” Sonja asked, “I saw the police sergeant talking to him. Is he in any trouble?” “Huh? Trouble? No. No, Sonja, he’s not. So, about this new client…” “If you need me, boss, I’m here,” Sonja added 140

Secrets and Misdemeanors proudly. “I don’t think he’ll be in need of a defense attorney, Sonja, but thanks for the offer.” David took a sip of his coffee and looked back at his notes. “Right, Frederico, you were handling the…” “Someone said the guy who hung himself was gay,” Chris said. David looked up at Chris and sighed tiredly. I t seemed impossible to get off the topic. “I heard that!” Danny pointed at Chris. “One of the construction guys said he was taken off the site because he was.” “No,” David said quickly. “He was not taken off the site because he was gay. He was removed…” Pausing, not wanting to get into any of this because of how personal it was, David rubbed his face tiredly. Jennifer touched his arm and said, “David, I think we should just set the record straight here because you know how gossip can be. These are our employees and they can be trusted with the truth.” When he scanned their faces he found their rapt attention, hungry for more juicy bits. He took another sip from his cup and said, “Right. I trust you all to keep it confidential.” They nodded. “Jeff Best, the man who hung himself yesterday, and Lyle, were roommates. Jeff made a few unwanted advances on Lyle. Lyle moved out. He’s staying temporarily with me until he moves into his new place. The day after Jeff was rebuffed he began to torment Lyle about it, and about us. When I realized he was badgering Lyle, I had Jeff removed from the site. He must have been distraught about it because the next day he committed suicide. That’s really all I know.” He picked up his cup and drank more coffee. Jennifer announced, “Right, that’s it. No more about the issue. We talk business now.” At her no-nonsense approach, the group began t o catch them up on their progress in the courtroom. David stayed silent the rest of the meeting wishing he could crawl under a rock. 141

G.A. Hauser ~ Standing on terra firma, Lyle caulked the last window frame as a man on the inside held it in place. The sun was already heating up the air, beating down on his naked back from above. As the scaffolding was removed, he could see the vast improvement in the look of the building. The cream-colored rendering was fresh and bright, the new windows made the lines clean and geometric again. Everything seemed normal, on schedule, ordinary, except one thing. No one was talking to him. Other than one word here or there asking him t o hand over tools or hold things in place, he was ignored. Not a word was spoken to him about Jeff. If they were talking about it, it wasn’t around him. He was in a cone of silence and it was making him feel queasy. At break time it was as if he were a leper. The men walked as far away from him as they could, not wanting to talk t o him or associate with him. Sitting by himself under a small sapling’s menial shade, Lyle drank his bottled water and tried to fathom the depths of his own self-pity, wondering whether or not he could live with this strange isolation. The answer was no. By lunch time the building was completed. The last part of the scaffolding was disassembled and loaded on a truck. The final window was in place and being cleaned. Finishing touches began. A walk through was made of the offices to make sure all the new windows were functioning properly. After that they would be ready t o move on. Lyle immediately volunteered to start from the top level and rode the elevator to David’s floor. As he entered their offices, past the receptionist, he headed down the hall to locate David. Several lawyers smiled knowingly at him as he did. Slightly disoriented by their giggling smirks, he tried to ignore them, then stood at the top-man’s door and rapped it with his knuckles. He heard David’s voice shouting for him to come in. 142

Secrets and Misdemeanors “Oh! Lyle!” David stood up instantly. “Is everything okay?” “Yes and no. Look, David, I’m just supposed to check with everyone before we go to make sure the windows are all okay.” “I haven’t heard any complaints.” He moved around the desk so they could stand together. Lyle crossed the room, opened and closed all the windows, then made for the door. David stopped him. “What’s wrong, Lyle?” After a deep exhale of breath, Lyle said, “No one’s talking to me, David.” “Why?” “Why?” Lyle choked in a laugh. “Quit! Live with me! Lyle, why put yourself through it?” When David touched him Lyle felt emotional and didn’t know why. “I have to finish the rest of the floor. They’re getting ready to leave.” “Okay.” David released him. “So…I’ll see you tonight.” Before he left, David cupped Lyle’s face and kissed him affectionately. That made it even worse. Lyle brushed at a tear quickly and stepped back. Before David could stop him, Lyle left the office and knocked on the next door. After checking each window, Lyle headed back t o the lobby once more having endured several winks and sly grins from all the employees who obviously knew he was the boss-man’s boy-toy. How embarrassing was that? When he had finished his task he walked over to the site manager and stood by until he was available. “Keith?” “Yeah?” “The top floor is fine. No problems with the windows.” “Okay.” “Where’s the next job?” 143

G.A. Hauser “Hawthorne. Just follow the guys over.” He nodded, took off his hard hat and tried to see if anyone was parked near him that he could follow. Once he was sitting in his truck, he became emotional and burst into tears. He rubbed at his face in anger, furious with himself for allowing things to get to him. ~ Packing his briefcase, getting ready to go to the courthouse after a phone call from Annette’s attorney, David heard a knock at his door and expected Lyle. Keith poked his head in and said hello. “We’re all finished, Mr. Thornton.” “Oh! Great. Let me take a look. I’m on my way out anyway.” David closed his briefcase and gestured for Keith to lead the way. As they stood in the elevator together David asked, “Were we on budget?” “Yes, sir. No delays, no extra costs.” “Really? Even with the loss of yesterday?” “Yes, sir. We were slightly ahead before that.” “Fantastic! Good job.” David nodded for him to exit the elevator first, then they walked out into the sunlight and spun around. Shielding his eyes from the glare, David had a good look at the work and nodded his head. “My god. It looks like a new building.” “It’s amazing how much grime accumulates on the façade after so many decades.” “And that’s the original color? That lovely cream?” “It is.” Keith laughed. “Fantastic. Great job, Keith. I’ll highly recommend you.” “Thank you, Mr. Thornton. It was nice working with you.” David shook his hand and said, “I’ll get the check out to you in the morning.” “Thanks again, sir.” David waved to him as he walked away, then he sighed, already missing Lyle hanging around. The place seemed empty without all the men loitering. Changing his direction and demeanor, David headed down to the 144

Secrets and Misdemeanors parking garage to go to battle once again over this custody agreement. ~ Furious, about to punch a wall in his penthouse, David threw down his briefcase and keys and headed t o the liquor cabinet for a drink. Pouring himself a large scotch he guzzled it down, then sat by the phone and dialed. “Jen? Bad time?” “No, David, I can talk. What’s wrong?” “I could explode, Jen…Annette went to the judge who had signed our order and is now fighting for complete custody, no visitation, on the grounds that my seeing this young man is an unsuitable environment for the kids, particularly Joel.” “Well, she can’t do that, David. I wouldn’t worry.” “Maybe not in the end, but now I have to get Lyle to agree to a background check. This is insane, Jen! I don’t ask for each of her conquests to go through a police check!” “Calm down, David.” He swigged the remaining drop of scotch from his glass, then exhaled deeply. “Are you calm?” “No, but I’m still here.” “Let me handle it. Will you do that?” “You know the judge, don’t you? It’s Pillack.” “Oh, I know him. Don’t worry.” David felt slightly relieved. “I knew she would do this, Jen. She’s got poor Joel afraid to come over thinking he’ll get propositioned or molested. The whole thing is so distasteful I feel ill.” “It is, David. It’s unsavory to say the least. You’ve always had a problem when it came to Annette. She’s a very jealous, self-serving woman.” “In a nutshell, yes. And ever since she’s broken up with Larry, she’s worse.” “I want you to stop worrying. In the end, even if Lyle has to do a small private police check, it’ll still end up with you being able to see your children. So, 145

