Page 118 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Let’s go enjoy our day, babe. Mitzi can’t do anything to us out here.” Rod nudged Wyl’s chin with his fist and grinned. “She would be mobbed and beaten if she tried to harm the two most famous gay cowboys in the western United States.”
Wyl’s heart fluttered at Rod’s infectious grin. “You’re right. I’m angry that she won’t leave us alone, but I’m in San Francisco with the man I love, and I will enjoy the hell out of it!”
They rode down to the lobby. “Good morning, gentlemen,” Henry said. “Out for a day in the Golden Gate City?”
“You bet, Henry. Is there a CityPass office near here?” Wyl asked.
“Yes, Mr. Sterling. That office is almost directly across the street.” Henry led them outside and indicated the direction they should go. “It’s on the lower level, so when you get there, take the stairs. You’ll see the signs. Enjoy your day, gentlemen.” Henry reached into his vest pocket. “Here is my card. Call if you need assistance.”
“Thanks, Henry.” Rod took Henry’s card in one hand, Wyl’s arm in the other. “You ready for a walk?”
“Lead the way!”
They found the CityPass office, bought passes, and then waited for the trolley to Ferry Plaza. A streetcar clanged to a stop, and they climbed on. “These are the oldest continuously operating cable cars in the country,” Rod said. “Many originally operated on lines in other cities but were purchased and brought here for preservation and tourist draw.”
“Impressive.” Wyl grabbed the handrail above. “And popular.”
The cable car was packed with tourists and locals alike. With the clang of the cable car bell, they rode down the line. At Ferry Plaza, they hopped off.
“I’m hungry,” Wyl said. “Let’s find a restaurant.”
Rod led him to Bowlin’s Larder. “This place got rave reviews in the New York Times. I’ve never tried it, but customers give it high ratings.”
“Fine with me.” Wyl’s stomach growled at the aroma of breakfast.
“Their menu varies daily based on local Bay Area purveyors' fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients. It’s not your typical restaurant.”
The hostess seated them and gave them menus. They ordered the breakfast special and a tall Bloody Mary. The server brought their drinks.
“Here’s to us.” Rod hoisted his glass.
Wyl held his glass up and tapped Rod’s. “Sterling fight never dies. We’ll take that BTFH down!”
“BTFH?” Rod licked the salty rim before sipping the tasty drink.
“Bitch troll from hell,” Wyl grinned. “Your words.” He sipped his drink.
Rod laughed. “We’ll definitely take that BTFH down.”
Their breakfast came, and they dug in.
“You ready to stroll the market?” Rod swiped the napkin over his mouth, plate empty.
“You bet.” Wyl shoved his empty plate away. “What are we looking for?”
“Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fresh flowers, preserves, jams, and honey. I love coming here.”
“I can hardly wait.” Wyl handed his credit card to the server.
They strolled through the plaza building into the open market area near the waters of San Francisco Bay.
The number of vendor booths awed Wyl. “Wow, babe. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“You never visited open markets while stationed in various foreign countries?”
Wyl shook his head. “I had no reason. My chow was furnished, so I didn’t need to browse markets. Besides, given the nature of my work, I didn’t venture out too much.”
Rod nodded. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but it makes sense. Now that we’re simply a tourist couple, you can take advantage of this opportunity to get what you want.”
