Class Reunion Ch. 04

Newly revised version copyright 2006 by the author.

PART SEVEN

Lucas returned to his hotel room late that night, having not only spent dinner but the rest of the evening with Joe. After the meal at a nearby restaurant Joe had invited him back to his house. The wistful expression in his eyes as he had made the offer, as if he were not really expecting an affirmative reply, touched Lucas--something about the coach reminded him of Patrick, his dead partner.

They had kissed and embraced in the living room of Joe's small house near campus, and gone quickly to his bed. Joe had been an ardent and playful lover, burrowing into Lucas' armpit with his wiry hair and grinning at his ticklish laughter. He had taken Lucas bluntly, almost roughly from behind, driving hard into him while he had reached under and stroked his cock. Joe had grunted in satisfaction as Lucas cried out, spilling his seed into the hand that had drawn his orgasm. He had cum himself then, his breath hot against Lucas' straining back and neck.

"That was nice," Joe said afterward, as they lay in bed, drowsy and content, still loosely linked together. "I haven't had a visitor in a long time. You've made an old man very happy."

Lucas kissed him. "I didn't come here to do that. I came here because I wanted your hot body."

Joe chuckled. "You're sweet to say that. Now, if only Will would show up at my office tomorrow and say his offer was still good, this would be a Homecoming for the record books."

"Maybe he's gotten bald and fat," Lucas suggested.

"I doubt it. He was too vain about his looks--he wouldn't have let himself go."

"You're probably right," Lucas said, running his hand through the thatch of hair on Joe's chest. "Listen to us. Twenty years and we're still talking about him. He'd just love it, the bastard."

"Do you hate him, Lucas?"

"I don't know, Joe. I do know I want to see him again. I hope he'll at least talk to me if I do." "And I hope you'll work things out. You're a fine young man, Lucas. I've had a great time tonight," Joe said, as he took him in his arms again. Lucas smiled.

"Not so young anymore. For the record, I didn't think once about Will tonight until you mentioned him just now, Joe. Unlike this afternoon."

A throaty chuckle rumbled from Joe's chest next to his ear. "Do you know, in all my years here, that's the first time I've ever messed around in my office? I have him to thank for that, I guess."

Lucas said, half amused, half rueful, "Same old Will, getting sane people to do insane things. Even if it's just his picture. Scan a copy and send it to me, would you, Joe?"

He thought about what he had said the following evening as he walked in the twilight toward the new Student Union building. Was this an insane thing he was doing? What did he hope to accomplish, if by chance he did meet Will again?

Lucas found his old shyness returning as he entered the festive, bustling foyer, brightly lit and crowded with alumni and current members of the campus community. He had been almost a recluse during much of his college career, and had known few people well in his class. He worried that he might have no one to talk to.

Whatever his misgivings, he had come too far to turn back. He walked up the main staircase, toward the ballroom reserved for the twentieth-year class reunion. At the entrance he paused, scanning the crowd for any face that seemed in the least familiar.

He saw a tall, distinguished-looking man, in his early sixties perhaps, with salt-and-pepper hair and a mustache. As Lucas scrutinized him further, he realized with a start that it was his old English instructor, Jonathan Evans. Wondering exactly what he was doing here, but glad that he could greet at least one person, he went toward him.

Evans was with a companion, a slender man about Lucas' height and age, blond and bearded. Lucas thought him attractive, and vaguely familiar also. Both were holding punch glasses and talking. As he approached, the professor turned, and Lucas felt the sharp scrutiny of his brown eyes, not in the least dimmed by the passage of two decades.

Again shyness threatened to overcome him, but with an effort he extended his hand. "Dr. Evans? I wonder if you remember me. I'm Lucas Boatright, class of oh-two."

He need not have worried. "Lucas!" boomed Evans, taking his hand and shaking it vigrously. "Of course I remember you. Freshman Composition, Journalism and Shakespeare. A most distinguished student, and now a most distinguished journalist."

"Thank you sir, what a memory," Lucas said, pleased.

"I do want to thank you again for finally turning in that Shakespeare paper, too," Evans added, frowning in mock reproach. Lucas blushed, wishing his professor's memory were a little fuzzier. "No doubt you are more conscientious about meeting deadlines in your current profession."

"Well," Lucas admitted, "I still pull all-nighters, if you want to know the truth. You know my work, Dr. Evans?"

"Of course, Lucas! And do call me Jon. I read your column in the Advocate religiously. I enjoy it far more than most of what I have to read now."

