Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:07:08 -0400
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: Trials_and_Triumph_8

TRIALS AND TRIUMPH -- II

Chapter 10:  THE OUTING

Eric had been working for the agency for three months.  His
schedule had expanded and he was servicing at least five clients
each week and sometimes as many as ten in Dallas, Fort Worth,
and surrounding cities.  It was profitable because Max steered him
only to affluent clients who tipped generously.  His expenses were
minimal and his bank account was sizable.  More importantly, he
was happy.  The frequent sex was enjoyable, of course, but he took
pride and delight in pleasing grateful and lonely men.  He didn't yet
have what he most wanted -- a lifetime companion -- but he was
optimistic about finding someone to love.

In early December, Max summoned all twelve employees to a staff
meeting at his home.  It caused quite a stir among the escorts
because it had never been done before and no one had any clue
about the purpose of the meeting.  Max deflected all questions
about why he called the meeting.

Everyone assembled on a Wednesday afternoon to find name tags
laid out for them on a table in the foyer.  It was a considerate move
since none of the escorts had personally met more than two or
three of their colleagues.  For the first hour, they mingled and
introduced themselves to each other while Max and Justin
circulated to make sure that plates were filled with hors d'oeuvres,
and glasses were filled with wine or soda.  Always in hushed tones
when the curious young men were sure that neither Max nor Justin
could hear, they queried each other, "What's this all about?"  The
consensus was that it must be an early Christmas party.

All conversations were interrupted when Max called out,
"Gentlemen!  Would you all join me on the patio out back?  Bring
your plates and glasses if you like.  I have something to say to you."

Most of the guests looked quizzically at each other but they all
followed Max and Justin out the back door to a spacious patio.
Four tables and sixteen chairs were in place under a very large
awning.

When everyone was seated, Max started the meeting.  "First and
foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for your
efforts.  It's you guys that have made the agency the success that it
is.  And I want to commend you for earning the praise ... and the
loyalty ... of our clients.  As a token of my thanks, I'm inviting you to
a two-day retreat where you can relax and have a bit of fun.  I've
arranged with one of our satisfied clients to rent his vacation house
in the Piney Woods Region of East Texas.  Calling it a house isn't
right.  It's a huge place surrounded by forest on three sides and
overlooking Sam Rayburn Lake.  There's a swimming pool and
tennis court out back.  I've visited there and I assure you it's palatial
and beautiful.  There are only six bedrooms in the main house and
two in a nearby guest house so you'll have to double up at night."
Max paused and continued, "HOW you double up is entirely up to
you."  A mixture of giggles and laughs rippled through the surprised
staff.  Max turned to Justin and jokingly asked, "What's so funny?"
Laughter resumed.

"The dates are December 27th and 28th -- typically a slow time for
the agency.   It's only two days but I think you will enjoy it.  It may
conflict with regular weekly appointments for a few of you.  If so, I
will explain to your clients the reason.  I'm sure they will
understand.  Some of you might have other plans for those dates.
I'm hoping, however, that ALL of you can arrange your plans to join
us.  Now.  What will you do to fill two days of vacation?  There will
be no planned activities except for meals that will be catered.  You'll
be on your own to hike, go boating, swim, or ... whatever comes up
and catches your fancy."  Boisterous laughter erupted.

"I've chartered a bus to take us there and back.  I've prepared an
information sheet on when and where to meet the bus and some
more information.  Justin?  Would you pass them out, please?
Any questions?"

After a short pause, Tim asked, "What should we bring?"

"A shaving kit, a change of clothes, and ... depending on you
interests ... swim suit, hiking shoes ... whatever you might need for
your preferred activities."

"Plenty of condoms?" Justin shouted.

"JUSTIN!" Max shot back, faking displeasure.  "Can't you think of
anything else?"

Justin pretended to sulk, which only caused the laughter to grow
louder.

"Okay, guys," Max said to quell the din of laughter.  "Meeting's over.
I'll assume that you will all come but let me know in a couple of
days if you CAN'T attend the party.  You're welcome to hang
around here for a while or get back to whatever you had planned
for the rest of the day."

<><><><><>

It was about a four-hour bus ride to the site of the retreat but the
joviality and energetic conversations among the passengers made
the trip pass quickly.  It was almost midnight on the evening before
the two-day retreat when the bus pulled up in front of a very large
house.  "Geez," one of the escorts exclaimed.  "It's a scaled down
version of the Grand Hotel complete with huge porch and a
portico!"  Pressed for what he meant by those who had never heard
of the Grand Hotel, the young man explained, "It's a famous and
very classy hotel on Mackinac Island in upper Michigan.  I stayed
there with my parents years ago.  And to think this is just some
guy's vacation house!  Incredible!"

