by D. J. Manly
Angelo shrugged. "Be my guest," he said and turned on the blow dryer. "It's a free country."
Tony assumed that he was being dismissed. He turned to leave when he heard his cousin call out over the sound of the dryer. "I have to leave in about twenty minutes. Be ready if you're coming with me."
Tony ran downstairs and told his Aunt to put some supper aside for him. "I'll eat later. I'm going with Angelo in twenty minutes. I have to change."
Janet had no time to respond. She smiled as he flew out of the kitchen.
A few minutes later, her son walked in, wearing a red T-shirt with his extremely tight pants, and kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, Mom."
"Hi, Son." She kissed him back. "Don't you ever eat?"
"I'll grab something."
"How's the recording coming?" Janet sat down at the kitchen counter. She had put the pasta on hold for the time being.
Angelo sighed. "Dad's such an ass sometimes. I mean, he makes us go over and over things, and we don't have the time. We've got to be finished by the end of the week, but at the rate we're going...I don't know."
"Your dad is a perfectionist, Angelo, and he is a professional. Put a little trust in him. The Russo Brothers aren't where they are for nothing. They've been on top a hell of a long time. Don't you think your father has something to do with that?"
"Of course he does," Angelo sighed. "I'm just sick of going over the same stuff and then working at night. I think I'm beat." Angelo placed his head down on the counter.
Janet reached over and stroked his silky dark head.
"Poor baby. Did you tell your dad?"
"Of course," Angelo lifted his head. "He's pleased, thinks I'm learning some great valuable lesson about hard work."
She tried not to laugh. "The recording will be over soon, and then you'll just have your own music to worry about."
"Thank God."
"I picked up some papers on U.C.L.A. last week. I put them on your bed. They have a good music program there. Maybe..."
"Mom," he sighed and stood up. "I'm not going to U.C.L.A. Dad never went to music school, and look at him."
"I know, but..."
Tony walked into the kitchen at that minute with a new pair of black jeans on, and a dressy red shirt.
Angelo ran his gaze over him. "Wow! Where are you going, to see the Queen?"
Tony blushed. "No. I just thought that...what is this place like, anyway? Am I overdressed?"
"It's a sleazy gay bar," Angelo replied with a casual laugh. "Still want to come?"
A look of concern crossed Janet's face. "A...gay bar? Maybe Tony isn't quite prepared for---"
"Ya, I do." Tony cut her off. "Don't worry, Aunt Janet, I'll be fine."
"Ya, they'll only eat you up in there, kid." He grinned.
Janet hit her son in the arm. "Stop that. You look out for him, Angelo," she insisted.
Tony blushed. "I don't need him to babysit for me."
Angelo laughed outright. "Come on. I'm taking my bike. I have an extra helmet in the garage. Bye, Mom."
He headed out the door.
* * * * * *
Tony followed on his heels, taking the helmet from him.
He got on the back of the bike and placed his hands on either side of the seat.
Angelo pressed the remote garage door opener and started the engine. He looked back at Tony as he put on his helmet. "You better put your arms around me. You'll fall off that way."
Tony nodded and timidly placed his arms around his cousin's slim waist. He moved up closer to him, his body pressed against his. He sucked in a breath as the bike took off.
* * * * * *
Janet watched them from the window, a little concerned. She knew that Angelo was responsible enough not to let anything happen to his cousin, but she had a feeling that her nephew had never been to a gay bar before. She hoped that everything went all right.
* * * * * *
It was almost eight o'clock at night when Drake and Francine came off the elevator at the hospital. He had taken her for dinner, and they were on the way back to her condo when he said he'd like to stop and see his brother for a few minutes.
"I haven't been in a few days," he told her as she went to take a seat in the waiting area. "I won't be long."
She watched him walk down the hallway, his long legs covering the distance quickly. She had been a little disappointed when he said he wanted to stop at the hospital. She had been hoping that he was just as anxious as she was to be alone with her. All through dinner, she kept thinking that if they hadn't been in a restaurant, she would have ripped off his clothes and eaten him instead. Now she was sitting in a hospital waiting room, horny as hell.
