Turning Idolator - Chapter 1

Chapter One: The Tools of the Trade

All good craftsman look to the maintenance and condition of the tools of their trade. Chef knives are honed sharply. Hacks assure the oil is changed with regularity. Writers look to their quills, while painters care for horsehair and camel with as much care as palette and pigment. Roadies look to their pickaxes. Firemen their gloves; and none but a preacher can best attend to the holy fount. So, with the aim of affirming this most important of professional practices, Philip Haxie took to his bath to care for the tools of his trade.

The bubbles welled up in massive peaks. They almost eclipsed the young Haxie in a world of soap and cleanser. But he prevailed, with a wineglass in one hand and a book in the other. His deep, black eyes were intent on the words. His mind was at sea with the Great White Whale. The pages dripped with foam as he turned them with deep conviction. The edges were puckered with moist indents; but Philip Haxie did not care or wonder. He was far away from the bubble bath, out on the Nantucket wharves. The alarm clock rang. He jumped. The wineglass disappeared under the foam.

"Shit," said Philip. "Too soon. Shit."

He threw the book down, searched for the wineglass, then jumped out of the tub, a mass of bubbles and flesh, sleek flesh. As he dried himself, he glanced in the mirror admiring the tools of his trade.

"Well boyz," he said pausing before the glass, "ready for Phil's little treat tonight!"

He began to dance, waiving his crotch about the towel; then, as if he was suddenly bored with this action, he quickly finished getting ready for work.

Work in the old days for the likes of Philip Haxie would be a cold, dark windy street corner filled with danger and filth. But this was the twenty-first century, where the tools of the trade could be seen on a trip to the internet. Thanks to the innovations of web cams, our little eyes traversed virtual space into every corner unseemly and unbiased. These computer-eyes could be anywhere in any space; and for any price we can see into the charms of flesh and passion. In Philip Haxie's case, the place was New York City in a quiet loft space - the home of www.manluv.com. Here one could chat and view the boyz as they danced and teased and stripped and, for a price, drew you into a world that was not new, but indeed most privately accessible.

www.manluv.com had three performance areas - three compartments, each with computer and digital video camera. Each had a young scantily clad model. In station one meet Guy Wikie, who was naked and dancing in front of the camera. In station two meet Max Ballard. He wore a phoneset and typed busily on the keyboard. And in the last compartment, meet the star of the internet, Robert Sprague a.k.a. "Sprakie", laughing as he typed the evening away.

"Jesus Marie," said Sprakie, "I can't believe he asked me that."

He typed a reply to the computer inquiry:

"If you want to see my dick, you need to pay for a One on One."

It was the custom in these little web-slut rooms to flirt and muster up trade. This was called the chat. The computer screens were clogged with such chat. If this were the old days, such chat would be called through the windows of cars or across mugs of beer in the club. But, such is the marvel of technology that such chat becomes anonymous, and therefore more gregarious. It was also the custom to take a nickname while in such a chat area. Here's what was flying over the screens this evening:

Papuppy says, "Papuppy here. Hi sweetie - how's Robert tonight?"

Sprakie says, "Hi Papuppy. Cool, you know. Getting near the end of my shift."

Max was keeping his own chat routine together:

Max says, "Cumdoggy, you like my smile"

Cumdoggy says, "My, my - let's see that smile"

Max stood and pressed his face in a big smile into the computer monitor.

Cumdoggy says, "That's my Max. Love that smile."

Papuppy says, "Robert - show us your ass!"

Bonerman says, "Yep! Show it to us now!"

Sprakie say, "Hi Bonerman - you know the rules."

Monitor 1 says, "Guys! Press the One on One button and Robert will be all yours."

Cumdoggy says, "Max more than the smile. By the way, I'll be in New York this weekend."

Max says, "So, are you saying something?"

Cumdoggy says, "Hey Bonerman, how are you this evening."

Bonerman says, "Would be better if you were here, Cumdoggy"

SweetCA says, "Hey Anyone here from California!"

Creampuff says, "I am"

SweetCA says, " Where?

Creampuff says, "Cupertino."

SweetCA Says, "Cool! C U"

Max says, "To Bonerman - how old are you?"

Bonerman says, "Old enough"

Max says, "No fair! You can see me."

Cumdoggy says, "Show us more -"

Max says, "Teasers. How old Bonerman?"

Bonerman has signed off.

"Shit!" said Max, "he signed off. I scared him away."

Max banged on the compartment wall.

"Never ask their age, Sprakie, it scares 'em away."

"Fuck!" answered Sprakie, "I could have told you that - you dumb ass newbie!"