G.A. Hauser don’t worry.” “Jen, I don’t want Lyle to have to have that kind of check. It’s ludicrous.” After a pause, Jennifer asked, “We know he’s a good man, David, so don’t fret.” “What if he has something in his background? You know how kids are.” “Then it’ll be minor, or something underage and not admissible.” “I don’t want him to go through that.” “Let me see what I can do.” “Thanks, Jen.” “My pleasure, David.” “See you tomorrow.” “See ya tomorrow.” David hung up and sat still, the empty glass hanging from his limp fingers. Checking his watch, he sighed and wanted Lyle there with him. Getting himself upright, he walked to the kitchen to see what there was to prepare for dinner. By six p.m. David began to get annoyed with Lyle for being late. Picking up the phone to ring him, he paused, thought about everything he had to talk to him about when he got home, and set it back down on the cradle. Slowly moving to the picture window, David stared out at the ocean trying to calm his nerves. There was nothing easy about this relationship, was there? ~ The construction site was vacant. It was little more than a hole in the ground with some concrete foundations. Finished for the day, Lyle took off his heavy canvas gloves and started walking to his truck, dying for a shower. Before he made it down the block two ominous figures approached him. When he recognized them he mumbled, Oh shit, under his breath. Arthur and Jimmie Best blocked his path, their arms crossed over their chest, appearing like an impenetrable wall in front of him. ~ 146

Secrets and Misdemeanors It was nearing seven. Nursing his fourth scotch, David reclined on a lounge chair out on his terrace. A breeze blew gently making the potted bamboo stems wave hypnotically. Visions of Lyle meeting a young virile male in a bar haunted him. Of never seeing him again, being lonely, isolated, shunned by society. The overwhelming sense of self-doubt and pity felt like he was underneath the ocean tide inhaling salt water into his lungs. Dabbing at a tear, he cursed himself for being so stupid and allowing that man to get under his skin. Now after all the damage had been done, Lyle leaves him. Leaves him to deal with everything on his own. “Maybe it is a mid-life crisis. Maybe I should see a shrink.” He tipped more booze onto his tongue trying to numb the anger and regret. More visions washed over him. Escaping life. Moving to some island and changing his name. “What the hell am I going to do?” ~ He was hot, filthy, and battered. Climbing out of the truck gingerly, Lyle made his way to the lobby and stuffed his bruised hand into his jeans for the key. After the ride up in the elevator, he used the second key t o enter the penthouse, then looked around for David in the silence. In agony, dying for a shower, Lyle limped to the bedroom and its inner sanctum, the bathroom suite. Leaning over the sink, he looked at the state of his face and began splashing water on it. The cut over his eyebrow had bled down the side of his jaw and his cheekbone was red and swelling. Peeling off his shirt, he cringed at his sore ribs and an aching back. Standing straight with an effort, he looked for any discoloration of the skin on his torso but couldn’t see any. As he shrugged off his jeans to get into the shower, he jumped out of his skin when David walked in. “Oh! Lyle! When did you get home? I was out on the terrace and…” Lyle waited for the inevitable. 147

G.A. Hauser Then David noticed. “Oh, no, what the hell happened? Lyle, who did you fight with?” He pushed back his hair to see the cut on his eyebrow. “The guys on the job do this?” “No.” Lyle reached back to sit on the closed toilet seat painfully, then exhaled saying, “Jeff’s red-neck brothers found me. Beat the crap out of me, David.” “What the hell for?” David crouched down by him and looked for more damage. “They found some stupid journal Jeff kept. He wrote some shit in it about me.” “You need a stitch in that.” David found some tissue and began dabbing off the dried blood from Lyle’s face. “No. It’s all right.” “No, it’s not. Let me take you to the hospital.” As David stood up, Lyle grabbed his arm. “No. Let me shower. I’ll fix it myself.” He held onto David and used him to prop himself upright. “Oh, Christ, Lyle…please let me get you to a doctor.” “No. I’m okay.” David turned on the water for him, then helped him to step into the shower stall. Lyle stood under the spray and closed his eyes at the relief. When he heard a strange sobbing sound, Lyle looked back at David. He was sitting on the floor of the bathroom, crying, his hands covering his face. Lyle washed up quickly, then closed the tap and stood still, staring at him. “David, please stop.” Dropping his hands to his lap, David appeared to be fighting with his emotions. “It just goes from bad to worse.” Stepping out slowly, holding the wall, Lyle stood dripping on the floor mat, trying to dry himself off with a towel without cringing in pain. David jumped t o his feet and helped him, rubbing the soft terry cloth over his back and legs for him. Lyle leaned over the sink to the steamy mirror, wiping it to see himself. “You have any bandages?” 148

Secrets and Misdemeanors After he tossed the towel over the glass door, David dug through the medicine cabinet and found gauze and white tape. “Hold it closed for me.” Lyle ripped a piece of the tape off the dispenser. Moving closer, David pushed the broken skin together gently as Lyle made an X over it with the tape to keep it closed. “You need a stitch.” “No. That will do for now.” Lyle rubbed his aching jaw and then made a move to exit the room in search of clean clothing. David followed him, then asked, “What the hell did he write in his journal?” Stepping into jeans slowly, Lyle said between clenched teeth of pain, “That I sexually assaulted him.” Dropping down to sit on the bed, David exhaled a long stressful breath. Lyle found a fresh t-shirt and flinched as he reached over his head to put it on. Immediately David jumped to his feet to help him. “Thanks,” Lyle breathed sharply, trying to bear the pain. When he was dressed he sat down on the bed and pushed the wet hair back from his eyes. “My guess, David, is that Jeff wanted it that way. I think he preferred the idea that people would think I was attracted to him, and was rebuffed. I t sure beat the hell out of the truth in his eyes.” David sat down next to him and rubbed his back softly in comfort. “Let me do something about it.” “Like what?” “Like get those men arrested for assault.” “Forget it, David.” Lyle attempted to get to his feet. Standing up quickly, David held Lyle’s arm to help. “I need a drink,” Lyle said as he started walking out of the room. “I see you’ve been at it. How many scotches did you have, David?” David averted his eyes in embarrassment. “Uh huh, that many?” Lyle laughed sadly. “What the hell happened to you today to make you get 149

G.A. Hauser drunk?” He made his way to the kitchen and took a beer out of the fridge. “Never mind. You have enough to think about.” Lyle sat down on a chair in the kitchen and drank the beer from the bottle. After he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand he said, “David,” impatiently, “what’s going on?” Sighing in annoyance, David sat down next to him and replied, “Annette went to the judge who had signed our custody agreement.” “Uh oh.” Nodding, David continued, “She stirred it up again, babe. It’s more crap the two of us just don’t need.” “What exactly did she do?” “She lied. She lied and now I have to jump through hoops for her.” “She really thinks your being gay is a problem for your children? What rock has she been living under? Gay couples can adopt children for Christ’s sake.” “Well, she…she…” Lyle took another long swallow of the cold beer, then stared at David as he fought with the next line. “She what?” As if the comment were made of bile, David spat it out. “She wants you to have a police check.” Lyle shrugged. “So? Get me checked out.” “For cryin’ out loud, Lyle! It’s absolutely insane.” “David.” Lyle could tell he was frantic about it. “Just get a check done. It’s a lot less complicated than trying to find ways around it.” After a moment where David’s eyes grew wet and sad, he wrapped around Lyle and moaned, “You’re too good to me.” Flinching from the pain in his chest because of the embrace, Lyle then patted David’s back and said, laughing, “You are a sloppy drunk, David.” “I’m sorry.” David sat back, wiping his eyes roughly. “Don’t be. It’s endearing. We need to get drunk 150

Secrets and Misdemeanors more often.” Lyle raised his beer in a toast. A smile emerged from David, and those teary eyes sparkled with love. Lyle returned the grin and whispered, “Don’t worry. We can manage anything they throw at us.” “Where did I find you?” David purred. “On a sixth floor window ledge, remember?” “Oh, yes. I remember… Let me get you something to eat. You must be starved.” When David stood and opened the refrigerator, Lyle asked, “You sure you can cook in your state?” “I’m not that drunk, Lyle.” “Okay. Just don’t light the place on fire.” He winked at him and finished his beer.