Max escorted the entourage into the house as the bus pulled away.
Inside, he briefly pointed out where to find the available bedrooms
and bathrooms (He and Justin would take the master suite.) and
finished by saying, "It's late.  Breakfast is at seven.  If you haven't
already paired with a roommate, do it now.  I'll see you in the
morning."

Most had already agreed to share a room and proceeded
immediately from the foyer up the stairs.  Eric and Tim were among
the first to go up the stairs.  They had not met each other prior to
the trip and nothing more than chance found themselves as
seatmates on the bus trip.  They developed an immediate rapport
and agreed to share a bedroom.

Tim was not a hunk like many of the other escorts.  He had a thin
frame and a very youthful looking face that made him seem years
younger than his age of eighteen.  Eric thought that might be
appealing to some clients.

Tim came from a dysfunctional family in northeast Ohio.  His
parents found out he was gay and berated him mercilessly.  They
threatened to send him to a camp in Wyoming that claimed to
"cure" homosexuals.  He refused to go and left home at seventeen
to live with his boyfriend.  A heated argument with his boyfriend just
before high school graduation forced him to move out.  He
hitchhiked to Texas to stay with his married older brother who knew
he was gay and accepted it.  Unable to find a job without a diploma,
he started working for the agency.

But they were dissimilar in other ways.  Tim was a gregarious
extrovert who made friends easily.  He was what academics would
call a lateral thinker because he creatively found connections
between seemingly unrelated things. To him, a sunset was the slow
descent of the curtain at the end of an act in a play, signaling an
intermission and time to reflect on how he performed in that act.
Eric saw the same sunset as the inevitable consequence of Earth's
rotation with brilliant colors caused by the refraction of light -- the
orderliness of demonstrable facts, Tim saw the world around him
differently and was drawn to artistic expression in painting, music,
and the performing arts.  Eric's mind was more analytical and
logical.

Eric found Tim to be, for lack of a better word, refreshing -- honest
and unpretentious, energetic, an attentive listener and interesting
talker.  Tim appreciated Eric's curiosity and genuine interest in
Tim's passionate love of visual and performing arts.  Together,
those factors formed the basis of mutual attraction and their
agreement to be roommates.

Upon staking claim to one of the upstairs bedrooms, Eric and Tim
unpacked the few things in their overnight bags while still talking to
each other as if they were old friends.  Eric said, "I think I'll grab a
quick shower before anyone else monopolizes the bathroom."

Tim surprised even himself when he impulsively asked, "Why don't
we shower together?"

Eric's expression was briefly startled but it quickly changed to a
grin.  "I'd like that."  But, fearing that his comment was too bold, he
immediately added, "It will save time for others who want to
shower."

Both young men grinned.  Each had the same hopes.  Each sensed
that the other felt the same way.  They stripped off their shoes,
socks, shirt, and trousers and walked down the hall to the bathroom
where they took off their underwear.

Eric must have shown his surprise upon seeing Tim's pelvic region
with no public hair, which made his average penis look longer.  Tim
chuckled and said, "Yeah, I keep it shaved.  It's a turn-on for a
couple of my regulars; all the others don't mind.  Any time a new
client requests a juvenile escort, Max tells them we're all at least
eighteen.  If they insist on a young appearing escort, he gives the
assignment to me.  I can't be sure -- I have no clear evidence --
but I think one guy might be a pedophile.  But if I can satisfy his
urges so he doesn't bother little boys, I'm happy to do it."

"Well," Eric said, "I'm not a pedophile but I must say it's sexy."

It was not undiluted lust but it was a combination of mutual
fondness and admiration that drove them both to be gentle and
caring as they washed each other.  No words were spoken as they
tentatively began; none were necessary.  The budding bond
between them eliminated the need for requests and permissions.
Both became increasingly aroused in small part by the sensuous
actions of washing and being washed but mostly due to their
fondness for each other.  Their erections did not plead for release
as much as they seemed to beg for the privilege of bestowing joy
on a deserving friend.  The intensity of their orgasms was magnified
by their liking for each other.  As each deposited his seed in the
other's mouth, he didn't fully recognize the magic of the moment:
another seed had been sown -- the latent seed of love for each
other.  Neither could foresee how soon or how vigorously that seed
would grow and flourish.  Both of them, however, were warmed by
a rich glow of emotional bliss as they cuddled together in bed.
Before they fell asleep, each reminisced to himself about his first
lover.  It seemed so long ago and quite meaningless when
compared to the current evening's physical and emotional
gratification.