"Watch it," said Max, "I'll come over there and kick your ass."

"What's Guy doing? Awfully quiet over there."

"I hear heavy breathing," said Max. "He's earning it, girl - doing the jack-off supreme!"

"Go for it Guy! Weeha!"

"Shut your holes!" moaned Guy. "You'll make me blow this big spender's dime. He's been on for 25 minutes - nearing the $200 mark - and I want him again and again . . ."

". . .and again," said Max.

Sprakie says, "to Papuppy - Are you still there?"

Papuppy says, "Here, dear. Are you queer or what?"

Sprakie says, "I'm a Kinzie 6."

Papuppy says, "What the fuck's that!"

Sprakie says, "Men only. I thought you knew. What do you do?"

Papuppy says, "I do them all."

Cumdoggy says, "Max, how long do I have to wait here?"

Max says, "tell 'em Monitor 1"

Monitor 1 says, "Just press the button for a One on One and Max will be yours."

Asspounder says, "bon soir Robert."

Sprakie says "Good evening Asspounder."

Asspounder says, "Did I missed anything?"

Papuppy says to Asspounder, "You missed an exciting show from Robert. He's the best"

Sprakie says, "Thank you, Papuppy"

Moaning came from Guy Wikie's compartment. Both Sprakie and Max laughed with abandon.

Cumdoggy says, "Max, what's so funny?"

Max says, "Just felt like a laugh, Cumdoggy."

Max took his shirt off, slow and sexy.

Cumdoggy says, "That's it, Max. Wonderful! Keep going."

"He's going for it, Sprakie, " said Max. "Going . . . Going . . . he's in private chat!"

Max to Cumdoggy: "Hey Cumdoggy - we can fuck around with this keyboard or for an extra charge - dial me at 1-876-manlove."

Cumdoggy says, "Yes sir!"

Max's phone rings.

"So Cumdoggy," said Max, "do you have a name?"

"I do," said the phone voice, "but let's not waste time with that crap. Start taking it off."

"Oooo. A real brute. What do you want to see?"

"Do you have toys?"

Asspounder says, "Robert, how long have you been in this room?"

Sprakie says, "About to sign-off, Asspounder. Philip will be strutting his stuff soon."

Asspounder says, "Oo la la!"

Papuppy says, "Robert, how much longer?"

"Time's up, Papuppy," said Sprakie

Sprakie says, "See you all tomorrow."

Papuppy says, "What time?"

"Check the fucking schedule asshole!"

Sprakie says, "I think I'm back at the same time sweetie. Have pleasant dreams."

"And don't swallow any wooden dicks!" he said switching the camera off.

Guy Wikie had finished his private one-on-one and needed a break. He fished around for the "Model on Break Sign." He slipped his jeans on and found his lunch bag. There was a break area in the hallway. The bench was not comfortable especially to a bony ass, but it would do. Philip Haxie arrived. He climbed the three flights of stairs and opened the old, squeaky door.

"Hi Phil," said Guy. "Want some M&M's."

Phil declined. He did stop and gave Guy a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks dear," said Phil. "I'm a little late; and Sprakie will have a fit."

"Well hon, it's about time you got your ass out of bed," said Sprakie dressing in the hallway. "Was he good-looking - but more important, did he pay well?"

They hugged and kissed, Sprakie squeezing Phil's ass.

"Too much lard here?" said Sprakie. "A little more Gold's Gym could be in order. Too many hours watching Millionaire and wishin' in one hand and jerking off in the other."

"It was a busy afternoon," said Phil.

"Oh, my break's up," said Guy.

He offered the rest of his sandwich to Phil, who declined.

"Guy," said Sprakie, "you're always eating and always tempting others. Get thee behind me Satan! I hope those aren't Max's M&M's."

"You're so funny Sprakie," said Guy going back into his chat compartment.

Max was now quite passionate, moaning and saying Cumdoggie's name, over and over.

"All these doggies," said Sprakie. "The internet's filled to the brim with dogs. I have a Papuppy, and didn't you have a schlogdoggie or fido or something?"

"Hungbastard," said Phil.

"What does that have to do with dogs?"

"A bastard hound."

"Fuck you," said Sprakie. "I'm too tired for this! Come, Tell Sprakie what or who you did today. Come, 'fess up."

"Actually, I took a long steamy bubble bath and curled up with a book."

"A book! Listen to Lady Chatterley here! Back copies of Advocate Personals or just some hard rock candy stuff? A book. The last time I picked up a book it was to call a florist, Jesus Marie - and that was to decorate for a doctor."

"What ever happened to Doctor Dick of Death?"