Emboldened by the praise, Lucas tried a joke. "Your students' papers are that bad?"

Jonathan Evans laughed. "Lucas, alas, I am not teaching these days. If it only were student papers I was reading. I always enjoyed them, even the late ones. That's why I remember your Shakespeare paper. It was the only assignment you ever turned in late. Now Kevin here, he never turned in a paper on time, did you?"

This was addressed to his companion, who laughed good-naturedly. "Jon, you'll never let me live that down. How are you, Lucas? It's been a long time," the bearded man said, offering his hand.

Lucas shook it and looked into clear gray eyes. Recognition snapped into place. "My god, it's Kevin Kuehlwasser, isn't it?" In a flash he comprehended the relationship of the two men standing before him. It seemed Kevin, like Will, had gotten what he wanted.

Jonathan Evans was saying, "Kevin, I ought to be going to the class of '97. Where is that, do you recall?"

"I think it's the Rose Ballroom, Jon. Upstairs," Kevin said. "Check the schedule in your pocket. Here, let me have your punch glass."

"You're not coming with me?"

"I'm going to the coffeehouse at eight, remember? Besides, Lucas and I have some catching up to do." Kevin turned to Lucas and explained, "Jon's having a busy weekend. He has to put in an appearance at all the big reunions, since he's now Acting Provost of Steelman."

"Really? Congratulations, sir," Lucas said.

Evans shook his head dismissively. "Believe me, Lucas, I'd much rather be teaching handsome, intelligent young men like yourself. And women too, for that matter. Good to see you. Okay, Kevin, meet you at the pass, whenever that may be."

As he moved off Kevin turned to Lucas and shook his head. "He's twenty-two years older than I am, and I can't keep up. How are you really, Lucas?" he asked, warmly. "Let me put this stuff down and give you a proper hug." He suited the actions to the words. "You're looking great. Looks like life's been treating you well."

"It's good to see you too, Kevin. I wondered if you would be here," Lucas said, as they embraced. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you at first."

"It's this beard. Jon's been nagging me to shave it off. I grew it because people around here who didn't know about us kept thinking I was his son," Kevin laughed, with a bit of an edge.

"So how long have you all been together?"

"Twenty years. This is kind of an anniversary party for us."

"But--" Lucas was confused. "I thought you went out to grad school at Berkeley. I got a couple of e-mails from you there."

"I did, but I came back after a semester," Kevin said. "You see, Jon and I got together right after school ended. Graduation night, in fact. We lived together all summer, then I went off to California, but I missed him too much. He must have felt the same, because he e-mailed me that fall and asked me to come back. We've been together ever since."

"That's so sweet," Lucas said. "But tell me, Kevin--I mean, it's great that Jon's been appointed to such an important post, but it can't be all that easy for you."

The wry expression he remembered crossed his friend's face. "Lucas, it's never been easy for me, or for us. Listen, I'd love to tell you all about it, but I've got to be somewhere myself in a few minutes. LEGAL's having their reunion at the Coffeehouse."

"What's LEGAL?"

"Lesbian/Gay Action League of Steelman. We're in a separate building, so that if someone tries to blow us up, we'll be the only ones incinerated. That's a joke, I hope," Kevin said, grimacing.

Lucas, disappointed, said, "I've hardly seen you."

Kevin said, "I have an idea. You just got here, right? Have yourself some dinner--the buffet is great--and meet me by the foyer entrance in about an hour, around nine. We'll go someplace quiet and talk. How's that sound?"

Brightening, Lucas said, "Great. Now that I know I'll have you to talk to, it won't be so bad here by myself."

Kevin said, quietly, "You may have someone else to talk to tonight."

Excitement rose quickly in Lucas. "You mean--"

Kevin nodded. "I saw Will DuBarry on campus earlier this afternoon. I haven't seen him here yet, but I assume he's back for the reunion. Have you talked to him at all since we graduated?"

Lucas shook his head. "Never."

"Well, I wanted to tell you so it wouldn't be a total shock if you did run into him. Just FYI. Listen, I'm late. See you around nine, okay?" Kevin said, patting Lucas on his shoulder. He started to walk away, then turned and added, "For what it's worth, he ain't getting any uglier."

