Politics and Matchmaking - 1. Chapter 1

As a member of the LGBTQ community, Mark Andrews was more often incensed, than not incensed. No matter how well meaning they were, politicians still considered “those people” to be a minority, and treated them as second-class citizens. He also became convinced that very vocal demonstrations, while somewhat effective in accomplishing change, were a very slow process. All these observations led him to decide a course of action, concerning his own life.

He became convinced that change would come more quickly and effectively, if it arose from inside the political system. Waiting for politicians to move on anything, especially those things that didn’t concern them, just wasn’t working, and demonstrations weren’t usually doing any good. He decided to run for political office. He chose to start at a local level, and work his way up the ranks, like a boxer enduring dozens of preliminary bouts, until he realizes his dream of participating in the main event.

Mark had the means to realize his goal. He lived in Manchester, New Hampshire, and he was the senior partner in the largest law firm in his city. He threw his hat in the ring to seek a seat in the city council. He didn’t think that running for councilman would require large sums of money, and he counted on other members of his community to contribute to the cause.

Mark’s husband, Todd Barnett, was the CEO of a very successful architectural firm. Todd and Mark were very well heeled. Between the two firms, Mark was able to secure enough signatures to win a slot on the ballot. Wisely, he ran as an Independent.

Although the gay community did rally to support him, most of them could not contribute any significant campaign funds. Andy Singer was one of them. He contacted Mark, and offered his home for a mini town hall meeting. He said he would invite as many neighbors as he could. It would give Mark an opportunity to spread his views in a homey environment.

Mark took Andy up on his offer, and actively sought to get other people to volunteer their homes also. By the time he had his first “town hall” meeting in Andy’s house, he had six other homes lined up. Mark was pleased at all the people he could speak to face to face.

In all, Andy convinced about eighteen people to come to the meeting. They were all straight couples, but one of Andy’s neighbors brought a single man. John and Carol Johnson introduced him as Frank (Francis) Johnson, and informed Andy that Frank was a cousin. He had just landed a good job in their city, and they were putting him up until he could find a place of his own. Andy and Frank were the only two singles in the room, so they somehow gravitated to each other.

The two men were out to everyone, but they had no gaydar at all. Neither realized that the other was gay, so they tried to bury their sexual tensions for each other.

Mark was well-prepared. He had lawn signs with a campaign picture attached, and everyone took one. Most of them pounded them into their front lawns the next morning. Mark was handsome and charming, and they didn’t mind supporting him for more than his political beliefs. He also handed out plenty of fliers. The people there, promised to pass them out in their work places, at the gym, at the restaurants they had lunch in, etc.

After the meeting, Andy had coffee set up in an urn, and an assortment of pastries on the table. While most of the group were chatting, and sipping coffee with one of the pastries, Andy and Frank spoke to Mark. They wanted to know what they could do to help him.

“My husband has turned our den into a campaign office,” Mark said. “You’re welcome to come over any evening after dinner, or all-day Saturday to help us out. I’m grateful that you want to give us a hand.” He gave each man his personal card, and then he hugged them.

Now, for the first time, Andy and Frank suspected that the other was gay. In confirmation, they smiled at each other.

Frank was new to the city, and anxious to make friends, especially gay friends. He was very bold, and asked Andy if he could pick him up after work one evening to go to Mark’s house.

“I don’t know my way around town yet, and you can be my guide.” He made a lame excuse. Everyone has a navigation system these days.

“It’ll be my pleasure to orient you, and to work with you on Mark’s campaign,” Andy smiled. “When would you like to go?”

“I can go any time this week, but Friday would be best.”

The two men cleared Friday with Mark. Mark was not new to the gay community. He could see the sparks flying between the two men, and he decided to give them a push.

“I have a better idea,” he said. “My husband is a frustrated chef. Ask him to cook, and his eyes light up. Why don’t you two guys come for dinner, about 6 PM. You’ll still have plenty of time to work on a few projects, and you will even have time to go clubbing. Todd and I don’t do that much clubbing anymore, but maybe we’ll join you. The more I expose myself to the community, the better.”

Andy and Frank realized that Mark thought that they were both gay. Fortunately, all of them were correct.

When everyone started to leave, Frank whispered in Andy’s ear, “I have a key to my cousin’s house. I’m a big boy, and he advised me to stay out as late as I want to. I’d like to stay, and help you clean up.”

“That would be very nice, and I have something I’d like to propose to you.”