"Please," said Sprakie. "I still can't sit down. It was Doctor Brian McMoldau of the Gustave McMoldaus, East Hampton's finest. Well . . I thought I told you this, sis - He was hung like a you-know-what, and rich as Margaret Truman - but he had one flaw - a small flaw. He was as ugly as a Goddamn monkey's ass - and although he made it worth my while, there definitely was no call for me to be the permanent houseboy. So, when the Doctor was in, my eyes were shut else I'd start laughing - and giggles would mean no supper - no little spending money at Saks."

"Did you meet on-line?"

"Never date them," said Sprakie. "Be polite, get them in the One on One - make fucking penpals out of them and they'll come back and spend hundreds. Take your commission and go."

"Sprakie, they're not all that bad," said Phil.

"I forgot - you've made the rounds there. Well, tell me. Have you found the sugar daddy of your dreams yet?"

"No," said Phil. "But some of them are interested in more than a one nighter."

"That's the problem. Some of them are freaky with the love and romance. And . . . Oh, I know who you're thinking of. No, no - that one you keep telling me about was not on tonight."

"Tdye."

"Tdye - what kinda screen nickname is that?" said Sprakie. "I can live with Fuckmonger and Asspounder, but Tdye. What's that Tie Dye - like they did to pants before we were born."

"I believe it's Thomas," said Phil, "and he's a writer - and he's very gentle in One on One . . . "

"Jesus Marie, you're pathetic," said Sprakie. "Listen to me, I love you like my best set of luggage. Don't fall for that line. He's probably an old Troll. Or he's a 10 year old kid using his father's sign-on - or worse yet, he's a straight serial killer."

"I doubt that. You're just jealous because your tricks turn out to be losers."

"They're all losers," said Sprakie. "If you spend money for sex . . . come on hon!"

"Yeah, but look what they get!"

"Remember, I'm Saks - you're J C Penney's," said Sprakie. "But really - I worry about your little romantic notions. It's OK to make the cash - I taught you well. But when you decide these dudes are worthy of more than that, I caution you! Remember what happened to Jimmy . . ."

"Jimmy was into heavy drugs, man. And I think he was out of control. He'd go with anything that walked."

"Or crawled," said Sprakie. "He'd fuck a knot hole and worry about payment later!"

Heavy moaning came from Guy's compartment.

"Dumb-ass Boy's making the bucks tonight," said Sprakie. "He doesn't need any words of wisdom from Mama here. I think the dumber they are the more natural common sense comes to them in these matters. But, Jimmy . . ."

"It's time for work," said Phil.

"Be home on time. And . . . call me later."

Phil was lost in a thought. Perhaps he was back on the Nantucket wharves.

"Are you listening?" said Sprakie. "I don't want to pick up a paper and see you sprawled across some Goddamn fence in the middle of Wyoming. I love your sorry ass - and worry about these romantic notions you get. Call me later - promise me."

"I promise."

"And give my regards to all those boyz out there in the dark. Sprakie's ready for his close up Mr. Bill Gates"

Phil entered his compartment and prepared the camera.

Max says, "I'm back boyz and available!"

Funpud says "Max that was hot."

Max says, "Thanks, Funpud! Like what you see in the small box, come have me full screen."

Funpud says, "How's your cold?"

Max says, "Oh you sweetie. You remembered. Took lots of crap and its gone."

Prissyqueen says, "Back in the saddle hon!"

Max says, "U bet, Prissyqueen! Riding those horses."

Monitor 1 says, "Max can be yours by pressing the One on One button. He'll do anything you want."

Asspounder says, "bon soir Phillippe!"

Phil says, "Hi Asspounder. How's it going?"

Asspounder says, "Fine here in Montreal - cold. Come and warm me up. How's your French."

Phil says, "French is fine! And so's my Greek!"

Prissyqueen says, "Max, my lad! How long's your shift."

Max says, "Prissyqueen, I don't know - how long's yours?"

Prissyqueen says, "Long, longing and ready. You bad boy."

Asspounder says, "You look so luscious tonite, mon Phillippe!"

Tdye has entered the chat room.

Phil says, "Evening, Tdye."

Tdye says "Ah sweetheart. How are you tonite?"

Asspounder says, "Well Phillippe, are you ignoring me? You look so luscious tonite. "

Phil says, "Sorry, Asspounder - thanks for the compliment!"

Tdye says "Phil, Can we talk?"

"Talk?" said Phil. "O yes, I want to talk to you. And I'd better do it fast, 'cause Asspounder's horny tonight and he'll beat all to the "button."

Phil says, "Tdye - we could talk."

Tdye says, "Private chat."

