Page 95 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“We’ll come back here and pick the version we like. We’ll edit it, add fade-in and fade-out effects, and remove anything that might be incorrect. When we are satisfied, we’ll upload it to YouTube.”
“Do we need to set up a YouTube account?”
“We’ll create a Gmail account and use that. Not only does that give us a name, but it also provides an email for any responses. We’ll also set up a Facebook account under that name.”
“How do you know all this stuff?” Wyl gathered the breakfast dishes. While he was an expert in computer cryptography, he knew little about the sites and applications Rod had mentioned. He had no fascination with computer games, online entertainment, or social media. He had enough behind-the-scenes computer work in the Marines to last a lifetime.
“It’s the 21stcentury, babe. Kids in elementary school know this stuff.”
Wyl shook his head. “I don’t. I never needed to know simple applications. I worked with the code.”
“A good reason for you to keep me around,” Rod laughed.
“Wrong,” Wyl laughed. “I keep you around as a sex slave.”
“So, when does the sex start?” Rod punched Wyl in the arm and then carried the coffee mugs to the sink.
Wyl snaked his arms around Rod’s waist from behind and nuzzled his ear. “Whenever you want, baby.”
Rod turned his head to offer a kiss. “How about we save it until after we do the video?”
Wyl returned the kiss, reminded of their very first kiss. “So, you’re sure about this video thing?”
“Do I need to drag you back out of the closet?” Rod picked up a towel to dry his hands. “What are you unsure about?”
Wyl stepped back and sighed. “I don’t know. It just seems so, well, risky.”
“Says the man who doesn’t want the Dustys of this world to tell him who he can be.”
Wyl elbowed Rod. “Shut up. How do we get ready for our big scene, Mr. DeMille?”
* * *
Running through the script after breakfast took a few tries before they eased into it. They were both comfortable with the language but preferred talking off the cuff. Following a script took discipline, accompanied by laughter and teasing.
They saddled the horses, then dressed in their starched jeans, belts with Texas buckles, crisp white shirts with bolo ties, and full quill ostrich boots. Grabbing their cowboy hats, they headed to the stables where Princess and Sarge waited. Rod packed the tripod and camera in the saddlebags, and they rode out.
At the gurgling spring, Rod pointed the camera at the tall mesa in the background, the spring in the foreground. Rod and Wyl stood near the spring with their horses behind them. Rod started the video camera, and they quoted through the script as rehearsed.
(Wyl) Hi, I’m Wyl Sterling.
(Rod) And I’m Rod Sterling.
(both) Welcome to Sterling Ranch.
(Wyl) We own 6,400 acres in the rolling plains of West Texas, a few miles outside the small town of Blackfield. The ranch has been in the Sterling family since the 1800s. Rod and I are now sole owners.
(Rod) We met last August and got married in February. I proudly took Wyl’s surname, making us a legal couple in every sense of the word.
(Wyl) Some disagree with our lifestyle and our relationship, but we are here to proclaim to the world that we love each other and are as committed as any couple on earth.
(Rod) These are our horses, Princess and Sarge. We spend many happy hours riding the ranch and enjoying the outdoors. And we even enjoy romantic overnight camping at this very spring.
(Wyl) Let us know what you think. Share this video with your friends, and like us on Facebook.
(Rod turns to Wyl) I love you, Wyl.
(Wyl faces Rod) I love you more, Rod.
