The Tent Boys

As they walked to the restaurant, Jack realized they looked like an odd pair. Jack was a stylish, but classic natty dresser. He was wearing a dark navy windowpane sport coat, a boldly striped gold, blue and burgundy tie, a white shirt with burgundy stripes and British tan dress pants with dark brown suede wingtips. Jack had a slight beard, more like just being unshaven for a few days and had well groomed mid length/short dark brown hair. 

Harrison was wearing jeans with holes in the knees (through the holes the plaid pattern of flannel pajama bottoms was visible), a denim coat with a white fluffy lining that was dingy from lack of cleaning, a navy cable sweater with a few holes in it, a brown suede messenger cap, dark rimmed glasses and dirty brown boots that looked like they were very well worn. Long medium brown hair flowed out of Harrison’s cap landing just below his shoulders. He wore fingerless gloves and had dirt just below his nails. 

Everything Harrison wore bore the evidence of his situation. Jack still smelled of the expensive custom made cologne he wore, while Harrison smelled of a boy who sleeps in a park and doesn’t have access to a shower. They said little to one another as they walked. Each of them was a little unsure what was going to happen next, but they went with it. Jack walked cautiously while Harrison seemed to have a spring in his step.

Harrison stopped in front of a small pub. “Here we are, the food here is awesome.” They walked in and the bartender said hello to Harrison and gave Jack a guarded look. “He’s OK Ron, I did a full background check on him. I have his business card! You’ll like him.” Harrison clearly had some connection to this place. They sat in a booth toward the back. 

They were pretty secluded, plus the place was fairly empty anyway. It was obviously a local hangout for actual DC folks and not people like Jack. Ron came over, “you haven’t been here in a while, everything alright?” Ron still looked at Jack warily. “Yeppers! I just haven’t had the cash to splurge lately and I think I used up my last freebie for the month two months ago!” Harrison laughed. “Yeah, yeah, I told you not to abuse it, but I don’t want you going hungry either. What do you guys want?” Harrison looked at Jack, seemingly for guidance. “Go ahead, get whatever you want.” 

Harrison smiled widely, “a double order of spicy chicken wings, two cheeseburgers with a ton of bacon, a huge order of fries, as much root beer as you can bring me, and whatever my friend here whatever he wants!” Harrison confidently snapped as if he were picking up the bill. 

“I’ll have a double Woodford Reserve Manhattan on the rocks, please, “ Jack asked. Ron laughed out loud. “Where did you find this one, Harrison? Mr. fucking fancy pants!” More laughter from Harrison and Ron. “I don’t keep that fancy shit here, how about a double bourbon and a glass of ice?” “Uh, sure,” Jack nodded.

While they waited for Harrison’s food, Jack sipped his bourbon. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Harrison. He was mesmerized at how truly adorable this boy was. All Jack could think of though was how young he must be. “He’s gotta be a fucking teenager. I’m going to get arrested. Ron is calling the cops right now.” Jack calmed himself down with another thought – how much he wanted to kiss and cuddle and do so much more to this boy. 

Harrison finally snapped at Jack, “so, you gonna talk at all or are you trying to read my mind? Maybe you want to pull out your phone and take a picture to jerk off to later? Just pay the bill before you leave.” 

Jack was completely taken by surprise. The sweet, confident boy he came in with was now being a little bitchy toward him. 

“Uh, well, sorry…I don’t know why, but I’m nervous.” 

“You don’t need to be. I’m not going to mug you or whatever you’re afraid of.” 

Then before Jack had a chance to respond, Harrison’s eyes got wide and he leaned back in his seat, pointing at Jack. 

“OOOOOOH! I know, you’re thinking I’m too young to hang out with!” 

“Shhhh, dude!” Jack said in a hushed tone. 

“We’re just eating dinner and having a drink, I don’t think that’s illegal. If something else happens, well…” 

At this point Jack’s face turned red while his mind was wandering  - and he was getting hard. He could feel the precum forming and making a spot on his pants. He adjusted himself and shook his head and got back into his game. While Harrison was giggling at Jack’s squeamishness, Jack decided it was time to ask questions. 

“So, how old are you?” Before Harrison could answer, Jack said firmly, “and don’t announce it to the whole bar either, please.” 

Harrison laughed some more and looked over at Jack and then Ron appeared with his food. Jack sighed loudly and looked away. Ron dropped the food and Jack’s drink, shot another round of stink eye at Jack, and walked away. 

“Well?” Jack whispered.

“Um, well, I could be 15, or 17, or maybe I’m 20.”

“Come on, kid. Don’t torture me like this.”

“You want me to torture you in other ways?”

Jack got even more excited, and squeamish. He figured he ended up with an underage boy that he’s going to have to walk away from. There’s no way he would put himself at that kind of risk - no matter how cute the boy was.

Frustrated, Jack looked over at Harrison again. He was grinning away and counting out french fries. “That’s how old I am.”

Jack counted out the fries. There were 18 of them. Jack was quite relieved.

