Page 105 of The Texas Sterling Collection
The four men took their seats.
“You two okay?” Tom asked. “That guy sure had a thorny cactus up his ass.”
Wyl chuckled. “Thanks for stepping in. That guy started a false rumor at the college last fall about Rod and me. I was a student, and Rod was a department head. I had his class, and we met each morning for coffee. The rumor mill took over.”
George leaned forward. “What you two did with that video took guts. Those six guys are our friends. We’re all ranchers and horsemen. Nothing like your operation, but it keeps us busy. We play poker together occasionally and try to attend regional rodeo events as a group. There are three couples, like us and you two.”
“We’ve all seen your video,” Tom said. “I ‘bout fell over when I saw you two walk in tonight. I’d been hoping to run into you.”
“Let’s exchange numbers,” Rod said. Relief had washed over him at the easy chatter with George and Tom. “I don’t know much about poker, but we have a nice pool table. You two could come over sometime. We’ll grill steaks.”
“That sounds right nice,” George said. “You got a deal!”
The four settled back in their chairs, sharing comments about the rodeo events.
The Sterling Ranch team did well, taking first place in team roping. Afterward, the four shared a beer from one of the vendor trailers outside. It was good to know another gay couple in the area. They promised to get together again.
* * *
The following week, an ad appeared in the Blackfield Daily News.Wanted. Science Instructor. White Buffalo Community College.Rod drew his lower lip between his teeth. Alfonso’s manufactured story of Wyl and Rod kissing in the campus courtyard started a firestorm that went all the way to the president. Alfonso didn’t seem the type to give up easily, and the incident at the rodeo, combined with the possibility of his involvement in the barn fire, was proof. Hopefully, the loss of his job drove Alfonso and his family to a place far away. However, distance rarely appeased these people, and Alfonso would create problems wherever he ended up.
Chapter Ten
Just before lunchtime on Monday, the phone rang. Caller ID showedThe Advocate. Wyl thought it could be a lead in the barn fire incident. “Sterling Ranch.”
“This is Joe Cooper withThe Advocatemagazine.”
The wordmagazineput Wyl on high alert. Solicitor calls were becoming excessive. “Mister, we’re not interested in a magazine subscription.” Wyl pulled the handset away to disconnect.
“Wait…this isn’t about a subscription.” The words made him stop.
“What is it then?” Wyl said. “When I heardThe Advocatemagazine, I assumed you wanted to sell me a subscription. Why are you calling us?”
Rod perked up atThe Advocate. He tossed the kitchen towel on the counter and hurried to Wyl’s side.
“Mr. Sterling, I am not asking you to subscribe.The Advocateis one of the most widely read gay magazines in the country. I want to do a story on you and your husband.”
“The Advocateis a leading gay magazine,” Rod whispered. “Large reader base worldwide.”
“What did you say your name was, again?” Wyl said.
“Joe Cooper, sir. May I ask which Mr. Sterling I am speaking with?”
“This is Wyl Sterling, Mr. Cooper.”
“Are you aware that the video you and your husband made went viral?” Joe asked.
“You mean our video is spreading a computer virus?”
Joe chuckled through ano. “It means your video became insanely popular. You’re getting a lot of exposure. People are fascinated by two gay ranchers who own a large spread in West Texas. The Texas mystique gets the attention of readers. Throw in gay and ranchers or cowboys, and the audience craves more.”
“Shit. It worked.” Wyl looked at Rod, eyes wide and mouth agape.
“What worked?” Rod asked.
“The video,” Wyl said.
“May I call you Wyl?” Joe said.
