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VING
YE TERD Y
by
E. Thornton Goode, Jr.
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Saving Yesterday
by
E. Thornton Goode, Jr.
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Dedication and Appreciation
This story is dedicated to my wonderful friends,
companions, all those I have cared for and loved over theyears who are now gone from this life, especially Tristram
Coffin, Phillip McDonald and Danny Glass. I could sit here
and name so many others, but it would be a long list and you
would have no idea who they were. I remember them and
thats what is important. Periodically, something will happen
and it triggers a distant memory of one or several of them. I
miss them all.
In this story, I have tried to e!press what the meaning
of love is to me. It is not something you can weigh or put in
a bo!. "ften words cannot e!plain it. #ut I do believe it is
the most valuable thing we can ever have in our lives.
I also want to than$ my friend, %ulian Green, for the
use of his picture. I truly appreciate that. It will give the
reader a handsome face to relate to, regarding the character
of %onathan &olfe in the story.
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PROLOGE
I, the writer, have never believed in coincidence. I
believe that things happen for reasons and we meet thepeople we do in life for reasons. 'lso, we meet them when
we are supposed to meet them and not before. I believe we
are connected to happenings and people in ways that I cannot
e!plain. Certain events, whether large or small, bring certain
individuals together. (ome may have a big influence on our
lives and some not so much, but all happen for reasons.
)ere are perfect e!amples.
* * * * *
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It was the late nineteen si!ties or early seventies. I
was in +ichmond and went to the irginia Museum of -ine
'rts to see the (alvador Dali ewel collection. "bviously, I
was not the only person there to view it.
It was almost ten years later, in 'tlanta, Georgia, that
I met Tris, who became my best friend. In a long
conversation we had at our first meeting and discussing our
histories, we discovered we had been in +ichmond during
the same time period. -urther discussion somehow brought
up the subect of the Dali collection at the museum. &e
concluded we both had been there that day and possibly
rubbed elbows. #ut. &e were not supposed to meet yet. It
was not time.
&e had a terrific and very close friendship until I
would never see his handsome smiling face or hear his
unforgettable, deep barrel laugh again. It was ust before his
birthday in 'ugust of nineteen ninety/nine, he left this life.
* * * * *
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In nineteen seventy/seven, a friend dragged me to a
bar. I did not want to go, protesting constantly, $nowing the
night would be a total waste of time. -inally, as my eyesbecame accustomed to the dim lighting, I loo$ed across the
crowded room and saw a man sitting at the bar. I could not
stop staring at him. Then, most unbelievably, my friend said
he happened to $now him and introduced me. )ad I not
gone out that night, I could have missed meeting Phillip, a
handsome fireman, the one person who became incredibly
significant in my life for nineteen years. In May of nineteen
ninety/si!, he caught a cold that the stubborn man would not
ta$e care of, telling me it would go away. It developed into
rampant pneumonia and Phillip went away. )e left this life
that same month.
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* * * * *
Two years later, I was wor$ing at a transitional home.
The girls who ran the place saw how 0down I was over
losing Phillip and they put the office computer online so Icould do some online dating. I was very reluctant to do so,
as I thought it outrageous. 1ow, remember, online dating in
nineteen ninety/eight was in its beginnings and not what it is
today. There were no pictures, ust written descriptions in
the profiles. The girls were adamant and $ept pushing. (o I
too$ a leap of faith. I found a personal ad and he sounded
nice. (o I responded.
That is how I met Dan. &e shared an incredible
Platonic relationship for si!teen years. )e was a funny, $ind,
considerate and loving man. &e were going to retire
together to the (& coast of Me!ico. Dan and I loved the
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ocean and the beach. The area inspired my novels, It
)appened In 2ihuataneo, The 3ua$e and The (tranger from
the (ea. They will be in print sometime down the road.
It was May of two thousand and fourteen and got
word that our house in Me!ico was almost finished. &e
were so happy. "n May twentieth, I had fi!ed brea$fast and
went to his bedroom to see if he was hungry. I found him in
his bed. )e had had a heart attac$ in the night and was gone.
I would now have to go to our retirement house alone.
* * * * *
This is my friend, %ulian Green. )is handsome face
is similar to that of the character, %ohnathan &olfe, in this
novel. I as$ed %ulian if I could include his picture so the
reader could get an image in his head, as to how the
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character would appear. Than$ you, %ulian, for letting me
use your wonderful picture.
* * * * *
(o you see. Those we meet can be the ones who lead
us to others who become important. &hich for$ in the road
we choose will determine the direction of our lives.
(ometimes I believe the -ates step in and help us see the
right path. It may not be the one we had planned, but later,
when we loo$ bac$, we may actually reali4e it was the right
choice. It is li$e Dan used to say, 5uoting the -rench
Proverb by %ean de 6a -ontaine. 0' person often meets his
Destiny, on the road he too$ to avoid it. If we all seriously
went about fulfilling our Destiny, there would be no need for
-ate.
(ome have as$ed me if I would do it all again,
$nowing the heartache, pain and agony of loss I still endure,in seeing those close to me leave me behind. I tell them,
there is a wonderful country song done by Garth #roo$s
whose words go7 0-or a moment, all the world was right.
)ow could I have $nown, that youd ever say goodbye8 'nd
now. Im glad I didnt $now the way it all would end, the
way it all would go. "ur lives are better left to chance. I
could have missed the pain, but Ida had to miss the dance.They are gone, but they still live in my heart and in my mind.
There is a saying I would write on the 5uilts of
friends of mine who died of 'ID(. 0&e are immortal, as
long as we live in the hearts and minds of others, especially
the hearts and minds of those who love us. I believe this
pertains to all those who go before us.
'nd so, this story brings elements of the -ates, timing
and the meeting of others, putting them all into play. The
place, the people, the circumstances, the events, and maybe
even certain numbers, connect them all together to create a
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certain outcome. 'n alteration in any of them, most li$ely,
would significantly change that outcome. "f course, the
-ates can step in to hopefully $eep things on the right trac$.
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!"APTER #
Paul opened the door to the main office. )e led
Michael in, then pointed to the wall behind the des$. 9This,Mr. Michael, is what I wanted to show you.:
Michael loo$ed at the matted and framed front page
of an old newspaper. The paper was yellowed with age but
the bold, blac$ headline, now faded by time, caused him to
start. It was as if a thousand daggers pierced his eyes, his
body, his heart. )e panted, trying to catch his breath.
9Mr. Michael, are you all right8: Paul grabbed
Michaels arm.
9I must go; (omehow I have to try and stop him;:
Michael spo$e with conviction then turned and ran out of the
office.
Paul yelled after him. 9#ut where are you going8:
9If I can, Im saving yesterday;: )e ran through the
lobby and out the front door.
Paul was unable to run and follow him but $new he
was heading to the pavilion. )e stopped 5uic$ly at the frontdes$ to grab his coat and tell Martin where he was going.
)e limped along as fast as he could but grew tired.
)alfway there, he needed to pause and rest. (tanding at the
top of a short flight of stairs in the path, he leaned against the
stone balustrade. In his pause, it all unfolded in his mind,
right from the very first day, almost two wee$s earlier.
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!"APTER ##
Michael wal$ed through the front doors of the hotel.
)e stopped momentarily to loo$ around and absorb theelegance of the large lobby. 9&ow;: 'll he had heard did
not do it ustice. )e smiled and headed to the front des$.
The sound of his boots on the polished, wooden par5uet
floors echoed through the enormous space.
The older gentleman behind the front des$ was aware
of Michael the moment he entered the lobby. 9Good
afternoon, sir. 'nd welcome to (andora.: ' warm smile
filled his face. 9I hope you had a pleasant trip. My name is
Paul. 'nd from the things youre carrying, I see youre an
artist.:
Michael set his large carryall down on the floor and
leaned his artists easel against the front des$. 9'nd a good
afternoon to you, too.
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9If youre really good, the hotel might consider
purchasing one to hang.: Paul gave a big grin.
9Im not a professional but I sell one, once in a while.
Im not too bad. Must admit, the architecture here would
ma$e a great subect. The light gray stone walls and the
-rench Gothic windows give it a cathedral 5uality. The
turrets and steep dar$ blue/gray slate roofs give it that old
world loo$. I love the light tan ornamentation. The whole
structure seems $idnapped from a fairy story.: )e loo$ed
around the lobby, decorated elegantly with gilded -rench
panels accented with oil paintings in wide gold ornamented
frames. ' huge -rench crystal chandelier, glistening li$e a
thousand spar$ling diamonds, hung from the twenty/foot
high ornate ceiling above his head. 96oo$s li$e someone
stole a wing of ersailles and planted it here.: )e chuc$led.
9&ait till you see all the gardens. ' lot of the spring
shrubs and bulbs are in bloom. 1ow, do you have morebaggage8 I will get it for you. (orry, there are no valets. Its
the middle of the wee$ and the off/season. Most of the
young men are still in school. =sually, have them only on
wee$ends or for some maor function. Till the season pic$s
up.:
9"h. 1o problem.