She knew she was being selfish. After all, Johnny was his brother, and he had gone through a lot. Drake had told her that the recording was taking a lot of his time and that he had not seen Johnny in a few days. But why now, when she wanted him so much?
Damn, hurry up, she thought.
Drake stood looking down at Johnny for a few minutes. He was asleep. He didn't want to wake him.
The large bandage he usually wore had been exchanged for a smaller one, and some of his hair was growing in.
What a beautiful face he had, the face of an angel. A face that hadn't changed much since when he was a boy. "I love you," he whispered, leaning over and running his fingers along his cheek.
Johnny opened his eyes. "Drake?"
"Hey," Drake said softly. "How ya doing?"
Johnny took him in, the long black hair, the beautiful dark eyes. He was wearing a pair of black leather pants and a silk shirt with little guitars on it. He had bought that for him in Brussels two years ago. It was a beautiful shade of plum with silver threads running through it, and had cost a small fortune. It looked wonderful on Drake. It hung just right across his square shoulders and broad chest. He had it tucked in, and it billowed out at his slender waist.
"Where have you been?" Johnny demanded. "Why do you torture me like that? I think you enjoy it sometimes."
Drake sighed and stood up straight. "What's all this? You know I'm busy in the studio. I thought you'd be happy to see me. What are you giving me shit for?"
"Are you fucking your lawyer?" Johnny asked him, his voice sounding strangled.
"What?" Drake's dark eyes widened.
"You heard me. Mama told me. Is it serious?"
Drake shook his head. "Johnny...listen to me...you have to stop this. Francine and I...well...it's just sex, you know. It's nothing serious. She's nice and she likes me, that's all. Now why don't you just..."
"You couldn't even wait until I got out of the goddamned hospital!" Johnny turned his face away.
Drake's eyes were filled with rage now. "Ya, and how many lovers have you thrown in my face, Johnny? The night of Mac's birthday, who in hell were those guys that came with you...friends...pen pals...who?"
Johnny's eyes filled with tears. He turned his head and looked at him. "I had to get your attention somehow. It's the only way I knew you still cared. You don't want her...you want me. Why don't you stop hurting me, and hurting yourself and..."
"I've got to go," Drake said hastily, turning away from him.
"That's it, run away. You've always been so good at that, Drake!" Johnny was crying now. "Are we going to keep doing this until one of us goes mad?"
Drake stopped at the door. He didn't turn around.
He couldn't look at him. "I'm sorry if I hurt you. I don't mean to but...this has never made sense, Johnny. Please, stop this."
"How can I stop loving you? Tell me how and I'll be glad to do it. I had that dream again..."
Drake turned around now and looked at him. "What dream?"
Johnny was wiping his eyes. "About our sons."
"Oh, for Christ's sake," Drake snapped. "Tony and Angelo will never be as stupid as we are."
"They're only cousins, not brothers. Tony is attracted to him. In fact, he's really attracted to you."
Drake swallowed. He knew this alre
ady from the night of Frank's party, but he didn't think Johnny knew.
"Why do you say this?"
"Because he told me he thinks you're just about the sexiest man alive. He's got stardust in his eyes."
"It will pass. It's a crush."
"Maybe, but he told me that in a year or so your son is going to be...I think he said 'torture to look at', meaning he finds him attractive. Tony is innocent. That innocence would appeal to someone like Angelo. What if circumstances lead them into each other's arms? What then?"
"It won't happen. I'll talk to Angelo, if you like."
"And tell him what? Will you forbid it? That will make it worse."
Drake sighed. "I don't know what I'll do. Forget it, Johnny, okay? You worry too much. I've got to go. See ya soon."
Johnny called to him, but the door swung closed. He was gone.
* * * * * *
Tony was dizzy when he stepped off Drake's bike.
