Their visits never materialized as hoped. The weeks turned into months before Lloyd flew into town long enough to meet with his people and change clothes. Then off again to another city to reorganize another project. There was never enough time for socializing.
This didn't stop him from carrying on a long distance relationship with Randy. He called him every day, even if he could only talk a few minutes. At other times, they talked for hours. It was through these calls that they grew to know one another well. The more they talked the more they began to reveal more of themselves, and found that they were not only compatible, but were developing a close friendship.
Randy looked forward to the calls and began to reveal more about himself. One night when Lloyd hadn't called by nine-thirty, Randy called his hotel and left a message that Lloyd was to return the call no matter what time he got it that night. Naturally, he was concerned and called Randy at one o'clock in the morning.
"Are you all right?" Lloyd asked when Randy answered the telephone.
"Yes, I'm fine. I missed your call and thought something happened. It's the first night you haven't called."
"I'm sorry. You had me worried." It was after two when he hung up the phone.
He returned to his office at Chadwick Studios early Thursday morning. He called Randy later that afternoon with some good news for a change. He would be home for the entire weekend and could break away to see him on Sunday in Greenwich. Lloyd had meetings on Friday and Saturday, but was free all day Sunday.
"Will you be working all day and all night on Friday and Saturday?" Randy asked.
"No, I have an afternoon production meeting on Friday, and two people to interview on Saturday."
"Look, I want to spend the weekend with you," Randy said. "Can you put me up, or should I rent a hotel room?"
"Don't be silly. Of course you'll stay with me," Lloyd said.
"That's fine. I'll take the train in on Friday afternoon," Randy said. "We can have dinner after your meeting on Friday, and plan something for Saturday. I'll pick up some tickets to a Broadway show. Let me know what shows you have already seen."
"Surely you jest! I've not seen a play or a movie in over six months, so anything you select will be fine. I'll take care of the dinner reservations for Friday night. I'll leave the envelope with my keys and the alarm code marked for you with the doorman. This way you can take a cab directly to the apartment. I'll come directly to the apartment after my meeting on Friday. I'll have to stop at the market on the way home and pickup up some things, as there's nothing in the fridge."
"Don't worry about that, I'll shop for you. Just leave your shopping list on the refrigerator door and the location of your market. It will give me something to do while I'm waiting."
"I'm anxious to see you again," Lloyd told him, "You'll be my first official guest." He gave him the directions to the apartment on East 66th Street off 3rd Avenue, and explained the location of the alarm pad in the kitchen.
The cab driver dropped Randy off in front of Lloyd's Manhattan apartment building at 4:30. He picked up the envelope from the doorman and took the elevator to the penthouse floor. Lloyd had forgotten to mention about the elevator floor lock. Randy quickly opened the envelope, and found the elevator key and unlocked the elevator door. When he removed the key, the button returned to the locked position. As he entered the apartment, he keyed the numbers onto the alarm touch pad. He headed for the bedroom and hung up his garment bag in the dressing room, then made a sweep of the apartment.
Randy found the apartment to be neat and spotless. He noticed that Lloyd's clothes were arranged in order by colors. The same was true for the shoes. He opened the dresser drawers and again, everything was neat and orderly.
He returned to the living room and looked over the collection of CDs, which included a good selection of classical and jazz recordings with a few pop CDs. The entertainment center was equipped with top of the line electronic equipment. The furnishings were a mixture of Danish modern and a few antique pieces. There was one good oil painting and several modern art prints numbered and signed by the artist.
Randy checked the refrigerator and found it empty of food, but stocked with some vintage bottles of white and rosé wines. He also checked the cupboards for the condiments he liked to use and found an adequate supply of everything including some he never used himself. He noticed there was a complete set of Julia Childs' cookbooks as well as several new cookbooks he had heard about. He checked the pantry and found an adequate selection of utensils, pans, mixing bowls, food processors and blenders along with every tool you could imagine.
Randy was pleased that Lloyd was a serious cook. He checked under the sink and found a fully stocked liquor supply, again the best brands. In the dining area off the kitchen, Randy found a wine rack with a fine selection of red wines. In the breakfront he noticed a place setting for four of Royal Crown Darby china and Baccarat crystal goblets, also a service for four.
