Thursday, July 02, 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The City - chapter twenty nine
Previously in the City...
Tyler learned from Todd that his ex had checked into a drug rehabilitation center, while Jacob rehabilitated his apartment. On a road-trip to Memphis, Franz, Leon and Spaz had some car trouble. In Astoria, Ivan was called out by a neighbor. While Frederico moved on with love, Martin was distraught.
On the road to Memphis, Franz, Leon and Spaz checked into a hotel outside Pittsburgh. The mechanic told them he hoped to have their car ready by the morning. Frustrated by the delay, Franz hopped in the hotel's Jacuzzi. He pouted thinking about the wasted time. Lost in thought and staring at the bubbles, he jumped when Leon slid in next to him. “Stop stressing,” his partner said. “We’re having a great time. Flat tires and overheated radiators are just part of the fun of a road trip.” Franz wasn’t so easily assuaged. “I wanted this trip to be relaxing for you. Your new job is stressful and has taken up a lot of time. When we get back you’ll be right in the thick of it again.” Leon smiled and moved closer. Franz could feel the heat from Leon’s bare, wet arm against his. “Careful,” Franz said. His worries were melting away. “Don’t get any ideas. We have Spaz back in the room.”
In Tyler’s apartment, Martin lamented his love life. Tyler mixed a cocktail shaker and poured them each a drink. “How can he be seeing someone so soon after we broke up?” Martin asked. Not listening Tyler pondered his ex’s reappearance. “I’m glad he’s in rehab, but do you think I can trust Todd? He could be lying, right?” Without hearing, Martin continued on his own train of thoughts. “He’s upstairs playing Motown music now. That means he’s getting ready to go out. I assume to meet this guy.” Tyler fished cherries from a jar and placed one in each glass. “And forgetting that for a minute, cuz it might just be a lie, right? I can’t get a hold of Leon to tell him that they’ve hired a drunken liar as a dog-walker. Todd’s probably emptied out their liquor cabinet already.” “I told you I found an empty condom box in his trash, right?” “Even if Ronald gets his shit together, I wouldn’t take him back. He might be pretty, but he was one angry drunk.” “And he didn’t come home the other night. I’m sure of it.” Both were snapped out of their dilemmas by the sound of a door slamming shut and a pair of heavy boots running down the stairs. Martin’s eyes bugged out of his head and he whispered, “He’s leaving! We have to follow him.” “Are you crazy?” Tyler whispered back. “I have to see this guy. I have to know who it is that’s had him in a good mood the last few weeks.” Martin watched at the door to see Frederico leave as Tyler put on his shoes.
Across the hall Jacob was plastering a hole in the wall. When he was finished he filled a glass with water and drank it in three long gulps. Then he picked up the plastic bag filled with white powder he had found inside the wall just an hour earlier. “Well, well, well.” He said to himself. “What am I going to do with you?”
Up in Astoria, Ivan stepped out of the shower. He was thinking about the neighbor’s accusation earlier in the day that he was a tramp. He dried off, put on his pajamas, brushed his teeth, and used the toilet. A searing burning sensation rushed through his nether regions. “Fuck!” he said. “Not again!”
Martin and Tyler silently followed Frederico to the subway. Without being noticed, they slipped into a car behind his. When he exited the train at Union Square, they followed suit. Amazed that they didn’t lose him in the crowd and equally shocked that he didn’t see them following, Tyler became giddy. On the contrary, Martin remained sick to his stomach. They followed from across the street, always keeping an eye on the orange sweater Frederico sported. While Frederico stepped into a bodega to buy flowers, they ducked behind a parked ice cream truck. Visibly in a good mood, Frederico smiled at strangers and dropped change in the cup of a blind man singing gospel. When he stopped at a sidewalk café and talked to the restaurant’s hostess Martin considered running away. “Never mind this is a bad idea!” he said to Tyler. “Oh my …” Tyler started, then his jaw dropped. Afraid to turn around and see what Tyler saw Martin covered his eyes. “Just tell me what he looks like. I can’t look.” “You do not want to see this,” Tyler said.