<><><><><>

Everyone gathered on the patio by seven in the morning or slightly
after for the catered breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, toast,
waffles with a selection of syrups, juice, milk, coffee, and tea.  The
good food was enhanced by the view of a swimming pool, tennis
court, and the expansive back yard surrounded by dense forest.

After breakfast, everyone scattered to enjoy hiking in the woods,
swimming in the pool (nude, thanks to a wooden privacy fence on
three sides of the pool that made it visible only from the house and
patio), playing tennis, canoeing on the lake, lounging on the patio,
or going back to their rooms for undisclosed reasons.

"Hey, Eric," Mike said.  "Care to join Larry and me in a walk through
the woods?"

"Sure," Eric replied.  "Would you mind if Tim comes along?"

"More the merrier!" Mike replied.

For the rest of the day, Eric and Tim were inseparable -- canoeing,
swimming, playing billiards in the basement game room -- which
caused many other escorts to speculate.  The new friends'
companionship was particularly obvious to Mike and Larry.  They,
more than anyone else, noticed the uninhibited laughter, the
frequent consideration of the other's needs and wishes, the sparkle
in their eyes when they exchanged glances, and what seemed to
be a glow of happiness in both their faces.

Larry and Mike sat with Tim and Eric at dinner that night.  When
Tim excused himself to go to the bathroom, Mike seized the
opportunity to resolve a question that had intrigued him for most of
the day.  "You and Tim get along very well together.  Is it more than
a friendship?"

Eric was blindsided by the question and was hesitant to reply.  Yes,
he cared for his vivacious new friend.  He allowed himself to hope
that the friendship would continue and ... perhaps ... blossom into a
relationship.  But it was far too soon to be sure of any reciprocal
interest.  To divert the subject he answered, "I only met him
yesterday.  He's fun to be with.  He's a friend ... like you and Larry
are my friends."

"Forgive me," Mike said.  "It's just that I see in both you and Tim the
same thing that Larry and I experienced when we met.  Call it
excitement, camaraderie, joy ... whatever.  But I've never seen you
so happy.  Let me just say that I hope it works out for you both.
You'd make a perfect couple."

Larry interjected, "If it does, buddy.  I hope we're the first to know
that our prediction was right."

"Geez, guys!" Eric exclaimed.  "You really believe in love at first
sight?"

"YES!" both Mike and Larry said in unison and laughed.


That night, as Eric and Tim made love in bed, they both felt that
they may have found someone with whom to share the rest of their
lives or at least they allowed themselves to hope so.


Chapter 11:  GO SOUTH, YOUNG MAN

The second day of the retreat in the Piney Woods Region was
much like the first.  All the escorts had ample opportunity to enjoy
each of the recreational activities available.  Everyone agreed that it
was a highlight of his year and each thanked Max repeatedly for the
experience.  His response was always a variation of "I'm glad you
liked it.  You deserve it for your outstanding contribution to our
success."

Eric and Tim again spent the day together and became increasingly
enamored of each other.  Each expressed to the other the wish to
remain friends after the return to Dallas.  Neither, however, dared to
express the hope that the friendship would evolve into a loving,
committed relationship.  Both felt they ought to wait because a
decision to dedicate their lives to each other was important and
ought to be made only when they were certain.

Dinner was early that evening, at five, to allow time for packing and
for the bus trip home.  Following desert, Chad, the senior member
of the staff, stood and said, "Max, I speak for all of us.  Right,
Guys?"  A chorus of agreement erupted.  "We all appreciate your
hosting this outing but not as much as we appreciate your
leadership and friendship.  With the unanimous support of
everyone, we hereby bestow upon you the title of His Excellency,
the GRAND STUDMEISTER.  And we pledge our allegiance to you
for as long as you in your wisdom allow us to serve."  Thunderous
applause and cheers erupted.  When it died down, Chad continued,
"And to your partner, Justin, whose extraordinary efforts have not
gone unnoticed, we hereby bestow the title of His Royal Highness,
the ONE WHO GETS THINGS DONE."  More applause and
cheers.

Max stood and said, "Thanks guys.  But I want you to know how
lucky I am to be associated with each and every one of you.  I kid
you not when I say it's you guys and the superior service you
render to our clients that are behind our success.  My role?  I'm just
a guy that answers the phone and keeps the books."

