The City - chapter nine
One week into the new pad in Brooklyn , Tyler has had his share of spackling and painting the raw apartment. Grocery shopping was a particularly trying enterprise. The bright spot is that although he’s no longer living under the protective umbrella of Leon and Franz’s support he does have Frederico and Martin living in the same building. They have been good resources in settling into the new neighborhood.
They’ve also been entertaining. Five months after their (most recent) breakup, the two have been testing the waters of dating again, while also testing the limits of what is acceptable to flaunt in front of the other. Frederico was careful to invite a boy over only in the afternoon when he knew Martin would be at work. Likewise, Martin was wary about going on a date on a weeknight when it would be more obvious. They’ve managed to keep everything civil, but Tyler has observed some tensions brewing just under the surface.
Nina joined Tyler, Frederico, and Martin for cocktails on Friday. After her recent divorce she moved into the upper unit in the Harlem brownstone she and her ex-husband own. She was full of questions as to how they manage to stay friends yet live so close to each other. Tyler was smug and quiet as he leaned back and listened to their insistence that they have no problems.
Helmut also joined them for drinks, but wasn’t in a good mood. Although his employer has agreed to sponsor him for his work visa he needs to pay the attorney’s fees himself. The process is becoming longer and more expensive than he anticipated.
Ivan resumed his internet hookups, tricking with a horned up musician in the Upper West Side . All was going well until the trick pulled out a can of Crisco and asked for some fisting action. Although he balked a little, Ivan shrugged and decided to try something new.
Kimmie called Franz midway through the week from Memphis . She was very excited to tell him that she was offered the position at Yoohoo.com and that she accepted. As he had coached her through the interview process he was very excited too. The fact that Yoohoo.com and Franz’s employer Everyone’sOnLine are major competitors shouldn’t get in the way of their friendship. So they think.
Leon cleaned out the guestroom that Tyler just vacated to make room for the impending visit of Franz’s father, who was recently diagnosed with a terminal heart condition.
What does the City have in store next for our heroes? Stay tuned.
Based on actual situations, names and associations may have been altered to protect the guilty or to make things seem more interesting.
