Wait and Hope: Chapter Fifteen
Date Night
Harry changed his mind in mid-dial, calling Martha instead. He’d been so distracted by his encounter with Root; he didn’t even think to check for messages on his answering machine. His car could be picked up anytime, only he needed a ride. Harry just didn’t feel safe walking even a short distance from the nearest public transportation drop off to the garage. His mechanic was honest and charged reasonable prices, but his shop was located in an iffy neighborhood.
Rafe was more than likely still out with Sherry, at a fundraiser one of her family was chairing; he didn’t want to disrupt their evening. He owed the woman that much, she had been so supportive of Rafe, offering her car and her family’s private lake for his and Harry’s picnic date. Nor did Harry want to appear a jealous fool using the excuse of a need for a ride to call the member’s only club where the fundraiser was being held at to ask to speak to Rafe.
So Martha it was. Arrangements were made; they’d meet at the brownstone Tuesday after Harry returned from his job. That still meant another trip to and from the school on the MTA and another chance meeting with Miss Tammy Sue.
Nothing untoward happened Tuesday. Harry’s time in the classroom went well and Tammy Sue paid him scant attention when he’d taken lunch in the school cafeteria again.
Yet he was not surprised when the brunette sat next to him on the subway leg of his journey home. Tammy Sue blathered along as she had the day before. “I have some of the best news. My roommate Celine, remember the one I told you about yesterday? Well she’s done met up with some of my boss’s old business rivals. You know of all things, they ain’t rivals no more; they wanna work for her now. They were in cahoots with those awful people who made all that trouble for us. Well you know those bad, bad people put one over on them to boot. We are gonna set up some place new, so I won’t be seeing you again, Sugar. We coulda been great friends I think.”
Once again when Harold exited the subway car, Samantha Groves rode off to a destination unknown.
Wednesday Miss Tammy Sue Boudreaux wasn’t behind the lunch counter. Scuttlebutt was she quit to go back home to Tuckerville, family problems. So was Root really gone? Harry was too absorbed in teaching subject matters to give that question another thought for the rest of the afternoon.
The old blue Taurus wasn’t much to look at but Harry sighed when he sank into its interior. Compared to the torture devices passing as seating on public transportation, sitting on the car’s springy, fraying cloth covered driver’s side bucket seat was a blessed relief.
When he went to move his battered briefcase to the floorboard from the center console where he had tossed it getting into the car, Harry noticed a plastic shopping bag from a well-known pet supply store lying on the passenger side seat. Curiosity over-ruled caution as he picked up the bag to check out its contents of a silver studded collar, a pack of rawhide sticks, and three different chew toys. Harry also pulled out a slip of paper on which was scribbled, ‘I’m really going to miss you guys, especially the dog. Thank you for everything. S.’
The short beep of a car horn had Harold looking up from reading the note. Passing by was a sleek late model sports car, behind the wheel was Ms. Shaw who nodded and gave a salute goodbye. Samantha Groves sat next to her looking vaguely sad but grimly determined.
Watching their car round a corner disappearing from sight, Harold knew the answer. Driving back to his apartment, Harry mouthed the words, Thank you-Goodbye, as the car passed by the first traffic cam.
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Rafe turned off the treadmill, stepping down to grab his towel and take a sip of bottled water. He didn’t mind that Sherry had replaced him as her companion to the benefit with Detective Fusco. They were still eating their lunch in the little sandwich shop when Fusco had called Sherry’s cell. Rafe didn’t listen in on their conversation, so he was a bit surprised and oddly relieved to find Sherry had charmed the detective into accompanying her this evening.
Unfortunately though, being dateless left him with a free evening with nothing to do.
Rafe’s first inclination was to use his key to the brownstone apartment-Harry had given him one so he wouldn’t need to break in-and be there with the proverbial open arms waiting for the man’s return. Only they had made a promise to each other to move forward together, but how fast or how far would be at Harry’s chosen pace. Showing up unexpectedly again probably wouldn’t get him thrown out on his ear, Harry would sweetly invite Rafe to lay next to him once more and they would hold each other close. Sweetly though was not how Rafe wanted to end up in bed again; hotly, desperately pulling at each other’s clothes, Harry’s hands all over him, claiming Rafe as his own was how Rafe wanted to get there.
So here he was now, working out at Riley’s Gym, hoping the strenuous physical regime he was putting himself through would release some of the sexual tension he was feeling and also tire himself enough to fall asleep, alone. Rafe really didn’t expect anything, he hadn’t slept in months, only three times in all those days had he truly rested.