Phil says, "We could, but . . ."

Tdye says, "I know where the "button" is. I'm coming."

"O yes. O yes," said Phil. "Press it. Press it. He's in!"

Phil says, "Tom. You're in."

Tdye says "Good. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our little session 2 days ago."

Phil says, "Well, you better start commanding me now - as this is costing you a fortune."

Tdye says, "No discounts?"

Phil says, "Tempting."

Tdye says, "Well I just want to talk."

Phil says, "Talk or not, I'm getting naked for you."

Phil quickly stripped.

Phil says, "Now, I want you to call me - but use this special number"

Phone rings.

"Hello - Tom"

"Well," said Tom, "well there's a voice of an angel in that sweetheart's body."

"I'm blushing - and you can see it. Wait."

Phil pressed a few keys and hit the enter key with some bravado.

"Since we're just talking, I went on a break. You can still see me, but all the others can't. And the meter's not running."

"Can you do that?" said Tom. "Won't you get in trouble? I don't want to cause you any problem."

"No problem. I'm their star attraction. Losing me would be like closing the place down."

"I am greatly honored," said Tom.

"Well, not so fast. I can't be on here like this forever. So, I have a question for you?"

"Shoot!"

"We've been chatting for 2 weeks," said Phil. "And you've seen every part of me."

"Mmmm, and how."

"And you seem to like what you see."

"I'm here, am I not?"

"Am I not?" laughed Phil. "I love the way you speak professor. You know I love to read books, and the good stuff."

"So you've said."

"I mean like, Moby Dick."

"How appropriate," said Tom.

"Bitch! I'm serious. I've seen the movie and thought it was really . . . really . . ."

"Wet?"

"Shut up!" said Phil laughing again. "Compelling. But then I picked up the book. I said to myself, who the fuck could get through this big motherfucker . . . "

Tom's laughter came across the phone.

"What are you laughing at?" asked Phil. "You're not one of these snobby assholes who find me amusing because I am exploring a brave new world!

"Brave New World?" said Tom. "No, I just have never heard Moby Dick referred to as a Mother-fucker."

"Oh! Well, that's OK. I started reading it and it's transformed me. The words are like little paintings - I can't tell you - much better than the movie."

"You know, Melville was gay?"

Phil was silent.

"You know Melville," said Tom, "the motherfucker who wrote the book."

"Are you making fun of me? "

"Not fun of you. I'm enjoying the exuberance of your youth. It's infectious."

"That's nice," said Phil breaking into a broad smile.

"Have you ever seen a whale?" asked Tom.

"Like in the flesh?"

"Like in the aquarium?" said Tom.

"In books only," said Phil. "Have you?"

"Yes, at sea."

"That's wonderful. I would love that. Where can you do that?"

"At Sea!" said Tom. "Actually at Provincetown. They have whale-watching excursions."

"At P'Town. I've never been. Love to go. They say the boyz are hot there; and it's wonderfully gay."

"And now another reason! PLUS they have some great new plays performed there.Have you been to the theater?"

"Drags and such," said Phil.

"Ah! I would like to be with you when you see your first live theatrical performance."

"You would?"

"I would!" said Tom. "But you know, you never asked me the question you wanted to ask me."

"Oh yeah. How old are you?"

"48."

"That's not that old," said Phil.

"Who said it was?"

"No one."

"I mean, I have friends who are still alive at 54," said Tom.

"Oh I didn't mean . . . "

"Don't worry - I know you're a tad younger than me."

"A Tad. When you were my age, I wasn't even born yet!"

"Now it's my turn. Bitch!"

"And are you like old and wrinkly; walk with a gimp and have a hunchback!"

"Actually," said Tom, "I'm in a wheel chair - and lost a testicle in Vietnam."

"I'm sorry."

Tom's laughter was even harder now.

"You bitch!" said Phil. "How could I know?"

"Let's not make assumptions," said Tom. "If you want to know what I look like - I could email you a picture - a jpeg . . . .or . . . . "

"That would be nice - maybe a naked one ---- but we could like . . ."

"Like what?"

"Meet somewhere," said Phil.

"That would be fine with me. You won't mind my seeing-eye dog? "

"Cut it out!" said Phil. "I need to get back to work. So, do you know where The Imperial Coffee Mug is in the East Village?"

"Know it well. What day?"

"Tonight?" said Phil.

"Great!"

"I'm off at 9," said Phil.

"Come as you are," said Tom. "I'll see you then."

"See you then."

"Yes, my sweetheart."

"Bye," said Phil

Click.

"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!!" said Phil with excitement.

He immediately called Sprakie as promised.

