Where’d the Time Go?

Tony restocked the liquor cabinet, Gin, Scotch, Gand Marnier, Chardonnay, Champagne. He made sure the glasses sparkled, stirrers, napkins...Chris stopped at the new yuppie cheese store on Shawmut to pick up his order. It features a new creamy Brie he loves, along with his other favorite cheeses. This Brie is to be eaten on a particular soft but salty cracker, not rolled in dough with red pepper jam and baked. For that he’ll use the cheap stuff. It was their week to host the Saturday night dinner party. 

For 25 years they met every few weeks for dinner and drinks. The night varied over time, breakups and new partners filtered in and out. Sometimes, original friends were dropped for their more interesting ex’s.  Predictably, the party itself changed over time. In the early years, mostly single friends met for cocktails and light snacks before they went to the clubs. Then as they coupled up, big meals with too much booze and wine would flow like water.  Now with the same group, dessert is added to the menu, “life’s too short so let’s enjoy it!” Still, sometimes they end the night at the Eagle for a drink or last call. 

On Saturday, Tony is particularly edgy. Chris can see it. He planned to cook a new Thia dish he had at Debra and Dave’s house. They are new friends who invited them to a dinner party last week. It was a fun mix of interesting people. Last night, Craig, Tony’s oldest friend, called to remind him it was his partner Gary’s Birthday next week. “Can you please make your Chicken Marcella? You know it’s his favorite.” Tony agreed, “thanks for the notice Craig but of course I will. Not a big deal”, then he hurried off to the market in a huff to buy the ingredients for this meal. He wondered what he would do with the Thai ingredients in his fridge. 

Saturday as Tony cooked, Chris played all of Tony’s favorite toons on his fancy new stereo system. Chris loved music. Music created moods but oddly, Chris never sang. His voice was good enough but he wasn’t the type to put himself out there. Unlike Tony who did sing but not always in tune. He didn’t really care. Today, not a note or a smile from Tony. This was out of character. Tony was always smiling. He was happy cooking for people he loved but today Chris could see Tony’s heart wasn’t in it. That’s why he played  Tony’s music. 

Chris went into the kitchen to help change the mood. He put his arms around Tony, catching him by surprise. Tony bumped back. Chris asked what’s wrong? Tony complained about the cast iron pan, “it’s not right. the chicken is burning in places, light in others. It’s going to taste like shit.” Chris said “it’s going to be delicious as always but I’m asking you, what’s wrong?” “I told you it’s burn...” Chris interrupted him and says“ I’ve known you for over 20 years and this isn’t about Chicken Tony, now what gives.” Tony finally smiles, half happy someone knows him so well and half pissed off someone knows him so well. Tony tried to explain that these dinners are getting repetitive, who gets drunk, who starts a fight, who flirts too much and misbehaves. It’s all gay gay gay. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful for our long friendships, I just have more fun with our new friends.” Intellectual stimulation with different kinds of people with different interests and experiences. It’s refreshing compared to our sexuality always front and center at these dinners. “I want more, and I know you do too. We’ve been having so much fun. I’m cooking but thinking about getting up early tomorrow without a hangover and going to the farmers market, not like these drunks who’ll end up at the Eagle, smashed, doing whatever..” They both laugh. “It’s one night with our oldest friends Ton. It will be okay. I promise.” They kissed and Tony  smiles. “The pan is working better Chris. It looks good now. It’ll taste okay.” He says, “it always does. It will taste delicious if you make it Ton.” Chris had moved on to putting the finishing touches on the table; centerpiece and decorations, Crystal, China, candles. All must be perfect.

Chris carefully plans seating for all the players that night. He pays close attention now...

Craig and Gary here. Craig far enough from Tony, his old annoying High School buddy that changed tonight’s menu and his slutty boyfriend.

Scott and Sheldon over there. Scott a show off and flirt at a safe distance from our young guest. Sheldon Scott’s trophy.

Mason and Chip here. Both safe from the wolves. Mason older and still fragile, Chip young and beautiful.

Tony and Chris here. “Us. We have the best kitchen access in these seats.” He thought to himself.

Great! What could go wrong he thought?

