It Takes All Kinds!: An Adventure in Lust, Love and Life

By C. Leon Cole

It Takes All Kinds takes a look at life without the labels. So many times people try to live their lives according to the labels that the world puts on them. That is absolutely unnecessary. The characters in this book could live next door to you or just down the street. They live their lives according to the rules that work for them. The world uses terms like interracial, bi-sexual, gay or lesbian, why can't we all just be human. That's what we all are anyway. In most cases we are all looking for generally the same things, as the United States Declaration of Independence calls them; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As one reads this book it is the hope that each reader will find someone they know, or some experience that is similar to something that they have gone through. This book will show its readers new ways of looking at things that have been explained to them by people who did not actually have a point of reference to make any explanations. It may shine a light or a bit of understanding on facets of life that many people have never even considered. It Takes All Kinds will look at a few situations that could have happened at almost any point in time, with a subtle instructive insight. The circumstances that will be developed are plausible as well as intriguing.

Be prepared to be captivated by the realism of the characters, amused by the comedy in their antics, excited by the pragmatism of each scenario and teased by the sensuality of the various relationships from It Takes All Kinds; an adventure in lust, love and life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 13, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456701222

C. Leon Cole

The author of this novel acknowledges the experience of writing this book as a gift from God. After being on dialysis for a few years, the time involved in the treatment was beginning to become exceedingly stressful. Having to sit relatively still for almost four hours had caused extreme anxiety. He asked God to give him what he needed to endure. The answer to his prayer was the characters, personalities, stories and title for the book, It Takes All Kinds. The product of a time when alternative lifestyle literature was just beginning to come to the forefront, this author was inspired to share the lives of characters he imagined, that could be part of anyone's life experience. The writings of E. Lynn Harris and James Earl Hardy were among his favorites and stood as motivation. He reflected on the experiences that made life challenging and rewarding for him and wrote them into a replica that any reader could relate their own experiences to, on some level. This author also made an attempt to connect a few dots that the average person may have misgivings about when it comes to alternative life styles. When his point actually was that each individual has some type of alternative when it comes to their lifestyles. There was once a button in circulation that said, Why Be Normal? who is to say what is normal. The author of It Takes All Kinds has not endeavored to recognize, represent, or romanticize all the various kinds of people it take to make up the wonderful world we are allowed to live in. He just wanted to highlight some for the experiences that make us all similar or at least get someone to wonder, What Kind Am I?.

Book preview

Characters

Curtis Cox – An outspoken African American man in his late thirties, director of a center for troubled teens, specializing in sexual identity cases. Curtis feels that he has finally reached the place in his professional life that he has been working toward. His personal life on the other hand is in shambles. A lingering relationship that had been used as a shield has finally ended. The fear of living his life alone is even greater now, balanced only by his skepticism about ever finding his true soul mate. When into his life walks Kevin Dempsey.

Patricia Dunnigan – The saucy, independent, Anglo-Saxon, divorced mother of two adorable, bi-racial, Be’-Be’ kids. Patricia manages a 150 unit affordable living apartment complex on the mend, mostly because of her aggressive management style. The company values her and she knows it. This confidence had radiated into her personal life as she pimped a steady flow of eligible, attractive, well-endowed, African American men, until Dutch Masters tooled his way into her corral.

Alexander Vachaun Carrington – A starving artist at the truest meaning of the words. Alex is a recently diagnosed End Stage Renal Failure patient; after being in denial had almost killed him, his miraculous recovery has given him some new motivations, positive as well as negative. As a playwright and musician he has been driven forward to complete projects with new creativity. His personal life has also taken on new perils with more risks for sexual conquests. Street trade (men) may be his undoing. Alex lives in the complex that Patricia manages, they are long time friends. Alex is also a home-grown hustler. His permed hair and sometimes feminine demeanor is just a smoke screen.

Valda Lemmons – Patricia’s busty leasing agent. Valda is a loud, down home African America woman. Working for the jungle fever infected Patricia puts major stress on Valda’s already baggage filled life. She recently allowed her non-committal, lipstick, lesbian lover, Gina, to return to her life basically because she couldn’t find an African American man to participate in her bi-sexual lifestyle.

Stephanie & Melaney – make out the members of the undercover lipstick lesbian brigade. Every so often they journey to the city for an adventure, "Undercover Lesbian 4 Troop. Leaving the poultry factory where they work, in Hazelhurst, MS, and their men behind for a night of fun and frolic.

