booth two girls were in each other's arms. The one with the short hair had just bent down and kissed a frail, rather pretty, one. He had seen girls kiss each other many times but not like these two were kissing each other. The one reminded him of a truck driver.
From them he gazed at the singer under the blue light. She smiled at him a long moment, her eyes running over his face. He couldn't help watching the handkerchief dangling from her hand. It seemed sad. Sad as the artificial eyes watching him. Strange as the smile.
Was this what Blake had meant? Was this the type of place he had wanted to take him? One that would show him he wasn't the only one in the world desiring his own sex? Was he one of these? Did they feel the same way he did? Was this what the cop had meant when he had told him not to go to any queer place … Was this the kind of place he had meant? The girl singing; the high voices; the pale looking faces; boys in each other's arms; girls kissing their own sex; boys with plucked eyebrows; the swishy way they walked as they passed going to the rest rooms; the way they felt of each other's body … yes, it was sort of strange … queer …
"Hello, Paul."
"Hi, John," Paul answered the man who had just passed. Then to Gaylord, "Friend of mine … are you having a good time, Gay … why don't you drink your drink so we can have another?"
"All … right …" and he finished the drink.
They had several more drinks; Gaylord listening for the most part. The face before him was behind thin silk and moved like a leaf from an unseen breeze. It was transformed into a mask of tenderness and love. With a finger, Paul tilted the boy's face gently.
"Gay … are you all right?"
Gaylord gave a little giggle. "I feel fine." He finished another drink and grinned back at Paul. "This time I'm going to pay for a round and don't you dare say I can't." He grabbed the waiter who was just passing. "Freddie," he cried. "Bring us another and don't take Paul's money … This is on me."
"Okay … doll … right away."
"Gay … think you should?"
"Should?"
