Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
They had a three-hour layover at DFW Airport on the Sunday flight to San Francisco. They settled in the airline club and ordered sandwiches and beer for lunch.
“Joe scheduled a limo to pick us up at SFO,” Wyl said. “The high-rise condo he suggested sounds like a nice place. I was impressed with the staff when I contracted the rental. I bet we’ll like it.”
“I’m sure Joe got a sense of the type of place we expect.”
Wyl grasped Rod’s hand. “Are you at all uneasy about this trip and our appearance in front of Joe’s group?”
Wyl knew the situations with Mitzi and Shifty affected Rod. His husband had proved he could shove his fears aside and boldly face anything. Still, Wyl’s protective instinct kicked in when things got tough, and he needed Rod to know he was there to support and encourage him.
Rod shook his head. “No, babe. Joe’s visit showed me just how inspirational our story is. What better place to share in person than San Francisco?”
“I’m glad to hear you say that and am eager to see San Francisco.
” Except for his year after high school wandering the states, Wyl never traveled for pleasure.
Especially traveling with the man who gave his life meaning.
Someday, he hoped they could go abroad, but for now…
a few days in San Francisco was perfect.
They finished lunch and moved to a comfortable couch near the bar. The bartender brought them fresh pints, and Rod took out his laptop to check his email. Wyl pulled out the copy of The Advocate he purchased at the terminal newsstand.
“Oh my gosh, check this out!” Wyl pointed to the teaser spread across the bottom of the front page: Coming in September: Wyl and Rod Sterling. Gay, married, and running a large ranch in West Texas.
“Oh, hey… that’s us!” Rod’s eyes widened. “I can hardly wait to read the article. If Joe put the photos with the article, we’re bound to be recognized.”
“That’s the price rich and famous people pay.” Wyl nudged Rod with his elbow and smiled.
Their boarding time neared, and the agent came over to remind them. They gathered their things and left for the gate.
* * *
After a smooth flight to SFO, they walked through the busy terminal toward baggage claim. “Anything special planned for our visit?” Wyl asked.
“Everything is special in San Francisco, babe. We’ll eat at great restaurants, shop in Chinatown, enjoy a drink at Vesuvio, visit Pier 39 and watch the sea lions lounging in the sun, visit Coit Tower, and whatever else you want to do.”
“Wow…so when do we sleep? And don’t forget Joe’s support group session. We need to appear happily married,” Wyl glanced sideways at Rod.
“Well, if we try, we can manage that.” Rod grinned and poked Wyl’s ribs.
A limo driver held a STERLING sign at the bottom of the escalator to baggage claim. Wyl waved to the driver and thumbed toward baggage claim. He left to bring the car.
The driver knew where to go, so they relaxed and enjoyed the smooth ride into San Francisco.
The limousine pulled into the circular drive of the condo building.
The doorman opened the limo door. “Good afternoon, Mr. and Mr. Sterling. I am Henry, your concierge. Welcome to San Francisco. Allow me to show you to your residence. We will bring your bags up.”
Wyl loved the chilly air as they stepped from the limo, a refreshing change from the Texas heat. He would need a jacket in the evening.
The security desk occupied the center of the roomy, inviting building lobby. “Welcome, Mr. Wyl Sterling and Mr. Rod Sterling,” the guard greeted them. “Please contact the security desk with any concerns. We want your stay to be worry-free.”
Wyl was not accustomed to being treated this royally, but he enjoyed the attention. Rod did too. They could afford whatever they wanted, and he wanted Rod to have the best.
They followed Henry to the bank of elevators. One elevator had a card slot instead of a button. Henry pushed a card in the slot, and the doors opened. The elevator's button console included only two buttons: L and PH. Wyl smiled at Rod. Their penthouse had its own private elevator.
The elevator jetted up, and the doors opened to the penthouse foyer. Wyl scanned the lavish penthouse condo. His husband’s expression had the same awe.
