Troubled Waters

by Jerry Cole

  “Yes, why don’t you do that? You know where it is?”

  “Across from the taverna from last night.”

  “Right. I’ll be here. Room three. I’ll tell reception to expect you.”

  ***

  It was not as difficult as he thought to arrange the flight. With the Greek islands spread out all over the place, flights were common. In fact, he’d been able to secure a commercial flight quite easily and did not have to rent a private plane.

  Then he stopped, collected his thoughts, and decided he needed to call his mom.

  “Devoted one,” he greeted when the phone was answered.

  “Oh? And who is it that could possibly be devoted to me?”

  It was not his mother. “Oh, I’m sorry, who’s this? I thought I was calling my mom.

  “Well, you did. But this is Melissa, her assistant. Is this Darren?”

  He laughed. “It is. Is she available?”

  “She will be. Just stepped out to use the ladies room.”

  “Ah. Yes. That is bound to happen occasionally.”

  “I’ve heard all about you. It’s all she talks about. And because I’m such a big ol’ lesbo she’d have us married within a week.”

  “Oh, gracious. But that’s ridiculous, she knows I’m gay. And if she knows you’re gay, why would she suggest that?”

  “Well, in some bizarre universe, she equates that fact that we’re both gay to some mysterious third sex. And anyone who is gay can marry, regardless of their sex. It’s her little quirk.”

  “I never knew that about her.”

  “I’m educating her, as we speak.”

  “Well, that’s a blessing. But you sound delightful in any event. Even if we will never tie the knot.”

  “Wait. Here she is.”

  Loretta answered, “Darren? I was beginning to think you’d been swallowed by some primeval, Greek myth monster.”

  He teased, “Well, some part of me has been swallowed, but not by a monster.”

  It took her a moment to get his implication. “Oh, you naughty boy… how delightful. And who is he?”

  “A charming Greek Adonis. An up-and-coming singer, named Ness.”

  “Ness what?” she asked.

  Darren thought for a moment. “Oh my… you know, I don’t know. For now, it’s just Ness.”

  Loretta was thoughtful. “But, my dear, can it be serious? Strangers passing in the night… He’s Greek; you’re American. Can it be more that a fleeting romance?”

  “I would like to think so. He’s really quite wonderful. And would you believe, he’d only discovered he was gay the day before we met.”

  “Be careful darling, you don’t want to be with someone who’s unstable. What if he changes back?”

  “Mother, I don’t think there’s a chance for that. After all, I have my persuasive charms.”

  “That you do, sweet one.”

  “So Mom, I’m calling to see how all is going with our project. Any news?”

  “Melissa is being quite thorough. I’m afraid she’s not quite as trusting as I am in accepting Thornton’s direction.”

  “Good for her. Don’t let the old codger slip anything by you. I have no doubt he’s only out for number one. Carefully examine any of his gift horses.”

  “Why aren’t you sailing? I thought you’d be out on the briny deep by now.”

  “Oh, don’t get me started. It’s going to be several days yet—delays. I’m going with Ness to his family home in Crete this afternoon. The boat is set to sail the day after tomorrow. But I’ll believe that when it actually happens.”

  “Well, be safe and have a wonderful time. Can you send me a photo of your beau when you have a chance?”

  “Will do. And I’ll be in touch before I sail. Bye for now.”

  “Oh, wait!” she suddenly added.

  “Yes?”

  “I forgot to tell you, Mia called. It seems her new boyfriend is not available to go with her and Tyler to check out that school, so she’s asked me to go along.”

  “That’s wise of her. And you might enjoy that. Time with Tyler, and you can see what a little man he’s become. I believe he’s a more serious person than even I am, if that’s possible.”

  Loretta sounded concerned. “And I want to be sure the school is just right for him. If not, we can find tutors. I’ve asked Melissa to investigate for me.”

  “But promise no one will make a final decision until you’ve all spoken to me.”

  “Why, of course, my darling. That goes without saying.”

  “Keep me posted. Bye.”