Lucas stood, vibrant with nervous anticipation. So Will was here, as he had hoped and feared. The time had arrived, the ball was in his court. After a while, he calmed down slightly. Will might come at any time, or not come at all. He took Kevin's suggestion and went to the buffet. Filling a plate and getting himself a drink, he took his food to a table, one of many that had been set up in the ballroom. It was empty when he claimed it, but in a few minutes, a woman whom he didn't know, also holding a plate, stopped and asked if she could sit there. She was a Steelman graduate as well. They exchanged names and pretended to remember each other. They chatted as they ate and Lucas realized to his amusement that she was trying to pick him up. First Joe, now this pleasant and pretty female--he seemed to be much more of a social success as a graduate than he ever had been as a student. While he was talking, trying to think of a way to let her down gently, he glanced toward the entrance and his voice faded in mid-sentence.

Kevin had been absolutely right. It was not that Will DuBarry looked the same as he had twenty years ago. Time had, if anything, added distinction to his youthful good looks. The few lines on his face enhanced the square strength of his jaw, the charm of his smile; his body, still tight and athletic, had gained mass, so that it filled out the expensive suit he wore impressively. His blond hair was unchanged, and shone above the dark blue, pinstriped fabric of his jacket. He was the very picture of the college athlete and fraternity boy made good.

"Is something the matter?" his companion asked. He had forgotten her name.

Lucas replied, not looking at her, "No, I just saw someone I know. Will you excuse me?" He got up from the table as if in a trance and began to walk toward Will. The former star swimmer was with a group of other men, perhaps old fraternity buddies or teammates. He turned as Lucas drew nearer, and their eyes met.

Lucas saw the flash of recognition in Will's face, saw him raise his hand in greeting, open his mouth to speak. At that instant his nerve failed him. He increased his pace, walked rapidly past the group and out the doorway of the ballroom.

Lucas did not stop walking until he had gone downstairs, through the foyer and out the door of the building. At last he paused on the sidewalk, flushed and sweating. He was filled with disgust. He had waited twenty years, flown halfway across the country, and what had he done when the moment was at hand? He had run away. Coward.

He wanted to turn and go back upstairs, make another attempt, but pride prevented him from retracing his steps. At length, his inner turmoil propelled him into motion. He began walking, not caring in which direction he went.

"Lucas!"

He recognized the voice instantly, though he had not heard it for twenty years. He turned and there was Will, striding toward him. Lucas stopped and waited. He had been given a second chance. No matter what the consequences, he would take it.

"Why did you run away just now?" Will asked, stopping in front of him. Up close, he was no ghost. His physical presence hit Lucas like a blow. It was a moment before he could answer.

"Hello, Will," he finally managed. "Just being silly, I guess. I wasn't sure you'd want to talk to me."

"I don't blame you for thinking that. But I do. How are you? It's been so long. You're looking great." Will extended his hand.

"Thanks, so are you," Lucas replied, shaking it.

"I saw Coach Joe this afternoon and he told me he saw you." Lucas wondered just how much Joe had told Will about their unexpected encounter. "Lucas, I was thrilled to hear that you were back. I've thought about you a lot lately. Called the alumni office here to find out how to reach you, in fact."

Lucas was taken by surprise. "Really? Why?"

Will looked down and bit his lip, exactly the way he remembered him doing at that interview so long ago. "It's a long story, Lucas. I'd like to tell it to you, if you'll listen to me."

Lucas had an eerie sense of deja vu. Will had told him a secret twenty years ago, and begun the chain of events that had ended with his heart being broken. Now, here he was, again offering a revelation. He felt himself being swayed by Will's charm, more potent than ever, and sudden anger rose in him.

"Why should I listen to anything you have to say?" he asked coolly.

Will's mouth tightened and he nodded, as if he had expected that reaction. "There isn't a reason in the world. But would you anyway?" he added, flashing the old smile.

Lucas began to weaken. "I'm supposed to meet somebody else soon. I don't know how long we'll be."

"No problem," Will answered immediately. "I can give you my Austin number and you can call me afterward at home. Please say you will, Luke," he concluded, his face alight with eager appeal.

Hearing Will call him by the nickname that only he and Patrick had ever been allowed to use dissolved all remaining resistance. "Okay," Lucas said.

"Great! Let me give you my number. Do you have a car here?"

A few minutes later Lucas sat on a wooden bench near the entrance of the Union building, where he had agreed to meet Kevin. He mulled over the conversation with Will. He realized that he had anticipated a cool, perhaps even hostile attitude on the part of his former friend. Instead, Will had been friendly and eager to talk. Why?

