Chapter 5: Pier 19
The Beach
Pier 19
10:17 P.M.
Hand in hand, we left The Rawhide Bar & Grille, stepped onto Meridian Street, made an immediate right, and headed west. The night was balmy and sweet and smelled of the Gulf. A light wind blew against our faces and bare chests. The sky was filled with glitzy stars and the moon was bright white and almost full, making me feel romantic and comfortable. Our destination was on our right: a not-so-secret place where two men could kiss intimately without being arrested, shot at, or beaten up by fag-haters.
I was in the lead now. My right hand clung to his left and I led him toward the beach under the canopy of stars.
He asked again, “Where are you taking me?”
“The beach. Pier 19.”
“You’re going to have your way with me, aren’t you?”
“Only
