Cub In The City: Bear Chronicles Book 2

By Gary W Moore

This is the continuing story of a group of gay friends in Houston, Texas. This book picks up a few months after the ending of Bearly Obsessed when Brett, the 12 year old nephew of one of the guys shows up unexpectedly, and the adventure begins.

Brett never knew his father, and his mother died when he was an infant. It is up to the guys to do what they can to reunite him with his father, but will that be possible? This also pushes someone to search out their father, after finding out the one they grew up with wasn’t their biological dad.

One of the guys’ new boyfriends ends up being psychotic. After a breakup he begins to harass and stalk the ex. He mistakenly thinks that Brett is his ex’s nephew, thus a new target is now on the horizon. Brett’s new life in a big city isn’t turning out as he expected.

Some gay-bashers hit Montrose during this time, so the real detective in the group is put to work in trying to get these attackers off the streets. A new friend joins in the hunt, but when he’s caught in the crosshairs, will Lyndon be in time to save him.

And Coy goes to his first Bear Event with Paul. What trouble will they get themselves into?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary W Moore
• Release date: Sep 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781467587815

Gary W Moore

Gary W. Moore grew up in a small town near the boot heal of Missouri, but ended up there because of tragedy. His mother died when he was 3 and then his father when he was 11. He was considered a change of life baby as they were both well into their 40’s when he came along.As he was the youngest in the family, the three oldest siblings were married and moved out before he was old enough to walk, so he didn’t really know them. After his father’s death he was forced to move in with his oldest sister and her family. His two closest siblings (in age) were also in the moving van.So a three bedroom house in St. Louis was being replaced by a two bedroom trailer. Two adults and 5 children living in a home that comfortably fit 3 people. Thankfully, this would only last for a few months. His sister and her husband were in the process of having a home built. Due to the new additions, changes were made, and the two girls would each be getting their own bedroom, while the three boys would be stuck in one. The math never did make sense to him, but the boys got along, where the girls didn’t. So, logically it was sound.The change from a city of hundreds of thousands to a town of 300 was quite strange. And the fact that there were no minorities seemed odd. Some of Gary’s closest friends in St. Louis were black, and here it was nothing but white faces.School was quite different as well because of the size. Instead of housing only elementary or middle school students, this one held everyone from Kindergarten to 12th grade, and only had around 200 students. The Kindergarten classroom was next door to the Home Ec and Shop. The school Gary left in St. Louis had over 500 students and that was only an elementary. His class in this small town was even small compared to the others in the school with only 13 students.He moved away from the small town after a close friend threatened to ‘out’ him. It was a scary situation, knowing how many in the community would enjoy making him an example to the youngins not to try homosexuality. So, he moved to Florida and stayed with his oldest brother and his family for a while. He fell in love with Florida and resided there for several years. But in 1996 he moved to Houston and finally learned how hot it gets in the South.He never knew he would like to write, but a friend suggested he come up with a story so they could do some homemade videos and put them on the internet. A book is what he ended up with, and has decided to keep the series going. Five books have been written, along with a companion book, but more stories are possible.Many locations mentioned in the books do exist, but some have been created for flavor, so don’t go looking for King’s Alley if you ever visit Houston. But if you do visit and want to have Gary’s favorite breakfast, go to Spanish Flowers and order Chilaquiles, you won’t be disappointed. Sorry, Sonya doesn’t work there any longer.

Book preview

CUB IN THE CITY

Bear Chronicles Book 2

By

Gary W Moore

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Gary W Moore at Smashwords

EDITED BY:

John Genest

Cub In The City

Copyright © 2013 by Gary W Moore

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with others, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Table of Contents

Prologue – Storm on The Horizon

Chapter 1 – A Bundle of Joy

Chapter 2 – When Tragedy Strikes

Chapter 3 – Bible Belt Buckle

Chapter 4 – Land of the Lost

Chapter 5 – Chaos is Motion

Chapter 6 – Run Bear Run

Chapter 7 – What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Chapter 8 – Isn’t He Butch?