"And a helluva lot more!" someone shouted, which triggered
another round of cheers.

"Okay, Guys," Max said.  "Here's my first command as your newly
exalted ruler.  While the caterer clears up the dinner, gather up your
sheets and towels and take them to the utility room in the
basement.  Put them in the hamper down there.  Let's tidy up the
whole house.  None of us want our client to find the place in
disarray.  Then pack your things.  The bus will pick us up at eight."

<><><><><>

During the next three weeks, Tim and Eric were together frequently
-- usually in the middle of the week when neither of them had an
assignment.  Eric decided that the time was right.  He was sure that
he wanted Tim as a permanent partner.  But he was not nearly as
sure that Tim was ready to commit to a relationship.  In spite of
those doubts, he planned to `pop the question' on Wednesday
when the two of them would be spending the night together in Eric's
apartment.  He hoped his proposal would be accepted.  If it wasn't,
he hoped they could continue to be friends in and out of bed.

On Monday morning, Max called Eric and asked, "Could you stop
by and see me?  I've got an idea and would like your opinion."

"Sure," Eric replied.  "What's the idea?"

"I'd rather explain it to you in person.  It may take an hour or so to
discuss it."

They agreed on a time, ten the next morning, leaving Eric to
wonder what was on Max's mind.


"Thanks for coming," Max said as he answered the door and let
Eric in.  They sat in Max's office where the man said, "First of all, I
want to say that I couldn't be more pleased with your work.  I've
received more thanks and praise from your clients than for anyone
else in the agency.  That's the reason I've given you so many
assignments ... and the reason why I've tried not to overburden you
with work.  But let me get to my idea.  I've done a great deal of
research and decided to enter the Houston market.  There are a lot
of men, travelers and residents, in Houston mostly because of the
oil and space activity there.  And there's nothing like our service
available.  Bottom line: big market and no competition.  But I can't
manage the operation from here.  I need a resident manager.  I
need you, Eric, to be in charge down there."

"I'm flattered by the offer, Max, but I'm not sure I'm the one you
want.  Why not Chad?  He has the most experience."

"Chad's a good man.  He's a real trooper and has a loyal following.
But his talents don't include executive ability.  You, on the other
hand, have what it takes to hustle up the business, to organize, to
maintain a vision of the future and work hard to achieve it.  What
you've been through and how you handled setbacks are evidence
of your initiative and ambition.  Those are qualities that one has or
doesn't.  You, my boy, have what it takes.  You, more than anyone
else, can make the Houston operation a success."

"Thanks for the confidence," Eric replied.  "But I'd like to think it
over."

"EXACTLY!" Max exclaimed.  "That's one of the reasons I want
you.  You don't jump into things without proper consideration.  So
here's some information that will help you decide.  You'll have an
apartment with the first year's lease paid by the agency.  Two
bedrooms so you can use one as an office.  The first year's
marketing and business expenses will be paid by the agency ...
with minimal oversight and no objections unless you do something
stupid, which I'm sure you won't.  That's all part of the start-up
costs.  You'll have to recruit staff.  Until they're on board, you'll
have to entertain clients yourself.  Profits of the operation will be
yours for the first year.  After that, they will be divided equally
between us."

"That's very intriguing," Eric said.  "But I'm sure you appreciate that
this would be a big change for me and I'd like some time to think it
over."

"So what's to think over?" Max asked.  "I think the offer is not only
generous but irresistible."

"It is generous.  And tempting.  But there's one more thing I have to
find out before I can say yes."

"And what's that?  What more information do you need from me?"

"It's a personal matter," Eric replied, reluctant to divulge his
affection for another staff member.

Max was pensive for a few minutes, trying to think of a way to
overcome the unknown objection.  Finally, something occurred to
him.  He grinned and said, "Oh!  I see!  You don't want to leave
your boyfriend.  I should have thought of that.  It's plain to see that
you and Tim are fond of each other.  Am I right?"

"That's part of it," Eric replied reluctantly.  "But it's more
complicated than that.  Yes, we're boyfriends.  We like each other a
lot.  But we're not yet full partners like Mike and Larry.  So you see,
my dilemma is choosing between the opportunity you're offering
and the possibility of living with Tim.  I'd like to be in charge of the
Houston agency but I don't want to lose what I have ... and may
have ... with Tim."