Somalia aka Mali – another member of the undercover lesbian clique. Mali at first glance might look a little masculine until she turns on her aggressive, contagious charm, any man or women she sets her sites on should be warned, Resistance is futile. Being a freelance natural-hair stylist keeps a steady flow of men and women strolling through her kitchen/salon; all shapes sizes and types.

Mali’s Mom – the comic relief around the make shift shop, in her dining room/kitchen, is a feisty middle age women who is kept young by her love for her children and grandchildren. Not leaving out her self-prescribed and supplied youth medication.

Kevin Dempsey – 35 years old, 5’11, ebony colored, proportionate, African American man. Kevin has just finished his first gallery showing and it was a raging success. He is about to blow up. Until now he has been managing an art supply store doing, OK, but humbly waiting for his day to come. Being a well adjusted gay male has made him a valued commodity and all the girls" are after him. He is certain of the kind of man he wants and needs in his life, and believes he’s found him in Curtis.

Chapter One

THE ELIZABETH CLARK CENTER for Trouble Teens had been a raging hell that day; irate parents, unkept runaways, smelling of the streets, and to put the icing on the cake the air conditioning unit, Curtis had been nursing, finally gave up the ghost. Fridays were usually his favorite day of the week, but this one needed a defibrillator in order to have a chance at being special. Like a mysterious answer to an inaudible prayer the phone rang.

Hello, Elizabeth Clark Center for Trou… Curtis answered.

Hey Chile, cut that short it’s me, Alex.

Hey Boi! Tell me you called to rescue me from the hands of the enemy.

Is it like that up in there today? What’s the De-ga-ga? Alex questioned.

I opt not to recap this day for fear of permanent damage.

Well, Sweeeetie, Valda and Mali’s friends Stephanie and Melaney, are on the way up from Hazelhurst and Valda says they are feeling, ‘That Way’.

That Way! What is that suppose to mean?

They want to experience the GAY BAR.

Oh, I don’t know if I can stand ‘the bar’ tonight. All those youngsters and no where to sit.

Well, meet us at Chili’s for drinks, maybe that spirit will hit you after a couple of hits of the ‘T’.

Maybe some Tangueray might bring that on, but I don’t know.

As for myself I’m needing the comfort of a man after a day of trying to trim some of the fat from my latest project, ‘My Man Cheated on Me, Before I Cheated on Him’.

Al, that sounds so ghetto.

Maybe that means this one will be the biggest hit ever.

Have you heard from Mali?

She had four boys waiting for various services when I talked to her. Let me hit her on the cellie and make her aware of the initiation of an adventure. I know she will not want to miss it.

You do that Alex and let me know where and when to meet you guys. I’m gonna go to the gym and adjust this attitude of mine before I get with you guys.

Cool, that’s what’s up.

Curtis placed the phone in the cradle and immediately called in his assistant. Geordie came in with his usually glamour; platinum hair, blue eyes (which actually came with the package), a faded pair of hip-hugger jeans that fit his perfect six size body like skin, platform boots and a DNKY T-shirt topped the ensemble.

What is it boss? Geordie asked.

Geordie, I have something to give you. Curtis said casually.

Is it what I’ve been waiting for? He said with a devilish smile on his face.

You know that will never happen. You are too good for me.

Anyway! Geordie gave Curtis the hand. What?

You can go. I’m heading for the gym and there’s nothing more I need you to complete today.

Curtis Cox, you call that a gift? It’s already 4:45, I was on my way out, anyway, Miss Thing.

As they both laughed Curtis said, You’re really taking this ‘casual Friday’ idea to the limit. Keep in mind, I’m still the H.N.I.C. around here.

Sure! So why don’t you HEAD on to the gym and let me clear this place, so I can start my make over for tonight. You know I’m in the show at the club tonight. Will you be there or is your HGTV watching ass starting another weekend project?

No project this weekend. I’m thinking about hooking up with Alex and some friends of Valda’s and Mali’s for drinks before we head to the club.

Yeah right, thinking, I’ve heard that line before. You’ll convince yourself that there is nothing down there for you and go home after drinks.

If you say so, Miss Cleo, maybe this will be the night that I actually see you in drag.

Bet! Now get out of here before you miss your aerobics class.