The exercise didn’t work. He didn’t sleep.
Tuesday, Rafe ended up at Sherry’s after her shift at the diner ended, bored to death and restless with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Rafe’s little boyfriend was a teacher, gone during the day and Rafe wasn’t needed nor wanted at the diner. Sherry loved spending all their free time together with Rafe before but now, now he was driving her crazy. Following her around like a lost puppy, for two afternoons and evenings. Thank God! It would be over soon.
Rafe had grabbed her and waltzed her around the condo’s living room Tuesday afternoon after calling Harry’s number from her house phone. Rafe reminded her then of her best friend in high school when she was asked by Mr. Football to go to the prom. With both their weekends free, Harry had set up a date for Thursday and after that? Well hopefully, after that, whatever the reason was for Rafe not spending more time with his heartthrob, it would be resolved. Rafe in love was truly adorable and sweet, but enough was enough!
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Thursday was finally here. Harry felt more confident than he’d had in ages. He’d left the school satisfied with how he had spent his four days there, teaching not babysitting, feeling somewhat sad to be leaving, not happy to escape. He was proud of himself, proud of Rafe’s heroics after hearing about the robbery attempt. After being apart for days, Harry was looking forward to treating them to the special night they both deserved.
On the way home Harry had dipped into the supposed settlement money and bought himself a nice suit-not bespoke, but an excellent cut and fit in a color he remembered John had loved seeing Harold in-and a bottle of men’s cologne its fragrance similar to what he’d worn in that hotel room in D.C. While buttoning up his shirt and tying his tie his hand were steady, no signs of the tremors. If the night ended the way he hoped it would, he was ready.
Harry’s confidence wavered a bit when picking up Rafe at his place for their date. He slid into the passenger seat of Harry’s Taurus dressed in blue jeans, a pale blue pin-striped dress shirt, and navy blue sports coat. Moving in to give Harry a kiss ‘hello’, Rafe took notice of how fine, the other man looked and pulled back suddenly looking apologetic. “I don’t have a good suit anymore or ties. None of my friends wear them to even loan me one. Sorry.”
Harry mentally kicked himself. Rafe might not be in a tux, but he was still the most gorgeous man in the city. He nodded, “That is quite alright. No need to be sorry. We are going to a nice place, a restaurant Harry Furnham can afford. Nothing like those upscale establishments with strict dress codes, they won’t require a tie. But thank you for wearing a jacket.” Rafe shrugged feeling Harry was still disappointed somehow.
They managed to make light and enjoyable conversation all the way to the restaurant despite the awkwardness from earlier.
As they pulled up to Geno’s Italian Eatery Rafe tried to keep to their arrangement. He would follow Harry’s lead, letting him take control of the night’s activities. Harry had picked the restaurant, driven them here, and now Rafe even allowed Harry to open his door before a parking lot attendant parked their car.
Once inside Harry’s face fell again. The place was a mom and pop that had seen better days. It was clean and neat, but obviously deserted and in need of renovations. The owner greeted them with enthusiasm and gave them the best table near the bandstand since only a single elderly patron was in the whole joint. A lonely piano player who looked like a refugee from a Rat Pack tribute band played a mournful rendition of Volare without vocals. He was smoking and tipping back a whiskey bottle straight from the neck. The entire atmosphere screamed seen better days.
Trying to make the best of it, Rafe asked Harry to pick the wine. Harry paused momentarily at the thought of drinking anything alcoholic before asking for the wine list. Surprisingly the listings were vintage wines. Although it felt more like the wine was old because no one bought it for decades rather than the list being purchased recently. But when it showed up, the wine was delicious. Harry was pleased and ordered the whole bottle. They shared sweet bruschetta that was freshly made with thick crusty bread slices.
Rafe ordered the veal picatta, a dish he had wanted to add to the menu in his own diner. Sampling it in a real Italian restaurant would help him perfect the recipe he was creating. Harry ordered the chicken Marsala.
The food was as excellent. Their conversation was light and flirty. Harry was thoroughly enjoying wining and dining his breathtakingly handsome companion, although he himself drank sparingly. Once they were finished with the main course they shared an order of tiramisu. Seeing Harry so relaxed and convivial now, Rafe couldn’t help but feel a bit playful and feed Harry some of the classic dessert.