"Hi - Sprakie! Guess what? What are you doin' now? I'll meet you at . . ."

Voices in the air and flickers on a screen. Do we ever know where our lust will lead us or our interest in great literature? Sometimes sweet sounds in the night make us more romantic than mercenary, even subverting such things as the tools of the trade.

Next Chapter

Turning Idolator

		Chapter One: The Tools of the Trade All good craftsman look to the maintenance and condition of the tools of their trade. Chef knives are honed sharply. Hacks assure the oil is changed with regularity. Writers look to their quills, while painters care for horsehair and camel with as much care as palette and pigment. Roadies look to their pickaxes. Firemen their gloves; and none but a preacher can best attend to the holy fount. So, with the aim of affirming this most important of professional practices, Philip Haxie took to his bath to care for the tools of his trade. The bubbles welled up in massive peaks. They almost eclipsed the young Haxie in a world of soap and cleanser. But he prevailed, with a wineglass in one hand and a book in the other. His deep, black eyes were intent on the words. His mind was at sea with the Great White Whale. The pages dripped with foam as he turned them with deep conviction. The edges were puckered with moist indents; but Philip Haxie did not care or wonder. He was far away from the bubble bath, out on the Nantucket wharves. The alarm clock rang. He jumped. The wineglass disappeared under the foam. "Shit," said Philip. "Too soon. Shit." He threw the book down, searched for the wineglass, then jumped out of the tub, a mass of bubbles and flesh, sleek flesh. As he dried himself, he glanced in the mirror admiring the tools of his trade. "Well boyz," he said pausing before the glass, "ready for Phil's little treat tonight!" He began to dance, waiving his crotch about the towel; then, as if he was suddenly bored with this action, he quickly finished getting ready for work. Work in the old days for the likes of Philip Haxie would be a cold, dark windy street corner filled with danger and filth. But this was the twenty-first century, where the tools of the trade could be seen on a trip to the internet. Thanks to the innovations of web cams, our little eyes traversed virtual space into every corner unseemly and unbiased. These computer-eyes could be anywhere in any space; and for any price we can see into the charms of flesh and passion. In Philip Haxie's case, the place was New York City in a quiet loft space - the home of www.manluv.com. Here one could chat and view the boyz as they danced and teased and stripped and, for a price, drew you into a world that was not new, but indeed most privately accessible. www.manluv.com had three performance areas - three compartments, each with computer and digital video camera. Each had a young scantily clad model. In station one meet Guy Wikie, who was naked and dancing in front of the camera. In station two meet Max Ballard. He wore a phoneset and typed busily on the keyboard. And in the last compartment, meet the star of the internet, Robert Sprague a.k.a. "Sprakie", laughing as he typed the evening away. "Jesus Marie," said Sprakie, "I can't believe he asked me that." He typed a reply to the computer inquiry: "If you want to see my dick, you need to pay for a One on One." It was the custom in these little web-slut rooms to flirt and muster up trade. This was called the chat. The computer screens were clogged with such chat. If this were the old days, such chat would be called through the windows of cars or across mugs of beer in the club. But, such is the marvel of technology that such chat becomes anonymous, and therefore more gregarious. It was also the custom to take a nickname while in such a chat area. Here's what was flying over the screens this evening: Papuppy says, "Papuppy here. Hi sweetie - how's Robert tonight?" Sprakie says, "Hi Papuppy. Cool, you know. Getting near the end of my shift." Max was keeping his own chat routine together: Max says, "Cumdoggy, you like my smile" Cumdoggy says, "My, my - let's see that smile" Max stood and pressed his face in a big smile into the computer monitor. Cumdoggy says, "That's my Max. Love that smile." Papuppy says, "Robert - show us your ass!" Bonerman says, "Yep! Show it to us now!" Sprakie say, "Hi Bonerman - you know the rules." Monitor 1 says, "Guys! Press the One on One button and Robert will be all yours." Cumdoggy says, "Max more than the smile. By the way, I'll be in New York this weekend." Max says, "So, are you saying something?" Cumdoggy says, "Hey Bonerman, how are you this evening." Bonerman says, "Would be better if you were here, Cumdoggy" SweetCA says, "Hey Anyone here from California!" Creampuff says, "I am" SweetCA says, " Where? Creampuff