"Midnight Clear" 27
In the limo.
By Gaedhal
San Francisco, December 2005
When he landed in San Francisco, Brian was met by a uniformed man holding a sign that read "Kinney."
"Here!" Brian called. "I'm Brian Kinney."
The guy wasn't bad. Late 20's. About 6 foot 3. Black hair and black eyes. "If you'll follow me, Mr. Kinney?" he said in a deep baritone. He reached for Brian's bag.
"Gladly."
Brian was led to a long, dark blue Lincoln limo. Inside was Stefan Radev.
"Finally," said Radev. He was smoking one of his slim French cigarettes. He offered one to Brian.
"Thanks." Brian took the cigarette. "Those long smokeless flights are hell on my nerves."
"That is why I have my own jet," said Radev. He lit Brian's cigarette with a heavy gold-plated lighter. "It makes things much more convenient. And comfortable."
"Must be nice. Nice lighter, too."
"A man with good taste." Radev smiled. "It is a classic. A Dunhill from the 1940's. I collect these trifles. Here." He pressed the lighter into Brian's hand. "A Christmas present."
Brian handed the lighter back. "I don't do Christmas."
But Radev refused to take back the lighter. "You should never refuse a gift given in good faith, my friend."
"I never accept a gift until I know what strings are attached to it." Brian blew out a puff of smoke and stared out the window. San Francisco in December was wet and grey.
"I find that the adventure is finding out," Radev commented. "Not everyone is such a cynic as you, Brian. You are a beautiful and desirable man. You have a sharp mind. You have all of the gifts so many men would kill to possess, yet you view the world as a soldier views a hostile battlefield. That fascinates me."
"I just look at things the way they are," Brian replied. "The world is a war zone, especially for queers. Why pretend anything different?"
"But the world is changing," Radev reflected. "Not so many years ago I could never have become successful as an out homosexual running businesses that cater to other homosexuals. I would have had to live and operate underground, the way I did in my recalcitrant youth back in Sofia. But now I am not afraid of anything. I am wealthy, successful, and open about every aspect of my life. I even have a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce of Palm Springs, thanking me for my contribution to tourism in their community! Straight people would be surprised at how profitable it can be to provide gay men a safe place to enjoy the company of other men."
"Oh, I wouldn't be surprised at all," said Brian. "I've spent many hours in backrooms all over this country -- and England, too, not to mention Mexico and a few selected spots in the Caribbean. I would never underestimate the power of wanting to get laid."
"I can believe that." Radev looked at Brian closely. "Then tell me, Brian -- why are you not happy? Or were you born with a melancholy disposition?"
Brian shrugged. "Fuck if I know. My old man used to call it the Black Dog. Maybe it's an Irish thing. We're the only people who seem happiest when we're the most miserable. And this lousy weather doesn't help things much."
Radev laughed. "It is San Francisco! One gets used to the fog and damp. After the New Year I will be heading for Palm Springs. The sun and desert air will clean out my senses." Radev paused. "I am expecting good things to come out of the holiday events at The Maxim. You've done a fine job, Brian, even from afar."
"I did what I had to do," Brian replied. "I pride myself on giving the client 110%, if not more. Even Gardner Vance can't deny that."
"I hear Vangard is not doing so well with some of its biggest clients," Radev mused. "Brown Athletics has been sending out feelers for a new agency. So has Ramson."
"That doesn't surprise me," Brian sniffed. "Gardner is all bluff and blunder, when he should be attending to the client's needs. That's why he couldn't land Leo Brown in the first place. And Ramson? He has no clue how to market them!"
"But you do?" Radev arched an eyebrow.
"Yes. They loved my campaigns," Brian returned. He was proud of his work and wasn't hesitant to let Radev know it. "I was the one who got Brown hooked up with Drew Boyd and that campaign turned his sportswear line around. I also invented the entire Endovir campaign for Ramson. Of course, Vance took all the bows for it, but he never would have come up with those ideas. He thinks he's an innovator, but he's as conventional as they come."
