There was a conference on our campus. One of those two day ordeals put on my some state agency, we all have to endure at times. Thank goodness I wasn't involved in this one, but I had business at the Conference Center shortly after lunch. I entered through the doors on the west side of the building because they were on the other end of the conference and also closest to the Director's office.
"Busy day," I said as I entered the outer office of Jess Bowan, the Center's executive assistant.
"All week," she fired back. "What can I do for you, Luke?"
"I just need to get these recommendations to the boss and these are for the business office."
She took the two folders and put them in the appropriate pile on her desk.
"I'd love to visit, Luke, but we are crazy here today, so if you don't have nothing else, get the hell out of my office." She looked up and smiled but I got her message.
"Yes ma'am. I hope you have a delightful day. And if I do say so, you look lovely today."
"Get outta here."
Jess had been there forever and knew where the bodies were buried. She had been married three or four times, drank bourbon and smoked and would embarrass you with her filthy mouth. And yet, if you needed the governor, she had the access and nearly every other mover and shaker in the state. She was also one of my favorite people on the planet.
I walked down the hall and spoke to folks as we passed. I stopped in on Doc Roberts. He and I came on board at the same time and was by far the smartest man I knew. Scruffy looking, with two Ph.Ds and a law degree and knew the New Testament better than anyone.
"Are we still on for Wednesday?" I asked, just sticking my head in the door.
"Tee time, 1:30. And bring extra cash."
He turned back to his laptop.
"I always do. See ya then."
Doc had never beaten me. I'm not the best out there but I'm better than him and don't mind taking his money. He was always tinkering with his clubs and altering many of them. They're probably illegal but I don't care. He's fun to hang out with.
I was heading to the parking lot when my path intersected with another. The sun was bright and I could see another person approaching but couldn't make out any features. I could tell he was talking on his cell. We passed by with me passing behind him and I got a brief glance and froze dead in my tracks. I turned and stared. I followed him into the parking lot. He put his phone in his pocket and took off his suit coat. As he approached his car I knew it was him.
"John?" No reply "John!" A bit louder.
He looked my way and shielded his eyes.
Could it really be? "Travis?"
I picked up my pace and was by his side immediately. We just stared a moment before I shook his hand, probably a bit longer than I should before we gave each other a small hug.
"I looked for you. I checked out every John that works for the state. You guys should really update your websites, you can actually put pictures on them now."
"My real name is Collins. You'd have never found me that way. Sorry."
His stare was intimidating.
"And I am Luke."
"I can't believe it's you," he said. "Scott moved and never told me where you lived," Making reference to our first night together with Scott. "I think of that night all the time. So you work here?"
"I do. I moved down here about six months after that night. I...uh...actually live about two miles from here and have suddenly realized that I am through for the day."
"And I am as well."
"Follow me."
On the short drive over, I replayed that night, as I had so many times. It was just magical. Scott had played with both John and me and thought I would like John. And he was right. It was a night, nearly five years later, I still masturbated to. If today is anything like then, I'll be a happy man. I pulled into the garage and let the door down. I walked out through the breezeway door.
"Come this way."
I unlocked the back door and let Chelsea, my old beagle outside, but not before giving her a treat.
"Nice house."
"Thanks. Want a beer?"