"Well now," Max mused.  "That's a dilemma for both of us.  It's hard
enough to lose you as part of our team here in Dallas but if Tim
follows you to Houston I'll be losing TWO outstanding people.  If
you decide to stay here with Tim, then I'll have to offer Houston to
my second choice.  By the way, for what it's worth, I think you two
would be a great couple so I would understand.  On the other hand,
I would hate to lose both of you.  That would be a serious problem
not just for the agency but for many of our clients.  I guess we both
have to think about it for a while.  Is a week enough time for you to
make a choice?"

"Yes, Sir.  But I'd like your permission to discuss your offer with
Tim.  If he says goodbye and good luck then I'll know he's not
interested in a long term relationship and I'll go to Houston.  If, on
the other hand, he feels about me the way I feel about him then it
comes down to this: we both move or we both stay here.  In that
case, it's your choice: give the job to someone else or replace both
of us on the Dallas staff."

<><><><><>

Eric weighed his options for the remainder of Tuesday and most of
Wednesday and always concluded that he would have to decline
Max's offer if it meant parting from Tim.  The sleepover Wednesday
night only added urgency to the need to clarify Tim's feelings about
their relationship.

They met at seven for dinner at a local steak house and returned to
Eric's apartment by eight thirty.  Following their custom, they
immediately went to bed for about two hours of love-making
followed by conversation while they snuggled together before falling
asleep.  The conversation that night, however, was very different.

"Tim," Eric began.  "Max asked me to stop by his house yesterday.
He wouldn't say why.  But when I got there he surprised me.  It
seems he wants to open an agency in Houston and needs
someone to set it up and manage it for him."

"That sound like a great opportunity," Tim said.

"It would be ... but there's a complication."

"What?  You think you can't handle it?  I think you can."

"The complication has nothing to do with taking the job in Houston."
Eric paused to reconsider what he wanted to say.  "It's something
personal, something far more important to me than a job.  That
something is you, Tim.  I don't want to live 150 miles away from
you.  You mean too much to me.  Let me lay it out.  Sure, we've
only known each other for a short time but I love you.  You're the
person I've wanted for years.  I'd like to spend every day for the
rest of my life loving you.  And I can't do that if I move to Houston."

Tim said nothing for a few moments that seemed like an eternity to
Eric, who quickly grew anxious over the absence of any reaction.
He was surprised when Tim seized him in an embrace and said, "I
feel the same way about you but I've been afraid to say it.  I don't
think I could stand the disappointment if all you wanted was a sex
buddy."

They sealed their commitment to each other with a long, very
passionate kiss.

<><><><><>

"Well," Max said when Eric arrived.  "Are you going to be the head
of the Houston agency?"

"I'm afraid not," Eric replied.  "I appreciate the offer and your
confidence in me but I can't leave Tim behind.  I'm even more sure
of that now because we've agreed to be life partners."

"That's WONDERFUL!" Max exclaimed.  "Congratulations!  You two
will be a perfect couple.  But don't turn down the Houston job just
yet.  I've given a lot of thought to the matter.  I don't like the idea of
losing TWO outstanding staff members but I've concluded that
starting a new operation in Houston might be a bit much for one
person -- even one with your talents.  The agency here in Dallas is
up and running but it still keeps Justin and me busy.  As I thought
about the difficulties I had starting from scratch here, I remembered
how hard it is for one person.  Having both you and Tim in Houston,
therefore, will significantly improve the chances for success.  And
with your new relationship with Tim. I realize that the startup cost
will not be any more than if you were there alone because you can
share one apartment.  Bottom line: you and Tim can start your lives
together by starting a new business.  Do we have a deal?"

"That we do!" Eric said with a broad smile.  "When can we start?"

"In two or three months.  You'll have to spend some time with me to
learn the ropes of running an agency.  You'll have to find an
apartment in Houston.  Together -- and that means me, you, and
Tim -- we'll have to work out a marketing plan.  You'll probably
want to spend time in Houston scouting out possible candidates for
your staff and recruiting them.  It's going to be a busy time.  And
challenging.  But very rewarding in the long term."


Immediately upon arriving home, Eric called Tim.  "Hey, Buddy.  Do
you want to move to Houston with me?  Max has agreed that it will
take two of us to get the new agency started."

"FANTASTIC!" Tim whooped.  "I'd go to Timbuktu to be with you."

"What was that?"  Eric grinned.

"I'd go to Timbuktu ... to be with you."

"You're a poet and don't know it; but your feet show it ... they're
Long-fellows."

"What?"

