Monday, August 17, 2009

The City - chapter thirty two

Previously in the City, while on their way to Memphis, Franz learned that a few more of his employees have resigned to go work for Kimmie.  Jacob discovered a bag of cocaine in the walls of his kitchen.  Martin found his ex Frederico on a date with his boss Nina.  Tyler called Leon to let him know that Franz hired Todd to watch their house.


As the group from Jersey pulled into Kimmie’s driveway in Memphis, Franz’s cell phone started to beep. After Kimmie greeted them with hugs and smiles, Spaz and Leon unloaded the car and Franz answered his phone. Never fully on vacation, it was his office. Another employee had resigned to take a new job. Franz thanked his assistant for contacting him and turned to Kimmie to say, “Are there no other internet companies you plan to recruit from?”

Back in Brooklyn, Jacob punched Helmut’s number into his phone. The two had a brief and barely cordial conversation – Jacob asking Helmut if he knew how to contact Tony, Helmut stating that he had no idea, and Jacob insisting that Helmut think very hard on the matter, and Helmut insisting that he didn’t know where Jacob’s ex was. Within 10 minutes Jacob’s phone rang, the caller ID only showing that the call was coming from an international number. He rolled his eyes as Tony identified himself on the other end. “I hear you’re looking for me?”

Upstairs Frederico put down his paintbrush to answer a knock at the door. It was Tyler, wearing a back pack and a pair of snazzy sunglasses. Tyler asks him to feed Mr. Sulu as he won’t be home that night. “Overnight booty call?” Frederico asked him. “Hardly,” Tyler says. “I’m still not ready for that. Tonight I’m taking care of someone else’s demons.” Frederico returned to his canvas, a stunning larger than life avant-garde painting of his favorite muse – Nina – dressed as a Hungarian peasant reaping missiles in a field of death and famine.

Across the hall Martin drinks a cup of coffee while reading his mail. He grabs one letter and heads across the hall with it. Thinking better of knocking on Frederico’s door, he climbs down the stairs and knocks on Tyler’s door. Not getting an answer he tries Jacob’s apartment next. Still on the phone, Jacob answers and silently waves Martin into the kitchen, where he sits patiently. Jacob continues his conversation – “so I just need to drop it off at this address and the payment is already taken care of?” he pauses to listen; then continues “alright. Thanks for leaving me with this by the way.” He finished with a note of sarcasm and then slammed the phone shut. “What can I do for you Martin.” Showing Jacob the letter informing the tenants that ownership of the building had been transfered to a new management company, Martin worried that an increase in rent would follow.   Jacob studied the letter and pointed out that it doesn’t mention a rent increase. “I’m sure that will be in the next letter,” Martin says. “At any rate, I’m unemployed again and money is tight. I can barely make this month.” Jacob faces him and smiles “Unemployed again? Would you be interested in making a delivery for me, I’ll make it worth your while.”

Back in Memphis, Spaz gave Leon instructions on making a salad. He was checked his cell phone for messages and missed calls periodically, clearly distracted by something. Trying to get his attention Spaz snapped her fingers. “Hey! Something interesting in that phone?”    ”Not yet,” Leon responded.

In the next room Kimmie and Franz continued their discussion on his shrinking staff. Kimmie pointed out that his employees are well trained but not well compensated and that if he wanted to stop the atrophy in his department he should start by studying the exit interviews of the staff he’s lost. Franz responded with a sigh and a simple request “Please don’t hire any one else from my staff.  I’m not asking as a professional courtesy but as a friend.  Don’t ruin my career.”

In New Jersey, Tyler popped up on the door step of their house. Not getting an answer to the doorbell he tried the door knob, found it unlocked and let himself in. There he discovered Todd passed out on the sofa, an empty bottle of wine on the floor.

Posted by Tyrus at 00:55:35 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The City - chapter thirty one

Previously in the City, Martin and Tyler discovered Frederico on a date with Nina.  Jacob made some phone calls.  Todd was hired to housesit for Franz and Leon.  And Ivan felt a familiar burning sensation.


