Bearly Obsessed

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Bearly Obsessed

iUniverse, Inc.

Chapter One

The sun continues its journey across the sky, as it slowly disappears allowing dusk to fall upon Houston. Light from the sunset still shines on the skyscrapers causing the buildings to glow with a crimson blush. The air is cool and clear.

A silver BMW races towards downtown Houston, traveling on Highway-59. The car takes the downtown exit, passing Travis then Louisiana Street, finally traveling on Brazos Street. Kevin, the driver, turns the car down another street, quite surprised that he's getting home so late. The headlights have automatically turned on as he's reminded of how short the days are during this time of year.

He can't believe that the second week of the New Year has already ended. He hopes this year doesn't go by as quickly as the previous one. They seem to pass by faster and faster as he continues getting older, but hasn't yet figured out how to slow either one down.

Kevin imagines how this weekend will go as he parks his car in a reserved parking space then walks through the gate into the apartment's courtyard.

He could afford a lavish house in an upscale neighborhood but he's lived in this complex for several years and doesn't have a desire to move away from 'family'. Plus it's soaffordable, Kevin's able to write one check to cover the entire year.

The two-story apartment complex is older but has a lot of charm. A garden area sits in the center of the complex, where all the doors to the different apartments open up to. There's a set of stairs at both ends of the garden for those tenants living on the second floor.

Kevin passes an apartment on the ground floor when he gets a very pleasant, "Hello Kev, how was your week?"

Kevin looks towards the voice to see Auntie M standing in his doorway. He stops before he replies, "It was a great week but I'm so glad it's Friday, I'm ready for the weekend."

Auntie M is an older gentleman who owns the apartment complex. He dresses very conservatively for someone so colorful, but has been known to make an exception. He can be very effeminate at times and appears to be well educated. No one really knows much about him other than his partner had passed away several years ago and he owned this complex prior to his partner's death. Everyone loves Auntie M, willing to do anything for him. Most people in the complex call him M.

"So, any big plans for this weekend Kevin?"

Kevin smiles with his reply, "Actually I do. I'm finally going to introduce my boyfriend to the group. Something that I've been wanting to do for months."

"Why has it taken so long for them to meet him?"

"He's not really out yet so he's been hesitant to meet anyone. He's also concerned about people finding out, because of what he does."

M tilts his head while asking, "Oh, is he military?"

"No, he's more or less in advertising. It's kind of complicated and I'm sworn to secrecy."

"I don't want to be the one that makes you break a promise. Plus, I don't want to keep you from your plans." M pushes the air towards Kevin, urging him to his apartment. "Make sure to dress warm, that cold front is moving in and they say it will drop almost twenty degrees as it passes."

"I will, M. Thanks and have a great evening."

M replies, "You too dear," as he steps back into his apartment, closing the door behind him.

Kevin continues to his apartment looking forward to a very enjoyable evening with Steve and the gang. Kevin's known Steve for years. He's never had a closer bond to someone who he wasn't in a relationship with. He can confide in Steve no matter how taboo or sensitive the issue. The only detail that he has kept secret is about his current love. He's excited for Steve and the rest of his close friends to meet him tomorrow night at Victor and Hector's dinner party.

Kevin starts thinking about this man, realizing how he has changed his world. He's never had a relationship where the other person has brought so much joy to his life. If there is such a thing as a soul mate for everyone, this one is Kevin's. This is the first time where he feels like the lucky one.

Kevin's quickly pulled from his day dreaming by a man yelling his name from behind him. He turns to see this man standing a few feet away next to a bush. It seems that the man is attempting to remain in the shadows, so his face is not quite visible. Kevin asks, "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

The man is incensed with this comment and an argument ensues. "How dare you act as though you don't know who I am? What do I have to do for you to come down off your pedestal to my level? I try to ..."

Kevin, listening to what he's saying, can see his face. He recognizes this man as the one that has come up to him almost every time he's been standing alone at one of the bars. He's made flirtatious invitations to Kevin on countless occasions and talks to him in such a way that would indicate they were lovers. Kevin's unsure what he's done to get this kind of attention from him but is sure of two things, it's not wanted nor welcomed.

Kevin looks at the man then says, "Okay, I know who you are. Why do you continue to harass me? I told you I'm in a relationship and you should respect that. You shouldn't have come here this evening and it's time for you to leave."

By this time Auntie M, overhearing the conversation, returns to his front door. He's not one to eavesdrop but is afraid that someone may be hurt or possibly bashed. He looks out to see two men talking and one of them seems to be upset. One of the men is Kevin, whom he's able to make out clearly but the other man's hidden a bit in the shadows. Auntie M quietly listens without much worry, as Kevin's a big man and can take care of himself.