Randy returned to the living room where he saw the shopping list with a fifty-dollar bill attached. Centered on top of the large glass coffee table, was a bouquet of red roses with an envelope addressed to him, resting against the crystal vase. He sat down and read the note.
"Welcome to my home and my life, Randy. You are my dream incarnate; thank you for coming. Love, Lloyd."
Randy stared at the flowers and read the card again. He leaned back and thought about Lloyd. 'He is a warm thoughtful person. Charming, and the most interesting person I've met in a long time. I love the sound of his voice and could listen to his stories all night. I have become attracted to him in the same way I was seven years ago. There is a chemistry between us and I know I have no choice but to follow it to its conclusion.' He took the list, borrowed one of Lloyd's windbreakers and set out for the market.
Randy returned from the marketing laden down with four bags of groceries. He unpacked the bags and stocked the refrigerator and pantry. He returned to the dressing room and unpacked some of his clothes after putting his shaving kit in the bathroom.
He made reservations for dinner, Saturday, at the Penthouse on Central Park South. The Penthouse is an exclusive restaurant that caters to the in crowd. He called his ticket agent and reserved two tickets for Chicago, one of the new musicals he hadn't seen, and reservations for the supper show at the Rainbow Grill, to round off the evening.
He decided to take a nap since Lloyd would not be in until eight. He stripped to his briefs, crawled under the covers and fell sound asleep.
He was awakened by the jazz music coming from the living room, and heard the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. He glanced at the clock; it was only 7:15. He turned on the bedside lamp.
Lloyd walked into the bedroom a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around his waist. "Did you have a nice nap?"
"Yes, very nice thank you. What are you doing home so early? I thought you wouldn't be home until around eight."
"I pushed the meeting up; I told them I had a hot date tonight and I had to leave by six. Thank you for stocking my kitchen with food. I'm an orange and bowl of cereal kind of guy on school mornings. I have to watch the waistline. I don't want to be working out any more than three days a week, so thank you."
Randy said, "We're set for a night on the town tomorrow night, our dinner reservations are set for eight, if you make sure you're home in time to get ready. It's an upscale kind of place."
"That's what I like, a man of decisive action. I'll be home by three tomorrow."
Randy asked, "Where are you taking me to dinner tonight?"
"Anna's Restaurant; it's a great little French restaurant and the food is sensational. It's kind of an in place, and I'm sure you'll like it. I had to do a lot of groveling to get a table for tonight, believe me. We have reservations for eight-thirty and it's a pleasant walk from here."
"That sounds great, if you're finished in the bathroom, I would like to take a quick shower."
"Go ahead. I'll blow-dry my hair when you're finished."
They finished dressing and left for the restaurant.
As we were walking down Third Avenue, Randy said, "Thank you for the beautiful roses. You're note was especially touching."
Anna, herself, was there to greet them when they arrived. She made a fuss and showed them to their table. It was one of those small, intimate restaurants, lit with soft candlelight. Lloyd ordered a bottle of white wine, and then Anna came over to take their order and offer the specials not on the menu. They placed their orders and Anna left.
Lloyd said, "Thank you again for coming into town for the weekend. The exodus is usually the other way around, except for college boys like you. I still can't believe you're here, it's just so great."
"How did you feel when you first saw me seven years ago?" Randy asked. "Why did I make such an indelible impression on you? I would like you to be completely honest with me and don't hold anything back."
Lloyd stared into his eyes a long time before answering. "I don't feel that this is the place, it's too public to explain that here. It was an emotional experience for me and I would prefer to tell you about it later when we're alone."
"I'm sorry if I caught you off guard. You don't owe me an explanation at all, Lloyd; forget I asked that question."
"I want to tell you all about that, Randy, and I finally discovered the truth four months ago. I've wanted to ask you the same question. Let's talk about it later tonight, if you feel up to it."
Their soup arrived at that point and the conversation turned to a lighter subject. The dinner was perfect and they had forgotten about their earlier discussion. They had coffee and dessert to round off a delightful evening, then took a longer walk back to the apartment and changed into lounging suits.
They decided to share a split of wine instead of any hard liquor. Lloyd poured the wine and placed the bottle in the cooler that sat on the glass coffee table. He sat in a chair facing the sofa where Randy sat.