"Never mind," Eric replied.  "Let's celebrate.  With dinner at a fancy
restaurant and then spend the night showing how much we love
each other."

Chapter 12:  ROCKY ROAD TO THE SUMMIT

YEAR ONE

It was a difficult first year in Houston.

Although Tim and Eric were together as devoted partners and
treasured the mutual love they shared, the challenge of setting up
an escort agency was almost overwhelming.  After two months of
trying to get it started, they began to regret their decision to strike
out on their own.  They were able to accommodate their few clients
but as the number of men requesting an escort grew, scheduling
conflicts became a problem, especially on weekends.  With only
Eric and Tim available to handle the increasing number of requests,
they had to turn away new clients.  Recruiting desirable and reliable
staff was as urgent as it was difficult and was the major hurdle to
the growth and success of the business.

They visited college campuses to investigate whether there was an
organization for gays (whether officially sanctioned or not).  The
University of Houston, a school of about 35,000 students had such
a group.  The much smaller Rice University had just formed a Gay
Lesbian Support Group sponsored by the future chancellor of the
school who was straight.  They even visited Sam Houston State
University in Huntsville, seventy miles away.  But none of those
visits were productive.  They cruised bars that seemed to cater to
gays but came away with nothing promising to show for their
efforts.  Frustration mounted and depression was just around the
corner for the two entrepreneurs.    Only two things kept them
going.  The first was that they had very few expenses since their
apartment and the startup costs of the business were taken care of
by Max.  More influential, however, was their ambition, their
optimistic hope that success was just around the corner, and their
unwavering support of each other.

A classified ad they prepared was rejected by the mainstream
newspapers but accepted by an "underground" paper.  [Seeking
18-25 yo men to provide evening companionship/entertainment to
refined gentlemen.  Part-time, variable hours, generous
compensation.  Call 555-1212]  Responses were few.  Fewer still
were those invited to an interview.  All of those interviewed were
unacceptable for a variety of reasons.  Two didn't pass the
background check because of criminal records -- minor offenses
like public indecency or driving while intoxicated but enough to
suggest potential character and behavioral problems if they where
hired.  Three were rejected because they were not sufficiently
attractive -- overweight or had unappealing tattoos.  It was
particularly painful to tell those candidates that they were otherwise
qualified but their appearance would not appeal to clients.   One
lost out on the basis of his emphatic statement, "Nobody's gonna
fuck me!  I won't be a cunt bitch for anybody!"

Eric and Tim were disheartened by the fading promise of success.
While Tim manned the phone at home and dreaded having to turn
away yet another potential client, Eric made yet another frustrating
round of scouting the bars.  His spirits were given a lift while sitting
in a bar talking to a patron named Zack who was a strikingly
handsome twenty-year-old, friendly, articulate, and well groomed.
If Eric had not already found an ideal partner, he would have
pursued the possibility of forming a relationship with Zack.  Instead,
he deftly maneuvered the conversation to the point where he could
introduce the subject of an escort service and say, "You're exactly
the kind of guy who would be a phenomenal success and you
would earn lots of money just for doing what you and our clients
want.  Would you like to come work for our agency?"

"No," the young man said.  "I wouldn't be interested but I think you
ought to talk to Terry.  He's a real hunk and he needs the money as
much as he needs the sex.  He was in a relationship once but it
soured after a short time.  Now he's giving it away to anybody who
will take him home or to a hotel room.  He's getting all the sex he
wants but needs the cash to pay his bills."

"How can I contact Terry?" Eric asked.

"He comes in here quite often but I haven't seen him tonight.  We
had sex once and he gave me his phone number.  I never called
him but I think I still have his number at home.  Come by tomorrow
night.  I'll bring the number with me."

Eric sensed something suspicious in the otherwise encouraging
information and asked, "Why didn't you call him after the first night
together?"

"It's not that he fails to satisfy.  He does a magnificent job at that.  It
was something he said.  I told him what I really wanted one day
was a permanent partner.  He laughed as though he was mocking
me for being too romantic and said, `That's not for me, pal.  I was
there once and it was a disaster.  All I want is sex.  As often as
possible.'  That isn't what I want so I lost all interest in him."


Terry turned out to be the ideal candidate -- very attractive,
articulate, clean record, and eager to start work.  He was given a
probationary assignment and earned high praise from his first
client.  The fledging agency had its first staff member, which came
just in time to handle the steadily increasing number of calls from
men who sought an evening's (or overnight) pleasure.  Both Eric
and Tim were grateful for the help because even with the two of
them they often had to turn down a new client because of prior
commitments.   Within a short time, Terry was handling ten or
more clients each week and frequently with multiple appointments
on a single day.  He was extremely happy in his work because it
gave him the cash he needed to live and all the sex he wanted.