Chapter 9 – Cub-napped

Chapter 10 – Two’s Company, Seven’s A Crowd

Chapter 11 – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Chapter 12 – Teddy’s Return

Chapter 13 – Father Knows Best

Chapter 14 – Family

Epilogue

About The Author

Other Books by Author

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Prologue – Storm on The Horizon

Water trickled over the pebbles and rocks as it made its way toward an unknown destination. A breeze whistled through the trees as gray clouds charged into the area. A squirrel foraging on the ground looked around, and then scrambled to the nearest tree, immediately flying upward to safety.

The crunching sound of fallen branches and leaves could easily be heard by anyone or anything that might be playing near this stream. The mashing of dead plants stopped when the one traveling by the stream paused to inspect his surroundings.

He looked up passed the squirrel, passed the leaves and limbs swaying in the wind, and observed the ominous storm clouds that had taken up residence. His casual walk home looked to now be a sprint to safety. The bluegrass state was about to get wet.

This traveler removed his backpack, reached in and pulled out a University of Kentucky’s Wildcats baseball cap. If the rain started before he made it home, he’d appreciate the bill’s ability to keep things from his face.

He was a healthy twelve-year-old boy making his way home from his grandparents’ house. He was trekking through the woods that border his hometown, separating his home from the many residents in this small rural area.

The backpack was thrown over a shoulder as he jumped over the small stream, and raced through the woods, dodging trees and saplings that were quite abundant. This area was familiar, but he still traveled with care, as the terrain may have changed during past storms.

Thick grayish-purple clouds blocked out the sunlight, turning the once serine forest into a menacing dark monster. Lightning flashed in the sky as thunder boomed and rumbled through the woods. The wind was no longer a gentle breeze but rather a forceful thrust, encouraging anyone to seek immediate shelter. The trees shook back and forth causing weak limbs to crash to the ground.

A recently fallen tree was in his path, but as he raced up to it, two hands were planted on the trunk of the tree while he kicked his legs to his right, leaping it as if he was gymnast performing a standard maneuver. He continued racing, trying to out run the storm. Unfortunately, he was losing the race.

Droplets of water started to sprinkle down, but heavy sheets of wind-blown rain quickly replaced those. His crunching of dead plants was now sloshing of mud and muck as he sped home. An old abandon house was up ahead on the left and he considered stopping there until the rain let up, but decided not to, as the length of the storm was unknown and he didn’t want to spend the night in the woods.

Finally, the trees thinned out as the field behind his house could be seen. Even knowing the danger of lightning, he charged across the empty pasture. He passed by a lone tree and could see the backdoor to the house.

Suddenly a blast of lightning struck the tree accompanied by a boom so loud that he almost lost his footing. The electricity in the air caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand at attention. He looked back briefly to see the tree, which appeared to have been split in half. This encouraged him to run that much faster.

He made it to the house, climbed the old rickety steps in one movement and was quickly through the back door, into safety. He stood in the back mudroom as water dripped from his clothes onto the floor, leaning against the wall as he tried to catch his breath. Outside, the storm raged on.

After a few minutes, dry clothes were put on as the wet ones went in the hamper next to the washer and dryer. He went to his bedroom, carrying a can of soda and bag of chips. Once he was in the room, he located his backpack and started searching through it. Ah, there it is, he said to no one, while grabbing a book that was along for ride. He climbed onto his bed, adjusted some pillows, found the bookmark and began reading from where he left off. The snacks were on the night stand next to his bed, just within reaching distance.

The book he was reading was Hiding In The Huddle that he borrowed from his grandparents’ home. He hoped they wouldn’t miss it, as he didn’t ask before taking it.

He got lost in the story, as an unknown amount of time passed. Suddenly, the door to his bedroom opened and he looked up to see his Aunt Vonda standing there, saying, Brett, it’s almost time for supper.

He replied, Okay, and placed the bookmark in the book then laid it on the bed. Vonda walked in, picked up the book then proceeded to read the back cover. Her expression changed as she continued reading.

She looked at Brett and angrily asked, Why the hell are you reading this book?

What? asked a very shocked Brett.

Why the hell are you reading this book?

Brett sheepishly replied, Because it’s a good book.

This book is about a homosexual! This is filth and garbage. You can’t read this shit!

Brett pleaded, But I want to read it. Plus, grams and pawpaw read it.

Vonda hissed, I don’t care what they read. You’re not reading it!