Lucas realized, with a guilty start, that he had hardly thought of Kevin since seeing Will--Kevin, who had given him far more than Will ever had. As if in response to his unspoken thoughts, his friend appeared at that moment, coming toward him on the path.

Kevin raised a hand in greeting. "Hello! Been waiting long?"

"No," Lucas lied. "How was the reunion?"

"Fun," Kevin said. "Shall we?"

Impulsively, Lucas said, "I have a crazy idea."

"I love crazy ideas. Shoot."

"Do you think," Lucas said, "That people can still get up to the roof of Rainer Hall?"

Kevin raised his eyebrows. "You know, I don't know. It's possible. That building's such a wreck now. You know they're planning to tear it down and build a new dorm next year?"

"Really? Then it may be our last chance. Let's go see," Lucas urged.

Kevin shrugged, smiling. "Why not?" As they began to stroll across campus, he asked, without ceremony, "So, did you see him?"

"Yes."

"And? C'mon, don't keep this girl in suspense," Kevin pleaded jokingly.

"Well," Lucas said, "He invited me to his house."

"Are you going?"

A pause, then Lucas nodded. "Yes."

Kevin looked at him a long moment, then shook his head and sighed. "I don't know, Lucas. You sure you know what you're getting into?"

Lucas said, impatient, "Kevin, I'm not the fool I was twenty years ago. I can handle it."

"Well, okay. I hope you get an explanation for those terrible things he said."

Lucas said grimly, "Believe me, I'm going to ask for one."

They reached the front door of Rainer Hall and went in. Lucas noted the grimy carpet and peeling paint on the walls as they mounted the main stairway. At the landing of the fourth floor, where they had both lived, Kevin glanced at Lucas. "Here goes nothing," he said, and climbed the last set of stairs to the roof, Lucas following.

The metal door at the top was now badly rusted. Lucas' heart sank when he saw that it was shut tightly. Kevin looked at Lucas. "We've come this far, might as well at least try it."

Kevin took hold of the knob and turned, pushing. The door swung open easily. They exchanged looks of surprised delight. "Well, what do you know?" Kevin said. Stepping through the opening they found themselves out on the roof. A cool evening breeze tickled their faces.

"This is great," Lucas said as the two men walked carefully to the edge and looked out over the campus. The many new buildings made the view even more lustrous than he remembered it. They stood in silence for long moments. Finally Kevin turned to Lucas and smiled.

"This is where we met."

Lucas nodded. He thought back to the night Kevin had rescued him and taken him back to his room, where they had made love for the first and only time. He looked at his friend now and found desire welling up, mingled with gratitude and affection.

Kevin dropped his gaze and shuffled his feet in the gravel. After a moment, he said, "I have a confession to make, Lucas."

"What?"

"I'm jealous."

Lucas' heart leaped. "Why?"

"Well, here you are, footloose and forty, about to go off for a reunion with a handsome ex-lover. Makes my life seem pretty dull."

Lucas was not sure where this was leading. He said, choosing his words carefully, "I'm the one who should be jealous of you, Kevin. You found your true love and lived happily ever after."

Kevin snorted. "It's not quite like a fairy tale, guy--at least not that kind." He gazed out at the lighted spire of the chapel, unchanged among the transformations on campus. "I do love Jon. Even now I look at him and get weak in the knees. He's so handsome, so brilliant."

"I could tell."

"We've had rough times, but we got through them. And we're damn happy.''

Lucas nodded.

"But--standing here I can't help thinking about that night with you twenty years ago. How sweet it was."

Lucas was silent, not trusting himself to speak. Kevin looked at him, his eyes luminous in the dim light. "You may think you're older and tougher now. But I look at you, Lucas, and I see that same kid I pulled away from the edge of this roof. The one who still loves his blond swimmer."

A lump rose in Lucas' throat. He could not argue.

"So even though every cell in my body wants to have its wicked way with you, I'm not going to try anything."

Lucas found his voice. "I'm glad--for Jon's sake. Because... I wouldn't turn you down."

Kevin's eyes shone more brightly. "You're damn sweet. But tell the truth--when it was over, you'd still head for his place, wouldn't you?"

Lucas said, in a low voice, "Yes." He reached out and touched Kevin's shoulder. Suddenly he found himself caught in a tight embrace. He kissed Kevin's cheek as he hugged him back. "I'm sorry."

Kevin held him a moment longer, then turned away. "Don't be sorry. I'd do the same." A pause, then he turned back to Lucas, the familiar wry grin on his face. "I want a full report."