"And you were also indispensable in the election of James Stockwell as mayor of Pittsburgh," Radev stated.
Brian blinked. "Everyone makes mistakes." He swallowed, feeling a little sick all of a sudden. He thought about Liberty Avenue. The closed gay businesses. The men looking over their shoulders, afraid to be themselves. Stockwell's smug face. "Even me."
"It was business," said Radev. "I am sure."
"That's what I told Jus..." Brian stopped. "Yes, it was business. But it was bad business."
"Then you are well rid of Pittsburgh!" Radev nodded. "The fog and damp notwithstanding, San Francisco is more welcoming. Here we will do only good business! I have many ideas for future events at my hotels, not only The Maxim, but all of my properties. I was also thinking of expanding into the cruise business. It seems a natural fit with my resorts."
Brian tilted his head, thinking. "That's an interesting idea. Gay cruises are hot right now. I can see a campaign that plays on the word 'cruise' -- 'Cruising the Caribbean is as Easy as Cruising the Castro.' Something like that."
"Yes!" said Radev in delight. "That is what I like about you, Brian! You are always thinking! But then, I like everything about you." He leaned closer to Brian. "I would like you to come with me to Palm Springs. You will have your own guesthouse in my compound. And a car and driver at your disposal. It will be a working vacation for both of us."
"That might be nice," said Brian, warily. He looked down at the gold-plated cigarette lighter in his hand. "But what are the strings attached to that one?"
"I want to sleep with you, of course," Radev said candidly. "That is a given. I wanted to sleep with you from the moment I saw you years ago at the White Party. And when I suggested you to Tony Conway and his partners it was in the back of my mind that I would have you at last. But it is not simply about sex, Brian. I have as many sex partners as I wish. Sex partners are easy to come by."
"Like your driver?" Brian guessed.
"Of course," said Radev. "Luis is available whenever I need him. He is excellent. If you would like him tonight or any other time, simply ask."
Brian almost laughed. It was like the scenario of a bad porno flick. But then he'd already lived those porn scenarios more times than he could count. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
He closed his eyes. This was all too fucked up. But he didn't know why. It should be great! Easy sex with hot guys. Stefan Radev panting after him like a cock-hungry virgin. New campaigns falling into his lap. Vance's business going into the toilet. Everything was going his way. So what the fuck was the matter?
"What are you thinking about, my friend?" Radev was close to his ear.
"Nothing," said Brian. "And everything."
"As I said before, I am looking for more than sex. I find myself attracted to you in ways I have not been for a long time. I will not use the word 'love' because I believe that is something that comes only with time -- if it comes at all. But I admire you, Brian. I wish to work with you. I also wish to enjoy you in every way I can. I know that I am older than most of your lovers, but I keep myself fit and my sex drive is as strong as it was when I was 30. I don't mind you having other lovers -- I like variety as well. But I think this could be advantageous to both of us. So I would like you to consider the possibility of a partnership."
"You mean literally?" Brian asked in disbelief. "Are you courting me? Seriously?"
"Yes," said Radev. "Seriously."
"But you don't know me!" Brian's head was pounding.
"I know what I need to know," Radev asserted. "I am willing to take a chance, as you Americans say. If things do not work out, we can end things mutually, in a civilized manner. I can also assure you that no matter how or when things end, you will receive a generous settlement. Enough to start your own business or even retire in comfort. Your lawyer can go over any agreement to make certain it is to your satisfaction."
Brian felt something cold crawl up his spine. The snake of temptation. This guy wasn't fucking kidding!
"You want to buy me," he said flatly.
"No, my beautiful friend," answered Radev. "I want to possess you. And I can make that possession extremely pleasant. And extremely lucrative. So will you think about this, Brian?"
Brian stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray on the armrest of the limo. "I..." He opened his mouth and then closed it, like a fish caught on dry land.