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inury. )appened right out there in the par$ing lot, a long
time ago.: Pauls face flinched suddenly as if recalling some
faded memory. )e loo$ed hard at Michael. 9>!cuse me, but
have you ever been here before8 (omehow you loo$
familiar li$e I have met you before.:
91o. 1o. Ive never been here before and I dont
thin$ we have ever met.: Michael grabbed the cart and
headed to his car. 9Ill be bac$ in a minute and sign in.:
Momentarily, Michael returned with his artists case
containing his paints and brushes, a few canvases and a small
carryall bag that had his turpentine, linseed oil and cleaning
rags. )e removed his cowboy hat, placing it on the des$
then pic$ed up the pen to write his name in the large,
hardbound register boo$. Three/5uarters of it had been
filled. )e could only imagine the names, the people, filling
the previous pages. )e resisted the temptation to loo$ bac$
through them. )e pulled out his wallet and got out his creditcard and placed it on the des$.
Paul $ept staring at Michael. 9Im sorry, sir, and I
dont mean to be a pest, but are you sure we have never met
before8: )e loo$ed intensely at Michaels hat on the des$.
9I could have sworn.: )e shoo$ his head, as if not being
able to recall some distant event.
9Im pretty sure.: Michael smiled politely. 9Michael
Groves. Please, call me Michael.:
Paul loo$ed down at the registry boo$ and the credit
card. 9Mr. Michael Groves. %ust a second. 6et me chec$
the reservations on the computer. &e ust got this one in%anuary. They seem to be the new thing. Im still not real
sure how it wor$s. 'nd we still havent transferred all the
information and reservations into it yet. )eard they are the
wave of the future and everyone will have one. I thin$ they
are a bit pricey, though.:
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9ven mymeals8 There must be some mista$e.:
9There is a note here in the file approved by top
management, indicating that regardless of your e!penses,
they will all be covered. Carte blanche. They have also put
you in one of the finest suites. I have to admit, the card and
note are 5uite old.: )e turned the old reservation card andnote toward Michael.
9're you absolutely sure8 Paul, this is a very
e!pensive hotel. I cannot imagine anyone paying two wee$s
here for me. >specially, when I have no idea who it is.:
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9
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9
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nice hot shower made him reali4e how tired he really was.
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!"APTER ###
&hen Michael opened his eyes. The chandelier was
still on. )e had forgotten to turn it off before lying down.)e loo$ed over at the large mantel cloc$. 9)umm. 'lmost
si!/thirty. Thats cool.: )e mumbled. Ill ust run down
and grab a 5uic$ bite before I head to bed. )e began to plan
his itinerary in his head. &ant to get an early start in the
morning. &ant to see the area and find a few places that
would ma$e a nice painting.
)e 5uic$ly brushed his teeth then opened his carry
bag and pulled out some clean eans and shirt. -inally, he
was dressed and ready to head out the door. #efore he
opened it, he could see himself in the large mirror hanging
on the door. -leece/lined eans ac$et, eans, boots and his
brown cowboy hat. It was his persona.
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smile. 9I too$ a nap and was going to get up for dinner, but
it seems I slept through the whole thing.: )e laughed out
loud. 9&ell. Gee4. I was going to eat, but I guess the
restaurant is not open yet.:
9The dining room opens in about an hour. #ut would
you li$e to have a cup of coffee and a sweet roll with me8
Go sit over there near the fireplace. Ill bring everything
there in a minute.:
9That would be terrific. Than$s, Paul. #ut what
about the front des$8:
91ot to worry. Martin is in the office and will ta$e
care of things.:
(hortly, Paul wal$ed up and placed the tray on the
coffee table in front of Michael. )e sat down across from
him and fi!ed Michael a cup. 9Mr. Michael. )ave a niceroll. They are very good.: (oon, they started chatting.
#efore Michael reali4ed, he was telling Paul his life
story. Paul didnt mind. )e was a good listener and even
though he had only $nown Michael for less than a day, he
sensed there was something different about him. )e could
feel his sincerity, openness and amiable personality.
Michael found it easy to tal$ to Paul. It was li$e
tal$ing with his long lost grandfather. )e found himself
telling Paul things he thought he would not tell ust anyone.
'nd it was comfortable. 9(orry, Paul. I guess I got into
motormouth mode. &as curious. Dont mean to pry, but
how did you hurt your leg8:
9"h. It was a long time ago.: Paul loo$ed up into
space seeming to search for something in his head. 9#ac$ in
nineteen twenty. 'ugust twenty/fourth. I was eleven, going
on twelve. &as out in the par$ing lot. "ne of the guests hit
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me with his car. It was my fault. I ran out in front of it.
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#y the late afternoon, his painting was virtually
finished. Michael was 5uite pleased with it and was ama4ed
at how 5uic$ly it flowed onto the canvas. It captured the
beautiful colors of the a4aleas and other blooming plants
surrounding the elegant structure. )e $new it was going to
loo$ great in a nice wide, ornate gold frame.
's he entered the lobby, he was aware of more guests
arriving at the hotel for the wee$end. )e loo$ed over at the
reception des$ and saw Paul, busy with guests chec$ing in.
9I want to see that when you are finished.: Paul
called out with a big smile on his face.
9I will.: Michael nodded his head and $ept heading
to the elevators.
Michael had been doing fast food since he arrived,running down into town. )e $new he could have eaten in
the dining room but didnt want to abuse his privilege. #ut
tonight, Paul indicated the dining room would be open late,
with the number of guests arriving for the wee$end. 'nd
there would be dancing, too. 'll he could imagine was the
large dining rooms of such places li$e the +it4, the &aldorf
'storia and other such elegant places were dining anddancing was the norm. )e would dress for the occasion.
The ne!t elevator was empty. )e was glad, as he
didnt want to get paint on any of the guests, much less
smear his painting.
'rriving in his room, he laid out his clothes fordinner and decided to ta$e a 5uic$ nap. 'fter a hot shower,
he set the small alarm cloc$ hed brought with him and went
to bed. )e did not want a repeat of the previous &ednesday
night, two days before.
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!"APTER #$
&hen Michael opened his eyes, he loo$ed at the
mantle cloc$ and was surprised to see it was almost sevenocloc$. )e reached over and shut off his alarm cloc$ before
it had time to go off.
(ince it was his first night in the hotel dining room,
he decided to dress well. )e wanted to loo$ the part, even if
he could only afford peanut butter and elly sandwiches. )e
too$ his time, as he didnt want to get there too early. )e
remembered there was going to be dancing. True, he was not
going to dance, as he had no partner, but he li$ed to watch,
especially if it was nice ballroom style.
It was almost eight ocloc$, as he headed for the door.
'gain, he saw his reflection in the big mirror. It was that of
an average built man, five and a half feet tall, dressed in
blac$ formal pants, blac$ ac$et, white ruffled shirt, blac$
bow tie and cummerbund, and of course, his more formal,
blac$ cowboy hat and boots. Michael $new he always
loo$ed good in blac$ as it complemented his dar$ brown
hair, mustache and beard.
&al$ing down the hall, the sound of his boots was
cushioned by the thic$ carpet runners. )e too$ the elevatorto the second floor and got off. )ed thought about it, ever
since he saw the staircase. ' devilish sense went through
him. -inally, he was standing some ten feet from the stairs.
)e could hear the echoes of a piano in some distant place.
6oo$ing down and out across the large lobby, he
envisioned a scene from an old television show with 6oretta
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nineteen eighty/two. )e chuc$led. #ut not right now. )e
descended the steps without fanfare.
There were several, well/dressed people in the lobby,
heading toward the dining room. The sound of a piano was
coming from that direction.
Michael entered the reception area to the dining room
and removed his hat. )e waited patiently to be seated. )e
really couldnt see the whole dining room from where he
was, but there were the sounds of mi!ed conversations,
laughter and the occasional tin$ling of glassware.
-inally, a man came over and bowed slightly. )e
loo$ed around to see if anyone was with Michael but
reali4ed he was alone. 9Dinner for one, sir8:
9ntering the dining room, he
noticed a wall of -rench doors and windows. 9>!cuse me,but would it be possible to sit at the windows8:
9ery good, sir.: )e slowly led Michael through the
lavishly decorated room to a small table near the large
windows and doors that opened out onto the terrace beyond.
-rom the e!terior gaslights around the terrace, he could see
several wrought iron tables and chairs outside, but the coolnight air made it too uncomfortable to sit out for dinner.
(oon, he noticed several guests loo$ing at him. )e
rather e!pected it, as he was not in the conventional evening
wear.
The spacious room, decorated in the -rench style, hada fairly large area for dancing. ' very talented young man in
evening clothes was playing the grand piano near the dance
floor. The music was varied and 5uite enoyable, nothing
outrageous or with a fast tempo.
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Paul would e!plain later, that a rather prestigious
liberal arts college was located in the area and many of the
talented music students would come to the hotel and
perform. Mostly, these were students on scholarships who
really needed e!tra money.
)e began with his usual "ld -ashion before dinner.