Tyler woke to a knock on his door.  It was Frederico, wearing the same outfit he wore the night before to dinner with Nina.  Tyler invited him in for coffee, but Frederico declined.  “No thanks, I won’t be long.  I’m just getting home,” he said. “I wanted to give you a word of advice.”    “Oh?” Tyler asked.    Frederico continued, “Don’t get sucked into Martin’s psycho-drama.  He and I have been back and forth and around the block a dozen times. It’s time he moved on.” He started to climb the stairs, but Tyler reached out and grabbed onto his wrist.   “I’ll take that into consideration,” Tyler said. “I’d like to add however, that Nina and I have been friends since college, I watched her go through a divorce, and if you’re going to pull her into some sort of power struggle it won’t sit well with me.”   Frederico smiled and Tyler dropped his hold. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Frederico said.   “You really like her?” Tyler asked.   “Unexpected, but yes,” Frederico responded.    Tyler cocked his head and squinted. “Interesting,” he said.  Frederico started to climb the stairs before turning around a final time. “Oh!” he said, “I got a letter from the landlord in the mail this morning.  Might want to look for it in your mail too.”

Across the hall Jacob didn’t wait for the bank to return his call.  He dialed again and spoke with the bank officer who had gone over the shared investments with his ex. “I’m trying to reach Tony, but the number I have for him has been disconnected.”  Being told that the bank couldn’t share a client’s information, Jacob began racking his brain.  

Sitting in the backseat of the car, Spaz asked Franz to roll down the windows.  “It smells funky in here for some reason.”  They were hauling ass across Ohio to make up for the delay due to the flat tire.  When they stopped for gas, Leon gave Tyler a call.   “I’m so glad you called!” Tyler shouted into his phone.   “We had some trouble with a flat tire in Pennsylvania, but we’re back on track this morning,” Leon said.  “Sorry to hear that,” Tyler said, without sounding interested. “I do have some news for you.  Do you know who your dog-walker is?”    “I haven’t met him yet,” Leon replied. “Franz hired him while I was working on the UN gala.”    “It’s Todd!” Tyler said, “The guy who tried to get you kicked out of the gym for buying pot from Martin.”     Leon was confused, “That drunk guy?  I thought he moved to San Diego.”     Tyler cradled the phone between his shoulder and ear while making coffee. “No, he went to San Diego to visit his parents; he’s living in New Jersey now and working at a drug rehab center.”    Leon looked over at Franz and Spaz as they studied a map spread over the hood of the car. “Well, this isn’t good.”     Tyler listened to Leon’s breathing for a bit, then said “He seemed stable while I was there, but I don’t trust him.  There’s something about him that makes me think he’s up to something.”    “From what I remember he’s basically an asshole,” Leon said.  “Franz said he’s good with Nairobi.”    Tyler admitted that the dog was happy with him.   Leon sighed. “Listen, his biggest beef seemed to be with Frederico and Martin.  Can you go over there one more time this week just to be sure he hasn’t burned the house down.  I’ll wait until we’re back home to even discuss this with Franz.”   Tyler cautiously agreed this was a reasonable response.  “If I wasn’t taking care of Adam’s cat, I’d volunteer to spend the week there.”    “Thanks,” Leon said.

In Astoria, Ivan paid a visit to his doctor.  He got a shot of penicillin and had some blood drawn for testing. 

Running out the door to meet Frita for lunch, Martin grabbed his mail.  He sat on the train into Manhattan and read the letter from the landlord.  It was a form letter informing the tenants that ownership of the building had been transferred to a new holding company.  Although it didn’t say anything about a rent increase Martin, newly unemployed, assumed the worst.   At lunch he told Frita about Frederico’s date with Nina.  She refused to be sympathetic and told him to get a grip.  She reviewed for him the number of times he and Frederico had separated and reconciled, his infatuation with Bad News Tommy, the threat he felt from Todd’s crush on Frederico, and his one night stand with Ivan.  Additionally she questioned his perpetual unemployment.  “What do you want from life?” she asked. 