  He then placed a call to Ness.

  “I’ve got us booked on a flight to Crete at five. Will that work for you?”

  “Yes. Just fine. That was quick. Shall I come over now?”

  “If you can. I’m going to call reception right now and let them know you’re coming. It should be okay for you to just come to me in room three.

  “See you soon.” He paused. “You are so great. Thanks for taking care of all of this.”

  “My pleasure.”

  ***

  Darren was suddenly exhausted. What a whirlwind this had been up to now. He realized how little sleep he’d gotten last night, and he lay down and was soon passed out asleep.

  He was still dozing when there was a knock at the door, but he didn’t hear it. Then the door opened and Ness looked in. He saw Darren asleep and he went over. He kicked off his shoes and got into the bed, snuggling up against Darren. After nesting his head against Darren’s shoulder, he put his arm across his chest.

  Darren changed his position slightly to allow Ness to move in closer. And as it has been such a stressful day yesterday for Ness as well—with his concert, and meeting Darren, with little sleep—they both were soon peacefully asleep.

  Chapter Seven

  Fortunately, when Darren had called reception, he’d also asked for a reminder call for two-thirty. They needed time to get to the airport, and he didn’t want to have to rush.

  Right on time, the call came through. Ness had also awoken with the call. Darren was sitting on the edge of the bed, and he turned and gave Ness a hug. “I’m glad you made it,” he said. “I’m all packed and ready to go. I’ll call down and order us a taxi.”

  Ness shook his head. “No, the metro goes directly to the airport. Much faster than a taxi in the traffic this time of day.”

  “Good. Then let’s go.”

  ***

  The taxi from the Crete airport entered Ness’ hometown of Plakias. Ness phoned Kori to tell her they were on their way. Then he leaned toward the driver and gave him the directions to the family house on the outskirts. Kori was standing by the gate as the taxi stopped in front of the house. She was smiling broadly.

  Ness was first out of the car. He went over and embraced his sister. “Papa will be so happy to see you,” Kori said, gazing at her adorable brother.

  “How’s he doing?” Ness asked.

  Kori waggled her hand to indicate so-so. “The doctor just left and gave him strict instructions to say indoors. But you know him. Stubborn. Wants to go down to the damn boat each morning. Tanis and I have to sit by his bed to keep him from going.”

  By now Darren had gotten out of the car, paid the driver, and came over. Ness turned to him. “Darren, this is my big sister, Kori. And Kori, this is my new friend, Darren, from the United States.”

  “Welcome,” she said in English, offering her hand. “Ness told me when he called that you are a sailor.”

  Darren laughed, taking her hand. “No, Kori, not a sailor, but I am taking a two month cruise on a sailboat. I hope by the end of the trip I will have learned at least a little bit about sailing.”

  “Our Papa is the captain of a fishing boat. But I’m afraid his sailing days are over, and we are in the process of setting up a new business for him where he can use his boat for tourists.”

  “That sounds enterprising,” Darren said.

  Kori wiped her hands on her apron, a nervou
s habit, and said, “Well, let’s get inside. No need standing about in the road.”

  As they went toward the house, Ness leaned over and said, “Kori and Tanis are the only family members besides me that speak English. I will have to translate for you with the others.”

  “Sorry I don’t speak Greek.”

  Ness chuckled. “Would be surprised if you did.”

  Inside the house, Kori said to Ness, “We thought you had moved out for good so we gave your room to Rhea. But you and Darren can take your old room for now.”

  “Ah, stealing my room before my back is turned, huh?”

  Kori knew he was teasing. She turned to Darren. “I hope you don’t mind sharing. It’s a small house and we don’t often have guests.”

  “I’d be more than happy to stay in a hotel, if that would be more convenient,” Darren replied.

  Kori swatted at him. “Don’t be ridiculous. You are our guest. It’s right you should stay here.” Ness shot an I told you so glance at Darren, who smiled in return. Kori added, “I’m sorry there’s only one bed, but Ness can sleep on the floor.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I am quite comfortable sharing a bed with Ness.” He shot his own meaningful look at Ness, who smiled.