The meal and wine were e!ceptional. #efore leaving the
dining room, he left a large tip on the table, then went over
and dropped several dollar bills into the tip goblet on the
piano. The young man nodded and smiled his appreciation.
)e wal$ed over to the host. )e handed the host his signed
bill. 9Than$ you very much. The meal was e!cellent. 'nd
the music was superb.:
9Im glad you enoyed it, sir. &ell see you
tomorrow night8:
9ven though he had
ta$en the short nap earlier, he was still 5uite tired. ' good
nights rest is e!actly what he needed. #efore he turned out
the light, he loo$ed at the mantle cloc$. It was a little after
eleven/thirty. (hortly, he was asleep.
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!"APTER $
The ne!t day, he dressed in his eans and flannel, then
put on his ac$et. )is casual brown boots and hat were theusual. 's he left the room, his eyes glanced at the mantle
cloc$. It was almost eight forty/five.
)e stopped by the front des$ to spea$ to Paul.
9Dinner last night was great. I loved the piano music. I have
to say, I am truly super impressed with everything.:
9I saw you had your painting yesterday. Is it
finished8:
9'lmost.: Michael was telling a little white lie, as
the canvas was complete. )e ust didnt want anyone to see
it without a frame.
9I really want to see it when its done.: Paul was
very happy.
9&ill do.: )e 5uic$ly returned to his room and
grabbed another canvas, paint bo! and easel and headed out
again. 's he passed the front des$, he nodded his head.
9Tal$ with you later.:
96oo$s li$e a beautiful day out there. (ee you later.:
Paul waved.
)e went to another place he had pic$ed to paint and
spent the rest of the day there. During the day, several of the
guests, strolling in the gardens, passed by and commented as
to the beauty of his wor$. ' few even as$ed if he wouldconsider a commission and too$ his personal card. )is mind
pondered the outcome. I should consider coming here more
often. &ho $nows where some of these commissions might
lead8 "h yeah.
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The afternoon passed and it was time to get bac$. )e
pac$ed up everything. (oon, he was passing through the
lobby.
9Mr. Michael. Good afternoon. )ow did things go
today8:
Michael wal$ed over and turned the unfinished
canvas toward Paul. 9' few fol$s came by and saw my
wor$. I thin$ I might get a few commissions. 'nd this one
isnt even finished yet.:
9That is terrific. (ee.
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!"APTER $#
&hen he awo$e, it was after seven. )e dressed in his
all blac$ again, donned his hat and headed to the diningroom. 9I dont care if they do thin$ its the only really
uptown clothes I own.: )e chuc$led.
's he wal$ed into the reception area, he removed his
hat. )e noticed the host was not the same as the previous
evening. The music was different, too. Tonight there were
several other musicians, accompanying the piano. The
number of dinner guests seemed to be larger. Maybe it was
because of it being (aturday evening.
9Good evening.: )e spo$e to the host. 9"ne for
dinner. I was wondering if it might be possible to sit ne!t to
the windows.:
9Certainly, sir.: The young man led him to a table as
re5uested.
Michael noticed that everyone in the room seemed to
be watching him, as he wal$ed to his table. It was a similar
feeling as the previous evening, but something was different.
)e reali4ed his attire was a far cry from the very formal
dress of the other guests. #ut the feeling was fleeting. )ewas who he was and he brushed it off. )e placed his hat on
the chair opposite from where he was getting ready to sit
down. 'lready on the table in front of him was the menu for
the evening.
9&e will be with you very shortly, sir.: The young
man bowed slightly and left the table.
&ithin a few moments, a waiter arrived. 9May I get
you something to drin$, sir8:
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9"h.
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'fter a further loo$ at the selections, he made his decision.
)e set the menu down on the corner of the table and leaned
bac$ in his chair so he could ta$e in more of his
surroundings.
)e began to loo$ around the room, noticing several
couples on the dance floor under the large chandelier. The
soft light in the room and the slow tempo of the music made
the room feel warm and co4y.
(uddenly, Michael saw a man in evening clothes with
dar$, virtually blac$ hair, parted on the right side, sitting
alone almost diagonally across the room. The man was
loo$ing right at him. Michael usually li$ed those with dar$
eyes, but this combination of dar$ hair and intense green
eyes was mesmeri4ing. The mans left eye was covered with
a blac$ patch. )is dar$ mustache and goatee slightly
shadowed the mans smile. )e $ept smiling at Michael until
he reali4ed Michael was finally aware of his stare.
Michael smiled bac$ and bowed his head slightly.
The man bowed his head and his smile turned into a big grin.
The man pic$ed up his coc$tail, raising it slightly in a subtle
toast towards Michael. Michael returned the gesture with his
"ld -ashion.
Michael thought how good loo$ing the man was.
&onder what happened to his eye8 )e smiled and loo$ed
down at the table, sha$ing his head slightly. #ut does he
have any personality?or a brain8 The thought popped in his
head.
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9
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whispered the words with melody. 90(ome enchanted
evening, you will see a stranger.
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Michael reali4ed the note indicated discretion. )e
folded it and put it in his ac$et poc$et. )e wanted to place a
very large tip on the table but remembered Paul telling him
that was not done on the wee$ends. The tips were built into
the bill. (tanding to leave the dining room, he turned toward
%onathans table and slightly bowed his head. Passing
through the entrance, he than$ed the host and indicated the
e!cellence of the food, service and music.
's he approached the grand staircase, he started up
slowly, forgetting about the elevators. )e could not get
%onathan out of his mind. )e wondered what his voice
sounded li$e and how tall he was. >ntering his room, he got
out of his dress clothes and put on a deep red, plaid, flannel
shirt, his eans and brown boots. 1e!t, he put on his fleece
ac$et and brown cowboy hat. (tanding in front of the
mirror, he smiled. ' 5uic$ turn to chec$ the time showed he
had twenty minutes to get to the pavilion.
)e went down, out a side door and onto the terrace.
The e!terior gaslights were dim, but Michael could see his
way across the terrace and down the stairs to the pathways
and stairways below. "rnamental gas lamps illuminated all
the pathways. )e remembered the way to the pavilion from
the day he painted it.
'rriving, he unlatched the iron gate in the stone wall
around the yard. The sound of his boots resounded on the
flagstone wal$way. )e wal$ed up to the large wooden door,
grabbed the large brass $noc$er and pounded three times.
(hortly, the door opened and there stood %onathan,
over si! feet tall, still in his evening wear. ' big smile filledhis face. )e e!tended his hand, as he greeted Michael in a
calm deep voice. 9&ell. )ello, cowboy. Im %onathan
&olfe. Please come in. Im so glad you came.:
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Michael smiled, sha$ing %onathans hand. 9Michael.
Michael Groves. 'nd than$ you so much for dinner. It was
incredible.: The sound of %onathans voice was similar to
that of (am >lliott. I had seen the movie, 0The 6egacy, ust
a few years earlier. &ho could ever forget (am >lliott8
%onathan smiled. 9
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Michael too$ his for$ and placed some of the dessert
in his mouth. 9"h?my?God; This is?: )e paused
slightly. 9There are no words.: )e ate some more.
9I told you.: %onathan began to laugh.
-inishing, %onathan too$ the plates and put them on
the bar. )e returned to his seat across from Michael. 9
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9
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9I $now what you mean. I play 0at the piano. Ma$es
me appreciate anyone who is really accomplished at the
$eyboard. Do you play8: )is eyes turned to the large grand
embraced in the curve of the staircase.
9&ell, yes, I do.:
9&hy dont you play something. &ould love to hear
you.:
%onathan went and sat at the piano. )e turned and
smiled at Michael. 91ow remember.
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horsebac$ riding tomorrow and would li$e you to oin me.
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6ying there in the dar$, he thought of %onathan. &hat
a terrific guy. I believe we could become friends, good
friends. #ut, damn; )e seems to have a lot of money. ' lot
more than I do. #ut he doesnt seem to be snobby about it. I
dont thin$ he would have invited me here if he were. &hat
can I say8 "h well. &e shall see. )e laughed to the
dar$ness. Im ust going to enoy the time. )e was 5uiet and
finally asleep.
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!"APTER $##
&hen Michael opened his eyes, the house was 5uiet.
6ight coming through the beveled glass windows sent spraysof rainbow color throughout the room.
I wonder if %onathans up8 )e got out of bed and put
on his eans. &onder what time it is8 )e went to the
bathroom door and $noc$ed.
' voice came from the other side. 9Michael, good
morning. Im getting ready to ta$e a shower and shave.:
9Thats fine. Ill wait till youre done. I ust wanted
to brush my teeth and shave.: Michael tal$ed through the
closed door. 9#y the way, where did you buy that tooth
powder8 Its gritty as hell.:
9Come in. &hat was that8:
Michael entered the bathroom. 9I was ma$ing a
comment about your tooth powder. If I get to visit again, Ill
bring mine. I thin$ youll li$e it much better, trust me.
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body. It was significantly more than the hair on his own
body.
