Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:15:29 -0400 From: John Martin Subject: Sam and Luca: Chapter 13 This is a fictional story. It is a sequel to "Camp Staff Memories" which can be found in the Nifty Archives as well as on my blog at: mygayfantasy.blogspot.com. Feel free to contact me at "conislancio@gmail.com" and let me know what you think. © 2012 by author - All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication or use is not permitted. CHAPTER 13 "That's quite a tale," said David. "I mean, wow. To think that a little over a year and a half ago, you were just a typical high school kid. Now you're living in Greece and getting ready to start college. I can't believe you are with Luca Kostoploulos. Even I know of the family. They are one of the most influential families in Greece." "I know. It's tough for me to wrap my brain around sometimes," replied Sam, taking a sip of his coffee. "Can I ask you a personal question?" asked David. "Sure." "When did you figure out you were, well, you know... gay?" "Um, well, I don't think I really knew until I met Luca. I sort of questioned things for a few years prior to that, but never really admitted it until I fell in love with Luca. How about you?" From the look of dread on David's beautiful face, Sam thought he had made a terrible mistake. David dropped his head and looked down into his coffee, hesitating. After a moment, he picked his head up and looked Sam in the eye, "I guess I've always known, but I've never done anything about it. Since coming to Greece two months ago, I have searched myself to figure things out. I have not even kissed a boy, but it is all I think about." David paused and Sam allowed him to collect himself. Then he said, "Honestly? When I saw you today and you looked at me, that is when I knew." "Oh," said Sam, not knowing how to reply. "Wow." "I'm sorry to put you in this position. I did not mean to." piped up David. "It just happened. I would never think of coming between you and Luca. Frankly, why would you ever choose me anyway." "Now hold on," interrupted Sam. Sam reached across the table and took David's hand in his. An electric feeling shot through Sam's body at the touch of David's skin and his smooth, soft hand. Sam held it regardless, choosing his words carefully. "David, don't say that. First of all, Luca and I have an open relationship. You saw my reaction to you in the store. In fact, just touching your hand is having the same effect right now. You are incredibly...beautiful and I am extremely attracted to you. If things were different I would pursue you with a vengeance. I would rather be your friend right now, though, at the risk of not being shallow." "Thank you, Sam. You are so sweet. I would love to be friends. I could use a friend." "Cool," said Sam, withdrawing his hand. "I'll try to keep my hands off you." They both laughed at the comic relief. "Hey," said David, "I need to get back. This is probably a dumb suggestion, but would you be interested in a job? Mr. Galoupis is looking for another associate. Dating Luca, you probably don't need to work, but..." "Really?" interrupted Sam. "That would be excellent. I would love a job to earn my own way so Luca can stop 'keeping' me." The two boys finished their coffee and returned to the store. Sam met Mr. Galoupis, the owner, who immediately took a liking to him and hired him to begin work on Monday. Sam was astounded at the turn of events. Sam left the store, with David's phone number, and strolled down the street to a florist. He bought Luca a bouquet of white lilies and made his way back to the car. Activating the GPS for the return trip, Sam navigated the streets of Thessalonika and made his way back to the house. Sam's thoughts remained on David. He could feel the anguish in David's voice as he talked about being gay. Sam reflected on his fortune at not having to go through a dramatic "coming out." He credited Luca for giving him the strength to come out. Telling his parents was the worst part, but even that went fairly well. His father never really accepted it, but tolerated it. Sam's mother was reticent at first, but soon came to accept it and really liked Luca. Sam never really gave them a choice, as he was adamant in his devotion to Luca. Sam really liked David and was excited to have made a friend. Not only was he from America, but he was totally separate from the "Kostoploulos network," which seemed to pervade every aspect of his own life. Part of him relished the idea of having a connection outside that network - like maintaining a part of his own identity. This train of thought led to Sam thinking about his lack of independence, being that he relied on Luca for everything. His discomfort with this arrangement was always lurking beneath the surface, but he did not allow himself to give it a manifestation. Luca had a very strong personality and his belief that Sam should not be concerned with any of this had permeated Sam's persona. In Sam's mind, however, lay the seeds for discontent at the current arrangements. Sam determined that he wanted to gain some degree of independence in order to be able to be fully comfortable and committed in his relationship with Luca. Pulling into the garage, Sam saw Luca's Porche parked in its spot and his heart leapt, as it always did at the prospect of seeing Luca. Grabbing his bags, Sam bolted up the stairs, excited about telling Luca of his morning. "Hello, Sam. I was just making us some lunch," greeted Luca, as Sam came into the kitchen and gave Luca a kiss. "Great, I'm starved," said Sam. Lunch consisted of some spiced meat strips, fresh vegetables and a yogurt dressing on pita. Sam told Luca about his job and his new friend, leaving out the strong physical attraction. "It is not necessary for you to work," said Luca, matter-of-factly. "Yes, it is," said Sam, with a hint of annoyance in his tone. "I need to do something to provide for myself." "But why should you? I can provide everything you need." "But that's just it. I cannot free-load off of you for the rest of my life. I have come to terms with accepting your gifts and sponging off you to live for now, but I have saved money of my own and plan to work to pay my way through college. I hope you know that I do not want you for you money." "Sam, this is silly. Money is one thing in my life that is of no consequence. I do not try to flaunt my family's wealth, but I am grateful I do not need to worry about it... ever. Similarly, I do not ever want money to be an issue between us. If spending money on you allows us to be together, then it is money well spent. I do not begrudge any amount that is spent on you or me or us together. The only thing that matters is we are together. I can live without money. I cannot live without you." "I know. Please try to understand. I was not raised in a world where money was disposable and of no consequence. I need to be able to make my own way in the world - to know that I can survive, independent of the Kostoploulos fortune. Not independent of you, just the money." "If having a job makes you happy, then I am happy for you. I am sorry. I did not mean to upset you. Forgive me," said Luca, backing down. "There is nothing to forgive, just understand," said Sam. "I will try," said Luca. "I have a three-day weekend next weekend and I was hoping we could drive to Volos for the weekend." "I would love that. I will make sure Mr. Galoupis does not schedule me to work."