The Day his Motor Died - 6. Chapter 6

There was much screaming and noisy greetings when Michael came into his office the next morning. The staff didn’t expect him back (if at all) for another couple of weeks. His boss was expecting him, but wasn’t sure exactly when. Joe gave Michael a hug, and asked him to come into his office.

He handed Michael a sheet of paper. “This is a list of your clients who refused to have another advisor except you. Please call each one, tell them you’re back, make nice-nice, and schedule appointments as necessary. But first tell me why you changed your mind and came home,” he begged to know.

“Two loves,” Michael answered. “I fell in love with someone, and I have always loved New York too much to stay away very long.”

“You’re in love,” Joe beamed. “When can I meet her?”

“Sit down, Joe,” Michael said. “I have a shock for you. My true love, my soulmate’s name is Douglas Carey.”

Joe was left speechless so Michael continued. “I’ve been fighting and trying to hide my true sexuality all my life. Now, with Doug’s help, I feel good knowing that I can admit it. I hope this won’t spoil our friendship.”

“Of course not. Never. Hey, did you know that Barry is gay?”

“Actually, I had no idea, but I met him in a gay bar last night. Doug took me there to celebrate being back in New York. He’s been living in Wyoming for the past seven years.”

“Well,” Joe said. “I’m glad your back, and even more pleased that you’re so happy. I think your little vacation was good for you. I’ve never seen you this elated.”

“Thanks boss, but I’d like to get back to work now.”

By the time Michael got through his phone calls and all the chatter, he was the last one in the office. He locked up and took a cab home. He felt the subway would be too slow, and maybe too crowded in rush hour. After all, he had become used to wide open spaces.

Doug greeted him with a sloppy kiss. “Where ya been?” he asked.

“I had a lot of work to catch up on.”

“I figured. I just spoke to your associate, Barry Silvers. He said that you were so busy he didn’t want to disturb you at work. I made a date for us to have dinner with him and his partner Friday evening. We’re meeting for a TGIF drink, and then they are taking us to a special place. They wouldn’t say where.”

“Great, it sounds like a mystery bus ride.”

“I know. I’m so happy to back in civilization.”

“What smells so good?”

“I decided to make a real home cooked meal to celebrate my return to NYU for the spring semester. I’ll graduate in May with this year’s senior class.”

Michael grabbed Doug, and kissed him. “I’m so happy for you,” he said.

“I’m happy for us.”

“So, what’s cooking?”

“Two T-Bone steaks with sweet potatoes. I wasn’t sure if you would like it, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a steak.”

“You figured right.”

“I have some more news. Your dad called just before Barry did, and we are all having dinner at my parents’ home Saturday night. We might as well break the ice, and PS, my mom’s a great cook.”

On Friday evening, they met Barry and his partner, George, at the favorite gay bar of all of them. They each had one drink, and Michael asked where they were having dinner.

“It’s right around the corner, and it’s much fancier than this pub. But don’t worry, it’s our treat.”

“Oh no, we couldn’t let you,” both Michael and Doug objected.

“We’re celebrating a big event, and we want to share it with you, so don’t argue.”

There was no use arguing, so the four men walked around the corner. Barry wasn’t kidding. Pierre’s was very fancy-shmancy and very expensive. Barry had made a reservation and they were seated immediately.

Michael finally remembered to ask what they were celebrating.

Barry took George’s hand and smiled. “We’re going to have a commitment ceremony next February. We’re making a small dinner party here. There’s a private dining room in the rear. It will accommodate about twenty-five guests. I’ll show it to you before we leave.

“That’s wonderful,” Michael said. “I wish you every happiness. I haven’t discussed it with Doug, but I’ve been thinking of asking him to do the same. I was even thinking that maybe we could get married in Canada. Wouldn’t it be great, if they ever legalized same sex marriage in this country?”

As shocked as he was, Doug said, “The answer is yes, handsome. Who would say no to you?”

“I hope you won’t say no to me,” Barry said.

“What do you mean?”

“Michael, my parents are dead. I have no siblings. The only relatives I have are an uncle and two cousins in San Diego. At least, that’s where they lived when I heard from them last. We’re not in touch, and I wouldn’t invite them to the ceremony anyway, so I was wondering if you would be my best man.”

Michael was speechless, but he jumped up and embraced Barry. Finally, he was able to croak out, “I’d be honored.”

George than looked at Doug and said, “I have a brother, who is going to be my best man, and I have a sister who will be maid of honor, so I was wondering if you would be a groomsman, and we’ll have an even number in the commitment party.”

Doug smiled. “Of course, I will,” he said.

“Listen guys, don’t incur any additional expense. The ceremony is informal. You can just wear business suits,” Barry said.

“Hell, you can even wear speedos,” George laughed. “I won’t notice. My eyes will be on Barry.”

“That’s so sweet,” Barry cooed, and he planted a wet one on George’s cheek.

******

The next evening went very well also. The two families really enjoyed each other’s company, and actually everyone was sad to see it end.

Sometime during the evening, Doug couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He was bursting with the need to tell his family the big news.

“Michael and I are planning a commitment ceremony in the near future,” he said. There was much whooping and congratulations, but disappointment that no date had been set yet.

******

Michael and Doug assimilated quickly into New York’s gay society. Their days were filled with work, school, and study, but they met friends every Friday night for a TGIF drink. They pretty much stuck close to home the rest of the week. The only exception was when they were invited to one of their parents’ home for dinner, usually Sunday evenings.

Time proceeded steadily on its inimitable way. Doug started classes on Jan. 5, 2001, and graduated on May 24, 2001. His parents and his partner sat proudly in the audience holding hands.

Doug got a terrific job with an import-export company, and began working the first Monday after Independence Day. The company’s offices were on the eighth floor of Tower One in The World Trade Center.