9&ell. I was wondering how tall you really were. I
mean, without your boots.: %onathan loo$ed down at
Michael. 9(eems I am somewhat bigger than you are.: )e
smiled.
Michael loo$ed %onathan up and down. 9-rom what I
can see, you are a lot bigger than me...: )e paused for a
moment. 9
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curtain. )e began humming some tune that was 5uic$ly
distorted by the water spray.
Michael 5uic$ly used the brush to cover his nec$ with
lather. 'fter a few minutes, he started with the ra4or. It too$
a few stro$es and it was immediately evident he would never
be able to master a straight ra4or. ' few more stro$es and he
had to stop. The blade was very sharp and his nec$ was not
luc$y. (everal drops of blood appeared where he had nic$ed
himself. 9"h well. #etter luc$ ne!t time. If there is a ne!t
time.: )e said softly.
%onathan finished with the shower, as Michael wiped
off the remaining lather. 9My turn, now.: %onathan whipped
up more lather and with the speed and accuracy of a great
sculptor, moved the ra4or over the surface of his s$in, not
touching his mustache or goatee.
Michael stood in ama4ement that %onathan had notdrawn the first drop of blood. 9Practice ma$es perfect, I
guess.: )e muttered. 9'nd he does it with only one eye.
Damn.:
9&hat8: %onathan loo$ed at Michael, reflected in the
mirror above the counter.
9"h, nothing. %ust tal$ing to myself. Thin$ Ill ta$e
a 5uic$ shower, too, if its all right.:
9(ure. Ill be in my room getting dressed.: %onathan
left the room.
Michael too$ his shower and as he dried off, hepressed the towel against his nec$, then tore small pieces of
toilet paper and placed them on the cuts. )e stood at the
closed door to %onathans bedroom. 9Ill go finish getting
dressed and meet you in the hall.: )e started to his room.
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9'll right. #e there in a minute.:
&ithin a few minutes, they met in the hall outside the
bedrooms. %onathan was wearing a pair of riding pants,
boots, a long sleeve, buttoned white shirt, and a dar$ wool,
double/breasted ac$et. 96ets go get some brea$fast and
then well go riding. There are several places I thin$ you
will enoy seeing.:
1ice riding outfit, Michael thought. +eally uptown.
'nd I loo$ li$e country come to town.
They left the pavilion through the -rench doors onto
the east terrace. -rom there, they went down the steps to a
path that wound through the landscape and through a small
gate in the stone wall. This path finally oined the path that
went around the inlet of the la$e and finally, right up to the
steps of the terrace of the hotel dining room.
&hen they entered the dining room, %onathan waved
to a man across the room. 9Good morning, Ma!. (omething
5uic$ and easy for my friend and me.:
Ma! was a stoc$y gentleman, of medium height,
clean/shaven e!cept for a bushy mustache and dar$ brown
hair parted in the middle. Michael thought he loo$ed to be inhis early thirties. "ne of his most outstanding features was
his infectious smile.
9Good morning, Mr. %onathan. Certainly. +ight
away.:
%onathan led Michael to the table where he wasseated the previous evening. 9)ave a seat, Michael.: They
both sat down.
Momentarily, Ma! arrived with two cups of coffee,
small plates and a bas$et of hot rolls. (etting them down, he
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was gone only a short time, then returned with sugar,
creamer and a container of dar$ marmalade. 9Ill have your
ham and eggs shortly.:
Michael and %onathan stood up.
9Than$ you, Ma!. "h, Ma!. This is my friend,
Michael. &ere going riding today.:
Ma! loo$ed out the wall of -rench windows. 9It
loo$s li$e a fine day for riding.:
Michael spo$e up. 9Ma!. I wanted to compliment
you on dinner last night. It was absolutely e!cellent. 'nd
your chocolate dessert was unbelievable. Than$ you.:
Ma! gave a big grin. 9Than$ you, Mr. Michael. I
appreciate it. They are my own recipes. I am so glad you
li$ed it.: )e loo$ed over to %onathan. 96oo$s to be a veryfine day.: Ma! win$ed his right eye, smiled, then bowed his
head slightly and left the table.
Michael and %onathan resumed their seats at the table.
Michael loo$ed at %onathan. 9%onathan. I am so
sorry. I wasnt thin$ing when I spo$e of the dessert. I didnot mean to brea$ a confidence.:
9Dont worry. Ma! $new I was inviting you to the
cottage last night for dessert. )e $new I wanted something
really special. (o he sent me with the chocolate dessert.
Ma! $nows me well and is not udgmental and does not
ump to any conclusions. )is win$ was a sign that heapproves. #ut than$ you for your concern.:
Michael wanted to $now what that meant but did not
want to ruffle any feathers. )e $ept silent.
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Michael and %onathan finished brea$fast then headed
for the stables. The stable master had two horses ready. '
slee$ blac$ horse was %onathans regular ride. ' palomino
was saddled for Michael.
9Mount up, Michael. &e should be bac$ by late
afternoon. &ait till you see the places I want to show you. I
hope you li$e them as much as I do.: They slowly headed
up a mountain path.
'fter an hour, they came to a beautiful stream and
waterfall. %onathan dismounted and let his horse drin$. )e
sat on a near roc$. Michael oined him.
9I love this place. The sound of the pouring water is
so rela!ing.: )e laughed out loud and raised his eyebrows
several times. 9I sometimes come here in the summer and
lay in the water under the fall. (ometimes the cra4iness of
business and travel ma$es me insane. This place is li$e arefuge. 'ctually, all the places I show you today are special
to me.:
Michael smiled. 9"$ay. I guess its my turn. There
was a place where we used to go when I was a teenager. It
was bac$ in the swamp at home. (everal of us would swim
during the summer. Do I dare tell you that we did it withoutclothes8:
9&e8: %onathan flashed a huge Cheshire grin. 9I
$now there is more to this story.: )e laughed out loud and
clapped his hands together.
Michael flushed, slightly embarrassed. 9Ill e!plainsometime. The mental image and lurid scenario is far better
than the actuality.: )e laughed.
9&hat would you say to coming here in the summer
and swimming with me8: )e fle!ed his eyebrows again,
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several times, and another big grin filled his face. 9&ithout
clothes;:
Michael was rather surprised at how open and
forward %onathan was. It seemed, if he wanted to say it, he
did. This trait he really li$ed. )e had $nown many who
were so indecisive and could never spea$ their mind. 'nd it
drove him cra4y. 9&ell.: Michael paused for a moment. 9I
thin$ that could be a lot of fun. #ut, %onathan, you dont
even $now me. I might be some a!e murderer.:
9I doubt that.: )e laughed. 9Im a pretty good udge
of character and I can usually tell a lot about a person very
5uic$ly. I have to. I have had to learn, to very 5uic$ly sum
up a person. It may not seem fair or $ind, but it is necessary.
>specially in business.:
9"$ay. If you are so good at that, how do you see
me8: Michael threw his shoulders bac$, crossed his armsand gave a confident grin that %onathan would never be able
to see the person within him.
%onathan loo$ed very hard at Michael before he
began to spea$. 9Michael. &hat I am going to say is not to
hurt you or ma$e you uneasy. #ut I want you to $now what I
see and what I feel about you, holding nothing bac$. &illyou be comfortable with that8:
9'll right, Mr. (herloc$ )olmes, go at it.: Michael
was sure %onathan could never guess the really personal
things about himself.
9're you sure8: %onathan as$ed again.
9Go for it.: Michael was sure %onathan would miss
the mar$ by a mile.
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9I will begin by saying that our tal$ last night was
light and never really touched on things about the inner
person, but I did get some feelings and thoughts. (o, let me
begin.:
-or the ne!t hour, %onathan went into his impressions.
Michael was ta$en totally by surprise that he read him li$e
an open boo$.
%onathan started off by e!plaining how he saw
Michaels status, both economically and socially, reali4ing he
was the perfect e!ample of a starving artist. Then, he began
to analy4e his private life and brought out the facts of his
failed relationships, his great desire to find someone to share
his life with and his desire to find and $now real love. )e
pointed out that even though he could proect a sense of
confidence, deep down, he was 5uite insecure about many
things regarding himself. %onathan completely dissected his
whole life right in front of him, li$e peeling away the leavesof a head of lettuce, until he had reached the inner core.
Then he too$ the core and too$ it apart until there was
nothing left.
Michael was totally shoc$ed. It was as if he had
worn his whole life on his sleeve. It was rather unsettling
and disconcerting. &as he really that transparent8 #efore hecould catch his breath, %onathan started again.
'fter totally tearing down his life, %onathan began to
point out all the good 5ualities he saw. )e e!plained how he
$new Michael was talented, $ind and considerate and always
tried to be honest and helpful toward others. )e also pointed
out that Michael had always been unhappy with his ownphysicalness.
-inally, %onathan ended with a last comment.
