At one a.m., the young boy walked in. He looked around, saw Parker and walked over to him. The boy was even more beautiful than Parker had remembered.
“Good evening.”
“Good evening. Sorry I’m late.”
“That’s all right. I didn’t mind waiting.”
The young man took out a cigarette and waited while the older man lit it for him.
“I’ve been thinking about you,” Parker said.
“Have you?”
The boy’s eyelashes were incredible.
“Yes. Can I buy you a drink?”
“If it will make you happy.”
Parker smiled. “Are you interested in making me happy?”
The boy looked him in the eyes and said softly, “I think so.”
“I saw the man you were here with last night. He’s wrong for you.”
“And you’re right for me?”
“I could be. Why don’t we find out? Would you like to go for a little walk?”
“Sounds good.”
Parker felt a tingle of excitement. “I know a cosy place where we can be alone.”
“Fine. I’ll skip the drink.”
As they started toward the front door, it suddenly opened and two large young men entered the bar. They stepped in front of the boy, blocking his way. “There you are, you sonofabitch. Where’s the money you owe me?”
The young man looked up at him, bewildered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never seen you be …”
“Don’t give me that shit.” The man grabbed him by the shoulder and started marching him out to the street.
Parker stood there, furious. He was tempted to interfere, but he could not afford to get involved in anything that might turn into a scandal. He stayed where he was, watching the boy disappear into the night.
The second man smiled at Kevin Parker sympathetically.
“You should choose your company more carefully. He’s bad news.”
Parker took a closer look at the speaker. He was blond and attractive, with almost perfect features. Parker had a feeling that the evening might not be a total loss, after all. “You could be right,” he said.
“We never know what fate has in store for us, do we?” He was looking into Parker’s eyes.
“No, we don’t. My name’s Tom. What’s your name?”
“Paul.”
“Why don’t you let me buy you a drink, Paul?”
“Thank you.”
“Do you have any special plans for tonight?”
“That’s up to you.”
“How would you like to spend the night with me?”
“That sounds like fun.”
“How much money are we talking about?”
“I like you. For you, two hundred.”
“That seems reasonable.”
“It is. You won’t be sorry.”
Thirty minutes later Paul was leading Kevin Parker into an old apartment building on Jefferson Street. They walked upstairs to the third floor, and entered a small room. Parker looked around. “It’s not much, is it? A hotel would have been nicer.”
Paul grinned. “It’s more private here. Besides, all we need is the bed.”
“You’re right. Why don’t you get undressed? I want to see what I’m buying.”
“Sure.” Paul started stripping. He had a great body.
Parker watched him and he felt the old familiar urge beginning to build.
“Now, you get undressed,” Paul whispered. “Hurry, I want you.”
“I want you, too, Mary.” Parker began to take off his clothes.
“What do you like?” Paul asked. “Lips or hips?”
“Let’s make it a cocktail. Excuse the pun. We’ve got all night.”
“Sure. I’m going into the bathroom,” Paul said. “I’ll be right back.”
Parker lay on the bed naked, anticipating the exquisite pleasures that were about to happen. He heard his companion come out of the bathroom and approach the bed.