Wow. That was a ride. His cousin handled his bike with expert ease, but he drove fast and took corners sharp.
Tony's stomach was rocking and rolling as he followed Angelo through the parking lot.
"Are you all right?" Angelo laughed. "You look kind of green."
"Oh...I'm fine," Tony replied, his voice a little high.
Angelo laughed again, heading for the back door in the alley.
Tony could hear the rock music blaring out of the speakers inside and stopped.
Angelo turned around and looked at him. "What's wrong?"
"It's just that...I've never been to a...bar like this...a gay bar. I'm a little nervous, that's all," Tony looked around him.
Angelo stifled an urge to moan. His first reaction was impatience, but he forced himself to be understanding. "Look, if you don't like it, I'll take you home during intermission, okay? This bar is pretty tame, really. I mean, it's a gay bar, but anyone is welcome, so you get straight people as well. There's no leather or open sex or anything like that, although it is a cruising bar. You will see men kissing and dancing together, some women too. Guys will come on to you and ask you to dance. Just say no if you don't want to. I know the bouncer. His name is Sam. I'll ask him to keep an eye on you, okay? I'll introduce you to him. If there's any trouble, he'll take care of it."
Tony nodded. "Okay, let's go inside before I change my mind."
It was still early. The place was only a little over half full. Drake took his cousin to a table up front and told him to sit down. There was a huge stage directly in front of him equipped with a set of drums, keyboards and a lot of speakers and cords. On the left-hand side of the room was a dance floor; on the right was a bar. The centre of the room was filled with wood tables and chairs.
Angelo left him and then returned. With him was a huge black man wearing a pair of overalls, who took Tony's hand and grinned at him. He had to be six foot six and weigh at least three hundred pounds.
"Hello there, sweetheart." The man engulfed one of Tony's hands in his. He had a soft voice that Tony couldn't believe was coming out of this huge man.
"Don't you worry, you'll be quite safe under Sam's watchful eye." He winked.
Tony blushed and thanked him as he walked away.
The waiter came over, a good-looking guy in black pants and a white shirt.
Tony ordered a beer.
The place started filling up. It was almost eight.
People were already dancing to the music coming from the sound system. Tony drank another beer.
Finally he saw Angelo walk out on stage carrying his guitar. There were cheers and whistles. Two other guys walked out on stage with him, a short black guy who sat behind the drums and a tall California beach boy type who moved in behind the keyboards. His cousin plugged in his guitar and adjusted his microphone.
Finally, he said, "Hey everybody, welcome. Tonight, we're going to rock and roll!" He struck a chord on his guitar, and the music filled the bar.
They did songs from all the top bands. They were good, real good. Angelo knew just how to move, just how to excite the crowd. He played brilliantly, and his voice had incredible range, just like his father's. He could go from a deep baritone to a higher pitched raspy sound that was sexy as hell.
Tony was mesmerized by him. He was far too good for this club. Tony kept waiting to hear something from the Russo Brothers Band, but Angelo sang everything except compositions from his own family. The set ended. The three guys walked offstage. Ironically, Drake Russo's voice started singing 'Wasted Moonlight' over the loudspeaker.
Suddenly, Tony realized that he was no longer sitting alone. There were two men sitting on each side of him.
One of them leaned in and whispered in his ear, "My friend and I think you look like the rock star Johnny Russo. We'd like to live out a fantasy with you. How 'bout it?"
Tony went rigid.
The guy on the other side placed a hand on his thigh.
Tony tried to stand up, but they held him in his seat.
"Don't run away, baby," the other guy said. "I can show you a real good time."
Tony was about to protest when he felt the guy's tongue in his ear.
The other guy placed his hand between his legs.
"Nice."
He didn't even see Angelo approach. All he knew was the guys' hands came away quickly as Angelo yanked one of them up by the arm.
"Is this your action, baby?" The guy on the other side asked.
"Ya, it's my action, so back off."