9Michael. I can tell you are a very special man. I thin$ you
will find e!actly what you are loo$ing for. It might be closer
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than you thin$. 'nd remember this. There are some out here
who are loo$ing for someone ust your si4e and with all your
5ualities. Trust me. 'nd that person will give you all the
love and care you see$.: )e paused for a moment then
loo$ed right at Michael. 9There is something else I want to
tell you. &hat you did at brea$fast. That was very
considerate of you. To than$, Ma!. 1ot many would ta$e
the time or even thin$ about doing it. It shows how $ind and
considerate you are. I find that a very great 5uality in a
person.:
There were several moments of silence before
Michael finally spo$e. 9Damn; &ow; &hat can I say8
Gee4; "$ay; !tremely well mannered. )appy with
himself and his physicalness. I see a man of money, fine
things, high social status, but doesnt let it all go to his head.
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nabled me
to get the finest education. Too$ very good care of mymother. They loved each other so much, they dared to have
another child. My brother, Paul. (he told me that I could
never try to find out who he was, as it would be very
e!plosive in social circles. I $now she truly loved him and I
$now now, he truly loved her. I also $now, I would not be in
the position I am in right now without the help and guidance
of a man who I became very close to, even though I didnt$now at the time, he actually was my father. )e $new who I
was, but I didnt $now who he was.:
9I too$ my mothers maiden name in order to $eep
the secret. (he had great human 5ualities. I have always
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tried to live up to her e!pectations. I really miss her. (he
passed away some twelve years ago. Ive been luc$y,
though. There has always been 'unt #eatrice. (he is a
wonderful woman. I love her dearly. (he has always told
me the truth and what I needed to $now. I respect her
opinion highly. If anyone really $nows me, she does. (he
$nows me completely.: There was a slight pause and then a
complete change in the subect. 9
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ability to ta$e control of a situation and grab the reigns was a
5uality he had always admired.
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9I find them really tedious and unforgiving. Guess
thats why I dont do them. &hy do you as$8:
9Thought about having one done, but havent decided
on who Id li$e to do it. &e might have to discuss it.:
9&ith your charm, how does anyone ever say 0no to
you8 #ut trust me. Im not your portrait painter.
6andscapes and still life paintings, yes, but not portraits.:
%onathan gave a big smile and his right eye spar$led.
9'll right. If you say so. #ut maybe you $now of a good
one.:
It was late afternoon when they returned to the stable
to let go the horses. The stable master grabbed the reigns of
%onathans horse. 9Did you have a good ride, sir8:
9Than$ you, &illiam. It was a wonderful day.
>verything is so beautiful in the spring.:
&hen they got bac$ to the pavilion, %onathan fi!ed
himself and Michael a drin$. 9Can you stay for dinner8 Ill
call up to the dining room and have something brought
down.: )e handed Michael an "ld -ashion.
9&ell, I dont want to be an imposition.: Michael
seemed to stutter, as he accepted the coc$tail. 9Than$ you.:
9If I didnt want you to stay, I wouldnt have as$ed.
1ow, what would you li$e8:
Michael reali4ed he was right. )e would never have
as$ed if he didnt want it to happen. 9Im easy. I li$e
everything.
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9Done.: %onathan pic$ed up the telephone. 9)ello,
Ma!. Michael is having dinner with me this evening. Ill
leave it up to you. (urprise us. Than$s, Ma!.: )e hung up
the phone. 9I love Ma!. )es a terrific man. )e was the
best chef in >urope and hes been the head chef at the hotel
for over ten years. )e treats me li$e gold and is always
accommodating. I thin$ the hotel is incredibly luc$y to have
such a man at the helm of the dining room and $itchen.
1ow, I want to ta$e a shower and change before dinner.
)ow about you8:
9&ell, Id li$e that, but I have no other clothes.:
91ot a problem. Chec$ the closet in your room. (ee
if theres anything there you might li$e to wear. 1othing
fancy. Casual. Go ta$e your shower and Ill get things
started down here.: %onathan went to light the fire in the
fireplace.
Michael went up to the bedroom and put his clothes
on a chair, then went to ta$e a shower. 'fter drying himself,
he went to the closet. There was a whole wardrobe of
clothes. )e pulled out a shirt and a pair of short pants and
held them up to himself. Damn. They loo$ li$e they would
fit 5uite well. )e went to the large dresser in the room.
"pening the drawer, he found underclothing. )e normallywent 0commando, but with wearing someone elses clothes,
he decided to restrain himself. Trying them on, it was as if
the clothes were made for him. #ut how could this be8 &ho
did they belong to8 &as there someone in %onathans life he
had not been told about8
Momentarily, he heard the shower in the bathroomand %onathan calling out. 9Go down and get comfortable by
the fire and finish your drin$. Ill be down in a few
minutes.:
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9'll right. (ee you downstairs.: Michael yelled out,
finished dressing and went down to the living room. Im
going to ta$e him up on getting comfortable. )e too$ a
pillow off the settee and stretched out on the rug in front of
the fireplace.
)is mind sorted through the happenings of the day
and reali4ed he was beginning to really li$e %onathan. )e
had to admit that although ta$en abac$ by his uninhibited
personality, %onathan was real. )is actions and words were
those of someone trying to hide nothing. )e was a man who
spo$e his mind. )is obvious money had not created some
0better than you, snob attitude. )e accepted everyone as an
e5ual and treated all with respect. "nes level of income did
not appear to be an issue. #ut what else is behind those
intense green eyes8 &onder why he wears a patch8 Ill bet
there is one hell of a story concerning it.
(uddenly, he heard %onathans voice above andbehind. 9&ell, I see you too$ me at my word about getting
comfortable.: )e started to laugh. 9Im glad. Im glad you
feel comfortable here. Mind if I oin you8:
Michael laughed. 9Come on down;:
%onathan grabbed his drin$, another pillow and gotdown near Michael. #oth were on their stomachs on the rug,
in shorts, their coc$tails on the marble fireplace hearth,
loo$ing into the fire. 9Interesting you should choose to wear
short pants, too.:
't that moment, the phone rang.
9Thats Ma!.: %onathan got up to answer it. 9)ello,
Ma!.
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appreciate it. Than$ you, Ma!.: )e hung up the phone and
wal$ed over to Michael, e!tending his hand. 96et me help
you up. 6ets go upstairs while they set up dinner. It will
ta$e them ust a few minutes. #est to be out of their way
while they do it.:
Michael grabbed %onathans hand and stood up. They
went upstairs and into %onathans bedroom. Michael saw a
sepia photograph of a young boy and woman, in an ornate
gold frame, on the bureau. (he was a stunning woman with
dar$ hair and dar$ eyes. The boy had coal blac$ hair. The
woman was absolutely stri$ing. It had to be his mother. (he
was wearing a most unusual nec$lace. ' large, dar$,
emerald/cut type stone was on a heavy woven chain. It was
impossible to tell what the gem was in the sepia photograph.
9(he is a beauty, isnt she8: %onathan spo$e, seeing
Michael staring at the picture. 9Thats my mother. &as
ta$en when I was about four.
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9"h, %onathan. I am so sorry about your brother. #ut
of course not. Dont be silly. I am honored you would let
me wear them.: )e loo$ed bac$ at the picture of %onathan
and his mother. 9I see in the one of you and your mother,
she is wearing a most incredible nec$lace.:
9
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Michael could not tell the amount in the bo!, as
%onathan only had the lid open a very short time, but he
$new it was not ust poc$et change. 9Damn; verything loo$s great. )ope you li$e the dressing forthe salad. It is one that Ma! came up with. I love it. 'nd he
$nows I do. )ere, get your plate and get started. Ill pour
the wine.: %onathan opened the bottle of white. 9Ill open
the bottle of red, too, for later. 6et it breathe a little first.:
)e opened the bottle of red wine and left it on the bar
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cabinet. )e poured glasses for both of them, handing one to
Michael.
9)ave to tell you, it really smells good.: Michael
too$ a plate and placed portions from every dish on it.
#efore %onathan prepared his plate, he sto$ed the fire
to get a good bla4e going. )e then pic$ed up his wine glass
and raised it in the air. 9To a new found friend. In hopes, he
remains one for a lifetime.:
9Than$s, %onathan. That is $ind of you. 'nd to you,
too.: Michael raised his glass. 9)ave to tell you, I thin$
youre a great guy. I hope the same.:
They ate and discussed the food and its e!cellence all
through the meal. -inally, everything was eaten. There had
been ust enough of everything for them both.
9%onathan, would you li$e some more wine8:
9Please.:
Michael pic$ed up %onathans glass and headed for
the wine buc$et. )e placed the goblets on the bar cabinet
and pic$ed up the wine bottle. )e was not familiar with thevineyard, but he did see the date. It was nineteen hundred.
)e couldnt believe they were drin$ing such an old bottle of
wine. &onder how much this one cost8 Damn. )e poured
and handed one glass to %onathan then they sat on the rug
near the fire.
9Than$s, Michael.:
Michael too$ the lead in the conversation. )ave to
tell you. I have really enoyed the time weve shared today.