Back in Pennsylvania, Leon and Franz tip-toed into their hotel room, still wet from the Jacuzzi. Spaz was asleep in her bed, a blue glow from the television covered the room. The boys giggled as they finished drying off and prepared to crawl into bed. Leon searched the bedside table for the television remote. “Do you see the remote anywhere?” he asked Franz. “NO TALKING!” Spaz shouted. Then she rolled over and started snoring.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Based on events and people that may be familiar to some, names and associations have been altered to protect the guilty.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The City - chapter twenty eight
“Ronald?” Tyler was stunned to hear his ex-boyfriend's name. Even more stunned to hear it said by Todd. “How on earth do you know anything about me and Ronald?” Todd smirked and continued without explanation “Nasty little break up, wasn't it?” The two stood facing each other in Leon and Franz’s kitchen, their dog Nairobi energetically watching them when she wasn’t jumping up and trying to lap their faces. Feeling like he’d been kicked in the gut first by discovering Todd was their dog walker and second by the fact that Todd had apparently been talking to his ex, Tyler tried to keep his feet firmly planted. “In fact, it was a nasty breakup. But that has nothing to do with you.” “Don’t get so flustered. He checked into the center last week. We got to talking and I put two and two together.” Tyler caught his breath. “So, he’s finally getting help. And you’re the idiot giving it to him? Incredible.” “Funny how things work out, isn’t it?” Todd grabbed Nairobi’s leash off its hook and grabbed her playfully by the ears. “Care to join us for a walk?”
“We can’t walk to Memphis!” Spaz said. She was sitting between Franz and Leon in the cab of a tow-truck somewhere in Pennsylvania. The flat tire was beyond repair and they had to call in AAA for help. The tow truck driver had sweat stains under both arms and was chewing on the stump of a cigar. It was a good look for him. Fritz, upset that he hadn’t been given the chance to fix the tire himself was studying a map on his Crackberry. He noticed Leon’s phone vibrating and nudged him. “You want to get that?” Leon glanced down at the phone and saw that it was Tyler calling. “It’s just Tyler, I’ll call him back once we know where we are and how long it will take.”
At 250 in Brooklyn, Frederico and Jacob tore apart the wiring in Jacob’s kitchen. Jacob gave an overview of what he was planning to do with the space. Expanded bathroom, remove the drop ceiling to reveal the original tin, possibly a sliding door on new pantry, window seat. He had big plans. “The landlord is letting you do all this?” Frederico asked. Jacob nodded. “Yep. We have it all worked out.” “It’s too bad Helmut isn’t here to help you,” Frederico teased. “He might be an excellent architect, but I don’t think I’d want his help,” Jacob responded. Then probing a little “when is he scheduled to get back from Germany?” Frederico held a flashlight so Jacob could see behind a piece of dry-wall. “Not sure. He thought it would only be a couple of months, but they found something wrong with his application and now he has to start over. Last time I talked to him he said that his job here was ok with the delay and have actually been using him to do work from Hamburg.”
Up in Queens where Ivan was subletting Adam’s apartment, he bumped into the landlady as he said good-bye to another trick. He smiled, she glared. “I don’t remember your friend entertaining so many gentlemen.” Taken aback Ivan said nothing. She continued “I don’t want trouble” and she wagged her finger in his face.
At the end of the day Tyler walked up the stairs to his apartment. He had been unable to reach Leon to suggest that they reconsider Todd as their house-sitter/dog walker. And he had been floored by the news that Todd had met Ronald, in fact wasn’t even sure he believed it. Within minutes of sitting down a knock on his door jarred him out of his thoughts. It was Martin. “Need to borrow a cup of sugar?” Tyler teased. “More like an ear,” Martin said. “Frederico is dating someone and it has me torn up inside. Do you have any idea who it is?”
