“I will.”
“I know,” Grier smiled. God, he loved this child. “See you tomorrow, okay?”
“Yeth.”
They drove away in silence, passing a house which Grier pointed out to Lil. “That’s where I live.”
“You really are close to Luca.”
“Ya think?”
“Hey, don’t let it get you down. Do something about it.”
Grier sighed. “I’m sorry to subject you to all this shit. I’m sure you had no idea how much garbage you were getting into when we first hooked up.”
“No, I didn’t, but it’s been the best week of my life.”
“Seriously?”
“Grier, come back to San Francisco with me on Monday.”
“What? I can’t!”
“Not forever, just for a few days.”
“This is rather short notice, isn’t it?”
Lil shrugged. “It just occurred to me that you might want to see what’s out there. I’d give you the grand tour, and you could check out the San Francisco Art Institute as well as meet my staff. I have some great designers who work for me.”
“Yeah?”
“Come on, love. You deserve some Grier time.”
“I can’t go for long. I have a lot of people depending on me.”
“I know, but sometimes, stepping away from a problem will give you a better perspective.”
“You’re very convincing.”
“We’ve got to secure your airfare.”
“Give me a second, will you?” Grier did a U-turn on Arlington Heights Road and went back to Elk Grove Village.
“Where are we going?”
“To talk to my father about taking some time off.”
“Now?” Lil exclaimed, a little concerned about this impromptu meeting with a man who was supposedly beyond reason. Visions of Clark’s homophobic father appeared suddenly. “I suppose you’ll want me to go in the house?”
“It’s now or never.”
“Okay, then. Let’s do it.”
SANTINO’S SURPRISE at Grier’s sudden appearance quickly turned guarded as he inspected his companion. Lil was fully prepared for all the visible manifestations of homophobia, but he remained undaunted, despite the hooded glare and the eyebrows converging in the middle of Santino’s lined forehead. Grier’s father had an expressive face that barely disguised his dismay on meeting his son’s lover. Nonetheless, Lil looked him right in the eye and was relieved when Santino grunted a semi-courteous reply after introductions were made.
“What are you guys up to?” Santino addressed Grier.
“We just dropped off Luca, and we’re heading out to dinner.”
“Where to?”
“Shaw’s Crab House.”
“That sounds good.”
“Would you care to join us?” Lil asked. He caught Grier’s surprised look but was more interested in what Santino had to say. The older man looked at him pensively, and Lil was reassured when the frown eased up. “Perhaps another time,” Santino responded.
“Dad, Lil has invited me to go to San Francisco for a few days.”
“When?”
“We’d leave on Monday.”
“That’s the day after tomorrow,” Santino’s voice rose in protest. “This is a busy time for us.”
“If I can get someone to cover my shift, can I go?”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Five to seven days.”
“That long?”
“I haven’t had a vacation in at least five years.”
“That’s true,” Santino admitted begrudgingly. “Find someone to cover you, and it’s settled. Where would you stay?”
“He’ll be staying with me, sir.”
Santino grimaced. “Are you the architect?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you’re….” Santino hesitated.
“Dad!” Grier stepped forward in alarm.
“Going to show Grier… around?” Santino stumbled over the words.
Lil could tell that the man was clearly uncomfortable with the idea of them as a couple but was respectful of Grier’s feelings, which raised him in Lil’s estimation. Santino might be a homophobe, but he loved his son more than his preconceived notions.
“I’ll give him the grand tour, sir.”
“That’s good.” Santino nodded. He turned to Grier and reminded him of another responsibility, as if Grier could possibly forget. “You know you’ll have to find a sitter for Luca while you’re gone.”
“I’m sure they’ll manage without me.”
“Still… they’ll have to find someone. Luca’s been under your care three days a week since he was two years old. He’ll miss you.”
“And I’ll miss him, but it’s only for a week.”
“I’m just saying, Grier. That’s a long time for a kid.”
“I’ll handle it, okay?”
“Fine. Will I see you later?”
“Probably not,” Grier replied, looking straight into his father’s eyes, expecting another lecture.
“Tomorrow, then?”
“For sure,” Grier let out a breath. He stepped forward and embraced Santino, surprising the old man. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Get out of here,” Santino said gruffly. “Go have a good time.”
“THAT WENT much better than I expected,” Lil stated as the truck pulled away from the curb.
“No shit. I can’t believe he didn’t make a scene.”
“He was really trying.”
“I know.” Grier had expected the worst-case scenario and was almost giddy with relief. He turned to Lil and shouted, “I’m going to San Francisco!”
Lil laughed joyously, infected by Grier’s excitement. “We need to get your ticket.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Lil held Grier’s arm. “My treat.”
“Hell no.”
“Please, let me. The fare will be ridiculous because it’s last minute.”
“I still owe you for the money you put out last night.”
“I don’t even know what it is yet.”
“I have money, Lil. I’m not a deadbeat.”
“I never said you were, but this trip is my idea, and I’d like to pay for your ticket, at least.”
“Are you this generous with everyone?”
“Only the people I care about.”