  “You two go get settled and then come to the kitchen. I’ll be making coffee.”

  “Where’s Tanis?” Ness asked.

  “She’s with Papa. She reads to him. Seems to be the only way to keep him in bed.”

  “I’ll go see him in a minute.”

  “Yes, you should.” She turned and left for the kitchen. “See you soon. I’ll wait to start the coffee ‘til you come back.”

  Ness led the way down the narrow hallway to his recent bedroom, but it had already been transformed into Rhea’s room.

  “I’m afraid we’ve had to kick my sister out, but she won’t mind. In this house, we all have to play musical beds when we have guests.”

  Darren shook his head. “Are you sure this is all right, my being in the same bed with you? It makes me nervous. Not for me, but for you. And I can’t promise I won’t be able to keep my hands off of you if we’re in the same bed.”

  Ness looked at Darren with a wicked smile. “And I can’t tell you how much I will like that. And you know, now that I look back, I realize that as a teenager I used to fantasize something like this—but with my sexy buddies from school.”

  “Really? And you didn’t know you were gay until a few days ago?”

  “I just thought it was some normal kind of buddy-friend fooling around. Never occurred to me that it was considered gay. I hardly even knew what that word meant other than happy.”

  Darren went over and put his hands on Ness’ hips. “Can I be your buddy-friend?” he said, a smile creeping across his face. “I promise I’ll just give you a handjob like a straight buddy-friend.”

  Ness leaned forward and gave Darren a sweet kiss. “Not sure what a handjob is, but I’m really not looking for a buddy-friend these days. I want myself a fulltime man lover. I’m completely done with adolescent fantasies.”

  Darren took in the seriousness of Ness’ statement. “Yes, Ness, me too.” He leaned in to kiss Ness again when the door abruptly opened.

  Ness sprang back from the kiss and turned to see his sister Rhea, who was standing frozen, obviously having witnessed enough of the kiss to get what was going on.

  Ness turned to Darren. “I hadn’t expected to do this so soon. Excuse me.”

  He went over and took his sister by the hand. He closed the door and they conversed in Greek for a while. Rhea kept glancing over to Darren as her brother talked to her. Finally, she nodded and left the room with another glance at Darren.

  “Oh boy, did we screw up?” Darren asked.

  “Yes and no. Didn’t expect to have to address this so soon, but it’s okay. She understands. Just hope she doesn’t go spreading it around the family now. She’s a bit of a gossip, so I won’t hold my breath.”

  “We’d better tell Kori then. She doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would like to get this kind of information secondhand.”

  “Come. I’m ready for some coffee anyway.”

  “But what about your father?”

  “After. Come along.” He reached out and took Darren’s hand and led him out of the house and into the kitchen wing.

  Kori looked up from the table where she was sitting cutting onions.

  “Ready for coffee?” she asked as she rose from the table.

  “Yes, my darling sister,” Ness said. “And then I’d like to have a little chat.”

  “Okay,” she said. “Did you see Papa?”

  “Not yet, but I will right after coffee.”

  Kori began heating the briki while she put out the coffee cups. Then she turned her attention to Darren. “So, if you’re not a sailor, what is your work?”

  “I’m a professor at a small college in upstate New York. I teach English literature and coach the fencing team.”

  “Fencing? I do not know what that is.”

  “It’s the sport of sword fighting.” He demonstrated crossing swords and then lunged, as though spearing her with a sword.

  She giggled and put her hand to her mouth. “Oh yes, Zorro. No?”

  “Yes, something like that.”

  The coffee was just about to boil over so Kari took the briki off the stove and poured the coffee into the cups.

  Ness motioned for Darren to come sit next to him and he looked up at his sister. “Please, Kori, I need to tell you something.”

  Kori sat with a worried expression.

  Ness took her hand. “My darling sister, I have to tell you something personal that may or may not shock you.”