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Based on events and people that may be familiar to some, names and associations have been altered to protect the guilty.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The City - chapter twenty seven
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Based on events and people that may be familiar to some, names and associations have been altered to protect the guilty.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The City - chapter twenty six
Standing alone in Frederico's kitchen, Martin pondered the empty condom box he'd discovered. Not sure what his emotional response should be, he took a deep breath. Hearing footsteps in the hall, he slammed the box down on the counter and walked out of the apartment. He came face to face with Jacob. "What's up?" the new neighbor asked, sounding chipper. "Have you guys had dinner yet?" "Not yet," Martin said. "I just got home, picked up some Chinese on the way, was just about to eat it." He stared at Jacob blankly. "Do you want Frederico's? He's not here." "Oh really?" Jacob said coyly. "I thought I heard the two of you earlier. It sounded like you were having a good time." He smiled, then stopped suddenly. "Oh. That wasn't you. I have trouble keeping it straight in my head who is with whom. Umm.. I think I'll go back downstairs now." "Wait," Martin said. "You heard them?" he pointed over his shoulder. "Just a little." Jacob was being cautious. "Through my ceiling." Martin sighed. "Fuck him," he said. "Here, take my food, I don't feel like eating it anymore." He pushed his way past Jacob into his own apartment. Jacob followed. "What's wrong?" "Isn't it obvious?" Martin shouted. "Why do I let this happen time after time?" "Sit down, I'll make you dinner," Jacob said. He took the food out of the bag and began setting up two plates on the kitchen table. Martin sat down and fumed. "Just when I think he's out of my system, I get sucked back in and I'm doing all these nice sweet things thinking that we're on the same page. Then I come home and find an empty box of condoms in his kitche - a brand I'd like to point out that he and I never used together - and confirmation from you that you could hear them going at it through your ceiling!" Jacob set a plate of rice and chicken in front of him. "I guess you guys need to have a conversation about where you're going instead of where you've been. He might feel the same way, but considering you get together, break up, get together, break up again I doubt he knows either." He shrugged. "I'm such an idiot," Martin said.
The next day Frederico worked in his studio. He whistled as he painted, clearly in a good mood. He went to the refrigerator to grab a beer when he noticed the box of food and the note from Martin. "That was nice," he said to himself. "Too bad I didn't come home last night."
In New Jersey, Tyler was on the phone with Leon. "No, he's not here yet. I just took Nairobi for a walk and now we're watching some cooking show. How far did you guys make it? Where are you now?" "We're in Pennsylvania," Leon said. "Stayed at a motel last night outside of Harrisburg, planning to stop in Amish Country today for a bit." "That should be fun," Tyler said. Hearing the sound of a key in the lock he said "Sounds like the house-sitter is here. Do you need to talk to him?" "No, he should know what to do. He has Franz's number if he needs it." Tyler turned off his phone and went to the door. His jaw dropped when Todd walked in. "Hey Tyler, good to see you again," Todd said.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The City - chapter twenty-five
Meanwhile, Frederico was busy preparing a canvas when his phone rang. He was glad he answered it when he heard Helmut's voice. "Bad news, friend," the German said. "My visa was denied. I'll need to stay in Hamburg a while longer." "How much longer?" Frederico asked, disappointed that his friend had to miss the gala and would now be away for his next triumph. "Probably a few months," Helmut responded. "It totally sucks. I'm going to lose the job and will have to start all over again when they finally get this settled."
Disappointed, Frederico decided to take a walk. He bumped into Jacob on his way into the building. "What has you looking so down?" Jacob inquired. Frederico explained the news from Helmut. Being less than friendly with the Hamburger Jacob wasn't at all disappointed. "Serves him right," he said. "I'm sorry your friend won't be around for a while, but sometimes these things happen for a reason. If we're lucky, he'll find his dream job in Germany and he won't be back at all. Let him steal some German's boyfriend for a change."
At the end of the week, Tyler stood in Franz and Leon's dining room. He was staying the night with their dog Nairobi. Her walker Todd would be by in the morning to house sit while they were driving to Memphis. Spaz stood next to Tyler. She was accompanying them on the trip to visit Kimmie. "I called Adam this week and he has four tickets reserved for you to see his play," Tyler told her. "Don't dawdle on the way, your tickets are for Wednesday night." Unaccustomed to being told what to do Spaz furrowed her brow. "I have the whole route mapped out, with alternates highways in case Leon wants to drive through Amish country. Although I think Franz said something about an amusement park in Ohio that might suck up more time than I'd like." The two of them looked at the map while Franz and Leon loaded the car. This would be Leon's first vacation since starting his new job.
Nairobi watched them nervously. Luggage going into cars upset her.