They were ready at 7. The candles are lit, first of 2-3 glasses of wine they will drink tonight poured. They wait for Craig and Gary to show up early again for dinner at 8. The doorbell rings at 7:15. Craig pushes past Chis, at the door, complaining about Gary’s driving skills. Craig is complaining directly to Tony, his friend since High School but Tony only half listens and doesn’t really care. He’s been listening to Craig bitch about Gary since the day the two moved in together 15 years ago. That was exactly 3 days after they met in a South Boston beach parking lot at 3am. Craig turned to Chris and said, “he’s parking the car. That should take 5 min to park and 20 min to squeeze in a couple of...whatever he does. We’ll see him in a half hour”. Chris said “Okay, gin and Tonic sweetie?” Craig laughed. “Why couldn’t I get Chris first? We’re much more compatible, starting with our love for Abfab”. Tony said “but he hates old crabs and God knows your relationship with crabs Craig. It would never work.” “Bitch” Craig replied. Gary turned up 40 min or 3 “whatever’s with whoever’s” later along with Scott and Sheldon. Sheldon is Scott’s big beautiful black boyfriend, or trophy. Followed shortly by Mason and Chip. Mason, a parental figure to everyone and Chip, a very young and new addition to the group. Tony hoped new blood would make things interesting. 

As usual Scott was bragging about how great business was, as he sat on the sofa near Chip. He bragged about how many houses he sold, how much money he made and how beautiful his “chocolate God” Sheldon is. “Sheldon works long and hard to keep every bit of me and “my friends” happy and satisfied. I make sure every inch of this man is well taken care of, over and over again all night long...” as Chris hands him his drink and he stares down Chip to quantify his reaction. Now everyone looked at Chips stone cold expression. Chris looked at Tony and smiled. He passed their test by not reacting to Scott’s bragging. Tony and Chris had a silent way of communicating their thoughts. A look meant everything. Everyone was seated around the coffee table which was covered in appetizers, cheeses, fruit and vegetables and snacks. Poor Sheldon, the only black man in the room and constantly objectified for the stereotypical big phallus. Actually, as he sat presenting, it seemed he might like the attention. After years with Scott, he may have a lot of self esteem based on his screws and bolts. He certainly didn’t try to hide anything in his pants..

And so it began...

Scott: “Sheldon, get away from the cheese. You’ll be bound up for days.”

Mason: “yea, right, you’re the only one that will be getting bound and packed tonight but nobody gives a crap about your sexlife. Nobody cares if you’re up all night worshipping Sheldon’s personality.” He turns, “sorry Shelley. "

Scott: “hmmm, that would almost hurt if it came from a plum, and not an old dried up prune like you. Talk about bound up... lol. I’m sure that’s all he talks about,  poop. No wait, it’s poop and fiber. Did you take your Metamucil today Mason? Am I right Chip? Isn’t that what all elderly people do? Stay with him Chip. You’ll be his nurse in 3 years.”

Scott is nervously fidgeting with his ring and shirt collar and cuffs. He continued trying to think of catty replies, “you old queen, maybe you’re with this little piece of eye candy just for that, a nurse. Chip, if he isn’t treating you well, you come and see Sheldon and me. We can make a nice reverse Oreo or maybe you want to be in the middle, like strawberry between chocolate and Vanilla. We can do it on Sunday. Bring a cherry.” Scott laughs hysterically at his own joke.

They all awkwardly laugh and hope it will stop.

Gary, not very good at back and forth probably should have stayed silent but gave it a go: “Boys, leave Chip alone, it’s obvious he wants me. I see you looking at me from over there.”

Chip: “I’m sorry. Was I? I worked today. Maybe I was zoning 

out.”

Gary face turned from a smile to a hurting child very quickly. Imagine, he was just the recipient of a “zone out”, not lust.

Tony says: Funny, I haven’t seen Chip take his eyes off Mason. Anyone want some of Chris’s Brie cheese binder for their big mouths? 

Chris says: “alright guys I think Chip has had...”

Chip interrupts: “No Chris, it’s cool. I’m used to it. I like older guys. Scott, that’s a tempting offer but I have my hands full with this one right here and I’m fresh out of cherry’s.” He grabbed Mason in close to him and gives him a long passionate kiss....

Tony and Chris look at each other. Without words, awwh, nice guy. Tony says: “Mason, this ones a keeper. That’s so sweet Chip. Mason’s a great guy. I hope you’re both very happy.

Mason jumps up and announces he needs to use the bathroom. He almost runs from the room. The others are laughing and chatting about their shoes and haircuts. Scott refills drinks for everyone but Tony noticed Mason’s urgency. He knew Mason. This is emotion calling, not nature. He gave him a minute, then followed him down to the bathroom. 