On the road in Ohio, with Spaz taking a turn behind the wheel, under Leon’s suggestion Franz called Todd to check on Nairobi.   Todd assured him that all was well.  Once the phone call was over Todd opened another bottle of wine.

Back at 250, Jacob knocked on Frederico’s door.  “Do you have Helmut’s number in Germany?” he asked.   Frederico pursed his lips and furrowed his brow. “Not exactly what I thought you’d be looking for.”

What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.

Posted by Tyrus at 16:04:36 | Permalink | No Comments »

Sunday, July 5, 2009

The City - chapter thirty

Previously in the City, Franz and Leon got close in a hot tub. Tyler and Martin spied on Frederico’s date. Kimmie lured a few of Franz’s employees to her new company.  Adam was cast in a Memphis theater production.  And Jacob discovered a bag full of white powder in his apartment wall.




“You do not want to see this,” Tyler repeated to Martin.  They were standing across the street from the sidewalk café where Frederico was having a date.     Too troubled to look Martin covered his eyes. “Is he hot?  Does he look like me?  Is he fat?  What?!”  He dropped his hand and turned to face the café. “What the hell is going on?” he asked Tyler.    “Maybe it’s not a date,” Tyler suggested.  “He bought flowers,” Martin reminded him.   Suddenly emboldened Martin crossed the street and strode up to his ex’s table. “What the hell is going on?!,” he demanded.    Behind him Tyler raced across the street, unsure of how to fix this awkward and embarrassing situation.  “Nina,” he said to Frederico’s date, “it’s nice to see you again.”

“Not in here,” Leon said to Franz.  They were sharing a hotel room with Spaz on the road trip to Memphis.  Franz was feeling frisky and the two had to leave the hotel hot tub before their predicament began to become obvious.  “Meet me in the shower,” he whispered to Leon.    “No, it’s too close, she’ll hear everything!”     “When did you become such a prude?”    “Can’t we get another room?”   “We have a perfectly good room here.”     “With the light-sleeper over there talking in her sleep.” Leon spat back. He had an idea. “Let’s go out to the car.  We can drop the back seat.”   “Kinky,” Franz replied.

Meanwhile in Memphis, Adam was showering after his final dress rehearsal.  He was performing in the Memphis Summer Workshop Theatre Group’s Waterworks Project Main Stage production of the Sound of Music.   It was an all male cast and he was playing the featured role of the Baroness.  He enjoyed the role but the makeup was excruciating.

Also in Memphis, Kimmie was putting clean sheets on the bed in the guest room.  She was looking forward to having her three friends with her, but was a little nervous at the news she’d have for Franz when they arrived.  Another one of his employees had been lured to join her team at EveryonesOnLine.  It was getting to the point that she didn’t even have to recruit them.  The handful who had joined her were doing a good job of spreading the news about how happy they were at their new jobs.  Their old colleagues were popping out of the woodwork to join up.

Back at 250, Jacob set aside the bag of white powdered he’d just discovered inside his kitchen wall.  He ran his fingers through his hair and began pilfering through a stack of files on his desk.  He picked up his phone and called the number on one of the contracts.  “Disconnected,” he sighed.  He glanced down at his watch, then dialed another number.  Going into voicemail, he left a message “Hi Ms. Torres, this is Jacob Yang, I met with you a few weeks ago to go over some papers to review the dissolution of investments from my breakup with a Mr. Tony Myers.  If you could give me a call back in the morning I would appreciate it.”  He snapped the phone shut and then looked back at the bag of white powder.  He opened it and dipped his finger in, then dabbed a bit of the powder on his tongue.  “No doubt about it.   This is cocaine,” he said to himself.