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Chapter Eleven “Kelsey, you know this is nonsense.” “Jennifer, the woman is concerned for her son.” “How long have we known each other, dear?” Jennifer sat on the corner of the judge’s desk as she spoke. Contemplating, Kelsey replied, “Ten years?” “At least. And how long have we both known David Thornton?” Before he replied she said, “The same amount of time. Kelsey, you know David. He adores his children. Do you think he would bring a man near them that would harm them?” “Jennifer…” “Listen to me, Kel…this is a hot topic, this gay issue. I know you err on the conservative side in most of your rulings…uh!” she shook her finger at him to prevent an interruption. “…you do. No, you’re not right wing, I’m not accusing you of that, but, do you want a reputation? Do you want to be the homophobe in the robe?” She paused for affect, then continued, “You don’t think lawyers talk? Come on, Kelsey. They love gossip, the raunchier the better. Imagine the fire you’d start interfering in a man like David’s life. A man so squeaky clean he shines. A man who had the balls to come out. He came out to his staff, Kelsey. You want to know what people will think if you pursue this mad-woman’s demands? Making his lover go through a police check? Come on, Kelsey. Think about 152

Secrets and Misdemeanors it. It’s the mad ravings of a jealous, self-centered lunatic. Don’t give her that power. She’ll take you down with her.” She waited, watching him rub his wrinkled forehead. “All right, Jennifer. I see what you’re saying.” “Good.” She slid off the desk and moved around it again to stand in front of it. “You’re a very good man and a good judge, Kelsey. Stay away from this battle. I t lacks common sense and it’s potentially very damaging. Trust David. I do. I know him like a brother. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and he will only do right by those children. Annette on the other hand,” she rolled her eyes, “all she can think about is her bank account and her ego.” “I got the point, Jen.” “Thank you, Kelsey.” She smiled sweetly at him and left his chambers, then walked out of the courthouse and took her cell phone out of her purse. “David? Where are you?” “Just about to leave the office.” She checked her watch. “Are you coming downtown?” “Yes. Where are you?” “The courthouse.” “Oh? I’m on my way.” “Meet me at the little café just to the south of it.” “Okay. Order me a latte.” She hung up and popped her phone back into her purse triumphantly. ~ David carried his briefcase out of his office. On his way down to the parking garage he recalled the discussion he had with Lyle that morning. “Stay in bed!” “No. I’m all right.” “You can’t work on a construction site in that shape!” “David, don’t start. I’m a big boy.” “Fine. Just take it easy. I’ll see you about five153

G.A. Hauser thirty.” He climbed into his Mercedes and turned up the radio. Classical music. Some Mozart to calm his frayed nerves. ~ Making his way to the foreman’s trailer, Lyle shook his hair so it covered his forehead and the white X of tape holding his cut together, and placed the yellow hard hat on his head. Nodding to a few co-workers in greeting, getting nothing back, Lyle tried to be strong and poked his head into the trailer to ask what he needed to be doing for the day. When he made eye contact with his boss, Keith shouted, “You’re on with Bob, concrete.” Lyle nodded, then as he headed out he cringed. I t was going to be about pain management. How much he could take. Even breathing deeply was painful. Squinting into the glare, Lyle tried not to grind his jaw as the pain of walking was already almost too much to bear. ~ “Thank you, Jen,” David sipped his latte after sitting down with her at a table by the window. “You’re welcome, David.” “I assume you’ve had your chat with the judge?” David set the cup down and gave her his complete attention. “Yes. Don’t worry about it any longer, David.” He raised his eyebrows expressively. “Really?” “Yes, really. Annette won’t get her way this time.” “Thank you! Jennifer, you are the most amazing woman!” “Okay, enough flattery. How is our handsome young Lyle?” David’s face dropped. “Not well, Jen.” “Oh?” After another sip of his coffee, David whispered, “Jeff apparently has a couple of real good-ole-boys for brothers. They paid a visit to Lyle at the construction 154

Secrets and Misdemeanors site.” “Uh oh.” “Yes. Beat the crap out of him. I could scream I’m so angry.” “Press charges.” “He refuses.” “Oh, David. Life isn’t easy, is it?” “No.” He grimaced bitterly. “Anyway, are you hungry? Should we get something to eat?” “Oh! I did do something else…I hope you won’t be upset with me.” David set his cup aside and leaned across the table t o her. “Go on.” She looked around the café first, then with a smug smile on her face she said, “You know, David, I have been thinking about Lyle quite a bit since we’ve known him.” “Yes?” He tilted his head, puzzled. “Well, the boy is pretty fantastic, to say the least. Wasted on the construction site.” Sitting back, a slight smile edging out his pensive mood, he asked, “What on earth have you done?” “I sent a friend of mine to go and see him.” “What friend?” “Wendell Cassidy.” “Who on earth?” “An agent. A talent agent David. He does everything from modeling to acting.” “You have to be kidding me, Jen. What makes you think Lyle would be interested?” “Oh, come on, David. If you had someone come up to you with an offer like that and you were hammering nails into boards all day, what would you do?” Touching his lip, David sat back and thought about it while she stared at him. “You think it’s something Lyle will want to do?” Jennifer just smiled in reply, sitting back and bringing her coffee to her lips. “Huh,” David breathed, wondering how Lyle would 155

G.A. Hauser react to that kind of offer.

~ “Hurry up, Lyle! What the hell’s taking so long?” In agony, Lyle felt his chest muscles ache as if they were ripping apart. Taking a moment to breathe, he looked down at the bag of concrete at his feet and knew he had to carry it over to the mixing machine. As he bent over to lift it, he winced at the intensity of the ache and had to drop it. Bob stormed over to him and grabbed the bag, lifting it up and carrying it to the mixer effortlessly. “Sorry…” Lyle breathed painfully, “Sorry, Bob…I must have pulled something.” “Then go home. You’re no use to us here.” “No…No, I’m not.” Lyle cursed under his breath in defeat making his way to the trailer to talk to Keith. When he poked his head in he found his secretary. “Keith around?” “He’s out there somewhere.” “Can you tell him I’m going home sick? I must have pulled something in my back.” “Okay. You’re Lyle, right?” “Yes, Lyle Wilson.” She scribbled it down on a pad. “Work injury?” “Ahh, no. No, it’s not.” “Okay.” He nodded, waiting to see if he had to fill anything out, then when she went back to her work he shrugged to himself and left. Once he was outside the site, he took off his helmet and began the long, painful walk t o his truck. “Excuse me.” Lyle flinched as if he expected Jimmie and Arthur to be standing there ready for another bout in the ring. “I’m looking for someone at this construction site. Can you help me?” “Just go to that trailer.” Lyle pointed, then lowered his head to continue his slow limp to his truck. “Wait. Wait one moment.” 156

