Taste. Part 24

"Here too," Lil said, nodding, "but the stars seem to be aligned in our favor tonight."

It was a very tiny restaurant, and all but one of the seven tables were occupied. A waitress came up to them immediately, smiled, and bowed ceremoniously at Lil, who was a regular, and had the forethought to call ahead to make a reservation. She led them to a table for two and brought them a tray of a.s.sorted sus.h.i.+ within minutes.

"I wasn't sure if you like sus.h.i.+, but they do have a lot of other choices on the menu," Lil informed Grier as he picked up his chopsticks, separated them, and plucked a nigiri roll off the platter. He dipped it into the wasabi-laced soy sauce and placed it on his tongue.

"I like sus.h.i.+," Grier admitted, managing his own chopsticks with less flair but still grabbing the unagi sus.h.i.+ without mishap. He followed Lil's lead, dipping it before eating, and sighing with pleasure as the flavor of the pungent horseradish-based mustard burst in his mouth.

They each ordered a wappa dish, which was steamed vegetables and fish served on a bed of rice in a bamboo steamer basket. They ate quickly, enjoying the first real meal they'd had since leaving Chicago hours ago. When they were finally replete, the plates removed, and the teacups refilled with aromatic green tea, Lil asked Grier what he wanted to see or do first while in the Bay Area. "I like to plan ahead."

"I noticed," Grier said, sipping at his hot tea gingerly. "I'd like to check out the clubs in the Castro area."

"Do you want to do that now?"

"Sure."

"We'll stop and have a couple of drinks."

"What about tomorrow," Grier asked. "Do you have any ideas?"

"I thought I'd show you my office, and afterward, I plan on taking you to Alla Prima in North Beach."

"What's that?"

"They have the largest selection of La Perla lingerie in the city."

"Really." Grier moved in his seat. "Did you have something special in mind?"

"I'll know it when I see it."

"I've never been to a lingerie boutique."

"I figured," Lil said. "I accompanied my mother once on a shopping spree, and I remember this store very clearly because of the wide a.s.sortment and the beauty of the pieces. h.e.l.l, even my picky mother was impressed."

"Does she live close by?"

"She lives in Hillsborough, which is about forty-five minutes away."

"I'd like to meet her someday."

"I'm sure you will eventually." Lil nodded at the waitress who hovered, and she presented him with the bill almost instantly.

Grier made a motion to pull out his wallet, and Lil waved him away.

"Are we going to fight over money the entire week?" Grier frowned.

"You're my guest."

"I'd like to share the expenses of our meals at least."

"And if I refuse, will it lead to a major sulk?"

"Yes," Grier said forcefully.

"Okay, love. I'm not going to argue over money. It's so cra.s.s."

"Good," Grier smiled and laid a hundred-dollar bill on the table.

Lil opened the leather case and glanced at their bill. He took out his wallet and peeled off two twenties from his roll of bills and handed Grier his change.

"Are you sure you took enough?"

"Don't nitpick."

"I won't if you don't play me."

Lil was all too aware of Grier's determined need to pay his share, and he rea.s.sured him. "You've given me more than enough, love."

"Okay."

"Shall we go?"

Chapter 24.

GRIER tried not to act like a tourist, but he couldn't help the smile that creased his face when he saw the enormous rainbow flag flying proudly at the Harvey Milk Plaza on the corner of Market and Castro Streets. He'd been a regular on Halsted in Chicago since he was twenty, but this, standing at the gateway to the iconic gay Mecca, was significant. tried not to act like a tourist, but he couldn't help the smile that creased his face when he saw the enormous rainbow flag flying proudly at the Harvey Milk Plaza on the corner of Market and Castro Streets. He'd been a regular on Halsted in Chicago since he was twenty, but this, standing at the gateway to the iconic gay Mecca, was significant.

They parked and locked the car, deciding to walk so Lil could point out the more famous landmarks without holding up any traffic. They started by looking at the different plaques and pictures dedicated to Harvey Milk while Lil gave Grier a brief rundown on the history of the famous gay politician who'd been martyred by a h.o.m.ophobic coworker. "We'll have to rent the DVD," he remarked, surprised that Grier didn't know much about Harvey and hadn't seen the movie Milk Milk.