That night, after a long day at work of answering calls while Nina was out showing condos, Martin came home with a bag of Chinese take-out. He was planning to surprise Frederico, but found his apartment empty. He let himself in and put the food in the refrigerator. Writing a note letting his ex know that the food was in the refrigerator out of the corner of his eye he noticed a box of condoms sitting on the table. And in the trash an empty wrapper.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The City - chapter twenty-four
Over brunch the day after the UN gala, Franz and Leon told Tyler about their upcoming trip to Memphis . "We're going to drive out with Spaz and visit Kimmie," Leon explained. "And the new dog walker is so great, he's already agreed to house sit for us again while we're gone," Franz inserted. "My friend Adam is performing in a show in Memphis ," Tyler said. "Be sure to see it."
Waking up refreshed, Frederico found Martin in his kitchen making pancakes and bacon. "I pulled up the Times' website on your laptop. It's tuned to the Arts Section Front. I think you're going to be pleased," he said. Frederico poured himself a cup of coffee and gleefully read the review of his mural. He kissed Martin on the cheek and reached for his phone and called Nina.
"I've already read it!" she said. "Congratulations!" "I couldn't have done it without you," Frederico said. "More than my muse, you pushed me to get it done in record time. I can't thank you enough." Martin watched his ex's exuberant face. It was a familiar look that he hadn't seen in some time.
Taking advantage of his day off, Greg went for a jog in Central Park . After he walked over to a bagel shop on West 74th Street. Seeing him too late to escape, he bumped into his bartender friend. "What's your deal man?!" the bartender said. Uncomfortable with the attention being drawn to him, Greg tried to play it off casually. "Oh, hey man." "Don't you 'Oh hey' me! I've called you how many times in the last week and you haven't had the decency to return a call? What's your deal? It used to be you'd come running at the drop of a hat, now you can't manage to find my number?" The conversation that followed wasn't easy for either participant, but the anonymous onlookers enjoyed themselves. "Look, I'm sorry," Greg tried to explain, "When it was casual I was fine with it. But once you turned it into movies and dinners ... " "Dates, asshole, they're called dates," the bartender interrupted. "Whatever you call them, I'm not interested," Greg said. And then turned and walked away.
At an Upper East Side hotel, Jacob rolled out of bed to find the attaché packing his suitcase. "Thanks for a wonderful night," the young attaché said. "I need to get to the airport; my flight to Hamburg leaves at noon." ' Hamburg ' was all Jacob needed to hear to remind him of last night's conversation. Nervously he climbed out of bed and picked his clothes from the heap on the floor. "That favor I asked you," Jacob said. "Don't worry about it," the attaché responded. "It's as good as done. This Helmut guy won't be bothering you again. As soon as I get back to the consulate I'm sure I can find something in his visa application that we can ... use."
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The City - chapter twenty-three
“The party is awesome. Leon did an amazing job producing this event. Everything is flawless.” Franz was talking into his cell phone. On the other end, Todd the new dog walker was house sitting in Jersey. With both Franz and Leon working full time they needed someone to watch their dog Nairobi during the day. Not realizing the animosity between Todd and the rest of the world, Franz hired him. “Thanks for agreeing to watch the house for us. Leon ’s going to be so surprised when I take him to the Plaza Hotel tonight.” “No problem,” Todd said. He lifted a glass of wine to his lips and held a photograph of his former friends celebrating Martin’s birthday last spring. Leon was front and center in the picture, one arm around Martin the other around Tyler . “I’m sure Leon will be pleased.” “I can’t wait for you two to meet,” Franz cluelessly said.
Across the room, Frederico’s sedative and champagne combination kicked in. Draped between Nina and Leon, they dragged him outdoors. His phone rang - Helmut calling from Germany to congratulate him. Too drunk to take the call, Frederico handed the phone to Jacob. Still thinking he was speaking to Frederico, Helmut told Jacob about his upcoming interview with the consulate in Hamburg . “I should be back in the US sooner than expected,” he said. Without a word, Jacob slammed the phone shut. “Who was that?” came a voice behind him. It was the attaché Jacob had been canoodling behind a pillar most of the night. “Just a friend of Frederico’s, calling from Hamburg ,” Jacob briefly explained to him. “What a coincidence,” the attaché said. “I work at the US consulate in Hamburg .” An idea forming across his smile, Jacob said, “Interesting. Want to go dancing?”