Secrets and Misdemeanors In no mood for an exchange of pleasantries and in desperate need of a pain killer and a nap, Lyle turned back to him in annoyance. The flamboyant man gave him a good once over. “Oh, come on,” Lyle shook his head and began walking away. “I don’t mean to be rude. Sorry. My name is Wendell Cassidy. I’m an agent.” “Sure you are, buddy.” The man produced his business card and handed it t o Lyle. Lyle read it with little interest. “I know this sounds odd,” Wendell began, “but, I came here on the instruction of a good friend of mine. She said there was a man I needed to see on this site, but, now that I’ve seen you, I don’t know if I want t o go any further.” Lyle looked at the card again. “Who were you looking for on the job site?” “A man named Lyle Wilson.” Lyle felt his heart stop. “What?” “You know him?” “I am him.” Lyle pointed to his own chest in disbelief. “Who sent you here?” “Jennifer Bernstein, she’s an attorney with—” “Jen? Jen sent you here to see me?” “Yes!” Wendell appeared glad the connection was made. “Are you on a break? Can we go get coffee or something?” Taking a moment to think, Lyle looked down at the card again, back at the dirty, noisy site, then at Wendell’s friendly face. “Yes. I would love to have coffee with you.” “Good! My car is right this way.” He gestured down the street. “Are you all right? You seem to be walking with some difficulty.” “No. I’m fine. Believe me. I’m just fine.” Lyle smiled brightly, about to burst. ~ When David arrived home he headed to the 157

G.A. Hauser bedroom to change out of his suit, then noticed Lyle reclining on the lounge chair outside on the patio as he passed his sliding doors. Checking the time, seeing it was too early for him to be home, David stepped out with some concern and greeted him. “Hey.” “Hello, David.” David sat down next to him, unraveling his tie and asked, “You’re home early.” “I am.” The smile on Lyle’s face was contagious. David laughed at it and said, “Feeling better?” “Yes and no. My body is killing me, so no, that’s not feeling much better.” “Oh? Is that why you left early?” David slid off his tie, folding it, and setting it next to him on the chair, then began opening his shirt buttons. “Yes. I couldn’t work, David. I was in too much pain.” Nodding, assuming he would be, David replied, “Take some time off. Recover a little, will ya?” “Yes. Well, I’m going to give my notice in, David.” “Oh?” “A man came to see me today.” David brightened up, knowing what Jennifer had said. Modestly, Lyle explained, “His name is Wendell Cassidy. He’s an agent, David. He wants me to get some photographs done for a portfolio.” “Ah,” David smiled proudly. “No more agony on the site then?” “I hope not. But, there is one drawback.” “Yes?” “Well, if I give notice, and stop getting a paycheck temporarily, I won’t be able to afford the new apartment I was going to move into.” “Lyle…” David breathed in exasperation. “David, I just don’t want to take advantage of your hospitality.” “Hospitality?” David choked, “I want you to live 158

Secrets and Misdemeanors with me! Not be my guest!” That doubt surfaced on Lyle’s face once more. David stood up and said, “Let me get into something comfortable. You want me to bring you a beer on my way back?” “Yes. Thanks, David.” David nodded, standing up. On his way to his bedroom the phone rang. He picked up the cordless, continuing to his room. “Hello?” “What did you do to the judge, David?” “Annette, go haunt someone else.” “Did you pay him? Sleep with him?” Tossing his tie and jacket on his bed, David sighed, “Can’t you just admit you were wrong?” “I won’t let them see you, David!” “Then you will be in contempt of court. Go ahead, Annette. I would love to file that against you and see you appear in court. Or better yet! Serve time!” “Are you threatening me?” “Me? It’s not my court order. It’s Judge Pillack’s order.” He sat down on the bed and ran his hand through his hair. “Look, Annette, don’t you ever get tired of the battle?” Nothing verbal returned. He did hear her inhale a deep breath. “You loved me once. You know me so well, Annette, better than most. Do you think I would let anyone hurt our children?” Again, silence returned. He wondered if she had left the phone lying on a table and walked off. “Annette?” “Were you gay at our wedding, David?” Judging the pain in her voice, David thought carefully first before answering. “I don’t know, Annette. I did love you. I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t. And, I wouldn’t have left you.” “Did I turn you off?” David noticed Lyle standing near the entrance of the room and waved him in. “No. No, you didn’t, Annette.” “Then why, David? Why men?” “I don’t know, Annette.” David watched as Lyle sat 159

G.A. Hauser slowly on the bed next to him, then he reached out for Lyle’s hand. “But, I would have seen something, known something.” “How? I didn’t know myself. Look, Annette, forget about it. Stop analyzing it. Just accept it and let’s move on.” “I can’t, David.” “Not even for Ellen and Joel? Come on, Annette. What did they do to deserve getting in the middle of our battles? Leave them alone.” “Only if you don’t bring that man around them.” “I’m not going to promise you that.” David looked over at Lyle’s concerned face, then brought Lyle’s hand up to his lips to kiss. “David!” “Annette!” he shouted back. “Please! You’re like a damn pit-bull. Let it go. Okay?” “Then I want to talk him first!” David looked over at Lyle who couldn’t hear the conversation. He told Annette, “Hold on,” then cupped his hand over the phone. “Annette wants to talk t o you.” Lyle shrugged. “You don’t mind? She is completely insane.” “In person? Does she own a gun?” “I don’t think so.” David could hear her shouting through the phone. “I’m still here, Annette.” “What are you doing?” “I was asking Lyle if he minds you badgering him with stupid questions. Look, Annette, you already got a look at him the lobby of the building.” “My questions aren’t stupid, David!” “Fine! Here!” He handed Lyle the phone. At first Lyle shook his head, then took it. “Hello?” David stood up, hung up his suit jacket and changed into some jeans as he listened to the call. “No…no…no…” Lyle repeated like a parrot. “…yes. Once. No. Yes. Uh…I think it was only 160

Secrets and Misdemeanors misdemeanor possession…” David cringed in agony at the comment, then waved and shook his head in panic. Lyle averted his eyes. “In high-school. Yeah…no, the charges were dropped. It was under the limit. No. A beer now and then.” David finished dressing and then reached for the phone. “Enough. Tell her to stop badgering you.” Lyle cupped the phone. “I don’t mind. Let her get it out now, David…yes? Yes, Annette, I’m still here.” David tried not to grow unreasonably angry and left the room to get a glass of scotch. After another fifteen minutes Lyle emerged from the bedroom and sat down on a kitchen chair watching David cut up a salad for dinner. “She get enough out of you?” David asked, rinsing the vegetables. “I hope so. It was like being on a job interview.” “You were arrested?” “Kind of. In high-school they did a locker search. They found a small bag of pot in my shit.” “Is that it?” “Yeah. Nothing too exciting.” “Did you have to tell her?” David peeled a carrot as he spoke. “Why not? Look, David, if I say I’m an angel she’ll just think it’s a lie and keep at it.” “Yes, but if she knows you did drugs in high-school she’ll have a reason to keep the kids away from you.” “No. She said it was all right.” “Did she?” He chopped the carrots. “Yeah. She thanked me for my honesty. I think she’s okay, David.” David looked over his shoulder at him with skepticism, then noticed the white bandage X peeling from Lyle forehead. “You know, if you’re going to be a model, you should see to that cut and make sure it doesn’t scar.” Lyle reached up and pushed the tape down again, 161

G.A. Hauser trying to get it to stick. “Wendell thought it made me look rugged.” “Oh. Was he gay?” Lyle shrugged, “Maybe.” “Did he make a pass at you?” “David…” Lyle chided. “Never mind. You want a beer?” “No. I want an aspirin.” David dried his hands and took a container of pain killers from out of the cabinet, then gave Lyle a bottle of spring water. After he swallowed the pills, Lyle asked, “So? Are you in the clear now?” David set the bowl of salad on the table and then thought about it. “Let’s see. You’re quitting your job t o become a model. Annette is allowing the kids to see us. Uh…what else?” “I’m moving in.” “Yes. You are!” David smiled brightly. “I guess that’s everything.” “I hope you’re right. I can’t take much more.” Lyle rubbed his sore chest. “You should go to the doctor.” “No. I’m all right. Okay, what’s for dinner?”

