Page 198 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Thank you, Ailbe,” Rod said, offering a hearty Texas handshake. “You mentioned this as a favorite opera of yours. Obviously, it is one of my favorites, too.”
“…and mine,” Wyl grinned.
“Your preference for this fine opera came across in your presentation, Rod. You not only know your opera, but you can also charm an audience,” Ailbe said.
“You did a good job, Rod,” Declan chimed in. “Opera is not my thing. I prefer rock music, and even enjoy heavy metal. I rarely go with Ailbe to the opera, especially since it is an overnight trip. But tonight, I wanted to be here for your presentation. It helps to understand the story of an opera before hearing it.”
“You’re right, Declan. Thank you for coming tonight and for your comments.”
“Shall we go for a drink?” Wyl asked. “I could use a martini, and I know my husband needs to relax after his speech.”
“Sounds good,” Ailbe said. “Declan, you up for something?”
“There is a place not far from here, O’Connell’s Pub,” Declan said. “Ailbe and I meet there after work on weekdays. They have an Irish folk band on Tuesday nights. It’s not opera, but it’s music I enjoy. We can walk there for the Hooley.”
Wyl raised an eyebrow. “Hooley?”
“Aye. It’s what you Yanks call a celebration. We’re toasting to Rod’s enthralling presentation.” Declan said.
“Ah, yes, the Hooley!” Wyl laughed. “Are you down with that, Rod?”
“Down with that?” Declan asked.
“Yeah…American slang for okay.”
Declan laughed. “As you say, I’m down with that Hooley.”
The four laughed together as they left the hall for the pub.
In O’Connell’s, they found a booth and ordered drinks. Wyl and Rod ordered martinis, Declan ordered a Guinness, and Ailbe ordered a Bulmers. The four toasted when the drinks arrived.
“So, Rod, where did you learn so much about opera?” Ailbe took a sip of the orange-colored cider.
“As you heard Dr. McCourt say, my doctorate is in musicology, with an emphasis on opera,” he pushed the ice around in his glass with his finger. “Wyl took me to a performance ofDon Giovanniin Fort Worth the weekend he proposed marriage. Aside from being one of my favorite operas, it has a special meaning.” Rod reached and squeezed Wyl’s hand.
“You two are too much.” Declan sipped his Guinness. “The article inThe Advocatewas right.”
“When we first met, I sort of left out that I was gay,” Wyl said. “I didn’t know he was, but when he told me, I kept my preference to myself. But then he captured my heart and wouldn’t let go.”
“I’m so glad we met you two,” Ailbe said. He was thinking about how to use Wyl to his advantage, but he knew he had to win them over as friends first. “We actually talked about coming to San Francisco for the therapy group session, but the weeks before the beginning of the fall semester are extremely busy on our campuses.”
“So, do you two have a place in Galway?” Wyl asked. He knew about their home from the information General Steinburg shared, but couldn’t reveal anything about their lives.
“We have a home over in Salthill, a suburb,” Declan said. “We bought it about three years ago, right, Ailbe?”
“That’s right,” Ailbe said. “It has a good view of Galway Bay and is in an upscale neighborhood.”
“Any problems with homophobia?” Rod was keenly aware of adverse reactions.
“None that we know about,” Ailbe said. “Both workplaces know we are a gay couple, and neither has raised an issue.”
“You’re lucky,” Rod looked at his empty martini glass.
Rod’s tired face caught Wyl’s eye. “You about ready to go, babe?”
“Yes…it has been a long day, and being a featured speaker can wear a body out.”
“I hope we can visit again soon,” Ailbe said. “I’m looking forward to your presentation tomorrow, Wyl. I want to pick your brain sometime.”