Harry started, jerking his head to the side causing the fork to fly out of Rafe’s hand and land on the floor. Why did the thought pop into his head at that moment how inappropriate it was for two men to feed each other? Why did it bother him so much just because they were in public? Mortified, Harry excused himself and fled to the washroom.
Rafe felt badly that something done impulsively had embarrassed the older man so much, Harry had rushed away so red-faced and humiliated that he’d nearly fallen into the next table. Well Rafe had certainly ended this night on a bad note. He signaled the server over to ask for the check and a box for the unfinished dessert, but Rafe stopped himself when he noticed the balcony beyond billowy curtains. Rafe had to salvage the night somehow, so instead he asked if the dessert and some espresso could be set up on the terrace. The owner who was concerned over the scene he had just witnessed and had approached the table to see if there was something he could do, agreed with a smile before walking away talking animatedly with the server.
On his way to the bathroom to retrieve his date, Rafe slipped the pianist a twenty and asked him to play some slow dancing music for the next half hour. Atmosphere and location were taken care of; Rafe opened the men’s room door. “Knock, knock.”
Rafe saw Harry drying his red face over the sink. Rafe came behind the little man and encircled his waist. Rafe laid his chin on Harry’s shoulders, smiling into their mirrored reflection. Rafe tightened his grip as the shorter man relaxed into his hold.
Harry closed his eyes and sighed, “I am a wreck and you should just get out now while you can.”
Rafe kissed Harry’s neck right above the collar, then behind an ear. “It’s too late for that. My heart is determined and my head agrees.” Rafe chuckled naughtily and bumped his hip into Harry’s butt, “Both heads actually.”
Harry snorted a laugh of his own and smiled despite himself, “Stop that, I am trying to be in a bad mood.”
Rafe turned Harry around and kissed him chastely, “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night. Dropping the fork was funny not embarrassing. We can tell our grand puppies about it in a few years. “
Harry laughed again and drew Rafe into a hug, “I just wanted everything to be just so. I can’t afford to wine and dine you like I used to.” Harry swallowed, “No jet sitting off to Poland for fried perogies anymore.”
Rafe hugged Harry tight, pushed him away, straightened his tie then led them both out of the restroom saying, “Double fried, but you will recall that I was not impressed then and I am not impressed now by that sort of thing.”
When Harry made to head for the exit, Rafe slid his arm into the crook of his date’s elbow and guided them both past moving curtains onto a terrace that held a single table with espresso, cups, and the remains of their dessert. Two tall, drippy candles were lit. They did not detract from the beautiful night sky. Harry gasped at the sight and turned to Rafe. “Thank you.”
Rafe dipped his head to capture Harry’s lips again. Just then the piano started playing Bella Notte. Rafe smiled and took Harry into his arms. “Dance with me? This is my favorite song from my favorite movie.”
Slowly they began to sway in the age old white man’s shuffle. Not really dancing, more of a swaying into each other. Rafe hummed a few bars and said, “I really should have ordered spaghetti and meatballs. Then I could have scooted a meatball to you. We could have tried to eat a piece of pasta together to end in a kiss.”
Rafe was smiling to himself, but Harry was a bit surprised. A man that should have been hardened and bitter from life was romancing him with remembrances of a tale of innocent love? Rafe took them through a slow turn and Harry asked, “Rafe? You mean to tell me that your favorite movie is Disney's Lady & the Tramp?”
Rafe stopped and looked at Harry, “Well, yes. Isn't it obvious?”
Harry shook his head so Rafe continued to dance while he explained, “A street dog, a mongrel is saved by a well-heeled rich dog. The Tramp gains a love and a family, a community as well.” Rafe kissed Harry gently. “The Tramp even calls his love Pigeon; a bird name.”
Harry grinned at Rafe, “That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I am delighted to learn this. We need to watch the movie together one day snuggling on the couch.”
Rafe agreed and they danced through the next song. Finally, they sat close at the small table and fed each other between sips of dark, rich espresso. Once the table was cleared Harry paid the check and the lovers left holding hands.
Inside the car Rafe kept a hand on Harry’s thigh and asked if they could go to Rafe’s place for a nightcap. It was a subtle request that Harry could decline if he still needed time. Harry accepted the invitation.
Both men were breathless with expectation as they drove to the apartment and parked. Rafe opened the doors for Harry this time. The elevator ride was agony. Both men stared at the floor indicators in anticipation.