Hiring Terry was a double win because he was instrumental in
referring other candidates, three of whom met the criteria and
signed on to work for the agency.  Bill's day job was a delivery
truck driver who was strikingly handsome, needed the extra
money to help his parents pay for medical expenses, and had
the bedroom skills that delighted his clients.  Josh was a college
student who, like Tim, looked years younger than his age, a
characteristic that appealed to several clients.  Bruce was a
warehouse worker whose dedication to body-building was
immediately obvious even when he was fully dressed but
absolutely stunning without clothes.   The Houston business
therefore had a variety of escorts to satisfy the preferences
of a wide range of clients.

After a troubled and discouraging period of
launching their business, Eric and Tim could bask in their success
in establishing their business.

Max was both surprised and pleased by how soon the Houston
operation became viable.  "Amazing!" he exclaimed over the phone.
"I never lost confidence in your ability but you've surpassed my
expectations.  You've achieved what it took me years to achieve.
Congratulations!"

Eric replied, "Thanks, Max.  "But a lot of credit goes to you and your
guidance in how to set up and run an agency."

YEAR TWO

After the first arduous year in Houston, Eric and Tim couldn't be
happier.  Their love for each other grew daily.  The escort business
was thriving with five escorts kept busy with local residents and with
business men visiting Houston.  Eric and Tim each kept a few
favored clients for themselves because they were enjoyable, and
grateful.  But they had plenty of free time so Tim completed his
GED for a high school diploma and enrolled in college.  Eric also
began college studies.  They were able to coordinate their
schedules so they didn't have classes at the same time and one of
them was always available to answer the phone when a client
called.

Business was good.  Their love life was VERY good.  But they were
unaware of brewing trouble.

A fundamentalist and very charismatic minister delivered a sermon
to his small but devoted congregation that included a scathing
denunciation of homosexuality.  His voice grew to a crescendo as
he concluded with, "Brothers and Sisters, a cancer is growing in
Houston that threatens the moral fabric of our community.
Homosexuals have established a prostitution ring that lures men
into acts of depravity.  They could be your sons.  Your brothers.
Your father.  We must demand the cleansing of this abomination.
The laws of the Almighty prohibit this wicked and unnatural
practice.  It demands our immediate action to eradicate this assault
on the morality of our city.  Failure to stamp out this abomination
will surely bring God's punishment to anyone who does not take
action.  I call on you to attend the next meeting of the City
Commission and let God's will be heard through your voices.
Demand that Law Enforcement arrest and punish the degenerate
sinners.  Let us now pray for purity in our city."


The minister's congregants filled the City Commission meeting
room the following Wednesday night.  When the designated
spokesperson was ruled out of order because the issue was not on
the published agenda, a roar of protest erupted in the room and
didn't stop until several police officers cleared the room of all who
continued to shout their indignation.

A front-page article in the next edition of the Houston Chronicle
reported the outcry and chaos that disrupted the commission
meeting.  Although it did not identify Eric's agency since none of the
protesters knew its name or the names of its personnel, it did
include an interview with the Chief of Police who emphasized that
department was already overburdened with more serious issues of
drugs, assaults, murders, burglaries, and more.  In spite of the
Chief's comments, Eric worried that his operation would be shut
down.  Worse, he, Tim, and the escorts would be prosecuted, fined,
or jailed for prostitution.  He took immediate action by notifying all
the staff, urging caution and reminding them of the required
protocol.  The first contact with a new client should be considered
as a possible sting operation by an undercover Police Officer.
Therefore, he emphasized, never initiate sex or even talk of sex
with a new client.  Always let him take the lead and explicitly
request sexual contact.  Allow him to continue until you are
absolutely sure that he is the one who instigated the sex.  Then and
only then should you become an active participant.  Moreover,
never say anything about payment for your services.  You may
accept a tip only if he does not explicitly say or imply that it was for
sexual service.

As an additional precaution, Eric and Tim would mention to all
prospective clients that the escort's role is to provide
companionship, conversation, and entertainment.  If the caller
specifically inquired about sexual contact, the standard reply was,
"The nature of the companionship is entirely up to you but the
escort may or may not agree to grant your request."  Most new
clients chuckled and said something like, "I  get it.  You're just being
cautious."  To which Eric or Tim would respond, "And you can be
sure that we will honor the confidentiality of our service."