Brett asked, Why? There’s nothing wrong with this book.

This book is an abomination and only homosexuals would want to read this smut!

I guess that explains why I’m reading it, smirked Brett.

Vonda’s face contorted into one of terror and hate. She scowled, What do you mean by that?

Brett, not knowing how his next sentence would affect the rest of his life, said, I’m gay and that’s why I’m reading it.

She stared at him as if she was trying to see the homosexuality in him. She replied, You’re not gay. Hell, you don’t even know what gay is.

Homosexuality is when people of the same sex are attracted to one another. Men attracted to men and women attracted to women.

You are not gay!

Then why am I reading a book about a homosexual?

Vonda started to lose it. She thought to herself; how could this be possible? Brett’s never been to any big city. He’s never seen any Broadway musical. She’s never let him watch Mary Poppins, Powerpuff Girls, TelliTubbies or any other homosexual programming. He’s been to church almost every week and she’s made him watch every special with Jerry Farwell and Pat Robertson. Plus her house was a member of the 700 Club.

She had to fix this somehow. She looked at Brett and grunted, God hates homosexuals! They’re all gonna burn in hell. Is that what you want? It’s better to be dead than gay. She continued her rant as Brett sat there and listened. She finally finished and said, Don’t move! She left the room with the book in her hand and quickly returned with a different one. She thrust her hand out with this new book and said, Here, read this and learn something. No more garbage for you.

Brett took the King James Version of the Bible that was offered. He thought about saying something, but felt that anything he said would be used against him.

Vonda continued, We’re going to see Brother Roberts in the morning. So, don’t plan on going anywhere. And no supper for you tonight! You just sit there, read, pray and hope to hell God can save you. She left the room and slammed the door to emphasize her feelings.

Brett put the Bible down, looked out his window at the storm that still gripped the area. Lightning lit up the area and for an instant, and he thought he saw a man out in the pasture looking toward the house. A few seconds later and another flash of lightning confirmed no one was there.

Brett, afraid that his life was about to change, said, Maybe I should have stayed in that old shack out in the woods. I’m sure that Aunt Vonda would be happier with me being lost rather than gay.

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Chapter 1 – A Bundle of Joy

The Texas sun scorched the air, while baking the highway and transforming the surface of the road into an illusion of cool blue water. Vehicles traveled on the road with no regard to this watery grave ahead of them, they merely thought of the miles to go until they reached their many different destinations.

A midnight blue Infiniti was one of these many automobiles that traveled East on Interstate-10, finishing up a long round trip from Houston to Las Vegas. The car was in dire need of a bath, which was obvious because of the freshly applied coat of smashed insects on its bumper and windshield.

Inside the vehicle, two occupants seemed to also be in need of a break from the long trip. Victor, the driver, was a big, bearded man who normally would look jolly and happy. However, the trip had taken its toll on him and his exhaustion was obvious.

His passenger, Hector, a Latino man sporting a goatee, was a husky man as well but wasn’t nearly as big as Victor. Fatigue seemed to be setting in on his face as well. However, his seemed to be of boredom, rather than exertion.

They continued down the road heading back home from a nice week-long vacation. 2009 was a difficult year, and Las Vegas was miles away from the norm, so it became their getaway. They belonged to a close group or friends who lost a vital member to a serial killer the previous year. Everyone was better but the loss hadn’t completely faded.

Hector, reached over and turned down the music then asked, Honey, do you want me to take over driving?

Victor, sounding tired, answered, No baby, I’m okay. Plus, we’re almost there.

I never thought I’d be happy to see Houston traffic.

There’s no place like home.

Hector smiled as he replied, Amen to that. I can’t wait to climb into our bed. The Bellagio had a nice bed, but there’s something about your own.

I wish we both didn’t have to go to work tomorrow. I’d love to sleep in.

Sleep in? What, to 7:00?

7:00 would be wonderful.

I’m thinking more like 11:00 or noon.

Oh, if I could sleep in that late…. I could only imagine, said Victor, as the thought of an episode of extended sleep would be bliss.

We’ll make sure you go to bed early. I’m sure your day tomorrow will be tougher than mine.

It’ll be nice to get back into the routine and life back to normal. No more adventures for a while.