Grier took his eyes off the road for a second to look into the bright blue eyes that openly adored him. He reached for Lil’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Dinner at Shaw’s was relaxed, now that they knew they would have at least eight or nine more days in each other’s company. Lil reached for an oyster, turning the entire meal into erotic foreplay as he slurped the juice off the half shell, extolling the legendary effect on libidos. “Not that you need any help in that area,” Lil teased.
“Neither do you,” Grier countered.
They plowed through two dozen of the Wellfleet oysters flown in from Cape Cod that very morning. Lil was ecstatic when he saw them on the menu, and being a true foodie, he convinced Grier that they were well worth the price. Grier simply rolled his eyes and gave in.
They washed everything down with a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, a reasonably priced wine familiar to Lil. Grier, more used to swilling beer than savoring fine wines, was again a willing student. He could already foresee a future where Lil would be instrumental in teaching him about the finer things in life that he’d yet to experience.
The main course was parmesan-crusted haddock with capers, sautéed spinach, and lemon butter sauce. It was delicious, and Lil heaped praises on the chef and the restaurant in general. “I didn’t expect to have such fine seafood in the Midwest,” he moaned with pleasure after each bite.
“This is Chicago,” Grier teased, “not the Appalachians. We do have access to most everything you have in San Francisco and then some.”
“I know,” Lil apologized. “I f
orget you’re the great hub. Still, there are things in San Francisco that you’ll never find in Chicago.”
“Such as?”
“Me,” Lil smiled meaningfully.
“Dork.”
Dessert was the highly touted Key Lime Pie, which they shared willingly. “I’m stuffed,” Grier announced, putting down his teaspoon. “Put one more thing in my mouth, and I’ll puke.”
Lil raised his eyebrows. “I hope you’re not serious.”
“You’re too much,” Grier laughed. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
They split the check, and Lil didn’t even attempt to demur, knowing how Grier was about money and paying his way. It was an unexpectedly pleasant evening, and they drove back down to Chicago, relieved that the roads were clear since rush hour had long passed.
“Do you want to go out?” Grier asked. “I won’t be able to be with you tomorrow evening because I have to help break down the booth at the Taste; plus, I need to pack.”
“I’d rather not go out,” Lil said. “Why don’t we sit in the hot tub and just talk?”
“Sounds good,” Grier nodded.
“HOW ARE you feeling, Grier?” Jody asked, once they were settled in the swirling waters of the hot tub. Clark and Jody had been in the kitchen when Lil and Grier walked in and ended up joining them on the roof. Each man had a bottle of beer in hand and looked utterly content.
“I’ve got a little bruising on my hand.”
“You’re lucky you didn’t break anything.”
“God protects drunks and fools, and last night I was both. I’m really sorry for all the trouble I put you through.”
“Don’t stress… I’m a trauma doctor, and I’m married to a man who has a checkered past with Sheetrock.”
“Hey! I haven’t exploded in years,” Clark protested.
“True, but I wanted to reassure Grier.”
“Shit happens, you know?” Clark huffed. “Jo-Jo taught me how to work out the anger in more positive ways.”
“I understand,” Grier said, nodding, “I’m going to have to make some hard decisions soon, and that will probably help with this pent-up frustration.”
“It can’t hurt,” Clark retorted. “The hardest part is admitting you need to make a change. It’s so much easier to do nothing.”
Grier looked surprised. “I know you had some issues in the past, but I don’t really know the whole story.”
“Lil will fill you in on the details,” Clark offered. “Bottom line―I was trying to please everyone, but I failed miserably. I hurt the one person who meant the most in the whole world, and I almost lost him. I don’t want to see you go through that hell if it can be prevented.”
“Thank you. You guys have been great considering we’ve just met.”
“Lil is like a brother to me,” Jody explained. “Next to Clark, he’s the most important person in my life, and I want him to be happy. If you can contribute to his happiness in any way, then you’ll always be considered a friend.”
“And if you don’t,” Clark said forcefully, “I’ll wring your fucking neck.”
Grier looked at the pair and confessed, “I’m still coming to terms with a lot of my issues, and knowing that Lil is in my corner has made a vast difference in my confidence level. I know you’ll find this hard to believe since we’ve only known each other for six days, but there’s a world of feeling inside of me for your friend, and I give you my word that I will never do anything to hurt him deliberately.”
Lil put his arm around Grier’s shoulders and pulled him closer, kissing his cheek while Jody and Clark looked on.
“That’s good enough for me,” Jody declared. “Now, let’s talk about your plans for next week. I understand you’re flying out to San Francisco.”
GRIER LISTENED patiently as Jillian recited every reason under the sun as to why he shouldn’t go on his trip. He’d held off talking to her until the last of the equipment had been loaded onto the Vinita truck, and Enteng had headed back out to Elk Grove Village, another successful Taste of Chicago under his belt.
“This is short notice,” she complained. “How can you do this to me?”
“The invitation was unexpected, but it’s an opportunity for me to explore a city that’s always interested me.”
“Why? Because they fly the rainbow flag so proudly?”
