Chapter Twenty-five
Weston
May
When we arrived at the Aames Building on Friday morning, I was surprised to see Mom, Claudia, Alexis, Stephanie, Uncle Edmond, and a few people I didn’t know waiting for me. I walked up to hug Mom first and whispered in her ear, “We have a lot to discuss. Who are all these other people?”
Mom sniffed. “I’m sorry I wasn’t honest, Weston, but look where you are.
These people saw the news report last night and wanted to come support you as you take off.
WNYC put up the time and place where you were going to start the ride, and they came out.
I love you, and I know you’ll succeed. Call me as often as you’d like, okay? ”
I instantly forgave my mother. I’d made love to Bridges the night before and we’d talked about everything.
He’d said, “Neither of us have been parents, so we don’t know how it feels to raise a child.
My parents didn’t always do things I agreed with, but I suppose just trying to keep your kids healthy, safe, and raise them to be solid members of society brings tough decisions. ”
It made sense. Aside from being the man I loved, Bridges was also a wonderful role model.
He taught me stuff every day through example and kind guidance.
He never belittled me, always offering options, but never telling me what to do.
I knew that some days, I frustrated the hell out of him, but he was always patient.
If we ever chose to have children, he would be a remarkable father.
I went around the group and met everyone in the modest crowd. Many were members of the LGBTQIA community and some were allies. I was grateful they bothered to come see me off, especially at the most ungodly hour of the day.
“Why don’t all of you stand behind West as he makes the inaugural video for YouTube,” Bridges suggested after talking to Alexis for a moment.
I was so nervous I thought I was going to puke.
“Okay, Weston. Speak from your heart like you did in the news interview,” Alexis said.
I swallowed. “Okay.” She held up three fingers and pointed the phone toward me. She dropped one, two, three fingers and pointed at me to speak.
“Hi, I’m Weston Aames, and I’m beginning my cross-country ride in front of the Aames Building in Manhattan, New York, and ending in front of the Rainbow Equality Alliance building in The Castro, San Francisco, California.
“The purpose of my ride is to draw attention to the inequality facing members of the LGBTQIA community in this country. Many of us have been bullied or targeted with hate speech. People have died because of who they love, and it’s time for it to stop.
The trip will take me approximately fifty-five days because I’m stopping along the way to highlight LGBTQ+ centers throughout the country who are trying to fight for our equality.
Subscribe to this channel so you can take the trip with me.
“Thanks to these great supporters who came out to see us off. Thank you to Alexis and Stephanie who are holding down the home front and maintaining the channel to bring these videos to you. I hope you’ll see something that touches you or brings a smile to your face.
“Thanks to my family for their support, and last, but not least, thank you to the love of my life, Bridges. Without your guidance and love, I’d never be able to do this. I haven’t said it nearly enough, but I hope I’ve shown you that I love you.”
My voice broke as I was swamped by emotions, but I meant every word I said. The crowd behind me cheered, and Alexis stopped filming.
Bridges brought out my new recumbent bike from the back of the RV, which looked a lot different than the bike I used for practice.
It was a two-wheeled bike the height of my other bike, but the handles were near my hips and the seat rested back a little further.
It was neon yellowish green like my other bikes, and I kissed him for it.
“You didn’t show me this one,” I scolded with a smile.
He grinned. “I like to surprise you, baby boy. Use me to balance and get on. Nobody will laugh you off the road on this baby.”
I did as he said, and I took off, taking a test ride up the empty street before circling back to wave to everyone. I figured out how to stop without falling off when I got to the RV, and after one more kiss, Bridges and I were off on the adventure of our lives.
Travel Journal of Weston Aames
Week 1
States visited: NY, PA, MD - extended stop in Gettysburg
Dear Journal,
Bridges suggested I document my thoughts as we travel across the country, so here are my thoughts. This shit isn’t easy. The new bike does take the pressure off my back and shoulder, but learning to turn has been a little tricky.
I’ve only fallen off once, which is a fucking blessing. I skinned my knees, but Bridges kissed them and then kissed somewhere else, and it all felt better.
The first night, we stopped in Easton, PA, and found an RV campground at a state park outside town.