When the bell dinged they exited in a rush. Harry nearly stumbled and Rafe caught him. They began to kiss fiercely, passionate kisses that lingered and took all their concentration. They hit a wall then slid along it until Rafe’s back hit a door knob, he grunted a mild curse, and they parted laughing. Rafe quickly got the door opened and they were inside. It was a modest apartment, small by any standards, barely 17’ x 17’, but the bed next to the far wall was still too far away. Only two steps inside both men fell onto the couch tearing at the other’s clothes.
Harry was pushed down onto his back by Rafe who pulled up both their shirts to expose their flies. Rafe unbuttoned Harry while Harry unzipped Rafe. Each man grappled to get ahold of the other. The only trembling in Harry’s hands now was from need. But his grasp was firm, as was Rafe’s; each man stroked the heated fullness of the other in their fists. Harry groaned low, he had missed this, missed the touch of the one who loved him. Most of all, returning that intimacy to the one person that had claimed his heart, mind, body, and soul.
Rafe’s breath hitched as Harry palmed down his length to squeeze the tip of him between a thumb and forefinger. His eyelids lowered with the erogenous sensation, white flashes of light igniting behind them. Rafe’s hips began to rock, pressing down. Harry rose up to meet his lover thrust for thrust. Pre-come began to ooze, lubricating the friction of their heated rhythm. Both men moaned in pleasure, their motions intent on bringing the other sublime satisfaction.
Harry’s face was flushed with arousal, glistening with the sheen of perspiration. Rafe opened his eyes to see the sight of his lover basking in pleasure. His heart tightened not from sorrow of lonely days past, but with happiness to be allowed this special moment with a very private person, to be loved completely by this very gentle caring man.
Their thrusts were beginning to tip over into mindless rutting when a loud knock was heard at Rafe’s door. A woman was yelling for Rafe and nearly shaking the door off its hinges.
Both of the men froze briefly, they just stared at each other stunned then hurriedly they began to scramble apart. Each man returned their wet, swollen erections into their trousers. The bending was painful, but the urgency in the woman’s voice could not be ignored.
Rafe was presentable first and rushed to the door to unlock it. He cracked the door a bit and popped his head out. It was Rosita, one of Rafe’s neighbor’s. Her roommate, Angie had an ex-boyfriend who was violating the restraining order. He was in the apartment trying to drag Angie bodily out of the building.
Of course Rafe would charge to the rescue, his tall, brave, heroic Rafe. Still worry had Harry jumping at every sound he heard outside until Rafe stepped back into the apartment, breathless but apparently unharmed. Seeing how the concern for his safety had put fear in Harry’s eyes, Rafe gathered Harry into his arms seeking to reassure him that everything was alright.
Kissing down the side of Harry’s face, Rafe spoke softly as if calming a frightened child, “Shhh, I’m back now. Everything’s going to be all right.”
When the rapid beating of both their hearts slowed down to normal, Rafe moved them both over to the couch. “I really am sorry for that, but you know I had to go?” Rafe rhymed, “My neighbors sure can find a way to put out a fire though.”
Hoping to maybe rekindle the blaze, Rafe leaned in for a kiss. He tried not to show hurt when Harry pushed him away.
Harry hastened to explain, “No. No. Oh God no. I still want you, more than anything right now. I just don’t know if you’ll want me after you hear what I have to say.”
Rafe looked troubled, but still shook his head vehemently and said, “There is nothing on earth that will ever make me not want you.”
Harold drew a shaky breath and related everything that had happened with Root ending with Shaw and her goodbye.
“I should have told you sooner, but it was something that I felt couldn’t be discussed over the phone.” Harold paused and looked at John with regretful eyes, “I wanted Harry and Rafe's night to be so special, I selfishly decided to keep this news to myself.”
“But this tonight…” Harold waved a hand towards the door, “This reminded me how much you need to help people. I should have asked you first if you wanted out for good.
John sat silently until Harold went to get up, “I think I should go.”
“Stay!”
Rafe grasped Harry by the arm. “Stay the night. Please?”
Harry nearly collapsed with relief onto the couch, under the arm Rafe pulled him down with. They sat there side by side, Rafe’s arm draped possessively across his shoulders.
John lowered his voice as if he wanted no one else to hear, “For a genius Harold, sometimes you are so clueless. The mission gave me a purpose. But, you gave me a reason to live.”
Later, with only the sounds of deep sleep heard from his partner, Harold carded his fingers in the salt and pepper hair, “You give me a reason to live too, John.”
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Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five
Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Epilogue