Playing Both Sides

Chapter 3-2

The next day, Ken pulled up, wearing his backpack and a big grin. They shook hands and tapped shoulders.

“Where to, Mr. Tour Guide?”

“North on Bascom Avenue to the Rose Garden. It’s so romantic.”

After thirty minutes, Ken rode ahead, yelling back, “Follow me.” He stood on the pedals to climb the shallow hill and wondered if Joel watched his ass.

They pulled up to a gold, wrought iron arch and a sign, City of San Jose-Rose Garden. Established 1907.

Ken got off his bike. “We have to walk our bikes inside the garden.” He whispered as though in church.

Joel’s jaw clenched. “They can’t f*****g tell us what to do. It’s a public place.”

Ken shook his head. “It’s just respect.” He landed a hand on Joel’s shoulder.

“Okay, sorry. I should have left my temper at home.” He covered Ken’s hand with his own.

Ken chewed a lip, draped an arm over his shoulder, and leaned his head against Joel’s. Some people walked alone, others with dogs, and joggers roamed the park. Ken stopped and inhaled the array of roses.

“Try it. I love roses. They’re romantic and seem to make the world more tolerable.”

Joel leaned in and sniffed. “Wow. Fantastic.” He scented again. His hand brushed Ken’s as they admired the same rose.

They found a grassy corner to eat, and Joel stepped behind Ken, their legs touching. “Can I help you remove your pack, sir?” He squeezed Ken’s shoulders before lifting the backpack off.

Ken turned, and their gazes locked. “You are a gentleman.” A rush of blood warmed his face. “Joel, can I ask a personal question?”

“Sure.”

“Are you and Dio together?”

“Sort of. Dio is straight, but periodically we sleep together, and that only started in the last year. We both have issues of loneliness and abandonment, and he has PTSD. Sometimes, he needs to be alone. Other times, he craves company and cuddling.”

Ken held Joel’s gaze. Neither showed signs of breaking it. “When you say sleep together—”

Joel spread out a blanket he brought, and Ken served the sandwiches. “We make love. Dio hates calling it s*x. We’re not in love with each other, but share human love.”

“So you’re both gay? You said he’s straight.” Ken took another bite of his sandwich.

“I’m gay. He’s straight.”

“How can he be straight if he has s*x with guys?”

“Sometimes, he needs the relief, and I’m happy to do it for him. It’s a convenience for him, not really an attraction, I guess. You know the sayings, any port in the storm or do a bud a favor.” He dropped a casual hand on Ken’s knee. “So, what about you? S, L, G, or B?”

Ken tilted his head like a dog trying to understand.

Joel smirked. “Straight, Lesbian, Gay, or Bi?”

“I don’t know. I always thought I was straight, but sometimes, more than sometimes, I think of guys. Danielle really turns me on, but—” His gaze drifted down. “So do you,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Joel picked up his soda, drank, and offered it to Ken. Ken took a sip, stared at Joel, and sipped again.

“Ken, have you ever been with a guy?”

“No. And I’m still a virgin with girls, too.”

“Damn, you’d better be careful. Girls have cooties.”

They both howled in laughter and leaned into each other.

Joel floated a hand behind Ken’s neck. “Am I one of the guys you think about?”

Ken’s heart jumped, and his c**k grew. “I already said you excite me.”

“It makes me happy to hear you say it.”

Frozen in delight, Ken stared into Joel’s eyes.

Joel leaned in and brushed his lips against Ken’s. They parted, and Joel brought his other hand to Ken’s neck and pulled him close, planting his lips to Ken’s. Ken caught a whiff of a sexy cologne as he closed his eyes, savoring the moment of his first guy kiss.