Last year was too overwhelming, said Hector. I’m very happy to have a boring year with no tragedies or surprises.

The last thing I want is a surprise. And I hope I don’t find one at work tomorrow.

Hector, with a tone of joy, said, Look, there’s Katy Mills Mall. We’re home.

Victor looked to where he was pointing and added, What a beautiful sight.

They continued driving on I-10 heading toward downtown Houston. It was another 35 minutes before they were actually able to see it. They exited I-10 at Taylor Street and made a left. It was only a few minutes after that and they were pulling into their garage.

They dragged themselves out of the car, not worrying about the luggage that was in the trunk, and made their way through the door that led from the garage into the kitchen. They stepped inside and were ecstatic when the aroma of Italian spices, tomato sauce, and garlic, danced around their noses. Lasagna was in the oven.

Steve, who was watching the house for them during their vacation, sat in the living room watching TV. He heard the door open then looked to see them enter. He stood up, walked to the kitchen and greeted both of them with a hug and kiss.

Steve was also a bearish man. He stood 5’ 11 inches with a husky build and a very thick goatee. He was a taller than Hector but Victor towered over him, as well as everyone else in the group, standing at 6’5 inches tall.

Oh, I’m so glad you guys made it back safe. Did you have a great time or what? asked Steve.

Hector replied, It was fricken fantastic. I wish you and the other guys could have gone with us.

Don’t think I didn’t want to. If this conference thing wouldn’t have come up, I would’ve been there.

Victor said, We had a great time, but it’s sure nice to be back home.

The 3 men stood around the island in the kitchen and continued chatting about Victor and Hector’s trip as well as look at photos taken.

After a few minutes of listening, Steve asked, I hope you don’t mind I made you supper? I figured you probably wouldn’t want to go out and eat.

Victor replied, Steve, you shouldn’t have, but I’m sure glad you did. You know how much I love lasagna.

Steve with a slight chuckle replied, Yes, I think we all do.

Hector asked, How long will it be it before supper’s ready?

Steve looked at the clock and replied, The lasagna has 15 more minutes. Why don’t you guys go upstairs, rinse off or what have you. I’ll set everything up in here and we can eat in about 25 minutes.

Victor walked over to Steve, gave him another hug and said, You’re the best. We’ll be back in 20 minutes. Victor then grabbed Hector’s hand and they walked across the living room, up the stairs to their master bedroom, to freshen up. Steve continued in the kitchen, getting things ready for Hector and Victor’s first home-cooked meal in over 7 days.

Paul ended the call and laid his cell phone on the kitchen counter. He turned and walked back toward the living room. Paul was 6’ tall with a very well groomed, full beard. He had a firm chest but carried around a little more weight than he would prefer. Even though he was a heavy man, he got around quite nimbly.

His home was definitely a bachelor pad, but with the option of someday holding a family. A modern looking couch and matching chair flanked a bear coffee table with an oval shaped glass top. The colors didn’t quite match, but the black bear with green shading had to deal with a cream and maroon couch with black cushions.

Paul took a seat on the couch and said, The first phone call was Steve, he said The ‘cTors just got back. The second call was Teddy calling from Australia. He’s so ready to come home.

Lyndon, sitting on the couch in his policeman’s uniform, acknowledges Paul’s comments. Lyndon, who stood eye to eye with Paul, wasn’t quite as heavy. Being a police officer, he had to maintain a certain level of fitness. His shoulders were broad, but he did have a small indication of carrying a few extra pounds around his midsection. He sported a mustache, but because of regulations wasn’t able to wear a full beard.

Lyndon asked, So, when does Teddy’s assignment end?

Paul took a seat in the chair next to the couch and said, I think the official time is August, but it’ll probably be more like September. They’ve run in to some problems, and he has to be there until all the bugs are worked out.

I could think of worse places to be stuck on assignment.

Right? He’s really enjoyed himself there, don’t get me wrong. He just misses home and all of us.

Yeah, that would be the deal breaker for me. I wouldn’t want to be away from Coy for that long. These few weeks have been tough. I’ll be glad when he’s nack.

I have the episode of Ellen recorded that Coy appeared on. You could tell he was a bit nervous, but he held it together pretty good.