Tony waited outside. Everyone upstairs was laughing and talking. Finally Tony knocked. “Mason, can I come in”. A frail sounding voice says “go away, I’m not a dirty bathroom troll..... not anymore.”  Now they laugh and Tony walks in to find Mason sitting on top of the closed toilet crying. “What’s the matter May May”. “Aaaah kid, it nuts. I miss him so much ya know. It’s been almost 2 years but I miss that old prick. I’m so pissed he died on me. He promised ya know. Almost 40 years.” “What did he promise” Tony asked “He said I could die first. You know so I’m not left behind and he’d get a young piece of ass to play with. Who knew?” They laughed. “...and Tony, he likes me. Chip really likes me. He doesn’t care I’m 65 years old. Hell, I’m older than all of you by 20 years. Chip could be my grandson but he’s like...into it. I can tell. You know that feeling. He can’t keep his hands off of me and I don’t know why? It’s not about money or stuff. He hasn’t asked for one thing from me and I offer. I offered to pay his bills and student loans 2 months ago when he was working extra hours to save for his sisters wedding. He wouldn’t take a penny, nothing. It’s not like I can’t afford it. That kid works so hard and I could so easily make his life simpler. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall and I feel so guilty. My poor Stan. Dead instantly from that heart attack and I have all his money and I’m trouncing around with this young beautiful”... Tony stopped him: “first, if you keep waiting for him to fuck up or the other shoe to fall, I promise it will. We all fuck up Mason. Stanley died. It happened and it’s horrible and so sad but I know he would love this. He wants you to be happy. He’s probably looking down and watching you with that stud.” Now Tony talks about Chip, “He’s good, you know that. Chris and I can tell. He’s a good guy. He likes you. You deserve to be happy. Maybe to be loved someday?” “Stop Tony” says Mason. They laugh Again. Tony commands him, “Now splash your face and let’s eat”. “ oh Tony, I love you. You always know what to say”. They hugged and Tony went upstairs first to give Mason a minute.

The mood upstairs changed. Tony looked at Chris who appeared frantic but a look was not enough here, he had to speak for details. Chris was changing the music to change the mood. Chris whispers to Tony “fuck, Scott claims he took his Rolex off and put it on the coffee table and now it’s gone. He ran to his car. He’s cross examining everyone, especially....” “Wait, Chip... right?” Tony ran over to Scott and grabbed his arm. He whispered “that fucking Rolex has been stolen by friends, housekeepers, forgotten at bars and your own boyfriend stole it when he was your latest fling. You better cut the shit with Chip tonight until you check everywhere else because you know that thing is like a boomerang. It always comes back. I’m not going to see Mason go through that. Am I perfectly clear” “.....jeez commandant! Fine,fine but....Tony glares at him. He shuts up.

“Alright, everyone take your seats. Chris will show you. Salad is served any drinks or just wine?” Tony says. Everyone mumbles requests. They are all grumpy as Mason walks up the stairs and joins Chip. Everyone walks to the table. Tony puts the pasta in and telepathically and wit hand gestures, commands Chris’s to get the salads out fast and talk... talk talk talk.

Chris takes the cue. He is commanding and enchanting when he speaks. As usual, his personality, blonde hair, muscles and handsome looks easily grab everyone’s attention. He tells them about a job he’s doing for the HRC and his meeting with Hillary Clinton. Tony thinks about how lucky he is to have a partner who knows just what to say and do. As Chris passes the salads, he has everyone in the palm of his hands. He looks at me. It’s all right. What Rolex? It’s all Chris and Hillary as Tony slips in. Like a symphony, he says “dig in.”

When Tony takes his largest platter, overflowing with Chicken Marcella, out of the kitchen. Craig immediately takes full credit for it. Announcing he had it made for Gary’s Birthday, Tony doesn’t care really. He just wants everyone to enjoy and then go home. Scott assists with his equally famous garlic bread and the greens. Gary says “thank you” sheepishly as he gobbles up the dish and seconds and 5 pieces of garlic bread but no Broccoli Rabe. Scott, a South Boston guy is not into vegetables. He’s simple. Good looking but totally uninteresting. He’s like wallpaper or a fern. If he does talk to you, you’re not really listening. One ear is on another conversation at the table with one ear listening just enough to know when nodding and smiling

 is appropriate. It works well since Craig prefers to be the center of attention. 

Now Scott is talking to Mason about purchasing client gifts for thank you’s or birthday’s from Mason’s shop. Mason always gives the best advice on these matters. 

Tony and Chris engage in a political conversation with Chip. Young Chip perked up when Chris spoke about meeting Hillary. He had a lot to say about Bush and the environment. Chris and Tony loved to hear the point of view of younger people like their adult nieces and nephews. They loved hearing everyone’s perspective on current issues. Especially when their views aligned. This was not the group to talk politics with but Chip was interested and very interesting and knowledgeable. The others had no attention span for politics or current events. 

