When a knock came to the door, Beau was about to say, “Here is room service,” but Cody held up his hand and put his finger to his lips in a gesture to be quiet. Beau shut up. Cody walked to the door and peered through the spy hole, then opened the door to have a look. He nodded and took the cart, not allowing the service employee to come in. Beau felt slightly confused, but of course, an American businessman with a younger man in his room. Shh, we must be discreet, of course. Beau had a slightly sickening sense that Cody may even be married, although he wore no ring. Cody wheeled the cart inside the suite, but not near where they had been sitting. While they waited for their meal they had been quiet, not talking, but caressing and snuggling as if they were both enjoying the peace. To Beau’s confusion, Cody picked up a small plate, took a tiny sampling from each dish, and walked with that plate to the open balcony. Beau was intrigued, to say the least. Tiptoeing to see what he was up to, he watched Cody toss the food at nesting pigeons which were right outside on the ledge. That stunned Beau. Each morsel was eaten by a hungry bird, as Cody watched with unmatched intensity. “What—” Beau started laughing as he was about to ask a question. Cody hushed him, staring at the birds. To see why, Beau also looked out, spotting two pigeons eyeing Cody, their heads bobbing as they waited for another morsel. Cody returned to the cart and rolled it close to the settee, sitting down and unraveling a cloth napkin to get at his silverware. Beau sat across from him on a chair and laughed. “I couldn’t see you as the pigeon loving type. To me? They are flying rats. A nuisance.” “They have their purpose.” Cody poured two glasses of red wine from a bottle, which had come with the meal. He sniffed it, checking the cork and seal before he drank it. “Is there something wrong?” Beau placed his napkin on his lap. Cody gave him a wry smile. “No. Enjoy.” He held up the glass and sipped it. “So mysterious.” Beau cut a slice of smoked buffalo mozzarella to eat. “No. Not really. I’m a simple man.” “Ha!” Beau shook his head at the absurdity. “You won’t even exchange idle chitchat.” “What’s wrong with a quiet cuddle?” Beau cocked his eyebrow at Cody. “Yes. That is you. The strong silent type who enjoys a ‘cuddle.” Cody shrugged and kept eating. “What business is it you do?” Beau sipped his wine. “This and that.” “Did you ever serve in the military?” “Why do you ask?” “The tattoo. It appears to be some kind of army shield.” “How long have you been playing the guitar?” Cody tore a piece of bread and buttered it. Knowing he had evaded the question, Beau replied, “Since I was a very small child. My grandfather gave me the guitar and he taught me how to play.” “You play well. And have a lovely voice.” “Thank you.” Beau ate more of the amazing food and then met Cody’s gaze. “How many languages do you speak fluently? Your Italian is flawless.” “Do you live with your family?” Cody wiped his mouth on the cloth napkin. “No. I share a small flat with Roberto and Eden.” “Are they gay as well?” “Eden claims to be bisexual, and Roberto loves women.” “So, you and Eden make love?” “Sometimes.” Beau sipped the wine. “Not like that.” He tilted his head to the bed. “I assume you dominate him?” “We play but rarely have intercourse. He is not much of a dominant male, if you know what I mean.” Cody nodded, continuing to eat. “Do you let anyone in?” Cody glanced up, the fork near his lips. “In?” “In. To get to know you?” “What’s to know?” Beau hit the invisible wall again and gave up. He was a sexual trick, that’s all, not a boyfriend. They ate quietly and Cody left more food than he consumed. He sipped the wine, staring at Beau as he did, as if admiring him. “Last night, at a local tavern, we met women from Texas. Are you from anywhere near Texas?” Beau asked. Cody actually laughed when he said, “No.” Beau had enough food as well, and wiped his mouth, setting down the napkin. He joined Cody on the settee and leaned on the back with one arm, staring at him. “Does everyone you meet fall in love with you?” Cody’s expression darkened. “No.” He checked his watch. “Do you want me to go?” Beau felt a slight stab in the chest from what was turning into rejection. “I do. I’m sorry. Do you live far? Shall I call you a cab?” “No. I don’t live far.” Beau stood and walked to where Cody had left his jacket. Cody followed him to the door, and before Beau could open it, Cody drew him into his arms and held him, kissing him. Beau melted at the touch and draped his arms over Cody’s shoulder, cupping his hair from behind. Something was stuffed into his front trouser pocket, and the touch aroused Beau completely. “Make love to me again,” Beau whispered against Cody’s lips. “Don’t tempt me.” “I am tempting you.” He pushed his hard cock against Cody. Cody ran his hand over it, and then looked out of the peep hole before opening the door. “Will I see you before you leave?” Beau asked. “I don’t know.” Beau nodded, and tried to smile. Cody stared at him with a serious expression and closed the door. On his own in the hallway, Beau headed to the elevator and stuffed his hand into the pocket of his trousers. When he pulled out a wad of Euros he sighed. A whore. This was it. Down one floor in the elevator, Beau left the hotel and felt the cool fall air as he admired the fountains and joined with the pedestrian flow. He continued walking to his apartment behind the butcher shop, wondering if his friends were there or out playing and drinking. It was nearing midnight. As he passed closed retail shops Beau noticed someone following behind him, spotting him in the reflection of the glass fronts. He spun around. A man, all in black, turned quickly and walked away. Beau tilted his head curiously and watched him, then imagined he was being ridiculous. But he had a pocket full of cash and didn’t want to be robbed. He continued on his way, and kept an eye out around him, making sure no one caught him unaware. Before he opened his apartment door, after walking down the narrow alley, he heard a leather sole of a shoe scrape the pavement. Beau stayed still, his key near his lock, and listened. Something made the hair on his neck stand. He panicked and entered his home, locking the door and leaning against it to calm down. I am imagining things. No one is there. He looked around the empty apartment and wished his friends were home. Staring at the door of his flat, Beau took a moment to calm down, before he removed his jacket and shoes, and relaxed.