I thin$ youre a great guy. >ven with your obvious money,
you are laid/bac$ and unpretentious and it hasnt aded your
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perception of others. "nes income level does not seem to
have an influence on who you consider a friend. I thin$
thats great.:
9Than$s, Michael.
M> written across my forehead.: Michael bent his head
down, pointed at it and chuc$led. 9"ne of these days.
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(o many attractive men are ust that and there is nothing
between their ears but air.:
They both laughed out loud.
9#y the way, the party is &ednesday night, the
fourteenth. It will probably start around eight. It should be a
lot of fun. I cant wait for you to meet 'unt #eatrice. (he
really is a 0one of a $ind. I $now you are going to li$e her.:
9(o, you thin$ my outfit will be all right8:
9Michael. It is you. I wouldnt have it any other
way. 'nd if I didnt e!plain it well enough, you loo$ so nice
in it. "h. I forgot to tell you. The celebration will last
through the wee$end. If you want to wear something else
the other nights, you can. Chec$ out the clothes in the closet.
I thin$ Paul would be pleased you were wearing his formal
attire.:
9&ho is going to be there8 #esides your aunt8:
9(everal of my friends. Most from 1ew
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%onathan sto$ed the fire to per$ it up. 9&ell, loo$s li$e
weve eaten everything and dran$ all the wine. Thin$ Im
about ready for bed.:
9
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!"APTER $###
The dim morning light was coming through the
window of Michaels room when he awo$e. )e had restedwell. Then he became aware of noise in the bathroom.
%onathan must be up, too. )e found himself smiling at the
thought. )ad the short time hed spent with %onathan made
him reali4e he not only enoyed his company, but %onathans
presence brought him calmness, a comfort level hed not
$nown before8 There was a sense of peace and tran5uility in
his head that was refreshing. )e made the decision that he
hoped %onathan would li$e the painting of his 0cottage
because he was going to give it to him as a gift. )e still had
to laugh that %onathan called his ornate residence a cottage.
Michael got out of bed and wal$ed to the bathroom
door. )e $noc$ed. 9%onathan, Im heading downstairs. (ee
you in a few minutes.:
9'll right. #e down in a minute. 6et me finish
shaving first.:
%onathan finally came down and started the coffee on
the little stove located at the bar cabinet. Michael had to
laugh to himself, as he had not seen a percolator coffee pot in
ages. ' memory of his early years at his grandparents, whenthe family would visit them for the Christmas holidays, came
to his mind. )e did remember that it did ma$e the best
coffee.
9I $now it may sound ridiculous, but I ust cant seem
to function without my coffee in the morning. #efore I do
anything, I have to have my coffee. (ome thin$ I am totallyobsessive about it.: %onathan laughed.
9)ey; I $now e!actly what you mean. I feel the
same way.:
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Coffee done, they both readied to do what they had
planned for the day. Michael headed for the door, turned and
called out. 9(ee you Tuesday evening. &hat time do you
want me to drop over8:
9)ow about around seven. Ill have Ma! send
something down for us. 'nything special you would li$e8:
9Ill leave it to you. Im easy. +emember8 6ater.
6ater.:
9"$ay, cowboy. Plan to stay here until the parties are
finished. "h. 'nd dont you go and disappear on me.:
Michael chuc$led. 9Dont worry. If the -ates will it,
Ill try not to.:
's Michael wal$ed bac$ to the hotel, he could not get
the smile off his face and the happenings of the last twodays. Maybe a page was turning in his life. Maybe for the
better8 )e breathed in the crisp morning air and too$
pleasure in all that he saw. 'll the blooming spring flowers
seemed more colorful and brighter than he remembered. It
was going to be a good day.
>ntering the lobby, he saw Paul at the front des$. 9Icannot believe you are still here.: )e laughed.
9Good morning, Mr. Michael.
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good morning, sir.: Paul waved and got bac$ to the guest at
the des$.
Michael went to his room and set the painting of the
pavilion on his easel and stared at it intensely.
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Michael turned to see the most incredible frame. It
was perfect. )e was totally ama4ed there would be such a
perfect frame. 9Its perfect; Thats it; &ow; I cant believe
it. )ow luc$y can I be;8:
The store cler$ smiled. 9Im glad you approve, sir.
(hall I wrap it up for you8:
9
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9"h; Mr. Michael; It is beautiful; 'bsolutely
beautiful; 6i$e Monet and +enoir mi!ed together. It loo$s
li$e you stole it from a museum.: )e laughed and clapped
his hands. 9Mr. Michael, you really are talented. The
picture is alive with color. It seems to glow.
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about ta! day being 'pril fifteenth.
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since %onathan didnt loc$ his house. )e would have to as$
Paul about it. #ut he $new he had to get busy. There was so
much intricate detail wor$ on the delicate and lacey building.
It was going to ta$e some time to capture it with paint. #y
late afternoon, he had much of the new canvas covered with
the basic layout and foundation colors. )e wor$ed on it
again into the midafternoon on Tuesday. )e thought he
could finish it in one more day. 1ow, he had to get bac$ to
the room to get ready to go to %onathans for dinner.
#efore heading to his room, he went to the dining
room and as$ed if he could have several lengths of butcher
paper from the $itchen. )e wanted to wrap the painting with
it. The young man at the main des$ was $ind enough to get
it for him, as Michael did not want to interrupt Ma!,
$nowing he was most li$ely very busy with getting things
ready for dinner that night. Then it was off to his room.
)e decided to ta$e a rest after prepping his clothesfor the evening, as well as the outfit for the party on
&ednesday night. )e tried to imagine how the ne!t few
days would unfold. -rom the way %onathan described it, it
was going to be a constant party until he and all his guests
left on the ne!t Monday morning. It sounded so e!citing.
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!"APTER #%
It was almost a 5uarter to seven, as he passed through
the lobby. )e had his clothes over one arm, blac$ cowboyhat stac$ed on top of the brown one on his head. )is blac$
boots were under his arm holding the painting of the
pavilion. ' tube of newly opened toothpaste was in his
poc$et. )e did not see Paul at the des$. )e smiled. Maybe
he got some time off. Down the pathways and stone stairs
along the way, he would be at %onathans on time.
%onathan was standing in the doorway in anticipation
of Michaels arrival. 9&ell.
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my life, become a friend, then walt4 out of it and disappear8
)ell 1o;: %onathan was adamant.
Michael smiled. )e was so pleased %onathan li$ed
him. The feeling was mutual. 9"$ay. It can be an 0Ill see
you later gift.: )e too$ the painting and leaned it against
the piano.
9)ope you are hungry. Ma! is sending dinner down
in about an hour. &e can have a drin$ before it gets here.
6ets get your things up to your room first.:
Michael heard %onathan. There it was again. &as it
ust a slip of the tongue or was there something intentional to
it when he said 0your room and not 0Pauls room8 )e
shoo$ his head as if trying to remove some reluctant
cobwebs there. )e did not want to read anything into the
comment.
Putting Michaels things upstairs, they were bac$ in
the living room with %onathan ma$ing drin$s. 9'nd what
did you do all day yesterday and today8:
9(tarted my third painting. I thin$ Ill be able to
finish it with one more full day of wor$.:
9Three paintings8 )umm.: )e started to chuc$le. 9I
thin$ I $now what your gift is.: )e loo$ed toward the piano
and the rectangular wrapped obect leaning against it. 9Does
it have a building in it8: )e gave a sly snic$er.
9
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9It will be. 'nd Im sure it will be a very nice
surprise.: %onathan changed the subect. 9Do you have
plans for tomorrow during the day8 If not, I had thought we
could go riding some more. I $now I am ta$ing away from
your time you would be painting. (o, if you need to paint, I
totally understand.:
9)ey; I can always paint. I would love to go riding
tomorrow. I truly enoy spending time with you.:
9Great. Ill have Ma! fi! us up a bas$et for lunch to
ta$e with us.:
It was going on eleven ocloc$ when they finished
dinner and settled in by the fire, continuing their
conversation.
9
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9
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&hen they returned to the pavilion, they began to get
ready for the party that night. It was going to be in the hotel
dining room, as would be the subse5uent parties. %onathan
indicated he was e!pecting around thirty to come in for the
celebration. It should be a lot of fun. There would be food
and music and dancing for the ne!t four days. Daily events
were also planned. There would be horsebac$ riding,
boating, games, luncheons, as well as free times for the
guests to do what they wanted.
Michael hoped he did not feel li$e an alien or appear
to be aw$ward. )e so wanted to give a good impression, for
%onathans sa$e.
-inally, they were dressed and ready to go up to the
hotel. The first party was to begin around eight that evening,
starting with dinner and dancing. Michael was nervous as
hell. Damn. ntering the dining room through one of the open
doors, he could see there were many more than thirty people.
"bviously, many of the hotel guests were having dinner, too.
'cross the room was a long table set up, decorated with
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flowers and candelabra and set with many place settings.
That must be the table for %onathans guests. )is mind
whirled to capture everything in sight. To say he was
nervous as hell would be putting it mildly, a total
understatement.
Many guests saw them enter the room and came over
e!pressing their 0hellos and greetings. It was obvious
everyone $new everyone, as only first names were spo$en.