says, "Cupertino." SweetCA Says, "Cool! C U" Max says, "To Bonerman - how old are you?" Bonerman says, "Old enough" Max says, "No fair! You can see me." Cumdoggy says, "Show us more -" Max says, "Teasers. How old Bonerman?" Bonerman has signed off. "Shit!" said Max, "he signed off. I scared him away." Max banged on the compartment wall. "Never ask their age, Sprakie, it scares 'em away." "Fuck!" answered Sprakie, "I could have told you that - you dumb ass newbie!" "Watch it," said Max, "I'll come over there and kick your ass." "What's Guy doing? Awfully quiet over there." "I hear heavy breathing," said Max. "He's earning it, girl - doing the jack-off supreme!" "Go for it Guy! Weeha!" "Shut your holes!" moaned Guy. "You'll make me blow this big spender's dime. He's been on for 25 minutes - nearing the $200 mark - and I want him again and again . . ." ". . .and again," said Max. Sprakie says, "to Papuppy - Are you still there?" Papuppy says, "Here, dear. Are you queer or what?" Sprakie says, "I'm a Kinzie 6." Papuppy says, "What the fuck's that!" Sprakie says, "Men only. I thought you knew. What do you do?" Papuppy says, "I do them all." Cumdoggy says, "Max, how long do I have to wait here?" Max says, "tell 'em Monitor 1" Monitor 1 says, "Just press the button for a One on One and Max will be yours." Asspounder says, "bon soir Robert." Sprakie says "Good evening Asspounder." Asspounder says, "Did I missed anything?" Papuppy says to Asspounder, "You missed an exciting show from Robert. He's the best" Sprakie says, "Thank you, Papuppy" Moaning came from Guy Wikie's compartment. Both Sprakie and Max laughed with abandon. Cumdoggy says, "Max, what's so funny?" Max says, "Just felt like a laugh, Cumdoggy." Max took his shirt off, slow and sexy. Cumdoggy says, "That's it, Max. Wonderful! Keep going." "He's going for it, Sprakie, " said Max. "Going . . . Going . . . he's in private chat!" Max to Cumdoggy: "Hey Cumdoggy - we can fuck around with this keyboard or for an extra charge - dial me at 1-876-manlove." Cumdoggy says, "Yes sir!" Max's phone rings. "So Cumdoggy," said Max, "do you have a name?" "I do," said the phone voice, "but let's not waste time with that crap. Start taking it off." "Oooo. A real brute. What do you want to see?" "Do you have toys?" Asspounder says, "Robert, how long have you been in this room?" Sprakie says, "About to sign-off, Asspounder. Philip will be strutting his stuff soon." Asspounder says, "Oo la la!" Papuppy says, "Robert, how much longer?" "Time's up, Papuppy," said Sprakie Sprakie says, "See you all tomorrow." Papuppy says, "What time?" "Check the fucking schedule asshole!" Sprakie says, "I think I'm back at the same time sweetie. Have pleasant dreams." "And don't swallow any wooden dicks!" he said switching the camera off. Guy Wikie had finished his private one-on-one and needed a break. He fished around for the "Model on Break Sign." He slipped his jeans on and found his lunch bag. There was a break area in the hallway. The bench was not comfortable especially to a bony ass, but it would do. Philip Haxie arrived. He climbed the three flights of stairs and opened the old, squeaky door. "Hi Phil," said Guy. "Want some M&M's." Phil declined. He did stop and gave Guy a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks dear," said Phil. "I'm a little late; and Sprakie will have a fit." "Well hon, it's about time you got your ass out of bed," said Sprakie dressing in the hallway. "Was he good-looking - but more important, did he pay well?" They hugged and kissed, Sprakie squeezing Phil's ass. "Too much lard here?" said Sprakie. "A little more Gold's Gym could be in order. Too many hours watching Millionaire and wishin' in one hand and jerking off in the other." "It was a busy afternoon," said Phil. "Oh, my break's up," said Guy. He offered the rest of his sandwich to Phil, who declined. "Guy," said Sprakie, "you're always eating and always tempting others. Get thee behind me Satan! I hope those aren't Max's M&M's." "You're so funny Sprakie," said Guy going back into his chat compartment. Max was now quite passionate, moaning and saying Cumdoggie's name, over and over. "All these doggies," said Sprakie. "The internet's filled to the brim with dogs. I have a Papuppy, and didn't you have a schlogdoggie or fido or something?" "Hungbastard," said Phil. "What does that have to do with dogs?" "A bastard hound." "Fuck you," said Sprakie. "I'm too tired for this! Come, Tell Sprakie what or who you did today. Come, 'fess up." "Actually, I took a long steamy bubble bath and curled up with a book." "A book! Listen to Lady Chatterley here! Back copies of Advocate Personals or just some hard rock candy stuff? A book. The last time I picked up a book it was to call a florist, Jesus Marie - and that was to decorate for a