Spotting Tyler and Martin approaching them, Leon hissed “Get him out of here before the paparazzi get a shot of him.” Martin whisked the barely standing Frederico into a taxi. Leon ran back indoors, leaving Nina and Tyler alone on the steps. “What’s their relationship like,” Nina asked him. “Martin and Frederico?” he responded. “Platonic. I think there’s the potential for more, but they both know they work better as friends.” “I wonder if the living arrangement you all have will let the friendship develop.” she replied.
In the back of the cab Frederico passed out on Martin’s shoulder. “I love you,” he said. “I love you too,” responded the other.
Long after the party died down, and the cleaning crew arrived, Franz carried Leon across the threshold of their room in the Plaza Hotel. Leon exhausted and weary eyed, Franz loving him more than he ever could. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The City - chapter twenty-two
Pressed and dressed, Frederico entered the United Nations' hall for the unveiling of his mural. His nerves allayed by a little yellow pill, he mingled and charmed his way through the soiree, meeting potential project sponsors. The official unveiling was still hours away and a finely tuned evening, organized by Leon, was ahead of them.
Looking glamorous in a black gown Nina mingled with the ambassadorial staff and other notables. She caught Frederico's eye with a smile and a nod as she spoke with an attaché to the US delegation. Entrenched with a group of art critics, he managed to signal to new arrivals Martin, Tyler, and Jacob that they should rescue her.
The trio looked sharp, Jacob having thrown together some last minute cummerbunds and sashes from a supply of drapery linens he'd been hoarding. Martin was extra charming, being that Nina had just interviewed him that afternoon for an assistant position at her real estate firm.
Downing a flute of champagne Jacob seemed to have forgotten his troubles from the afternoon and was flirting openly with the US attaché. Nina pulled herself away and moved over to Frederico and his group. Linking his arm she smiled and shook hands with the critics. Tyler watched her mannerisms and thought back on her recent divorce and the depression that followed it. Tonight she glowed, perhaps the flattery of the attention from being Frederico's primary model.
"What are you staring at?" Martin asked, snapping a mini-crepe from a passing tray. "Just admiring Nina's glow," Tyler responded. "Well, don't get any ideas. You may be out of practice, but your still playing for our team," Martin said. "C'mon, lets see if the bar has any jagermeister." The two walked off as Jacob and the attaché laughed their way into a corner.
Wearing an earpiece and talking into a walkie-talkie, Leon was coordinating the lighting director. "At exactly 10 past the hour I want the lights to go down by 60% for the mayor's introduction. We'll need a spotlight on the main podium. Make sure the artist, the committee chairwoman, and the secretary-general are seated on the daise. What? I don't know, you'll have to get somebody to find them. He's a short man with big ears. I'm sure you can find him, he speaks Finnish. Just do it. After the remarks from the chairwoman the artist will have two minutes to introduce the piece and then he'll pull the cord to unveil the mural. The cord isn't really connected to the curtain, so you'll need to get someone up there to drop it. What? Your cousin? Sure, I don't care, just get someone up there. At that point I'll cue the music, applause, applause, and then you can bring the lights back up to 20% shy of where they are now. Understand? I don't have time to go over it again, you'll find the instructions on page 18 of the program I glued to your clipboard. Is Margaret with you? Put her on. Margaret? What's the deal with station 8? They ran out of ice. I need someone to get them ice pronto. This isn't rocket science, just water in its solid form. Thank you. And after that see if the shrimp platters have been circulating. Please, don't get me started on the Moroccan delegations's diety restrictions. If they can't eat shrimp, they won't eat shrimp. The Tongans on the other hand can't seem to get enough of the stuff. By the time the curtain drops all the shellfish should be out of the kitchen anyway. What? The lights in the fountain? I don't think we can control those. They'll have to be ambient. With the spotlight on the mural it shouldn't matter. Worry about the food honey. Thanks."
While he was talking Franz entered, looking dapper. He snuck up behind his partner and gleamed listening to him take charge. He put his hand firmly on Leon's shoulder and squeezed. Leon turned, snuck in a kiss without stopping his directions to his staff. Franz felt his cell phone vibrate and he snuck off to an alcove to take the call.
It was from Kimmie. In a great mood he was ready to forgive her for their argumentative interaction that afternoon. She apologized for costing him two more employees. He said he understood (which he sort of did) and was only bitter about the extra work ahead for him to replace them. She suggested that he and Leon come to Memphis for a mini-vacation so she could make it up to him. He agreed that it sounded like a good idea and would discuss it with Leon after the gala.
