Page 131 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“No.” Stewy shook his head. “I don’t want to disappoint him.”
“What if he wants the same thing you do?” Wyl asked. “One of you must put on your big boy britches and speak up.”
Stewy studied his shoes. “You’re right, of course.”
“You need to stop trying so hard, Stewy.” Wyl squeezed Stewy’s shoulder. “It sounds like you went through a series of relationships, none of which satisfied you. Am I right?”
“Unfortunately, yes. But I like living in San Francisco. Lots of opportunities to meet guys, and our open relationship allows me to enjoy other sex partners without Matthew getting all bent out of shape.” Stewy glanced at Matthew, and Wyl could see the longing in his expression.
“How many other sex partners have you tried since you and Matthew got together?”
Stewy looked at Wyl. “None.”
The cable car bell sounded, and the four of them stepped off and began their walk to the restaurant. Stewy grabbed Matthew’s hand and walked ahead while Wyl slinked his arm around Rod’s waist and strolled behind, separating the two couples.
“Thanks for keeping Matthew occupied on the cable car,” Wyl whispered. “You always know exactly what to do.”
“I knew you wanted to chat with Stewy and catch up, and I figured it was better if Matthew and I didn’t listen to every word. He’s a nice guy, and from what he says…he thinks Stewy hung the moon.”
“Stewy says they are in an open relationship, but it’s not what he wants.”
“Matthew said he wants a committed relationship like ours but doesn’t think Stewy does.”
“I wonder why they don’t talk to each other about their feelings?” Wyl asked.
“Maybe they aren’t experts at thego-after-your-mangame like we are.” Rod chuckled as he snaked his arm around Wyl’s waist.
Wyl huffed out a one-breath laugh. “Yeah. Perhaps we should write a self-help book on pursuing your ideal partner. I bet the bookstore on Castro would carry it.”
They arrived at the restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful dinner, accompanied by light conversation. Stewy and Matthew discussed their living arrangements, jobs, and life. Rod and Wyl let them talk. Their life was an open book—or rather an open magazine article. They finished their meal and left the restaurant.
“Why don’t you guys come for dinner?” Rod asked. “We’re in the penthouse. Seventh and Howard.” He jerked his thumb in the direction of the building. “We’ll fix steaks and open a nice bottle of wine. Are you busy tomorrow night?”
“We can do that.” Matthew nodded. “Right, baby?” He looked at Stewy, who nodded enthusiastically.
“We’ll alert the doorman you are coming,” Wyl said. “Seven o’clock?”
“Perfect, Wyl. We’ll see you two then.” Stewy took Matthew’s hand as they turned to leave.
Rod and Wyl walked back to the cable car stop, caught the car down to Market, and then returned to their building.
“Did you notice that Stewy and Matthew didn’t touch each other much?” Rod asked.
“Not everyone is like us, Rod. Your touch not only grounds me, but it also keeps my furnace going. I don’t think everyone experiences the same sensations.”
“Still, I think Matthew wanted to touch Stewy the same way we touch, only he was afraid.”
“It’s obvious those two don’t talk, Rod. We’ll fix that when they come over.”
“Good. I want them to be a happy couple.”
“Me, too.”
Back in their condo, they took off their coats to relax.
“How about a brandy?” Wyl finished tugging his boots off and scooted the boot jack toward Rod.
“I could go for that.” Rod wedged his boot heel into the jack and tugged.