At the café near Union Square Martin continued his confrontation with Frederico.  “Isn’t this interesting?  My ex-boyfriend and my boss, on a date.  How quaint.”      “Martin, I didn’t know how to tell you,” Nina said.    Frederico stayed silent with a bemused look on his face.   Tyler stood to the side with his mouth agape, wishing he could disappear.     Martin’s energy fully restored, he continued, “What’s there to say?  The two of you meet, you pose for him, become his ‘muse’.  How charming?  The artist and the model.  It’s a love story straight out of Italian opera. Who wouldn’t encourage it, embrace it?”  He glanced from Nina to Frederico and back.  His voice was slightly crazed.  “Maybe the fact that he’s gay would have stopped some people, but no, you built your business on getting what you want didn’t you?”  He turned to face the crowd of diners, most not even trying to stop from eavesdropping.  “Do you hear that everyone?  My boyfriend is on a romantic date with my boss!  That’s right.  My GAY boyfriend and this woman right here! Who’s the bigger fool?  Me or her?”   Then he ran off.     Tyler was left standing there alone, all eyes on him now.    He stammered a little, before whispering “I had no idea this was going to happen.”  Frederico and Nina remained silent.  “Enjoy the rest of your meal,” Tyler said while slowly stepping away. “You look great,” he said to Nina.

 

What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned. 
Posted by Tyrus at 05:14:53 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, June 2, 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.

Posted by Tyrus at 19:07:04 | Permalink | No Comments »

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.

Posted by Tyrus at 21:23:47 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The City - chapter twenty seven



“Hey Tyler. Good to see you again.”  The words came from Todd, archnemesis of the residents of 250.  Tyler stood in the doorway of Leon and Franz’s home in Jersey, stunned.    ”What?” Tyler said.    Todd pushed his way past, leaned down to pet an eager Nairobi, and smiled up at Tyler who continued to stammer. “I don’t understand.  You.  You’re in rehab.”       “Rehab?” Todd asked. He pulled a treat from his pocket and fed it to Nairobi.   Recovering from the shock, Tyler spoke more directly. “No, you told me yourself you were moving home to San Diego to take care of your sick father.  And then Martin told me you checked into an alcohol rehab center in New Jersey.  Now I find out you’re Franz and Leon’s dog-walker.   This is unbelievable.”    Todd shrugged, “Believe it.”     “Does Leon know Franz hired you?  You tried to have him kicked out your gym for buying marijuana from Martin.”      ”Water under the bridge. They needed a dog-walker, I needed the extra money, and voila! here I am.”      Tyler crossed his arms. “I don’t think it’s that easy.”


Meanwhile on the side of the highway in Pennsylvania Franz had the car jacked up so he could replace a flat tire.  ”I don’t think it’s that easy,” Spaz said. She had the car manual in her hands and was giving directions. “Did the bolt you removed look like a T or an I?”  On the side of the road Leon was on the phone with Kimmie.  ”We were making good time until the tire popped.  We’ll put the spare on and at the first garage we see put on a new tire.   Shouldn’t hold us back.  We were planning to stay the night in Ohio anyway.”  


“OK,” Kimmie said.  She was in her home office, putting in a few hours on a Saturday. “Does he still seem angry about losing so many of his employees to Yoohoo?”  Leon looked over his shoulder towards Franz on his back under the car. He cursed as Spaz handed him a wrench. “No, he’s moved on,” Leon said.  


In Brooklyn, Jacob knocked on Frederico’s door.  Frederico answered in his painting smock and a smile on his face.  ”You’re chipper,” Jacob said.   Frederico smiled even broader, “What can I do for you?” He stepped aside and motioned that Jacob should enter.    ”I’m about to rip out some wiring in my kitchen,” he said. “Do you mind if I turn off the power in the whole building for about 30 minutes?”  Frederico agreed and even offered to help with the project.  But first he put on a kettle of water and washed his brushes.  Over a pot of tea the neighbors discussed matters of the heart.  ”I think it’s possible to be friends after a break up,” Frederico said. “Martin and I are doing great as friends.”   Knowing otherwise, Jacob probed. “Really? You don’t think there’s a chance of a relapse? That one or both of you won’t take the warm feelings too far and fall back in love?”    Frederico pondered the theory. “No, I think we’re beyond that. I know he had some feelings still just a few months ago, but he’s been dating and has moved on.  I really believe that.  So, so have I.”      Jacob looked over his tea cup. “You’ve moved on?”       Frederico smiled again. “That’s what I said.”