“Well fuck me.” Jack groaned, “I was ready to just leave you here right now. Damn.” “Wait a minute, you want me to fuck you but you’re going to get up and leave? I don’t know if that’s going to work out very well.” Harrison said in a snarky tone, obviously and purposefully misinterpreting Jack’s ‘fuck me’ comment. He was now about as full of himself as he could be. He was really enjoying Jack’s discomfort and obvious desire. 

“This is ridiculous. I should be in my hotel on Grindr, not flirting with a teenager.” Jack said with pretend frustration in his voice. Harrison wasn’t buying Jack’s act. neither was Jack for that matter.

“But I am a leeeeeegal teenager.” Harrison sneered back at Jack, knowing full well Jack was into this situation. “Of course, you can leave anytime you want. Just make sure you pay the bill and leave a good tip.”

Even though Jack was in full horny mode, he also felt bad for this kid. “I also want to go rent you a room for a week so you can have a clean, warm place to sleep and shower.” 

“Oh man, do I smell that bad?” 

“Aaargh! That’s not what I meant!” Jack, this high-powered consultant, who could talk to anyone, was completely out of his element with Harrison. 

“And how old are you Mr. Jack Holden, Consultant?” repeating Jack’s title from his card. 

“I don’t think you have enough french fries,” Jack said wryly. “I’m 52.”

“Wow. Are you fucking serious? I would have never guessed that at all!” Once again at an inconvenient moment, Ron came by. “Everything good?” “Ron, do you believe this guy is 52! He doesn’t look 52 at all!” Ron just grunted, “sure Harrison.” 

Jack was mortified. Harrison was loving it. Harrison knew this was going to turn into something good. Jack wanted something that he wasn’t sure he could – or should - have.

* * * *

Harrison left Iowa. A 15 year old boy whose parents disowned him and kicked him out of his home. “Who the fuck does this?” Harrison said to himself. He found a place to crash for the night in a shed behind an empty house on the street. It was cold. It was April, but it still was cold in Cedar Rapids, especially at night. Harrison really didn’t sleep anyway. He spent part of the night crying, part of it feeling scared and part of it angry. He had to come up with a plan. By morning, he figured out the best plan he could come up with. He was going to rob his parent’s house.

Harrison knew that his father kept a large amount of cash in the house from church services. He just needed to get in and grab it. He felt bad at first, but then realized these are the people who kicked their own son out of the house, and that his parishioners probably thought he was a hero for doing so. He had to wait one more day, until Saturday, when the church had their big mega-service. Most of the neighborhood went to that service. He could slip in during service grab the cash and some other stuff and never be seen. 

The time came to put his plan into action. Harrison dashed over to his former home. He grabbed the key his mother kept in a flower pot by the side door. He went in and went right to his father’s office for the cash. He was feeling a little guilty, but had to keep reminding himself how awful these parents of his were. When he opened the drawer where the money was, it was loaded. He grabbed it all. He went to his room and grabbed some more clothes and an actual duffel bag to use, instead of the grocery bag his father handed him with just three pairs of underwear in it, his toothbrush and two pairs of socks. After he took as much clothing as he could stuff into the duffel, he headed out. He stopped just before he left. 

He had to do one more thing. He went to the office and grabbed a marker. He went into the kitchen and wrote in big letters on the refrigerator, ‘May God have Mercy on you’. It was his last fuck you to his asshole parents.

* * * *

Jack and Harrison were walking back from the pub. Jack had ordered a bunch of extra food for Harrison’s friends and some of the other guys in the park. Ron was much less wary when Jack paid the bill and left a 100% tip.

“I have to tell the boys where I’m going. It’s how we watch out for one another.” Harrison explained as he told Jack to stay on the sidewalk. “We’re going somewhere? Jack asked. “Dude! I’m going home with you tonight.” Harrison said as if Jack should have already known that – even though it hadn’t been discussed. 

“OK then. I guess.”

“You don’t have a choice now. If nothing else, I’m sleeping in a warm, comfy bed tonight.” Jack couldn’t argue with that.

Only ‘residents’ were allowed in the camp. When he got to the tent, Blaze wasn’t there, but Lucas was. “Hey Harrison! Blaze is tricking. Whatcha got?” “Burgers, fries, onion rings, rolls and some other stuff. Keep what you want for you and Blaze and share the rest.” Harrison handed Lucas the bags of food. Lucas was ecstatic. 

“Are you two going somewhere?” 

“Yeppers! I’m gonna get this guy in bed finally. Or at least get into his bed, whatever.” Harrison exclaimed, maybe too loudly. 

“How much?” asked Lucas. 

“Hmmm, we didn’t talk about that. I guess I should on the way over, huh?” 

“I guess. He seems like he’s got a lot of money.” Lucas said. 

“He definitely does. OK, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll be at the St. Regis. Here’s his business card. Do the usual, call the hotel in, oh, 90 minutes and ask for him. If they don’t put the call through, or he doesn’t answer, call his cell phone on the card. I’m sure I’ll be fine. You know the code if I’m not.” 

“Wow, the St. Regis? That’s big time man! Have fun!”