"I'll think about it," he said, finally.
***
By Gaedhal
San Francisco, December 2005
When he landed in San Francisco, Brian was met by a uniformed man holding a sign that read "Kinney."
"Here!" Brian called. "I'm Brian Kinney."
The guy wasn't bad. Late 20's. About 6 foot 3. Black hair and black eyes. "If you'll follow me, Mr. Kinney?" he said in a deep baritone. He reached for Brian's bag.
"Gladly."
Brian was led to a long, dark blue Lincoln limo. Inside was Stefan Radev.
"Finally," said Radev. He was smoking one of his slim French cigarettes. He offered one to Brian.
"Thanks." Brian took the cigarette. "Those long smokeless flights are hell on my nerves."
"That is why I have my own jet," said Radev. He lit Brian's cigarette with a heavy gold-plated lighter. "It makes things much more convenient. And comfortable."
"Must be nice. Nice lighter, too."
"A man with good taste." Radev smiled. "It is a classic. A Dunhill from the 1940's. I collect these trifles. Here." He pressed the lighter into Brian's hand. "A Christmas present."
Brian handed the lighter back. "I don't do Christmas."
But Radev refused to take back the lighter. "You should never refuse a gift given in good faith, my friend."
"I never accept a gift until I know what strings are attached to it." Brian blew out a puff of smoke and stared out the window. San Francisco in December was wet and grey.
"I find that the adventure is finding out," Radev commented. "Not everyone is such a cynic as you, Brian. You are a beautiful and desirable man. You have a sharp mind. You have all of the gifts so many men would kill to possess, yet you view the world as a soldier views a hostile battlefield. That fascinates me."
"I just look at things the way they are," Brian replied. "The world is a war zone, especially for queers. Why pretend anything different?"
"But the world is changing," Radev reflected. "Not so many years ago I could never have become successful as an out homosexual running businesses that cater to other homosexuals. I would have had to live and operate underground, the way I did in my recalcitrant youth back in Sofia. But now I am not afraid of anything. I am wealthy, successful, and open about every aspect of my life. I even have a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce of Palm Springs, thanking me for my contribution to tourism in their community! Straight people would be surprised at how profitable it can be to provide gay men a safe place to enjoy the company of other men."
"Oh, I wouldn't be surprised at all," said Brian. "I've spent many hours in backrooms all over this country -- and England, too, not to mention Mexico and a few selected spots in the Caribbean. I would never underestimate the power of wanting to get laid."
"I can believe that." Radev looked at Brian closely. "Then tell me, Brian -- why are you not happy? Or were you born with a melancholy disposition?"
Brian shrugged. "Fuck if I know. My old man used to call it the Black Dog. Maybe it's an Irish thing. We're the only people who seem happiest when we're the most miserable. And this lousy weather doesn't help things much."
Radev laughed. "It is San Francisco! One gets used to the fog and damp. After the New Year I will be heading for Palm Springs. The sun and desert air will clean out my senses." Radev paused. "I am expecting good things to come out of the holiday events at The Maxim. You've done a fine job, Brian, even from afar."
"I did what I had to do," Brian replied. "I pride myself on giving the client 110%, if not more. Even Gardner Vance can't deny that."
"I hear Vangard is not doing so well with some of its biggest clients," Radev mused. "Brown Athletics has been sending out feelers for a new agency. So has Ramson."
"That doesn't surprise me," Brian sniffed. "Gardner is all bluff and blunder, when he should be attending to the client's needs. That's why he couldn't land Leo Brown in the first place. And Ramson? He has no clue how to market them!"
"But you do?" Radev arched an eyebrow.
"Yes. They loved my campaigns," Brian returned. He was proud of his work and wasn't hesitant to let Radev know it. "I was the one who got Brown hooked up with Drew Boyd and that campaign turned his sportswear line around. I also invented the entire Endovir campaign for Ramson. Of course, Vance took all the bows for it, but he never would have come up with those ideas. He thinks he's an innovator, but he's as conventional as they come."