“Do you you think he’s seeing just one person?” Frita asked Martin.  They were walking next to each other on adjacent treadmills.   Martin sighed. “I hope not!  How can he be dating someone?  I’d rather he be having cheap hookups than falling for one person.”    ”Really?” Frita asked.    ”Yes! Maybe. I don’t know!”   “Martin, you are a piece of work. You push him away, you pull him back, you push, pull.  Make up your mind.  Do you want him back, or is he just attractive because he’s unavailable?”     Martin sighed and stirred his coffee. “When will I get over him?”


And back in Jersey, Tyler and Todd continued their stand-off.  ”Aren’t you supposed to be getting back to Brooklyn?” Todd asked.   Tyler snorted, “and leave you here alone?”    The two sat down and glared at each other.  Finally Todd spoke. “Let’s clear up some stuff. First, I went to San Diego for a week to see my parents. Second, I didn’t check into rehab, I’m working the night shift there. Third, you don’t need to stay and keep an eye on me.”  Tyler eyed him for a while before speaking. “There’s something wrong with you. Everytime I turn around there you are, usually only a few feet from Frederico. Did you take this job just so you could keep tabs on him?  Man, let him go.  Let that friendship die.”    ”I have better things to waste my time on than Frederico.”     Tyler noticed a tone change that belied the truth. “That’s it!  You left because of Frederico.  Your dad isn’t sick, you moved to Jersey to get away. You’re trying to get past a major crush on Frederico, but instead you’re getting some cheap thrill out of working for his friends.” He punctuated each statement with a finger jab at Todd’s chest.   Todd quickly grabbed Tyler’s hand. “Don’t,” he said definitively, “don’t try to make this into something about him.”   Tyler pulled his hand back, “I’m going to let Leon know that his boyfriend hired the guy who got him kicked out of the gym, and has a problem with alcohol, and a bigger one with the truth.”    ”The truth?” Todd said. “Why would I take a lecture about the truth from you?  Ronald tells me you’re not so good with it.”   Tyler was stunned into silence again, by the mere mention of his ex-boyfriend’s name.

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.

Posted by Tyrus at 04:22:25 | Permalink | No Comments »

Saturday, September 27, 2008

The City - chapter twenty six


Driving across New Jersey on their way to Memphis, Franz, Leon, and Spaz discussed their plans for the trip.  They were planning to get to Memphis mid-week to visit Kimmie.  While there they hoped to see Adam perform in a production of The Sound of Music.  Franz at the wheel and Spaz reading the map, Leon watched the highway fly by.  “Are you sure it’s ok to have the new dogwalker stay at your place while you’re out of town?” Spaz asked. “How well do you know him?”      “Well enough,” Franz said. ”He stayed with Nairobi last weekend while we were in town at the UN gala. I’m not worried.”      ”What about you Leon?” she asked.      “I haven’t met him yet.  Franz picked him, but I’m not worried either.  And Nairobi likes him, so that’s most important.”      “What’s his name?” Spaz asked, her tone suggesting she still wasn’t convinced.  “Todd,” they answered in unison.

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.

Posted by Tyrus at 17:36:39 | Permalink | No Comments »

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The City - chapter twenty-five


In the middle of the following week Martin started his new job as office manager at Nina’s real estate firm.  The subway trip up to Harlem was a long commute, but he was growing bored at home.  And needed the money.  Nina kept him busy all morning, then treated him to lunch.  “How are things for Frederico since the opening last weekend?” she asked.    “Great,” Martin said. “He got a new commission for some portrait work just yesterday.  It’s not exactly what he wants, but he’s glad to have the work.”   “He’s very talented,” Nina said.     “He is,” Martin agreed, then pondering, added “and he’s my best friend.”     “Just a friend?” Nina asked, trying not to sound piqued.    Martin set down his fork and looked up. “I guess with our history he’s a bit more.”

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.

Posted by Tyrus at 05:06:49 | Permalink | No Comments »

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.

Posted by Tyrus at 03:52:34 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, November 6, 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.

Posted by Tyrus at 04:30:36 | Permalink | No Comments »