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Chapter Twelve It was better than he thought, not going into work hauling bags of concrete, bricks, boards. Soaking in the whirlpool bathtub, Lyle closed his eyes as the jets pummeled his aching body, his moans of pleasure ricocheting off the glossy tile. When the door opened, he watched David step in wearing his bathrobe. As he leaned across the sink smearing shaving cream on his face, Lyle smiled at him contentedly. Catching his eyes in the mirror’s refection, David asked, “You going for that photo shoot today?” “Yes.” Lyle watched as David ran the razor over his jaw with practiced grace. “You feel up to it?” “Oh, yes…” Lyle reached under the churning water for his cock, finding it rock hard. “Take off your robe, David.” Peering over his shoulder first, David set the razor down, took off his robe, and continued to shave while naked. When he was finished, he rinsed his face, then turned to face Lyle. Licking his lips at the sight, Lyle shut off the jets so they could talk and not shout over them, then raised his hips out of the water seductively, showing off his erection. “Feeling better?” David laughed. “Hornier than hell.” David checked the time on his Rolex watch. “If you 163

G.A. Hauser want some, we’d better hurry.” Lyle immediately stood out of the water, reaching out for him. Holding onto David as he climbed out of the tub, trying not to show he was still a little sore, Lyle ignored his own pain and playfully backed David into the bedroom and onto the bed. They fell back with a bounce and then began squirming all over each others’ nakedness. “You sure you’re all right?” David asked between kisses. “I was going to ask you last night if you were interested, but you fell right asleep.” “I’m interested now.” Lyle led David’s hand to his cock and masturbated with it until David took over. “Stop being so gentle, David. I don’t feel that bad anymore.” “What do you want?” David asked. “Screw me.” Lyle wrapped his hand around David’s hand and made him pull on his cock harder and faster. “Face up.” “I have to let go first.” David laughed and nodded t o his hold on Lyle’s cock. Lyle released David’s hand, watching as he reached into the nightstand. Once David had a rubber on and was covered in lube, Lyle rested his calves on David’s shoulders and used a pillow to prop him up under his hips. David kissed Lyle’s legs a few times affectionately then pushed in, staring down at the contact as he did. At the penetration, Lyle felt his skin light up with chills. As David pumped inside him deliciously, he grabbed his cock again and jerked off at the same time. Feeling David push in deeply and hearing his orgasmic grunting, Lyle arched his back and came, gasping at the intensity. “Ohhh, Christ, David…holy Christ…” When he opened his eyes, David was still recovering, his head down, his eyes closed. After a long moment, he felt David pull out, then slowly Lyle’s legs were set back down on the bed. “I love you. You know that?” David smiled in pleasure and replied, “I love you 164

Secrets and Misdemeanors too, Lyle, with all my heart. Right. I have to get ready for work.” Lyle nodded and waited as David climbed off the bed and went back into the bathroom. Lying still, savoring the memory of the sex, Lyle looked down at his chest at the spattered cum and smiled contentedly. ~ “Is everything all right, David?” Jennifer asked as they both made their way down the hall to the morning briefing. “Yes. Thanks to you.” David held her back before they entered the room. “Lyle has an appointment with a photographer today.” “Does he?” she replied. “Yes. And he spoke to Annette over the phone. They seemed to come to some agreement.” “It’s all looking very well for you, David.” “Uh…yes. There is one last thing, Jen.” He gestured for her to enter the room ignoring the puzzled expression on her face. “Good morning, everyone.” David set his paperwork at his place at the head of the table and sat down. His coffee cup was handed to him by his secretary. He thanked her and sipped it, then raised his eyes and one by one met everyone’s in the room. “Everything going well, David?” Sonja asked. “Yes, Ms. Knight. Very well. Before we discuss our court battles, there is something I would like t o announce to the staff.” It seemed as if their faces became pale. “After some careful thought, I am going to sell the building. Our practice will lease the space from now on at a fixed rate.” When he glanced over at Jennifer he noticed she wasn’t amused. “I’ll make sure it’s at a cut rate. Don’t worry.” “What’s going on, David?” she asked. “Are you leaving us?” A chorus of protests surrounded him. He waved his hands in an effort to calm them down. “I’m not leaving. Not yet anyway. I just want to release some 165

G.A. Hauser capital so I can…” “You are leaving!” Blossom shouted. “Wait. Hear me out.” David waved for quiet again. When they had finished shushing one another, he continued, “I just would like to work part time. I can be here for you on an as needed basis. You people don’t need me around much really. I’m just in the background for moral support.” “That’s nonsense and you know it, David.” Jennifer crossed her arms over her chest. “Look, I want to be honest with you, all of you.” He paused and then said, “I want more free time. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone in my life I want to do things with, and now that I have found someone, I want more time off to enjoy it.” “Lucky Lyle!” Chris said. “Yes.” David responded, hoping what Chris said was a joke and not anger or spite. Finally he turned back t o Jennifer. When she met his eyes she broke into a smile. “I do understand, David. It’s just that we’ll miss you being underfoot all the time.” “I’ll miss it too. You know how much I adore all of you.” David met each set of eyes again. “Wow, he must be something for you to be making that kind of decision, boss,” Sylvia said. “He is. Okay, now, how’s everyone’s cases doing? Frederico? You first.” ~ “That’s it. Arch your back a little more…good. Hold it.” Lyle unfocused his eyes as he gazed out over the studio background, a mixture of canvas backdrops, tripods, lamps, against four dark walls. Behind the photographer, Wendell looked on, giving his opinion every once in a while. Mostly shouting, ‘sex it up’. Already naked from the waist up, Lyle wasn’t about to go any farther. The lamps felt hot even with a fan blowing his hair back. The white tape had been 166

Secrets and Misdemeanors removed from his eyebrow and replaced with some clear strips and make-up, hiding his injury. Imagine getting paid for standing in front of a camera? No more back-breaking construction work? It was too good to be true. As he stood tall, a slight smile curled his lip. He’d come a long way to get where he was standing. Thinking back to his life in Vale, the simple routines of working with his father, roofing, a beer in the local tavern, his mother’s home-cooked meals of meat and potatoes, and no where to go but sideways. It was as if he had found a new life in LA. Wasn’t that what LA was about? Snapping back to attention, Lyle nodded he understood and shook out his hair so it covered his eyes, then stuffed his thumbs into his waistband. The camera clicked and whirred once more. And then there was David. How lucky could he get meeting him? It was love at first sight. Oh, how he loved that old cliché. Never believed it for a moment until he stood on that scaffolding and looked into a window at a man so incredibly handsome and built he could cream standing where he was. “Sex it up!” Wendell yelled. Lyle imagined screwing David. “Better!” Wendell replied at the change in Lyle’s expression. Though it intimidated him in the beginning, the thought of he and David cohabitating seemed less horrifying than it had been when it was first broached. It was all about trust. And the one thing he did have with that gorgeous senior partner was trust. As he listed the traits in his head that he most admired about David, the photographer stepped closer and opened the top button of Lyle’s faded jeans. Lyle bit his lip on saying something, waiting to see if this was for the photograph, or the photographer. After the top of his pants were opened and peeled back revealing his lower abdomen, the photographer 167