Snapping off his phone, he turned around to come face to face with Jacob and the attaché aggressively kissing behind a velvet curtain. Franz watched for a moment and then walked off.
In his remarks to introduce the mural, Frederico singled out Nina for her contributions as his model. He pulled the cord and unveiled the wall to a flurry of flashbulbs and applause. Feeling great from the yellow pill and a glass of champagne he pumped his fists into the air and gave a shout. "What is he doing?" Tyler whispered into Martin's ear. "It's a Cherokee battle cry he does on special occasions," Martin whispered back. "He used to do it for me during. .... Well, he used to do it for me." Tyler grabbed him another flute of champagne and the two toasted a great past and a promising future.
Meanwhile, Franz's cell phone rang again. Going back to the alcove where Jacob was practicing his own form of art appreciation, he took the call. It was from his new dogwalker, who was watching the house in New Jersey for the night. "Hi Todd, what can I do for you?"
In New Jersey Todd sat on their couch and stroked the dog's head. "I was just calling to see how Frederico's big night was going," he said.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
The City - chapter twenty-one
On his second cup of coffee of the morning, Leon chowed on a dry bagel and shook hands with the back-up caterer. He was flying on faith that the runnerup company hired to handle bar service would be able to overcome the minor setback of losing the primary caterer due to a food poisoning lawsuit. Checking that off his mental To Do List, he hailed a cab to get across town to oversee the delivery of flowers. Seeing that one of his assistants was well capable, he then turned to the task of getting the evening’s list of speakers ironed out one last time and calling the printer to approve final revisions. After that he took a breather by calling on the UN’s interpreter pool to be sure they had someone fluent in both Welsh and Swazi to escort the Zambian ambassador’s wife.
Meanwhile, stepping out of the subway Martin straightened his lapel and checked a final time that he had his resume on him before stepping into the offices of Harlem Realty for his interview. “Is that Martin?” a familiar voice called. He spun around to find himself face to face with Tyler ’s friend and Frederico’s muse, Nina. “Hey!” he said, less professionally than he would have liked. “I thought I recognized your name,” she said. “I’ll be interviewing you. Come on in and have a seat.”
Back in Brooklyn, Jacob returned to the apartment from the overwhelming good news his banker told him. Just that morning he learned he was in possession of quite a chunk of change. He set about plastering the kitchen wall as his mind wandered. The events of the last year now had a new light on them. His anger towards Helmut, the lying German who instigated the affair with his cheating boyfriend that led to their breakup, swelled. True that Jacob was quite wealthier because of the guilt felt by his ex, but remorse made him fantasize about the future they could have had together. The full knowledge of what they had jointly accumulated made Jacob seethe with anger. And all of the blame he was placing on Helmut.
Tyler met Greg for lunch. Greg told him the story of the bartender who had been a reliable source of entertainment without strings. And how suddenly Greg found himself in the unexpected situation of being solicited for dates. “Why would he go and ruin a good thing by trying to get me to dinner and a movie?” Greg posed. To which Tyler responded, “Maybe it wasn’t a good thing for him anymore.” “But why me?” Greg asked. “I’m totally not the dating kind. He should be asking you.” “ME?!” Tyler leaned back in his chair. “I don’t date. Not for a full year. I’m on sabbatical.”
After lunch, Franz sat in his office going over his plans for the weekend with Leon . A knock on the door snapped him from his daydream. It was another of his employees entering to offer a letter of resignation. Disappointment crept in as he asked the employee the name of the company who had made a better offer. After shaking hands, Franz picked up the phone and called his good friend Kimmie. “So, you got another one of mine,” he said, less than polite. “I see you just spoke to Veronica,” Kimmie said. “No, that was Reggie,” Franz replied. “I should expect Veronica later today?” After a terse exchange, the two friends said their goodbyes.
And after a day of sleep and relaxation, Frederico dressed and headed down to the UN. His afternoon schedule included previews of the mural for a few board members and dignitaries before the official unveiling that evening. A specifically timed pill guaranteed that he’d be calm and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Initially based on actual events and real people, the story has progressed to such a point as to render everyone and everything unrecognizable. Nonetheless, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