“We’re all good?” asked Jack. “Yeppers!” Jack figured out this was a catch phrase for Harrison. They walked to the hotel and chatted on the way. They said nothing really serious or consequential, just a bunch of small talk. Jack was becoming more comfortable with the whole situation. A double bourbon contributed to that, but he also really wanted this boy. He felt a real connection to this kid. Even though he was super nervous about walking through the lobby with an 18 year old, obviously homeless kid. 

Harrison was feeling really good about things. He was pretty excited to get with this guy. He didn’t plan to ask for money like he usually would. Somehow, Harrison felt like this was something different. He thought he should try to play the long game. Maybe it will be one night, maybe it will be more, “I’ve gotta play this one right.”

Jack built up the nerve to finally ask a key question that was also on his mind beyond his attraction, “so, how much is this going to cost me?” “Wow. No beating around the bush there, huh?” Harrison seemed a little offended. 

Jack stopped walking and stood in front of Harrison. 

“Look, you have totally caught my attention. You have occupied some part of my mind for most of the day. I had to come back and find you. You’re fucking adorable! And I love this whole cocky attitude thing, yet you seem so sweet. I have no idea what your story is, or why you’re being so nice to me. I’m old enough to be your father almost two times over! So, pardon me if I think I’m just going to have a fling with a hustler who needs some cash. I don’t mean that in any way other than I just want to cover my bases and, well, protect myself. If this is just a gig for you, that’s fine, I just want to know. I mean, what the fuck else could it be when a teenage boy wants to hang out with an old guy? I have no idea what I’m thinking. Ugh!!” 

Jack realized he might have been a little loud as a couple that walked by shot him a very concerned look. 

Harrison stared for a moment at a very exasperated Jack. He couldn’t be upset with him for saying what he did. After all, this is kind of how Harrison has been operating for the last few years. Harrison was a hustler trying to score cash, or dinner, or a room for the night. This guy was different and he didn’t know why. He looked up at Jack, put his hand on his shoulder and stepped closer to him.

“You’re right about a lot of that. This is how I’ve kept myself alive for the last three years. You’re right. I AM a hustler, I HAVE to be. I’ve tried hard to avoid it, but it has to happen. Otherwise, bad things will happen to me and I’ve worked too hard to keep them from happening. I meant it when I called you handsome. You’re probably the hottest guy that I’ve ever met in this city – of any age! If I wasn’t into you, I’d have just asked for money and went about my business. I have kept this whole thing up all night because I wanted to get to know you and yes, I definitely want to fuck you. I really want to fuck you. But I want to cuddle afterwards. I want to wake up and have breakfast in bed with you. I want you to come find me in the park again someday. Obviously, you want something since you came back tonight. When you gave me your card, I was hooked. So let's go have some fun. Please.” 

At this point Harrison’s eyes watered up. Jack wiped away a tear and said, “OK, let’s go. Let’s just chill out and have a nice night together.” Jack said reassuringly. “I have champagne!” They both laughed and hugged. It was the first time they actually touched each other. 

“Oh, and you need a fucking shower, kid.”

* * * *

As they approached the hotel, Jack had a realization. “Fuck, I can’t just walk into the hotel with you. Like this.” 

“Huh?” said a confused Harrison. “You’ve never had a trick before?”

“I have. They are usually older and, well, not homeless looking?” Jack was already embarrassed by this whole exchange. “I’m sure walking into hotels with your other tricks is fine. This is where I stay every fucking week. They know me there. It’s my home away from home. They know I don’t have a kid and this might look pretty, um, questionable. I know you’re ‘legal’ and all, and I’m probably worrying about nothing, but I think we need a plan.”

Harrison looked concerned, but also was thinking Jack might be right. Most of his tricks were one offs in town for a weekend or something, not a dude who practically lives here. 

“I have an idea!” Harrison exclaimed. He spotted a Chinese restaurant across the street. He grabbed Jack’s hand and ran him over to it. 

“Have you ever had food delivered?” 

“Wow, you’re a fucking genius.” 

“Street smarts, baby!” 

“I have ordered food and I usually tell the desk to let them up to the room, so this is perfect.” Jack handed Harrison five twenties. “Get whatever you want. I like pork lo mein.” I know neither of us are hungry, but it will make for a great midnight snack.” 

“Dude, it’s 11:30, but I know what you mean. I’ll be there in 20 minutes.” Perfect. Remember, last name Holden. I’m in suite 2205.” 

“Wow, a fucking suite. I can’t wait.” 

The plan worked flawlessly. Harrison wasn’t even given a second look when Jack told the doorman that he was expecting a delivery. 

When Jack got to the room, he took a deep breath. “I’m either going to have a great night and get robbed or beaten, or I’m going to have a great night and take this kid home with me.” He was still a little nervous, but now it was more about being whatever this kid wants or likes. Jack was thinking Harrison had to be fairly experienced, being that he had to have sex to earn money. Of course there was no way Harrison was as experienced as he was. Jack sighed. He kind of felt bad for the kid. Jack was both nervous and happy. Something felt really right about this.