doctor." "What ever happened to Doctor Dick of Death?" "Please," said Sprakie. "I still can't sit down. It was Doctor Brian McMoldau of the Gustave McMoldaus, East Hampton's finest. Well . . I thought I told you this, sis - He was hung like a you-know-what, and rich as Margaret Truman - but he had one flaw - a small flaw. He was as ugly as a Goddamn monkey's ass - and although he made it worth my while, there definitely was no call for me to be the permanent houseboy. So, when the Doctor was in, my eyes were shut else I'd start laughing - and giggles would mean no supper - no little spending money at Saks." "Did you meet on-line?" "Never date them," said Sprakie. "Be polite, get them in the One on One - make fucking penpals out of them and they'll come back and spend hundreds. Take your commission and go." "Sprakie, they're not all that bad," said Phil. "I forgot - you've made the rounds there. Well, tell me. Have you found the sugar daddy of your dreams yet?" "No," said Phil. "But some of them are interested in more than a one nighter." "That's the problem. Some of them are freaky with the love and romance. And . . . Oh, I know who you're thinking of. No, no - that one you keep telling me about was not on tonight." "Tdye." "Tdye - what kinda screen nickname is that?" said Sprakie. "I can live with Fuckmonger and Asspounder, but Tdye. What's that Tie Dye - like they did to pants before we were born." "I believe it's Thomas," said Phil, "and he's a writer - and he's very gentle in One on One . . . " "Jesus Marie, you're pathetic," said Sprakie. "Listen to me, I love you like my best set of luggage. Don't fall for that line. He's probably an old Troll. Or he's a 10 year old kid using his father's sign-on - or worse yet, he's a straight serial killer." "I doubt that. You're just jealous because your tricks turn out to be losers." "They're all losers," said Sprakie. "If you spend money for sex . . . come on hon!" "Yeah, but look what they get!" "Remember, I'm Saks - you're J C Penney's," said Sprakie. "But really - I worry about your little romantic notions. It's OK to make the cash - I taught you well. But when you decide these dudes are worthy of more than that, I caution you! Remember what happened to Jimmy . . ." "Jimmy was into heavy drugs, man. And I think he was out of control. He'd go with anything that walked." "Or crawled," said Sprakie. "He'd fuck a knot hole and worry about payment later!" Heavy moaning came from Guy's compartment. "Dumb-ass Boy's making the bucks tonight," said Sprakie. "He doesn't need any words of wisdom from Mama here. I think the dumber they are the more natural common sense comes to them in these matters. But, Jimmy . . ." "It's time for work," said Phil. "Be home on time. And . . . call me later." Phil was lost in a thought. Perhaps he was back on the Nantucket wharves. "Are you listening?" said Sprakie. "I don't want to pick up a paper and see you sprawled across some Goddamn fence in the middle of Wyoming. I love your sorry ass - and worry about these romantic notions you get. Call me later - promise me." "I promise." "And give my regards to all those boyz out there in the dark. Sprakie's ready for his close up Mr. Bill Gates" Phil entered his compartment and prepared the camera. Max says, "I'm back boyz and available!" Funpud says "Max that was hot." Max says, "Thanks, Funpud! Like what you see in the small box, come have me full screen." Funpud says, "How's your cold?" Max says, "Oh you sweetie. You remembered. Took lots of crap and its gone." Prissyqueen says, "Back in the saddle hon!" Max says, "U bet, Prissyqueen! Riding those horses." Monitor 1 says, "Max can be yours by pressing the One on One button. He'll do anything you want." Asspounder says, "bon soir Phillippe!" Phil says, "Hi Asspounder. How's it going?" Asspounder says, "Fine here in Montreal - cold. Come and warm me up. How's your French." Phil says, "French is fine! And so's my Greek!" Prissyqueen says, "Max, my lad! How long's your shift." Max says, "Prissyqueen, I don't know - how long's yours?" Prissyqueen says, "Long, longing and ready. You bad boy." Asspounder says, "You look so luscious tonite, mon Phillippe!" Tdye has entered the chat room. Phil says, "Evening, Tdye." Tdye says "Ah sweetheart. How are you tonite?" Asspounder says, "Well Phillippe, are you ignoring me? You look so luscious tonite. " Phil says, "Sorry, Asspounder - thanks for the compliment!" Tdye says "Phil, Can we talk?" "Talk?" said Phil. "O yes, I want to talk to you. And I'd better do it fast, 'cause Asspounder's horny tonight and he'll beat all to the "button." Phil says, "Tdye - we could talk." Tdye says, "Private chat." Phil says, "We could, but . . ." Tdye says, "I know where the "button" is. I'm coming." "O yes. O yes," said Phil. "Press it. Press it. He's in!" Phil says, "Tom. You're in." Tdye says "Good. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our little session 2 days ago." Phil says, "Well, you better start commanding me now - as this is costing you a fortune." Tdye says, "No discounts?" Phil says, "Tempting." Tdye says, "Well I just want to talk." Phil says, "Talk or not, I'm getting naked for you." Phil quickly stripped. Phil says, "Now, I want you to call me - but use this special number" Phone rings. "Hello - Tom" "Well," said Tom, "well there's a voice of an angel in that sweetheart's body." "I'm blushing - and you can see it. Wait." Phil pressed a few keys and hit the enter key with some bravado. "Since we're just talking, I went on a break. You can still see me, but all the others can't. And the meter's not running." "Can you do that?" said Tom. "Won't you get in trouble? I don't want to cause you any problem." "No problem. I'm their star attraction. Losing me would be like closing the place down." "I am greatly honored," said Tom. "Well, not so fast. I can't be on here like this forever. So, I have a question for you?" "Shoot!" "We've been chatting for 2 weeks," said Phil. "And you've seen every part of me." "Mmmm, and how." "And you seem to like what you see." "I'm here, am I not?" "Am I not?" laughed Phil. "I love the way you speak professor. You know I love to read books, and the good stuff." "So you've said." "I mean like, Moby Dick." "How appropriate," said Tom. "Bitch! I'm serious. I've seen the movie and thought it was really . . . really . . ." "Wet?" "Shut up!" said Phil laughing again. "Compelling. But then I picked up the book. I said to myself, who the fuck could get through this big motherfucker . . . " Tom's laughter came across the phone. "What are you laughing at?" asked Phil. "You're not one of these snobby assholes who find me amusing because I am exploring a brave new world! "Brave New World?" said Tom. "No, I just have never heard Moby Dick referred to as a Mother-fucker." "Oh! Well, that's OK. I started reading it and it's transformed me. The words are like little paintings - I can't tell you - much better than the movie." "You know, Melville was gay?" Phil was silent. "You know Melville," said Tom, "the motherfucker who wrote the book." "Are you making fun of me? " "Not fun of you. I'm enjoying the exuberance of your youth. It's infectious." "That's nice," said Phil breaking into a broad smile. "Have you ever seen a whale?" asked Tom. "Like in the flesh?" "Like in the aquarium?" said Tom. "In books only," said Phil. "Have you?" "Yes, at sea." "That's wonderful. I would love that. Where can you do that?" "At Sea!" said Tom. "Actually at Provincetown. They have whale-watching excursions." "At P'Town. I've never been. Love to go. They say the boyz are hot there; and it's wonderfully gay." "And now another reason! PLUS they have some great new plays performed there.Have you been to the theater?" "Drags and such," said Phil. "Ah! I would like to be with you when you see your first live theatrical performance." "You would?" "I would!" said Tom. "But you know, you never asked me the question you wanted to ask me." "Oh yeah. How old are you?" "48." "That's not that old," said Phil. "Who said it was?" "No one." "I mean, I have friends who are still alive at 54," said Tom. "Oh I didn't mean . . . " "Don't worry - I know you're a tad younger than me." "A Tad. When you were my age, I wasn't even born yet!" "Now it's my turn. Bitch!" "And are you like old and wrinkly; walk with a gimp and have a hunchback!" "Actually," said Tom, "I'm in a wheel chair - and lost a testicle in Vietnam." "I'm sorry." Tom's laughter was even harder now. "You bitch!" said Phil. "How could I know?" "Let's not make assumptions," said Tom. "If you want to know what I look like - I could email you a picture - a jpeg . . . .or . . . . " "That would be nice - maybe a naked one ---- but we could like . . ." "Like what?" "Meet somewhere," said Phil. "That would be fine with me. You won't mind my seeing-eye dog? " "Cut it out!" said Phil. "I need to get back to work. So, do you know where The Imperial Coffee Mug is in the East Village?" "Know it well. What day?" "Tonight?" said Phil. "Great!" "I'm off at 9," said Phil. "Come as you are," said Tom. "I'll see you then." "See you then." "Yes, my sweetheart." "Bye," said Phil Click. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!!" said Phil with excitement. He immediately called Sprakie as promised. "Hi - Sprakie! Guess what? What are you doin' now? I'll meet you at . . ." Voices in the air and flickers on a screen. Do we ever know where our lust will lead us or our interest in great literature? Sometimes sweet sounds in the night make us more romantic than mercenary, even subverting such things as the tools of the trade. Next Chapter