A smile washed over Lyndon’s face as he said, I talked to him after that, and he said it was the only talk show or interview he was nervous about. It was because he loves Ellen. Plus he knew that it was probably the one time that the largest audience of gay people would be seeing him.

Paul shook his head and said, I couldn’t imagine what he’s going through with all this. The book being released, him being outed in the press, touring, trying to promote the book and the whole time being away from his loved ones. Man, that has got to be a lot to carry.

Yes, but he has broad shoulders, he can handle it.

And how, Paul replied with a laugh. He’s coming home this week, right?

Lyndon sighed as he answered, Yes, finally! He’ll be home Wednesday night. I’m going to pick him up at the airport.

And will that be all for the book release tour?

I hope so for a while. He should be able to go back to normal Coy, living in Houston.

Paul raised an eyebrow then asked, So, have you talked to him about your family in Florida?

Lyndon answered, I was going to, but with Kevin being killed last year, Coy being shot, the ordeal with media circus surrounding The Mangler, and the book being released, I thought it was best to wait. It’s not like I want to hide that from him, I just feel like it’s never been the right time.

I understand. I’m thankful that all the stuff with the serial killer is done. I hope he never sees the light of day again.

I’m glad his lawyers weren’t able to use the mentally incompetent crap to get him out of paying for his crimes. There’s no doubt he’s crazy, but he needs to be punished for what he did, pure and simple.

Once Coy gets back from his tour, we can all go back to our normal lives. No killers to hunt down or mysteries to solve.

Lyndon smiled, For you guys. But for me that’s a weekly mission.

Paul, looking at Lyndon in his policeman’s uniform, said, You can have it. Then he asked, By the way, did you want to change into street clothes before we grab dinner?

Lyndon looked at what he was wearing and replied, I didn’t bring anything with me.

Paul pointed toward the hall that led to the spare bedrooms and said, Go into the first spare bedroom down the hallway here and look in the closet. I have clothes in all sizes. I’m sure you’ll find something that fits. It might be from the 80’s but it’ll fit.

As long as I don’t look like Crocket from Miami Vice, I’ll be okay with it.

Just be careful what you put on. I know there’s a white jacket in there somewhere.

Lyndon laughed as he made his way from the living room to the spare bedroom. He and Paul had become close friends in a short time, and he greatly appreciated having a second person he could confide in.

Ronnie Gold, the only African American in this small group of friends, stood just less than 6’ tall and carried only a few extra pounds. He sported a full beard, which had some sprinkling of gray in it. He was the oldest in the group, but neither his age nor race had ever been an issue for any of them.

It was Monday morning as he made his way through the cubicle area, which many referred to as the bullpen, and continued to his office. He unlocked the door and walked in, then took a seat at his desk. He turned on the computer and anxiously awaited the final figures for Coy’s book.

As his computer booted up he thought back to last year when an editor had brought the idea for the book to him. He was shocked when Coy’s name was mentioned since he knew him. Especially shocked to realize that Coy was seen by an employee of the publishing company while they were all out at a gay bar. Something he and the group had encouraged Coy to do.

Fortunately, after the initial shock of being outed had worn off, Coy talked to Victor about the book and was able to convince him to do it. No one in the group could fully understand what pressure the book had placed on Coy. Coming out to a friend, co-worker or family member could prove difficult. Being in the public eye and coming out to the whole world, had to be almost unbearable.

The computer finished its initialization, allowing Ronnie to sign in. He took his mouse then clicked on an icon and waited for the database to open. He watched the screen as the images started to appear. He clicked on an icon to open a sheet showing the latest book sales. Once it opened, he scanned the list and finally saw Hiding In The Huddle by Coy Featherston. He scanned the page to the left, finally seeing the total. Ronnie smiled as he leaned back in his chair. He said to no one, Over 800,000 copies sold. I cannot believe it. Coy has to be immensely pleased.

He spun the chair around so he could look outside. The day was beginning with the sun bursting through the clouds on the horizon, which created a spectacular display of color. Highway 59 was bumper to bumper as cars crawled their way to work. He looked down to see people walking on the sidewalks, which snaked around the buildings. Buses and the light rail trains ran through downtown. There were a few individuals on bicycles and some in taxis. And all of these people were heading to their morning destinations, to start another workweek. Ronnie smiled at the goings on, enjoying another glorious day in Houston.