Michael was so aware of the loo$s up and down when he
was introduced. 'gain, only first names were used. It too$ a
little while, but he finally reali4ed %onathans friends were
really very nice and very personable. )e loo$ed around the
room trying to pic$ out %onathans aunt, but no one seemed
to stand out. )e was sure if she had been there, they would
have greeted her first. 's one of the waiters came by, as$ing
if they wanted something to drin$, Michael as$ed for his "ld
-ashion, then turned to %onathan and spo$e 5uietly. 9
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irtually, at that moment, an e!tremely elegant, older,
white/haired woman with stri$ing features, appeared,
standing at the entrance to the dining room. %onathan
5uic$ly turned to Michael. 9)ere she is. #e bac$ in a
minute.: )e headed toward the lady. >veryone in the room
seemed to stop what they were doing and all conversation
ceased. 'll turned toward the entrance to the dining room.
To Michael, she loo$ed li$e some >uropean royalty, a
little shorter than himself, wearing a long elegant white
gown, long white gloves, and an elegant eweled nec$lace
and tiara. )e saw %onathan bow and $iss her hand, then
spea$ softly to her. (he grabbed %onathans face, pulling it
down toward hers and gently $issed him on the lips, then she
turned and smiled, loo$ing directly at Michael. They started
wal$ing in his direction. (he wal$ed as if she floated across
the floor on air. 's they passed, those to her sides bowed
and curtsied with 5uiet voices. 9Good evening, 6ady
(tanenberg.: It was the first time a last name was spo$en.Michael now $new her last name. (hortly, they stood in
front of him.
9'unt #eatrice. This is Michael.: %onathan smiled.
9)ello, Michael.: (he spo$e 5uietly, but directly, as
she slowly loo$ed at Michael, starting at his feet, all the wayto the top of his head. Then she smiled and e!tended her
hand. )e now saw that those bright and shining green eyes
ran in the family.
Michael heard an accent in her voice. Maybe it was
German or +ussian. )e could not tell. )e too$ her hand,
clic$ed his boot heels together and bowed slightly, thenloo$ed right at her. 91ice to meet you, Madame.:
9I loo$ forward to tal$ing with you.: (he smiled
$indly and her eyes spar$led. 96et me go pay my respects to
%onathans other guests.: (he turned to %onathan. 9My dear.
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Do not be fussy. I can well ta$e care of myself.
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artwor$. The only painting that was framed and ready to be
seen was the one he was giving to %onathan and that was not
to be opened until that coming (unday. (trangely, through
the entire evening, he had not had any time to tal$ with
%onathans aunt. #ut he $new there would be time during the
ne!t few days.
'round midnight, %onathan instructed the musicians
they could leave, giving each and everyone a handsome
gratuity. 'fter their last selection, everyone applauded them
in appreciation of their e!cellence. 'll of the other hotel
guests had already left the dining room. %onathan returned to
the table.
'll were still seated when %onathan too$ a for$ and
rang his water goblet. 9-irst of all, I want to than$ all of you
for coming to the celebration. There is a lot planned for the
ne!t few days, as you can see on the itinerary that was sent
to everyone. I $now you all are tired from your trips. (o, wewill meet tomorrow morning around ten, down at the la$e for
boating. (leep well and see you then.:
#efore leaving, %onathans aunt came up to Michael
and spo$e in a calm and clear voice. 9It was nice to meet
you, Michael.:
Michael bowed slightly, clic$ed his heels and too$
her hand and $issed it. )e loo$ed at her and smiled. 9It was
nice meeting you, too, Madame.:
%onathan led his aunt to the entrance of the dining
room, bowed and $issed her hand, then gave her a hug. (he
$issed him gently on the lips. )e waited till she had gone,then returned to Michael.
3uiet 0goodbyes and 0see you in the mornings were
e!changed, as the group bro$e up and left the dining room.
'll e!pressed how much they were glad to meet Michael.
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Michael watched %onathan go to each of the waiters
and than$ed them, placing something in each ones hand.
6astly, he went to Ma!, still standing with a great smile on
his face. )e shoo$ his hand. 9%ob well done, Ma!. %ob well
done. Than$ you. I am constantly in your debt.:
Ma! bowed slightly. 9
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They shared the bathroom, as each too$ a shower and
readied for bed. Michael was the first to leave the bathroom.
9Good night, %onathan. Call me when you are getting up.
'nd than$ you so much for inviting me. I had a wonderful
time.:
9Michael.: %onathan paused a moment. 9I $now you
said you wanted me to wait till (unday to see the painting,
but I would very much li$e you to share it with everyone
tomorrow evening at dinner. (everal, I $now, are interested
in seeing what you can do, as am I, and you never $now.
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%onathan put his hands over his eyes, even the one with the
patch.
9'll right.: Michael was getting a big charge out of
watching %onathan. )e was seeing a part of him he had no
idea e!isted. )e was seeing the child within, which he
thought was wonderful. It made %onathan that much more
human and real. )e carried the painting some ten feet from
%onathan. The light in the room was perfect. )e turned the
painting to face %onathan. 9"$ay.
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wipe his tears. )e composed himself, then cleared his throat.
91ow, its time for bed. &e have a long day tomorrow. I
thin$ it will be fun.: )e headed for the stairs.
Michael was right behind. 9I am so loo$ing forward
to it.: )alfway up the stairs, he spo$e again. 9I really am
glad you li$e the painting, %onathan. That means a lot to
me.:
%onathan stopped and turned around, loo$ing down at
Michael a few steps lower. 9I love it, Michael. Than$ you.
Than$ you so much. 'nd you could never imagine what it
means to me. I cant wait for 'unt #eatrice to see it. (he
loves good artwor$. 's I mentioned before, she has 5uite a
collection of her own. I cant wait for her to see the talent
you are.:
Michael lay in bed and smiled with thoughts of the
party flipping in his head. )ed really had a great time. )ethen reflected on the comment %onathan made regarding his
aunt 0that she was right. &hat did he mean8 'nd what did
he mean when he said 0this is ust the beginning8 Maybe he
would find out soon enough. )e could not dwell on it.
Tomorrow was going to be another busy day. )e tried very
hard to clear his mind and before he reali4ed it, he was
asleep.
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!"APTER %
&hen Michael wo$e, he could hear %onathan in the
bathroom. )e 5uic$ly got up and yelled out. 9%onathan,good morning.:
The bathroom door opened. 9Good morning to you,
too.: )e smiled, standing there with ust a towel around
himself. 9I thin$ it is going to be 5uite cool out, so you
might want to wear your ac$et again.:
9I thought the same thing.: )e had put on his clean
eans and flannel shirt hed brought the day before, his
brown boots and hat and his fleece ac$et. 9Ill meet you
downstairs.:
In no time at all, %onathan appeared in a very tailored
wool outfit and cap. 9)ope you are up for a little boating
this morning. I have to do it today. Its the fifteenth. Its my
way of coping.: )e gave a nervous laugh and stared off into
space as if recalling some memory. )is right hand moved to
the upper center of his chest and his fingers moved as if
trying to grasp something there. 9#ut first, lets get
something to eat.:
They went up the paths and stairs in the garden, to theterrace and then through the -rench doors. 9Good morning,
Ma!. 'nd how are you this morning8 Than$ you so much
for dinner last night. It was wonderful.:
9It was my pleasure, Mr. %onathan. I am e!pecting
everyone down shortly to eat.:
(uddenly, Michael was aware of a young child
standing in the entry of the dining room. It was a boy around
si! years old. )e came wal$ing through the dining room,
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right to %onathan, Michael and Ma!. 9Papa. Can I go see
the horses for a while8: )e spo$e 5uietly.
9(on. &here are your manners8
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were e!changed across the room. %onathans aunt was
nowhere to be seen.
'fter eating, they headed for the la$e and down to the
boats.
9)ope you li$e a little e!ercise. +owing will really
give your arms a wor$out.: %onathan, again, laughed
nervously and brushed the center of his chest. 9#ut its
better than swimming in the cold water.:
-or several hours they rowed out and up the la$e until
it was around one in the afternoon. %onathan headed the boat
bac$, as there was to be a luncheon on the landing. 6awn
chairs and blan$ets had been provided. The air was crisp,
but not uncomfortably cold.
Most all the men sat on the blan$ets and the ladies sat
in the chairs. The ladies wore long dresses and light longcoats with hats to ward off the slightly cool air. Michael $ept
loo$ing at everyones attire, thin$ing it seemed a little
strange. #ut not having traveled in the high upper class was
not really sure how the wealthy dressed for such events.
%onathans aunt arrived and was dressed very
elegantly, then sat in a rather prime spot. 'll the otherwomen were around her as if she was the 5ueen bee. 'gain,
Michael did not get the chance to tal$ with her. Maybe the
chance would come that evening at dinner.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on the upper
lawns with everyone playing cro5uette. It was great fun for
Michael, as he had not played in years. )e was not as goodas the others. )e was sure they probably played it on a
regular basis. &hen his ball got hit and $noc$ed halfway
across the lawn, he didnt mind and ust laughed out loud.