The man's infuriated that Kevin is accusing him of harassment as well as asking him to leave. He stubbornly stands there in defiance of Kevin's request. Kevin's starting to get upset but that's not how he likes to handle things. He takes a breath and says sternly, "Okay, I'm serious. It's time for you to go."

The man senses that Kevin means business and doesn't want a physical confrontation with him. He slowly turns and starts to walk away. After a few steps he turns back to Kevin and says, "I guess I'll go down to King's Alley. I have friends there who appreciate me. I don't think my friends would like the way you treat me. You should remember that." The man turns and storms away.

Kevin isn't sure if this comment is supposed to be a threat. He doesn't know where this reaction is coming from. Why is this man so interested in him? Kevin feels sorry for the man, knowing that he may be mentally unstable. He thinks to himself, I should've suggested to him to seek professional help. He has issues that need to be addressed before he does something stupid.

Kevin sees Auntie M at the door, waves at him and says, "Everything's okay, nothing to worry about."

Auntie M replies, "It takes all kinds doesn't it?" Kevin nods his head in agreement as he heads up to his apartment.

Kevin stands under the running water in the shower, allowing it to rinse away the troubles that seem to have accumulated on his back. The week would have been a lot different, if he would have gone to Vegas. He seriously considered it when the offer was made, but he knew that he had responsibilities and couldn't abandon his patients.

His mind quickly jumps back to the man in the courtyard. He closes his eyes, remembering the last time he saw him at the bar and how odd he seemed that night. He laughs, thinking that he always seemed strange, but that evening he was more bizarre than ever. Kevin's quickly transported back to that evening, which took place a few weeks ago.

Kevin stands at the bar inside The Montrose Mining Company, a local bar that a lot of bears hang out in. He's arrived a bit earlier than the rest of the gang, as he tends to be a very prompt person. It's 10:15 so he only has to wait fifteen minutes before they arrive. He has his drink in his hand while chatting with the bartender.

Kevin asks the bartender, "Andy, it sure is busy in here tonight. Is there something going on?"

Andy nods his head, looks around, then replies, "Yeah, we have a special DJ tonight and he's putting on this big show. Should be cool."

"Excellent. Glad I'm here. What time's the show?"

"He's going on at midnight. The show lasts for thirty minutes, I think, then it goes back to our normal music."

"I'm curious to see what this show's like. I'm looking forward to it." The bartender excuses himself as he sees a customer trying to get his attention from the other end of the bar.

Kevin looks around the room, spies the peanut barrel and walks over to it. He'll stand here and enjoy some peanuts, while he waits for the guys to show. After a few minutes, a man walks up on the other side of the barrel. Kevin sees the man who's been bothering him for months. He doesn't say anything to the man, as he doesn't want to encourage him.

The man asks, "So, how's it going Kevin? You having a good night so far?"

"Yes. Everything's fine, so far." The man walks around the barrel to stand next to Kevin. Kevin's a bit taller with a big husky build, full beard and piercing blue eyes. The man knows that he wouldn't be a good match against Kevin physically but that doesn't stop him from speaking to him.

The man says, "I really had a good time the other day at Memorial Park."

Kevin gives him an, "Uh huh."

The man continues, "I was at a picnic with friends. It was really nice. I took a bunch of pictures. Would you like to see them?"

Kevin's doesn't know why this stranger would ask him to look at his pictures. Kevin turns to him then says, "No, I don't want to look at your pictures."

Then the man says, "Why are you always so rude to me? You treat me like a piece of garbage. You've never once told me you love me. I do everything I can to make this work and you keep fighting me at every turn."

Kevin says, "Look, man. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't even know your name and you're talking to me like we're a couple or something. This doesn't make sense."

The man grabs Kevin, trying to pull him close enough to kiss him. Kevin pulls away, while at the same time pushing him back. He says, "Look fella, I'm not sure what your game is, but I don't wanna play. I'm in a relationship with someone and you need to respect that and move on. There are plenty of men out there for you."

The man, sounding broken hearted, says, "I only want you. If you would open your eyes, you'd see that. Look at my pictures then you'll understand." The man has an iPod and tries to show the pictures to Kevin.

Kevin pushes the man's hand away while saying, "I don't want to see your pictures. I would very much appreciate it if you'd leave me alone." The man knows there's nothing he can say. He turns away and walks towards the exit. He leaves the bar and passes Kevin's friends as they enter.

