On Saturday afternoon I left Jeff's house as his girlfriend was coming home that night. I made plans to meetup with a college boy with a cute photo from CraigsList...but when I got to the cafe he was there but not alone! He was sitting in a booth with 3 larger and not-so-hot friends...and within 5 minutes of conversation and introductions they thought I was "for sale" for ALL OF THEM for the night. I think the one guy who was largest and most intimidating could read my instant shock and hesitation. I realized in a flash that I has gotten myself in trouble. Trapped? I excused myself to use the toilet, and exited the cafe via the rear. Quite scared I ran 5, 10, perhaps 15 blocks...with my 10 kilo backpack...until I got to a roadside hotel. Out of breath I checked into a room just to be able to safely take my bag off and rest. Rattled by this rush I telephoned Erik in New York City to calm me down. He did this whole "I told you so" about my internet adventuring, but also soothed my panic. Back when I was in NYC he had offered to introduced me to friends of his who lived in Ft. Myers FL...but they were a gay couple in their late 40's so I had declined. Yes - I had made a mistake - age is irrelevent when it comes to compassion. Erik saved the day by calling Peter and Bill for me right then. Peter and Bill drove to the hotel an hour later and brought me back to their incredible large and well decorated Adult estate. It was actually a thrilling rescue. They were instantly personable and we related just as I do to anyone my own age. We talked about music and the cities I'd seen and recognizing the seedier elements of America.
Here is where things get crazy. Bill is a managing executive at an advertising firm...and he is also a pilot. On sunday morning Bill offers to give me a seat on his jet which he was going to fly to Houston for the day to see art. At 8am we drove to a small airfield - got onto a luxurious but tiny 6 seat jetplane. And Florida was left behind. A 3 hour flight seems like forever when seated in such a small vibrating vehicle. I drank a vodka orange to remain muted.
We landed on a spectacular island called Galveston. Then Peter drove the company car across a bridge and towards the huge skyline of Houston. Incredible. As it was Texas I expected to see cactus and sand...but instead it looked just like Florida with Palm Trees.
First thoughts as we arrived at the Museum of Fine Arts...that accent does remind me of the president. Buts its cute too. Especially from the bigger guys. I think there was some mutual admiration of accents happening at the Damien Hirst exhibition. Fantastic stuff there! We also drove to see the Rothko Chapel. A hexigonal open room with a bench centered within walls holding sold black. The entire temple is placed in a peaceful garden. An oprn slate to transmit all faiths together. Powerful and reflective indeed! Bill said he's come over 30 times and each visit reaffirms his beliefs that religions will someday coexist in peace.
We ended the long day at Cousins with a few rounds of vodka soda. Talked about photography and possible ways to backpack to the Pacific coast. I slept on the couch in Peter and Bill's suite at the Four Seasons downtown. They checked out early so Bill could go to a meeting back in Galveston. It seems Peter doesn't work - his job is to keep Bill happy. Gay love is complicated yet true.
To Peter and Bill and enourmous thanks of gratitude! I will send you those stories you liked.
