Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
The next day, the bright early morning woke Wyl to his smiling husband watching him.
“Hey, handsome.” Rod’s morning voice sounded deep and sexy. “Your snore is so cute.”
Wyl stretched and grunted. “Marines aren’t supposed to be cute, and I don’t snore.”
Rod rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” He stroked Wyl’s cheek.
Wyl leaned up to kiss Rod’s soft lips before they crawled out of bed.
“What day is it?” Wyl led Rod to the shower.
“It’s Monday. Our session with the gay therapy group is tomorrow evening, but today is all ours.”
The rain shower was similar to the one in their own master bedroom, large enough for both of them. They let the warm water fall on each other as they washed.
“I don’t think we’ve showered alone since we married,” Wyl said.
“We didn’t shower alone that much before we married either. I never thought of showering as a partner activity until I met you. Now I can’t imagine showering without you next to me.”
“Me either, babe.”
They dried with the thick, white towels, then shaved and groomed before entering the large closet/dressing area. They wore jeans, colored tees, and light cotton sweaters topped with a light windbreaker.
“Is there a breakfast place at the farmer’s market?” Wyl asked.
“Yes. There are several good restaurants on the wharf, and we can people-watch while we eat.”
“People watch? Are you looking to replace me already?” Wyl teased.
Rod grabbed him in a fierce hug. “You’re irreplaceable, babe. You die…I die. It’s that simple.”
“How about we both don’t die.”
“Works for me.” Rod swiped a kiss. “Should we wear our hats?”
“And give everyone a sneak peek at our appearance for tomorrow night?” Wyl laughed. “Maybe we can find baseball caps while we’re out so we look more like tourists and less like cowboys.”
“Good idea,” Rod nodded.
“Should I ask Henry to call a cab for us?” Wyl said.
“No,” Rod shook his head. “We’ll take the trolley or the bus. We can get a couple of unlimited CityPass cards. Public transportation makes it easy to get around. I think there is a CityPass office not far from here.”
“That will certainly make it easier.” Wyl touched the button to summon the elevator.
As the elevator doors opened, the condo phone rang. They exchanged questioning glances. Nobody knew their number.
Wyl picked up the receiver. “Wyl Sterling.”
“How’s my favorite rich ex-brother-in-law?”
Mitzi’s tinny voice and smug tone set Wyl’s teeth on edge. “How did you get this number, Mitzi?” He glanced at Rod’s frown.
“I called the Advocate and talked with Joe,” Mitzi said.
“You called Joe at The Advocate?” Wyl growled. “How did you know about Joe?”
“Don’t be naive, Wyl. Stupidity doesn’t become you. Facebook has been alive with information since your little antic with the video. Very clever, by the way. And Joe posted on your Facebook page.”
Wyl huffed out a breath. “What do you want, Mitzi?”
Rod’s strong hands massaged his shoulders, the touch draining some of his tension.
“You and your husband can hide in San Francisco all you want, but what happens in the big city doesn’t change what happens in Blackfield. Just be ready for the outcry when you get back.”
“What’s your angle, Mitzi?”
“Me? An angle? Wyl, you cut me to the core.”
“You need to excise that rotten core, Mitzi. And if you think you can get traction in Blackfield, knock yourself out.” The edge in Wyl’s voice could cut granite.
“Oh, I intend to knock one out of the park. Or maybe we could come to some sort of agreement.”
“No angle, huh?” Wyl didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
Mitzi tsk’d. “Let’s not be so crass. Ex-in-laws should be able to discuss things amicably, don’t you think?”
“There is a reason for the word ex, Mitzi.” Wyl spat out her name. “It means there is no longer a connection.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Sterling. Think you can fight me? Think again!” She hung up.
“Shit!” Wyl cursed as he slammed the receiver down. “Mitzi plans something in Blackfield, and we won’t know until we get back. She’s a wily bitch who has leaped over to the crazy side of the sanity meter in her pursuit of our money.”
Rod wrapped his arms around Wyl from behind.
“It’s my turn to be strong. Let’s worry about the bitch troll from hell when we get back.
Right now, a wonderful, vibrant city awaits, as does a fantastic opportunity to share our story with the world.
Remember… we’re Sterlings, and nothing will change that. ” Rod nibbled Wyl’s earlobe.
Wyl turned and wrapped his arms around his husband. He shivered at the warm sensation of Rod’s breath in his ear, combined with the tantalizing nip on his lobe. “You’re right. I’m glad you played the Sterling card.”
“Let’s go enjoy our day, babe. Mitzi can’t do anything to us out here.” Rod nudged Wyl’s chin with his fist and grinned. “She would be mobbed and beaten if she tried to harm the two most famous gay cowboys in the western United States.”