Kevin continues rinsing off in the shower as he thinks about that evening. He's met some unstable people but none seem as off balance as this guy. Kevin thinks he may have to sit this guy down to set him straight during their next meeting.

"Ring" ... ... "Ring" ... ... Kevin hears the phone, jumps out of the shower then runs to the living room to answer it. He picks it up to discover Steve on the other end asking, "Are you almost ready?"

Kevin answers in the affirmative, "Why don't you come on over, I'll be done in five minutes, or maybe ten. Plus, you can help me decide on which shirt to wear. Do you think it's cold enough for flannel?"

Steve answers, "It's supposed to be forty-five degrees, flannel will be fine, butch!" Kevin laughs as he hangs up the phone.

Steve's a big man, as most of Kevin's friends are. He didn't plan it that way, it just happened. Steve has the same build as Kevin but he might be a few pounds lighter. He has dark hair, brown eyes and always wears a goatee. On occasion he'll have a full beard but his preference is a goatee. Kevin thinks how big-hearted Steve can be but at the same time he's not very spiritual. He comes from a Mormon background but you wouldn't know from talking to him. Steve thinks all religions are pretty much a waste of time. Kevin hasn't given up hope on helping him to think differently.

Kevin returns to the bathroom, finishes drying off then starts his usual process of getting ready. Check the beard for any unwanted gray, dye it if necessary. Some salt and pepper is good, too much is not. Comb the hair into its standard fashion, apply deodorant, moisturize any dry areas, check the nose for any unruly hairs, and spray on some cologne prior to putting on any clothes. This will make sure that it remains with him throughout the entire evening but not be over powering.

The doorbell rings as Kevin finishes putting on some underwear. He goes to the door to let Steve in.

Steve walks in, looks at Kevin then asks, "This is as far as you have gotten since we hung up the phone? How long does it take you to put on makeup?"

"Hey, I have to make sure I look good."

Steve sarcastically states, "Hmmm, who are you looking good for? The last time I checked, you were married, or did I miss a memo?"

"No, I'm still married. Soon enough you'll get to meet him. I'm actually sorry it's taken this long but after you meet him, you'll understand."

"Okay Kev, enough with the secrets on this guy, you have to at least tell me something about him. I mean, I know he was a patient but isn't any longer. You waited until you were no longer his doctor before you started dating. Oh by the way, I completely buy that too," adding a little smirk. "So, give up something, twenty-four hours isn't going to change anything."

Kevin's face lights up as he starts to speak. "His name is Coy. He used to play professional ..." Kevin's interrupted by Steve's mobile phone.

"Kev, hold that thought for one sec." He answers the phone, "This is Steve ... Yes, we're going to be leaving Kevin's in a few minutes ... I thought we were meeting at 7:30. It's only 7:00 right now, you guys are a little early ... Okay, well have a cocktail and we'll be on our way in two minutes. Laters."

Steve turns his attention back to Kevin, "Sorry, that was Ronnie, he Victor and Hector are already at the restaurant for some unknown reason. I think this is their way of making you late. Bastards. So I guess we need to hurry before they're drunk. Oh, whatever you do, don't wear that gray flannel shirt because I'm sure Paul will be wearing his."

Paul checks his look in the full-length mirror. A smile comes over his bearded face, as he's quite content. He's glad it's chilly enough tonight to wear flannel. He loves the lumberjack look and wishes there were more cold days in Houston so he could wear all the different shirts that he has, during one season.

He walks to the kitchen to get his keys so he can head down to Montrose to meet the guys. He's lived in the Heights for several years and feels it's a pretty gay friendly area. However, it's nothing like the Montrose area, which is the true gay area in Houston. Of course, he feels that Montrose is the gay ghetto, being happy to only visit there.

His mobile phone rings. He answers it, "What up, Ronnie?"

Ronnie, on the other end of the phone, says, "Evening, Paul. I wanted to call to make sure you did not forget about dinner tonight. I just spoke to Steve and he and Kevin should be here in a few minutes."

"I didn't forget. I'm about thirty seconds from walking out the door."

"Victor and Hector are here as well and we're sitting in the bar area."

"Order me a drink and I'll be there shortly."

Ronnie replies, "I will place the order with the bartender as soon as we hang up."

"See you guys in a few minutes!"

"Drive careful."

"Will do. Laters." Paul hangs up the phone, grabs his keys as he walks out to the garage and climbs into his truck.

He doesn't want to be late because Kevin would never stop harassing him about it. Kevin's the only person he knows that's never late to anything.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Bearly Obsessed by Gary W. Moore Copyright © 2009 by Gary W. Moore. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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