Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/284

 message." He hung up the receiver. "Not home … bastard … wonder who's goosing him up now …" He dialed again and spoke to someone then to several others.

After he had hung up Paul said, "I can't stay long, Gene. Just thought I'd drop by and see how you are. I've got to go by the bar and see Dusty a minute, then I think I'm going home."

"Wish you could stay, Paul. Don't let it get you … you're too sweet. I wish you could be a little more vulgar like me," Gene giggled and put his hands on his fat hips. "It just doesn't pay to be coy these days. The more vulgar and common you are the more fun you have, and right now, I feel like the commonest bitch in this common town."

Paul laughed as he looked at Gene. "You're just what I needed, Gene," he said.

"Why don't you take a quick shower and shave. You look a mess, baby, and I don't like to see you look that way. You can go and see Dusty then if you want, or you can stay here. You just do anything you want to. I've got some more calls to make so you just go right ahead and get beautiful. You know where everything is and if you can't see it … call me …"

"Thanks, Gene … that's a good idea … I do look terrible. Think a shave and a shower will sort of revive me." He started for the bathroom and his shirt was already off when he got to the door. He pulled off his pants, underwear and hung them on a door hook.

"You'd better close that door before I do you for trade," Gene giggled and his hand hit Paul's buttocks.

Paul grinned. "Remember the first time you picked me up, Gene?"

"Do I! I'll never forget it … My old box puckered all the way home." Gene patted Paul's cheek … "Funny …" he said soberly … "how time flies … isn't it."

"Sure is," said Paul, turning on the water … remembering the small-waisted boy who had propositioned him … "You were so thin then …"

"Wasn't I," Gene said dreamily. "I didn't have money to waste on food then … Poor boy sandwiches three times a day … that was it. That reminds me; I'm going to stop all sweets and anything fattening. I'm going to streamline this old bus if it kills me."

"Better put that bourbon down then." 274