He was quickly brought back from his voyeurism by a knock at his door. He turned back around and saw Danny standing in the doorway. Danny was the ghostwriter who worked on Coy’s book.

Danny gleefully said, Morning, Ronnie. Did you see the numbers?

Ronnie, keeping his excitement at bay, replied, That is why I am smiling. I am honestly amazed, and this is thanks to your hard work.

I’ve never had a book I worked on sell this many copies in such a short time. I bet we hit a million soon.

I would not be a bit surprised. Of course, sales will drop off since Coy is finishing up the release tour.

But, I’m still amazed. This book is important and will changes lives. I just know it.

I think you are right. People will be able to see a view into a gay man’s life that they never knew existed.

With a broad smile on his face, Danny replied, I’m going to be on cloud 9 all day today. If you speak to Coy, tell him I said congratulations.

I will. Have a good day, Danny. Danny disappeared from Ronnie’s door and headed back to his office.

Ronnie thought about his day and was excited to know that one call he’d be making was to the printing department to order another printing of the book. In his wildest dreams this could not have gone better.

Suddenly, the desk phone lit up as an electronic ringer sounded. He picked up the receiver and said, Ronnie Gold.

The voice on phone said, Ronnie, this is Coy. How’s it going?

Coy, it is going spectacular. I have fantastic news.

Oh yeah, what’s that?

Ronnie, trying to remain professional, said, More than 800,000 thousand copies of your book have sold so far. And by the end of this week, there will be over 1 million copies in print.

Coy, with true surprise and shock, replied, You’ve got to be joking?

Coy, this is amazing. Your tour is really making an impact.

Wow. I’m speechless.

Ronnie leaned back in his chair and smiled as he said, Well, try not to be speechless yet, you still have interviews to do.

A cheerful Coy asked, Is it okay if I mention this during interviews?

By all means.

Ronnie, I bet it was The Ellen Show that had the biggest impact.

All of the interviews reach different audiences. Ellen was big for sure, but there are a lot of NPR listeners out there.

Coy, unable to hide his excitement, said, Yeah, I have that interview today at 11:00. I’m doing a local TV talk show this morning here in San Fran and a book signing at 2:00 this afternoon in Castro.

Sounds like you are enjoying yourself.

I am, although I hate talking about myself all the time. I’ll be glad to get back to Houston on Wednesday. I miss everyone.

We miss you too. Victor and Hector got back last night from Vegas and I think we’re all going to their place Friday. Do you think you’ll be up for that?

"For sure. I can’t wait to see everyone. I guess I better get showered and ready. My appearance is at 7:00 and I don’t want to be late.

Oh, before I forget, Danny wanted me to tell you congratulations on the book sales.

Tell Danny that he deserves the congratulations, not me. Had it not been for him, the book would’ve been unreadable.

Ronnie chuckled then replied, Have a great day, Coy. I look forward to seeing you later this week.

Take care, Ronnie.

Ronnie returned the phone to the cradle and sat at his desk with a big grin on his face. He was thankful that everything turned out as well as it did. Last year was a terrible year with the loss of Kevin, plus the other different trials and tribulations. This year so far had brought a very welcome change.

Shelves of books flanked both sides of the room with shorter shelves setting here and there. Displays of the latest releases or best sellers were prominent throughout the store. A line of people curved and winded past these displays, as the end disappeared out the door. Everyone had a copy of a book in their hand and seemed quite content waiting in line. At the front of this line was a certain ex-football player, smiling at the welcome reception.

Coy sat behind a table in a Castro area bookstore in San Francisco. He was happily adding signatures to readers’ copies of his book. Coy was a big man, almost as tall as Victor, and fit the football player description, with broad shoulders and well-developed pecs. However, unlike the other guys in the group, Coy was completely clean-shaven.

The storeowner stood off to the side and looked at the line of people that led outside his store and down the sidewalk. He was hesitant about holding the book signing there, but was thankful he changed his mind.