* * *

Driving his 2000 Mercury Navigator, Curtis arrived in the parking lot of the multi-complex that was the Y. M.C. A., with about fifteen minutes to spare. He took off running knowing it would take a little time to get to the locker room and get changed. About half way across the parking lot, he realized he had left his gym bag in the car. He ran back, hit the alarm and swung the door open, smack into this guy who was doing the same mad dash. To the guys blessing, he was tall enough that his knees kept the door from damaging the family jewels. Nevertheless, he still went to the ground. Curtis slammed the door and went to the guy’s aid. Curtis put his bag under the guy’s head and asked him, Are you alright?

The guy immediately commenced to apologizing. Man, I’m so sorry. I should have been looking where I was going.

I’m the one who’s sorry. I was trying to get to step class before they start, the trainer will really embarrass you when you come in late.

I was running to the same class, today’s my first time in the class.

Well, if you’re able, let’s try to get there.

Cool! Curtis offered him his hand for assistance. In that instance he noticed how dark and handsome the guy was. Curtis hoped the guy didn’t feel him staring. If he noticed, he didn’t let on.

My name is Kevin, I’ve seen you around the gym, he said as they ran.

My name is Curtis and I don’t see anyone while I’m at the gym. I try to stay focused. Kevin chuckled in a low sexy manner. They ran to the building together, in the locker room Curtis apologized again as they separated to get dress.

Kevin said, Are you gonna help me get the steps in class?

I owe you at least that much after trying to kill you in the parking lot, Kevin laughed that laugh again and punched Curtis on the shoulder as he turned to go to his locker. In the back of his mind Curtis thought, Shit, I would hit a straight man with my car door, just my luck. Well at least he’s cool. The manly show of affection made Curtis assumed that Kevin was straight.

They arrived at the door to the aerobics studio at the same moment.

Kevin said, Well, Curt, we must have some kind of Karma, meeting like this again.

Not with you calling me Curt, the name is Curtis.

OK man, it will be Curtis from now on. Curtis looked at him with a puzzled look on his face. Kevin shot Curtis that same sexy smile again. This time Curtis noticed his dark brown, almost black eyes, and how smooth his skin was.

Kevin said, What?

Let’s start stretching; we’ve got to catch up. Sparkle, the trainer, lets Curtis slide whenever she sees him come in with a new member for the class, but she lets him know she saw him. As Sparkle changed the music, Curtis was able to get a complete look at Kevin. He looked to be about 5’11, maybe 200 lbs. - not especially fine, in the sweats, but proportional. At least he’s here, that’s a step in the right direction. He must have been wearing a jock, because I can’t get a clue to the package, but those hand and feet make me a little worried. In contrast to most gay men, I am not a fan of great ‘penical’ size. Just like women say about their breasts, ‘more than a mouthful is a waste’," Curtis thought to himself.

Sparkle announced that it was time to step, Let’s get this party started. The music picked up and we were into it. Step 2-3-4, turn 2-3-4, step 2-3-4, Curtis yelled to Kevin. He seemed to have the rhythm but was having a little difficulty catching the steps. Curtis got a good laugh at Kevin’s effort. Kevin smiled back as he listened for Curtis’ assistance. They continued like that for the entire session. By the end of the hour, Kevin was really getting into it. They had an ample workout. During the cool down exercises Kevin asked, What are you doing the rest of the evening?

I’m meeting some friends for drinks and we may go out.

Out where?

Some club, their choice. If I go I will be riding with them.

Cool, Maybe I’ll see you in the streets.

Maybe. Curtis thought to himself, the hell you preach. How is an obviously straight man’s streets gonna lead him to Bill’s Disco and Show Bar? Curtis laughed.

What? Kevin asked.

Nothing, just a funny thought.

O.K., If you say so, man. As Kevin pulled himself up, Curtis got what he thought would be his last glimpse of Kevin’s round, firm, backside.

Thanks for the help, Curtis. I guess it was my good fortune that you clobbered me with your car door. They both laughed.

Is this your regular workout night?

Yes.

Great, I’ll see you Monday.

O.K., Peace. Kevin turned and headed for the locker room. Curtis wanted to make a mad dash after him to see if he could catch a look at the candy. His better judgment kicked in. Just as Curtis headed out of the aerobics studio he saw Goldie. He was a blond headed, flaming queen who had been hitting on Curtis since he joined the gym. Curtis had been tempted to change to another branch of the gym, but he couldn’t be pushed like that by anyone. So he dealt with ‘her’.

Hello Gorgeous.

Hello Goldie.

Is tonight the night that you make me a woman?

Not in your best wet dream! Do you not understand rejection?

"Well, huuunny. What most people consider rejection, I call a challenge and you my little sugar plum