G.A. Hauser backed up. Lyle felt relieved it didn’t go down any lower. “Sexy enough, Wendell?” he asked sarcastically. “Or is this guy related to Mapplethorpe?” “Funny, Lyle. Yes, it’s very sexy. Someone mess up his hair and dab at the shine on his face.” Lyle waited as a young man raced over to him and patted his face with powder, then fluffed up his hair. “Bend over, your hands on your thighs.” “Christ, what is this for? Some gay magazine?” Lyle laughed, but bent over as directed. “No babe, you’re going to be bigger than that.” Wendell chuckled as he spoke. “Sure I am…sure.” Lyle humored him. ~ Wendell stood behind the photographer and whispered, “Isn’t he the hottest fucker you’ve ever seen since Brad Pitt?” “Hotter. He’s unreal.” “I think we found our next big Hollywood sex symbol.” “If he doesn’t make it, I’ll be amazed.” “Oh, he’ll make it, all right. He’ll make it.” Wendell smiled proudly. ~ David came through the door calling his name. The sound of Lyle’s voice came from the outdoor patio, fast becoming Lyle’s favorite spot in the penthouse. As David came through the glass door, Lyle said, “ I have a scotch here for you.” “Oh. Thanks, babe.” David kissed his lips, then said, “Let me change. I’ll be right back.” Lyle nodded. Taking off his tie as he went, David couldn’t wait t o tell him about his day. Once he’d changed into a pair of shorts and a cotton pullover shirt, David sat down next to Lyle on the lounge chairs and inhaled the sea breeze. “Thanks,” he said as Lyle handed him a glass of scotch. Once he took a sip he asked, “How did the shoot go?” “It was really fun. I hate to admit it.” 168

Secrets and Misdemeanors “When do we get to see the photographs?” “Soon. Wendell said he’d call. How was your day?” David twisted around to face Lyle head on, then said, “I put the building up for sale.” “What?” Lyle gasped. “It looks fantastic at the moment, Lyle. And the real estate market is beginning to lag. I want to sell before the bottom drops out.” Lyle continued to gape at him. “It’s for the capital, Lyle. I want some money so we can enjoy ourselves.” “You…you’re doing this for us?” “Yes. Think about the trips we can take, babe…no money worries.” “Uh huh, like you were hard up before,” Lyle shook his head teasingly. “Look, this way we can just do as we like for as long as we like.” Lyle shrugged. “If it’s what you want.” “It is.” David set his glass down and reached to Lyle as he lay reclining on the chair. “I want to give you the world, Lyle. Tell me where you would like to go?” Laughing happily, Lyle replied, “Anywhere! I haven’t been anywhere!” David wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into an embrace. Once Lyle was in his arms, David covered his face and neck with kisses. “I love you…I love you so much!” Lyle burst out laughing. “Pinch me.” “I think I can do better than that,” David hissed seductively, then went for Lyle’s mouth, kissing him.

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Chapter Thirteen They pulled up in front of the split level house. David shut the engine. Both of them stared at it for a moment, as if it was enemy territory and they were about to make an assault. “You want me to stay in the car?” “No.” David unhooked his seatbelt and took the keys out of the ignition. Lyle opened the passenger door and climbed out, waiting for David to meet him on the front walkway so they could go up to the door together. He didn’t know what to expect. After talking t o Annette he hoped they would be civil. But David had always said she was a nutcase. Before David could knock, the door opened. It was obvious they had seen the car pull up. Lyle assumed the young girl jumping up and kissing David was his daughter Ellen. The solemn, silent, brooding young male in the background was obviously Joel. As they stepped inside the cool interior of the house, Lyle noticed an older couple staring critically at him. When David had the chance, he introduced him t o Annette’s parents, Avis and Gil Hunter. Lyle extended his hand in greeting. Avis twisted away in disgust while Gil forced himself to be polite though Lyle knew it pained him. When he looked around the room, Annette was standing behind Joel, holding his shoulders protectively 170

Secrets and Misdemeanors as if she were releasing him to a den of snakes. “Hello, Annette,” Lyle said it slowly and deliberately, as if they had made some sort of promise to each other that needed keeping. She said hello but her face never cracked a smile. David moved closer to his son. “This is Lyle.” When Joel made eye contact with him, Lyle instantly knew he’d been poisoned to think something bad was going to happen. Observing Ellen’s indifference, Annette obviously thought only her son was the intended victim of this sad scenario. “Say hello to Lyle, Joel,” David prodded. The greeting never made it through Joel’s terrified vocal cords. Lyle could only shake his head in disbelief. “Nice going, Annette.” “Don’t you talk to my daughter like that!” Avis shouted in her defense. “All right, let’s calm down,” Gil mumbled. “What do you expect, Lyle?” Annette raised her pointy nose in the air. “A fair trial?” Lyle laughed sadly. “Forget it, Lyle. You’re wasting your breath on her.” David started heading to the door. Lyle watched as Ellen happily picked up her backpack for the weekend visit, while Joel moved as if he had lead legs. “Call me if it’s intolerable, Joel,” Annette whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. “I will, Mom. Don’t worry.” Joel then shot Lyle a nasty look. Lyle withstood it while David appeared t o want to slap his son for it. David herded them out of the house to his car. Lyle lagged behind and when Annette moved within whispering range he asked, “Is it jealousy, Annette? Are you upset he’s finally found someone?” “Shut up, Lyle.” “I know you’d be doing this to a woman as well. So, it’s not really about the gay thing. I think you miss him. You see what kind of a man he is and you want 171

G.A. Hauser him back.” “I said shut up, Lyle.” “You’re right. He is a good man. I feel very sorry for you that you let him go. But, your loss is my gain, right, Annette?” Lyle noticed Avis hovering, about t o slap him if he stepped out of line. “Don’t worry about Joel. I have already given my heart away. And besides, it’s David’s age that I am attracted to. I love the man in him. Don’t you? His strength? His power?” “Shut up, Lyle!” “See ya, Annette. Try not to be a sore loser. Call Larry. Maybe he’s on his own for the holiday weekend too.” Lyle waved, then looked back at Mr. and Mrs. Hunter. “Nice meeting you. I’m sure we’ll meet again.” David was waiting behind the wheel impatiently when he stepped outside of the house. Lyle hurried over to the car and climbed in. “Sorry.” “What did you say?” David asked as he merged into the road. “Nothing. Tell you later.” Lyle spun around to the back seat. Joel was glaring at him while Ellen was playing a small pocket video game. Turning back to the front of the car, Lyle rubbed his face tiredly. ~ David lit the sparkler and handed it to Ellen. She waved it around like a magic wand happily. The barbeque was roasting some steaks and marinated chicken, baked potatoes in foil, and skewered peppers and onions. An ice chest was loaded with beer, soda, and ice cream. About to offer Lyle another beer, David looked over his shoulder and found him and Joel discussing something together. He smiled sadly at them hoping they could somehow become friends. ~ “You want a beer?” “I’m only ten,” Joel sneered. “I won’t tell.” “No.” 172

Secrets and Misdemeanors “What did your mother tell you about me?” Lyle finished the bottle of beer he was drinking and set it on the floor beside his lounge chair. “Nuthin’” “Did she say I would do things to you?” “Maybe.” Lyle sighed. He sat up and put his feet on the floor, facing Joel as he reclined on the chair next to him. “Listen to me, Joel. I love your father. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him or you.” “That’s not what she said.” “I don’t want to speak badly of your mother, Joel. But, she is wrong on this one.” “She said you’re a pervert.” Lyle withstood the blow, thought about the magazine he found at Jeff’s place, shivered, and then said, “I don’t have a thing for boys, Joel. I like men. Big, strong, older men.” “Eww, you’re sick.” “Are those your mother’s words as well?” “No. They’re mine. You and my father make me sick.” “Why? Can’t two people just love each other? Does it have to be sick?” “You’re two guys! Yeck!” “It may not be what you like, Joel, but just because it isn’t doesn’t make it perverted or sick.” “It’s embarrassing! Do you know what the guys at school will do to me when they find out my dad’s a queer?” “Is that it? You’re afraid you’ll be beaten up?” “Yes! What are you stupid?” Joel snorted and looked away. “No one has to know, Joel.” “Oh yeah? You don’t think stuff like this gets around at school? I’ll be humiliated.” “No. You should be proud of your father.” “Oh, yeah, right.” “I mean it, Joel. Look at him. He’s a very big 173