People walked up to Coy and put in requests of what to write inside the cover of the book and to thank him for being an inspiration to everyone in the gay community. He almost felt guilty because of how he felt when Ronnie originally came to him about the book. He didn’t feel like an inspiration, but rather a person who was ashamed of what they were, and terrified about being forced out of the closet.

Coy continued greeting people as they walk through the line. He signed the latest book the person handed to him, making sure to write something similar to what they were requesting. The book was handed back to them with a thank you and handshake. Another book was given to him by a customer. As Coy took the book, he noticed the man who would be stepping up to the table after this person, and wondered why he looked so familiar.

As he signed the book and talked with the person in front of him, Coy continued to examine the next reader. This man was over 6 feet tall, broad shoulder, dark features with striking blue eyes and sporting a full beard. It took a second for it to register before he realized he and this man had shared the football field on more than one occasion.

The man he was talking to said goodbye and walked away with his copy. Coy watched as this ex-football player stepped toward the table Coy was sitting behind. Coy, leery of the response he would get, said, Robert Alvarez, what in the world are you doing here?

Robert grinned and replied, I’m living here and saw you on TV this morning. I wanted to come by and see how it was going.

Thanks. So….what did you think when you found out I was gay?

Robert trying not to sound upset replied, I was pissed.

Coy understood his response and said, Sorry, I’m sure that’s the sentiment shared by a lot of guys in the NFL.

I was pissed that I didn’t know when we were both playing. I’d have loved to known that there was someone else like me in the league.

Coy, quietly but with surprise, asked, What? You’re gay?

Yes, and like you I had to hide it for my entire career. I’m out now, but not on the scale that you are.

Coy’s head swirled with a thousand questions he had for Robert. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity so he said, Oh my God! You need to stick around so we can go grab something to eat and talk.

I’d like that. Robert looked at the line and continued, But let me not keep you from your many fans.

Coy looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already past 3:30. I’m scheduled to be out of here by 4:00, but I want to make sure and sign any copies that people purchase. It shouldn’t be that much longer.

Robert said, No problem, and stepped to the side, watching as the people continued to pass through the line.

It was 4:20 before the last person received an autograph for their book and Coy finished thanking the store owner for having the book signing. After excusing himself, Coy walked over to Robert and gave him a big hug. Robert returned the hug and they both laughed. They broke away from each other as Coy said, I can’t believe us.

I know. The many times we faced off together. Hell, even the time we played in the ProBowl, on the same team.

I guess we both hid it so well that we didn’t even pick up on each other.

Robert said, Or we were so focused on our own cover we didn’t notice. He nodded toward the door, There’s this restaurant down the street that’s quiet. Let’s walk down there to get something to eat and catch up.

Lead the way.

The two big men left the store, and walked down Castro to a restaurant a few doors down from the bookstore. After being stopped for photos on their way, they arrived at the restaurant. I was quite contemporary with modern artwork from local artists on the very dark red walls. The light fixtures hanging over the tables were made of blown glass, which were dimly lit to set the mood for a quiet dining experience.

Coy and Robert chose a corner booth so they could have some privacy. They sat down, and before opening the menu, Coy asked, So, are you involved with someone?

Robert answered, Actually, yes. His name is Chad and he’s a little cub. We actually met before I retired. He was a friend of another player’s wife. Somehow, he picked up on me and managed to get me alone. He really took a risk, but it paid off for both of us. How about you?

I was actually seeing someone, a doctor, right after I, he placed his fingers in the air making the quotation indicator with them and continued, retired. Coy received a serious injury during a game and was told that day he’d not be allowed to suit up for the Bison again.

He continued, Actually, he’s the reason I ended up in Houston. His name was Kevin and he was standing in for our regular doctor because of illness. I was devastated when the coaches told me I was done, but Kevin was there when I cracked and he comforted me. I became his patient then his lover. Before we were able to have a life together, he was killed last year.

Man, sorry about that. That had to be tough on you.

It took me a long time to get over that, but I’ve managed to, as best I can. His friends became my lifeline. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without them. During the search for the killer, one of the guys in the group met this police officer, named Lyndon. He was interested in me, we had a rocky start, but have since become a strong couple. We don’t live together, but we do spend the night at each other’s place all the time. Hopefully that will change someday.

A cop? Does he ever handcuff you?