In spite of -- or because of -- the renewed emphasis on caution,
there was only one suspicious encounter.  One of the escorts
reported to Eric that his client took him to dinner and then back to
his hotel room but never requested or suggested sexual contact.
The escort left at ten that night after two tedious hours of trivial
conversation.  Eric agreed that it was most probably a sting
resulting from the protests at the Commission meeting and he
complimented the escort for handling the situation perfectly.

A brief article on page 23 of the Houston Chronicle several days
later reported the highlights of the City Commission meeting.
Included was a report from the Police Department that "An
investigation of a homosexual prostitution ring found no evidence to
substantiate the allegations made in a previous Commission
meeting."

YEAR THREE AND BEYOND

The agency continued to be successful with no apparent
interference from law enforcement.  Three more escorts were hired
and all escorts were kept busy and enjoyed their lucrative
compensation.  The virulent homophobia occasionally surfaced in
one church or another but never rose to the level of a threat to the
agency.

Tim earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and spent his free time
painting and sculpting.  He work was honored in an exhibition at a
local art gallery, rave reviews, and a growing demand for his work.
One painting was never shown but was hung in his and Eric's
bedroom.  It showed the two of them naked and picnicking in a
grassy clearing in the middle of a forest that was reminiscent of the
woods that surrounded the house where they were roommates and
became lovers on the retreat Max had sponsored.

Eric graduated with a Bachelor's degree, majoring in business
administration.


During an otherwise routine phone call from Max, Eric was
surprised to hear, "Eric, my boy, I couldn't be more pleased with the
way you set up and have run the agency in Houston.  I want you to
take over both operations because it's time I retired.  Justin and I
want to relax and to be rid of what's become a chore running the
Dallas agency.  You'll have complete control over both Houston
and Dallas.  I'd like you to come up to Dallas where we can discuss
the details."

"Wow!" Eric exclaimed.  "That's a huge surprise.  Are you sure
there's not one of your staff up there who could take over?"

"Yes and no," Max replied.  "I know that's ambiguous but we can
talk about it when you're here."

<><><><><>

"How did the meeting go?" Tim asked when Eric returned from
Dallas.

"Very well," Eric grinned.

"So are you going to accept the added responsibility?"

"I haven't yet because I need to get your opinion.  The terms are
that I buy his interest in the Dallas agency.  That means a sizable
investment.  And I won't do it if you don't approve or have any
reservations.  After all, it's OUR money that will be at stake."

"DO IT!" Tim exclaimed.

"But you don't even know how much it will cost."

"True.  But this much I do know.  If it were too much you would
have turned him down on the spot.  You're the business major.
You have already evaluated the risks and rewards.  Here's
something else I know.  I know you love me and I love you.  I
appreciate your consulting with me but I'm with you forever and will
support you in any way I can."

Eric kissed his lover to thank him and said, "There's more.  I
insisted that you and I must stay together.  He said he knew that
and then said that Chad, his senior staff member, was capable of
managing Dallas but couldn't afford the cost of buying the business.
Moreover, Chad wants to give up servicing clients because he's
found a partner who doesn't like the idea of his continuing to see
clients.  So he will be in charge of Dallas and we can stay in
Houston."


Later that evening, as Eric and Tim lay in bed after a particularly
amorous period of making love, Tim said, "I love you, Horatio."

"WHAT?"  Eric replied.

"You're a modern day Horatio Alger," Tim laughed.

"Why do you say that?"

"Horatio Alger wrote a series of novels in the late 1800's about
young boys who started out poor, hungry, and neglected but
through ambition and courage rose to respectable middle class
status.  That's kinda your story, isn't it?"

"With one big difference," Eric countered.  "I'll bet none of the boys
in his stories exchanged homosexual services for money or favors."

"Don't be so sure," Tim replied.  "More than a few scholars have
speculated on Alger's sexuality.  There are frequent episodes in his
novels where the hero, a boy, may have had a forbidden
relationship with a kindly man.  Of course, the Puritan atmosphere
at the time would not permit anything more than a hint of such a
thing but the evidence strongly suggests that he was expressing his
own attraction to boys and men."

"If it's true that he was gay," Eric mused, "and if he were alive
today, he could have been a client of our agency."

"Just like so many other men who use our service," Tim laughed.

THE END ... for now

Author's Note:
My thanks to Iatia for expert editing, for valuable suggestions, and
for welcomed encouragement.