G.A. Hauser success. A top lawyer. You have nothing to be ashamed of.” “Shut up! You don’t know what you’re talking about!” “No? I got beat up.” Joel turned and made eye contact with him. “I did.” Lyle pushed his hair back from his forehead. “See this scar? Split open from a punch to the eye. I think I even got a few ribs broken. I don’t know.” “Who beat you up?” “Two guys. Brothers of a guy I used to know.” “Because you’re queer?” “Yes. I think so.” It appeared food for thought. Lyle waited for it t o digest. “The guy…the one I used to know? He hung himself. He was too ashamed to be gay and for people to know. So, he committed suicide.” Again Joel stared at Lyle for a long while. “I’m telling you the truth, Joel.” Lyle looked back at David. He was tending the food dutifully, obviously giving him and Joel a chance to talk. “He hung himself from the scaffolding at your dad’s building when we were remodeling it.” “You’re lying!” “Am I? Ask your dad.” “So, this guy you know hung himself because he was gay?” “Yes. He knew that people wouldn’t understand and they would tease him, or worse. Beat him up.” Lyle waited, then whispered, “You wouldn’t want your dad to feel that way, would you, Joel? So bad about being in love with me that he hates himself?” “No.” “Do you know how much he cares about you and Ellen?” Lyle waited as Joel gave him a reluctant nod. “No matter what your mom says, Joel, your dad loves you. And in return, you should love him, no matter whom he chooses to share his life with. It’s not fair t o him, is it? He’s always been good to you, hasn’t he?” 174

Secrets and Misdemeanors When Lyle noticed Joel wiping a tear discreetly from his eye, he knew he had him. “I’m not that bad a guy, am I? We could be friends, Joel.” Finally the outer shell broke. Joel managed a small smile. “Peace?” Lyle extended his hand. “Peace.” Joel took it, shaking it. “Now,” Lyle whispered, “you want a sip of beer?” Joel cracked up laughing. “If Dad lets me.” “Cool!” Lyle stood up. ~ Trying not to eavesdrop, David began setting the food out on platters as it was done cooking. “You mind if I give Joel a sip of my beer, David?” Looking back at Lyle, David shrugged, “I doubt he’ll like it.” Lyle poured some off into a glass. “Things go okay?” David looked over Lyle’s shoulder to his son. “Yeah. We understand each other.” “Good. The food’s done.” “Great. I’m starving.” Lyle waved at Joel, holding out his glass to him. “Here. Try a sip.” Joel stood up and took it from him. As David and Lyle watched, he tasted it, then made a sour face and handed it back. “That tastes like crap!” “Told you,” David laughed. “Ellen, sit down, your chicken is ready.” Once they were all seated at the outside table, David raised his wine glass in a toast. “To the three people I love most in the world.” They returned the compliment and drank their drinks. David winked at Lyle happily and then ate his meal. ~ At ten p.m. they stood at the railing of the rooftop garden patio and watched the various fireworks displays that were scattered around the city. Ellen’s ooohs, and aaaahs, were loud every time she caught sight of a big 175

G.A. Hauser burst of color. David wrapped around Lyle in the cool breeze, smiling as he watched the displays of gold and red, greens and yellows, burst into the sky like fireballs. A glorious night for pyrotechnics. Lyle turned around behind him. Joel was on his own watching the shows. Reaching out for him, Lyle managed to persuade Joel to come closer. He put his arm around his shoulder and held him close in the cold wind that blew from the ocean. “See. I told you I wouldn’t bite.” Lyle smiled at him. David burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Will you and Dad be sleeping in the same room?” “Yes. Is that all right?” Lyle asked as David looked on. “I suppose.” “Thanks, Joel. It means a lot to me.” “It’s okay. You’re really a nice guy.” Lyle looked over at David and repeated, “He said I’m a nice guy.” “My son is a very good judge of character.” David smiled proudly. “Look, Daddy!” Ellen pointed, “Ooooh!” “Oooh!” David and Lyle echoed comically, making her laugh.

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Secrets and Misdemeanors

Chapter Fourteen An envelope in his hand, Lyle knew David was making a rare appearance in the courtroom. Hurrying inside the dim hallways of the county building, Lyle rushed to the information desk and asked about the case David had mentioned to him. Nodding, Lyle raced up the hollow stairs, avoiding the crowd at the elevator, and came out of the stairwell huffing and puffing for breath. Slowing down, seeing the name of the judge on the door with the room number, Lyle peeked into the small window and then opened the door quietly, moving to the last row to not disturb anyone. He sat down on the wooden bench and set the envelope on his lap, then focused on the action in the front of the room. “As you can see, ladies and gentlemen,” David said, standing in front of the jury box looking like a diplomat, “…you have to ask yourselves if the evidence is merely circumstantial. And as I have said, it is. Nothing connects my client to the scene. One shaky eye-witness testimony. One. And was that witness credible? I ask you…would you want your life balancing on his words?” Lyle smiled in absolute delight. Sitting up, leaning on the back of the seat in front of him, he could see the jury was madly in love. Just like he was. “…No. I wouldn’t either. My client is a pillar of society. A good family man. A business owner. What motivation would he have to commit this crime? None. 177

G.A. Hauser So what have we got now, ladies and gentlemen? No forensics? No motive? Have you asked yourself why this man has been subjected to this humiliation? What has he done to deserve to be falsely accused? The object of ridicule?” Lyle would acquit. He didn’t have any idea what the crime was, but in his opinion, David wouldn’t be so zealous for a guilty man. Would he? “Oh, who cares, he’s gorgeous,” he mumbled out loud, then some old lady shushed him. When David’s closing argument was finished, Lyle expected applause. The judge instructed the jury, then sent them out. The court was adjourned. Lyle stood and moved to the aisle, waiting for his lover to notice him there. A lovely black woman was shaking David’s hand. Lyle recognized her from the refurbishment of the office and knew she was one of his lawyers. The man who they were defending seemed relieved. Pats on the back and accolades abounded. Lyle moved closer. When David’s eyes finally found him in the chaotic room, it was as if they had narrowed their vision t o each other and everyone else vanished. Making his way to him, now that he was acknowledged, Lyle sighed, “Damn, you are good.” “You said it!” Sonja said. David smiled and introduced Sonja to Lyle. “My biggest fan,” he pointed his thumb over his shoulder t o her. “Are you kidding? David, you need to be in the courtroom every day! Tell him, Lyle. Tell him how good he is.” “He’s good, Ms. Knight, but I prefer him in another room.” She burst out laughing. “On that note, David, I’ll let you know when the jury’s back.” “Okay, Sonja. See ya later.” After she vanished, David grinned proudly at Lyle. “What brings you down here?” “Two things. One, I told you I wanted to see you in 178

Secrets and Misdemeanors action, and two, I got the photos.” “Your photos?” David asked excitedly. “Come. Let’s get out of here so I can look at them.” David hooked his arm and escorted him through the crowd to the hallway, then they took the staircase down to the lobby and out into the sunshine. David took them to a café across the street and ordered two lattes. Once he had them in hand, he nodded to a table and set them down. Lyle handed him the envelope. Before David pulled them out he asked, “Will I die?” Lyle giggled. “I hope so.” David pulled them out and looked at them. “Oh, my god…” he enunciated slowly. Lyle squirmed in his seat, loving his reaction, hoping for it. “Holy shit, Lyle…I can’t believe these. Oh, you have it made. You’ll get work easily. Oh, my god!” David moved to the next photo, the one with Lyle’s jeans open. “Shit. We have to go home.” David slid them into the envelope, then pulled them out again for one last look, then slid them in again. “I am so hard I could come.” “Wow!” Lyle reached for his knee under the table. David grabbed Lyle’s hand and slid it to his crotch quickly, then moved it away and looked around t o make sure no one noticed. Lyle was thrilled. “Jesus, David, you’re like a brick!” he burst out laughing. “Fuck. Where can we go?” David looked around the crowded café. Roaring with laughter, Lyle tried not to roll off the chair. “Right. My car. Finish the coffee.” “Can’t you wait till we get home?” Lyle chuckled, wiping at his teary eyes. “No.” David sipped his coffee, then gave up and tossed it out. 179