He draped an arm over Grier's shoulders, and they continued their walking tour, stopping occasionally to greet a friend and introduce Grier. Lil answered all Grier's questions, interspersing them with light kisses and gentle hugs, before they ducked into 440 Castro for a drink. It was Monday, also known as underwear night for the adventurous who were interested in partic.i.p.ating in the traditional show and tell. Grier enjoyed the view as bears, cubs, and the occasional twink showed off in their skimpy underwear.

"You'd cause a stampede if they got a glimpse of what's between you and your Calvin's," Lil whispered into Grier's ear.

"No can do. That's strictly for home use."

"I know, love. I wouldn't want to share you anyway," Lil said softly. He kissed Grier on the lips and was pleased to feel him opening up easily and returning his affection with an equal measure of heat. Grier seemed to have no problems with public displays, which pleased Lil immeasurably. He liked confident men, and even though Grier was much younger than him, he was mature beyond his years, no doubt due to Luca and the added responsibility that had been thrust upon him at such an early age.

"Vodka or beer?" Lil asked.

"I'll have a draft."

Lil signaled the bartender while they leaned on the bar and continued to watch the display as men pranced around in their underwear. "G.o.d, I remember when I used to do stuff like this."

"Were you wild and wicked?" Grier teased. "You appear to be very much in control, most of the time."

"Most of the time?" Lil probed.

"When I'm not driving you crazy with my lace."

"Oh, sweet Jesus, you had to go and mention that, didn't you?" Lil pulled Grier closer. "I can't wait to get you home."

"You have any idea how much fun it is being with someone who shares this kink?"

"Do you know how long I've waited for you?"

"Tell me," Grier asked.

"I've been kissing frogs since I was sixteen."

"Twenty-one years is a long time."

"Almost as old as you."

"Not quite. Don't get all daddy on me."

"Eww... not my thing."

"Me neither."

"Lillian, sweetheart!" A good-looking blond about Lil's age sidled up to the pair and air-kissed Lil. "Who is this gorgeous thing?"

"Hands off, Alex," Lil joked, clearly comfortable with an old friend. "This is Grier."

"Fabulous name and quite suitable."

"Thanks," Grier said, smirking.

"What brings you this way? I haven't seen you in ages," Alex asked Lil.

"Just showing off the neighborhood. Grier's from Chicago."

"Darling, that is too fantastic! I love Midwestern boysso substantial."

"What the heck does that mean?" Grier asked.

"They have so much more depth to them, sweetheart, and hunks? You just can't find that sort of thing around here anymore. I swear, Lil, I'm suffering from ennui."

Lil smiled. "I gather we're in-between lovers?"

"How'd you guess? You wouldn't have any friends or relatives, would you, Grier?"

"Er... no."

"Are you here to stay or just visiting?"

"Visiting," Grier replied.

"What a pity," Alex remarked. "You'll have to work on him, Lillian. He looks like a keeper."

"He is," Lil said gently, devouring Grier with his eyes.

"Hmm," Alex noticed. "This looks more serious than I thought. Be careful, sweetie. I'd hate to see your bleeding heart in tatters."

"Oh, stop it, Alex. You're such a drama queen."

"That's my middle name," Alex chortled. "Give me a call, Lillian. I'd love to have you two over for a bite."

"Are you still at Maison Lutrice?"

"Every day except Monday."

"We might take you up on it. I have a craving for your beef Bourguignon."

"Let me know, and I'll save you the table with the best view."

Lil kissed Alex on the cheek. "Thanks, baby."

"Any time, Lil."

Alex left them quickly, heading off to wind his way through the crowd in search of his flavor of the night.

"He seems like a great guy, even if he's over the top."

"He's a bit dramatic, Grier, but one of the finest chefs in the city."

"Really... are all your friends successful?"

"I have all kinds of friends," Lil said, taking Grier's hand and squeezing it gently. "Are you ready to see more?"

"Sure. What's next?"

"You have to stick your head into Badlands, just so you can say you've been."

"What is it?"

Lil rolled his eyes. "A dance club."

"And how's this bad?"

"You have to be in the mood, and I haven't been in that mood for years."

"You're acting like a jaded old queen."

"Am I? I don't mean to. I've been doing this for so long I find it hard to get enthusiastic over the whole concept."