"I'm going to have to make it an early night," he said. "I'm exhausted, and I have a nine o'clock appointment tomorrow morning."
"To answer the question you asked at dinner," Lloyd continued, "I thought you were the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. All I wanted at that moment was to be with you. My first reaction was to follow you. However, I was glued to that spot where I stood, then you turned back and smiled, then waved good bye. You have lived in my mind and heart for all these years. This past year, my obsession with you became serious. I'd dream of you every night. I saw you in the face of every young man that closely resembled you. I knew if this continued, I would need to seek professional help. Before taking that final step, I decided to discuss it with my best friend, Buddy Robbins."
"He listened to my story and we discussed my problem in some detail. Our friendship goes back to our days in summer camp. Buddy made me accept the fact that I was a latent homosexual. You had triggered something deep in my subconscious that I was unwilling to face."
"Once I faced up to my problem, I felt my obsession for you would end. That's when I asked Buddy to help me to find you. You know the rest. The minute I met you at Waterview I knew I was infatuated with you. The restaurant was too public a place to tell you that. To be honest, I didn't intend to tell you anything at all, at least until I knew you better. I know it may sound impulsive, since we've only known each other for such a short time, but I feel as if I've known you all my life."
"It took many torturous hours to accept the fact that I am a homosexual. Then I became depressed thinking how my friends and family would react once they learned the truth. I'm concerned as to how I should answer if I'm confronted with that question. If the Chadwicks ever found out about me, I'd be fired on the spot, no matter how good an employee I am."
"It's not been easy to have to tell you this, especially tonight on our first date. It's really not fair to you, because you're not on neutral ground. Perhaps it would have been better if you had stayed at a hotel. I'll understand if you decide to leave tomorrow. I hope I've not spoiled your evening. All of a sudden I feel very tired. This confession has left me completely drained. I'd like to call it a night. We can talk more about this tomorrow, if you'd like."
"That's fine with me," Randy said. "You know I really admire you. I wish I could be as honest in facing my own problems. I can understand how difficult this has been for you. Yet I'm not surprised by what you have just told me. In fact, I suspected something of the sort. I'm more afraid of myself than I am of you."
"I don't understand," Lloyd said. "Why would you ever be afraid of me?"
"Because of the way I feel about you," Randy said. "I'm attracted to you in a sexual way and I find that troubling. I've always regretted not calling the studio to talk with you. When you showed up again at Waterview, I knew I was given another chance and I've no intention of letting you slip away again. I don't have all the answers yet, but I feel that we will find them together. So let’s leave it at that and let nature take its course."
"I would like that very much," Lloyd said, as he poured the rest of the wine into each glass and took the empty wine bottle and chiller into the kitchen. "Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute."
Lloyd walked into the bedroom. When he returned, he had changed into his robe and had his arms full with sheets, blanket and a pillow.
"I'll try to be very quiet and not wake you in the morning," he said. "I'm sleeping on the sofa. You're the guest and will be sleeping in the bedroom."
"Why, don't you want to sleep with me?"
"Yes, very much," Lloyd said. "I've slept with you many times in my dreams. There are no guarantees that you would not find us with my arms wrapped around you in the middle of the night. I can't separate fact from fantasy once I fall asleep."
"That doesn't bother me and I don't expect you to give up your bed. If you don't mind, I would like to share your bed tonight. You need a good night's sleep. Anyway, you admitted that you were too exhausted to be a serious threat."
"You're right. I am exhausted and the wine didn't help. I know I'll be sound asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. I must be up by seven in the morning."
They both headed into the bedroom, and Randy went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and change. When he returned, Lloyd was laying on the right side of the bed facing the wall. He had left the lamp on, next to Randy's side of the bed. Randy slipped into bed and turned off the light. He slid over next to Lloyd and wrapped his arm around him.
"Move back closer to me," Randy said. Lloyd moved until their bodies met.
"You don't object to sleeping like this?" Lloyd asked.
"Why would I mind, your body feels delightful? If I snore too loudly wake me up."
"Go to sleep, we'll talk tomorrow."