G.A. Hauser Lyle tried not to burn his mouth, then gave up as well as David grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the coffee shop. They raced across the boulevard to the parking garage. Lyle had never seen David so unfettered since he had met him. Keeping up with his stride, Lyle noticed the Mercedes parked with other cars of breeding and class, along with city vehicles and patrol cars. “Holy shit!” Lyle found the entire episode exhilarating. “Get in.” David unlocked the doors with a button on his key chain. Lyle set the envelope on the dashboard, then twisted on the seat to David in expectation. David unzipped his trousers and asked, “Suck it?” “Here? Are you insane?” Lyle laughed nervously as cars pulled in and out on the busy level. “It won’t take long.” Lyle knew it was crazy, but took a last look around, then dove onto David’s lap. ~ “Kelsey, wait up,” Jennifer waved. Judge Pillack paused until she caught up. “Mrs. Bernstein, how are you today?” “I’m very well, Your Honor. So nice to see you again. Any more battles from Mrs. Thornton-Hunter?” “No. It seems to have gone quiet on that battlefront.” “Oh? Did she finally admit defeat?” “I can only assume so. Her attorney hasn’t refiled since our last discussion.” “I’m very happy to hear that. I’m sure David will be as well.” “Where are you parked?” “Just there. Oh, that looks like David’s car now. That’s right. He was closing for Sonja on a criminal case.” “Sorry I missed it. David isn’t as active in the courtroom as he once was.” Jennifer noticed David sitting behind the wheel of 180

Secrets and Misdemeanors his car, his eyes closed as if he were asleep. About t o comment on it to the judge, when Lyle’s head popped up she bit her lip. “Uh, well, have a good day, Kelsey. Again, thanks for your help.” “No problem, Jennifer. I think it was wise advice on your part.” She waited for him to move off, then rushed on her high heels to David’s car. When she looked in she shook her head in amazement. ~ “Augh!” Lyle gasped when he noticed someone looking in, then covered up David’s crotch quickly. David, recovering from an intense orgasm, opened his eyes and sat up, zipping his pants. “Open the window, David,” Jennifer tapped her knuckle on the passenger side. When David hit the power switch, she leaned in and smiled, “My, oh my …committing a misdemeanor on city property? That isn’t the David Thornton I know and love.” “Sorry, Jen. You won’t tell anyone, will you?” He grinned like a guilty little boy. “Tsch, tsch,” she clicked her tongue, shaking her head. “Secrets and misdemeanors, what ever shall I do with you?” “Jealous?” David asked as Lyle looked on in amazement. “Insanely. Are you done playing with each other?” “Temporarily.” David tucked his shirt in. “Good. Let’s have lunch. I’m buying.” “Great!” David was about to get out of the car, when he stopped. “Show her your photos, Lyle.” Lyle handed her the envelope. “Look at this man, Jennifer.” David climbed out and walked around the car to stand next to her, Lyle still sitting in the passenger seat. She slid them out and sighed, “Wow. Lyle, you’re going to be very famous.” “I don’t want to be. I want to be Mrs. David Thornton.” 181

G.A. Hauser Jennifer smiled brightly at David, “You found a good one there, David. A real winner.” “I know. I’ve no complaints.” He took the envelope back and handed it to Lyle. Lyle left it on the seat and climbed out after locking it up. “Come here, you wonderful man,” Jennifer reached out to Lyle affectionately. Lyle fell into her embrace and hugged her. “You found a very special man in David. Please, don’t ever hurt him.” “Never.” She kissed his cheek and set back from him. “Right! Off to lunch. What are you in the mood for?” David pulled Lyle close, wiping off the trace of lipstick in his cheek bone. After he kissed him, he held his hand and said, “I’m up for anything.” “No kidding!” Lyle said, laughing. David and Jennifer winked at each other, then they walked back out to the sunshine together. The End

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About the Author: G. A. Hauser was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA and attended university in New York City. She moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked as a patrol officer with the Seattle Police Department. She now resides in Hertfordshire, England with her husband and daughter. For more information on other books by G.A., visit the author at her official website at: www.authorga.com.

Other works by G.A. Hauser: Naked Dragon Police Officer Dave Harris has just been assigned to one of the worst serial murder cases in Seattle history: The Dragon is hunting young Asian men. In order to solve the crime it’s going to take a bit more than good oldfashioned police work. It’s going to take handsome FBI Agent Robbie Taylor. Robbie is an experienced Federal Agent with psychic abilities that allow him to enter the minds of others. You can’t hide your secrets and desires from someone that knows your every thought. Some think what Robbie has is a gift, others a skill, but when the mind you have to enter is that of a madman it can also be a curse. As the corpses pile up and the tension mounts, so does the sexual attraction between the two men. Then a moment of passion leads to a secret affair. Will their love be the distraction that costs them the case and possibly even their lives? Or will the bond forged between them be the key to their survival?

The Kiss Twenty-five year old actor Scott Epstein is no stranger to the modeling industry. He’s done it himself between acting jobs. So when his sister, Claire, casts him in a chewing-gum commercial with the famous British model, Ian Sullivan, he doesn’t ask any questions. He’s a professional. He’ll show up, hit his mark, say his lines, and collect his paycheck. Right? Ian Sullivan is used to making heads turn. Stunningly handsome, he’s accustomed to provocative photo shoots where sex sells everything from perfume

to laundry soap. Ian was thrilled when Claire Epstein cast him in the new Minty gum commercial. He has t o kiss his co-star on screen? No problem. Until he finds out Scott is the one he has to kiss! Never before has a commercial featured two men, kissing on screen. Claire knows that the advertisement will be ground-breaking, and Scott knows that his sister needs his performance to be perfect. As the filming progresses and the media circus begins around the controversial advertisement, the chemistry between Ian and Scott heats up and the two men quite simply burn up the screen. Is it all an act? Or, have Ian and Scott entered into a clandestine affair that will lead them t o love?

For Love and Money Handsome Dr. Jason Philips, the heir to a vast fortune, had followed his heart and pursued his dream of becoming a physician. Ewan P. Gallagher had a different dream. Acting in local theater, the talented twenty-year-old was determined to be a famous success. As fate would have it, Jason happened to be working in casualty one night when Ewan was admitted as a patient. Jason was more than flattered and surprisingly aroused by the younger man’s obvious attraction to him. The two men entered into a steamy affair finding love, until their ambitions pulled them apart. Now, one year later and stuck in a sham of a marriage that he entered into only to preserve his inheritance, Jason is filled with regret. Caught between obligation and freedom, duty and desire, Jason finds that he can no longer deny his passion. He plans to win Ewan, Hollywood’s newest rising star, back!

A Question of Sex Sharon Tice seems to have it all. She’s beautiful, confident, sexy, and holds an executive position in her father’s prestigious firm. But when her father puts her in charge of his latest building project, Sharon soon discovers that her life is missing something…Mark Antonious Richfield. Mark is one of Los Angeles’ most eligible bachelors, charming, charismatic and successful. His first encounter with Sharon takes him by complete surprise. The attraction between the two is undeniable and when they give in to the impulse to satisfy it, and one another, it’s positively explosive. After his first taste of Sharon, Mark is left wanting more, and the sultry blonde is more than willing until she’s introduced to Jack, Mark’s roommate, and begins to suspect that they are lovers. Somewhere between rumor and innuendo lies the truth. Will Sharon put aside her fears and jealousy long enough to discover the possibility of love? Or, will it simply remain A Question of Sex?

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