"And you were also indispensable in the election of James Stockwell as mayor of Pittsburgh," Radev stated.
Brian blinked. "Everyone makes mistakes." He swallowed, feeling a little sick all of a sudden. He thought about Liberty Avenue. The closed gay businesses. The men looking over their shoulders, afraid to be themselves. Stockwell's smug face. "Even me."
"It was business," said Radev. "I am sure."
"That's what I told Jus..." Brian stopped. "Yes, it was business. But it was bad business."
"Then you are well rid of Pittsburgh!" Radev nodded. "The fog and damp notwithstanding, San Francisco is more welcoming. Here we will do only good business! I have many ideas for future events at my hotels, not only The Maxim, but all of my properties. I was also thinking of expanding into the cruise business. It seems a natural fit with my resorts."
Brian tilted his head, thinking. "That's an interesting idea. Gay cruises are hot right now. I can see a campaign that plays on the word 'cruise' -- 'Cruising the Caribbean is as Easy as Cruising the Castro.' Something like that."
"Yes!" said Radev in delight. "That is what I like about you, Brian! You are always thinking! But then, I like everything about you." He leaned closer to Brian. "I would like you to come with me to Palm Springs. You will have your own guesthouse in my compound. And a car and driver at your disposal. It will be a working vacation for both of us."
"That might be nice," said Brian, warily. He looked down at the gold-plated cigarette lighter in his hand. "But what are the strings attached to that one?"
"I want to sleep with you, of course," Radev said candidly. "That is a given. I wanted to sleep with you from the moment I saw you years ago at the White Party. And when I suggested you to Tony Conway and his partners it was in the back of my mind that I would have you at last. But it is not simply about sex, Brian. I have as many sex partners as I wish. Sex partners are easy to come by."
"Like your driver?" Brian guessed.
"Of course," said Radev. "Luis is available whenever I need him. He is excellent. If you would like him tonight or any other time, simply ask."
Brian almost laughed. It was like the scenario of a bad porno flick. But then he'd already lived those porn scenarios more times than he could count. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
He closed his eyes. This was all too fucked up. But he didn't know why. It should be great! Easy sex with hot guys. Stefan Radev panting after him like a cock-hungry virgin. New campaigns falling into his lap. Vance's business going into the toilet. Everything was going his way. So what the fuck was the matter?
"What are you thinking about, my friend?" Radev was close to his ear.
"Nothing," said Brian. "And everything."
"As I said before, I am looking for more than sex. I find myself attracted to you in ways I have not been for a long time. I will not use the word 'love' because I believe that is something that comes only with time -- if it comes at all. But I admire you, Brian. I wish to work with you. I also wish to enjoy you in every way I can. I know that I am older than most of your lovers, but I keep myself fit and my sex drive is as strong as it was when I was 30. I don't mind you having other lovers -- I like variety as well. But I think this could be advantageous to both of us. So I would like you to consider the possibility of a partnership."
"You mean literally?" Brian asked in disbelief. "Are you courting me? Seriously?"
"Yes," said Radev. "Seriously."
"But you don't know me!" Brian's head was pounding.
"I know what I need to know," Radev asserted. "I am willing to take a chance, as you Americans say. If things do not work out, we can end things mutually, in a civilized manner. I can also assure you that no matter how or when things end, you will receive a generous settlement. Enough to start your own business or even retire in comfort. Your lawyer can go over any agreement to make certain it is to your satisfaction."
Brian felt something cold crawl up his spine. The snake of temptation. This guy wasn't fucking kidding!
"You want to buy me," he said flatly.
"No, my beautiful friend," answered Radev. "I want to possess you. And I can make that possession extremely pleasant. And extremely lucrative. So will you think about this, Brian?"
Brian stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray on the armrest of the limo. "I..." He opened his mouth and then closed it, like a fish caught on dry land.
"I'll think about it," he said, finally.
***