  Kori smiled. “I doubt that. After all, I am your older sister, and I do know a few things. And unless you’ve robbed a bank or murdered someone, I don’t think there’s that much about you that could shock me.”

  Ness nodded. “Okay then, dear sister. What I’ve discovered quite recently about myself is that I am gay.” He turned to Darren and took his hand. “And although we’ve only just met, I very much want this man to be my partner.”

  Kori did seem to need a moment to take in this new information.

  “But you dated all those girls…”

  “It’s what one did.”

  “And in all that time you never…”

  “I did, but… it just didn’t click. Can you understand that?”

  She pursed her lips and nodded. “But you are the only male in the family; who will pass on the name?”

  “It will have to be the cousins… unless.” He turned to Darren. “He has a boy. Maybe he would consider another child if we become a couple.”

  Darren was a little stunned. This was coming very fast. Yes, he liked Ness… no, more than liked him, but they had not even gotten to a second date yet. Plus there was the fact that they lived in two different countries, and Ness was just starting out on a promising career. He decided that, for the moment, he would just give a reassuring squeeze to Ness’ hand.

  “Could this be a phase?” Kori asked.

  Ness shook his head and answered, “No.”

  “What are you going to tell Papa?”

  “The truth, of course.”

  “Do you think that is wise, in his condition?”

  “I could wait, but then there would be a secret in the family, and that is never good. Besides Rhea already knows. She caught us kissing.

  Kori gave out a brief burst of laughter. “Well, then the whole town will know before sunset.”

  Ness laughed too. It seemed to break the tension. But then Kori was quiet and she looked down at the table.

  “I’m going to need a little time to adjust to this. I do understand, and I’m not angry, but it’s a big announcement.”

  “I know. And I understand.”

  Darren spoke up. “I am totally out to all my family. I was married for a few years before it became clear to me that I was gay. It meant I needed a divorce to free
up my wife, but she, my son, and my mother are all totally supportive and have adjusted to this fact. Are you going to tell your other sisters, too?”

  “Everyone. No secrets.”

  “And what about your career? Won’t that be an obstacle?” Kori asked.

  “I’ll need to talk to Philippe about that. But I don’t want to be a…” He turned to Darren, “how do you say? Closet case?”

  Darren nodded, but he had to speak. “Ness, I understand you wanting to be out and open, but in your career, it might make a difference. You really need to give it a lot of thought to this and confer with your manager before you make that decision. How important is your career to you?”

  That stopped Ness. “The most important.”

  “More important than an open relationship?”

  “Hmm. I don’t know. It’s all so new. I don’t know what to say. It’s confusing.”

  Darren nodded. “Yes, it can be. There are many issues and I think you should fully look at, and consider all your options before you rush into anything. I say this for your happiness.”

  “Listen to him, Ness,” Kori insisted.

  Ness bowed his head. “I will.” He turned and looked pleadingly at Darren. “But I want it all. Why is that not possible?”

  “It may be, but you will need to consider everything and come to a considered choice,” Darren said, as he took Ness’ hand again.

  Ness was quiet and thoughtful, and then he stood. “I’ve got to see Papa now.”

  Keri nodded. “Go. He’s been asking for you since he knew you were coming.”

  Ness left the kitchen, and Kori turned to Darren. “I like you. You speak sense. Ness is a man now, but in many ways, he’s still a boy.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed. It’s just that he’s discovered who he is, and he wants to celebrate it with no restraint.”

  “Are you serious about him?”

  Darren nodded. “I am, but there are many considerations. I have a full life back in the States. However, I am missing one thing—a loving partner. It’s what keeps me haunted. And so far I’ve not met the right person… until I met Ness. He could be the one. I have deep feelings for him, and I believe he has the same for me. Is it love? Too early to tell, but it could grow to that. But you and I both know love is not enough by itself. It has to be rooted and stabilized by a fulfilling life as well. I believe Ness’ life is rooted in his music, and if that is taken away, no matter how much love there is, it will not be enough.”