I was so damn tired that I took a shower while Bridges made us some sandwiches.
We went to bed at eight, both exhausted from the day, but when the clock chimed at five the next morning, I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed.
After a protein shake and an egg sandwich for breakfast, we were off again.
When we stopped in Gettysburg, we decided to take an extra day to tour the small town.
It was really interesting, and I’m not necessarily a history buff, but Bridges ate it up.
His reaction gave me gift ideas for years to come.
The rest of the week proceeded the same way.
I saw some beautiful scenery, and even though Bridges was in the RV behind me to keep me safe, I missed talking to him.
I’d left my phone in the RV so I could concentrate on traffic safety, but being alone with my thoughts wasn’t the most fun I’d ever had.
Let’s hope week two goes better.
Travel Journal of Weston Aames
Week 2
States visited: WV, OH, IN – stopped in Indianapolis
Dear Journal,
We started the week in Cumberland, West Virginia. It was absolutely stunning there. We stayed at a campground with beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains and a kick-ass shower room. The spray soothed my aching muscles like a spa massage.
Bridges buys a souvenir in each town we go through to commemorate the trip, but he doesn’t think I notice him doing it. I think it’s really cute and can’t wait to see what he does with them.
We’ve cut back to between seventy-five and a hundred miles a day, depending on the terrain, because we’d allowed more than enough time to get to Cali.
This is our opportunity to see the country like we never have before and probably never will again.
Breathing in the cool fresh air when I start the trip each morning is amazing.
We’re staying an extra day in Indianapolis to see the sights since neither of us has ever been to the city before.
Today we took in a museum and went for pizza near the campus of Indiana University.
Even though school is out, there are still a lot of folks roaming the campus and hanging out at the bars and restaurants.
Once we stop for the night, Bridges goes for a run to get in his exercise, so I use that time to write about the trip.
I’ve been thinking about the things Uncle Edmond and Mom both said, and I guess I’ll forgive them.
I’ve accepted they were looking out for me, regardless of how condescending I found their attempts to push me to succeed.
They’re older. They thought they were helping, or so I tell myself.
They act without thinking, but maybe I’ll be the same when I get their ages.
We stopped at an electronics store in Columbus, OH, to pick up a blue tooth earpiece so I can talk to Bridges while I ride by linking it with my phone.
We don’t constantly talk like we did on the Hudson Valley Greenway trail, but if I need to stop to use the bathroom, or if he needs to stop to stretch his legs, we can let the other know.
Or if I get lonely, cause it happens. It’s nice to check in with him.
He listens to audiobooks, which I don’t have the patience to do, but he tells me about them when we get into bed at night.
I do love lying down with him and talking about anything.
He’s quite insightful, and I marvel at the trivial facts he knows. The man is amazing.
Travel Journal of Weston Aames
Week 3
States visited: IN, IL – extended stop in Chicago
Dear Journal,
We’re in Chicago for a few days. It’s raining like a mother fucker, so we’re taking a couple of days off to enjoy the city.
Today, we toured the Art Museum and visited Navy Pier for lunch.
The city is gorgeous, and the views of Lake Michigan are impressive.
There’s even a beach there and lots of folks hang out there.
Reminds me of the East Hampton house and the beaches there in the summer.
Tonight we’re going to Fairytails to meet with the owners, and I’m excited. The bachelor auction is tomorrow night, and I’m nervous and excited at the same time to participate. I’ll catch you up on how it goes.
Edit: We had the best time at Fairytails.
The auction was fun, though my Bridges got a little jealous when some guy was bidding against him for me.
The money all went to charity, so it was all good.
I’ll remember it forever. Kincaid, Jax, and Ford are so nice, and they had us stay with them in their big house in the historic district.
We even stayed an extra day to hang out with the kids. It was a blast.
Travel Journal of Weston Aames
Week 4
States visited: IL, IA – extended stop in Des Moines
Dear Journal,
After hanging in Chicago, Des Moines, IA, feels like a big corn maze, but it’s really beautiful here. We’re just chilling at a cute little campground outside the city—though Des Moines isn’t like any city I’ve ever visited.