I'd just moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, buying a house in an area called "Portlock," that out charmed the others on the block. I fell in love with a two story, three bedroom, two bath bungalow, with little to no yard, but a detached garage and a privacy fence that was taller than my six foot five frame. It was tucked in a quiet tract of the large city that was in a historical mold, erected in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, and like the others well-refurbished over time despite who claimed ownership.
"You choose to live in Portlock, make sure you're packing," said my uncle once I broke the news I was buying.
An older, self-made historian of Hampton Roads, he mentioned how this part of Chesapeake wasn't kind to blacks before and during segregation, but that the budding naval population, and rules of the country changed things. I assured him I was good, for having a gun was necessary everywhere these days, and I wouldn't bat an eye at some racist regardless where I was approached.
"Unc, the seller made an offer, I've scoped out the area numerous times and I'm sold," I told him before I signed any paperwork.
It only took a month to get things finalized as I made it clear to the seller and my realtor what the deal was, fronting closing costs and a serious down payment off the rip.
"Welcome to the neighborhood," said Eddie, the day after I got my keys. "I'm sure you'll bode well here in Portlock."
The Bostonian-bred bear daddy with his thick brown mustache, and blue eyes lived across the street from me and was ecstatic of someone purchasing the property.
"I saw the "for sale" sign come down, so I had to come and catch you," he said that afternoon after he walked over in his work uniform.
"Is that your company," I asked, pointing to the logo on his polo.
"It is. We power wash homes, driveways, and buildings," he told me as he looked over to his two F350s.
"I'm Jarvis," I said to him as he extended his hand.
"Eddie. I'm so glad you bought this home, we live on one of the quietest streets in this part of town. Everyone looks out for each other, and well, being you're military, I can promise you one of the older ladies will bake you a pie or cake, so stand by."
I laughed, as it was totally opposite what my uncle was saying to me. I probably needed to remain skeptical, but Eddie's warm, northeastern accent assured me I, and anyone who came to visit, would be okay. This was my first time buying a house, so to have this environment was settling, and now I was uber excited to live at the place.
And being the freak I am, I still sized up the daddy bear Eddie, as he was maybe in his late 50s, early 60s, with a thick, brown and white pyramid mustache, and almost my height at six foot three, maybe six foot four. He gave off this "fatherly" like demeanor as he was more than helpful in offering up tools, or assistance in working on the house.
"They did some real work to this place and it's damn near new," he said as we stood at my front gate. "But young buddy, if you ever need a hand, please let me know."
We shook hands and he walked off, and I watched his hips sway as he had a little daddy wagon behind him. I wondered about the men to men ratio in the area as I of course was bisexual, and oftentimes my experiences with guys came from areas like Portlock, conservative, old school neighborhoods near industrial areas carrying "down low" men that liked to get down. I moved all my furniture into the place a week later, and began filling out the house when I noticed small things, such as my gutter, starting to fall off a bit. The next day, a warm Saturday, I went outside to fully assess the issue by using a ladder that was left behind, placing it in the center of the problem.
"Hey. You ain't got the right type of ladder," Eddie barked.
I turned, thinking this man was watching me and he came with a longer one, and erected it beside me before he climbed up and got a better look.
"I'm gonna climb onto the roof, and I want you to get up here with me," he said as he wanted to show me the issue.
The gutter wasn't completely a problem, but brackets that held the decent looking fixture deteriorated, and I simply would need to replace them so it could function during rains.
"My boy Darius can help me get it together," I said as I mentioned my good friend and handyman.
"You boy certified," he asked.
"He is, he's licensed and in business for himself," I told him.
Somehow that made Eddie blush as he was surprised I could know someone of that caliber. I realized he halfway wanted he and I to fix the problem, as if it was some sort of bonding moment.
"Wel, you call your buddy to help you and if you guys need backup, I'm here," he told me. "Hey. You got any plans this weekend? Come over for dinner?"
I didn't have any plans, but noticed how eager Eddie was in trying to get close. I wasn't being abrasive, but I was still somewhat guarded for I didn't know him, and he sensed it.
"Young man, there's no klan rallies I'm involved with this week. Come over and have some brisket, and the best macaroni and cheese Chesapeake has to offer," he said.
I laughed at his sarcasm as Eddie didn't give white supremacist vibes, and that would break the ice as I accepted his offer.
"Dinner is at 3 p.m. tomorrow, after church," he said. "Bring your buddy Darius, too, I want to test his skills."
We climbed off the roof, and joked some more.
"And don't be afraid of being the only two black people at the dinner table," he joked.
"I'm not. I'll just play rap music really loud to make you guys feel uncomfortable, and that'll even things out," I quipped.
The ground was paved between us to be really good friends from the exchange, and his kindness. I got Darius to come over and assess the issue the next morning and Eddie, along with his wife and grandkids in their Sunday's best, would greet us from across the street as they headed to church.