“What is it,” Frank asked.

“Not now, I’ll tell you later, when we’re alone.”

After everyone left, and Andy and Frank had restored the house ready for a captain’s inspection, Frank asked, “So, what’s your proposition?”

“I shared this house with my partner, until a year ago,” Andy began, “but he left me for greener pastures. He was of Japanese descent, and his family back there was very wealthy. His father owned several textile factories. His parents were killed when his father’s private jet blew up. Family honor required him to return home and take over the family business. I have a great job of my own, and couldn’t move to Japan if I wanted to, so we were forced to split.

“I know you’re looking for a place to rent, so why not rent my second bedroom. It not only comes with a private bathroom, but you’ll be near your cousins. Best of all, I’ll be around also to make sure that neither of us gets lonely.”

Frank smiled. “That’s fantastic,” he said, “too good to be true. Could I see what you’re offering me?”

“Sure,” Andy said. “Follow me.”

They went into the second bedroom. Not only was it spacious but it had an ensuite bathroom.

“How much is the rent?” Frank asked.

“Is $750 a month satisfactory? That doesn’t include food. We can shop together and share that cost.”

“So far, everything looks great,” Frank said, “but you promised to show me everything you have to offer me, and you haven’t removed one stitch of clothing.”

They laughed, and started to undress immediately. Frank was about four flaccid uncut inches. He informed Andy that he was about seven inches when erect. Andy was about the same size, but he was cut.

“Now that we both know what we have to offer each other,” Andy said, “would you like to have a go at it tonight?”

“I don’t know. We just met tonight,” Frank said.

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Andy said. “I’ve got severe hots for you.”

He grabbed the naked Frank, and enveloped him in a passionate embrace, and even more passionate kisses. Immediately their cocks crushed together.

“Let’s stop talking and make love,” Frank said. “You had me at ‘I’ve got severe hots for you.’ The feeling is mutual.”

“Yes, let’s make love,” Andy said, “but please shower with me. I haven’t been in a shower since early this morning, and I want to get us squeaky clean.”

“You’re on,” Frank said, “but I must make a call first. It’s like I’m still a young kid living at home.”

He called his cousins to inform them that he wouldn’t be home this evening.

John laughed. “I could see that you and Andy were eyeing each other all during the meeting. Okay, have fun.”

“And John, I’m renting his spare room, so I’ll be out of your hair sooner than you think.”

“That’s fine,” John said. “Especially since we’ll be neighbors.”

The shower, which ensued, was not an ordinary cleansing ritual. It was a triple X-rated porno film. They started out kissing and fondling, and somehow their fingers found their way into each other’s asses. Andy was the first to fall to his knees. He started out by rimming Frank until Frank had to grab the spigots to keep from falling. Then Frank reciprocated, but when he was done rimming, he turned Andy around and started to give Andy the most intense fellatio that anyone had ever performed on him. Then Andy went down on Frank. They both refrained from cumming, and gave themselves anal sex, using only soap as a lubricant. Neither man considered using condoms. They came in each other’s asses. They yelled and screamed, declaring that it was the best sex either had ever had. Before they were done, they gave themselves golden showers, rinsed off, and fell into bed.

They never did make love in bed. They were too exhausted. They slept deeply all night. Andy called in sick in the morning, and Frank wasn’t beginning his new job until the following Monday morning, so they had another glorious day making love together. By the end of the day, they were committed to each other for life. In the evening, after work, Frank, Andy, and John moved all of Frank’s stuff over to his new home.

By Thursday, they were only using one bedroom.

“Wanna rent the spare bedroom?” Frank asked.

“Nah,” I want you all to myself.”

*****

When Andy came home from work on Friday, Frank was all set to go to Mark’s house for dinner, and to do some volunteer work. Andy threw his attaché case on the front hall table, and embraced his lover fiercely.

“I’ll just take a quick shower,” Andy said, “and we can be on our way.”

“I wish I hadn’t showered and shaved before you came home,” Frank said. “We could shower together.”

“We can do that before bed tonight, and knock ourselves out.”

When he came out of the bathroom, Andy found Frank sitting on their bed, grinning at him.

“I just wanted to see you get dressed,” Frank said. “You’re so sexy.”

“Thanks, but I’ll never be as sexy as you,” Andy laughed.

“Let’s agree that we’re both sexy,” Frank said. “By the way, why did you bring home your attaché case? Are you planning on working over the weekend? I wouldn’t like that very much.”