Randy couldn't fall asleep. Lloyd didn't have that problem. He had fallen asleep in a matter of minutes. Randy felt Lloyd's naked body pressed against his chest and legs. He ran his hand down Lloyd's body and realized he was completely naked. He liked the feel of the smooth silky skin against his. There was a fresh clean smell to Lloyd's body. It wasn't the scent of cologne, but the smell of soap. He decided he must ask tomorrow, along with many more questions, what kind of soap Lloyd used.
Randy liked the feel of Lloyd's hard buttocks pressing against his groin. He reached down and removed the blanket, leaving only the sheet covering them. The heat from their bodies was enough to keep them warm all night.
Randy kissed him on the cheek and pulled him closer to himself. He could feel the beat of Lloyd's heart and the rising and falling of his chest and that was all he remembered until the next morning.
Randy awoke at five with an erection from his full bladder. He was still holding Lloyd close to him. At first he was reluctant to disturb him, but he had no choice. He was careful as he untangled himself. He needn't have worried, Lloyd was a sound sleeper.
After he returned to bed, he turned his bed lamp on and slowly pulled the sheet off Lloyd. He gently turned him on his back to examine his body.
Randy whistled quietly to himself when he saw Lloyd's naked body. 'God, he's beautiful.' Randy thought. 'He has a perfectly proportioned, muscular body with a golden tan.' He noted with surprise was that Lloyd was completely shaved as so many male models were today. That was the reason his skin felt so silky smooth to the touch. There were no white bathing suit patches on his skin either. His entire body was tanned, including the genital area. He saw a handsome face, long straight nose on a long oval face with a strong jaw, dark-brown eyebrows and long eyelashes. The lips were full and the light-brown curly hair had blonde streaks from the sun. He saw long, strong fingers with well-kept nails. The feet were perfect with high arches and no blemishes. It was obvious Lloyd took good care of his body.
Randy was impressed with everything about him. Without thinking he leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the lips. No doubt about it at all, those were kissable lips. Randy got carried away and began kissing all over his face and neck, then his lips again. He leaned back as he felt Lloyd's strong arms pull his head back to his own lips for a long passionate kiss.
"What a delightful way to be awakened," Lloyd said. "Do you feel all right?"
Randy smiled, "You've got to be kidding. I was about to take advantage of the most beautiful man I've ever seen and you ask me if I feel all right? I'm sorry I woke you, but I had to see the beautiful body I was holding all night. It was the best sleep I've had in years. I've been sitting here admiring your absolutely perfect body. Who's your barber?"
"Oh that! I shave myself. I'm too modest to have someone shave me. I only have a problem with my back and buns. Other than that, it's a snap. You like?"
"I love," Randy said.
"Take off your pajama bottoms and lay next to me," Lloyd said. "I want to make love to you."
Randy lay on his side facing Lloyd and wrapped his arms around him kissing him passionately. He forced his tongue deep into Lloyd's mouth, rubbed his back, squeezed his buttocks and pumped his penis. Lloyd was getting too close to an orgasm, so he pulled away from Randy.
"Turn over on your back and relax," Lloyd said. "I don't want to rush this." He faced Randy and straddled him just below his knees; he reached into the night stand for a bottle of body lotion. He applied it to Randy's body, then started at his neck and slowly worked the lotion into his muscular body. He admired the strong body. Randy had a muscular build and was at least a head taller than Lloyd. "You have a beautiful body, my love, I'm going to enjoy tasting every inch of you," Lloyd said.
He leaned forward and kissed every part of Randy's face and neck. He rubbed the lotion into Randy's skin, slowly working down his body until he reached the stiff penis. He worked the lotion between Randy's legs and into the groin. He corked the lotion then kissed him again, only this time he continued to kiss his body all the way down to his groin. He sucked his testicles one by one, then his stiff penis.
He reversed himself so his penis was facing toward Randy. He continued his activity on one of Randy's testicles and cock until Randy was writhing with pleasure.
Randy had been stroking Lloyd and massaging his testicles at the same time. "I want to suck your cock," Randy said.