Coy shook his head and laughed, Of course not.

They both laughed at the pictured scenario.

Maybe I can meet him someday. I haven’t been down to Houston in years.

Well, if you come down, plan on meeting Lyndon plus the others. These bears have become my world. They’re more like family to me instead of friends. And one of them, Victor, will be shocked when he meets another gay NFLer.

Robert raised eyebrow, Was he in the NFL too?

Coy answered, No, but he follows it and knows all of the players. I’m sure he knows you.

Cool. So, how’s Vera? I remember meeting her once at a football banquet.

Actually, she knew. She was my ‘beard’ during all those dinners. She loved the spot light so she got as much out of it as I did. And she’s doing great. She lives in Houston and we do stuff together. Actually, she knows the guys and they all love her. Really, she’s like one of the guys!

Well, it sounds like your life is doing okay.

It took a while but, yeah, it’s pretty damn good.

The two men continued talking about their current situations, their football past and the many comments made by teammates and fellow NFL players about Coy’s coming out. Most of the comments had been negative, but they knew it’s because society said that gay equaled feminine and that wasn’t always the case. Plus, many of these guys probably questioned their own sexuality, and if they were to make a comment supporting Coy, they might become targets by other players as being closet-cases.

It was after 8:00 before they left the restaurant and headed to their respective residences. They planned to keep in contact and would try to visit on a regular basis. Coy looked forward to the day that Lyndon and the guys would get to meet him.

The Montrose was moderately busy for a Tuesday evening. This was the area in Houston considered the ‘gayborhood’ or ‘gay ghetto’, depending on the person talking. Even though attacks, including murder, had taken place in this area in the past, most people were comfortable here and felt somewhat safe.

Pacific Street was the main drag, but bars and restaurants were spread throughout. People walked back and forth among these establishments, either out for drinks or maybe a bite to eat.

Paul and Steve were 2 of these people out for a bite. They sat at a table in Baba Yega’s restaurant, which set behind The Montrose Mining Company. The Mine, as it was called, set on Pacific Street, along with JRs, Southbeach and Blur. Baba Yega’s was a regular spot for the group to meet, but tonight it was only the 2 of them.

This restaurant used to be a house, but had been transformed over the years into a restaurant. Dark wood tables of varying sizes were throughout the restaurant. Railings flanked a walkway from the front door, which cut through the center of this room, creating some division among the patrons. As you continued past this room and the bar in the next, you stepped out onto a porch area that was turned into a room by adding a frame and canopy between the house and new addition. A tree that was growing there before this was done still remained. The base of the tree was four feet around and they’d cut a hole in the roof, allowing it to continue growing. This really helped create the feeling of being outdoors.

Paul sat with his back to this tree, with Steve directly across from him. Steve asked, So Paul, do you think we should get something for Coy to congratulate him on the sales of his new book?

How about a stripper-gram. Someone was telling me that a new company in Houston’s offering them?

Can you please think outside your pants for once?

I thought I was. I didn’t say hooker.

Sometimes I don’t know about you.

Paul, trying to sound serious, asked, What did you have in mind?

I was thinking maybe an engraved crystal.

Well, that’s a pretty good idea. I personally would prefer the stripper, sighed Paul.

I promise to order you one someday.

I can’t wait. Make sure he’s burly. I don’t want some skinny minny. Oh! Make him a plumber!

Steve, trying to hide his frustration, said, I will, now please focus on this.

Okay, okay! Don’t get your panties in a bunch. What if we take a copy of his book, place it in a shadow box styled frame, place a photo of him in his football uniform next to it and below these we put an engraved plaque that says ‘To our football hero, friend and best selling author. Congratulations!’ And we can list down the number of copies sold and the date.

Steve looked at Paul as if he’d suggested they took Coy out to tar and feather him. He said in amazement, Paul, that’s an excellent idea. Did you just pull that out of your ass?

Yeah, I keep them stored up there, and bring the good ideas out for special occasions.

Steve couldn’t help but giggle, Do you have a good picture of him in his football uniform?

"Actually, I have a bunch. Lyndon wanted some for a photo album. I had him get some copies for me so I could have one for the mantel. I have the rest in my box of photos. I’m sure there’s one there