Page 130 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“What mystery?” Matthew asked.
“The mystery of what happened to Stewart Snowdon. We’ve been trying to figure that one out.” Rod smiled.
Matthew stood slightly shorter than Stewy but with the same build. His boyish face made him appear a few years younger, but they would ask that later. His bald head showed a faint shadow of a hairline around the sides and back. His dimples deepened when he smiled, adding character to his face. His coal-black eyes gave him an air of mystery that Stewy probably found charming and attractive.
“You two up for dinner after this gig is over?” Stewy asked. “Obviously, we have a lot to tell you.”
“What do you think, Rod?” Wyl eyed him with a grin.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Rod’s mile-wide smile split his face.
“Let’s go to The Stinking Rose,” Stewy said. “We can catch a cable car up Powell to Jackson, then a couple of blocks to the restaurant. Well within walking distance.”
“Great. We’ll meet you outside after this is over.”
“We’ll see you then.” Matthew guided Stewy back into the crowd.
“Hello, boys,” the tinny voice off to their left pierced the air. Mitzi Sterling sauntered up as if she owned the place.
“Mitzi, what the hell are you doing here?” A heated edge framed Wyl’s voice.
“Just gathering ammo,” Mitzi sported an evil smile. “You wouldn’t play the game my way, so I changed it. And by the way, I now have Alfonso Ortega on my team. You know him, I assume?”
“Changing the game without informing the opposing team is unfair.” Rod scowled. “Especially when you bring in a ringer at the last minute. He won’t do you any good.”
“Who gives a fuck about that?” she sneered. “I’m through playing fair. Now maybe we can talk business.”
Wyl leaned over, his narrowed eyes focused directly on her face. “Get out of here, Mitzi. We don’t want you here, and any attempt to start something will turn this friendly crowd into a mob you don’t want to face.” Wyl waved his finger at the crowd.
She glanced at the crowd and saw many faces staring directly at her. More heads turned their way as the murmur that passed through the crowd alerted everyone to their dilemma.
Mitzi turned to face them, her own eyes narrow and menacing. “Very well.” Gritted teeth showed behind her drawn lips. “You outfoxed me this time. But I’m warning you, the final showdown is coming. In Blackfield. Be ready.” Her sneer morphed into a confident smirk before she darted out the back door.
Chapter Nineteen
An hour later, Rod and Wyl finally broke away. Outside, they found Stewy and Matthew. They chatted while they waited for the cable car.
Stewy looked uncertain, like he didn’t exactly know what to say. Finally, he blurted out, “Are you from Blackfield, Rod?”
Rod nodded. “Born and raised, although I was out of high school by the time you two entered.” He motioned to Wyl. “Wyl said your dad and his were golfing buddies.”
Stewy’s turn to nod. “Wyl and I were best friends in high school, but I chose the university route, and he chose the see-the-country route.”
The cable car stopped. Rod hopped on and offered a hand-up to Wyl.
“Stewy, you old son of a gun,” Wyl pushed aside the elephant on the sidewalk and eyed Stewy as he grabbed Rod’s hand and stepped onto the cable car. “You’re gay?”
“What about you, Wyl?” Stewy gave Matthew a hand up as he spoke. “Not only are you gay, but you’re also married. And you and your husband are on the cover ofThe Advocate. I about fell over when I saw the picture and read the article.”
“Back in high school, did you know you were gay?” Wyl pointed to a seat for Rod while he grabbed a hand strap.
“Actually, yes.” Stewy grabbed the overhead rail. “Rachael and I had an agreement. We would act like this committed, dating couple, so nobody would know we were both gay.” He pointed to the empty seat next to Rod, and Matthew sat. “When she came out, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone figured me out.” Stewy sighed. “I thought it best to disappear.”
“So, how long have you and Matthew been together?” Wyl asked, expecting him to be in a long-term relationship.
“Oh, we met a year ago. Ours is an open relationship, which is not what I want, but it works for us. I wish I could find the kind of love I see in you and Rod.” Stewy put a hand on Wyl’s shoulder. “The article was good but seeing you two in person really told the story. I think everyone in the audience tonight saw the same thing. While we live in a city that is easy for gays, seeing true love between two men is still a delight.”
Wyl nodded toward Matthew. “Have you talked to Matthew about the open relationship thing?”