Wyl’s heart fluttered at Rod’s infectious grin. “You’re right. I’m angry that she won’t leave us alone, but I’m in San Francisco with the man I love, and I will enjoy the hell out of it!”
They rode down to the lobby. “Good morning, gentlemen,” Henry said. “Out for a day in the Golden Gate City?”
“You bet, Henry. Is there a CityPass office near here?” Wyl asked.
“Yes, Mr. Sterling. That office is almost directly across the street.” Henry led them outside and indicated the direction they should go.
“It’s on the lower level, so when you get there, take the stairs.
You’ll see the signs. Enjoy your day, gentlemen.
” Henry reached into his vest pocket. “Here is my card. Call if you need assistance.”
“Thanks, Henry.” Rod took Henry’s card in one hand, Wyl’s arm in the other. “You ready for a walk?”
“Lead the way!”
They found the CityPass office, bought passes, and then waited for the trolley to Ferry Plaza.
A streetcar clanged to a stop, and they climbed on.
“These are the oldest continuously operating cable cars in the country,” Rod said.
“Many originally operated on lines in other cities but were purchased and brought here for preservation and tourist draw.”
“Impressive.” Wyl grabbed the handrail above. “And popular.”
The cable car was packed with tourists and locals alike. With the clang of the cable car bell, they rode down the line. At Ferry Plaza, they hopped off.
“I’m hungry,” Wyl said. “Let’s find a restaurant.”
Rod led him to Bowlin’s Larder. “This place got rave reviews in the New York Times. I’ve never tried it, but customers give it high ratings.”
“Fine with me.” Wyl’s stomach growled at the aroma of breakfast.
“Their menu varies daily based on local Bay Area purveyors' fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients. It’s not your typical restaurant.”
The hostess seated them and gave them menus. They ordered the breakfast special and a tall Bloody Mary. The server brought their drinks.
“Here’s to us.” Rod hoisted his glass.
Wyl held his glass up and tapped Rod’s. “Sterling fight never dies. We’ll take that BTFH down!”
“BTFH?” Rod licked the salty rim before sipping the tasty drink.
“Bitch troll from hell,” Wyl grinned. “Your words.” He sipped his drink.
Rod laughed. “We’ll definitely take that BTFH down.”
Their breakfast came, and they dug in.
“You ready to stroll the market?” Rod swiped the napkin over his mouth, plate empty.
“You bet.” Wyl shoved his empty plate away. “What are we looking for?”
“Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fresh flowers, preserves, jams, and honey. I love coming here.”
“I can hardly wait.” Wyl handed his credit card to the server.
They strolled through the plaza building into the open market area near the waters of San Francisco Bay.
The number of vendor booths awed Wyl. “Wow, babe. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“You never visited open markets while stationed in various foreign countries?”
Wyl shook his head. “I had no reason. My chow was furnished, so I didn’t need to browse markets. Besides, given the nature of my work, I didn’t venture out too much.”
Rod nodded. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but it makes sense. Now that we’re simply a tourist couple, you can take advantage of this opportunity to get what you want.”
They loaded up on fresh vegetables, luscious fresh fruits, lamb chops, and a free-range chicken.
When they strolled back through Ferry Plaza to catch the trolley, Wyl saw a guy in the crowd. A feeling of dejavu washed over him. Hands laden with bags, he nudged Rod with his shoulder and nodded to his right. “See that guy over there?”
“What guy?” Rod asked, glancing in the direction where Wyl nodded.
“The one in the lime green shirt.” Wyl stood on tiptoes to avoid losing the guy. “I think I know him.”
“Where?” Rod strained to find a lime green shirt among the throng.
The man in the lime green shirt vanished. “Never mind. He’s gone,” Wyl said. “But I could swear I knew him.”
“How could you know anyone in San Francisco?” Rod said.
Wyl shook his head. “Good point. But I swear he looked familiar.”
They caught the trolley. Back in their penthouse, they put the groceries away.
“Are we having lunch here or going out?” Wyl said.
“We’re going to Pier 39 and enjoy clam chowder. Golden Gate Bridge is clearly visible from there if the fog is not in,” Rod said. “And we’ll see the sea lions sunning on nearby platforms.”
“Sounds like a good plan, but I’m not hungry yet.”
“We’ll stroll the shops before we find that restaurant for chowder,” Rod said.
* * *
Pier 39 was busy. “This is a crowded place,” Wyl said. “Must be a popular tourist attraction.”
“Definitely,” Rod said. “You can tell by the shops.” Rod motioned a broad sweep at all the individual stores. “Tourists love the San Francisco branded merchandise.”
“Look, babe. A shop that has ball caps.” Wyl pointed to a store window filled with brightly colored caps of all styles. “Maybe we can find something we like here.”