“Gentlemen, your keys are in this information folder.” Henry patted the folder on the entryway table.
“Included is the address and telephone number of this residence. The two keys are identical. Each key gives you access to the building after hours and your residence. No other guest keys access this level. Your bags will arrive shortly. May I escort you on a tour of your home away from home?”
“Lead on, Henry,” Rod said.
The foyer opened into the main room. Henry spoke as he strolled.
“This is your main living area. Notice the gas fireplace, operated by this switch on the wall.” Henry flipped the switch, and a glowing yellow fire appeared like magic.
Wyl glanced down for a soft rug in front of it and caught Rod eyeing him.
Rod punched him gently in the arm as Henry led them to another part of the main room.
“This is your dining area,” he motioned toward the mahogany table and six chairs near the floor-to-ceiling windows along one side of the room.
“And through here is your kitchen, including all cooking and serving utensils and all place settings. The refrigerator is stocked with staples. We provided for an evening meal on your first day and breakfast the following morning. I suggest you take a streetcar or bus to the farmer’s market for additional grocery items. Fresh vegetables, meats, and a variety of fruits and melons are available.
The wet bar is stocked, and the wine rack includes several bottles of fine wines. ”
“This is great, Henry,” Rod said. “I’ve been to San Francisco a few times and am familiar with the Farmer’s Market at Ferry Plaza.”
“Excellent, Mr. Sterling. I am pleased to hear of your experience with our fine city. Now, if you follow me, I’ll show you the sleeping quarters.
” Henry led them down the hallway into the expansive master bedroom, which had a glorious view of the city to the east through its wall of windows.
“This is the master bedroom, with a beautiful city view. A California king bed, of course. The full closet includes two dressing areas. The bathroom includes a rain shower with various pulsing options, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi tub. The water closet includes a toilet and a bidet. The vanity has double sinks, and the floor is heated to keep the chill from your feet.”
“Now, if you’ll accompany me to the library.
” Henry led them back down the hall to a large entertainment room.
“This is the library. In addition to a Bose sound system, the sixty-inch plasma TV includes a Blu-ray player and a game console. A full complement of premium cable channels is available. The leather love seat is a dual recliner. The lighting in this room can be adjusted for your viewing pleasure, and blackout curtains are available to block the western sun in the evening.”
Henry led them back to the foyer by the elevator as the doors opened and their luggage arrived.
“Omar, please place the bags in the dressing area of the closet. Mr. Wyl Sterling’s bags on the left side, and Mr. Rod Sterling’s bags on the right.”
Omar pushed the luggage cart from the elevator down the hallway to the master bedroom.
“Are there any questions before I leave you?”
“Henry, this place is amazing,” Rod said. “Thanks for the tour.”
Wyl offered Henry a folded $50 bill. “Yes, thank you, Henry.”
Henry pocketed the bill without looking at it. “Thank you, Mr. Sterling. It is a pleasure to have you both as our guests.”
Omar returned and pushed his empty cart into the waiting elevator.
Wyl offered $20 to Omar, who nodded his acceptance with a polite thank you.
“Please contact me if you need assistance.” Henry joined Omar.
“Thank you again,” Rod said. “We appreciate your kind attention.”
Henry nodded as the doors closed.
“Wow. This place is far better than I expected,” Rod said.
“You expected less?” Wyl asked.
Rod chuckled. “I expected a standard rental condo in a complex.” He looped his arm through Wyl’s. “Clean and nicely furnished, but not exclusive and not with this kind of view.” He waved his arm at the view from where they stood near the dining table.
Wyl released Rod’s arm and moved behind, wrapping him in his arms. “A special place for a special man,” he whispered in Rod’s ear.
Rod leaned his head back. “Two special men.”
Wyl turned and planted a soft kiss. “Rod Sterling, I love you.”
Rod returned the kiss. “Wyl Sterling, I love you more.”
They strolled into the bedroom to unpack.