Conversation went well through dinner and dessert. Long after his Pear Tart was finished, as expected, Scott had his 3rd Grand Marnier and started again, carefully. Drunkenly he toyed with Chip about the Rolex without Directly mentioning Chip. He did get Tony’s message and knew the consequences. A fight that Tony would win. Tony is totally sober. So after teasing about a crime scene, Scott announced how sure he was that his Rolex was on his bed stand. “It’s so funny how sure I was that I put it on that table.” As he looked at Chip.  Chip looked like he was ready to address this once and for all until Tony jumped in, “That bed stand is worn out but yes, your watch is sitting squarely on it like so many times before, right Scott? Tell Chip how Sheldon misplaced it so many years ago?” He turns to Sheldon, “sorry Shelley.” Sheldon is starting to get annoyed at being a pawn instead of a trophy. Sheldon says to Chip, “Don’t make a mistake around these queens. You’ll never live it down kid.” Scott laughs loudly and awkwardly to change the mood. Fortunately, most everyone is tipsy. They all laugh as Chip stares at Scott.

The night was winding down now. Chris and Tony were cleaning up and eying everyone doing their own thing. Their eyes were saying this was winding down. Craig and Gary were kind of dancing in the living room while Mason took Chip to a corner and uncharacteristically hugged and freely kissed and touched him closely in front of everyone. Tony and Chris looked at each other and thought the night was a success. Tony hoped there would be no drama when Scott gets home, phone calls, screaming.... 

Now let’s hope they start leaving... as Craig announces they are going to the Eagle for a quick one. “Anyone?” Sheldon and Scott said they’ll come for one. Mason says they will walk out with them since it’s an early day for him and he is working at his shop in the afternoon. As he fumbles in his pocket, Mason pulls out the watch. “Omg, ha ha. Look what I found? I’m always so fascinated by this thing and all those diamonds! I must have had it in my hand when I went down to the bathroom. I’m so sorry Scott. I must have dropped it in my pocket. I was preoccupied. Then jokingly he said “Actually, I knew but decided I could never wear it out in public without getting caught. So here you go.” He tossed it hard almost aggressively to Scott who gasped but caught it. They laughed and they all started leaving... kiss kiss kiss...hugs.

Tony and Chris finished cleaning and talking about everyone by 11:30. Tony thanked Chris for always knowing what to say and talking him off the edge. “It was actually a pretty good night. Interesting, fairly well behaved.” Chris kissed his forehead. I agree. New friends, old friends, we are just blessed to have friends. People who we have shared memories with and some to make new memories... let’s go to bed. “Farmers market in the morning?”

Outside when the 3 couples walked down Tremont, Mason and Chip said goodbye again at Union Park. They lived 5 doors down in a huge beautiful Victorian building Mason and Stan renovated for 20 years. Scott said “come on guys. Chips a magnet, come or even better, can we take him?” Mason and Chip said “No.” at the same time and laughed. They walked holding hands to their front steps. Mason very carefully said “Chip, why did you take it? You’ve had so much opportunity right in our house. You know I’d give you whatever you wanted, money a watch, why? Why with them?” Chip laughed. “So you pushed me in the corner and felt me up until you found it because you were embarrassed and didn’t trust me? You think I wanted his watch or money? Mason, I was going to give it back. I didn’t want it.” “Well then why would you take it?” “I did it on a whim. I didn’t like the way he talked to you or treated you or me. He’s disrespectful. I wanted him to feel loss. He probably isn’t capable of feeling real loss. So I took his watch. I took away what was important to him. It was fun to watch him squirm, wasn’t it? I was going to give it back tonight Mason. I was just about to give it back before we left. I wanted to tell him why I borrowed it for a while. I wanted to ask him how it felt to lose something you love like you did Mason. You thought I stole it for money? Do you think I could do that?” Mason was stumped. Chip did take it. Any answer would fall flat. Instead he said “ I love you. I don’t know what I thought but we have time to learn more about each other. You can’t take that banter seriously Chip. Our insults are like a dance of sarcastic wit. I don’t give a shit about anyone but Tony and Chis. The best as they come. Then he thought of Tony’s advice, not to wait for a bad thing to happen, it will. Mason decided to believe him or maybe he didn’t care if it was true. If Chip was that desperate to steal a watch, he would make sure he’s never that desperate again. 

Mason added, “I did what I did in that corner to protect someone I love. Now that you told me everything, of course I believe you Chip because I believe in you. I choose you.” Chip had a tear in his eye. “you said you love me twice. I love you Mason. I’ve loved you almost since our first date. I’m so happy.” “I feel it Chip. I do. I feel it and I do love you. Should we go up?” Chip nodded as they climbed the stairs. Mason said “you like Chris and Tony?” Yes, they are great, down to earth” “They certainly are. They invited us for Thia on Wednesday, a new recipe I guess, just four of us.” Chip said “Sounds like a fun night. Does Tony have a nice watch?” They laugh hard as Mason shuts the door away from the outside world.