“You know what? I’m sick and tired of your new homophobic attitude. Where the fuck is this coming from?”
“It’s always been there.”
“You and I have been friends forever, Jillian. We’ve shared a million firsts, and I’ve never felt this kind of antagonism. Is this because you now have a man in your life who will be able to give you everything you’ve always wanted? Is that any reason to turn on me? I’ve done everything I can possibly do for you and Luca, yet you’re acting like I’m scum because I’m attracted to the same sex.”
“I’m angry because you have no qualms about leaving us for some queer you met a few days ago.”
“And yet, you have absolutely no regard for my feelings when you insert another man into Luca’s life without consulting me.”
“He’s your brother; he’s not just anyone!”
“That’s immaterial. The truth is another man will be stepping into a role that should, by all rights, be mine. I won’t allow it.”
“And how do you plan on stopping me?”
“I don’t know, but when I do, you’ll be the first one to find out.”
“Are you going to turn this into a huge legal fight?”
“I will if I have to. I made a mistake when I let you tell everyone this was a rape case. I was blindsided by your pregnancy, and yes, freaked out by the reality of becoming a father.”
“Exactly! Did you actually think I was going to tell the world I was stupid enough to let a queer fuck me?”
“As I recall, you were doing the fucking.”
“Go to hell, Grier! You’ll never be able to prove Luca is your child. It’s my word against yours, and I won’t allow DNA testing.”
“You’ll have to if I get a court order.”
“You do that, and I’ll tell everyone you like to run around in pink underwear. Do you think you’ll get custody of a young boy when they hear that?”
“You’re a fucking bitch, and you know that’s not how it is. What I do in my personal life has nothing to do with my love for Luca. I’m a damn good father and a much better caregiver than you will ever be.”
“I’m a good mother,” Jillian spat out.
“When you’re around; he spends half his life with sitters.”
“I’m trying to earn a living.”
“So am I.”
“Moving furniture,” Jillian sneered. “Wow, that’s awesome.”
“You’re pushing me right into the lawyer’s office, Jillian.”
“Once again, it’s your word against mine. I’m the golden child, remember? I’m the one who’s brought home the medals and honors for the family. I’m not a loser, Grier.”
“And that’s what this is all about, isn’t it? It’s what this has always been about. You couldn’t tell your mom and dad that you actually screwed up. Couldn’t face the Filipino community who looked up to the Garcias as role models of what they could achieve in America if they worked hard enough. You had to be the best and preferred to be seen as the casualty of an act of violence, rather than the clichéd unwed teenager. Would they have made fun of you if you admitted you’d slept with someone who wasn’t really into you? That you got me drunk, and basically coerced me, to see if that would change my sexual orientation? Of course not! Jillian Garcia would rather be seen as a victim than a laughingstock, is that it?”
The slap was unexpected and the sting went far beyond the surface. Grier stepped back, controlling the terrible urge to strike back. He held his breath instead and choked down his anger. “If you were a guy, you’d be on your ass right now.”
“If I were a guy, we’d be fucking married,” Jillian sobbed. “Wh
y do you have to be gay?”
Grier gaped at her, completely at a loss for words.
“Go!” Jillian shrieked. “Go to San Francisco with your queer boyfriend and never come back!”
“Oh, I’ll be back,” Grier stressed. “You can count on it… and if you try and do anything stupid while I’m gone, I’ll go to Ali and tell him what kind of a person he’s about to marry. He has no clue that the saintly Jillian has slept with his brother, does he?”
“Don’t you dare,” Jillian hissed at him. Her angelic beauty seemed to morph before Grier’s eyes, a direct result of his bitter disappointment in seeing her true character emerge. The almond-shaped eyes turned reptilian as they squinted in anger, and he could feel her rage radiating off her slight body. She fought for self-control, he gave her that much, taking several deep breaths to shut down the anger. “So we’re at an impasse for now,” she remarked coldly.
“It appears so.”
“When will you be back?”
“Next weekend.”
“Are you planning on telling Luca?”
“I’m taking him to McDonald’s.”
“Did you ask my permission?”
Grier snorted. “Since when?”
“Next time, I wish to be informed before you take him anywhere. And that stunt you pulled with the kitten is never to be repeated, do you understand?”
“Why? Because you didn’t think of it first?”
“Fuck. You.”
“Ditto,” Grier spat out. “See you in a week.”
“LUCA, NO one’s going to steal your fries,” Grier teased, watching his son shove them into his mouth two at a time. “Slow down, buddy.”
“Yummy,” Luca garbled.
“When was the last time you had any food?”
He shrugged. “Don’t remember.”
Grier frowned, wondering if this was nothing, or if he should be concerned. “Who watched you today?”
“Lola and then Tito A.”
“I’m sure Lola gave you a good breakfast, right?”
Luca nodded. “Thpam, and rithe, and egg.”
“Typical,” Grier muttered to himself. He remembered many similar breakfasts at the Garcia house. Rice was a staple, and so was Spam. Go figure.
Dreamspinner Press Year Four Greatest Hits Page 144