“Not on your life. I’m planning on making love to you all weekend. I’m scheduled to see a client first thing Monday morning. That’s when the case gets opened, and not a minute sooner.”

“Shit!” Frank said.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Frank answered, “but I just realized that we’ve been fucking each other since the mini town hall meeting, and I don’t know what you do for a living.”

“No big deal. I don’t know what you do either. I also want to hear about that great new job you’re starting on Monday. FYI, I’m a CPA. I work for a large firm, Brenner and Brenner, on Elm Street. We’re growing by leaps and bounds, and the bosses are actively searching for additional help.”

Frank grew mute. He was staring at Andy with his jaw hanging open. Suddenly, he jumped up, and locked his love in a very substantial bear hug.

“What?” Andy asked again.

“I’m going to keep on hugging you, so you won’t fall over, when I tell you that I’m a CPA also, and on Monday morning, I’ll be starting my new job with Brenner and Brenner.”

Andy shrieked.

“Too bad that you’re going to a client Monday morning,” Frank said. “We could have started my first day by going to work together.”

“Not to worry. There’ll be plenty of other days. Here’s an item of interest. During the past week, I referred a very wealthy client to Mark’s firm. Let’s advise him who we work for, and maybe he can return the favor.”

“Not only return the favor, but I want to advise him and his husband of this fantastic miracle. I’m still trying to digest it,” Andy said. “Now, let’s get going. I want to help Mark get elected, and I think we should do some networking also. Speaking of networking, I’m also going to insist that they go clubbing with us to do some networking of their own. I’ll take them to my favorite gay bar, but in the future, there are others to go to.”

“I’m not familiar with Manchester yet,” Frank said. “What’s your favorite bar?”

“The Breezeway Pub on Pearl Street. It’s a fun place. You’ll love it there.”

*****

Dinner at Mark and Todd’s was indeed gourmet. Todd served clams on the half shell as an appetizer. It was accompanied by drawn butter for dipping. Frank and Andy never tasted anything more delicious. Todd told them that he had clarified the butter himself, and it was his own secret recipe. The entrée was London broil with candied yams and asparagus spears. Todd topped it off with Peach Melba for dessert. The table was also laden with a variety of sodas, beer, and wine.

After dinner, the four men worked on a mass mailing to the constituents in Mark’s district. It would take more than one evening, but they put a dent in it.

“When we know our schedules for next week, we’ll check with you when we can volunteer again,” Andy said.

That was clever, because Mark asked immediately, “What do you two do?”

They not only filled Mark in on their professions, but told their hosts about the uncanny coincidence, which would have them working together.

“By the way,” Andy said, “I referred a very wealthy client to you for some legal work. His name is Edward Taylor, so you’ll know when he calls your office.”

Frank had no cards yet, so Andy handed Mark, a couple of his, and said bluntly, “Just in case you’d like to return the favor.”

“Are you two still going clubbing tonight?” Todd asked. “It’s almost 10 PM.”

“Of course,” Andy answered. “Things are just getting started at my favorite place. Let’s hustle over there, and do a little electioneering.”

Andy was a regular at The Breezeway, and he introduced Mark to dozens of his friends, who shook Mark’s hand, and promised him their vote.

“Next time, we’ll go to different bar,” Andy promised.

“Let’s go to a straight bar,” Todd said. “I want to see what kind of reception we get there.”

“I’ll bet it will be a good one, and very positive to your council race,” Frank said, and it was.

Mark only received fifty-two percent of the vote, but he won, and he was in. By the time he took office, he and Brenner and Brenner had several mutual clients. The Brenners were more than pleased that a new member of the firm was bringing in so much business, and so soon.

A couple of years later, Andy and Frank discussed the possibility of going out on their own. Between them, they had enough client base to afford the plunge. Before they could speak to The Brenners, or even to begin to look for office space, their bosses offered them junior partnerships. They also assured them that senior partnerships were in the near future, given the rapid and phenomenal growth of the firm. The Brenners had always been exceptionally good to them, with bonuses and pay raises, so they decided to accept the junior partnerships and remain with the firm.

Of course, they celebrated their promotions that night by making passionate and exceptional love. You could hear the fireworks all the way down in Boston.

Frank never regretted moving to Manchester for a job opportunity. Career wise, he might have been just as successful elsewhere. However, if he hadn’t volunteered to help a gay candidate to win office in his new home town, he probably wouldn’t have met his soul mate.

He shuddered at the thought.