"Let me lay on my back first," Lloyd said, "then you can lie on top of me." Randy did as he was told. When he was in position, he took Randy's penis in his mouth and continued. Randy did the same with Lloyd. They were both on the edge and tried to hold back, Randy was so turned on, he climaxed. That was all Lloyd needed. He climaxed seconds later. They didn't move for some time. Finally, Randy rolled off him and lay next to him, turned him on his side and took him in his arms, kissing him passionately.
"God, you're wonderful," Randy said. "That is the best sex I've had in a long, long time. It pains me to think we've lost seven years of lovemaking.
"I'm crazy about you, Lloyd; I knew I was in love with you the moment I held you in my arms last night."
"I could see that look in your eyes this morning," Lloyd said. "Deep down I think we both knew that. I've prayed to every saint in the heavens to help me find you. And my prayers have been answered. I plan to continue to thank God for you and ask that we have a good life together."
"Before you make up your mind about our future life together, you must promise me that you will never have sex with another man again," Randy said. "We must have a monogamous relationship. You could destroy me forever if you let another man touch you. Give this some serious thought before you commit yourself to becoming my lover. It would be better to end the relationship now before it goes any further. I could not survive another breakdown."
"You don't have to wait for your answer," Lloyd said. "I will be faithful to you and I'll never have sex with another man as long as we are together. You are the only man I have ever loved and having sex with you was the most satisfying experience I have ever known."
Randy held him tight and kissed him again and said, "God, you're wonderful." He reached over and turned off the light and they fell asleep in each others arms.
Lloyd woke up at seven, untangled himself from Randy's arms, and covered him with the blanket. He donned his robe and went into the kitchen to make a pot of tea, and headed for the bathroom. He showered, shaved and dried his hair, and dressed casually for his nine o'clock appointment. When he opened the door to the dressing room, he saw that Randy was gone. Then he smelled the bacon cooking. He headed out to the kitchen.
He walked up to Randy, kissed him on the cheek and said, "Good morning, handsome. I tried to be very quiet. I wanted you to sleep late this morning."
"You were very quiet, but I'm a light sleeper. Now come over here and give me a proper kiss."
Randy took Lloyd into his arms and kissed him. "I love you, baby," Randy said. "You set the table; breakfast will be ready in five minutes." He buttered the toast and filled the plates and carried them into the dining area.
Lloyd said grace before they began to eat. "I should be finished with my first appointment by eleven. I'll stick around the office for my one o'clock meeting. I should be back here around three thirty."
"I plan to do a little shopping and run a few errands today," Randy said. "I'll drop by your office around eleven and you can buy me lunch. Then we'll meet back here after your second appointment." After breakfast they embraced and kissed again. Lloyd reluctantly left for his office.
Randy whistled as he cleaned up the kitchen and made the bed. He quickly showered and called his folks. Randy made a date to see his father at his corporate office at one o'clock.
He took a cab to Tiffany and bought a gold Rolex President wristwatch and had it engraved on the back, 'To dream man with all my love, Randy'. He also purchased a two karat solid gold modernistic crucifix with a sturdy gold chain. The salesman said he could have the watch ready and gift wrapped in an hour. Randy walked down 5th Avenue to Saks Fifth Avenue. He asked for the manager of the shopping service and told him exactly what he needed. He ordered six additional Baccarat crystal glasses to fill in Lloyd's crystal pattern and six additional place settings for his Royal Crown Darby China. He told them they were for an engagement gift and he wanted every box gift wrapped and he would pick them after lunch. They next went down to the men's department and picked up twelve designer sport shirts in assorted colors and had them gift wrapped. He found the house wares department and purchased four sets of the finest linen bed sheets with matching blankets for Lloyd's king size bed. He told them his chauffeur would be by later this morning to pick up everything.
He called his father's limo service and made arrangements to be met at the florist's shop at 48th Street and Rockefeller Center. Randy made the short walk to the florist's and consulted with them on the arrangements he had in mind for the penthouse. He paid the bill and told the florist his chauffeur would be by later this afternoon to pick up the arrangements.
Sure enough, the limo was double parked outside the shop when he walked out the door. He had the driver stop at Tiffany first on the way to Lloyd's office building on Madison Avenue at 40th Street. He told the chauffeur to pick up his packages at Saks and the florist's and to meet him outside his father's building at Park and 48th Street at two o'clock.