The guy placed his hands up defensively, and then ran his gaze over Angelo. "You're hot. How 'bout we have a little foursome?"
"Ya," the other guy added. "I could really tune your clock."
Angelo laughed. "You couldn't even find my clock," he muttered. "Get out of here."
The guys wandered off.
Angelo looked at Tony, and discovered that he was laughing. "What's so funny?"
"You couldn't even find my clock?" Tony howled.
"Okay, okay, but what he said didn't make much sense either." Angelo took a chair beside him.
Tony nodded. "I got his drift."
Angelo grinned. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"You're too good to be playing here," Tony said.
"Thanks."
"Why don't you play some Russo Brothers? People here would like it."
"I know, but Dad wants me to do things on my own, fine. I'm not playing his music either."
Tony noticed the determination in his eyes, and he had to respect that. "Okay. Angelo, I want to apologize for saying what I did at Frank's party about our fathers. It was a little off the wall, and..."
Angelo sighed. "Stop saying things and then apologizing for it. Either say it or don't."
"Okay. I won't say it. I..."
Angelo met his eyes. "Even if it is the truth."
Tony felt as if he had hit him in the stomach. "Are you sure?"
Angelo nodded. "Let's leave it alone now, okay?"
"But how can you...how can you just..." Tony felt short of breath. "I think I need air. I've got to go outside." He got up and stumbled across the room.
After a few minutes, Angelo followed him. He found him in the alley, quietly staring up at the sky.
"Are you all right?" Angelo asked him.
"How could it be? They're brothers," Tony almost pleaded.
"I don't know. It's been going on a long time, Tony. I think they actually made love once or twice...I don't know, but it's not a constant thing. I think they've just always been in love with one another."
"But they're brothers!" Tony protested again.
"Stop saying that!" Angelo replied angrily. "I know that. I can't explain it. Just drop it."
"I can't just drop it. It's not natural...it's...it's incest," Tony objected. "You've always known this?"
"No, not always. I think I figured it out in my teens. There was a lot of jealousy between them. Whenever one of them was involved with someone, the other would be jealous, angry. They touched a lot. Like one time, I walked backsta
ge and found your dad rubbing my dad's back. Dad was lying on the sofa with his shirt off and Uncle Johnny had straddled him. He was massaging him in a way that...well, it wasn't a brotherly kind of massage. It was very erotic, sensual and eventually I figured out that they were deeply attracted to each other in a sexual way."
"Did you ever talk to your dad about it?" Tony asked.
"When he was stoned once I did, but he never really told me much, except once he said the Russo family was cursed."
"Cursed?"
"Ya. I assume he was referring to his feelings for Uncle Johnny. I don't know. I try not to think about it."
"Do you think...that a...a curse can carry over to the...the next generation?" Tony asked, not looking at him.
"What? I don't know. I don't believe in curses, for Christ's sake. Look, I have to go back inside. I have another set to do."
Tony reached out and grabbed his arm.
Angelo met his eyes.
"If I asked you to be my first lover, what would you say?"
Angelo blinked at him, and then he actually laughed.
"I'd say you'd had too much beer."
"No. The beer may have given me the guts to ask you, but it's something I've been thinking about for a while. There will be no strings attached." Tony released his arm.
"Why me?"
"I think I'd be more relaxed, less shy. It's safer than going out and doing it with a stranger. I know you'd be gentle. You wouldn't hurt me."
Angelo softened. He reached over and touched his cheek. "Tony, that's sweet, but your first time shouldn't be so calculated and...it should be exciting, and with someone who really turns you on. Someone you really feel romantic about."
"Like your dad," he said softly, not realizing what he had said until the words came out of his mouth.
Angelo's mouth hardened. "Right, like my dad. Why don't you ask him to break you in?" He walked back inside the bar.
What was wrong with him? Did everything he said have to come out like that? He closed his eyes. His father and his uncle were passionately in love with each other, and he had romantic notions about his own uncle. Was it a family curse, as Drake had told his son?
