Page 101 of Sass in the Grass

Speaking of calling, he expected about a hundred calls from Cherokee, but Jovian had put all the numbers on his phone hethem,ld find, and he labeled them so he’d know not to answer.

By the time he got to the city, the sun was already up and lighting the world.

Jovian went right to his apartment, showered, moisturized and dressed in casual clothes, nothing expensive, as he’d be working that day. Plus…all his expensive clothes suddenly seemed so…pointless.

He tried not to think about what that could mean and when he got to Chaps two hours later, there were already people inside, getting the place ready.

Including Travis and Lonnie Walton.

“Hey! I didn’t know you would be here!”

“We wanted to see our friends and help,” Lonnie said as he gave Jovian a hug. “We’ve looked into the camp since we saw you. It’s…incredible what they do for people. When we get older, a lot of us don’t have a place we can find community.”

“Wow, thank you. I’m glad you see it’s worthwhile.”

Travis shook his hand and said, “It very much is. Anything to help our community, we’re all for.”

Gary came over then and shook hands with Travis and Lonnie. “Glad he found you guys.” He turned to Jovian and sighed heavily. “So, it worked?”

“Yes, it did, but there’s no time to lord it over me right now. What are the plans?”

“I made a signature juice mix, and I have my guys cutting oranges and limes now, lining all the martini glasses with fruit sugar.”

“That is perfect.”

Lonnie said, “So, Armand would like to limit the non-members to this floor and the stage floor on four if they pay extra. No private rooms and no VIP unless they’re members. More in both your pockets.”

“That’s fine! I doubt a lot of them would want to see what happens on the other floors.”

“Well, Dirty Duke, who we know affectionately by his real name of Julio Cortez, will perform in the VIP for tips that he plans to donate to the camp, and our friends who work for Blew Boys will dance on the fourth floor, taking tips as well they plan to donate.”

Hearing all that made his eyes fill with tears. “Everyone’s so…wonderful.”

“Yes, we have some amazing friends, like I told you. We also have a ton of people sending out flyers in emails. One of our friends, Pez, he works marketing for Slutae, the kinky clothes and toys company.”

“I know the website well. I have spent probably too much money on it.”

Travis laughed, “So have we all. Lonnie and I saw their potential when we owned Chaps, and became exclusive with them, our go-go boys wearing nothing but Slutae. It was a great partnership, and one Armand signed on for too.”

“Anyway,” Lonnie continued, “He’s sending out flyers to every patron of Slutae in the Denver area. So many have already written back that they’ll be here.”

His heart couldn’t take much more. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“Thank you works,” Travis said, and Lonnie gently slapped him.

“Travis, stop.”

“No, he’s right. Thank you both and everyone. This means the world.”

“Look at that,” Gary said. “The little shit does have a heart.”

He stuck his tongue out at Gary, then laughed. “The camp…I found a lot there, including my heart, okay?”

Gary slapped him on the back and gave him a wink. “Glad to hear it.”

People were everywhere, cleaning, putting up banners that were pictures downloaded from the Pride Camp website, advertising them and what the event was all about.

His friends called to tell him that their socials were blowing up with excitement for the event too. There would be a hell of a diverse group at the club that night. From snotty club hoppers to leather men, to drag queens that Gary had on speed dial. “They’ll perform down here, so those not paying extra to head up, get their money’s worth, too.”

---