>veryone was pleased he too$ it so cheerfully. 's the game
progressed and it would come time for Michaels ball to be
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$noc$ed away again, the one hitting it became 5uite
apologetic about it and seemed to hit it reluctantly. They
could see Michael was a really good sport about it all,
endearing him to them even more.
%onathan was so pleased that his friends li$ed
Michael. )e $new his aunt was watching and would have
much to say down the road. "f that, he was sure.
The games over, everyone began to head to the hotel
to get ready for dinner. It was almost si! ocloc$ when
Michael and %onathan headed to the pavilion.
9%onathan. I $now you said I could wear some of
Pauls formal attire tonight. 're you sure you really dont
mind8:
9Please. Pauls clothes seem to fit you so well. #ut
wear your blac$ boots and hat. I cant imagine you withoutthem.:
9
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't that moment, there was a $noc$ at the bedroom
door.
9Come in.:
%onathan entered the room and saw Michael standing
there. 9
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%onathan placed it on the easel in a spot that was well
lighted and could be seen by all in the dining room, yet out
of the way enough so no one could rub against it and smear
the paint. %onathan stood bac$ to ma$e sure the presentation
was satisfactory.
't the same time, Ma! came up with a large sturdy
piece of paper on a hoo$. )e moved two chairs in front of
the easel and hung the sign on the bac$ of one. It read.
0Painting wet. Do 1ot Touch;
%onathan and Michael saw it and came up to Ma!,
standing there loo$ing at the sign. %onathan patted Ma! on
the shoulder. 'll three began to chuc$le. 9Than$ you, Ma!.
Perfect.:
Ma! smiled. 91o need to ta$e any chances with such
a beautiful painting.: )e headed to the $itchen.
'lmost immediately, hotel guests were coming up
in5uiring about the painting and how beautiful it was.
%onathan was very pleased that everyone saw the beauty he
saw.
Michael was mobbed when the guests reali4ed he was
the artist. Many were as$ing about possible commissions.
%onathan was so pleased. It was wonderful to see
Michael as the center of attention. (hortly, many of his
guests were entering the dining room. )e $new Michael
could ta$e care of himself so he went to greet his friends and
lead them to the large table to where they would be sitting.
)e invited all of them to see the painting.
>veryone had arrived when %onathans aunt appeared
at the entry. 'gain, %onathan went to meet her and lead her
to her spot at the head of the table. >veryone stood up as she
arrived. 9Please come and see the painting Michael did for
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me. I thin$ you will be surprised.: They wal$ed over to the
painting.
9)e is very good. I li$e the colors and the
perspective. I could almost wal$ into the scene.: (he spo$e
very deliberately, yet 5uietly.
%onathan smiled. 9I told him the same thing.: )e
was happy at her response.
-inally, all were seated, %onathans aunt at the head of
the table and %onathan at the other end. Michael sat to his
right. Dinner began, as did the bu44 of conversations,
mainly about Michael and his painting.
Michael reali4ed that even though he had tal$ed with
many of %onathans friends, he still really didnt $now
anything about them. )e had some idea they were in upper
management or owners of industrial companies, railroadingor the ban$ing arena. #ut that was about it. 'll the women
seemed to be stay/at/home wives but entertained each other
often with coffees, teas, cards and other social games. The
one thing he did $now is they were all very, very wealthy.
Dinner over, all retired for the night. %onathan, again
gave handsome gratuities to all service people, than$ingthem profusely for their e!cellence. )e told Michael to get
the painting and they returned to the pavilion. %onathan
fi!ed them both a last coc$tail, as Michael leaned the
painting up against the piano.
9%onathan. I really do li$e all your friends. They are
a bit distant, but they are so nice. >ven in the strata ofsociety where they e!ist, they are truly genuine fol$s. 'nd
they dont seem to care that I dont have a golden spoon in
my mouth.: )e chuc$led.
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9I $new they were going to li$e you. )ow could they
not8 'nd I believe they see how much I li$e you.:
9#ut, you $now. I havent really tal$ed with your
aunt yet. I $now she is watching me. Ive seen her loo$ing
at me when I was least e!pecting it. I feel li$e she is
gathering some sort of ammunition to get me with.:
%onathan laughed. 9Dont worry. I thin$ she is
seeing if what I have told her and what she has told me is
correct.:
9
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was going to have another long tal$ with Paul when he got
bac$. )e $new Paul would not mind listening and would not
be udgmental.
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!"APTER %#
-riday was spent with horsebac$ riding. It was
interesting to Michael that %onathan, leading the group, too$them everywhere, but never to any of the special places he
had been shown. )e didnt divulge this information to
anyone.
Dinner that night was ust as much fun, with the
music and dancing. The food was e!ceptional, as was the
service. Michael was so appreciative that there was such a
great selection of clothes to wear in Pauls closet since he
had brought only the ones he wore that Tuesday night. It
saved him from having to go bac$ to the hotel for more of
his own.
The same held true for (aturday. #ut (unday was left
to the guests to do whatever they wanted.
%onathan and Michael came up to the dining room for
a late brea$fast, %onathan dressed in his casual wear and
Michael in his eans, flannel and boots. They greeted Ma!
and were seated at a table near the windows. %ust then,
%onathans aunt came into the room. 1ot dressed as formally
as she had been, but still elegant and stylish. %onathan
umped up and guided her to their table, pulling out a chairfor her.
9Good morning, Madame. It is nice to see you
again.: Michael had 5uic$ly stood up and had bowed
slightly, then sat down again after %onathans aunt was
seated.
9Good morning, Michael.: (he smiled.
%onathan returned to the table after as$ing Ma! to
include his aunt.
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They enoyed small tal$ as they ate. The waiter
cleared all the plates, leaving the coffee china. (uddenly,
Michael felt %onathans foot bump up against his. )e loo$ed
over at %onathan with a 5uestioning loo$.
%onathan smiled bac$. 9Michael. I have a few things
I have to prepare before I leave tomorrow. &ould you mind
staying here with 'unt #eatrice8 Im sure she would
appreciate the company.:
Instantly, Michael reali4ed, this was the moment. )is
stress level soared into orbit and he wondered if the feeling
he was having was a heart attac$. )e $new it was evident
when %onathan loo$ed in5uisitively at him, seeing his face
blush. )e smiled at %onathan and spo$e nervously. 9I thin$
that would be wonderful. Please, go right ahead. Come
bac$ when you are finished.: )e had a feeling this
conversation was not going to be some short wal$ in thepar$.
%onathan got up and bowed slightly to his aunt. 9Its
going on eleven/thirty now. (ee you both around three/thirty
or four.: They watched him go out the doors, across the
terrace and disappear down the path to the pavilion.
Michael and #eatrice sat across the table from one
another for a few moments in silence, sipping their coffee.
Their waiter came by and brought a new pot, placing it in the
center of the table with more cream and sugar, in fresh china
containers. Michael pic$ed up the pot and stood up. 9May
I8:
9Please. Than$ you, Michael.: #eatrice smiled at his
attentiveness. 'fter a slight moment of silence, she spo$e
again. 9(o. Michael. I have heard good things about you.
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It had begun. Michael $new he would have to tell the
basics of his life and place all cards on the table. #eatrice
did not seem to be the $ind of person from whom you could
hide anything. It seemed she could see into your very soul
without you saying a word. 'nd so he began. -or almost
two hours, he told of his history. )e watched #eatrices face
as he spo$e and was surprised, yet pleased, that his obvious
lac$ of money did not have any impression on her at all. )e
had touched on earlier relationships hed had, not indicating
gender or names, and how each one ended, as they had not
begun on a firm foundation. )e was showing his inner self
when he indicated how it had been easy for others to ta$e
advantage of him. )e $new it was a fault, but he was not
apologetic for it. )e had remembered an e!pression he once
heard. 0(how me a man who is a lover and Ill show you a
man with lots of scars.
'fter some moments of silence, #eatrice spo$e softly.
9I see you have had your trials and tribulations in life. 'ndthat is not a bad thing. It can build character. 'nd you seem
to be a very good and $ind man and have weathered the
storms.
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(he described there were a few times %onathan had
attempted a relationship, mentioning the names of several
women. 9#ut he finally reali4ed he was not being honest
with himself.: #eatrice loo$ed very hard into Michaels
eyes. 9I have a sense you can understand why %onathans
relationships did not wor$ out.: (he was silent, sipping her
coffee.
Michael could see she $new the $ind of man he was
inside. (he $new completely who he was.
#eatrice continued. 9%onathan has always wanted
love and to be loved. In the way he wants and he should
have it. I have watched him struggle with himself over the
years and finally tal$ed with him. %onathan is more special
to me than you can imagine. 1ever have I met anyone who I
believed could and would love him the way he deserves.:
(he paused for a moment. 91ot until now.: (he loo$ed
right at Michael. 9Michael. I see the $ind and giving manyou are. I see how sens